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5 Common Wear and Tear Items on Motorcycles
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BuddhaDogParticipant
I took the BRCin February with no previous riding experience, then bought a used 2001 LS650 Savage/S40 in April. I was looking at the V-Star 250 but the lack of power on the 250’s at the BRC made me concerned. I wanted to start on something not too big but with a little more juice.
For the S40, I can tell you all opinions are valid: it’s a great bike that you can keep for a long time AND you’ll want something bigger/better/faster soon. It has been a great bike to learn and I continually remind myself that the bike is capable of more than I am right now. It’s great around town and on back roads, and gets 60+ mpg. It is lightweight with good power. It can run 65 mph+ but being light with a skinny front tire makes it feel a little unstable to me at highway speeds. It backfires some, which hasn’t bothered me (makes me feel like a punk when I’m riding through the rich neighborhoods) and vibrates a little, but all in all a great first bike that can last a long time.
For me, though, I’m getting the itch to trade up to something around 800–900 cc’s but also not ruling out 1100–1300cc bikes, either. I want a little more weight, a little more “presence” and that v-twin rumble. Thinking I’ll keep it for at least a year before really shopping, though.
Owlie, just a quick FYI, the BRC I attended had a Blast. I tried riding it, but the clutch was so finicky I kept stalling. Switched mid-course to the Suzuki 250 and had no troubles.
BuddhaDogParticipantJust starting out, I read as much as possible, but regrettabily didn’t see the motorcyclistonline.com article about Snell. I figured DOT + SNELL would be even better. I chose a Rockhard helmet (made by O’Neal), full face. It meets DOT, SNELL, 2005, AS Australian Standard, JS (Japan) and ECE 22.05 (Europe). Bought the AC/DC helmet (Highway to Hell), figured as a 40 y.o. first-time rider, might as well have fun. Great band from my youth, nothing you see on the usual biker, so why not? May not be the best, but it’s pretty good. And I got it on sale for $200 off MSRP, so a good deal as well. Worst thing is changing the visir; you have to do it before the ride, no quick release.
Check it out: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/13408/ITEM/Rockhard-AC-DC-Helmet.aspx
Next will be the Elvis, but only after I get a hog.
BuddhaDogParticipant* Pros
Easy (2 hour) access to the mountains.
Easy (2 hour) access to the beach.
Nice country roads when you get away from the city.
Warm weather throughout much of the year.* Cons
Crazy drivers influenced too much by NASCAR (“just racin'”)
Bigass streets with too much congestion.
Hot, humid summers; this will be my first season riding, and I’m dreading wearing the gear in August.All in all, not a bad place to have a bike.
BuddhaDogParticipantI would also recommend the Suzuki S40 (Savage). i just got my learners in March and purchased a 2001 Savage as my first bike. Weight is just a bit more than a Rebel, a little longer wheelbase; with the 650 single, though, it pumps out more torque and a little more horsepower. Lean chopper style that I was looking for. Compared to the V-Star 650, it’s has a greater power/weight ratio. I looked at many 250s, especially the Virago (sweet little bike), but after seeing what 250s could & couldn’t do at the BRC, I opted for something with more giddy-up. My town has some obscenely large multi-lane intersections; I wanted to be able to get going without having a cage on my rear the whole time. Some people almost run over me when I’m in my Jeep!
BuddhaDogParticipantHey, come on. I laugh every time I think about them, but really they could provide some good protection. Except for the ego; that could still get easily bruised even without the crash.
I’m still doing PLP and neighborhood back streets (25-45 mph), so I’ve got the helmet, leather jacket and gloves, but still wearing regular jeans.
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