[dcJohn]

I think it’s terrific. It’s exactly the sort of motorcycle I had in mind when I first started looking at bikes, but it seemed like the only way to get something like this was to get a bike so old that many shops would refuse to work on it.

[dcJohn]

Oh fear not (or perhaps fear more), they’re out there. E.g. http://www.checkcorp.com/seat-heater/specialized_apps_motorcycle.asp

[dcJohn]

“…it is clear that there are a lot of inefficiencies in this particular market.”

Boy, isn’t that the truth! I hope the growing market for bikes eventually leads to enough competition between dealers to correct the problem. Strangely, there’s at least a niche competitive market between all the Harley dealers in my area (there’s a slew of Harley shops in the MD/DC/NoVA area). As a result, I’ve yet to walk into a Harley dealership that didn’t have wildly helpful sales folks ready to make deals to move inventory. Sadly, I just don’t happen to like their bikes.

[dcJohn]

Regarding the weaving, really? Uh oh. I foresee one of those conversation in my future. It’s just so relaxing and fun (not anything as dramatic as an offset cone weave while surrounded by cages, just a leisurely back and forth on slow roads when there isn’t much in the way of traffic nearby). I was doing it directly in front of a police car this afternoon for a good mile or so of road, all the while thinking how well-behaved I was being by keeping it below the speed limit on a stretch of twisty road along the Potomac that’s begging to be sped through on a bike.

[dcJohn]

Turns out we’re not as good at multitasking and dividing our attention as we think we are.
http://www.brainrules.net/attention (#3-#8 in particular)

[dcJohn]

Actually, the depreciation is one of the reasons I was also thinking of the 1250. The long commute will mean that I’m putting lots of miles on the bike, and my understanding is that higher CC engines, by being under less stress, have longer lifespans (very general rule of thumb of CC x 100 miles). If that’s the case, the Bandit has twice the expected engine lifespan, at very far from twice the price.

Obviously, safety is a key issue. There’s extra need for throttle control. Weight wise, we’re only talking about 20lbs difference between the 650 and 1250, and with the 1250 there’s the option of ABS. I’m looking at getting the bike in early Spring, so I’ll have several thousand more miles on my Ninja before moving up, and my MSF coaches, who advised most students to start small, all agreed I’m set for whatever bike I’d like to ride. (Some folks on the forums here remarked that autocross and BMX racing experience wouldn’t have carry-over skills for the motorcycle, but that hasn’t been my experience.)

I’m not at all sure about this mind you. Just sharing my thoughts right now for more input and and views.

[dcJohn]

Glad you’re ok! Here’s an illustration to go along with your description of a double-apex turn (from Total Control):

[dcJohn]

1. Relax. Breathe. Humm a tune you like (lately my son’s taste in TV has got me humming Backyardigans tunes through the twisties). Give some trust to yourself and the bike.
2. Think about what you want to do, not about mistakes. Everyone goofs up. Just laugh, let it go, and get back to thinking about what you want to do on the bike.
3. Smile, breathe, smooth and slow on the clutch, look up and where you want to go.

[dcJohn]

It looks Suzuki isn’t doing the SV650 for 2009, and I’m leery about going naked considering my highway commute, so perhaps another option is going big. While looking at reviews of the GSX650 (thanks Rab), I ran across some recommendations for the bump up to the Bandit 1250S (also available w/ABS):
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GSF1250SK9

While the reviews on the GSX650 (which is essentially a 650cc Bandit) have been mixed , I’ve only found glowing reviews of the 1250S. Anyone have any experience with the bike?

[dcJohn]

So, I’m curious, how much does “going naked” on a bike effect the comfort for highway riding? I’m loving my 250, but I can tell that I’m going to be moving up to a bigger bike for commuting (round-trip of 70 miles between DC and Baltimore, all of it highway). The Versys is tempting, but at 5’8″ the height is an issue. So, that leaves the Ninja 650r, ER6N, FZ6R, SV650, and now the Gladius.

The ER6N and Gladius both look great, but I’m not sure how concerned I need to be about the fairings. Ideas/opinions?

[dcJohn]

Like Sangria said, the MSF is oriented toward folks who have absolutely no experience on a motorcycle. You’ll be fine. You didn’t mention what state you’re in. Here in Maryland, the MSF course meets all requirements for a license (both written and skills tests). Bring in the course completion certificate, take the eye exam, and you’re good to go.

[dcJohn]

Nolan has some nice helmets with integrated com systems. There are also add-on speakers and communication systems that will work with just about any helmet, so you can first concentrate on finding a helmet that fits well and meets the rest of your needs.

[dcJohn]

I love my Sidi Doha boots. Comfy from the get-go, good protection, and reasonable to wear for a while when off the bike. I have a much easier time shifting and having a feel for the pedals than I did when I was using bulkier hiking boots.
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Sidi_Doha_Boots–34-SIDI-21.html

[dcJohn]

Perfect jacket for all weather and conditions? Not happening. For what it’s worth, I’m very happy with my jacket, which handles hot weather and rain well. With its zip in and out liner It should also handle chillier temps, but I haven’t had the misfortune of testing it in those conditions yet.

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Spidi_Step_In_Road_Leather_Jacket–604793.html

[dcJohn]

Thanks megaspaz, this was really helpful info.

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