[DK]

Just speculation, but the rev limiter would really be just changing the direction in which you fly off your bike when you make that uncorrectable throttle error. Have you ever ridden in a car that uses a rev limiter to protect the engine? Under fast acceleration it results in a very uncomfortable (think whiplash) jolt as your acceleration drops to zero almost instantly.

[DK]

Maybe the insurance payoff will cover the loan plus enough to pick up another smaller bike that you can feel more comfortable on. Could work out to be a positive outcome yet.

[DK]

No worries on not passing the test. I know it can be frustrating, but it is better than failing out on the road where the consequences could be worse.

Sounds like you just need more practice. I will leave the technical advice to the rider coaches who are better qualified, but it seems like your biggest downfall is that you are grabbing way to much brake for the circumstance. It’s not a light switch. Keep working to get a feel for how much brake is necessary for a safe stop and you should be able to improve from there.

[DK]

You gotta do what you can afford. Maybe you could trade down? Find yourself somebody looking to upgrade their 250 for a 500? Less bike should end up less cost to you all around. Plus you should have more confidence for skills improvement.

I hope not to sound condescending because that is not my intent, but why did you start with the 500 anyways? Between your size and apparent need for extra practice before passing your test a smaller bike seems like it would be an easy decision.

[DK]

Combined with Elwood’s advice you should be able to take home a lot of valuable tools at the end of the day.

[DK]

…

[DK]

My local shop offered to order in anything I wanted and then if I didn’t like it they would just put it out on the shelves. You might be able to talk your local dealer into something similar?

[DK]

I have broad shoulders, so the only valid issue I had was that it didn’t fit quite right there. My other issues were personal preference and nothing against the manufacturer. Being that I sweat heavily and live in FL I was really looking for a perf leather. Plus, I just didn’t like the textile/leather combination. Not sure my issues will really help you in your quest.

[DK]

Sucks about the zipper. So far mine have worked just fine.

I did not actually like the Speed and Strength as much as the JR. I have never tried on Teknic, but if the fit is right I would not hesitate to purchase anything from them.

[DK]

I think JR gets a lot of flak for not focusing enough on the finish of their clothing. I wasn’t sure if you had written them off or not. There were a few threads out of place on my jacket, but for the most part not bad. As far as durability goes I am happy with how my jacket has been wearing.

[DK]

I have the Joe Rocket Sonic 2.0 in perf leather. (Live in FL) I think it works great for ventilation, plus when you zip in the vest liner it works really well for me down to about 40 degrees for a short ride. Not a bad jacket for my location. I have not ridden in the rain because I haven’t decided if waterproofing a perf leather is actually of any value. I do have a rain jacket that I sized large enough to fit over my leather in case I get stuck needing to ride in the rain before I decide on whether I will seal seal my jacket or not. The non perf version of the jacket has significant zip out panels for each side and arm that I think would be a good compromise. The fit was identical on the two. I have been eyeing the JR ballistic 7.0 jacket as a second jacket to add to my repetoire because I have concluded that there is no perfect jacket for all scenarios. Two things I noticed are that I didn’t like the jackets with multiple liners (too complicated and poor fit) and each manufacturer seems to fit a slighty different body type. JR hands down fit me the best of everything I tried.

[DK]

Knowing the type of bike you want helps narrow things down. If you want a cruiser you should learn on a cruiser. If you want to ride a sport bike or standard I think the ninja is an excellent primer.

You must not live in FL, because dealers here do not allow test rides even on used bikes.

Have you taken the MSF yet? A little hands on practice should help you feel better about your capacity to control your bike.

[DK]

There are some things like padded underwear and such that you could wear under your clothes, but why would you want to put your protection under your clothing when your clothing consists of formal wear? You would then be mingling and dancing in a lumpy tux. And if you are taking a date your girl is not going to be thrilled with a wind blown dress and helmet head.

[DK]

You could have been in 1st thinking you were in neutral…

[DK]

Around here it is the I-3 models that are most popular.

[Author]

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