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Review of the CFMoto Glory
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JackTradeParticipant
…take the MSF course to see if you’ve picked up any really bad habits, and if you come through reasonably well w/o any glaring problems that really concern you, then no reason NOT to get a supersport.
It’s a sorta rule of thumb for total newbies, but I think you have, as you say, “extenuating circumstances”.
In terms of accident avoidance skills, you probably already have a lifetime’s worth of experience under your belt (I’ve never driven in Asia, but I’ve traveled there some, and the driving scares the hell out of me, esp. SE Asia).
JackTradeParticipantIs it used, or an old helmet that was never worn? If it’s used, I’d say don’t use it.
Helmets mold to the wearer’s head in time…so a used helmet fits the previous wearer’s head, not (necessarily) yours. While it probably doesn’t make a huge difference, it might, and helmets aren’t a place to take chances.
JackTradeParticipantMy internet connection was somewhat balky, so didn’t see the entire video (and so missed the pull-over…sorry!)
I’m very jealous…I wish they had this on the East Coast. I’ll probably do Lee Parks at some point soon, as that’s pretty much all we have here in the mid-Atlantic area, barring track days of course.
JackTradeParticipantI like the idea of a more realistic-speed training class, rather than moving around a parking lot.
BTW how did they “pull you over” to correct you? Did the instructor’s bikes have flashing lights on them?
JackTradeParticipantI’d hate for a newbie to think that gearing up makes it okay to treat their neighborhood like a racetrack.
I think what’s really behind squid discussions like this is correlations. It’s not that gear makes one automatically safer, but rather that wearing gear often correlates with increased safety, both b/c it directly protects you, but also b/c it’s indicative of a certain mindset.
I’ve seen utterly dangerous squids fully geared up, and I’ve seen masterful riders wearing cotton windbreakers. But they’re outliers, and statistically anyway, not wearing the proper gear is positively connected with worse outcomes (one of the big findings of the Hurt and other reports).
To be sure, all of us to some extent compromise on safety (except for perhaps Eternal and Megaspaz, who I always think of as riding around in full leather race suits with the aero hump on the back), but there does seem to be a baseline for basic safety…I’m just guessing here, but I imagine what DMVs usually recommend for gear (which is pretty basic) is the level at which if you go below, you’re going to have significantly worse outcomes.
I think for law enforcement, the decrease in safety by their lack of gear is compensated for by their skill/experience/training. There are probably many situations where we’d lose it and crash with injuries, but a motorcycle cop wouldn’t.
I’d bet overall, law enforcement accidents tend to be much fewer in number than civilian, but with more injuries when they do happen.
JackTradeParticipant…a lot of (deserved) love for that bike here. It’s probably the most common bike owned by the regulars here.
It’ll fit you quite well, and it’s a fine bike all around. But I’ll let the others who actually own them fill in the details about why you probably can’t go wrong with the Ninja.
JackTradeParticipantYou’re probably right that it’s not for you, but not b/c of the vibration.
Due to their single-cylinder configuration, Blasts do vibrate, but only at idle…once you’re underway, they’re smooth. I’ve ridden mine on a 2 hour road trip, and wasn’t unduly fatigued (ass-wise or other).
But with your height, the Blast will likely be too cramped. I’m 6′, and it’s not ideal for me.
Agree with Jeff that a dual-sport will likely be the best choice. Biggest issue will probably be finding them used, as they’re fairly rare compared to the more common novice-friendly bikes. But they’re out there.
JackTradeParticipantJust like in the wild, squids come in all sorts of varieties. Based on the fauna I observe locally:
Sportbike squid – super expensive, racer-replica helmet, sometimes decent gloves, but tank top/billowing shirt, jeans and at best high-top sneakers, but often flip flops.
Cruiser squid – half-helmet at most, t-shirt with bike company logo, jeans, fingerless gloves, and bad-ass shades.
Touring squid – similar to cruiser squid, but with 3/4 helmet and often with shorts.
Standard squid – clothing appropriate for any activity other than motorcycling, since bike is just for commuting to work, store, mall, etc.
Scooter squid – same as standard squid, just less of it, including no training or license or registration required.
Interestingly, I’ve never seen a dual-sport squid.
JackTradeParticipantThat I’ve always wondered about since I first watched “On Any Sunday”…does one buy a trials bike, or does one make one?
I’ve never seen one at any of the dealers I’ve been to (hell, I’ve never seen one period, but I live in an urban area)…are they actually sold “out of the box”, or do you buy a dirt bike and modify it? If so, what kind of mods do you do, I mean besides removing the seat?
JackTradeParticipantAnd definitely speaks to “why do we ride?”
I try to keep in mind that when it’s all said and done, and you’re laying there dying, you’re not going to think “you know, I wish I had gone to more meetings.”
Jeeze…now I want to leave work and go for a ride (it’s beautiful here…mid 70s, light breeze and sunny).
JackTradeParticipantGlad you’re okay. So what happened? Bike still there?
Are you going to write Icon and Knox and tell them their products protect from distances significantly greater than just bike to ground?
JackTradeParticipantIt’s unnerving at first, but the more you ride, the more you’ll get used to it. Kinda like riding on uneven pavement or on metal grates…not pleasant, but once you’re used to it and know what to expect, it’s not a problem.
Be glad you don’t have a faired sportbike…those fairings are like sails, and pick up even more wind.
JackTradeParticipantOn both passing, and honestly assessing your abilities.
That’s pretty rare (both that is…many riders haven’t had any sort of professional instruction, and as you’ve no doubt witnessed, have a less than honest assessment of their skill level), and bodes well for a long life of safe motorycle riding.
And Owlie…that is the comment of the day IMO….”‘Squid’ written in invisible ink.” I love it!
JackTradeParticipantThanks Eon…great stuff there. I love the “flaming skull edition” bit.
The Buell & HD press releases at the time of Buell’s demise indicated that Erik would continue to work with Harley, at least for a time. It seemed to hint at some Buell engineering popping up on future Harleys.
While he did start another company, it uses bikes (the 1125s and I think XB12 Firebolts) and parts he’s licensing from HD…so he’s with them until he can either re-acquire his intellectual property, or create new bikes/parts on his own.
JackTradeParticipantApparently, Erik is still working for HD, in some capacity (in addition to his own Buell Racing firm), so I’m hoping that means some of his innovative thinking will find its way onto HD products in the not-too-distant future.
The new XR1200 is a step in the right direction in my view.
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