[JtownJJA]

Here are my thoughts following the show…
1- The Triumph Tiger800 is NOT for me. It is still too big for my tastes. Not as big as the original Tiger 1050, but still big.
2- The Yamaha FZ8 felt great while sitting on it. My concern is that the tail-light set up looks and feels very cheap made. I’ve always felt the same about their FZ6R as well. I’m not sure if it would take much abuse before it would just break off. Their accompanying brochure has some good aftermarket suggestions, and I would want the center stand and wind screen.
3- The Ninja 1000 is still my dream bike. Looks and feels awesome. I’d hate to see the insurance quote, though.
4- Although I don’t intend to get a 250, Honda’s new CBR250R felt pretty sweet.

I sure wish BMW attended these things! I’d like to see their new F800R. Maybe it’s starting to get old since this was my 3rd show, but I didn’t stay as long this year as in the past. It didn’t help that I had a lot of other things going on that day to think about. The most entertaining thing of the day was the live music on stage at the food court. They were singing a song about a dead skunk on the road.

[JtownJJA]

Had a good laugh with the others around the table on this. Thanks for sharing.

[JtownJJA]

I don’t think it will sell very well here, but it’s worth a try. Not much competition.

[JtownJJA]

Are you looking to get your first bike new or used? If you’re planning to go with a used bike there is probably more availability with the Ninja 500 or take a look at Suzuki’s GS500F (which is what I have). Going with a used bike for your first one eliminates a lot of the frustrations when you drop the bike to the pavement. We’ve all done it a time or two, it DOES happen with the first one.

However, if you’re into getting something new, the Ninja 250 or 500, or GS500F are all good choices, if you feel comfortable on them. I was glad I picked the 500 and not the 250 to start on myself, but I live out in the country where most of my driving is 55 mph or higher.

Yes, the Blast has the negative point mentioned above, but it also has a belt instead of a chain, I think, which would reduce your maintenance. One other bike to consider… the new Honda CBR250R. Wow! If it had been around when I bought my first bike, maybe I would have gone with a 250.

Very wise choice to take the class before you make a purchase! Good luck with whatever you choose.

[JtownJJA]

my GS500F, I used to get tingly in the hands, too. I do think, just like the others, it’s an issue of relaxing the grip and the elbows. I always think back to the BBM article about keeping your hands and arms relaxed enough so that you can flap your elbows like a chicken. The spot for grip and firmness is in the legs. That will also keep your back supported without resting your weight on the wrists. Helped me immensely this second season when I scooted my feet back more on the pegs, closer to the balls of the feet instead of toward the middle of the foot. Made a world of difference in my comfort and confidence. Best of luck to ya.

[JtownJJA]

and try to get things back on track, but I was getting too much entertainment out of it.

It has been kinda slow here on BBM with winter coming on. Nice to see something taking off and running wild.

[JtownJJA]

That was funny TR! Echos most of the reasons I would not consider a scooter. But, who knows, maybe when I get too old to pivot my left foot up and down! Hope we’re not offending Eon!

[JtownJJA]

A LOT to think about. Much more than I had thought… but still interested. At least there is plenty of time between now and the next track day to see what all I would need to do to get ready. I also picked up a recent special edition of Sport Bike Rider at the store last night. It is full of articles on Riding Technique for the track and the street.

[JtownJJA]

about the Er-6n today while looking through the Cycle World magazine at the grocery store. The new Z750R.

http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_news/first_looks_articles/10q3/2011_kawasaki_z750r_-_first_look

Really nice looking bike. Has the appeal of the new Z1000, but not the size, or price, or high insurance cost. At least not AS high. I read the article here and tried to figure out if this is for-sure coming to the US or not. I didn’t see anything definite, but I sure hope that it does.

[JtownJJA]

I appreciate your time in writing that up. I’ve pointed out this post to my friend. He’ll be keeping an eye on it.. Maybe someday he will be adding his own comments on here as well.

[JtownJJA]

Do you notice more frequent dragging the pegs when going around tight corners after lowering the pegs?

[JtownJJA]

Thanks for sharing the ride Eon. I enjoyed that very much! Beautiful scenery, exciting road, and a cool tune. Wish I could make it out west to enjoy it for myself!

[JtownJJA]

Looks pretty cool, and definitely could be some competition for the littlest Ninja. Too bad it didn’t come out 2 years ago when I was shopping for my first bike. I totally echo your sentiment JT… wish Honda would come out with something similar to the Ninja 650R / GSX650F / FZ6R. I kinda like their NT700V, but not sure I could afford the price.

[JtownJJA]

This one’s no exception.

[JtownJJA]

Everyone here really appreciates the problem getting resolved. I’m usually a pretty stingy guy, but I plan to hit the donation button on the main page. I wasn’t even able to get logged in from my home laptop. I had to post comments from my work laptop. Now, as I type, I’m logged in again on my mac! Hope to see lots more comments start showing up again.

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