Forum Replies Created
Honda Grom: Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews
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KellisanthParticipant
Howdy, and welcome to the boards… Glad to have you here.
Which part of Chicago are you in?
KellisanthParticipantThe reasoning for the EX500 was that it was the same height as the EX250 as well as being relatively the same on insurance cost (I think, now I need to look at that again). And price wise, it (EX500) was the same price as a new EX250. The EX500 is a ’05 with only 45m on the speedo at the time too.
At the time, I was looking towards the future term, not short term. I didn’t want to go thru different bikes overall, in regards to purchases. And I was going for looks as well (durn MotoGP and AMA).
My original intent was to use it for commuting (my lil’ area to O’Hare) which probably involves highway or the tollways.
I’ve also got family in Kansas City, freinds in Pittsburgh, as well as up in Cheesehead country (Milwaukee and some else around there in WI), thus was looking for a distance touring type as well.
I was probably doing things thru the emotion of the moment… I have a tendency to be impulsive on things, when I think they’re a good deal.
If anything, I know what my next two years of tax returns will be going towards.
Already cutting back on quite a few things. And don’t think I’ll renew quite a few memberships either (like, Prof Photo of Am, et al). And I need to drop AMEX Plat…
KellisanthParticipantThanks SCR!
Ear buds?
so, wearing my glasses won’t be a major problem then in terms of space. That’s what I was curious about.
How is the visibility? No glaring or offset looks? (can’t explain what I mean, but hopefully you know?) And the visor isn’t a polarized shield right?
Sounds a lot better than my Bell Leviathan. Probably weights as much, eh?
KellisanthParticipantWhat are you using for the camera? Standard tripod right? External flash or the built-in flash? Or light stands?
Very nice overall. A lower DoF would help put more focus on you and the bike.
KellisanthParticipantOh gah! That would have been painful… More harsh than a bird!
Which HJC is that?
I was looking at the IS-16, considering I wear glasses. Running out of contacts as it is. 😮
KellisanthParticipantHello SF!
Like you, I’ve done the written and skills testing (not MSF) with Ride Chicago. And this is actually my first real time in riding an actual motorcycle and learning.
I’ve failed the State test. Twice. So, you’re not the only one.
One of my faults, I guess, is that I don’t have enough practice time on the bike. And I tend to follow rules pretty well thus haven’t rode mine ‘cos I have no licensed riders to ride with! 😮 One of the requirements of the M Permits.
That’s what the DMV tester said. I need more practice time. Thus back to square one. And how can I get practice time?
If I was in the country side or suburb, I would probably go out and ride due to the idea of less traffic and distractions (my personal thoughts anyway). But in the City, it’s a bit trickier with all the stoplights, intersections and trains/buses. 😮
I’m glad you’re okay though! Skinned knee is scary. I’ve bruised myself when I had the small bike drop on my left leg, and worry what will happen if I have this EX500 do that same thing.
I have problems with the weaving, and sometimes the 90 turns. The U-turn I don’t have a problem with sometimes (I use rear breaking a lot). The corner turns and white-box stop wasn’t bad (I thought) and the emergency stop is okay – I just have to remember to release the throttle when going for the front break *haha*. The swerve isn’t bad overall but I went wide once. For me though, overall, it’s a visual thing. Like, the corner turns and the swerving – I can’t pretend a bus is there or a turn is coming up when I see a huge wide space in front of me. If there was like a raised barrier or something I can see, then that might help. Or hinder.
Do you know the layout of the riding test? Or remember the layout of your BRC courses? Or are you able to make use of their training grounds to hone your skills?
The course I took, they don’t operate on Sunday, but being at United Center, Sundays are iffy if anything with all the events United Center has or does.
KellisanthParticipantYeah, that’s why I get really nervous at times, esp if I’m on the white line. (and yeah, I stalled trying to get off said white line a few times) :blush:
And if it isn’t that simple intersection (two lane) … it gets worse when three are involved… (e.g., Damen/Milwaukee/North Ave here in chicago – if you can google it)
That’s one reason why I want to move back to the country or suburb. I’m gonna either get a heart attack in this city, or a nervrous breakdown with all these stoplights!
But I hope they really pass the legistation in regards to events like this. Doesn’t matter if you’re on a bicycle or a motorcycle… Car/Truck drivers need to pay attention to their surroundings. And that goes for the silly pedestrians that just walks nonchalantely across bee-bopping to their iPod or cellphone chatter w/o looking at times.
KellisanthParticipantI haven’t ridden very much or for that long, but I would say either the EX250 or EX500. Kawasaki Ninja.
Other options could be:
Buell Blast (492cc)
Hyosung GT124R (Import)
Hyosung GT250
Suzuki GS500F
United Motors V2S-250 (Import?)
Aprila RS125 (Import)
Cagiva Mito 125 (Import)
Derbi GPR 125 (Import)
Honda XL125V Varadero (Import)
Honda CBR125R (Import)
Kymco KR Sport (125cc, Import)Unfortunately, a lot of these imports are not found in the States (or Canada I believe). Rather unfortunate ‘cos it would be fun to train and have a 125cc to practice with, or just to do small commutes. But that’s just my opinion.
KellisanthParticipantI have Fieldsheer Mercury pants… For me, they’re a bit bulky. Then again, maybe they’re just oversized a bit too much for my liking.
Been looking at jeans myself lately, or something cool for the humid/heat of Chicago (unless I decide to really move to texas which is about the same *haha*)
Will look into what’s suggested here.
KellisanthParticipantYes, it was quite nice to say the least.
now, if the city would do something aobut those durn potholes as well as those huge metal plates on the ground…
Which part of Chicago are you in? I’m in the Wicker Park area.
KellisanthParticipantHello Joyinc, and welcome!
At present, I cannot think of any non-leather replacement. Textile/mesh is the only other alternative pretty much, besides kevlar/codura(?). And the helmets, most of them have leather straps.
The EX250 is a very nice bike to start with, low seat style and such. So are the Rebels and the Nighthawk as well, for alternative seating height.
The EX250 will do good for highways, although like with some other bikes – you wanna stay away from the trucks/semis as they blow by.
If this is a first bike, getting a used EX250 wouldn’t be a bad idea, to be honest. Lower insurance and costs.
And yeah, you will probably drop it a few times. I know when I went for my training, I dropped 3 times the first day. Didn’t on the second day, but came close – other than stalling a lot (and I still can’t shift well!). So, I expect I will be doing that a few times out on the roads with the EX500 (although I might lose that ‘cos of money situation that is coming up, ouch ~ should have waited and trusted my instincts).
And yes, the fairings of the Ninja will be pretty expensive if you buy the OEM ones. Not sure how much the aftermarkets are, but it’ll get there in prices.
To get some ideas on some pricings, look at like Chapparal or Bike Bandit.
KellisanthParticipantAn interesting read, if you haven’t Swami… This link was from the EX250 wiki.
http://www.obairlann.net/reaper/motorcycle/beginner/sander-test.html
KellisanthParticipantThink of Bikers as like, cocooned butterflies or even sleeping/hibernating squirrels…
As soon as winter comes and starts to thaw out, they come outta the woodworks.
Gives the drivers more things to think about besides rain and snow. It’s a seasonal thing!
KellisanthParticipantWhat’s your bike plan?
Are you going new, or used? Financed or outright purchase? Did you also inquire for quotes from other companies (e.g., Progressive was cheaper than Geico by at least 250 or so for me).
If you plan to finance, keep in mind some lenders might require you to have comprehensive insurance.
As for the roadside assistance, some clubs like AMA, RoK offers some kind of assistance to their members so there’s no real need to duplicate that (unless you want peace of mind).
As for the an explaination of what does what… look at the following
KellisanthParticipantWelcome to the forum!
Hope you find all the information helpful, keep you safe!
*is sore* 😮
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