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5 Common Wear and Tear Items on Motorcycles
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rtParticipant
I must admit.
Those of you running your’ bikes into curbs and letting them scare the hell out of you should probably not be riding at all.
Motorcycles aren’t meant for everyone.
How’s that for advice that won’t get somebody killed Elwood?Read the Idiots Book of motorcycling. It’s a great book by real experts, not some jerk from the internet like me.
I’ve re-read it recently because of this great site and some of the uninformed arguements I’ve seen made here.
It’s authored by the motorcycle journalists from Motor cyclist magazine. It’s not my bible, but it’s not bad either.
Here’s just a few of their’ recommended beginner’s bikes. I’ll let you all do the research as to why.Kawasaki’s
ZX-6
W650
vulcan 750
vulcan 800Suzuki
C50 (800cc)
GSX600F
SV650Truimph
bonneville 750ccYamaha
YZF600r
1100 Classic
v-star clasic 650
YzF600Rharley
883 sportster
1200 sportster (yep, that’s right)Those are just a few. There are many others and some of you guys will probably be surprised by some of the others listed. I’ve stuck mostly with middle weights as I personally feel they make good beginners bikes.
Why argue when just doing some research and presenting the facts can open some eyes?rtParticipantNobody should have a bike they can’t handle, whether it’s their’ first month or tenth year of riding. I agree.
I’m not saying that.
I sense that I may be offending some folks with smaller bikes. This is a beginner’s bike forum, I’m not wanting to appear to be a cc snob.
I’ll apologise, it’s not my intent. I’m simply trying to save a few people some frustration and money down the rode.It’s not really complicated.
I’m a founder of a local riding club that’s been around for years.
It has over 100 active members and over 1,100 internet users.
We see all kinds of riders. We are very newbie friendly.
I meet and become friends and acquaintances of new riders like many of the good folks here every month.
There are many experienced riders in our’ organization helping with advice, working on other member’s’ bikes and encouraging new riders every week among other things
Peer pressure NEVER fits into the equation.
So yeah, I’m speaking from experience. Perhaps more than I will explain here.
The single biggest problem I hear from the new riders I meet is not “dropping their’ bike” or going “down”.
Many complain that they should have picked a different bike to start on.
Many wish they would have bought a bike that had “longer legs”,a bike that would have grown a little more with them.
This includes those of smaller size and women.
I’m not recommending a liter bike or big cruiser either. Most any middle weight bike will do whatever you need it to do and again fom experience, a middle weight standard or cruiser is very accomodating to a new rider. (But not a middle weight sport bike however. Those things are indeed rockets!)
As I suggested before, research your’ new bike, see what will work best for you and don’t believe for one minute you are polarized into buying a light weight bike when a middle weight may in fact work best for you.If you can afford a new 250cc or 500cc, you can afford a used 800cc.
Don’t dismiss the used bike market. there’s a lot of low mileage used bikes for a good price out there.
If you have absolutely no intention of riding with anyone else with a larger bike, then a 250 or 500 is a great and fun bike.
Perhaps a light weight bike is all you need ? That’s fine. You should stick with that bike then.
Just know that it’s limitations will become more apparent when/if you ride with others. You won’t find this out riding by yourself.
I’ll repeat ” WHEN / IF YOU DECIDE TO RIDE WITH OTHERS”.
That’s it, it’s not a social statement or dogma, just a very real motorcycle factor that the informed consumer should be aware of.
Good luck with whatever you decide.rtParticipantNo offense taken at all Matt.
But understand that I am only refering to new riders who plan on riding with others when they get the skill to do so.
I seem to have to always clarify that. Lol.And I’m referring to what happens after a rider becomes skilled with their’ bike, I’m assuming they will eventually master the damn thing…I’m a optimist, not a crashologist
Some people can become capable on their’ bike in a single week, some take longer.
Of course, if you’re not skilled, you shouldn’t be riding with others anyway.Heck, even the Idiot’s book on motorcycling tries to steer readers away from little bikes that folks can outgrow too quickly.
you could say that my personal history has me agreeing with them.rtParticipantyou guys are right, that Duc is no beginner’s bike and as Matt says, that FZ6 is kind of hot too.
the idiots guide is a good book.
but, the 696 is a new animal compared to the 620 and 696…. my two centsrtParticipantcongratulations on your’ new 696 Wang.
i’m recieving mine in 8 days.
I’ve currently got two other bikes that do other things.
this naked 696 will be strictly for fun!!!
frankly, if I thought there was a better bike in it’s catagory I would have bought it.
Just my opinion, it’s all personal preference.
I’ve ordered the sproket change to 14 to get a little lower gearing.
how much did your’ 600 mile service cost?rtParticipantI just hope that thing has good shocks!!!!!!!!
rtParticipantI’m not sure how you can tell that somebody is on a bike too powerful for them just by looking??
You can make a educated guess, but it’s hard to tell for a fact. I try not to judge too much.Anyway, sometimes a buddy will try to sell you on a new bike they’ve just bought…because they’re still trying to convince themselves that they’ve just bought the right bike. Lol.
Buyers remorse is a beeotch!Ask yourself these questions?
Your’ 6’0″ 185 Lbs. Your’ not a little guy.
What do you want to do with the bike?
You want to cruise, tour or go the enthusiast-sport route?
Maybe all of those??
If your’ like the average motorcyclist that I know, you just want to get a bike that you won’t soon outgrow and will be able to do a little of all of those at a fair price.
How’s your’ health?
How’s your’ confidence?
How well do you handle other machinery?
Are you a good driver?
Do you “choke” under pressure.
Truthfully answer these questions to yourself and then start researching bikes to accomodate your’ answers.Don’t let me or anybody else tell you what to buy.
You may be very capable of handling a larger bike as your’ first bike.But your’ looking for a few opinions. here’s mine.
Middle weight cruisers are good to start with. Normally mild power delivery but can tour and cruise just fine.
Same for the SV650’s and it’s standard competition, they’ll tour. Very capable, but a little hotter to handle than a 805cc cruiser.
(News flash for you SV owners that haven’t ridden a cruiser, your’ bike is faster and has more of a “face-plant city” feel to it.
So I’m amused when a SV-650 owner claims a 660 lb middle weight cruise is too much bike LOL.)
Bikes like those I mentioned above, are great to learn on, but totally highway capable.You’ll have people suggest 250cc’s and 500cc’s. Thats fine, some great bikes are in that class and they are a lot of fun too, but remember, these are small bikes in 2008.
It’s not that they won’t go 80 mph, it’s just that a larger bike will do it better and more comfortably.
a easy ride will do more for your’ enthusiasm than a dissappointing ride.
(No offense guys, but saying that 250cc’s were big back in the 60’s and 70’s is totally irrelevant in the real world today)My opinion and from my experience. When friend’s encourage a friend to get a larger bike, it’s not always childish peer pressure.It could simply be so you have a bike that will keep pace with them, so you all can ride the same kind of ride for the same kind of distance and make it more enjoyable.
Before the Japanese made cruisers, Harley guys rode with Harley guys and riders with Superhawks and other fast bikes rode with each other. Sure it became a contest between the two factions, but the core reason is that bikes of a like and kind, pace better together, they ride better together.
Your’ buddy is probably suggesting the R1 because he wants you to be able to ride with him. It’s a compliment.No one bike will ever have it all, but you can find one bike that will come closer for you than the others if you do some research.
Good luck!rtParticipantUncle! Uncle! Eureeka, helmets are better than bare heads! Now that’s a revelation!
Actually, there hasn’t been one written word against helmets in this whole thread…..whew, read the content!What’s the title of this thread?
Oh yeah, “Helmet Laws”.
Not” You are you a dumb arse because you don’t wear a helmet” Lol.A small few of you have trouble staying “on course” and are missing the actual context of this discussion.
Re-read the entire thread and see how a couple of you guys are more interested in debating than absorbing.rtParticipantI believe in protective gear. That’s my personal decision. That said.
Maybe you could find some information where not wearing a helmet causes motorcycle accidents?
Probably have more articles on how helmets cause accidents. I wouldn’t agree with either personally.
Cell phones? I’d buy that theory quick!Have a good one.
rtParticipantThis is a beginner’s bike site right?
So please allow me to give some advice…. at least here in the U.S of A.
The average experienced biker, rider or whatever you want to call us, won’t appreciate folks condescending them or speaking against their’ freedoms concerning helmet wear.
This goes for gear nazis, those who never wear helmets and most everyone in-between.Me? I got enough gear to fit out four people. Lol!
But that’s not the point.Where I’m from, there is not a helmet law in the entire tri-state area and we’re proud of this.
No caustic “natural slection” cracks or poor taste “rehab” jokes.
It is a “freedom” thing. Maybe those who don’t know about this freedom don’t miss it? I don’t know because I can’t relate.
Ever hear of “Let those who ride decide” ?Flame away, I can take it. No offense meant.
Just saying how it is. Take it or leave it.rtParticipantGood stuff.
Don’t be in a hurry.
A buddy of mine (18 years experience) dropped his’ brand new RS1200 in his garage because he hopped off it without putting down his’ kick stand. He said he just wasn’t thinking.
I dropped one pulling a u-turn on a steep downward grade and stopping.
No damage, except my ego. I knew better, I wasn’t thinking. Lol.This is what I try to do.
Always use the side stand in public(No choice on a cruiser).
Turn the bars,lock the steering. Put it in 1st.
Check it for stability while I’m sitting on it. Check it again off.
I look around to see who’s near by.
You wouldn’t believe how many times you’ll catch idiots around your’ bike while your’ in the store.
I’ve even caught kids touching the throttle and bars before. More than once.
I’ll chase them off if I get that “feeling”.Be careful about parking on grades.
Watch the black top or soft asphalt… especially if it’s new and it’s hot out.
Saw a ZR smack-down because of that. Stand sunk right into the asphalt.
Carry a kick-stand plate if you can. It’s no bigger than a drink coaster. Works in the dirt/grass too.Let me know if you get tired of my two cents guys, I’m not sensitive, I’m stuck in the house this weekend. )
rtParticipantHey, good job getting your’ own bike at 16 !
That’s great that you took the MSF course. Shows good judgement.With respect.
What is it with a few people predicting death and crashes upon new riders around here? That’s a motorcycle c**k block. LOL.
Even at 16, nobody but mom/dad and the law should tell you to park your’ bike.$600 is a lot of money for a young gun just starting out. Probably wasn’t easy getting your’ bike in the first place?
Get yourself a DOT helmet, a leather or textile jacket, some decent gloves and ankle boots to start. Then work your’ way up as you can afford. Try E-bay for good deals.
I’m not recommending riding without gear on by any means. That asphalt hurts.
There’s not too many 16 year olds that sleep on a money mattress, doesn’t mean you can’t get into motorcycles.rtParticipantBy Harley Davidson’s definition, the SPORTster is not a cruiser.
I edited that wink, lol.
Probably could have been less dogmatic.
It’s HD’s sport bike. I’ve thought most people considered it a “road bike” or a sport standard and not a cruiser.
Has HD ever put the word “cruiser” into any Sportster marketing?
(Now that I think of it, maybe back in the 90’s they had a Sportser model with the word “Cruiser” in it’s model name?)It handles better than a cruiser through the twisties and it’s tall with a “standard” like foot peg placement.
Doesn’t entertain the forward controls or floor boards of a cruiser.
Gearing is un-cruiser like.
It’s got a taller seat height than any cruiser.
Heck, Buell used the 1200 engine in their’ sport bikes for years.
Evil jumped busses on the damn thing. Try that with a Suzuki C50. Lol!rtParticipantThanks. And off subject, nice site!
I agree 100%, if your’ riding pals are leaving you or “making” you keep up, you need to find somebody else to ride with.
But that’s not my point.
This is really only applicable if you plan on riding with others.
Having a bike that can’t keep pace could be a confidence crusher, morale buster for that individual.
It can also be a real danger for the whole group that’s adjusting their’ pace for a slower bike on a four lane highway with a hoard of clueless cages and semi’s ripping past at 70 plus mph.I should have said, get a bike that you can run on the interstate and will be able to pace with the other riders you intend on riding with.
SV650 is a great bike. It takes a young man to ride one of those with the clip on bars! Lol.
rtParticipantA lot of good advice here. Some a little biased maybe, but it’s all good
I think PC bull**** can get annoying too.
But a little class goes a long way I think.
You’ll probably find that it’s people new to motorcycles or people that don’t have a motorcycle that give the old “Harley’s leak oil” and “Jap crap piece of cheap plastic” kind of thing. So ignore them.
Everybody does it at first, I’ve said some of these things myself in the past, maybe worse.
Then the people who really love motorcycles and stick with it quit repeating the old cliches’.
The longer you ride, the more riding friend’s you’ll make and they will have different bikes, it just works that way.
Why piss off a friend or somebody who may become a friend?Some of you guys talk about “Harley riders” like they are from another planet or something. Lol.
They’re the same stiffs as everybody, they probably don’t “discuss” your’ Japanese sport bike with you because they don’t know what the fudge they’re looking at and aren’t interested in finding out
I’ve never seen a new Harley that leaks oil and they don’t break down anymore than other bikes out there.
The support for them is unreal.
I’ve got a pal who has a wide glide, but took his’ 883 on a recent 1,400 mile trip with us and he didn’t have one problem…he’s 54 . It’s not a girl bike when he rides it. A Sportster IS NOT A CRUISER BTW.I’ll defend the metric bikes as well, most people don’t realize that a NEW Stratoliner, VTX1800, Hyabusa or the like cost $13,000 to $16,000 plus……
if somebody thinks that cheap…then well, salute?
And yes, it’s true a metric power cruiser can whoop up every stock Harley except a V-rod and a real sport bike can humble any cruiser. But Harley’s are for cruising and they’re a Harley, it’s a Harley thing, that’s what’s important to a HD owner.As far as a twin vs in-line… you guys know this, it’s all about torque. Traditionally your’ going to get more useable torque on the street from a twin. It’ll actually be easier to ride at slower speeds.
You go through the gears to get to 70 mph on most twins (we’re not talking super bikes).
A 600 sport bike can get to 70 in first gear!!
Never ridden a Ninja 250 though, so I can’t comment on any of that.
It’s personal preference. A lot of folks have multiple bikes for this reason. I’ll bet a number of the new riders you have here will eventually have multiple bikes. I tell my wife that I’ve been building my bike “collateral” over the years and that they practically don’t cost me a thing now…… and no, she doesn’t believe it.Buying a first bike? Start cheap, probably used. Get something you can handle and learn on but can keep up with any riding buddies you got.
If your’ still riding after a year and love it, start looking for your’ serious bike. By then, you’ll know more about bikes, you’ll know more about how you ride and what bike you’ll need to do it better. -
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