[SantaCruzRider]

I’ve used the reflective black tape on my bike (the stuff that looks matte in the light, not the diamond engineered reflective type).
I used it on the back of the metal bracket that olds the passenger backrest. In the light, it blends perfectly with the black bracket and pad, but it lights up at night when headlights hit it. (see pic)

I also added several diagonal stripes on the sides of my hard cases.
It sticks well to metal and plastic, but I don’t think it would hold on leather.
I also thought about adding it to my helmet (also matte black), but instead went with one of those reflective bands. At first, I thought it looked a little dorky, but when I saw how bright it lit up, I was sold. Other than my headline, it’s probably the most visible part of my bike and it works at the 10-2 angles that are the most dangerous at night.

[SantaCruzRider]

I commute 45 miles each way (Santa Cruz to Sunnyvale). I wear textile overpants, primarily because they are very easy on/off, which gives me no excuse to not wear them. They are also easily washable, so no worries about road grime.
I don’t pretend that textile provides as much protection as quality leather, but I’m comfortable with the compromise.

[SantaCruzRider]

Get the number so you can call him if after the BRC, you still think the 600 might be a good bike.

But don’t get sucked into the belief that this is THE DEAL and you’ll never see anything like. You’ll see more bike for sale in the coming weeks/months. This is good time to be figuring out what you want and watching the boards.

[SantaCruzRider]

Add a vote to the reco to think larger dual sport. The Suzuki 400 and Kawasaki KLR 650 are fantastic bikes, especially for taller folks. They handle almost like sport bikes, but are way more forgiving. The KLR in particular is also a great used bike value (because it’s been in production so long). I ride a 1000cc sport tourer, but if I had room for a 2nd bike, it would be a Suzuk 400 or KLR 650 — these are seriously fun bikes.

If you want strictly sport, you might check out the Buell Blast, Suzuki GS500 or the ubiquitous Ninja 500. If you want an older used bike, Yamaha Seca (600cc) is an awesome older bike with power similar to the SV650 (in fact, it’s more sedate).

Agree with you on the SV650 — they are such great bikes that sellers think they should hold their value like they were a Harley. HAHA

[SantaCruzRider]

You want to ride a bike, that’s not for weenies! LOL

I agree with you on the looks of the Magna. I’ve never owned one, but it’s always been on my purchase radar and it a nice bike. But when you mention that you’re thinking Rebel and lightweight, it doesn’t bring to mind Magna. The Magna is an oddity of sorts, a performance-turned engine placed into a middle-weight cruiser. I think it was way ahead of it’s time and could be an ideal 2nd bike (for those looking for an older performance cruiser).

Also, I wouldn’t argue with you that you could handle more than a Rebel. But there is a BIG gap between Rebel and Magna. If you’re looked at used bikes, check the ones I mentioned, plus maybe a ’90s Shadow 600 — smooth accel, shaft drive, nice balance. Ride it a year or two and then start looking for the Magna (or more modern Suzuki M50) of your dreams.

Anyway, lots of more experienced cruisers here are sure to offer better choices. Take your time looking and have fun.

[SantaCruzRider]

The Magna is a very cool bike, but it’s a power cruiser with a V4 engine that puts out more power than a lot of 1000cc cruisers.
It’s not an unmanageable weight or size, but the horsepower is not ideal for a beginner.

IMHO: You’d be better off with a used Intruder, Vulcan or Virago. Sure the ccs are all similar (750-800), but these bikes have V-twin engines with lower reving engines and more manageable power. They are also relatively cheap — usually even less than a Magna. Better yet, find a 500 cc cruiser (assuming that’s what you want) and trade up in a year or two.

[SantaCruzRider]

I feel for you Midwest riders having to deal with the cold. Here in California, I’ve had to zip the liner into my riding jacket and if temps dip any lower (like below 40 in the morning), I may be forced to zip the vents closed on my sleeves!!!

Ride safe Brittney. That’s a beautiful bike.

[SantaCruzRider]

If you liked the FZ6 when it was on the kick-stand, you’re leaning toward standard (IMHO). The Fizzer looks like a hot sport bike, but it has fairly neutral ergos. If you get on a Rebel, you’ll find your feet moving a bit forward, though it’s still pretty neutral. But some cruisers have forward controls that put your feet even further forward.
For most of us, there is no real world benefit for one style over another, but some folks find that one style feels more comfortable.
If you haven’t done it, I’d recommend going to a lot of dealers and sitting on a lot of bikes.

[SantaCruzRider]

Naked bikes in the 250-500 range might work. Fairings are definately expensive and a pain when it comes to maintenance (my bike is fully faired, so I speak from experience). But they add huge comfort when your ride includes long stretches at speed or in the cold or wet.
In terms of seat height, there are lots of cruisers with low seats, but some of that gets eaten up with wide saddles.
What bikes have you ridden that felt comfortable? Did you take the BRC?

[SantaCruzRider]

Good for you for being smart and changing bikes gracefully (all to often, folks sell the “wrong” bike after it’s been totalled). Tall sport bikes can be very tough to learn on — especially when they put you on your toes.
Folks here should be able to give you some good first-hand advice.
Do you have preference or biases for seating position (sport or standard or cruiser)?

[SantaCruzRider]

Nicely done. It’s a well written piece and I like the way you crafted the lead to draw in an audience that it’s likely predisposed to being interested in a FF helmet.

[SantaCruzRider]

Another thing to get the feel for on hills is that more weight will be shifted onto the downhill wheel.
So if you are going uphill and accelerating, you may notice that the steering gets a bit vague as more of your weight shifts to the back.
Conversely, going downhill into a stop, more of your weight will be on the front wheel and you have to be more cautious than ever about applying too much rear brake (keep in mind that aggressive downshifting on a hill is essentially also “braking” the rear wheel, so be ready to pull in the clutch and use the front brake as well).

[SantaCruzRider]

I started out riding in Hawaii, were helmets were optional. Mostly rode in jeans, t-shirt and doo-rag. But a couple years in, I realized that the odds were stacking up against me. Since then, I ride only with armored leather jacket, helmet, leather gloves and boots, and armored overpants. So far, I’ve yet to use any of it on a crash, so I guess I’ve wasted several hundred dollars. But I’d rather lose $500 than a pound of skin, use of a limb, brain cells, etc…

[SantaCruzRider]

I saw that too a couple months ago when I was trying to bump my order up to the free shipping limit (I think that deal expired at Christmas). It looks interesting, but I was held back by two thoughts:
1. If it’s powered by wind, it must be creating a drag and I’m not sure I want that on my helmet. I worried about possible wind buffeting that adds up over 2+ hours of riding each day;
2. If it’s visible only from the rear, is it worth the weight and effort? I’m not much worried about folks behind me, it’s the people in the 10-2 o’clock range that I’m afraid of.
But it may be pretty cool. If you try it, let us all know what you think.

[SantaCruzRider]

“New rider, taking BRC next month. Not sure if I should get a Ninja 250 or a Gunbus. The Gunbus dealer says this is a good bike to start on and I can sit on it with my feet flat on the ground…”

— count on it!!! LOL

[Author]

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