[ShamRock229]

Doh!

[ShamRock229]

I have never seen a bike with the “shifter” on the right side. Clutch and shift lever are always on the left. Unless I’m missing something here?

[ShamRock229]

Not to rag on this game, but we play a game on another forum that is a little easier than this one and more people can play. This is one is really technical.

[ShamRock229]

+1 on mesh for red light to red light commuting.

[ShamRock229]

Bobbers are cool…and a better fit for a shadow imo.

[ShamRock229]

Yeah dont start getting emo just yet. Everyones first day is rough, but you once you get back on it the second day, it will feel more familiar to you and you can focus more on what youre doing. The growth of your progress in the class will be exponential. I had zero riding experience and on the first day, I popped the clutch while giving it throttle and the bike took me for a fun ride straight towards the curb lol luckily I didnt drop it though. But by halfway through the second day, I felt so much more comfortable/confident in myself and the bike. I have no doubt that you will too, just dont let it get you down.

What exactly are you having the most trouble with? I’m sure many people here will be able to give you some pointers. Good luck!

[ShamRock229]

It would be cheaper if you could do a lot of the prep yourself. Of course that’s easier said than done and not something one would jump into lightly lol

[ShamRock229]

Look at it this way, most people that take a spill don’t get up and laugh about it lol so I think youre in good shape.

Loving the pics!

[ShamRock229]

I have the ninja 650r (also called the ER-6F f means “fairings/faired”). It’s basically an ER-6N with fairings. I’m 6ft, 220lbs and I have enough leg room and the torquey parallel twin has no problem hauling me around. I’m also a fan of the standard riding position (as are my back and wrists). Its got a very controllable powerband, with most of its power lying in the 5-8k rpm range. I don’t think you will have a problem with it as long as you ride it properly. It wont power wheelie on you as easily as a inline 4, but it definetly has some juice. I can keep up with supersports in the twisties with no problem and unlike them, I dont have to stop after an hour to rest my back and wrists. It’s a great balance of sporty and commuter. I use it to commute everyday. Gets about 42-46 mpg depending on the type of riding that I’m doing. The only thing you may have an issue with is the lack of a windscreen since youre so tall, but there are aftermarket ones available if it gives you a problem.

I hope that helps you out. Feel free to ask me anything else you’re concerned about and I’ll try to help. Good luck with your search!

[ShamRock229]

Well at least you went with used over new right? lol

You seem to be approaching things from the right frame of mind. Just practice, practice, practice as mentioned above and +1 on the parking lot.

[ShamRock229]

Yeah I was irritated when “Frieght & Assembly Fee” popped up on my receipt. Had I known that was coming (first time buying a NEW bike straight out of the box), I would have put up a little more of a fight during the haggling process…but whatever lol (it still irks me to this day haha)

It just goes to show that you have to do your research.

Oh yeah, I can almost guarantee you that the dealer wants that motorcycle gone ASAP. The 500r’s dont really fly off of the showroom floor and like I said, its old inventory from last year. He wants to make room for the new 2010’s and 2011’s, so you should have no problem talking the price down. I know some people arent comfortable with that kind of thing, but when you buy new, youre going to want to get the best deal you can get. It would be wise to take advantage of his situation, especially when 99% of the time, they try to take advantage of yours lol

[ShamRock229]

Thats not a bad deal, if youre into the bike. The reason it’s so low is because its leftover inventory from 09 AND they discontinued the 500r. It’s not a bad price, but they’ll get you with the fine details. Ask them what the “out the door” price would be (bike, tax, fees, etc.)

[ShamRock229]

I’m not sure of the exact reason why. It said on the website where I signed up that they didnt want us to wear steel toes. I’m sure Allen could tell you why if he pops around here sometime.

Before I got my SHIFT boots, i just used a pair of black work boots, although they werent steel toe, i didnt have any problems with them either. But nothing beats an actual pair of motorcycle intended boots. I still dont get how people ride with just sneakers, or even flip flops!

[ShamRock229]

My friend used hiking boots when he took the class…and there was even a guy in steel toes (even though it said not to). All the instructor did was check to see if they were over our ankles and that our laces were tucked.

As for the glasses, I’m assuming youre putting on the helmet, lifting the visor, and then trying to put your glasses in, right? That may sound like an obvious question, but you never know. Your helmet may have different padding options to look into (i know Icon does). You might even be able to cut small grooves in the padding to allow your glasses to slide in, if youre desparate.

I’ve never decorated my helmet, but I did put some reflective tape on there… you can get it in a lot of colors and it looks cool, also helps with visibility. You could even try painting it if youre feeling crazy lol

[ShamRock229]

Makes me want to get a cruiser lol

Looks good man, loving the mods!

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