New Riders and those interested in getting into motorcycling, please read this.

WHY IS IT SO PERFECT?

>>5197008

Because it costs more than you can afford, pal.

>>5197008

I came.

fucking required reading for new bike fags

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2011/08/how-to-keep-your-motorcycle-from-getting-stolen/

If you cant read the whole thing just say so

only one more day , thn i will get my paycheck
will spend all on my first gear hurray

Fucking emission regs required the ZX-10R to wear a restrictor

This is the only reason the S1000RR is faster in US magazines because it is 20hp down from every other market. What the fucking fuck?

>>5197024
http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=274843

>>5197024
It hasn't faired that greatly in other comparos either. In two of the Australian Master Bike competitions it recieved less then fantastic reviews.

Traction/Stability control that lacked feel and being a difficult bike to change dirrection on cost it. A lack of bottom and mid range power also hampered it.

The S1000RR and the RSV4s are still king. Even if value was taken into account, the now 4 year old CBR was the pick. The ZX10 was supposed to be a great road/sports bike, but even then the GSXR was preffered for it's mid range grunt. I reckon they've missed the mark with it.

I'd still be a very happy man with a new ZX10 in my garage however...

Decided to be useful and cap that.

just passed my msf and got my m endorsement

Bump until saved by stickiness

>>5197138

Damn, bikes are becoming a big money thing I guess.

First I buy a bike, I'm thinking "oh hey, cool, a motorcycle, this is going to be fun". Then I find out I have to buy $1k in gear, if not more. So I don't ride until I have the gear.

Once I get the gear I find out that it takes 15 minutes to put on and take off, and it won't fit over my uniform for work...so unless I want to get to work 30 minutes early and change there, commuting on the bike is out.

But hey, that's okay, since I can still ride around town and have fun without spending too much more money. All I need is gas, right?

Nope, guess I need $1k in locks and chains too. And I have to worry about my bike being stolen, constantly. And it's kind of hard to do things around town when you're in full leathers and it's 80 degrees out and humid as fuck...and you can barely walk in your motorcycle boots...and you have to carry a helmet with gloves in it everywhere you go....

But hey, that's fine, since I can still just go for random rides and have fun tooling around on the bike. Forget about commuting or using it for actually getting anywhere worth going. I'll just ride around aimlessly. That should be fun.

But wait...I have a job. And I have a life outside of aimlessly riding a motorcycle. When the hell am I going to have time to go riding around to nowhere on a bike?

So...um...anyone want to buy a motorcycle?

>>5197393

>>5197393

uhh -- my motorcycle stuff fits over my work clothes just fine, takes less than 5 minutes to go to the locker room and dump motorbike gear and swap boots for loafers

>>5197393
I'm in the same situation and love my bike. I use google maps to find my weekend rides. Look for up-hill twistys and it all makes sence.

Wat 125 is good guys? I'm looking for one to commute on and possibly have a bit of fun with (Britfag here with a CBT so can't be >125)

I've looked a little at CBR125s but little else, gotta be used seeing as I'm not going to fork out a great deal. Any ideas on what I should be looking for would be great, thanks.

>>5197393
>Then I find out I have to buy $1k in gear, if not more.
I got my stuff for $500, it's not the best but it gets the job done

>Once I get the gear I find out that it takes 15 minutes to put on and take off, and it won't fit over my uniform for work
leave your uniform at work and change there

>Nope, guess I need $1k in locks and chains too
what are you buying, some diamond lock?

>have to constantly worry about bike getting stolen
same can go for a car

>And I have a life outside of aimlessly riding a motorcycle
can't argue there

>>5197553

The KTM Duke 125 is a very very nice 125. But, they are relatively new, so I doubt you could find one used easily. I'm sure there is more, but they aren't to common in the States so I wouldn't know.

>>5197576

Ahh, haven't heard of that one, thanks. Yeah that's what I was expecting, the smallest bike I've ever seen spoken about on here is the Ninja 250. 125's are more a Europoor thing.

still working on getting a bike again. i'm all for the dual purposes right now, and i'm trying to work a deal on a dr250 or also a dr650 for a trade. the 250 is only $800 lol and it's a 91. the 650 is a 96 andd is $1800. the seller of the 650 wants a civic. i have a civic... maybe something will work out. i want to ride.
also, the 650 has street tires on it, which makes it even better.
the 250 needs turn signals and has street knobbies

Why isn't this bastard sticky yet?

>>5197553
aprilia RS125 is best sports (not RS4-125 though, 4-stroke sport 125s are shit tier)
suzuki VL125 is best cruiser
yamaha YBR125 is best standard
suzuki FL125 is best stepthrough
honda XR125L is best dualsport

O.O

>>5197393
You're doin it wrong if it takes 15 minutes for your gear. And where the hell do you live if you need to worry about security beyond the steering lock on most bikes? If that's honestly something you need to worry about you should have invested the money in a different living arrangement. Also, it's not like 1k in gear needs to be replaced anytime soon, that stuff will last you.


>I commute to work every day
>I get there 5 minutes early to get my gear off and put it in a locker
>I just use my steering lock
>Ride in the rain, I don't give a fuck
>Motorcycles are the best thing ever

>>5197730
Not the guy you're talking to but what steering lock do you use?

Also I hate riding in the rain because my legs get soaking wet

>>5196915
I congratulate you on all of your work but WHY can't /o/ into starter car sticky :( erry day there are 12-15 what car is gud.
Oh ps I will hopefully be getting my first bike soon. A ninja 250

/o/
I've just received a surplus of cash and I still have to get proper boots/jacket. From what I've read, there are the Icon Tarmac shoes and Spidi has also been recommended. For jackets, I'm looking at Dainese.
>If money is not an issue, which jacket would you get?

>>5197938
Alpinestars all the way

>>5197952
There are pissloads of Aplinestars jackets. Any specific one you wear and enjoy?

>>5197938
I'd most probably pick one of these.

>>5197975
They currently make 17 men's leather jackets, from $329 to $649. They are all considered best in their respective budgets, so it all comes down to how much of that surplus you want to spend on a jacket and which one of them suits your taste.

whats /o/ think of the 2008 848s?

>>5197905
winter riding is awesome.
you're just being a pussy.

>>5197905
yeah it has it's negatives like too FUCKING HOT in summer

any tips on convincing the parents on letting me get a bike? I have told them that they get great gas milage and they are great for going to school and such. I am 18 and already own my own car. Any tips on convincing them? or any links on how to convince?

>>5198063

The cost of ownership of a low end, low displacement bike is significantly lower than any car that you'd actually want to own. Their relatively limited power coupled with modern safety equipment makes them very safe to ride. That coupled with a stint at the MSF course will virtually guarantee that you can ride risk free.

If you're buying it yourself then they can't really stop you either.

>>5198063
Hah, a friend of mine is going through something similiar right now. Ever since I started riding, she wanted to go for a course, but her dad is so stubborn at forbidding her, that he even offered her a "bribe" of ~3 her monthly pays, if she agrees to abandon the idea.
She just said fuck it, saved up for her course (it costs about as much as what a youngster earns a month) and starts tomorrow, then she's going to save for a cheap first bike to buy in the winter.

If I remember correctly, there were only two people that knew about the whole thing (course, exam, looking for a bike, buying the bike) in my case. My family found out the day I showed up on my bike.

>>5198077
>>5198077
i know she cant stop me but she helps out with the bills when im at school so i need to be nice to the one that assists my insurance

>>5198077
>Motorcycles
>Virtually guaranteed to ride risk free
>risk free
>guaranteed

>>5198226

The majority of motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents associated with intoxication or the rider trying to perform beyond their skill level. A disproportionate percentage of these are also associated with excessively powerful bikes.

Riding a reasonably sized bike within your skill limits does not incur much more risk than driving a car, and safety gear goes a long way towards closing the gap in terms of risk when an accident finally does happen. Motorcycles are not an inherently risky vehicle.

>>5198077
Risk-free? areyoufuckingkiddingme.jpg

Riding motorcycles is dangerous, end of story. Stay alert, stay alive.

>>5198250
mr.mod
why wont you post with us more often like this

>>5198256
didn't mean to post as mod. oh well

>>5198256
Mr. Mod lieks bikes
>>5198250

>>5197730
>>5197556
>>5197506

I can't leave my uniform at work, since I don't technically work for the company that owns the building that I work in. To put on my gloves alone takes about 5 minutes (full gauntlet glove, two velcro flaps for the wrist, and an adjustment band at the base of the hand...it takes a while). Jacket is quick, pants are a bit of a pain because they're inside the boot type pants. Helmet takes a while because I wear glasses and have to manage to get those positioned correctly. On top of that, I can't imagine how big a backpack would have to be to fit extra boots, dinner, a gallon of water, a uniform and a duty belt. I have a feeling it would screw up riding a fair bit.

The $1k in gear didn't actually cost me $1k. If I had paid retail for all my gear, it would have been well over $1k. Instead I just waited for sales...lots and lots of sales.

It kind of sucks, since I had been hoping to ride this year sometime. I still don't have riding boots, and after buying all the gear I can't afford to insure my bike, so after spending upwards of $3k on the bike and bike related crap, it now gets to sit in my garage for the rest of the summer.

Oh well. Maybe next year it'll all work out....

>>5198336
Bike insurance is like 70 bucks a year. Why the fuck did you go overboard on bike gear? You don't seem like a very intelligent person or a person that is fun to be around. I bet you live with your mom.

>>5198336
A backpack won't get in the way of your riding.
plenty of cyclists use them.
One word of caution though, if you fall off straps can snag on things with messy results.
Get some soft luggage for your bike.

>>5198336
You honestly just shouldn't own a motorcycle. Sell your bike and buy a Toyota. You must be the most boring person alive.
You bought a cheap ass bike, spent way to much on retarded equipment, and bitch like a woman on her period.
I have a much more expensive motorcycle with $500 of easy to take on and off gear (gloves with one latch, because I'm not a faggot. Zip up riding boots. Jeans [see: because I'm not a faggot], a nice helmet and leather jacket.) It takes me 30 seconds to get ready to ride. I put all my shit in a satchel attached to my bike. And I have sex with women you only get to jack off to, because you... are a faggot.

>>5198379

As a flamboyant homosexual, I demand that you rescind this statement and find a different name to call that dork.

>>5198349
>I bet you live with your mom.

You sure told him

>>5198410
Fine, I'm sorry.

Lint licker

>>5198336
seems like your making excuses for yourself.
i started out with no insurance and no gear, absolute squid but i dont give a shit what people say 3 years later im a competent rider and ill never stop loving bikes

also where the fuck is trollymctroll's bmw bike tour thread? what happened to that guy. is he a mod now?

Does anyone know the roads into Humboldt, or the Tricounty area? I'm planning this for a tour when I have a break from school, and here's what I need to know:

1) My next break will be at the end of December til early January. I don't really know what the climate is like in that area at that time of year. Will the roads be safe, or should I wait until my next break after that, approximately in March-April?

2) I'm thinking about taking my little 125 cc, which is not freeway legal. I know I can get most of the way there without using freeways, but I've heard that there's not many ways into California's potland and I'm not sure if I'll be safe on the last stretch into Humboldt on that thing. I do have the option of borrowing my brother's cruiser, but I'd prefer to take the tour on my own bike because it's significantly cheaper per mile.

I'm coming from the Greater LA area.

>>5198063


I had a small write-up in the previous thread about convincing your parents to let you buy a motorcycle but i'm too lazy to find it.

To summarize
>let them know you are serious by taking the MSF course (and paying for it yourself)
>explain to them that while there are more dangers involved, you have the option to "fight back" with MSF and wearing proper gear
>buy the bike yourself with your own money

>>5198543
I guess you are >>5182141 then.

Greetings /o/, I'm taking my MSF class sept 3rd and 4th. I need to bring a helmet and riding gloves. I do not have either. Can you guys point me in a direction for a good helmet (obv. gonna go to a store and try it on, then try to buy it cheaper online) that costs below 200. I'd like to spend less than 40 on gloves too. Thanks in advance.

>>5198555
yeah that's me

Also I was quoted $350 for the 7k mile service (which includes valve adjusting that my bike is begging for), and $25 to change tires.

are those good prices?

>>5198377
You didn't figure out if you could afford to ride before buying the bike? Insurance should cost less than $50 a month. Don't get comprehensive.

>>5198336
this.

At the end of the day, you need to figure out how to be efficient about putting on your gear. I wear glasses and getting my helmet takes max 30 seconds. If your gloves are taking 5 minutes, something is terribly wrong. I end up carrying a ton of stuff, but when I get to work, I stash my gear in a corner and get moving. Don't complain about your situation, DO something to overcome it.

>>5198556

A lot of times the course offers some helmets to borrow, and allow you to use regular gloves that you can find around your house

But go to local dealerships and try some on. Also ask if they do online price matching

>>5198556
MSF provided helmets and gloves when I did it, you should check. All I had to do is show up in long sleeves and boots.

>>5198577
the loaner helmets at my school smelled like dog shit. just get a $60 sparx on ebay or something.

Semi-new rider here.
I got my bike (2006 Honda Rebel 250) around 3 weeks ago and everything is going great. I have a few questions though. I know close to nothing about motorcycles aside from how to ride them. I wanted to know what kind of simple maintenance I can regularly perform on the bike to make her run as smooth as possible. I bought it from a dealership (yeah I know, I'm a retard, but I didn't have much cash in the bank to go craigslisting) with only 30 or so miles on it so everything is in tip top shape as of now. But I'd like to prepare for the future.

Anyone have a guide or something that tells how to change oil/ clean the carb/ lube the chain, etc.? I'd like to go balls deep and really learn about my machine.

Much appreciated.

>>5198668
find the service manual, decent chance a pdf is floating around on the net somewhere

>>5198653
>>5198649
>>5198577

The course specifically said they do not offer helmets, and you can buy gloves there for 25 dollars. They never specified what type of gloves, so I could wear my padded craftsman workman type gloves or even batting gloves?

Just got pulled over by a cop for apparently being to close to someones bumper while at a red light. wut? is there a law for that?

>>5198668
Dat gear gauge. That's really spiffy. Don't go by it though.

>>5198710
Technically it's wreckless driving to some extent. But if you didn't get a ticket just let it go. Not worth the effort or stress. And don't get so close to cars next time it's not safe for you or them.

>>5198710
Yeah, but I thought that was only when actually driving/riding called tailgating. Wonder where that was coz in Houston, Atlanta, and in-between there would be shit ton of tickets for that. What city?

>>5198764
Birmingham, Alabama. I know not to tailgate and keep a good distance between me and the car in front of me in my lane while riding. But I had no idea there was a distance limit at a red light when at a complete stop.

>>5198786
OK not to start Alabama sucks or something, but I got a speeding ticket at 3:40am on I10 in Alabama. Unless you were rubbing your tire on the bumper or were stopped on the hill (manual cars slide back a bit) it makes no sense. How much was the ticket?

>>5198677
Will do. But what are some general things that I can do to make my bike as efficient and reliable as possible?

>>5198710
>>5198786
What on earth were you doing at a red light, behind a car? o_O

>>5198797
Yeah the majority of cops here aren't that great. They pull over a lot of people for the most stupid things. He didn't give me one actually.

>>5198710
>>5198786
That's ridiculous. I find myself really close to cars when I come to a complete stop. I'd rather come really close to car on a dead stop than stop too fast and lock up my front or rear wheel. You should have lied and told the cop that your front tire locked up and you had to slow down your stop.

>>5198834
at least no points and cash stays in your wallet.

You should always leave yourself enough space from the car in front of you to maneuver out of the way of someone about to rear-end you. In theory anyway...

>>5198832

Man, so many people here in SoCal don't know how to track in the lanes properly. I can't tell you how often I CAN'T split lanes because some asshole's mirror is sitting right at neck height.

I wish this was a motorcycle jacket and not a fashion jacket.

>>5198944
>>5198944
buy new bike jaket
buy masking tape
buy leather dyes
???????
profit

>>5198954

Doesn't really work like that.
I've been thinking of creating my own motorcycle jacket, I'm just having trouble sourcing the right leather for it.

Another jacket that would be cool on a motorcycle.

>>5196914
>>5197018
>>5196916
>>5196915

first time ever on /o/ and this is exactly what i was looking for, thanks a ton.

>>5198978
of course it does.
get the dye from an auto trim workshop.

you do need to work very quickly with the dye,so perhaps a trial or two on old jackets might be in order

>>5198978
No. Buy jacket and paint it.
Ever designed a protective jacket? Thought not.
Wannabe Squid.

>>5199007

Camo patterns are not dyed, they're printed onto the fabric. Or leather, in this case.

>>5199050

I'm a fashion design student bro. A protective jacket is just a normal jacket made out of abrasion-resistant textile or leather with armor sewn into the lining. If anything producing a jacket to my own specifications would be superior to a ready to wear jacket, since I'll be able to get a perfect fit and not have the issue of the armor pieces rolling off my body that some poorly fitted jackets have.

>>5199062
If you want a protective jacket/suit custom made then go to a proper tailor.
If you want to make your own then get a test pilot/rig.
You will hurt yourself when IT happens.

>>5199062
You should make me one too.

What are your opinions on listening to music while riding?(through earbuds). I spoke to a couple people and generally what I got was it's dangerous in the city but on long trips on the highway it actually helped them concentrate.

>>5199169
i always listen to music when commuting my 45 minute ride or when i go on trips, but not if im just out riding for fun

>>5199169
Something in your ears to deaden the sound of your bike is always good if you'd like to hear people speak ten years down the line.
Some systems will combine and prioritise gps music and mobile phone while on the move.

i never listen to music while riding.

i hate it when people use bluetooth or similar on their bikes. it's a distraction you really shouldn't have.

if you must listen to music, get a set of helmet speakers. don't use earbuds.

ear plugs ftw, though

Damn, these things fill up faster than a crack whore during happy hour.

Anyways, it looks like most questions are getting answered and I'm in a big rush at the moment so I have a question of my own. I need y'alls opinion on something.

I'll probably be selling my bike soon so that I can upgrade. There's a guy who says he will give me $3,700 for my bike, do you think that's a good deal? It's a 2003 Triumph Speed Four, has 26k miles, is in pretty much perfect condition, has the rear seat cowl and flyscreen, brand new tires, just did the full 25k mile maintenance, etc. Thing is, I didn't do a valve job since getting it at about 21k miles but so far from what I've seen and from what a certified mechanic told me it doesn't need it at the moment. Furthermore, it has one of those "chattery" clutches, the clutch is fine but it'll chatter if it gets really hot in 1st gear if you don't give it enough RPM (R6's will do this to, among many other bikes).

So what do you guys think? Think I could get more? Southern California, during the summer, it's a clean 600cc bike, I almost feel kind of "meh" about it since you usually have to pay about 4k for a clean post 2000 600cc bike.

>Pic Related, my bike.

How hard will it be to turn an MV Agusta F4 1000 R312 Superfast Thingamajig into an oldskool cafe racer, considering its electronics? If well built, will putting it into a new frame etc. affect performance?
Pic related, it's a brand new Aprilia RSV cafe racer.

>>5199323
Dammit, captcha ate the picture. AGAIN.

>>5199274
That's a very good deal by European standards. You wouldn't get much (if anything) more than ~$3000 for it around here and that's in the summer.

>>5198572
>>5198486
>>5198379
>>5198349

Okay...well....

Insurance is somewhere between $200 and $500 a year for my bike. I'm 20 years old and it has "ninja" in the model name. The insurance companies don't like that.

I went overboard with gear because I'm paranoid. I just...am. And all the pants I have flap like a motherfucker in the wind. It was annoying.

Honestly, it probably takes so long to put on my gear because I've done it about 4 times. I've never actually ridden in the pants either.

I have ridden without insurance, with no motorcycle license, with no inspection, in a t-shirt and jeans before. I did that once. Then I just got a jacket, helmet and gloves and was happy. Then my dad bought me riding pants because he's about as paranoid as I am. Now my mother is on my case about boots.

I've ridden without insurance, with no inspection or motorcycle license several times. I've done about 250 miles this year. The reason I don't ride to work or anywhere but back roads is because I really don't want to find out just how many tickets I can get if I get pulled over on my bike.

That and right now I still have a few things on the bike that need fixing (crappy bike), and I have no time. I work a night shift job, and being a new rider, I really don't want to do my riding at night. At least until I actually know what I'm doing on the bike. That and it's a 22 year old bike...the headlight kind of sucks.

Eventually...I will ride. Eventually. I'm not entirely sure when that is, but it'll happen. Probably the next time I wake up before it's dark out and it's not raining.

>>5199365
Find somewhere quiet and practice control. Take a course, ATGATT and get legal ASAFP.

What's a good motorcycle backpack to just hold a change of shirt and a pair of sneakers. Do I need a specifically made motorcycle backpack or will any regular one do?

>>5199365
>insurance companies don't like the word "ninja"

Highly doubt they care about the name of the bike..only thing they really care about is the displacement, year, and riding experience...

I got a decent quote on a 250 Ninja for like $35/month.. get your fucking license ASAP...fucking dumbass..

>on the interstate coming home from work..
>black guy comes flying past me on an R1
>tshirt,shorts,mohawk on his helmet, stunk of squid
>notices after he passes his license plate hanging off one bolt..
>license plate flys off..doesnt realize..
>get off at exit, and HWP had him pulled over..doing a full inspection of his bike

squidsgonnasquid.jpg

if you're not wearing at least a 2 piece, quality boots, excellent gloves, and a good helmet, you shouldn't be on a bike.

pic related. my gear. street and track days.

ATGATT

by the way, the new 10R is a dog.

if someone offered to trade a brand new 0 miles 2011 ZX-10R for my 10R I would tell them to get fucked. OR i would take all my aftermarket sexy bits off my 10R, sell the 10R they traded me and buy another 04/05. then i would put all my aftermarket bits back on and buy some sweet sweet ohlins.

>>5199460
better have been FULL coverage with no deductible, and the highest possible limits for $35 a month for a 250.

>>5199460

Yeah, my ninja is 22 years old and 3 times bigger than yours.

And that $35/month is $420/year. The places I looked (progressive, geico) didn't do month by month insurance, they only did it for the entire year, all in one shot. So I'd have to drop $400+, even if I was able to get your rate for insurance, which I'm pretty sure I can't do.

It'll all happen eventually. I'm 20. I have 20 more years to get this whole bike thing sorted out. I'm quite confident that I'll be able to get it done in that time frame.

>>5199588
month to month is always more expensive nothingnew.jpeg
try to get on your parents insurance so you can get discounts if possible

>>5199077

How? Please, elucidate.

>>5199132

Maybe.

>>5199169
I think the only time that music can be a distraction is when you are listening to it too loudly. I listen to music most times I do the daily commute just with iPod headphones.

I've also found that different genres of music can make you ride differently (ie: metal vs country, sounds stupid I know, but some other people who I've spoken to have agreed. I have it loud enough so that I can hear it, but not so loud that I cannot hear my bike/other sounds around me.

>>5199588
since when do progressive and geico not do multiple payment plans?

i've had policies with both of those companies and have always had a 9 installment policy payment.

currently have geico for the 10R. $1300/yr full coverage with uninsured/underinsured motorist.

btw, $500 of my policy is uninsured motorist. if i didn't have it my policy would be a little less than $800/yr.

though i would never go without it. last accident i had i was rear ended by a drunk rider on a harley who was uninsured. he ended up dying. had i not had that coverage i would have been fucked,

Followed an older guy on his PC800 down this:
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/va56.html
I think he is in his late 60s and has been riding since he was 18. I usually ride with a younger crowd on smaller, sportier bikes, so I figured an old man on a big bike would be really easy to keep with. I was proved wrong in all, but the tightest of turns. Every tight turn we went through, his bike's trunk was inches away from the ground. It was definitely a sight to see and the fact that he has a car tire fitted as his rear made it even more of a spectacle. I asked him why he didn't get a smaller bike that he could lean further and he just told me that a bike with limits is a good thing at his age.

>>5199789

I don't like payments. I make enough payments as it is. When I buy things I tend to buy them cash. My car was an exception (needed transportation right then and there, didn't have much choice), and a massive mistake, which I will not repeat.

So when I eventually buy insurance for my bike, it'll be all at once. If I can't afford to do it all at once, then I just can't afford it. To me, it's that simple.

>>5199869
i didn't ask whether or not you liked doing them. you stated they didn't do it monthly at all. they do

>>5199869

Nothing wrong with payments so long as you make them before interest starts to accrue.
I bought my bike this way, 36 month no interest. Took about a month and a half to pay off.

That said, why do you have so many fucking excuses?

>>5199885

I meant like a month by month plan. Like, you buy insurance for a month, and you can decide to stop your coverage for the next month if you want, then pick it up again 4 months later, something like that. I didn't mean just have a monthly payment for a year of coverage.

>>5199917

I mean a long, long series of payments. Like if you put $5k down on a $6k bike and pay it off in under two months, that's great.

If you put $700 down on a $4.5k bike and take 4 years to pay it off, that's something that I wouldn't do. I'd just buy a $700 bike, personally.

I don't view my reasons for not riding as excuses. I see them as reasons why I'm not riding. No license, insurance and inspection is a pretty good reason to stay the fuck off the road to me. That's why I don't drive my Cadillac. It's as legal as my bike, and I stay the fuck off the road with it because if I got pulled over, I'd be in a fair bit of trouble, which I can't afford right now.

And whenever I go on pointless rides, I find myself asking "why am I wasting gas and time on going nowhere" and "why am I fixing up a bike that I can't even ride to work". It just all seems so...pointless.

hey all, I'm looking into getting into the world of motorcycling. I've been reading up on bikes the past couple months and I've done quite a bit test seats and the one that's really caught my eye is the ducati monster 696. I'm gonna get either a new or used model and I've read that this bike is not a terrible beginner bike. wide power band, light, not too ridiculously fast, handles well etc. i understand the maintenance can be a bit more on ducats, but I've also read the 2007 and later models have twice the length in terms of service intervals. anyways, ill be taking my MFS course here in the next couple weeks and will probably be making a decision. one thing is I'm rather tall at 6'7'' and even though the bike feels alright at the shop, i have no idea how ill feel after 30 min to a days worth of riding. any other taller riders with input would be appreciated. i plan on using the bike mainly as a commute tool in my ~15 min ride to work, and some city driving. i live around lake tahoe, nor cal area, so i plan on taking on some more advanced mountain roads with it as well as my skill improves.

>>5199955And whenever I go on pointless rides, I find myself asking "why am I wasting gas and time on going nowhere" and "why am I fixing up a bike that I can't even ride to work".

How is this not a fucking excuse?

>>5199996

Sorry, I should have been more clear.

That's not why I don't ride, that's just something I think when I am riding. I don't go out and look at the bike and say to myself "why should I ride this" and decide against taking it out just because of that.

I go out and look at the bike and say "I wonder how much the fine would be for riding this" and decide not to take it out.

>>5199995
Dude, did you check the image in the first post? ( >>5196915 )
And the links in the second? ( >>5196916 )

I wish I got to ride where you are.

Do you guys know of any educational motorcycle videos. Something like Keith Code's Twist of the Wrist thing.

>>5199348

I dunno man, from what I hear street fighters bring a bit less, especially a triumph in Europe than over here. Triumph's are usually a tad bit more (like BMW's) than most bikes over here.

I just had the full 25k mile maintenance done, just bought a brand new set of pilot road 2's, found and bought the seat cowl and flyscreen, did so much to it. In the back of my mind I keep thinking I could get $4k out of it but if I ride it much up over 30k I probably can't.

Southern California is a weird market. Usually if you have any clean, well running 600 here it's worth at least 4k most of the time. Anymore opinions on this anyone?

>>5199995

Oh it can work, especially for your size, but...

>Comfort
>Ducati

Hahahaha, no.

Should I take my GS500 to the track or should I wait until I get a 600/750 and take that instead?

You guys need to stop this.

>>5200295
as long as you have adequate tires, and fresh suspension fluid, brake fluid, brake pads, engine oil, and coolant, it'll be fine.

and as long as you realize it's not going to handle or grip like a 250GP bike

>>5200326
>suspension fluid

my bike has that? O:

anyways yeah i'd check all of that beforehand. and i don't plan on dragging elbows or anything, i just want to push myself further since public roads aren't really a good place to do it.

i'm am however worried that i'll low/highside and not only have to pay the track for the Leather Suit rental, but my bike would be totaled

>>5199995
ninja 250

"Still at 695cc’s, most people would categorize the Monster 696 in the “entry level” bike category. Those people would be wrong."

>>5200338
then don't go until you have your own suit.

and if you're truly worried about totaling your bike go buy a salvage title CBR600F3 or FZR600 for next to nothing and turn it into a track only bike

ok. so,
What do you recommend for a purchase, both cost 1500,
a hyosung GT250 2006 or a honda CB450S 1988? Have ridden a CM400T 1979 for about 2 months now. But it's kind of a peicer and I want something a bit better.

>>5200391
are you the anon that wants a duc? Ninja 250. superior to the Hyosung(especially the older ones).

CB450s are nice bikes, but 23 years can take it's toll on a bike that's not properly cared for.

let's play who has smaller chicken strips...

you guys lose. Porsche 959 and I win

do i win?

posting my bike because it love it and i live on it. i don't own a car and i ride year round.

its not a hassle if you love it.

here's my fine piece of machinery

>>5199788
>ie: metal vs country, sounds stupid I know,
Not at all, makes perfect sense. I know for a fact that I drive harder with metal than other types of music, I'm sure it's the same when riding a bike.

heres my pile of shit by the way. complete with scratches covering almost 100% of the bike, missing side fairings, missing bolts and questionable parts all over the thing. but it runs so that's good enough for me :)

>>5200414
No I am not that anon. the 450 has had a rebuild recently and bunch of other work apparently. still have to go see either of them.

>>5200506
Its all about the ride anyways; having fun and such. Screw the aesthetics

Funny vid on moto hand signals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgXLBuAj90E&feature=related

oh yea i almost forgot. lol lubed the chain for the first time since i've owned it and 9xxx miles ridden who knows before i bought it too

>>5200446

no, you lose

>>5200529

jesus christ. sell your bike if you're not going to treat it properly

>>5200526
>Oh my fucking God woman, get over here.
Blew coffee out my nose at this point.

>>5200526
many laughs were had, great video


>>5200468
here, here! You and I will be one of the few still posting come winter. I don't mind freezing my ass off, cuz at least I'm having fun.

new tripfag here. I've lurked as anon for a while. More than likely, I'll bring home a 2011 Ninja 250r (same special edition green as pictured) tomorrow. This is not my first bike, I owned a 1980 GS550e, but quickly became sick of working on it more than riding it. I've already been through that too many times with cars in the past few years. I just want something reliable and something that I know is already in perfect shape.

Hopefully everything goes well tomorrow.

>>5200621

>buying a second bike that's slower than first
why

>buying a 250 brand new
why

also welcome

>>5200575
good to know i won't be the only one freezing or riding home at 3am

ride safely, my friend

>>5200632
Well when it was running, the performance was less than spectacular, rather narrow power band, heavy bike, handled like a truck. I'm buying the ninja primarily for commuting, to have something that can actually handle decently, and something I can really push to its limit.

That and being twenty, even with a perfect record, anything relatively new above a 250r rapes me in insurance and this is what I can reasonably afford.

If I had things my way, and I had another season or so of experience I'd be bringing home a Daytona 675r, but its just something I can look forward to for now as I am in no way ready, both skill wise and financially.

buying a new 250?

why do that when you can buy a used, low mileage 250 for a grand or more less than buying new. then sell it in a couple years for what you paid for it.

Ok /o/, I got a problem here. My budget crashed, so I'm now looking at whatchamacalllits for 500-750$. Still will be months before I buy anything. Question - how reliable are Honda VF 500F (the sportbike, not the chopper) engines? I know its ok for beginners, but what about their longevity, I mean those are old bikes. Its a 500cc V4, 70 hp.

Also, Shima gloves, any opinions? And Icon Tarmac Ventilated shoes. Opinions on those too please.

Thank you in advance.

>>5200697
Because around here, they are practically non existent, at least from what I've seen. Even 2008 models are still going for $3000-$3500 or so with a fair amount of miles already on them, majority of the time without any service history and have beat to shit.

Payments are very affordable, and frankly the benefits of buying new to me right now outweigh the costs

You want to keep a 250 for years? That bike gets boring within the first week. You'll def need to upgrade or get your brain checked out!

>>5200765
oh you.

>>5200744

I know what you mean. I have an old bike that needs to be repaired more often than it can be ridden....

But instead of dropping $4k on a nice brand new bike, I'm just going to be putting that into the old bike. It's even better than a payment plan, since I can just buy parts when I have the money. If I don't have the money, I just get no parts.

I'll probably be finishing off my bike by the time you finish off your payments...unless you pay it off really fast.

Luckily, I have one old bike that's crap and is probably going to see its demise at my hands. The other old bike is going to be turned into the nice bike. So I still get to be on the road...as long as the crappy bike stays rideable.

>>5200791
to each his own.

I'm looking forward to doing another project one day, but right now I simply don't have the patience for it.

What do you own?

>>5200765
You've never ridden the 250 version of the Suzuki Katana have you?

check it /o/

my new 2007 suzuki intruder 250

>>5200857
beautiful, enjoy!

>>5200857
I was looking into getting one of those awhile ago. How does it ride?

>>5200957
Incredibly comfortable, not too bad for a 250 in terms of bark.
Mate recently got knocked out by a bus and lived, decided to try a GPX250 and apologized for giving me so much shit about sports bikes and what a huge difference it had in performance.
Take from that what you will.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bciamZMiUXs

>>5200816

An old Ninja 750. It's an ugly bike, but it has potential. It'll never be the fastest bike, and it'll never be the prettiest, but it'll most certainly be mine.

>>5200743

The Icon Tarmac Ventilated shoes are awesome. Both Ramiel and I have them. They're extremely comfortable and airy. The only complaint we have is that the sole extends out a bit and may scrape the ground along with your pegs.

pic related.

>>5201284

And obviously I forgot to post with my trip.

That issue I'm sure can be taken care of by cutting it even with the rest of the shoe.

Need your opinion /o/

This is a 1999 Triumph Trophy 1200. It's in pretty much mint condition aside from one nick/scratch in the lower right faring (not really visable) otherwise it's in great condition. It rides awesome, runs perfect and is awesome, only thing is it has 55k miles and that worries me. Has been maintained very well, all the maintenance done, new tires, etc. The guy says the trophy's are made to go into really high miles but I'm not sure. I can get it for $3k flat if I want, what do you guys think?

>>5201299

I derp'd and forgot the picture. I've ridden this very bike before to. Shit was so cash. It's so fucking smooth and has a fuck ton of power.

>>5201303

>>5201307

>>5201299
Damn that's a lot of miles, son. They're supposed to be great bikes, though.

I don't understand why you'd sell the speed four and get that instead though

>>5201324

Ride one and you will see. I liken the experience to a rolls royce of motorcycles and I'm not just saying that. I took it up to 90mph on the 5 where there's a lot of bumps and crappy road and didn't even feel it. It's weird, it's like a hoverbike and I freaking love that. Not sure if I like the style or not and yeah, 55k is a lot but again, I don't know if it's a lot for a touring bike like this.

>>5201338

I also have a bad back and this thing would be way kinder on it.

I need suggestions for my next bike. It'll have to be a 125 because that's what I'm getting a licence for. I've been thinking about Honda Shadow 125, Honda Varadero 125, Yamaha Dragstar 125, Honda CB 125 and Derbi GPR125. Just to name a few.

Pic somewhat related; my current ride. not the exact one in the picture, mine has more chopped look. A chinese piece of shit, 50cc (I can't legally drive bigger bikes), no, I'm not kidding

>>5201372

Damn look at all that extra space.

>>5201097
lold hard

Massive bike newfag here.

I'm currently in a course with a school and just finished up my first day of ever riding on a bike (save some moped experiences).

I still haven't bought any gear besides a jacket which was a gift. Are there any specific brands that are known for being cheap (or at least lower end price bracket) but still durable for gloves/boots?

I'm willing to save some money to drop more on a helmet, as I value my head.

>>5201590

I've heard Cortech makes some pretty good budget gear.

>>5201590
Not clued up on gears, but the best helmet is the one that fits YOU properly. I personally had troubles finding one that fit me properly and it cost me a few more dollars, sadly.
Then get a few that fit good and smack up their safety rating on that helmet website.
Remember to not drop it, helmets try to be worth more than a couple bumps, but that could be a risk.

>>5201590

Gloves: Joe Rocket, River Road.
Jacket: Joe Rocket, Shift Racing, Icon (has some cheaper jackets)

As for helmet, if you're willing to drop $400 on a good helmet, get Shoei or Arai. If not, stick to HJC, Scorpion, and Icon,

>>5201597

Thanks, just did a quick google and they seem to be an American company (I'm Canadian), and unfortunately aren't in stock of my size, but I'll keep their name in mind.

>>5201600
Yeah for my course we had to sit there and listen for an hour on gear and how it should fit, I was told specific helmets fit all different people so I didn't bother asking, since they are custom fit for everybody. I'll just look for something safety approved and go with that, to be honest I would just rather spend more on a helmet for the peace of mind.

It's the gloves/boots that I'm more torn about, although it seems you can get fairly good variety in the 100-200 dollar range which is fine by me, thanks for the replies though.

>>5201610

I have Joe Rocket Phoenix 4.0 gloves. They're reasonable priced, offer great protection where you need it, have armored knuckles, and are very airy.

I realllllly like the Icon Tarmac Ventilated shoes. They're also reasonably priced, and I've explained why they're awesome in this thread, just ctrl+f

Man, the rate they were asking for comprehensive has shot down for me.

When I was looking at it 1+ years ago they were asking like $2000 a year for comprehensive on my 2009 ninja 250.
Now they're quoting me it at like $250 (high deductible) to $400 (low deductible) for a year.
I've got liability till like May so that'd be like $40-50 wasted if I change my policy but it'd be stupid for me to not get accident insurance on my bike if I can afford it, right?

>>5201628

It would be stupid for you not to. Do it nao.

>>5201299
Weren't early Hinckley Triumphs supposed to be over-engineered? If so, I'd say go for it if the miles are your only concern.

paostin' images on an image board.

>>5201861
>>5201859
The most non-naked naked ever made

>>5201882

I dunno man, that dress is pretty revealing.

>>5201882
Yup, agreed. It strikes me as the most sporting option on a naked bike.
>dat 160HP

Anyway, another bike I'm pining for.

dem curves

>>5202078
http://www.4chan.org/rules
>Global rule no.2
>If you are under the age of 18, or it is illegal for you to view the materials contained on this website, discontinue browsing immediately.

>>5196914
OP, your pic reminds me of this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni0pONPYIv0

He must be wheelie champion of the world, just look at her.

>>5197581
>>5197581
Our laws in the uk prevent us from getting more than a 125 untill the rider is 21 years old.
You can get a 250 or 33hp bike when your under 21 but not a lot of people do that.
so, yeah a europoor thing, but not because we're poor, because of our laws.

jailbait got to ride the GSV-R. i'm so jelly.

Icon and Joe Rocket gear? no thanks, bro.

i'll stick to gear that's well made.

Brothers on two wheels -
I want a helmet with a visor and good ventilation. I like the Icon Variant, but it is a little out of my budget at this time. What visor-ed helmets are good, /o/?

I was just wondering how many people use their full gear for short commutes. I'm a fairly new rider and both my work and school are only about 4 miles away from my apartment but I am always fully geared with boots/gloves/helmet/leather jacket no matter the weather or situation. First day of classes started yesterday and I parked in the motorcycle area and every person I saw was wearing a helmet but usually no other motorcycle gear. Hell, some were even wearing canvas shoes/shorts- even those with sportsbikes. Just wondering how many of you go fully geared or at least wear a jacket for every day travel.

>>5202407
Every time I ride my bike I'm fully geared. One piece aerostitch suit that comes on and off in seconds, helmet, gloves, boots. I once got plowed by a car on my way to a friend's house (3 mile ride) and wound up sliding across the road face down, unconscious and being run over by another car. If I wasn't fully geared, I'd be missing my face, as well as large portions of skin on my stomach, arms and legs (where the abrasion damage showed on my gear). Take 2 minutes to gear up or live with permanent, disfiguring body damage? The choice is easy to make for me.

>>5202407
When I first started on my ninja 250 I was always in my gear. Now a little over 3000 miles I feel comfortable enough to wear shorts, a tshirt and just shoes. I have a vest that protects my spine, but other than that im not wearing any of the gear I bought. Sure I know the risk if I go down but I dont care.

inb4 squid

>>5202398
Have you looked into the hybrids? The ones that swivel up and look like police helmets, and then close back down to become full face?

>>5202448
>$350 Icon is out of budget
>Suggests hybrid helmet
>No full-face rated hybrids for under $350

Oh well, not what I wanted anyway.

>>5202448

I heard those are less safe... could just be hearsay though, not much proof to substantiate the claim.

>want redo my suspension
>springs here, nice day to work
>have all tools
>order the rubber washer that sits below the spring on the shock, its backordered!
oh lawd

Ok, i want to ask something. What's the real difference between a ninja 250 and a cbr250?

I've read the cbr250 produces decent horsepower at around 8500 rpm while the ninja does more at 10500. What does this mean, that the cbr250 will be faster to accelerate but less acceleration when it goes with top speed or what?

I'm a newbie to these things so how much torque it produces means jack shit to me.

>>5202462
I apologise for the xbox hueg link

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?Category_ID=70&manufacturer_ID=73&product_ID=79
5&sblid_name=HJC_CL_Max_Full_Face_Modular_Helmet___Solids&MC=CJFeed&utm_source=Commissio
nJunction&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ESS-AFF-CJ&utm_content=795&ref=cj&mc=ESS
-AFF-CJ

>>5200621
>Special edition 250r
>Not white & black with shuriken through the paint job


You're doan it wrong.

>>5202462

They're called Modular helmets. There's lots in the $100-200 range, but I'd recommend staying with the big brands at that price range (mainly HJC).

>>5202443

At 3000 miles or 300,000 miles, your skill level in no way affects other drivers. But I guess if you accept the risks of going down with no gear, more power to you. But be warned, skin grafts and exposed bones are pretty painful and disfiguring.

i want this so bad

>>5202821
DADDY LIKES

>>5202821
I have the bike and the air cleaner. But I'm just to afraid to chop the fender, get the fatter front wheel, and powder coat all of the pre-existing chrome. My resale value would go in the shitter.

I like the look so much though, and I hate fucking chrome. FUCK YOU RUST.

>>5202843
yea im not big on chrome, too much maintenance especially on the northern east coast, but the iron 883 is going to be my next bike when i get more experience

stay away from modular helmets. that is if you want to keep your chin

>>5202864
This isn't necessarily true. It just doesn't protect your chin quite as well. I've gone down with my modular and it did it's job very well. The convenience and comfort of a modular outweigh the minor amount of reduced safety, assuming street use.

You would have to land on your helmet in such an awkward way to actually see a modular helmet fail. And it is sooooooooooooo much easier to put on and take off modulars.

>>5202891
you would have to land in an awkward way? you're more likely to hit your chin than anywhere else when your head hits the ground.

also, implying it's hard to take off a full face helmet? as if.

>>5202635
anyone to answer this?

>>5202635
the kawi is faster than the CBR

>>5202991
they all suck compared to the old school 250's

ill just leave this here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_ITmgFDjZY&feature=related

>>5203048
i imagine that feels VERY weird to ride
id crash it

Lol, hey Chris McGee

>>5202991
Just outright faster? Like, it accelerates faster AND has a higher top speed?

I really couldnt figure out what it meant that the honda works with lower rpm and i have no idea what the difference is in two cylinder and one.

What ever happened with Amerifag's Triumph?

>>5203140
yes, both.

>>5203151
Ok you seem to know your stuff, i hope you dont mind me asking some more but.... is the lower rpm limit of the honda due to the fact its a one-cylinder? That would also mean it gets better gas mileage, correct?

Also, i'd imagine the difference in the speed would be VERY small. Like, the kawasaki accelerates 0.3-0.5 seconds faster or something. Or is it quite a bit?

>at work in the morning, low-no customers
>peek outside
>see 3 people around my bike
>look closer
>it's 3 asian girls sitting on my bike and taking pictures of each other
>don't know whether to go yell at them, go "wat", or leave them alone

I ended up leaving them alone since they weren't really moving my bike or anything (and my manager needed me to do something) but now that I think about it I should have said something...

anyone else have experiences like this/

>>5203155

Its a single cylinder engine. Long stroke makes torque but it can't rev as high, or make as much outright power.

>>5203155
singles have lower redlines than twins, which in turn have lower redlines than 4s, as a general rule. this is due to the fact that all of the rotating parts in a single cylinder engine are larger than their counterparts in a twin or 4(for the same displacement).

the honduh does get better gas mileage, but this is mostly down to the fact that it's fuel injected where the kawi is carbureted.

i believe the disparity in 0-60mph times between the ninja and CBR is closer to 1 second. i've seen some magazine articles that put the ninja at 7.7sec 0-60mph and the CBR at 8.5 seconds, though i KNOW a ninja 250 will do 0-60 in around 6 seconds if the rider isn't a huge fatty,

the CBR is pretty shitty on the highway, where the ninja is fairly competent. the CBR starts to wheeze at 65mph or so. the ninja still has plenty of passing power at that speed.

>>5203180
you don't need a centerstand or rearstand to change your oil, retard.

>>5203177
Oh yeh, i saw those specs which put the acceleration of a ninja at 7.7 and people keep saying it can do it in even less than 6. So practically, the kawasaki sounds like it's more of a real sportsbike where the honda is a learners bike that LOOKS like a sportsbike.

Why did they make hondas like that, as far as i know the 250RR, the old one, is VERY fast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww40TiNInZc

Why do they take turns at such low RPMs?

Or do they just sound low on camera

>>5203187

Then how am I supposed to keep the bike upright to check if the oil is at proper level?

>>5203199
they sound a little lower than they really are.

but mostly because they're on the street and you don't really need to get an amazing drive out of the corner like you do at the track. when at the track i never let the RPM drop below 7,500-8,000rpm(thousands redline at around 13,000rpm). on the street you tend to short shift.

>>5203204
really? sit on the ground. hold right bar and brake lever. pull bike towards you. you can feel when it's perpendicular to the ground

or lean it up against a wall.

>>5203221
you got a 4chan 404 as a response?

>>>>5203223
hey buddy

what 600 do you recommend for the street?

also what is your tire preference?

>>5203280
the 05/06 ZX-6R(636) is pretty much the best 600 street bike ever made. i miss mine.

tires? depends what kind of riding you're doing. twisties and the occasional track day? BT-016. mostly track days? BT-003RS. commuting? Pilot Road 2.

i have a set of Pilot Power 2CTs on my 10R right now, but not really a fan of them. the BT-016s are a better tire. I'll be going back to the -016s when the 2CTs are toast. I have a few sets of tires for different occasions. at the moment it's 2CTs for the street, BT-003RS for track days and trips to deal's gap, and I have a set of Dunlop D211GP-A DOT race tires for the track when this set of 003RS is shot.

if you do a lot of track days a spare set of wheels is a good investment.

wish i had a new ZX-6R for a track only bike.

>park bike next to dumpster at work
>only 3 of us actually ever throw garbage away so nbd
>plumbing guys working at shop go to throw shit away
>hear "dude check out that gixster!"
>clearly says yamaha on the side....
>dont say anything and walk away

>>5203223
>sit on ground next to bike
>grab handlebar
>pull it towards me to stand the bike up
>bike tips over and falls on top of me

lol i think i'll just lean it on something like you said

>>5203625
you would have to be so uncoordinated to drop the bike doing that.

uncoordinated to the point where you shouldn't be riding a bike at all

>>5203578
"hahahaha check out that clapped out YZF600R. looks like this dude never maintains his shit"

>>5203656

maybe i'm just overestimating how hard it is to balance the bike when i'm not on it, i dunno

>a trip to deals gap
i live a few hours from there...where do you live?

>>5203682
florida

Was looking at helmet painting services, trying to get a fresh lid for under $400, found these gems.

1/4

>>5203782

2/4

>>5203795
nigga. that's kawaii.

>>5203795
3/4

Woops. actual 3/4

how come 've never seen this thing mentioned here before?
http://www.motoczysz.com/
just saw it in an old popular science. Sounds like it really goes. Isle of mann tt 140mph on the straight at 40% throttle?

>>5203819

Minus the glittery blue background it's actually pretty well executed, minus THIS.

It's no Rozen Maiden character I've ever seen, and man is it poorly airbrushed.

4/4

>>5203828
Compare the average speeds of the TTzero bikes to the other classes.
Also, the TTzero is only one lap.

Current fastest electric lap time is average speed of 96.820 mph in 23 minutes 22.89 seconds.

Fastest gas lap is 131.578 mph avg in 17minutes 12.30 seconds. That's only a fast lap out of 6 laps tho. Over all 6 laps, the fastest average is 128.278.

Electric bikes have come a long way, but they're still woeful compared to IC bikes.

>ride to work today
>65 miles round trip
>didnt break down, get merged onto, or fall over
Fucking success!

>>5203853

Once the price and range improve I really don't see any convincing reason not to use them for general riding, however.

>>5203177
v twin 250 is best
OLD SCHOOL>NEW 250

>>5204097
Pentax MC21 SP 250R

anyone that thinks the ninja 250 is better than the NSR 250R really has not done thier homework in the 250's

ZX-10R > NSR250

>>5204121
For commuting, I'd agree.
For basically everything in between, I disagree.

Seig Zeon!

>>5203048

I've never seen it around. I'll keep an eye out for it though.

Anyone have a KTM Duke 690? I'm 5'9 and thinking I might be to short for it, but I really really want the bike, the nearest one to test ride is around 2 hours away, so I just want to see if it's worth it, I'm hoping it is. On a related note, is a biker hard to lower?

Pic related

>>5204191
Fuck I just came from nostalgia and hard wanting.

It's been so long since I watched the shows that shaped my childhood, I gotta get back on some gundam

Also I want so hard.

>>5204191
that room looks like it was decorated by a 15 year old...
also update the old school tstat

>>5204242
I just so happen to come across one the other day while I was out looking for my first bike and I decided to sit on it for the hell of it. I'm around 5'9 also (I wear a 30X32 pants if that helps) and I was able to reach the ground pretty easy with both feet granted I was on balls of my feet at that point but they can be lowered pretty easy too. really it felt pretty good but way too much bike for someone just starting out on street bikes

Does anyone else think that busa's are fucking UGLY?

>>5204388
yes, although to be fair I'm not a big super sport bike lover in general.

>>5204421
the front end isnt too bad...but the backend...jesus it looks awful...

>>5204388
Yes it is fucking pig disgusting. The same goes for the ZX-14.

>>5203782
I've been toying with the idea of getting the Mega Milk face stenciled on the top of my helmet like Rossi's.

>>5204573
I'm not 100% on the headlight arrangement, but otherwise I think it looks great.

>>5204601
Forgot my picture.

>>5204604
I just don't like how fat it looks with the hueg tail and dual high mount exhaust cans. I wish they'd make it look more like the Ninja ZX-R series. I don't like the drag bike look, but then again that's what it is.

>>5204643
yes

>>5204643
>Am I being a fucking idiot?
Yes. That $1000 would be better spent on a Civic if you just need transportation.

>>5201834
>>5201856
>>5201857
>>5201858
>>5201859
>>5201860
>>5201861
>>5201945

love me some pasta rockets...

<< pic related...it's mine...

>>5204655

In my experience, spending less than $2,500 is a bad idea. If I could get anything for $1,000, I'd definitely do it, but everything I see on craigslist is only that cheap because it's missing a transmission, or it won't start.

I could be going about this all wrong. Where should I be looking for cheap cars?

>>5204657
Does it make your skin crawl too when someone calls an Aprilia a "priller"?

>>5204663
How much would your Sentra be worth if you sold it?

>>5204666

I live in Iowa....I've literally met three people who knew what I was talking about when I told them I ride an Aprilia... >_<

>>5204668

It's a 98, 1.6; manual; 160,000. Blue book says 2,500 but I'm not so sure about that. Can that really be right? If it is, I might actually be better off paying some redneck $300 to do the timing chain. No mechanic around here will do it for less than $1,500.

>>5204666

About as much as it does when people say Gixxer.

>>5204675
>Gixxer
God fucking damn just reading that word makes me want to murder babies.

>>5204666

Actually, to expand, what I usually get is a blank stare when I say Aprilia...then I show them a picture and get "Ohhh, so it's a crotch rocket!!"

fucking HELL, i hate that term...

Who else here loves the old bikes as much as I do?

Does anyone live in South Ontario here?

>>5204733
I love them. I plan on getting an earlier style Bonneville, Triumph or Royal Enfield bike as my next.

Fucking beautiful.

Was on my way to class today and saw a squid pulling up on a CBR1000RR decked out in Repsol livery.

I jelly. And just a little mad.

>The bike is still available. When I rode it the bike kept stallin and so I changed the fuel filter and it was still stalling. Then the bike had white smoke coming out of the exhaust. It ran great and had alot of custom on it itll just be a good project to someone who is mechanically inclined enough.

Honda CBR is the bike... Is it worth buying? What price would you offer for it?

>>5204894

Sounds like a head gasket...offer $500. At the most.

>>5204850
What possible fucking pro could that have?

i just bought my first bike yesterday and went for a ride but i have a few questions

1) what am i supposed todo to cruise at really low speed for when im in traffic etc?

2) i keep forgetting to turn off my turn signals because there is no sound and i keep thinking they turn themselves off but i look down and see that ive been riding with it on :(

>>5205086
>1
Slip that clutch kneegrow
>2
Get into the habit on any vehicle of turning it off manually. Even if it turns itself off turn it off while you can.

>>5204685

It's pretty accurate though...

>>5205086
1) Pretty much, if you're moving at all you should be able to keep the bike upright without putting a foot down. At a complete stop, you'll need to put one down. If traffic gets bad I leave a little buffer between me and the car in front of me so that I can avoid coming to a complete stop so that I have to put a foot down less often.

(I'm not one of those people who drives between lanes when traffic is bad or on the shoulder... lane-splitting is in a legal grey area in Texas and the shoulders are definitely illegal.)

heres my dillema...

i am pretty small, 5'6 and 130 pounds average build and i need full leathers BUT i dont know how sizing works for the suits or if there are any suits that will fit me considering all the ones ive seen online are too big, plz help

wat do

>>5205490
go to your local target/walmart and buy a tape measure. Measure your chest and that'll be your size. Keep in mind leather breaks in and you should get the next size down. I'm around 5'10 130lbs and I have a 36 chest.

>>5205501
so i just measure my chest and nothing else?

>>5205501
is a size down an inch down?

>>5205511
For jacket size, yes. I've been to a local Cycle Gear and tried on jackets. There is no other indicator to jacket size. Unless you're getting it tailored specifically for you, chest dimension is all you need.
>Size down is instead of getting a 40 (50 Euro) get a 38 (w/e Euro). Usually go by two inches.

Someone in here thinks you need a center stand to change the oil? Hahaha.

You don't even need it to clean the chain. Nothing but conveniences.

>>5205524
thanks

>>5205535
glad to help bro. decide on what kind of jacket to get? i recommend getting something with armor in the shoulder and elbow.
>Most of the jackets will be a little loose in the arms but use it as motivation to hit the gym.

>>5205555
ya im getting a Alpinestars CR One-Piece Suit in red so it matches my honda cbr250r
pic related

>>5205490

You are approximately a size 34 or 36 chest. Sizing down should only be necessary for oversized jackets, which are pretty common amongst mid-market clothing manufacturers of all stripes. You may find that women's jackets without excessive shape in the chest will fit you better than men's.

>>5205585
NSR250R>>>cbr250r
you are a moron

>>5204165
you clearly have never ridden a 10R at the track

>>5206334
This.
>>5204165
2T 250s are friggin fun, and CAN have it over a thou in some tighter conditions, provided you CAN ride one effectively.

On high speed country runs, they have very little. Again, an experienced rider on a 3T CAN have it over the thou rider, but then the experienced rider on the thou will kill the 2T.
On the track, 2T are good starter bikes, as they teach you to keep the bike in the power band , and to focus on corner speed. But even most club racers move on from 250s to 600 SS bikes.

what the fuck is a 3 stroke?

Coma on man, that was clearly a typo...

Please forgive me

>>5206387
>coma

I'm not helping my own case when I'm miss spelling "come"...

>>5205086
scotchlok a 12V beeper across the live feeds to the front indicators.

the tiny current flowing from the lit bulb to the unlit one through the beeper is enough to make it beep but not enough to light the unlit bulb.

I'm having some issues with my new, <1,000 bike. Sometimes the starter will barely manage to turn over and the bike will die without a little bit of throttle. I don't think it's an engine issue because it'll kick-start fine. It IS a carbed engine but it doesn't necessarily seem to be caused by low temperatures.

>>5206602

<1,000 mile*

>>5206602
you check the air cleaner is not dirty and the choke is on.

>>5206602
Is the choke on? Most carb bikes require choke on in any temperature outside of "Ideal" Which is normally mid 80s low 90s.


Hurricane Irene? More like Storage time for my bike & the in-laws

>>5206614
>>5206620

It's supposed to have an auto-choke. Could it be malfunctioning? I'll double check the air filter.

>>5206630
Auto choke? Wat voo-doo magic is that? I'd take it back to the dealership and be like "wtf"

>>5206630
What bike is it out of interest....

>>5206635

Don't ask me man, but it does. Even Yamaha says so.

>>5206639

Vino 125. Got it because it's cheaper and easier to ride than my brother's cruiser and because it was on sale for a deep discount, but if I could do it again I'd probably go with the Genuine Stellas. Dat classic Vespa rip off. Plus, manual transmission instead of auto... oh god, why didn't I get the Stella?
probably cause it costs as much as a Ninja...

>>5206656
That's a stylish scooter. Would look great putting around in a beach town. As far the cruiser. You should of got a 250cc rebel.

>>5206602
having owned and run a Vespa GT200 here in London for three years it could be that where you live is just a shade too warm for the auto chokes liking, the auto choke on my Vespa loved the cold and the hot but it hated WARM, if you started it ran it for a couple of minutes then stopped it, it would start grumpily because the auto choke would engage and effectively "flood" the engine with too much gas, you might have the same problem, try parking it out of direct sunlight and refrain from using it on super short journeys.

Hope this helps

>>5206727

My bro's cruiser is a 600cc Shadow. It's basically mine; he left it when he moved to Oklahoma and doesn't seem to have any plans of shipping it over. I'm using it as a stop-gap until I can afford a Bonneville.

The scoot is for a daily drive. I don't have much money at this point in my life and it costs nearly zero dollars to ride and maintain. I intend to move after school, so I'll probably sell it at that point and buy something cooler wherever it is I go.

>>5206743
Watch Quadrophenia

>>5206750

I already did! I thought about plastering a dozen mirrors on my scoot, but I'm pretty sure it has to be a real classic to carry the look.

>>5206743
Shadows are great bikes. I have a 750cc 1983 one. But I perfer the ninja 250.

>>5206756
Fuck what other people think and do what makes you happy, we're only here for a short time and we should make it great everyday, I once painted a Rolls Royce mat black and drove it around London for a year be fore the old girl died in a cloud of smoke, it was a hoot to see peoples faces

>>5206769

You're preaching to the choir brother. My wardrobe if I could afford it:

>>5206775
LoL, I had a long coat like that years ago but I look more like uncle Festa than Neo

/o/ i need help. finished my msf course, took it on a nighthawk 250. was uncomfortable as hell. will a ninja be better(was planning to buy a ninja 250) or should i move up to 500/650? im 6 3 long as legs huge as feet 180 pounds

say hello to my first, bike wich i bought today

feels fucking good

pic related..made 2minutes ago

>>5207031
long ass huge ass*

Could someone explain to me the appeal of having a smoke (or even opaque) windscreen? To me it seems they would just fuck up visibility. Do they serve any functional purpose or are they just for looks? If I want sun protection I would just change my visor.

>>5207223

strictly looks, i dont actually look through my windscreen, it simply vents air over my head.

What the fuck is up with oil indicator windows on bikes? I swear it's fucking IMPOSSIBLE to get an accurate reading. Why the fuck can't some bikes just have dipsticks like a normal fucking vehicle?

>>5206158
you saged a sticky and nsr was made so fucking long ago i wouldnt even be able to find one too purchase where i live

gotta be fucking kidding me

>>5207276
my r6 has a dipstick

>>5206158
those bikes are pretty rare and 3 times as expensive lol you fail

We still on for jennings gp track day on the 12th, porsche959?

>>5207223
looks, but most after market screens offer much better wind protection. i will be getting one for my ninja 250r soon.

Thinking of signing up for MSF and buying a bike this Fall/Winter depending on my job pay. I am big fat bastard 6'2" 240lbs, working on loosing weight though. I am pretty much set on ninja 250. Anyone from Houston here?

>>5208097
JenningsGP is 2.5hrs from me. i think it's more like 4 from P959.

we(the guys i'm actually going with, not just meeting there) are leaving the night before and camping out at the track that night, getting up at 6:30 or so, first session at 9am, lunch at noon, off track at 6pm. take about an hour or so to load up the trailer and head home.

i'll be on my DOT race tires this time out, and have a set of tire warmers on loan. should be able to knock a couple seconds off my PB. fuckin' stoked.
>>5207223
you rarely if ever look through it on a street bike. it's purely a style thing. on a track bike you get under the paint enough when tucked in to where you need a clear one.

see:
>>5200354

>>5208097

Where do you live, India?

>>5208224

You will probably be too tall for a 250 to be comfortable. Although take it with a grain of salt I'm a newb too (although I'm 5'8" and ride a 250 ninja). Your weight won't make that much more of a difference, at least not as much as your height.

>>5202477
update photo
>old springs trash
>new bushings in forks
>new fork seals
>new 2.5 weight oil

took off old seals and HOLY FUCK they felt WRONG
travel was crunchy with no springs. 100% due to the seals being really really tight feeling. it too BOTH hands to move the tubes. fucking insane stiction!

>>5208420
interesting.... I don't want to sound like the rest of the douches aka I am big and tall therefore 600SS or RR is totally fine with me and I am extra careful... well I am not, but I also don't want to make the bike feel like a damn pocket rocket, anyone else want to "chime in"?

your height shouldn't be an issue. at least not more of an issue than it would really already be on a supersport or liter

seriously...what the fuck...

http://cenla.craigslist.org/mcd/2535421805.html

>>5208553
I've never gagged so hard.

I'm 5'11" and ride a ninja 250.
My knees don't fit the tank in my upright / cruising position but when I lay on the tank it's fine. The only time I have noticed the ninja to be lacking power is when I wear a backpack I loose acceleration from 140 to 160km/h.
This doesn't worry me because I prefer corners over straights.

>>5208553
What's the retail on one of those?

am I the only one who laughs hard when watching this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVq075-xkT4

>>5208634how the fuck did he not crash

So I'm putting a head gasket on a 1980 Honda CM400t and I lose a piece down the crankcase. I have a magnet I can use to get it out but I can't get down far enough. Is there any way I can get into the crankcase through the side without cracking it? What's the best/easiest option?

>>5196914
is the crankcase split vertically or horizontally? does it have an oil pan or is the oil pan part of the case?

>>5208553
it's just a hayabusa. nothing of value is lost.

Why a bike over a car?
Facts, no opinions or arguements.

>>5208751

It's split up and down. It has an oil pan. small though.

>>5208772

Too bad most of it is opinion. For me it's cheaper gas and insurance as well as cheaper parts and simple engine so you can do repair yourself.

>>5208772
Because for a total of $10,000 I have a bike that can offroad like no 4x4 & another bike that can turn like no cheap sports car.

After some saving I will get one of the fastest production bikes ever produced. For under $25,000.

>>5208772

A bike is cheaper than a comparable car and generally has lower running costs than a comparable car, especially if you can service it yourself. This is subject to diminishing terms to some extent; while a sportbike is still considerably cheaper than a sports car, its running costs quickly begin to approach or surpass many luxury vehicles.

Technically the cheapest method of transportation would be a junked T-bird from the 90s, but why subject yourself to that?

>>5208772
If it rains, snows, or is shitty weather most of the year where you live, then it's not worth it. Bike over car? Good luck in heavy rain, but having a POS car that obviously can shelter you from heavy ass rain like cheapo corolla from late 90's, while having a bike for daily rider is a great combo. Only having a bike, when you really rely on transportation aka no mass transit or friends, then obviously it's not a good idea.

>>5208799
yeah, lower maintenance costs until you realize tires cost $200 a set and you need them every 10,000 miles or so instead of 40,000, and that valve adjustments every 15k cost $400 or more if you can't do it yourself.

>>5208733
move the fucker upside down

>>5208945 Good luck in heavy rain.

wat.

i'm fast as hell in the wet. certainly faster than any cagers out there. just have to know where your limits are.

>>5208971
ok safety wise and depending where you live, my definition of heavy rain includes strong winds, but hey if you go through it like hot knife through butter, more power to you. No disrespect, just that anon seems to be new to bikes.

>>5208957
you get 10k miles out of tires? i sure as fuck barely get 2000.

whats your guys' opinion on the ceavland cyclewerks misfit? I'm getting my first bike and seriously considering this 250cc bike for only $3200 and under 300 pounds!

>>5209022
here's pic. sexy bike

>>5208957

Except that I already covered that when I mentioned that operating costs quickly close the gap with cars when you're buying performance parts.

Get a scooter, or a basic standard or cruiser, learn to do most of the maintenance yourself and you can ride for nearly nothing. Shit, motorcycles are barely harder to work on than a lawnmower.

Your problem is that you're comparing performance bike parts with standard car parts.

Why don't motorcycles have straight cut gears?

I think it'd sound cool

Mistake, crankcase is actually split horizontally.

>>5209033
lol what
> Shit, motorcycles are barely harder to work on than a lawnmower

yeah my lawnmower has 2 oil filters, oil in the frame, 3 oil pumps, suspension that needs constant oil changes

>>5208960


still on bike.

>>5209091
shit son, get yourself a new fucking lawn mower, something that can run on some household oil and a few ounces of fuel could save you a lot of money and work

pic related to thread, trying to stay on topic
don't know where i found it, i've had it a long time

>>5209091

Yeah, if you can't get a grasp on changing oil I can see how you'd get raped on the cost of everything else.

Protip: most mechanics are not your friends. They are out to gouge you, mostly because they know that this shit is easy and if you can't do it yourself you must be denser than a sack of cocks. When you find the rare mechanic that will treat you right and never gouge you for simple work, you fucking cherish that man. You buy him Christmas presents and, I'm not saying you have to be gay or nuthin, but it wouldn't hurt to slip him a handjob every now and then.

>>5209120

And one more thing:

If a mechanic EVER tells you, "We have to do ____, our insurance won't let us send this vehicle out of the shop in this condition" you are obligated to punch him square in the jaw, and when he's down, stomp on his fucking balls.

>>5209120
heres my box for one of my bike. reciepts and misc parts. this is not even all the shit needed to maintain a bike. i would love to get a spare chain. new suspension oil is on order, as is a bunch of shit. fork oil needs changed often. once a year is good if you ride hard

>>5209112
>>5209112
>>5209112
would not slow me down!! sure the fuck is better than splittin the case

Casey Stoner dodges an otter!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_TcVC7pRu4&

>>5209178

I was there, saw it happen

We don't really have otters in Indiana, at least not in the middle of IMS, in the middle of a large city. It was probably a squirrel

>>5209296
a 4 foot long squirrel?

>>5209296
Didn't look like a squirrel. Maybe a marten?

sup /o/.

I've read the sticky and yes, i want a sportsbike eventually but i know my limits now while taking a riding course and i dont know what the fuck kind of bike to start on by myself.

In the course Im riding a Kawasaki Sherpa 250 (pic related) but I want to eventually branch out into more sporty types of bikes. The program im taking allows us to ride other types of bikes ie: 250 ninjas and gs500 and 250 cruisers but since i am kind of a slow learner im stuck on the Sherpa for the road rides we do. Which is fine but dear god its not what i want.

I guess since ive been stuck on the Sherpa i dont know if ill be able to transition that type of riding onto a sportier type of bike. I've been looking at 250 Ninjas and Suzuki GS500f but i dont know if that will be too much power to handle? since the sherpa has like 17hp and its what im use to. Tomorrow is my last road ride and i'll again being using the sherpa and wont be able to ride anything else since we're going to heavily populated zones and they want me comfortable.

Any suggestions?

Tl;dr: Took riding course, stuck on Sherpa. dont know what to buy based on skills.

Buy a hayabusa, bro.

>ninja 250
>too much power to handle
>wat

get the ninja, bro. it's what im doing by the end of the week and i took the MSF on a honda rebel.

>>5209033
i didn't know valve adjustments were a 'performance part'

also $200 for a set of tires is for a set of shinkos. shit tires. my tires cost $300 a set, $400 for race tires that only last 2 or 3 track days.

that shit is bottom of the barrel necessary maintenance, not performance shit.

>>5209641
do you thinking going from an upright position to tank hugging would be a hard transition?

>>5209665
it will take an hour to get used to the new position. ride in parking lots and early sunday mornings.

>>5209691
thanks that helps me.

how hard do you think it would be to get use to the higher Rpms and the difference in the powerband?

oh, and by the way, i AM a motorcycle mechanic. what the fuck do i know about maintaining motorcycles though, right?

>>5209718
Probably two solid days of practice.

>>5209734
guessing parking lot practice and empty streets? and move up from there?

>>5209022
looked it up. Very good looking bike. I like the guy's ideas

>>5209739
yep pretty much. point behind that is so if you do make a mistake in throttle control or whatever, you won't kill yourself.

"Cafe-Style" '78 Goldwing.

>>5209004
a set of sport touring tires will get you 10k.

i get 2-3 track days out of a set.

solely slabbing it(which, let's face it, is how 99% of sportbikes are ridden) i can stretch a set of BT-016s to 10k by airing them up to 40psi

>>5209822
what does slabbing mean? i've never heard that phrase before.

means riding the highway or interstate.

derived from "super slab"

:)

>>5210425

Hey, you're alive.

>>5210473
just buzzing down to the cafe with my new clip-ons