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Detroit, 9:42 PM
Tue Dec 1
29 posts in the last 24 hours
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10/31/09
11/01/09
10/30/09
I think maybe I'll stick to cruisers. #aprilia
10/30/09
10/30/09
Otherwise, I have to pay off my student loans before I can afford to spend any money on professional lessons.
I would like to, though. If I had the money, I would do that, go through one of those week-long driving schools, and buy myself a really nice McDermott pool cue to help me make some lunch money on the side.
I'm still new to the riding, and cruisers seem to be the easiest to gain experience on. Any ideas for a cheap beginner sportbike? #aprilia
10/30/09
I'd suggest starting on something with a wide range of abilities, that way you can, through experience, decide what aspects of motorcycling you most like. Do you like riding long distances carrying lots of gear? Do you like track days? Do you like riding as a social activity? You probably don't know right now and limiting yourself to one of the above or into another narrow niche is silly.
Something like a used SV650 can do about anything—tour, go fast, cruise, look good, commute, whatever—and therefor forms a good basis as a first real bike. Having said that, it also handles, has a great engine and is really, really comfy, so you can keep it for years and years and be totally happy with it. #aprilia
10/31/09
Most of my riding generally tends to occur no more than 15 miles away from home, so going long distances isn't something that I've tried as of yet. I've never been to a track on a motorcycle, but that is something that I would like to try. I think in the end your assessment is pretty much right on the money; I don't really have enough experience to know for certain what my preferences are yet.
Cars are one thing, but I have found so far that my preferences in car characteristics haven't necessarily translated all that neatly into riding. I like the fact that the SV650 is a two-up bike, though; I think that without as much disposable income as I would like, I can't really justify a single seater.
With a higher seat height, though, would there not also be a higher center of gravity? How does that play into the stability of the bike? The Intruder has a low CG, which can make it a little tough at in tight, low-speed turns, but once it gets going, it is very stable. #aprilia
10/31/09
The other thing to look at is the width and angle of seats. Narrow saddles make it easier to reach the ground and the shape/angle partially determines how much your legs are splayed out. So sit on bikes and see how they feel.
As far as the CG goes, higher is typically better. The lower the CG, the more you need to lean in corners which is one of the main reasons cruisers are abysmal in turns and a little unsafe. Stability is more a question of suspension geometry than it is CG. Not a problem on most bikes. #aprilia
10/31/09
I´ll totally agree with you a SV 650 , BMW F650 , CB 600 F -Hornet, Fazer 600, etc. are the bikes to start with.
A cruizer doesn´t seem to be a riders bike, I persanally can´t see the fun in it. I´ve had fun on all kind of bikes, on dirtbikes (2-stroke and 4-stroke), Super Motards, Naked bikes (Honda CB 600 F Hornet, BMW K1200R), Trail Enduro (V-Strom, F-650) Sport touring (CBR 1100 XX Superblackbird), Sport bikes (CBR-RR, R1, GXR-R). #aprilia
10/31/09
Anyways, since we're like minded people, get yourself over to HFL. #aprilia
10/31/09
That's precisely why I went with a lightly used '04 SV650S 1.5 years ago. I couldn't be happier with it.
It's not so much bike that I'll have trouble handling it (or trouble with the law), but it's plenty of bike to develop my riding ability and keep up with my friends. #aprilia
11/01/09
11/01/09
There's a great deal that can be done to tailor any car to your wishes and tastes. I would be very surprised if that wasn't the case for motorcycles of all types. When it comes to cars, I don't always care about going fast; I care about comfort, reliability (or, if I have to trade that away, then simplicity to make it easier to fix), and, yes, looks.
There is much more to experience in cars than hauling ass or going to a racetrack, etc. Taking it slow along a beautiful country road can be just as enjoyable. It seems to me that that is the same philosophy to be found in modern cruisers.
Living near the beach, one thing I enjoy on my Intruder (which is a cruiser) is just being able to relax, take it easy, and enjoy the beauty of the day. Actually, Wes, you more or less know where I live in SoCal. You know the scenery that is there. Sometimes, it's nice just to enjoy that.
I'm not trying to prove you wrong or argue that cruisers are better; I'm just pointing out that there's nothing at all wrong with cruisers. After all, you yourself told me that there were a few cruisers that you liked, such as the Triumph Rocket III. Clearly they do have some interesting and worthwhile characteristics. #aprilia
11/01/09
11/01/09
10/30/09
10/30/09
10/30/09
All the motorcycle mags got hold of that beast a couple of months ago..
Still it IS beautiful!!
10/31/09
10/31/09
11/01/09
11/01/09
As bulletproof as my Mille was, I'm sure this bike is of the same quality. #aprilia
10/30/09
In fact, that was a good car day. Saw a Ford GT, a pair of Shelby Cobras, and I think there was something Italian running around Old Town too. #aprilia
10/30/09
More to the point, the roads there love to destroy the suspension of those fine vehicles :P As for the Hawg... I am more of a crotch rocket kinda guy.. unfortuantely wife won't let me get another after going down on one (not my fault.. I swear... Sure everyone says that.. either way, I walked away without a scratch so I cannot complain to much).
This bike is beautiful though.. I so want it.. #aprilia
10/30/09
I just wish I could afford one of those houses. #aprilia
10/30/09
10/30/09
10/30/09
Screw modern bikes.
10/30/09
10/31/09
10/31/09
@AmishJohn: Nibbles, you rat... #aprilia
10/31/09
10/02/09
B) The installation is very cool.
C) Wes' ass was covered by a jacket, though he seems to wear his jeans on the slim side.
D) Wes' ladyfriend is extremely attractive.
10/01/09
10/02/09
10/01/09
10/02/09
10/01/09
You have too much time and motorcycles.
I could take one off your hands for you, if you want?
Maybe not. I probably wind up with my head stuck in the southbound end of a northbound truck.
10/01/09
10/01/09
10/01/09
Unfortunately, I don't live in NYC so I can't see this.
Unfortunately, I don't live in NYC so I can't see this and maybe catch a glimpse of Wes' ass.
Wow, did I just prove that it is unfortunate that I don't live in NYC?
10/01/09
10/01/09
10/01/09
10/01/09
06/11/09
www.brickboard.com