José Mourinho
cocknose
Me and my buddy went out for a ride in the great weather today (a nice change of pace for NI). Liked this view...
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2 wheel GAF UNITE!
- Thread starter Flo_Evans
- Start date
thesoapster
Member
The same bike! Adorable...
Sweet location.
Sweet location.
Looks great! I'd still like to stick my bike on the Ferry and get over to Ireland and some point..
We've had a huge heatwave this week in the UK, so much that I had to go out and get some vented gloves (and from kyle's pic obviously in NI too!). My car is currently rusting on the driveway, and I'm about to ride off to the pub for lunch... this is why I got a bike!
We've had a huge heatwave this week in the UK, so much that I had to go out and get some vented gloves (and from kyle's pic obviously in NI too!). My car is currently rusting on the driveway, and I'm about to ride off to the pub for lunch... this is why I got a bike!
José Mourinho
cocknose
Yeah, my mate went and bought one like two weeks after me. I would of prefered he went for something else, but aw well
The weather has been unreal all this week. If it was like this all year round I'd be a happy camper. I've added quite a few miles to the clock this week. Great fun.
thesoapster
Member
I know little of the category, but the KTM 990 is very, very well-liked among reviewers (BMW is good, too). The V-Strom should not really be in that category going by what I've read. Maybe also check out Triumph's Tiger Explorer.
Only ridden the Ktm and the Bmw out of those three and the KTM had the edge over the BMW, just felt lighter, more fun in the corners, very much a large enduro bike that would be fun on and off road. The Bmw was a very good bike but felt more like a large touring bike to me, now i know people do use them off road with good results but it just wasnt for me
Fallout-NL
Member
Yeah, the BMW is definitely a large touring bike. Tad boring, though it looks great. Haven't ridden the KTM, but I imagine it being a little bit more interesting.
Darth Pinche
Member
Well, 2 wheel GAF, I broke my leg in a crash. A stupid crash. I was riding to a new track with some friends and on the access road to the track, I hit some gravel and went down. It all happened so quickly, but I knew my ankle was hurt as soon as I went down. I managed to get up and keep riding to the track and hobble over the the paramedics, who then took me to an ER for x-rays. The pain was not that bad, so it was shock to hear that I broke 2 bones. I thought my boot broke since my ankle felt "loose" when I would twist, but the boot was fine, my ankle, not so much.
Below is my xray and a video from the guy behind me (my fall is at the end). The video shows my foot and hand going out to catch my fall, totally unconscious and instinctive. Also the worst thing I could do. Years ago on my first crash, at higher speeds, I went down with the bike and had no injuries. The gravel is black gravel on a freshly paved road, so I did not see it until a split second before going down. This sucks but could have been much worse if I was not wearing my full gear. I go on Tuesday to my M.D. to find out if I need pins and surgery.
Video (fall is near the end)
Below is my xray and a video from the guy behind me (my fall is at the end). The video shows my foot and hand going out to catch my fall, totally unconscious and instinctive. Also the worst thing I could do. Years ago on my first crash, at higher speeds, I went down with the bike and had no injuries. The gravel is black gravel on a freshly paved road, so I did not see it until a split second before going down. This sucks but could have been much worse if I was not wearing my full gear. I go on Tuesday to my M.D. to find out if I need pins and surgery.
Video (fall is near the end)
thesoapster
Member
Ow! Hope nothing major required for the healing to commence. I know I've instinctively caught my bike before like that and kept it upright and been OK, but it can certainly be a bad outcome.
Darth Pinche
Member
I will see the orthopedic doctor today, so I'll find out if i need pins to put the bones back together. The weird things is the lack of pain I am feeling. Some discomfort but the pain is really minor, just taking naproxen (Aleve) for the swelling. I do have a high tolerance for pain, but I am just not feeling very pain at all. I could not be more lucky.
An amazing mechanic/tuner brought my bike home from the track. The fairing took some damage and the frame slider is destroyed doing its job, but overall,not too bad at all.
An amazing mechanic/tuner brought my bike home from the track. The fairing took some damage and the frame slider is destroyed doing its job, but overall,not too bad at all.
KTM.
What do you want to use it for though?
From most off road worthy to least would be:
KTM > BMW > Suzuki.
If you are going to mostly go around town and occasionally go down a gravel road a v-strom (with proper tires mind you) will be fine. If you plan on getting more adventurous a BMW will work, but I place them firmly in the "all road" category. KTM makes street legal dirt bikes.
thesoapster
Member
So far so good, then. Hope you keep getting good news
How much riding do you do split between track and street?
Death Dealer
Member
Frame sliders (R&G) have saved me a lot of money. One side took a hit, and I didn't get around to replacing it. The same side later took another impact (low slide at 40mph) and the bike came through like a champ.
Anyone with a bike with fairings is crazy not to have them.
Darth Pinche
Member
Yup so far frame sliders have saved my bike twice from more severe damage.
I had my surgery yesterday, one plate and 8 pins to put the bones back together. No complications and I feel fine. But not riding this summer will suck. At least I put in almost 1000 miles this spring all fun twisty roads. Depending what happens with the insurance, I may convert my bike to a naked style since my fairing got smashed a bit.
I had my surgery yesterday, one plate and 8 pins to put the bones back together. No complications and I feel fine. But not riding this summer will suck. At least I put in almost 1000 miles this spring all fun twisty roads. Depending what happens with the insurance, I may convert my bike to a naked style since my fairing got smashed a bit.
Just finished the first part of the beginner motorcycle training course. It was so much fun! We rode on rebel 250s and there were ninjas as well. I am not used to the clutch and am some what forgetful, at the very beginning of the course it was hard and I felt like I was holding back the entire group but I eventually got the hang of it. The instructor even congratulated me and said I came long way in such a short time. Near the end I was having trouble with the clutch again, for some reason I kept my hand on the clutch in the "friction zone" through out the entire time, which would make the motorcycle burn out when I changed gears, it must be because I am so used to riding automatic when driving a car. If I learn to drive a manual car will this help me? It is because next week I have to take the second part of the driving course and I don't have a motorcycle to practice on.
Practicing in a car can help you wrap your head around he general idea of a clutch, but because the hand/foot are swapped on a bike vs. car it's not going to help that much for muscle memory.
If you are riding the clutch you are probably also gripping the bars too tight, try and relax.
If you are not racing ease off a bit on the throttle as you grab the clutch lever to allow the engine RPM to drop for the next gear. Kick up as soon as clutch lever touches the handgrip. Smoothly (but not overly slowly) release the clutch as you roll back on the throttle. Take your hand off the clutch lever.
If you are riding the clutch you are probably also gripping the bars too tight, try and relax.
If you are not racing ease off a bit on the throttle as you grab the clutch lever to allow the engine RPM to drop for the next gear. Kick up as soon as clutch lever touches the handgrip. Smoothly (but not overly slowly) release the clutch as you roll back on the throttle. Take your hand off the clutch lever.
Fallout-NL
Member
Gorgeous exhaust, is that Spark? And is that a full system?
I wanted that as well instead of Termignoni, but none of the other brands came with a proper ECU. You flashed yours right? Did that work out as well as the official solution?
I wanted that as well instead of Termignoni, but none of the other brands came with a proper ECU. You flashed yours right? Did that work out as well as the official solution?
Darth Pinche
Member
Thanks. Your Ducati is gorgeous! I am sure it sounds just evil!
thesoapster
Member
Sweet system, GONZO. They almost look like Graves pipes from what I've seen on other bikes, but I really have no idea hehe
I had a decent ride today. I had a bit of luck. First, I was pulling into a station and happened upon a guy on an RSV4! First time I have seen one on the street...then his brother pulled up on another one. The headlights really do look good in person (much better than in photos). It's a fantastic looking bike. Later on riding, I'm about 99% certain I saw someone on a Panigale (was going a bit fast). It was a very small bike, Ducati red, and the exact same headlights as the Panigale...so basically I believe that was it. Guy didn't wave, though. Figures. Prick.
I had a decent ride today. I had a bit of luck. First, I was pulling into a station and happened upon a guy on an RSV4! First time I have seen one on the street...then his brother pulled up on another one. The headlights really do look good in person (much better than in photos). It's a fantastic looking bike. Later on riding, I'm about 99% certain I saw someone on a Panigale (was going a bit fast). It was a very small bike, Ducati red, and the exact same headlights as the Panigale...so basically I believe that was it. Guy didn't wave, though. Figures. Prick.
Don't worry too much about it. I was pretty terrible with the clutch when I took the motorcycle course having never ridden a bike and never used manual and I passed. As long as you maneuver around the obstacles decently you should be fine. I didn't really get the hang of shifting until later when I practiced on my own bike.
David Incorporated Esq.
Member
I could use some advice on a technique I've been having trouble with. If I'm starting from a stop it's really easy for me to crank the handlebars to lock and whip the bike around in a real tight turn but if I've slowed down from real speed and try to do it I never have the right feel to get the bike to turn as tight as possible.
Any hints on what I'm doing wrong? Even if I slow down below the speed where I can do the tight turn it never feels right doing it unless I'm moving from a stop.
I actually tried to do it from motion yesterday. I was able to do it pretty well one time but another I had to put a foot down since I didn't counter-balance the bike enough.
Any hints on what I'm doing wrong? Even if I slow down below the speed where I can do the tight turn it never feels right doing it unless I'm moving from a stop.
I actually tried to do it from motion yesterday. I was able to do it pretty well one time but another I had to put a foot down since I didn't counter-balance the bike enough.
Fallout-NL
Member
Great pics Duderz. Thanks for sharing.
Eh, doing something like that at all?
Pushing the handlebars to lock is something you do when you're pushing the bike out of a garage or a backyard. When you're actually riding a bike there's no need to steer in such a fashion. I mean, why would you?
The only instance where I recall having to make really tight turns was during the exam (here in the Netherlands). You had to reverse direction (180 degrees) on a tight street. You could do so by applying the rear brake and keeping the torque up (slightly). The torque would keep the bike moving (instead of falling over), the brake makes sure you don't go to fast. This allows a small turning circle. But that's at really low speeds (a couple MPH).
But in the seven years since I've gotten my license, there's been no need to repeat that manoeuvre.
In all other cases you steer a bike like you always do, by counter-steering. Which is really just normal steering since there isn't any other way to change a bike's direction.
Eh, doing something like that at all?
Pushing the handlebars to lock is something you do when you're pushing the bike out of a garage or a backyard. When you're actually riding a bike there's no need to steer in such a fashion. I mean, why would you?
The only instance where I recall having to make really tight turns was during the exam (here in the Netherlands). You had to reverse direction (180 degrees) on a tight street. You could do so by applying the rear brake and keeping the torque up (slightly). The torque would keep the bike moving (instead of falling over), the brake makes sure you don't go to fast. This allows a small turning circle. But that's at really low speeds (a couple MPH).
But in the seven years since I've gotten my license, there's been no need to repeat that manoeuvre.
In all other cases you steer a bike like you always do, by counter-steering. Which is really just normal steering since there isn't any other way to change a bike's direction.
Super low speed turning is tricky.
You either have to keep the speed up and drag the rear brake like fallout said, or do the awkward balance and turn the handlebars.
At some point, you have to turn the bars in the direction of the turn (suuuuper slow) because otherwise the bike will fall over. The bike wants to lean the opposite way the bars are turned. So at super low speeds that is what is keeping the bike balanced upright.
Dave it is hard to say, but I imagine you are going to the lock too early. You must first counter steer to lean the bike over, then you have to find the tipping point where your speed is slow enough that the centrifugal force is not wanting to stand the bike up, then lock the front wheel (smoothly...) after that.
It can be helpful to stand on the pegs and lean the bike under you for this kind of maneuver, try and keep your center of gravity centered as much as possible.
Bike geometry also plays a role here, this is going to be harder on an agressive sport bike than it is on a cruiser or a standard due to front fork rake.
Just be careful, and try not to scratch you shit up!
If I get some time I can upload a video of a BMW instructor doing it right later today.
You either have to keep the speed up and drag the rear brake like fallout said, or do the awkward balance and turn the handlebars.
At some point, you have to turn the bars in the direction of the turn (suuuuper slow) because otherwise the bike will fall over. The bike wants to lean the opposite way the bars are turned. So at super low speeds that is what is keeping the bike balanced upright.
Dave it is hard to say, but I imagine you are going to the lock too early. You must first counter steer to lean the bike over, then you have to find the tipping point where your speed is slow enough that the centrifugal force is not wanting to stand the bike up, then lock the front wheel (smoothly...) after that.
It can be helpful to stand on the pegs and lean the bike under you for this kind of maneuver, try and keep your center of gravity centered as much as possible.
Bike geometry also plays a role here, this is going to be harder on an agressive sport bike than it is on a cruiser or a standard due to front fork rake.
Just be careful, and try not to scratch you shit up!
If I get some time I can upload a video of a BMW instructor doing it right later today.
David Incorporated Esq.
Member
Yeah it's the counter-steering vs. normal steering change-over that happens around 5-7mph that freaks me out with it. Going slowly enough you turn the way you want to go and you you turn, above that and you counter-steer. It's just that I find it really difficult playing near that speed and making really tight turns.
I haven't been dragging the rear to keep the speed down while still applying throttle, I'll practice with that.
Yes, I never have to make turns that tight but I'd like to be proficient at all aspects of riding, and being able to slow down and pull a 180 in the width of a lane isn't a bad skill to have.
I just need more practice with low speed (<15 mph) maneuvering. Above that I have no problems. I was really good with it on my old ninja 250 but it feels so much different on the sportster.
Edit:
I haven't been dragging the rear to keep the speed down while still applying throttle, I'll practice with that.
Yes, I never have to make turns that tight but I'd like to be proficient at all aspects of riding, and being able to slow down and pull a 180 in the width of a lane isn't a bad skill to have.
I just need more practice with low speed (<15 mph) maneuvering. Above that I have no problems. I was really good with it on my old ninja 250 but it feels so much different on the sportster.
Edit:
Reread your post and saw that I missed this point. That sounds spot on for what I'm doing, thanks.
Fallout-NL
Member
I'd say stop worrying about stuff that a bike doesn't like doing. At low speeds, just plant those feet on the ground, guide the bike to wherever you want to park, relax and take your time.
David Incorporated Esq.
Member
The bike can do it just fine, it's the rider who needs the work. Besides, it's a 560lb bike, I'd rather roll around on motor power than foot power.
BladeoftheImmortal
Member
How you like my new ride, guys? It only cost me $78.50 USD, haha.
Anyways, I've already fallen once and i don't know what i did wrong, i was just turning left and the thing fell on me. i have never taken any classes on riding nor do i have a license(in china). so i'm winging it.
i'm pretty sure i just didn't go fast enough and it just fell over. now i always put my feet down if im going too slow.
OrangeYouGlad
Banned
Why? Build up your calves so you can kick a midget through a garden hose.
The problem a lot of new riders have is they treat slow turns like normal turns and lean in a bit, which only compounds the fact that the bike doesn't have enough speed to stay upright using that method. The 3-4 posts above yours discuss this more.
I thought your post was a joke, but I guess not. Good luck on that thing, somehow that thing looks scarier to ride than a SS.
Anyone suggest a bike that could be had for ~$3,000? I'm willing to take anything now. I just want to ride this summer.
RapidCancel
Member
Ninja 250 =] Or an older 600..probably '04 and older. Possibly '06 and older if it has a bit more milage on it and you haggle around.
BladeoftheImmortal
Member
Oh, i still lean in on the slower turns, otherwise i feel weird.
This thing is pretty scary. got it for the equivalent of 80 bucks, second hand. it's loud as crap and the throttle sticks sometimes. and now the mirrors have fallen off, haha. but hey, 80 bucks....its only 50CCs i think i can get to about 35km/h and the thing sounds like it will fall apart.
highest you can buy in china is 250CC anyways.
thesoapster
Member
This weekend I am beginning to move to a better place about 4.5 blocks away, which has a covered garage/shed where the bike has now been moved. I have the pieces in motion now to actually, finally get a trailer I can keep and use with my car.
And with that, I am now going to try and retire from the street. Once I have the final bits in the next few weeks needed to get the bike (prepped) to the track, I aim to not put it back on the road. The track is the best place for it, and it's always the most fun I've had on a bike by a very, very wide margin. If I can do a couple days a month, I think I could live without street riding, but that is where the "try" part comes in. I assume, having been to the track 3 times, I could do without the street. Making myself not ride on the street will be a good motivator to plan ahead and keep things in order to keep the bike ready to go each time.
Assuming all goes well, many more GoPro videos will be incoming
Wish me luck
And with that, I am now going to try and retire from the street. Once I have the final bits in the next few weeks needed to get the bike (prepped) to the track, I aim to not put it back on the road. The track is the best place for it, and it's always the most fun I've had on a bike by a very, very wide margin. If I can do a couple days a month, I think I could live without street riding, but that is where the "try" part comes in. I assume, having been to the track 3 times, I could do without the street. Making myself not ride on the street will be a good motivator to plan ahead and keep things in order to keep the bike ready to go each time.
Assuming all goes well, many more GoPro videos will be incoming
Wish me luck
Darth Pinche
Member
As I recover from my broken leg, I have also been considering going to track only riding in the future. The cost is putting me off, since track days around here range from $160- $250 a day. It will add up for me and money is tight.
But I do wish you the best, especially with that bike you have. The track is where is can really stretch its legs!
But I do wish you the best, especially with that bike you have. The track is where is can really stretch its legs!
thesoapster
Member
Basically I'm going to almost completely stop eating out. This will help my health immensely, too. But, it should provide me (I eat out a lot...) a few hundred extra per month.
Cost can also largely depend on what track org you go with, but then you sometimes have to put up with higher traffic on the track. If it's a tighter, more technical track, people will get in your way.
Cost can also largely depend on what track org you go with, but then you sometimes have to put up with higher traffic on the track. If it's a tighter, more technical track, people will get in your way.
bodyboarder
Member
How you like my new ride, guys? It only cost me $78.50 USD, haha.
Anyways, I've already fallen once and i don't know what i did wrong, i was just turning left and the thing fell on me. i have never taken any classes on riding nor do i have a license(in china). so i'm winging it.
i'm pretty sure i just didn't go fast enough and it just fell over. now i always put my feet down if im going too slow.
Thats awesome.
Be careful putting your feet down while moving, don't want it to get caught on anything.
Death Dealer
Member
I think i know what you're saying, be careful with your body positioning. When you have to make a sharp turn from a slow speed like in a u-turn, put most of your weight on the outside foot peg. And shift your rear to the outside as well. Steer to initiate the turn, and keep your head and body upright as you tip the bike to the inside, looking towards the ground. Putting your weight on the outside foot will help you keep your balance.
Shifting your weight in the opposite direction of the way the bike is turning is called counter weighting. In a slow turn, you basically do the opposite of what happens in a fast one (weight inside peg, shift body positioning into the side he bike will turn, initiate countersteering, controlling your line with the inside hand, looking as far ahead as possible)
In a fast corner, you want the bike to have the least possible lean angle, so you shift your own weight into the corner so the bike doesn't have to lean as far. In a slow corner, you want to maximize your lean angle because that's what will get the bike turning in the sharpest line while at slow speeds. But obviously there isn't enough centripetal force at slow speeds to lean too much, or you'd fall over, so that's why you counter lean and weight the outside peg. Hope that makes sense.
thesoapster
Member
I was picking up some supplies from the shop yesterday and saw they had the Arai Signet-Q on the shelf. This is advertised as being more narrow for the more narrow profile found on many North American heads. I was considering just using my non-ideal-fit X-Eleven and waiting for this helmet to come into shops. Now I'm really glad I jumped and got the Profile that was available. The Profile will no longer be made. It fits my head about perfectly in the crown area (the most annoying part for me to fit). The Signet-Q is too narrow for me! It's actually like the X-Eleven and X-Twelve. There's not enough contact up top around the forehead region on any of those (Signet included) to prevent the helmet from sliding down and covering my eyes when pulling on the chin bar. Granted I have to pull somewhat firmly, but this shouldn't happen ideally. This also means that when 5 years is up from manufacture date or I crash in the Arai, I will have to find something else. Now Arai doesn't fit since the RX-Q is a little too round. lol...
Fulleffect
Member
Was just out crusing around on the ol gs500.. and felt something weird up by my hand, doh! clutch cable snapped
Kind of freaked out at first and pulled off and popped it in neutral and stopped for a few to figure out wtf i'm doing, but after some meditating, started off with a rolling start in second and managed to time all the lights and traffic home so i didn't have to stop
now to figure out how to replace that... heh
Kind of freaked out at first and pulled off and popped it in neutral and stopped for a few to figure out wtf i'm doing, but after some meditating, started off with a rolling start in second and managed to time all the lights and traffic home so i didn't have to stop
now to figure out how to replace that... heh
Death Dealer
Member
I have an X-eleven. It's a good helmet and fits well. But the only reason I got it is because I couldn't find an Arai that fits me anymore. The X-eleven replaced an old Quantum E. I tried on the new Quantum 2 and they had changed the shape, so it doesn't fit. The vector 2 was ok, but it's not a high end helmet. Maybe I should try the RX-Q ?
That's one thing that always annoyed me. They have different models for every head shape, but there are different tiers to the models. It's not like every Arai is the same and they just fit differently. Like some models that may fit better than other but not have as good of ventilation or whatever.
Honestly the only difference in quality I've noticed with the Shoei compared to Arai is the interior. Arai uses a better and more comfortable fabric to line their helmets.
Was just out crusing around on the ol gs500.. and felt something weird up by my hand, doh! clutch cable snapped
Kind of freaked out at first and pulled off and popped it in neutral and stopped for a few to figure out wtf i'm doing, but after some meditating, started off with a rolling start in second and managed to time all the lights and traffic home so i didn't have to stop
now to figure out how to replace that... heh
nice work... I once snapped the adjustment nut on my clutch and it made riding/shifting very difficult. The clutch would only half disengage.
thesoapster
Member
Having owned several Shoeis and now this Arai Profile, the only thing I like better is the fit/internal shape and the venting. Otherwise, the design for the padding (how it goes in the helmet), the X-Twelve padding material, the shape of the X-Twelve (far more aerodynamic and stable), the visor change (though I'm used to the Arai by now) and its notched design...all better to me on the Shoei. I'd still wear their stuff if I could find one that fits. I am told the Shark Race-R Pro is a bit less round than the RSR2, and Shark's design overall is my favorite, so I may give them another shot when I need a new helmet or around next season (whichever comes first).
Master Milk
Member
So, I've been thinking about getting a bike lately, but I have no idea where to even start.
I see lessons mentioned on the first few pages, but this is an old thread so I'm not sure.
It's been awhile since I've ridden a regular bike, would it be alright to just jump straight to a cycle anyway? Is signing up for lessons the way most people go about it, or is it the only way?
I'm completely clueless, all help is appreciated.
I see lessons mentioned on the first few pages, but this is an old thread so I'm not sure.
It's been awhile since I've ridden a regular bike, would it be alright to just jump straight to a cycle anyway? Is signing up for lessons the way most people go about it, or is it the only way?
I'm completely clueless, all help is appreciated.
ClassyPenguin
Banned
Motorcycle Safety Foundation ( Assuming you are American)
Go by your DMV and pick up the handbook.
Read up on safety gear.
Start on a 250 and hit the road.
Go by your DMV and pick up the handbook.
Read up on safety gear.
Start on a 250 and hit the road.
Death Dealer
Member
I wanted an X-12 but I saved a ton of money getting an X-11 as they were discontinued.
I heard good things about Shark. But when got a chance to try a few models in a dealership, they didn't' fit my head. Bell doesn't fit me either. I like Suomy. Although the front of the Spec-1R Extreme helmet is a bit shorter than is typical with other makes. So your chin is more exposed. Awesome graphics.
My preference is that Arai is #1 with Shoei #2, but I get whatever model fits best.