[quote]gojira wrote:
I’m old school. 1940 Indian Sport Scout (among others). Can’t beat a magneto ignition system. I like a bike I can work on; with a real carburator and no computer electronics. And with that said, I’m going to go home now and ride it.[/quote]
Yo, the bike looks kick-ass (as in style) but it looks like a very uncomfortable ride with the arms. Although i could be wrong.
BUT, no helmet? Shouldn’t you know better?
[quote]BiG BeN wrote:
Sportbikes have no character? Haha![/quote]
I think you’re right. Sportbikes actually have the most “character” of all bikes, if by “character” you mean the way the bike works and handles - not the social perception of the bike and its rider.
But that also means that sportbikes are probably not the best bikes for a beginner. Essentially, they are optimized for expert riders and for running a race to win. Not for being comfortable, not for being forgiving of rider’s mistakes. That’s probably why a lot of people die riding them. They’re pretty much the two-wheeled equivalent of an F1 car, at a much lower price.
And yet, they’re fun. Very fun.
[quote]knewsom wrote:
The bike I’m thinking about getting (keep in mind, my pricerange is low): 1976 Yamaha 1100cc cruiser, maroon and black, nice shape with chrome crash bars, nice windshield, and saddlebags, 21k mi.[/quote]
To answer the question that started this thread:
If you’re fine with the idea of a sport-ish cruiser, have a look at Suzuki SV650:
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/SV650K6/Default.aspx
It’s not a sportbike, so it’s not all twitchy and nervous, it can be pretty comfortable.
It’s perhaps a tad more “brisk” and sporty than a normal cruiser, so it can be a lot of fun.
It’s practically naked, so if you crash there aren’t many parts that can break.
The V-Twin engine is solid, very reliable, has a lot of torque at the bottom end, has a smooth torque curve that’s quite convenient regardless of your riding style: either brisk, zipping through the canyon, or smooth, relaxed and enjoying the trip. There are experienced riders that like the 650, but also it’s one of those bikes that a newbie can ride pretty safely.
The MSRP is $6k, but you can get it for less - a lot less if it’s second-hand. These bikes last a very long time, so second-hand is not an issue.
Just pay attention, I’m talking about the SV650, not about the SV650S, which is quite a different beast from an ergonomics perspective. The 650S is essentially a 650 core in a sportbike package and it’s quite far from the typical “cruiser” setup.
Go to a Suzuki dealer and ask for the SV650 and sit on it. See if you like it - a lot of people do.
[quote]Ulaf wrote:
gojira wrote:
I’m old school. 1940 Indian Sport Scout (among others). Can’t beat a magneto ignition system. I like a bike I can work on; with a real carburator and no computer electronics. And with that said, I’m going to go home now and ride it.
Yo, the bike looks kick-ass (as in style) but it looks like a very uncomfortable ride with the arms. Although i could be wrong.
BUT, no helmet? Shouldn’t you know better?[/quote]
Ha! You should see some of the handlebars from the teens. A friend of mine has a 1909 Royal Pioneer (one of three known to exist). Not only do the handlebars come straight out in a V, but there are four grip controls: throttle, advance, carb mixture and compression release. You also had to manually pump oil into the engine as you passed every third TELEGRAPH pole.
Actually, the handle bars on my Indian are the least of the challenges. Take a good look at the frame: she’s a hard tail, no rear suspension. My only suspension is the springs under my seat and the springer and friction discs in the front end. Combine this with tank shift, foot clutch, manual spark advance and left-hand throttle and you’ve got a true vintage riding experience.
Riding vintage is about the motorcycles and the technology and history. Much, much different from the Harley clones.
Regarding my not wearing a helmet. That is a matter of personal choice. I feel I can hear and see much better without a helmet. I also don’t think a helmet will save my life. They may be good for slow speed accidents, but when you’re a meatbag flying through the air at 60 mph, wearing a helmet ain’t gonna save you. And don’t spew statistics at me. If you knew how they collect their data, you might think differently.
And yes, I’m an organ donor.
What I’ve noticed around here is that sport bikes are for kids and the grown ups ride cruisers. It might not be that way everywhere, but in this area of Pa. it holds true.
[quote]Professor X wrote:
deanec wrote:
I have to agree with the waving thing - what is up with that? As someone said earlier, it’s two wheels against the cages. That being said, I have noticed that more frequently the sportbike riders won’t wave either. I ride British, so I guess that’s the worst of both worlds?
Around here, everyone waves from choppers to sportbikes…EXCEPT the Harleys. In almost every case, if I am passing a Harley on the street, they will not wave. It is like some kind of snobbish motorcycle mentality that you don’t really see much. Some guys might be changing gears so they can’t wave, or are passing someone. but overall, most people will wave. That is probably why I have such a strong opinion against them. They think they are better simply because of the bike they ride.[/quote]
It depends on where you live. As I said, around here the sport bikes are associated with young, immature jackasses. I know that’s not true for everyone and I’m not saying you’re in that crowd, but that’s what is understood here.
You might have run into people who have had some bad experiences with the sport bike crowd. Or you could have run into the I bought a Harley and I’m a bad ass dentist crowd who thinks they’re better than you, hahaha.
[quote]PGJ wrote:
… Cruiser culture is all about leather (stylish and protective),…
[/quote]
Those assless chaps leather vests and beanie helmets are not very protective.
[quote]gojira wrote:
Regarding my not wearing a helmet. That is a matter of personal choice. I feel I can hear and see much better without a helmet. I also don’t think a helmet will save my life. They may be good for slow speed accidents, but when you’re a meatbag flying through the air at 60 mph, wearing a helmet ain’t gonna save you. And don’t spew statistics at me. If you knew how they collect their data, you might think differently.
And yes, I’m an organ donor.
[/quote]
Gojira, I love your bikes and your reason for riding them, and respect your choices. However, I have to strenuously disagree. As a meatbag who has flown through the air at some indeterminate speed, probably a little less than 60mph, who was knocked unconscious, but survived without a concussion, I have to say that the helmet made the difference between almost certain death or at least vegitative incapacitation (which I’m certain would have happened without a helmet) and simply getting two broken ribs and a beat up helmet (what actually happened).
It doesn’t take much force to cause permanent brain damage. Even a minor accident can do it. But a helmet can absorb a huge amount of damage and disperse it over a broad area.
Once again, I respect your ability to choose, but I think the reasons you’re giving are based on false expectations.
[quote]tom63 wrote:
It depends on where you live. As I said, around here the sport bikes are associated with young, immature jackasses. I know that’s not true for everyone and I’m not saying you’re in that crowd, but that’s what is understood here.[/quote]
Heh, that’s funny.
Around here (NorCal, SF Bay Area), sportbikes are very popular and you can see all kinds of people riding them - from youngsters out of high-school to people in their 60s (no kidding).
I was very fortunate to find a bikers forum that is very much like T-Nation: has a lot of mature people that know what they’re talking about, are willing to give advice, emphasize safety and good practices, etc.
It’s called SBR, South Bay Riders:
They do group rides every week-end, or any time at all. It’s a lot of fun hanging out with them, either on-line or in real life.
[quote]Need4Speed wrote:
Gojira, I love your bikes and your reason for riding them, and respect your choices. However, I have to strenuously disagree. As a meatbag who has flown through the air at some indeterminate speed, probably a little less than 60mph, who was knocked unconscious, but survived without a concussion, I have to say that the helmet made the difference between almost certain death or at least vegitative incapacitation (which I’m certain would have happened without a helmet) and simply getting two broken ribs and a beat up helmet (what actually happened).[/quote]
I fully subscribe.
I talked with many people who crashed at various speeds and fully trashed their helmets. I am pretty certain I would not have had the opportunity to talk to them post-accident if they were not wearing helmets.
I had my own accident, coincidentally at about 60mph, and I hit the pavement pretty hard with the upper body (head included), then proceeded to tumble about a dozen times. I ended up fully conscious, only a collarbone and an ankle broken.
But then I looked at the helmet, which had one of the sides bashed in a little. If my head was bashed in instead, do you think I would be here to type this message now?
If you’re not wearing any other gear, at least wear a helmet. It may not look as cool, but it’s surely better for your brains.
[quote]Need4Speed wrote:
Gojira, I love your bikes and your reason for riding them, and respect your choices. However, I have to strenuously disagree. As a meatbag who has flown through the air at some indeterminate speed, probably a little less than 60mph, who was knocked unconscious, but survived without a concussion, I have to say that the helmet made the difference between almost certain death or at least vegitative incapacitation (which I’m certain would have happened without a helmet) and simply getting two broken ribs and a beat up helmet (what actually happened).
It doesn’t take much force to cause permanent brain damage. Even a minor accident can do it. But a helmet can absorb a huge amount of damage and disperse it over a broad area.
Once again, I respect your ability to choose, but I think the reasons you’re giving are based on false expectations.[/quote]
Thank you for respecting my choice. I do not want to hijack this thread into a helmet debate.
Nuff said.
[quote]ron33 wrote:
knewsom wrote:
Hey all, I’m officially selling my car and buying a motorcycle. Just wondering who else out there took the plunge, what kind of bikes you guys ride, and hoping you had advice for a noobie biker.
The bike I’m thinking about getting (keep in mind, my pricerange is low): 1976 Yamaha 1100cc cruiser, maroon and black, nice shape with chrome crash bars, nice windshield, and saddlebags, 21k mi.
As an aside, if anyone knows of a good bike shop here in Sacramento, please let me know.
cheers,
KristofferIf your talkin the old XS 11 Yamaha’s those were good motors,new some old guys that used to do a lot of touring and had over 200,000 miles on them.I new one bike mechanic that fine tuned his and had torque and Roll-on power like a big harley,without having to downshift and rev like most 4cyl. bikes.Great Cheap bike that most people overlook.Been ridin since 69
[/quote]
XS 1100 Special very sweet bike I bought in 1979. No bike now till I get my kids raised. I dont allow my daughter to ride with the idiot kids. So I will just have to wait myself
Wearing a lid is the law here. Saves NHS Money.
[quote]gojira wrote:
Thank you for respecting my choice. I do not want to hijack this thread into a helmet debate.
Nuff said.[/quote]
Agreed. Separate thread.
[quote]gojira wrote:
I also don’t think a helmet will save my life. They may be good for slow speed accidents, but when you’re a meatbag flying through the air at 60 mph, wearing a helmet ain’t gonna save you. And don’t spew statistics at me. If you knew how they collect their data, you might think differently.
And yes, I’m an organ donor.
[/quote]
This is good statistic. I hit into the side of a truck at 60 mph. This left me a paraplegic. However, the full-face helmet I was wearing did take a hit to the chin. Thanks to the helmet, my only head injuries were a nick on my chin and really bad whiplash. Without the helmet, I would be dead or drooling on myself and eating food through a tube. After spending almost any time in rehab, a person can appreciate just how horrific head/brain injuries can be. Don’t kid yourself into thinking you either die or heal from a wreck. Many people exist in a surreal world in between.
That being said, helmet use is a personal choice. IF I ever get a trike, I’ll probably not wear a helmet most of the time.
**edit - oops, I had not read to the end of this thread before responding. Sorry about continuing the debate.
[quote]tom63 wrote:
It depends on where you live. As I said, around here the sport bikes are associated with young, immature jackasses. I know that’s not true for everyone and I’m not saying you’re in that crowd, but that’s what is understood here.
You might have run into people who have had some bad experiences with the sport bike crowd. Or you could have run into the I bought a Harley and I’m a bad ass dentist crowd who thinks they’re better than you, hahaha.
[/quote]
You clearly need to get out more. There are three docs in my clinic that I know of (including me) who ride and they all ride sportbikes. I’m the youngest. The others are in their 40’s or 50’s. They are just VERY in shape for their age (ie, go mountain bike riding every weekend and run a lot and lift a little).
Therefore, let me clarify your stereotype. “Fat old people ride big ass slow cruisers while anyone with any sense of athleticism rides a sportbike.”
There, now it sounds right.
Further, let me add that you wouldn’t even know the age of someone wearing a helmet. That means YOU alone associate sportbikes with “youth and immaturity” simply because you want to.
I am a harley rider and I dont wave at anyone. No need to, I am not looking for friends, I just like to ride solo, I prefer to be left alone, If I wave that idiot will want to come up and talk, if hes a harley guy he just babbles on about H.O.G.S, or riding with him and his “bros”. A jap bike guy is worse.
I don’t think I am better than anyone else but my family is at home not with a bunch of hard dicks.
[quote]Professor X wrote:
tom63 wrote:
It depends on where you live. As I said, around here the sport bikes are associated with young, immature jackasses. I know that’s not true for everyone and I’m not saying you’re in that crowd, but that’s what is understood here.
You might have run into people who have had some bad experiences with the sport bike crowd. Or you could have run into the I bought a Harley and I’m a bad ass dentist crowd who thinks they’re better than you, hahaha.
You clearly need to get out more. There are three docs in my clinic that I know of (including me) who ride and they all ride sportbikes. I’m the youngest. The others are in their 40’s or 50’s. They are just VERY in shape for their age (ie, go mountain bike riding every weekend and run a lot and lift a little).
Therefore, let me clarify your stereotype. “Fat old people ride big ass slow cruisers while anyone with any sense of athleticism rides a sportbike.”
There, now it sounds right.
Further, let me add that you wouldn’t even know the age of someone wearing a helmet. That means YOU alone associate sportbikes with “youth and immaturity” simply because you want to. [/quote]
No, they’re not as popular here and they are associated with nonsense. Harleys are the big deal. I’m not putting down sport bike, nor did I put them down. My personal preference is a cruiser type. I do understnad and realize that not all sport bike riders are young nitwhits. A Canadian friend of mine is into them.
I was going to buy a bike a few years ago, and planned on buying a Honda crusier. Some other responsibilites kept me from going ahead. The reason for the Hondas is that I always though Harleys were overpriced pieces of crap.
I’m a Honda car guy. they have never had to be fixed and the price has been right.
As for knowing their age, this is a small town area. You know who drives and rides what. It seems to me you like to put words into people’s mouth’s and take things the wrong way. Lose the chip and your shoulder and realize not everything is the same everywhere.
Now, on the other side, this area is also unathletic, and the stereotype of the Harley rider is often true. They’re often fat, and like slow ass cruisers for comfort. They buy Harleys because everyone here buys Harleys. They’re considered “cool”. I personally think Harleys are overprced crap, as I said. I much prefer a cheaper price and better reliability, and more power for the money.
If I was 20 or so, I’d think about a sport bike. Right now, I’m not interested in performance. But I do respect those who like the stuff.
This is like the new jap car vs the old American muscle car arguement. I prefer the new jap. I can buy an S2000 for 20k and modify it pretty sweet for another 10 k or so.
Or I can be a super rich real estate developer and spend 1,000,000 or so for some classic muscle car at that famous car auction in Arizona. I forget the name.
First thing a vehicle should do is run. aesthetics are just your own personal taste.
[quote]j_martinez wrote:
I am a harley rider and I dont wave at anyone. No need to, I am not looking for friends, I just like to ride solo, I prefer to be left alone, If I wave that idiot will want to come up and talk, if hes a harley guy he just babbles on about H.O.G.S, or riding with him and his “bros”. A jap bike guy is worse.
I don’t think I am better than anyone else but my family is at home not with a bunch of hard dicks.[/quote]
Tell me, why would you then type all of this as if anyone else is supposed to care?
I wave to everyone. I also nod my head to the regulars in my gym. It’s just a matter of recognizing folks that have the same interest you do. I feel the more bikes on the road, the better it is for all of us. I don’t care if they’re cruisers, sport bikes or choppers. The more of us there are, the more auto drivers will see us.