Off topic: who rides a motorcycle here!

[Infinity_818]

Hello every one,

Just like the title says, who rides a motorcycle over in the forums, what kind, do you commute on it or pleasure or both. I'll start my self by saying I've been riding for over 2 years now, currently own 2014 FZ09 yamaha and 2002 cbr954rr. I went down on around Xmas on the yamaha and broke my tibia and fib and my left clavicle. Still in bed and have my 1st dr appointment today to see how has it come along in regards of healing. So I'm curios to know who rides over here.

Take care n stay safe every one.

[mazz]

I have 2014 Harley Limited [red and red] been riding baggers for 20 years and ricer for 20 before that.
I got rear ended 3 1/2 years ago know the feeling of getting busted up.
Almost bought a G37 convertible and hung up the 2 wheeler but just could not quit riding.
Mazz

[Ilya]

I do.

I commute on it and use it for pleasure.

Joined the ranks of the motorcycle club in June 2013...first bike was a brand new 2013 Ninja 300. In September of 2013, I wrecked it going around a curve at night (hit a ton of gravel from construction - no warnings or signs).

Purchased another 2013 Ninja 300 in November and rode it from March 2014 to the beginning of June 2014. Decided to buy myself a 2013 (left over stock) Ninja ZX-6R (636) for my birthday on June 11th lol. Finished the season on that and can't wait to get back out there. I'm 27, but got a second 300 because my mom was anti bike and that's the only thing she was even remotely okay with. But, she passed away in March so I now don't need to worry about that so to speak...so I upgraded to a bigger bike.

NY sucks for riders...but I'll evidently get a cruiser once I get the speed out of my system

Here are some pics (first bike after accident, second bike, and the current bike):

[jiggersplat]

Started riding in about 2001-2002-ish.

<sniff> I sold my 2003 SV1000S in April after we had our first child. I kept my jacket and helmet, you know, just in case.



Before that I had a 1990 GS500e that rode for about 10 years. I stripped that bike down to the frame and rebuilt it. I miss that bike. It was a lot of fun.

[Infinity_818]

Nice to see some veterans that ride and appreciate the sport. Op I love your kawi. I'll post some pics of what I had and what I currently have. I thought there would be more riders on this forum.
Be safe everyone out there on two wheels or in a car aka cage.

[EdBwoy]

Nice rides posted guys! 2 year rider here as well. All Hondas - 86 interceptor, 09 CBR 600rr, currently a 91 CBR1000F. I'd say I use mine to commute and generally reduce wear on the cars. I also get a very cool parking spot when I ride to work. They are way better in fuel consumption and are easier to maneuver in tight spots to avoid traffic around town. I would invest in a better/newer toy but unfortunately in corn country our riding season is short and there's nothing like 100mph rain drops to ruin your beautiful summer ride, so I keep it cheap

I noticed that I became a better/ more attentive road user when I started riding

[EdBwoy]

Started riding in about 2001-2002-ish.

<sniff> I sold my 2003 SV1000S in April after we had our first child. I kept my jacket and helmet, you know, just in case.

I know the feel, buddy!!

[steve_c]

I've been riding going on 38 years now. My current ride is a 1984 HD FLHX Electra Glide.
I bought it new back in 84', selling my HD FXB Sturgis on consignment. I bought that Sturgis new in 1980. It was my first Harley, I am sorry I sold it, but I love my old FLHX!

I use it daily, but years ago I used to ride it from NY to FL for bike week every year for 11 years. That was why I bought it originally, to hall all my gear for those long trips. Back then those old Electra Glides were the undisputed King of the Highways!

I have been fortunate, went down more than a few times, but all OK other then road rash & bruises.

I do not see any Harley shovelheads on the road anymore!...sigh....
Ride safe all!

[The Bodyguard]

Been riding since '99, only suzuki for me!! Started with a 97 Katana 600 (no 250 or 300 for me, lol) it was super fast with tons of good stuff, yoshimura full race exhaust, headers, jet kit, etc. I was young and dumb but glad I didn't go down on it considering!! I sold it and picked up new 2000 katana 600, boy was it a soft b**** lol!! Didn't keep it long, saw many friends go down (some didn't make it back up) so for a few years I stayed away! In 06 bought a new sv650s it was so much fun but mainly used it to commute had a pick up truck cut me off in traffic but I landed on my feet Bike only suffered scratch on the mirror! sold it in 09 stayed away another few years. Picked up a used katana 750 in 2012 for a steal of a deal just used it for fun then flipped it for $$$. Bought a super clean one owner sv1000s in Sept 2014 only to flip it also in November! Still have my helmet just in case also!! I thank God I have not gone down bad and no injuries on any of my journeys... everyone be safe out there riding!! Maybe get a big muscle cruiser next.... I like the Suzuki m109r

[Infinity_818]

this is what i have now and went down with


my 03 gixer 1000 , picked at a great deal and flipped and made great $ on





My first bike 93 gixer watercooled 750cc

[Ilya]

Been riding since '99, only suzuki for me!! Started with a 97 Katana 600 (no 250 or 300 for me, lol) it was super fast with tons of good stuff, yoshimura full race exhaust, headers, jet kit, etc. I was young and dumb but glad I didn't go down on it considering!! I sold it and picked up new 2000 katana 600, boy was it a soft b**** lol!! Didn't keep it long, saw many friends go down (some didn't make it back up) so for a few years I stayed away! In 06 bought a new sv650s it was so much fun but mainly used it to commute had a pick up truck cut me off in traffic but I landed on my feet Bike only suffered scratch on the mirror! sold it in 09 stayed away another few years. Picked up a used katana 750 in 2012 for a steal of a deal just used it for fun then flipped it for $$$. Bought a super clean one owner sv1000s in Sept 2014 only to flip it also in November! Still have my helmet just in case also!! I thank God I have not gone down bad and no injuries on any of my journeys... everyone be safe out there riding!! Maybe get a big muscle cruiser next.... I like the Suzuki m109r

Glad to hear you've made it out of your encounters relatively unscathed...but...

Hope none of you take offense to this...but I have no idea why people laugh at the small bikes. Yes, the 250 (or the 125's in Europe/Asia) are a joke...but the 300 is fuel injected and is actually pretty quick for what it is. It would pass most of the average V6 sedans on the road (Camry's, Accords, Van's, etc.) if need be without much issue. I honestly don't regret learning on it. IMO, I'm MUCH better in the corners due to learning how to take them on a light/nimble bike that practically fell over than my friends who started on super sports. My chicken strips are evidence of that, even on my 636. I've even seen guys on 300's at the tracks totally whoopin SS a** in the turns. There is a huge battle going on right now in the small CC segment. These bikes aren't what they used to be and manufacturers are doing a good thing by makin them.

The 636 will pop a wheelie if you aren't careful. The 300, I could wring the crap out of EVERY gear and just barely get to 100. It was a blast. The only time my SS friends would lose me is in the straights.

300: 55MPG (65+ if you baby it), $25/month insurance, fun, light, people confused it many times for a 600 and even a 1000 because it looks like an SS as opposed to some of the ugly small CC bikes out there (Hyosung, CBR250, etc.)

636: 35MPG, $125/month insurance, fun, bit heavier but still handles well

It's a no brainer. Especially when used for commuting.

[The Bodyguard]

I agree with you ^ currently I see a major battle in the 300 clad and those bikes look awesome!!

[Infinity_818]

Been riding since '99, only suzuki for me!! Started with a 97 Katana 600 (no 250 or 300 for me, lol) it was super fast with tons of good stuff, yoshimura full race exhaust, headers, jet kit, etc. I was young and dumb but glad I didn't go down on it considering!! I sold it and picked up new 2000 katana 600, boy was it a soft b**** lol!! Didn't keep it long, saw many friends go down (some didn't make it back up) so for a few years I stayed away! In 06 bought a new sv650s it was so much fun but mainly used it to commute had a pick up truck cut me off in traffic but I landed on my feet Bike only suffered scratch on the mirror! sold it in 09 stayed away another few years. Picked up a used katana 750 in 2012 for a steal of a deal just used it for fun then flipped it for $$$. Bought a super clean one owner sv1000s in Sept 2014 only to flip it also in November! Still have my helmet just in case also!! I thank God I have not gone down bad and no injuries on any of my journeys... everyone be safe out there riding!! Maybe get a big muscle cruiser next.... I like the Suzuki m109r

Glad to hear you've made it out of your encounters relatively unscathed...but...

Hope none of you take offense to this...but I have no idea why people laugh at the small bikes. Yes, the 250 (or the 125's in Europe/Asia) are a joke...but the 300 is fuel injected and is actually pretty quick for what it is. It would pass most of the average V6 sedans on the road (Camry's, Accords, Van's, etc.) if need be without much issue. I honestly don't regret learning on it. IMO, I'm MUCH better in the corners due to learning how to take them on a light/nimble bike that practically fell over than my friends who started on super sports. My chicken strips are evidence of that, even on my 636. I've even seen guys on 300's at the tracks totally whoopin SS a** in the turns. There is a huge battle going on right now in the small CC segment. These bikes aren't what they used to be and manufacturers are doing a good thing by makin them.

The 636 will pop a wheelie if you aren't careful. The 300, I could wring the crap out of EVERY gear and just barely get to 100. It was a blast. The only time my SS friends would lose me is in the straights.

300: 55MPG (65+ if you baby it), $25/month insurance, fun, light, people confused it many times for a 600 and even a 1000 because it looks like an SS as opposed to some of the ugly small CC bikes out there (Hyosung, CBR250, etc.)

636: 35MPG, $125/month insurance, fun, bit heavier but still handles well

It's a no brainer. Especially when used for commuting.

Well said,

I knew how to ride before I bought my first bike, and when I first had my 750 and went to the canyons, I felt like a looser not able to take the turns as fast as others on their 600's. Right then and there I knew canyon riding wasn't for me.
As much skills you can have, little gravel can take you down no matter what type cc bike you are on. I sticked to riding to my own pace and if needed be. I would go to the track for the turns and skilled riding level. Due to my height 6'8" I couldn't be on a 250 or 300 cc. That bieng said I try to avoid any thing that can take me down and ride as if I'm invisible and very one trying to kill me. Again in this sport there are two types, those that's been down and those that's Gona go down.
Stay safe everyone and ride safe.

[Ilya]

Yep, gravel took me out on my 300. Took me a while after my accident to regain confidence in going up to the woods/canyons and pushing it a bit. But eventually it came back. I prefer exit ramps though lol. I know, typically, highways have less debri than residential roads.

I also ride extremely defensively.

[bicsintegra]

I ride a 02 gsxr 750 when I can which is rarely she is up for sale now, hardly ever ride anymore

[Ilya]

How drastically bad is the handling when the swing arm is stretched? I never quite understood this...

[bicsintegra]

How drastically bad is the handling when the swing arm is stretched? I never quite understood this...

depends how you ride, I had a gsxr 600 and we rode crazy, up in the country on hills passing cars, racing down the interstate. that was 10 years ago when I do ride it is just to ride nothing stupid. the major difference is in corners, and making turns you have to swing out more to compensate for the stretch. it is worth the look to me, all black with the stretch and it is lowered about 2.5 inches. it will slow you down for sure and make you pay more attention when turning.

[EdBwoy]

...Hope none of you take offense to this...but I have no idea why people laugh at the small bikes...
636: 35MPG, $125/month insurance...It's a no brainer. Especially when used for commuting.

No offense taken here, as I'm not usually one to scoff at smaller displacement vehicles. I am not 6'8" like Infinity_818, but I guess I am kinda big. When you're almost always on the highway, you need a bike that will get your mass out of trouble fast. Sometimes even my heavy liter bike gets buffeted by the wind, who knows how much worse a smaller bike would fare.

I'm with you though, I like cheap fun.
1000cc gets 40 mpg on a normal day, insurance costs $12/ month

[Ilya]

300 wasn't too bad with wind, but I'm 5'11", 215lbs so I'm not really that small either. That's why I traded up, I needed more passing power on the highway. The 300 is damn great on city streets/canyons...but doesn't have the balls on the highway once you get past 75.

How old are you? lol. I'm a new rider and only 27...which is why it's so much for me :/. lol. Gotta pay to play though right? lol

[jiggersplat]

personally, i'm glad to see more small displacement sport bikes. i think my gs500 was more fun than my sv1000. from about 1980 to 2010 you had maybe three choices and they were all ancient designs. gs500, ninja 250 and ninja 500. also i hear WAY too many stories about people buying 600/liter sport bikes for their first bike and wrecking them on the way home from the dealer. not that you cant' get yourself into trouble with a 300 but it's at least a little bit harder.

[avishal26]

Been riding since '99, only suzuki for me!! Started with a 97 Katana 600 (no 250 or 300 for me, lol) it was super fast with tons of good stuff, yoshimura full race exhaust, headers, jet kit, etc. I was young and dumb but glad I didn't go down on it considering!! I sold it and picked up new 2000 katana 600, boy was it a soft b**** lol!! Didn't keep it long, saw many friends go down (some didn't make it back up) so for a few years I stayed away! In 06 bought a new sv650s it was so much fun but mainly used it to commute had a pick up truck cut me off in traffic but I landed on my feet Bike only suffered scratch on the mirror! sold it in 09 stayed away another few years. Picked up a used katana 750 in 2012 for a steal of a deal just used it for fun then flipped it for $$$. Bought a super clean one owner sv1000s in Sept 2014 only to flip it also in November! Still have my helmet just in case also!! I thank God I have not gone down bad and no injuries on any of my journeys... everyone be safe out there riding!! Maybe get a big muscle cruiser next.... I like the Suzuki m109r

Glad to hear you've made it out of your encounters relatively unscathed...but...

Hope none of you take offense to this...but I have no idea why people laugh at the small bikes. Yes, the 250 (or the 125's in Europe/Asia) are a joke...but the 300 is fuel injected and is actually pretty quick for what it is. It would pass most of the average V6 sedans on the road (Camry's, Accords, Van's, etc.) if need be without much issue. I honestly don't regret learning on it. IMO, I'm MUCH better in the corners due to learning how to take them on a light/nimble bike that practically fell over than my friends who started on super sports. My chicken strips are evidence of that, even on my 636. I've even seen guys on 300's at the tracks totally whoopin SS a** in the turns. There is a huge battle going on right now in the small CC segment. These bikes aren't what they used to be and manufacturers are doing a good thing by makin them.

The 636 will pop a wheelie if you aren't careful. The 300, I could wring the crap out of EVERY gear and just barely get to 100. It was a blast. The only time my SS friends would lose me is in the straights.

300: 55MPG (65+ if you baby it), $25/month insurance, fun, light, people confused it many times for a 600 and even a 1000 because it looks like an SS as opposed to some of the ugly small CC bikes out there (Hyosung, CBR250, etc.)

636: 35MPG, $125/month insurance, fun, bit heavier but still handles well

It's a no brainer. Especially when used for commuting.

Couldn't agree more - I started learning on a Ninja 250 back in '09. Had the thing for 6 weeks and it was awesome - easy to learn on and light enough that you could get away with a couple of mistakes.

Then upgraded to an R6 because I moved to another province, then upgraded to an R1 a year later

[Ilya]

I don't know if I'll ever get a liter bike...my 636 is bananas fast.

I love the current body R6. Almost bought one instead of the 636...but I like the idea of having a 2013 with a few nannies (power modes + traction control) as opposed to a bike that hasn't been redesigned since 2007.

Might look into a Ducati when I'm ready to get rid of the 636, but I hear they aren't very reliable.

[EdBwoy]

300 wasn't too bad with wind, but I'm 5'11", 215lbs so I'm not really that small either. That's why I traded up, I needed more passing power on the highway.

How old are you? lol. I'm a new rider and only 27...which is why it's so much for me :/. lol. Gotta pay to play though right? lol

I guess I've never really ridden a 300cc, but even my 600rr could move pretty fast. Took it to the highway and I was being slapped around. When I ducked under the windshield to avoid the wind I was folded up like a lawn chair and you bet it looked quite hilarious...so that chapter was sealed

I'm 25 and also just started riding recently. I think the low rates could be due to living in a place like Iowa. I shop pretty aggressively though, that includes shopping for insurance.

Strangely enough "You gotta pay to play" is the motto I live by. I am reminded of that every time I shop for parts for my m45. But I enjoy the hell out of it

[Ilya]

Yeah, I'm sure location has a lot to do with it. My bike is locked in a garage at night, so my rate I think is strictly based on my first accident as well as my age.

[EdBwoy]

Yeah, accidents and tickets will do that to your insurance rates. I think cruisers are generally cheaper too, but I'm not ready for that type of commitment.

[myother45isalesbaer]

1982 FLT Harley wirh bags and trunk. Love it. I'll be 62YO in a few months. Getting a little weaker a I get older making the HOG hard to ride in stop and go traffic. On the highway you put it into 5th and go. Rides like a Cadillac.

Did many rides as the driver on the Rocket Ships. Way too fast for this old fart. Like them, admire the technology just don't feel I am a safe driver on them. Had my fun on the old rockets like the KZ900, which was the machine to have in its day.

Looks like me and one other are the only large, slow, torque monster big machine drivers on this post. You young ones have your fun today as when tomorrow comes, your reflexes slow down and you too will be looking for a heavy, large machine to ride too. At 1,200-1,400 lbs. if I hit something or it hits me they are going to know it. Since I barely can get out of my own way I need to trust size, some noise and years of experience as my safety devices.

Enjoy the rockets, just know your limits. Its easy to get the rockets going past what you can really handle. Be safe my good friends and stay out of the hospital. In 10 years hopefully I will need another big rig rider as a buddy. I made it to 62, some may not, others will. Try to make it and turn the rocket juice down a tad. LOL!!!!

[The00Dustin]

This post goes out to myother, who thinks he's SO old... I'm younger (mid 30s now) and have always preferred a cruiser (even when I was 14). I just don't ride regularly or own a bike (and now I have a wife who is scared to death of them), so I've been lurking this thread. My grandpa bought a 1971 FLX Hardtail (the Super Glide Night Train with the "Sparkling America" finish) new in 1971 (not his first bike, but the first one I saw) and rode it until he just couldn't kick-start it several times a day anymore (mid-70s), then he got a 1999 Springer Softtail and rode it until he couldn't hold it up anymore (around age 80), then he got a ???? FLX (2000-something Superglide with the retro 1971 Sparkling America finish) and rode it until he couldn't drive anymore due to dementia (mid-80s). He actually had it parked outside of his assisted living facility for a while (no joke). After my dad couldn't let him keep it there anymore, he actually drove it once more the following summer around his birthday with a big group of friends and family (at least 15 bikes). I remember how he used to talk about wanting to die when he couldn't ride anymore when I was a kid (some 20+ years ago), but he's doing OK in the assisted living facility now, although the dementia is certainly hard to watch and he'd probably still be riding otherwise. Anyway, point of the story is, you might be able to ride for a year or two more, old man...

For everyone else out there, my dad bought and restored two 1971 FLX Super Glides before I was old enough to ride on the street, and my grandpa bought my brother and I 50cc dirtbikes on his 6th birthday (I was 7 at the time). When I was 13, my grandpa, dad, and mom took me and both of my brothers from IN to TX on 3 bikes. Two 1971 FLX Super Glides and a BMW R300 that had an R600 engine in it and a sidecar attached. Youngest brother napped in the sidecar, again, no joke. Later on, my dad got a 2000 HD Road King (I've ridden all the bikes mentioned in this story, and that would be my favorite) and a 1971 HD Electra-Glide (lowered and heavy, honestly scares me to drive it).

For those who like to talk about laying bikes down and the like, several years ago, on a trip to The Dragon (Google it, it's a mountain stretch of US 321 or something like that, I think in TN), I kicked one of the 1971 Super Glides wrong (in a failed attempt to start it after it died on the Interstate when I couldn't find reserve quick enough) and cut a big gash in my leg. My calf was visible, but not damaged, so that was good. After getting that stitched up, I was on the Road King the rest of the trip to keep my leg "elevated" on a crash bar. That includes going through The Dragon where I came in to a curve too fast and froze up (in spite of years of riding, possibly had a little to do with having the leg being "elevated"). I probably could have made it around the curve, but thought I was going to go straight into the ditch and bend the forks, so I layed it down instead. Fortunately, it had crash bars, so damage to it was minimal (didn't hurt myself at all).

There have been lots of other bikes in my life, but I think those are probably the best Road Warrior stories. Keep riding and keep safe.

[Ilya]

Dang, those are some stories. I wanna do a road trip some day on a bike.

[myother45isalesbaer]

The00,

Sorry about your grandpa and your bad stories. Loved the good stories. About the age, some people, and I know a few, are still riding well past my age. I want to get back on a bike but my physical health at the moment is really stopping it. With type 2 diabetes and the foot pain coupled with painful arthritis, both of which I take major meds for are slowing my reflexes down and I am in constant pain. I have good days and bad days. Where do I put my handcapped sticker on a bike?

I am current looking at 3 wheelers. The one I like best is of course the H-D but that bad boy is mucho bucks. My plan is by spring to work on physically feeling better and getting the H-D. Feeling like I do really sucks as I remember not too long ago having no issues.

Anyway, for those of you who have limited road experience with your machine (less than 2 years) please take a good safety course. After reading about the person who had the accident in the gravel I was thinking of all the different ways or things you need to know and or do to stay out of trouble. There are just a ton of things that are different about driving a bike than a car. Stay safe and motor on. Hope to see you all on the road soon.

[Ilya]

Yeah I took the Motorcycle Safety Course after riding for like 3 months. I learned a few things, and it definitely helped but sometimes, the best thing is practice practice practice. I'll sometimes go into a parking lot and work on various things like slow speed maneuvers, or weaving/bike control.