Cosmic Dreams
Member
Oh god, I just came in here to say you got a sick bike OP. 
Wow, the first picture was awesome too!
Wow, the first picture was awesome too!
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2 wheel GAF UNITE!
- Thread starter Flo_Evans
- Start date
thesoapster
Member
JayDub said:
That was actually the original fairing that was fine except for the fact the bike was knocked over. The spot that broke on the new fairing is the area where the oval cutout is on the right (for the mirror) side. Haven't photographed/taken the new one off the bike now since it snapped like that. Waiting to see what the dealer wants me to do. Someone else on the R1 forum had installed a new OEM upper cowl on their 09, went for a ride...and the wind caused a stress split on it. Really am just wanting a piece that works...
I'm 21 at the moment.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
Wish I had my license and a bike right now. :/
Flo_Evans said:
:lol :lol
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know what I said damn it. It still worries me, but I don't "let" her do anything. If she wants to do it, well she does it.
We already have her a Nolan Modular helmet and a pair of gloves. We are getting her a Jacket, Boots, and some over-pants here shortly. She is NOT allowed to ride it until her MSF course though. I made that stipulation. So that means I get to break it in for the first 600 miles.
Foxtastical
Member
So happy my girlfriend is incredibly good at riding a bike, probably because of her dad, but it's nice not to have a crazed lunatic riding near me.
sammy said:
No but that thing looks like it would be fun as hell! http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413506 < allot of info about it.
it looks like a kids bike by itself...
but...
http://www.peirspeed.com/madass125.htm#gallery
here's a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtOdy3_G14Q
but...
http://www.peirspeed.com/madass125.htm#gallery
here's a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtOdy3_G14Q
It actually is! Here you can qualify for a 125ccm license when you are in the age between 16-18. Everything else (except slower vehicles with less ccm) is prohibited until you're 18.
They are trying to sell all those 125ccm machines (like the cbr125, yamahar125, aprila rs125, cagiva mito 125 etc. etc.) to the kids who can effort it.
They are trying to sell all those 125ccm machines (like the cbr125, yamahar125, aprila rs125, cagiva mito 125 etc. etc.) to the kids who can effort it.
LiveFromKyoto
Member
DeathNote said:it looks like a kids bike by itself...
but...
http://www.peirspeed.com/madass125.htm#gallery
here's a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtOdy3_G14Q
Chicks dig stuff that says "MadAss" on the side.
Man, the weather is taunting me around here. It's above 0 but raining for like a week straight. Then it's supposed to start doing this thing where it's warm all day but sub zero at night. I finish work at midnight, so I'm not sure if I feel comfortable riding home in that.
thesoapster
Member
LiveFromKyoto said:
Our weather, when dry, is becoming very nice. It's in the 60-67º F range when it's sunny and dry. However now it's in the 50s and raining. I have to get my defective new fairing off my bike (which means taking the front off the bike again) and take it to the dealership for them to send to Yamaha. No idea once that's done how long it will be until I can get another.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
I've got a question about jacket sizing. Is there usually room to move easily based on the sizes they recommend? The biggest problem I have with shirts and the such is that my shoulders make it tight like I'm going to rip or makes it hard to bend down. I found the size I'm supposed to be based on my chest but I'm just curious the mobility the leather jackets usually give you based on their sizing.
Zaraki_Kenpachi said:
Well, if you're wearing a sportbike jacket you should sit on a bike with it on. It'll feel weird when you're walking around because it's cut to feel comfortable when you're in a forward/tuck position.
speaking of gear, I posted this a month ago in the gaming side but I guess it fits here too
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So happy with my new Dainese. The thing is flawless.
edit. oh yeah and I picked up a pair of Vertigos too
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Been an expensive winter :/
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
kylej said:
So they're pretty true to what they said and shouldn't compensate a size bigger or anything?
Zaraki_Kenpachi said:
No, you shouldn't. The jacket should feel somewhat tight. The armor built into the jacket shouldn't be able to move because you want it in place if you crash. A good jacket is like a fitted piece of clothing or a hat. That Dainese jacket wraps around my upper body like a glove. When you bend down or try to move quickly you'll feel constrained but that's the way it should be.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
kylej said:
Ok, thanks for the info. That helps a lot.
LiveFromKyoto
Member
Those Dainese jackets are slick. I'm in the market for a new jacket, but I'm not sure if anyone deals them locally.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
LiveFromKyoto said:
Have you tried Dainese.com? I just did it and it shows pretty much all places that sell their equipment. I don't know where you are but I would definitely give the locator on their site a shot.
http://www.dainese.com/us_en/storelocator/
Don't go by the red marks since those are Dainese owned store but if you put in your address it shows everything.
thesoapster
Member
I do like Dainese style.
Anyone here know of a good quality perforated kangaroo leather jacket? I'm looking for something that would be as good as my current jacket but be more suitable for the warmer days.
Anyone here know of a good quality perforated kangaroo leather jacket? I'm looking for something that would be as good as my current jacket but be more suitable for the warmer days.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
Scarecrow said:
What kind of bike do you have? I heard with sportbikes if you lean down more into the like "racing position" the wind catches you less and effects you a little less.
thesoapster said:
Can't think of any off hand but if I find any while I'm still looking at gear I'll let you know.
Edit: Does it have to be kangaroo? I just don't see many companies using kangaroo or at least specifically stating it if they do.
fastford58
Member
Looks like sunny and 12C all week next week. I'm officially putting the battery back in the bike.
thesoapster
Member
I'm assuming you lean against the wind to combat it, right? To an extent you cannot avoid some drift from sudden wind gusts, but if you know you're riding in a windy area, just be ready to lean into it. You can stay straight. If it's wind on the tropical storm level I'd not be out on the bike, period.
LiveFromKyoto
Member
Zaraki_Kenpachi said:
Thanks, I'd been on their site but had only been going by the red marks.
Zaraki_Kenpachi said:
Totally true. Without crouching down I go sailing all over the place, even at sub-highway speeds. But racing position keeps you pretty steady. I kind of want a standard for my next bike, but not being able to get really low worries me - I'm not sure how good they are at high speeds without a windshield.
Scarecrow said:I have a honda shadow 600. It's a standard model.
Part of it is that cruisers aren't built for aerodynamics. The big hogs weigh around 800 lbs., so they can hold their ground in the wind and at high speeds. But your bike is around 425 - about the same as my Ninja, though lower to the ground - so it's going to get pushed around more than some other models. The windscreen is probably the best solution.
thesoapster
Member
LiveFromKyoto said:
Sailing all over? I mean in high winds it almost doesn't matter. Sure, if you're tucked somewhat you'll avoid some of the wind blast effect, but more than anything the weight/shape of the bike is what matters.
What kind of high speeds are you looking at? A standard is going to be more windy than a supersport from the front unless you have a tall screen (and that may be an accessory that could be purchased). I comfortably hit around 100 mph on the Aprilia Shiver, but I'm also wearing a relatively snug leather jacket and an X-Twelve, which is almost cheating in a way I suppose. Helps the wind flow over you a bit more.
I went out to ocotillo wells yesterday. First time in about two months. I was super excited until I got there jumped out of the truck and almost got blown over by the wind:lol
It was still worth it though. I'd never miss a chance to ride my Yamaha yz426. Sorry I don't have a pic of it at the moment. Riding in the wind would probably scare the shit out of me on the street but in the dirt the worst I had to worry about was getting pelted by the sand being blown at me and the wind knocking me off my bike while jumping. I found a sweet jump that I was hitting until I realized that the wind was twisting me a bit midair and I was landing a bit side ways.
It was still freaken sweet
It was still worth it though. I'd never miss a chance to ride my Yamaha yz426. Sorry I don't have a pic of it at the moment. Riding in the wind would probably scare the shit out of me on the street but in the dirt the worst I had to worry about was getting pelted by the sand being blown at me and the wind knocking me off my bike while jumping. I found a sweet jump that I was hitting until I realized that the wind was twisting me a bit midair and I was landing a bit side ways.
It was still freaken sweet
There is not much you can do about side winds except be prepared for it. Just another reason to avoid superslab. Be extra vigilant when crossing bridges! If it is really gusty you should try and grip the tank more with your knees and keep the bars loose.
I ended up ordering some new progressive front springs for my bike. Going to install them this wensday. Should be fun!
I ended up ordering some new progressive front springs for my bike. Going to install them this wensday. Should be fun!
Fallout-NL
Member
Nice, you didn't like the original fork?
Went for a ride Sunday (to pick up my girlfriend from Amsterdam), but I guess my reserve indicator light had given up, cause I ran out of gas somewhere on the highway. Luckily my dad came to the rescue with a petrol filled jerrycan.
And since today was such a nice day in the Netherlands I went for a ride with my new Yamaha, such a completely different experience than riding the 998. The power comes on late and hard, but when you take it easy, the ride is very relaxed, the seat is comfortable, riding position a little less extreme. Yes, definitely some advantages.
Went for a ride Sunday (to pick up my girlfriend from Amsterdam), but I guess my reserve indicator light had given up, cause I ran out of gas somewhere on the highway. Luckily my dad came to the rescue with a petrol filled jerrycan.
And since today was such a nice day in the Netherlands I went for a ride with my new Yamaha, such a completely different experience than riding the 998. The power comes on late and hard, but when you take it easy, the ride is very relaxed, the seat is comfortable, riding position a little less extreme. Yes, definitely some advantages.
Fallout-NL said:
The original springs where straight wound, and made for a 170lb rider. With gear and luggage I am pushing 250. The progressive springs absorb the small bumps and prevent bottoming out. Also put a slighter thicker oil in. I haven't had allot of time to test it but I think it's an improvement. Still not as nice as KTM forks but its getting there.
I think I might switch out the rear next. It has a air bladder suspension that is pretty goofy.
Damn I miss my duc. The low fuel light on mine was pretty flakey too. :lol Italian electronics. Most of the parts on my bike where made by Aprilia and I haven't had any issues yet despite beating the shit out of it.
SnakeswithLasers
Member
Just got saddle bags on my bike. My girlfriend got them for me for my birthday.
I've always disliked the way the back of my bike looks--the GS500F has a strange non-symmetry between it's aggressive almost 'busa like front end and the conservative, standard tail. I suppose the back end is more honest about what the bike is...but it's easier to hide it than the front...
It's quite liberating to ride and carry stuff without having to bring a bag. (I usually wear my chrome messenger bag.)
I've always disliked the way the back of my bike looks--the GS500F has a strange non-symmetry between it's aggressive almost 'busa like front end and the conservative, standard tail. I suppose the back end is more honest about what the bike is...but it's easier to hide it than the front...
It's quite liberating to ride and carry stuff without having to bring a bag. (I usually wear my chrome messenger bag.)
Fallout-NL
Member
Hehe, compared to the 998 I'm happy I can store my disc-brake lock under the Yamaha's seat :lol.
LiveFromKyoto
Member
FFFUUUUUUUU~
I went to get out my bike last night, and while there's enough juice left in the battery to light up all the gauges, the engine won't turn over. Eventually it stopped doing that "engine starting" noise and just started clicking when I hit the start button.
So now it looks like I've got to go get a charger. I've never had to take the battery out before either, so that'll be a first. Any recommendations?
I went to get out my bike last night, and while there's enough juice left in the battery to light up all the gauges, the engine won't turn over. Eventually it stopped doing that "engine starting" noise and just started clicking when I hit the start button.
So now it looks like I've got to go get a charger. I've never had to take the battery out before either, so that'll be a first. Any recommendations?
Darth Pinche
Member
Battery Tender chargers are popular. But I am very happy with a Black and Decker Smart charger I got at Wal-Mart for 10 bucks. It is a float charger so it will charge your battery and then keep it topped off during storage.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
Hey snakeswithlasers, how does your GS500f live up on the highway? I'm thinking about leaning towards one of those over a ninja but I heard it's power is more comparable to the 250 ninja, is it that lacking or is some of that just FUD?
i got this one. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02871222000P?keyword=diehard+battery+charger 10/2/50 amp battery charger engine starter
my dad's motorcycle guru friend recommended the 2 amp trickle, and my dad wanted something that'd work with cars and lawn tractors too.
my dad's motorcycle guru friend recommended the 2 amp trickle, and my dad wanted something that'd work with cars and lawn tractors too.
SnakeswithLasers
Member
Gah, that happened to me a couple months back. I bought this tender and it's worked great. The only real problem is that my battery was completely toast, so it didn't take the charge and I had to get a new one. But I've been hooking my new battery up to the tender every couple weeks (since my commute is only 7 minutes, my battery doesn't seem to get a chance to charge itself) and I'm hopeful that it'll add some life to the guy.LiveFromKyoto said:
Taking the battery itself out wasn't tough at all--at least not in my case. I just took off the seat and used a crescent wrench to pop the battery off. Make sure you remember to re-attach the ventilation hose if you pull it off. Depending on your setup you may not even have to remove the battery. I live in an apartment, so I don't have a garage. But if you do, you can just hook the tender directly to your bike while it's still in your bike and save yourself a few minutes of trouble.
SnakeswithLasers
Member
Well, this is my first bike, and I've never ridden a 250 so consider all of that. What I can say though is that I really like it. I regularly take it on 45 minute sprawls up the 101 from Santa Barbara to Ojai to visit my grandfather. It does great in freeway traffic around here. Acceleration and speed wise--the thing gets up to 60 in 2nd gear and I'm usually cruising at 75 at about 7k RPMS with plenty of power in that range and another gear to spare for passing (or two? shoot, I never top the thing to sixth I don't think...). It's quicker (maybe not faster, I've never taken it past 90-95, but a friend had one and said it'll get up to around 105) than most cars you'll run up against so getting out of trouble isn't an issue.Zaraki_Kenpachi said:
I'm not sure how this stuff compares to a Ninja 250--but, god, I really like my bike. And I feel completely comfortable on the freeway now--any hesitations that I have are due to my new rider-ness and not the bike. The thing I remember reading about 250s is that they're also fine on the freeway, but you have to keep them redlined--I like cruising around 7k because I know that I just need to twist my wrist to get the power at that range if I need it.