Motorcycles

[mmc45414]

Still have the FZ-1 for sale ... I will probably sell it in the spring. Or not...

I did end up selling the FZ-1, got a fair price for it and sold it to a nice young man who seems like a good rider, not someone that was going to wad it up on the way home.

And I took another trip on the SV-650, that trip was a late season gathering in West Virginia. We had great weather but was still prudent to haul instead of riding, I put it in a hitch carrier I had from when I (briefly) raced an FZR400.


It worked OK but not as well as with the stripped down race bike, and I will probably not do it again. I think the race bike had stiffer springs and could be stabilized better.


We also got the little Transit Connect van we ordered in February, so I am probably going to get a nicer utility trailer (thinking Triton FIT series aluminum) and any event distant enough to be too far to comfortably ride the little SV I will probably trailer it. I am only doing a few trips a year right now, and when I retire I can get something with longer legs.

ETA: I also made a rookie mistake and tipped over in a parking lot trying to jump a curb, so my shiny new bike has a little personalization now. Turns out that light nimble motorcycle is not that damn light, once it tips over just sooo far, and my leg is too short because the front wheel is up on a curb!

[baddean]

Bought mine new and I’m not a hard rider, maybe 700-1000 miles per year. Aside from regular maintenance it’s been a boringly reliable bike so far. If I had a complaint, I think it could use better brakes but I don’t ride aggressively enough for it to be a real issue for me.

An easy and relatively inexpensive front brake up grade would be to change out the stock pads for something like EBC sintered or Galfer and replace the stock brake line with a stainless steel braided line.
Improves both braking performance and feel at the lever.
You may not ride aggressively but it might be nice to be able to stop aggressively.

[Totem Polar]

An easy and relatively inexpensive front brake up grade would be to change out the stock pads for something like EBC sintered or Galfer and replace the stock brake line with a stainless steel braided line.
Improves both braking performance and feel at the lever.
You may not ride aggressively but it might be nice to be able to stop aggressively.

Agreed on the EBC pads. Brake line is already braided stainless, in a fit of offering great value for the money.

[Archer1440]

Agreed on the EBC pads. Brake line is already braided stainless, in a fit of offering great value for the money.

Changing brake fluid every year- even in my dry climate- does a lot for brake feel and performance. My bikes get ridden hard in technical canyon roads and passes in all weather conditions, and the difference is noteworthy.

[P30]

US rider, German rider, same Japanese bike: Honda CBR600RR (PC40). Mine will be of full age next year. How time flies!

Took this picture on the first sunny day this year with a double-digit temperature (i.e. at least 10°C or 50°F):



This is my favorite parking lot. Pretty empty on Sundays, good for a little training. And the ramp to the Autobahn is only a few hundred yards away.

PS:
@Archer1440, your friend's BMW is also very cool. My friend had the variant with one R only (S1000 R).

[Totem Polar]

Changing brake fluid every year- even in my dry climate- does a lot for brake feel and performance. My bikes get ridden hard in technical canyon roads and passes in all weather conditions, and the difference is noteworthy.

Looks chilly! What do you have on under those leathers (I mean, besides women’s underwear, of course ) to stay warm through the passes? I need to up my cold weather game.

[Archer1440]

Looks chilly! What do you have on under those leathers (I mean, besides women’s underwear, of course ) to stay warm through the passes? I need to up my cold weather game.

😂

A full RS Taichi undersuit, which I picked up in Japan. It’s a Gore wind stopping material. Also a Forcefield neck gaiter, same material.

If temps get below about 38-40, I switch to the VFR. Heated grips for the win.

Hey, P30, do I get extra points for the P30L in my leg bag?

[P30]

😂

A full RS Taichi undersuit, which I picked up in Japan. It’s a Gore wind stopping material.

So I suppose, it's this undersuit:

rs-taichi.com/main/leather/NXU904.html


Looks damn fast!


PS:
Like a rocket man!

[P30]

Hey, P30, do I get extra points for the P30L in my leg bag?

Yes, for sure. Enjoy this kind of freedom! In my country, it's verboten. But we have the Autobahn. I enjoyed the Autobahn, when I was very young. Important thing is, only few serious accidents happen there. But I enjoy curvy roads and racetracks more. The best rides so far were the Alps and the racetracks in Oschersleben (GER) and Assen (NL).

If you want to ride in Europe, it would be an honor for me to give you some tips so that you enjoy the ride and stay safe.

Two highlights:

Corsica:



Alps (Stelvio pass):

[Archer1440]

So I suppose, it's this undersuit:

rs-taichi.com/main/leather/NXU904.html


Looks damn fast!

http://https://www.ec.rs-taichi.com/nxu916.html

Yes, I have that one (since 2008), but I got a newer version a few years ago:

http://https://www.ec.rs-taichi.com/nxu916.html