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[OraleeWey]

That was exactly it. I found it rumbly at first when I sat on it, but later on not so much. I guess I got used to it. Are all bikes rumbly? Or are newer bikes smoother?

Why do people seem to be against electronics for a first bike? Is it wrong that I prefer to ride a bike that will let me know when my brakes would've locked up if not for ABS? I can still understand I've gone over my limits when ABS triggers, no?

I can understand how traction control might be doing more for me, but isn't it safer?

By rumbly do you mean it vibrates? That's just the bike. It's a single cylinder, 200cc motorcycle. You probably never went above 2nd/3rd gear at 20mph max. So you were probably high in the RPM range.

People mainly don't like electronics for specific reasons. Usually their claims are extra weight, more expensive motorcycle and more things to go wrong. While all of this is true, it doesn't or (shouldn't) apply to real world driving. You should choose exactly what you want from your bike. You can do without ABS or traction control, but just make sure that you ride accordingly.

All electronics do help you in real world driving. Usually, when people are against it they have their own opinions, or they're using their motorcycles for track days. Some people like to wheelie, etc.

 

[Maedre]

That was exactly it. I found it rumbly at first when I sat on it, but later on not so much. I guess I got used to it. Are all bikes rumbly? Or are newer bikes smoother?

Why do people seem to be against electronics for a first bike? Is it wrong that I prefer to ride a bike that will let me know when my brakes would've locked up if not for ABS? I can still understand I've gone over my limits when ABS triggers, no?

I can understand how traction control might be doing more for me, but isn't it safer?

My first bike had no abs and tc. I had to learn how to do a stuttering break. But I still had my first accident in a corner where abs could have saved me.
My second bike had abs and I was glad that it did. Now I have practically everything that is possible.

The bias against seems to have the origin in the concept of learning to drive with no help but I think abs is a lifesaver especially when the driving school in the us is so barren.

 

[Dougald]

The thing about ABS is you never need it until you need it. I wouldn't say it's necessary but it's certainly desireable

I lump people who hate it in with the same crowd that claim it's safer not to wear a helmet

...that being said my wife's BMW actually had the ABS removed by the last owner, but that's because the old-fashioned servo abs costs more to repair than the bike is worth rather than out of some misguided opinions about it

 

[SatansReverence]

Yeah, stalling came down to not using enough throttle.

You should be able to set off from a standstill without any throttle input. Don't worry about "riding" the clutch, the vast majority of bikes these days have wet clutches.

That was exactly it. I found it rumbly at first when I sat on it, but later on not so much. I guess I got used to it. Are all bikes rumbly? Or are newer bikes smoother?

Why do people seem to be against electronics for a first bike? Is it wrong that I prefer to ride a bike that will let me know when my brakes would've locked up if not for ABS? I can still understand I've gone over my limits when ABS triggers, no?

Generally single cylinder bikes are going to feel rougher.

Nothing wrong with ABS and stuff on a first bike. Better off having that than locking the front in an emergency and sliding under a car or truck.

 

[Schweinehund]

Here's some pics of my bike I promised (wouldn't be a Harley without an oil leak...). If you notice, the gas cap is suppose to actually suppose to be ventilated on older Harley's (this one is '90 XLH 883), the previous owner had an after market cap which caused my engine to cut out >_>, already ordered a replacement. Thankfully I didn't panic and could pull over safely.

Speaking of the leak, I need some help from two wheel gaf. What part is this in particular? It's where the oil is dripping from, mechanic said If I can find the parts and bring in the oil, he would only charge labor to replace it.

Here's the website I'm using as references for parts.

Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to ride it for a week, given the category 5 hurricane and the oil leakage being an issue :/.

 

[SatansReverence]

It looks like the oil drain plug from those pictures, probably just needs a new brass washer and she'll be all good again.

 

[Schweinehund]

It looks like the oil drain plug from those pictures, probably just needs a new brass washer and she'll be all good again.

using this picture as a reference, the plug is circled in blue. I think what I'm dealing with is the screw on the left :/.

 

[SatansReverence]

Quite possible. Still looks like the same situation though.

Looking at the parts fiche it's labeled "plug"

I would go with a new brass washer and some teflon thread tape.

 

[Schweinehund]

I think I found it, primary chain adjuster D:.

Now to wait a week for it to ship :/. Thanks for the help though.

 

[Dougald]

An oil leak? That's just a Harley leaving a present for you

Like the stories people used to tell me about their old Triumphs and Nortons in the 70s, where if there wasn't a fairly large puddle in the garage they started to get worried. No wonder the Japanese destroyed the British bike industry, leaving only Triumph to be literally rebuilt from the ground up

Talking of gas caps and venting, my Ducati vents after I've been for a ride or there's a large temperature shift in my garage. I can tell because the bike starts whistling at me...

 

[Maedre]

An oil leak? That's just a Harley leaving a present for you

Hihi, a Harley that doesn't leak must be dead.

Like the stories people used to tell me about their old Triumphs and Nortons in the 70s, where if there wasn't a fairly large puddle in the garage they started to get worried. No wonder the Japanese destroyed the British bike industry, leaving only Triumph to be literally rebuilt from the ground up

And it's good that they did that. I'm actually trying to convert a company that was like Triumph in the 70s into a company of the present with the a proper quality management of the present. It is unbelievable how much potential they are currently throwing away.

 

[Dougald]

An old urban legend I heard about the Meriden Triumph factory in the 70s is they had a guy at the end of the production line whose job was to stand on the downpipes of each assembled bike until they were roughly straight

But if they hadn't gone bankrupt, John Bloor wouldn't have gone to the auction for the Meriden factory to buy the land for his housing company, then walked away with the rights to the name. Spent a decade rebuilding it to what it is now

 

[nico1982]

An old urban legend I heard about the Meriden Triumph factory in the 70s is they had a guy at the end of the production line whose job was to stand on the downpipes of each assembled bike until they were roughly straight

Dead.gif

 

[Fallout-NL]

I am in the south of France right now, near the Ventoux. And it's just as amazing as last year. Two Buells, no traffic, lots of sunshine and nothing but corners.

using this picture as a reference, the plug is circled in blue. I think what I'm dealing with is the screw on the left :/.

Somebody probably didn't replace the o-ring after changing the oil. That's why it's leaking.


Primary chain adjuster is the one further to the front if I'm not mistaken. At least, I think that stuff's the same as on my Buells.


/edit eh oh wait, you circled something else as well. Looks like the clutch cable? Those can leak too.

 

[Ocho]

Is it wrong that all this time I've been thinking of buying a bike to commute to work using helmet/gloves/jacket but regular jeans and shoes? I just find the whole situation of dressing up to ride close kinda annoying. I want to have regular clothes when at work.

I would need to find some fashionable boots/shoes to keep my ankles protected. Maybe wear knee pads? I'm fine with that over my regular jeans.

 

[OraleeWey]

Is it wrong that all this time I've been thinking of buying a bike to commute to work using helmet/gloves/jacket but regular jeans and shoes? I just find the whole situation of dressing up to ride close kinda annoying. I want to have regular clothes when at work.

I would need to find some fashionable boots/shoes to keep my ankles protected. Maybe wear knee pads? I'm fine with that over my regular jeans.

Yes, it's wrong. However, you choose the level of safety you want for yourself. No regular boots or jeans will provide the same level of protection as proper riding gear. Regular jeans won't last even a second if you were to slide.

With that being said though, I wear the prescribed uniform given to me by my company. So, I tend to basically wear exactly as you said, all gear but no proper pants and boots. If I had the option, I would buy and wear those "stylish" riding jeans and "stylish" shoes that are available. They offer more protection over regular stuff.


Riding Jeans

Riding Shoes

 

[Dougald]

Is it wrong that all this time I've been thinking of buying a bike to commute to work using helmet/gloves/jacket but regular jeans and shoes? I just find the whole situation of dressing up to ride close kinda annoying. I want to have regular clothes when at work.

I would need to find some fashionable boots/shoes to keep my ankles protected. Maybe wear knee pads? I'm fine with that over my regular jeans.

Whatever you wear is your choice but personally I wouldn't ever ride without full gear. Regular cotton jeans will likely be obliterated at even slower speeds on concrete or tarmac

I wear fully-lined Kevlar jeans when riding often, check them out, there are loads of different styles these days, some even with optional armour. As for shoes, TCX, Alpinestars and Dainese all sell fashionable type shoes, though tall boots are always safer. Some of them are even indistinguishable from converse-type trainers if that's your style

 

[SatansReverence]

Is it wrong that all this time I've been thinking of buying a bike to commute to work using helmet/gloves/jacket but regular jeans and shoes? I just find the whole situation of dressing up to ride close kinda annoying. I want to have regular clothes when at work.

I would need to find some fashionable boots/shoes to keep my ankles protected. Maybe wear knee pads? I'm fine with that over my regular jeans.

I'll just say wearing full motocross boots is probably the only reason I still have 2 feet right now. The general idea is gear up for the crash, not the ride.

That said there are plenty of jeans that are actually quite fine to wear daily but have kevlar lining inside of them and you should be able to find comfortable all day riding boots too but even then it's not too much of an issue having spare shoes in your backpack.

 

[maxheadwound]

Oh man I do like the new front of the Honda MSX GROM 125cc

 

[Maedre]

Oh man I do like the new front of the Honda MSX GROM 125cc

The Grom seems to be so much fun.

 

[Dougald]

Yeah it's a great looker, I love the new pipe too. The refresh is just a much nicer looking bike overall, the original Grom looked too much like Honda lifted styling from the Ducati Monster. With that new light it truly looks like its own bike

 

[maxheadwound]

Very true. Was not too great looking. It always looks like the light was too big for the size of the bike. Been looking last night and there are so many upgrade kits to make it so much more fun.

 

[BriareosGAF]

I want to have regular clothes when at work.

I would need to find some fashionable boots/shoes to keep my ankles protected. Maybe wear knee pads? I'm fine with that over my regular jeans.

Do you not have a place where you can hang a jacket and pants while at work? I simply wear a full armored jacket and pants with boots, take them off, and put on a pair of shoes I keep at the office. My panniers on the Strom are large enough to store all of this too if for some reason I'm destination traveling for dinner or whatever, but that's pretty rare.

 

[Watevaman]

Is it wrong that all this time I've been thinking of buying a bike to commute to work using helmet/gloves/jacket but regular jeans and shoes? I just find the whole situation of dressing up to ride close kinda annoying. I want to have regular clothes when at work.

I would need to find some fashionable boots/shoes to keep my ankles protected. Maybe wear knee pads? I'm fine with that over my regular jeans.

Comfort is what you make of it. If that means you want to wear jeans and shoes, that's fine. People will always judge you, especially if you wear socks with sandals.

I wear regular pants/shoes to work every day. Both of my crashes have been in jeans and my legs have been fine. Is that to say it's as safe as wearing my leather riding pants? Definitely not. However, I also don't want to have to lug heavy ass clothes around to work and the single set of leathers I can afford right now are perforated, so jeans + long underwear are much warmer when the temps start dropping.

Basically: you do you. Don't worry about others.

edit: Of course, don't take this as an indicator you'll be anywhere near as safe in the event of a crash. I risk losing my feet every day because of my footwear, as stated above. I've had friends snap their ankles from crashing in shoes with no ankle support.

 

[Dougald]

Everyone decides their own safety threshold. We're all willing to take risks, because if you weren't then you wouldn't be riding a motorcycle in the first place. All I think people must do is make an informed decision.

It's why I'll respect people who ride without a helmet because they want to despite the risk, but not those who claim its somehow safer to do so.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Everyone decides their own safety threshold. We're all willing to take risks, because if you weren't then you wouldn't be riding a motorcycle in the first place. All I think people must do is make an informed decision.

It's why I'll respect people who ride without a helmet because they want to despite the risk, but not those who claim its somehow safer to do so.

Yup, I'll shake my head every time I see someone without gloves, but hey, it's their choice.

 

[Maedre]

When I was 16 and drove my 125er Honda Rebel I only had a helmet. Nothing more.
In used to drive with sneakers, no gloves, no jacket, short pants, t-Shirt the whole summer.

I still don't know why my parents didnt say a word or why I didn't thought of it myself.
Even after my first crash I didn't changed my behavior.

Now i wouldn't even drive 100m without nearly full gear.

 

[Dougald]

Apparently one of the Ducati dealers in this part of the country has a Superleggera, so I'm on a quest to go see it on Saturday morning

 

[HellforLeather]

Oh man I do like the new front of the Honda MSX GROM 125cc

Cannot unsee happy cyclops.

Spoiler

I want one...or the Z125

 

[Ocho]

Thanks for all the responses, guys. I do agree maximum safety is best (I'm even thinking of buying an airbag vest), and I would wear proper gear if I was doing long stretches and/or highway drive.

I want to point out I did buy 'fashionable' sneakers for the safety course but I didn't like them. I had no time to return them and buy something else so I wore those to class, but yeah I wouldn't wear those to work.

The ankle protection was certainly adequate but my jeans just don't fight right above the shoe or tucked in (I'm not into the tucked in look). The shoe all around was bulkier than I typically wear.

I've got an eye on a couple of shoes/boots over at Revzilla that seem to be more slim fit around the ankles. I'd definitely feel a lot better if I could get a decent riding shoe with "some" ankle protection for work.

Jeans, yeah I'd be surprised if I could find some that fit like I want them (slim fit, straight). I would need to find a riding gear store with some to try them out. I wouldn't mind wearing some knee pads over my regular jeans.

By the way, here in the SF Bay Area, it's usually kinda fresh, 12-24 C, some days we hit 33, and in very special occasions we do above that, but I'd say I would do mostly fresh/cool driving conditions. Is a leather jacket ok? Or should I go mesh? 4 seasons? Some of the 4 seasons jackets seem more like for touring than 5-10 min commuting.

As I mentioned, I've been eyeing the alpine air bag street vest that's just came out. But I don't really like the jackets compatible.

If I ever got into group riding or some light touring I would def get a proper suit+boots.

 

[Dougald]

Sounds like a regular leather Jacket with some openable vents should do just fine. But I'm British and anything over 18c is 'hot' here. I wear all-season textiles most of the year with removable waterproof and thermal liners, but I prefer wearing leather if it's unlikely to rain and not too hot.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Thanks for all the responses, guys. I do agree maximum safety is best (I'm even thinking of buying an airbag vest)

Yeah, hope those will be coming down in price in the near future.

 

[OraleeWey]

I've got a confession to make. It has been a month since I've ridden my motorcycle. Definitely the longest amount of time since I've owned one. I think work has become a little more stressful lately. Very long work hours. I need to get back on soon. Got to keep the carburetor happy.

Do you guys get the same way? Some relative long periods of time without riding?

 

[HellforLeather]

I've got a confession to make. It has been a month since I've ridden my motorcycle. Definitely the longest amount of time since I've owned one. I think work has become a little more stressful lately. Very long work hours. I need to get back on soon. Got to keep the carburetor happy.

Do you guys get the same way? Some relative long periods of time without riding?

I do for sure. Ive had a few months go by without riding.

 

[BriareosGAF]

Do you guys get the same way? Some relative long periods of time without riding?

Yes, it's a direct consequence of 'living in Maine', pretty much no riding from mid-November to mid-April. Last year was an exception, it got weirdly warm one week in Feburary and I was able to ride the DRZ in to work, then it was back to the snow. Getting my money's worth from those trickle chargers...

Do you not commute on your bike? 90% of my riding is commute time, which is thankfully still lovely in Maine (no billboards, live by the coast).

 

[OraleeWey]

Yes, it's a direct consequence of 'living in Maine', pretty much no riding from mid-November to mid-April. Last year was an exception, it got weirdly warm one week in Feburary and I was able to ride the DRZ in to work, then it was back to the snow. Getting my money's worth from those trickle chargers...

Do you not commute on your bike? 90% of my riding is commute time, which is thankfully still lovely in Maine (no billboards, live by the coast).

I do commute to work. But not if I know it will rain. I'll get back on soon, hopefully. It's just that sometimes I work 16 hour days. More often than I'd like to admit and it just kills my mood. Plus, US politics have been very stressful lately as well. I'll be doing that trip I was talking about earlier, after all these storms pass. Hopefully it'll clear my mind!

 

[Ocho]

I've done a 180 and I think I prefer the looks of the FZ07 over SV650's. I'm surprised.

 

[Spanglo]

I was looking to get a scooter, but seeing that GROM for the first time, now I want one!

 

[Dougald]

Local BMW dealer (Bahnstormer Maidenhead) is having their 10 year anniversary on the 23rd. I might swing by, apparently James May is going to be there! Already planning to go the week before and finally test-ride the R1200RS if I can.

I do commute to work. But not if I know it will rain. I'll get back on soon, hopefully. It's just that sometimes I work 16 hour days. More often than I'd like to admit and it just kills my mood. Plus, US politics have been very stressful lately as well. I'll be doing that trip I was talking about earlier, after all these storms pass. Hopefully it'll clear my mind!

Hey, the shitshow that is British politics has been doing the same to me... But we'll always have bikes.

Really, I just think once you've been riding a little while you're less likely to want to go ride those same local roads again just for fun. Try to plan out some specific trips. We're quite lucky in this country to have a lot of motorcycle cafes that you can make specific trips to

I've done a 180 and I think I prefer the looks of the FZ07 over SV650's. I'm surprised.

You should get out to some dealers and take a look at them both if you can, maybe even test-ride. You'd not go wrong with either of those bikes though, so go with your heart.

I was looking to get a scooter, but seeing that GROM for the first time, now I want one!

Nobody here would tell you wrong, half of us are still coveting one. Just great little bikes

 

[OraleeWey]

I think you're right Doug. That makes sense.

 

[Flo_Evans]

I still want to see/ride the little BMW 310. Still none at my local shop.

 

[Duderz]

My 2003 Bonneville seems to have finally given up the ghost. I've taken it to two different dealers and both recommended a new engine, this current one giving me only 42,000mi of service. I think when I get it back I'll start the long process of parting it out. This was my first bike that I learned to ride on, and I took great pride in it. Went on multiple long (1500+ mi) trips so I have a lot of grand memories on this bike.

Just absolutely gutted.

 

[Ocho]

Went to a dealership to check bikes out. FZ07 abs is around 9.5 out of the door. Pushing to lower below 9k, plus 20% off in a helmet. I could get a XSR900 out of the door for 10.5, though. That's not much more money for a "better" bike (that's out of my skill level). Hmm...

 

[Makki]

Buy used if you want FZs. They depreciate like mad, people put very few miles on em, and you can ususally get them with slip ons, power commanders and all other sorts of expensive add ons for nothing.

 

[Ocho]

Unfortunately it looks like older models didn't have an ABS version?

 

[Dougald]

My 2003 Bonneville seems to have finally given up the ghost. I've taken it to two different dealers and both recommended a new engine, this current one giving me only 42,000mi of service. I think when I get it back I'll start the long process of parting it out. This was my first bike that I learned to ride on, and I took great pride in it. Went on multiple long (1500+ mi) trips so I have a lot of grand memories on this bike.

Just absolutely gutted.

Man, that's terrible, especially for that mileage. My first bike was a Bonneville too and I'm gutted for you.

At least the new Bonneville T120s are supposed to be miles better if you want another one, though I'm sure that's little consolation

 

[Dougald]

Nice little ride to Moto Rapido Ducati in Winchester this morning. They all seem like a friendly lot in there, and their mechanics also work on their British Superbike team, so probably know their stuff. Recommended.

I think my friend will have a Panigale inside a year, and I am tempted by the Multistrada 950.

 

[Fallout-NL]

My 2003 Bonneville seems to have finally given up the ghost. I've taken it to two different dealers and both recommended a new engine, this current one giving me only 42,000mi of service. I think when I get it back I'll start the long process of parting it out. This was my first bike that I learned to ride on, and I took great pride in it. Went on multiple long (1500+ mi) trips so I have a lot of grand memories on this bike.

Just absolutely gutted.

What's wrong with the engine?

 

[Fallout-NL]

Couple of shots from a few of our trips around the Ventoux. All the interesting bikes (that were not ours) passed when I didn't have the camera ready, so I'll try to capture some of those in the second week. Anyway, here are the Buells:

The Ulysses is still out of action. My girlfriend misses its comfortable and roomy seating arrangement (and I kinda miss how it rides just as good with as without a pillion), but it's good to have the X1 out here. It's faster than the Ulysses and at least now not all of the attention goes to the orange framed M2 .

 

[CFMOORE!]

if my bike hasn't been ridden/turned in on like 6 months, any particular prep i need to do before trying to put around the neighborhood with it?