Motorcycles.

[SVT_Power]

I've noticed I've worn down the tires noticeably since getting the bike, probably because I do the vast majority of my riding in town and don't always start/stop conservatively

[CaminoRacer]

Rode to the Stone Sour concert tonight. My bike is probably the only non V-twin here. Between the ability to get through traffic quickly and park up front, riding is definitely the best choice for a big event like this.

[giant_mtb]

Wah.  A new rear brake pedal is $60. 

[CaminoRacer]

Wah.  A new rear brake pedal is $60. 

Cut a 2x4 to size/shape and duct tape it on.

[giant_mtb]

Cut a 2x4 to size/shape and duct tape it on.

You have nothing but perfect ideas.

[CaminoRacer]

Red Green is my idol

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

Cut a 2x4 to size/shape and duct tape it on.

[SVT_Power]

Slightly unusual for this thread, but I'm debating telling my mom about the bike.

I've yet to tell her, my brother is the only family member that knows . And he hasn't spilled the beans to anyone, and I don't think I have to worry about that.

So far I haven't told her because I know how much she worries about every damn thing. It's not even the endless nagging I'm sure I'll receive about it, it's just I don't want her to worry and stress over it. But on the other hand, I've been thinking if anything ever did happen while I was on the bike, then it would be a double whammy for her to find out something happened + I've owned a bike since last year and never told her.

[Speed_Racer]

Yeah my mom hates my bike, but she knows she can't really do much about it as I'm an adult. It's probably better that she knows?
I just try to keep mine calm by assuring her that I always wear full gear, ride safely, and take training courses regularly to be a better rider. That's as much as you can do. 

[12,000 RPM]

Better to ask for forgiveness and all that. Out of sight and out of mind as well. Just don't crash

[SVT_Power]

Well I think it's a little late for asking for permission 

[Cookie Monster]

Better to ask for forgiveness and all that. Out of sight and out of mind as well. Just don't crash

Easier said than done.

[giant_mtb]

Took me a while to ease my parents into my dirtbike ownership. Basically I said it was my friend's and that I was keeping it since he can't ride where he lives...then a couple months later I told them I was gonna buy it from him.  They've never expressed any disdain, just "be careful."  They'll even ask me if I've done any riding lately at this point.  I think being a trail rider puts them at some ease since I'm not on the street. 

[Speed_Racer]

My bike left me stranded for the first time this weekend. The clutch cable snapped and rather than wing it i got a lift from a buddy. Also, it's been running a lot smoother since my track day last month. Nothing better than an Italian tune-up I suppose

[SVT_Power]

I've been thinking about doing the clutch cable on mine before it snaps and leaves me stranded. But I hear I need to remove the tank and airbox to replace the cable (there's a bracket or something it needs to run through under the frame). So most likely gonna wait until it leaves me stranded at the worst time/place...

[12,000 RPM]

I've replaced the clutch and throttle cables within the last 2 or so years due to stretching. As old as you guys bikes are I'd change them just for that. But yea, snapping sucks too.

[Speed_Racer]

Apparently people recommend swapping clutch cables out every 30-40k miles. I never thought of doing it and it's not in my maintenance schedule, but I'm adding it in now.

[SVT_Power]

My bike is 11 years old now, but has less than 20k miles. The clutch cable looks like it has definitely seen better days. I just gotta work up the energy to take the tank and airbox off

[MX793]

My bike is 11 years old now, but has less than 20k miles. The clutch cable looks like it has definitely seen better days. I just gotta work up the energy to take the tank and airbox off

Those are generally designed to come off pretty easily.  Especially if it's carbureted and has a fuel petcock.  I'd be surprised if it's more than 8 fasteners.

[SVT_Power]

Those are generally designed to come off pretty easily.  Especially if it's carbureted and has a fuel petcock.  I'd be surprised if it's more than 8 fasteners.

EFI, no carbz here

I just don't want to have to deal with gas spilling out and what not

[MX793]

EFI, no carbz here

I just don't want to have to deal with gas spilling out and what not

Still not hard, just even easier with a carb.  Just drain the tank before taking it off.  You also need to disconnect the power wire to the fuel pump.

[SVT_Power]

Still not hard, just even easier with a carb.  Just drain the tank before taking it off.  You also need to disconnect the power wire to the fuel pump.

That right there is exactly something I can't be bothered to do at the moment 

[12,000 RPM]

I've never drained the tank to do work under it.

[SVT_Power]

I've never drained the tank to do work under it.

I've raised the tank a bit to just get at the airbox before and that was causing some fuel to come out of the overflow. So if I actually needed to reach underneath everything I'd probably have to get the tank out completely.

[giant_mtb]

Meh, spilling a little is a part of life. Gas evaporates super quick. Or just light it on fire on the ground.

[Speed_Racer]

After visiting dealers and trying things on for size, I found adventure bikes more comfortable to me than sport tourings. It really came down to the angle of my knees - with the tight position on my SV I want a distance bike to be as comfortable as possible. I preferred the Tiger and GS800/1200 versus the FJR and R1200RT which had my feet up a little higher. 

I'm looking at a local V-Strom 1000 sometime within the next week. The new one I sat on at a dealer felt great, but we'll see if this is the same - it's an '04.

[giant_mtb]

Not surprised. I think adventure bikes are probably the most comfortable long-distance bikes out there.

[SVT_Power]

Not surprised. I think adventure bikes are probably the most comfortable long-distance bikes out there.

um

[MX793]

Unless they've changed it in recent years, I didn't like the seat shape of the FJR1300.  It's very wide and the edges aren't generously radiused, so the cut into my inner thigh.  After like an hour, my legs hurt.

I was actually really surprised by how good my Ninja was at gobbling highway miles.  I did an 800 day ride and really didn't experience much, if any, discomfort in my legs, back, wrists, or shoulders.  Granted, that was with a gel seat and a pair of padded cycling shorts...

[Speed_Racer]

Yeah I've heard those Ninja 1000/Z1000 bikes are unexpectedly comfortable over long distances.