No I didn't get a GW250. Didn't get a EX500. Didn't get a CBR500R. Didn't get a CBR300R.
Got a 2014 Ninja 300 SE ABS with 1353 km (840 miles). Got it from a dealer, the guy I dealt with actually sold the bike to the original owner and took it in as a trade in for something bigger. So he's sold the bike twice :lol:
(http://i.imgur.com/d5thwNM.jpg)
Bike doesn't even have a single scratch on it. Apparently the guy brought the bike in a while back for the initial 1000km maintenance and just didn't bother riding it much after that. But still felt the need to ditch the stock muffler for some kind of slipon.
I'll be doing the MSF at the end of March/beginning of April, then getting insurance and picking up the bike. The dealer is storing the bike until I'm ready to pick it up, just gotta pay for the bike by Mar 31 (only had to put a deposit down) and give them a week's notice to get plates for me.
I told you it was a good day to buy a Ninja 300 with ABS.
Congrats bro. Welcome to the club. You paying cash or financing? Make sure you get all your gear too (helmet, gloves, jacket(s), motorcycle boots.... pants would not be a bad idea)
Good call on the MSF too. You're gonna love it man.
Hell yeah.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on February 16, 2016, 06:38:57 AM
Congrats bro. Welcome to the club. You paying cash or financing? Make sure you get all your gear too (helmet, gloves, jacket(s), motorcycle boots.... pants would not be a bad idea)
Good call on the MSF too. You're gonna love it man.
Cash through my line of credit. For such a small loan, the bank wanted like 10% interest.
I've been browsing online for gear. Probably just gonna get a textile jacket and bundle up for the beginning of the season. Gonna get jacket + gloves (debating whether to get gauntlets or not) + riding boots for sure. Still on the fence about pants, probably should.
Helmet is still the big question, I've tried on more than a dozen helmets and nothing feels quite right. But I think if I swap out the cheek pieces on a HJC FG-17, might be the best I could do. A couple of helmets fit alright at the top but squeeze my cheeks too tight, including a couple of HJCs and the Shoei QWEST but I don't think I'm ready to splurge on a Shoei quite yet.
Good that you are trying helmets on in person, that was going to be my next suggestion.
I knew my head was a little big but depending on the band I'm a XL or XXL. I find it hard to believe nobody needs a helmet bigger than 3XL
Congrats. Be safe.
:cheers: Congrats! And get regular gloves! Gauntlets look outta place without full leathers IMO.....
Quote from: SVT_Power on February 16, 2016, 08:06:57 AM
I knew my head was a little big but depending on the band I'm a XL or XXL. I find it hard to believe nobody needs a helmet bigger than 3XL
I'm a small/medium. :mask:
Quote from: SVT_Power on February 16, 2016, 08:06:57 AM
I knew my head was a little big but depending on the band I'm a XL or XXL. I find it hard to believe nobody needs a helmet bigger than 3XL
Hay bruh, helmets are supposed to be snug, and will eventually conform to ur head.
The good ones will have different sized inserts for cheeks n stuff. I've had my Shoei fir >10yrs. It was tight as fuk at first, but now it's a perfect fit.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 16, 2016, 07:00:05 PM
Hay bruh, helmets are supposed to be snug, and will eventually conform to ur head.
The good ones will have different sized inserts for cheeks n stuff. I've had my Shoei fir >10yrs. It was tight as fuk at first, but now it's a perfect fit.
10 years? Time for a new one buddy....
Scratch that XL/XXL thing, I'm around a L/XL.
Heh the helmet I was planning on getting (HJC FG-17) is on sale on a Canadian website right now. Might order dat biznatch as soon as I figure out which size I need exactly.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on February 16, 2016, 08:00:51 PM
10 years? Time for a new one buddy....
Does it have an expiration date?
I think it's 2 or 3 years! Or if you drop it.
Quote from: SVT_Power on February 16, 2016, 09:25:18 PM
Heh the helmet I was planning on getting (HJC FG-17) is on sale on a Canadian website right now. Might order dat biznatch as soon as I figure out which size I need exactly.
Nice, I just got an HJC CL-17
I heard every 5 years or if you go down. Dropping it doesn't necessarily mean new helmet time.
Quote from: thecarnut on February 17, 2016, 04:53:52 PM
I heard every 5 years or if you go down. Dropping it doesn't necessarily mean new helmet time.
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the helmet if it's "Subjected to an impact.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on February 17, 2016, 05:15:05 PM
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the helmet if it's "Subjected to an impact.
True, but I can't afford to replace my helmet every time I drop it! I've only dropped my Shoei once (slid off my seat while the bike was idling) and it didn't even scratch it so I think it's fine.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on February 17, 2016, 04:41:19 PM
I think it's 2 or 3 years! Or if you drop it.
I only scraped my face once, and I replaced the visor. It's just broken in!
Quote from: CaminoRacer on February 17, 2016, 04:53:49 PM
Nice, I just got an HJC CL-17
The CL-17 is my backup choice right now. Actually fits comfier than the FG-17, but that's because the cheek pads on the CL are smaller & softer. But the biggest thing is the FG is a composite vs the CL is polycarbonate.
Also tried on a couple of Alpinestars jackets tonight. Fuck those things are tight. A medium fits like a glove, but there's no way I'd be able to get in an extra insulating layer underneath.
Quote from: SVT_Power on February 17, 2016, 07:23:08 PM
Also tried on a couple of Alpinestars jackets tonight. Fuck those things are tight. A medium fits like a glove, but there's no way I'd be able to get in an extra insulating layer underneath.
I'm convinced mototcycle jackets are sized for anorexic midgets.
Quote from: SVT_Power on February 17, 2016, 07:23:08 PM
Also tried on a couple of Alpinestars jackets tonight. Fuck those things are tight. A medium fits like a glove, but there's no way I'd be able to get in an extra insulating layer underneath.
So buy a large? :huh:
A lot of the jackets let you cinch down around the waist and arms anyways.
Quote from: SVT_Power on February 17, 2016, 07:21:06 PM
The CL-17 is my backup choice right now. Actually fits comfier than the FG-17, but that's because the cheek pads on the CL are smaller & softer. But the biggest thing is the FG is a composite vs the CL is polycarbonate.
Yeah the FG is top notch. Should come with slightly smaller cheek pads so you can swap them out.
For the price, I have enjoyed my Fieldsheer™ brand mesh jackets. They also seem to fit my fatass reasonably well, and the zippers aren't total crap. Eh.
Cool looking bike. Ninja 300? Does that mean it's a 300cc engine? How does it compare to the Ninja 250?
Quote from: Raza on February 20, 2016, 01:22:45 PM
Cool looking bike. Ninja 300? Does that mean it's a 300cc engine? How does it compare to the Ninja 250?
It's totally only like 296cc.
Quote from: Raza on February 20, 2016, 01:22:45 PM
Cool looking bike. Ninja 300? Does that mean it's a 300cc engine? How does it compare to the Ninja 250?
My understanding is it's very similar to the ninja 250, just better in every way.
Slightly more power, but noticeably better at highway speeds. Better ride, better looks, no more carb, and available with ABS.
Side note, tried on a XL FG-17 helmet with the slightly smaller cheek pads (XL comes with 35mm cheek pads, tried on the 30mm cheek pads) and it fits wonderfully. It's just barely tight enough to make my teeth graze the inside of my cheeks brand new, so it shouldn't be an issue once it breaks in a little. I thought I might want/need the 20mm cheek pads, but I think those might be a little too loose at that point now.
Also confirmed I can fit a medium in most jackets, but I need a large in Alpinestars if I want to be able to fit any kind of insulating layer underneath.
And I just need a medium in gloves. Tried on a pair of Dainese gauntlets that were on clearance, my lawd those feel nice.
Don't forget a fanny pack. All the cool bikers are wearing them.
Quote from: SVT_Power on February 20, 2016, 05:45:41 PM
My understanding is it's very similar to the ninja 250, just better in every way.
Slightly more power, but noticeably better at highway speeds. Better ride, better looks, no more carb, and available with ABS.
Nice.
Well first piece of gear acquired! Sidi blade boots
(http://images0.revzilla.com/product_images/0014/3863/Sidi_Blade_Riding_Shoes_zoom.jpg)
They were a show special from one of the local shops, paid $120 tax in. That's not even $90 USD right now.
Good deal.
Well second piece acquired, bought the HJC FG-17 helmet in matte black. Actually wanted a different design but meh whatever matte black is a safe choice.
Quote from: SVT_Power on February 21, 2016, 04:36:47 PM
Well second piece acquired, bought the HJC FG-17 helmet in matte black. Actually wanted a different design but meh whatever matte black is a safe choice.
I don't know what do put on it, but you might put something on it to repel bug gut stains.
I think you're only supposed to wash it with warm water and mild dish soap.
I'm probably gonna get mine pinstriped to match my car.
So my friend said he has a pair of gloves he only used for his MSF course weekend (since he needed a pair that covers the wrists, he only wears short gloves apparently) that he's gonna give me if I want them. Also apparently has an Icon jacket he doesn't wear...might be able to save a few bucks :rockon:
Five weeks exactly until MSF...the evening classroom session. 5 weeks + 2 days until actually being on a motorcycle :(
How long do you have to register a bike after you buy it? Can I have an unregistered bike for 2-3 months without issue?
Quote from: CaminoRacer on February 25, 2016, 08:10:04 PM
How long do you have to register a bike after you buy it? Can I have an unregistered bike for 2-3 months without issue?
You can buy a bike and never register it if you want AFAIK, which also means you'd never be able to legally ride it on the street of course.
In my instance, the dealer just asked me to let them know a week or so in advance before coming to pick it up so they have time to get a plate for it from the gubberment. That way I just come pick it up and ride it home.
Inb4 you fail MSF and can never take it home. :evildude:
F U
Bought one of these in really good condition from a guy for $100.
(http://www.psndealer.com/powersportsdlr/images/ec0418/722097.jpg)
A little bigger than ideal probably but it'll be nice during the cooler months to wear with a thin hoodie or something underneath.
:rockon:
If it's too hot you can just ride topless. Chicks dig it.
Bought my buddy brunch in return for his used Icon Squad 3 backpack, Joe Rocket gloves (barely used), and a spare rear stand he had sitting around.
Well I also bought a pair of jeans at the mall, so in theory I'm done preparing gear! (I'm still searching for riding pants)
17 days until MSF classroom evening, 19 days until the actual riding weekend. :rockon:
Got a call telling me I could do my MSF course this weekend, but already have plans with the ladyfriend. Damn.
Dump her.
Tell your ladyfriend you've got shit to do.
Quote from: thecarnut on March 16, 2016, 10:31:03 AM
Tell your ladyfriend you've got shit to do.
Ya, ride a little 250cc bike around circles. Advice: learn to feather the clutch. ;)
Got a call last night about a spot opening up at this weekend's course instead, but it was already too late when I called back today. Feck.
But with this forecast, I don't think I'll be missing out on much
(http://i.imgur.com/qz08qW5.png)
YEa u will be out for like 8 hours
Def pick a nice weather day
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on March 22, 2016, 04:34:39 AM
YEa u will be out for like 8 hours
Def pick a nice weather day
Well this weekend doesn't seem too bad. I don't care about temps as long as it's above freezing, but I do not want to be outside if it's gonna be raining. And this weekend is calling for chilly, but sunny.
Probably gonna go pay for my bike tomorrow. MSF this weekend. Probably will end up picking it up next week :rockon:
Paid for the bike, I now own a bike!
:lol:
Goddamn it. After two weekends of gorgeous (a little chilly but sunny) weekends, they're calling for showers/flurries the whole weekend. I fucking hate being out in the rain. :rage:
With that said, what do y'all think I should do about gear? Obviously I'd like to avoid getting my leather stuff soaked.
- I'm thinking I'll go buy a big windbreaker or a rain jacket to wear over my riding jacket
- I'll wear a pair of big track pants I have over jeans
- Debating wearing my not-yet-broken-in boots in the rain. They're a little snug, which obviously is ideal since I still have to break them in. I know the rain will accelerate the breaking down of the boots, but it'll probably help break them in pretty fast as well. Otherwise I can just wear some hiking boots I have
- Not sure what to do or what I can do about gloves since it's not like I have a different pair of gloves to wear
Your boots will be fine in the rain. Same with gloves. Hands are easy to dry.
I'd just try to reschedule.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on March 31, 2016, 10:05:30 AM
I'd just try to reschedule.
Fuck that. You've got a bike to ride, Ed!
If you're worried about your jacket, just put some Frog Toggs or a rain coat over it. Just know that you're going to get fucking hot since you're not going to be going fast (unless it's freezing cold out).
Make sure your hands are warm, but it doesn't matter if they're wet. Wet hands don't decrease dexterity. If your boots aren't waterproof, you can wear plastic bags on the inside so your feet at least stay dry.
You'll be fine, though. People make way too big of a deal out of riding in the rain.
Quote from: Cookie Monster on March 31, 2016, 10:12:14 AM
Fuck that. You've got a bike to ride, Ed!
If you're worried about your jacket, just put some Frog Toggs or a rain coat over it. Just know that you're going to get fucking hot since you're not going to be going fast (unless it's freezing cold out).
Make sure your hands are warm, but it doesn't matter if they're wet. Wet hands don't decrease dexterity. If your boots aren't waterproof, you can wear plastic bags on the inside so your feet at least stay dry.
It's a high of 40F on Saturday, and 32F on Sunday.
I don't think I'm gonna be overheating too badly :lol:
Bro u are gonna be miserable.... I would reschedule
Even if u stay dry ur gonna be cold.
I have enough room to fit a thin sweater under my jacket so I'm not too worried about being cold, although I'm not sure how my fingers will feel being at that temp all day
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on March 31, 2016, 11:13:04 AM
Bro u are gonna be miserable.... I would reschedule
Even if u stay dry ur gonna be cold.
Hush Up Sporty! You know us Black Folk get cold too easily!!!! :lol: But yeah your gonna freeze your ass off.......
I must be black. :lol:
Quote from: CaminoRacer on March 31, 2016, 08:09:40 PM
I must be black. :lol:
Your credit score just dropped 100pts...... :lol:
:lol:
Picked up a pair of Oxford waterproof gloves with a little bit of insulation in them - they're labeled as "summer" gloves but if I wore these in the summer my hands would be drenched. Also picked up a light windbreaker from Walmart for $20 that'll fit over my leather jacket in case it does rain.
Either way, the forecasts (I've been checking 5 different sites :lol:) have changed and more or less converged to this:
Saturday morning - little to no precipitation
Saturday afternoon - minimal precipitation
Sunday morning/afternoon - chilly (just below freezing) but no precipitation
So I think with a little bit of luck, rain/snow shouldn't be any issue. Just gotta deal with the cold.
Survived day 1!
Spent most of the day on a Grom (Groms and CBR125's made up most of the bikes available, with a couple of standards and a single CBR250). That thing requires pretty much no learning curve, just hop on and go.
Sell Ninja and keep the Grom
Lovely, feels like -15C/5F this morning. This should be fun...
Well, got a perfect score on the test on EZ mode (on the Grom).
Just gotta go to the licensing centre and get my license tomorrow woot. Then get insurance and pick up the bike whenever it's warm enough.
Congrats!
Nice, man!
Awesome!
Good shit.....
Well called the shop to arrange picking up my bike, and was told they're so backed up the earliest I can pick it up is the 19th. I don't know why they need SO much time to just change the fluids and whatever they do before they hand the keys over, but nothing I can do about it.
At least hopefully it'll be consistently warm by then, it's still snowing today.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 06, 2016, 12:18:22 PM
Well called the shop to arrange picking up my bike, and was told they're so backed up the earliest I can pick it up is the 19th. I don't know why they need SO much time to just change the fluids and whatever they do before they hand the keys over, but nothing I can do about it.
At least hopefully it'll be consistently warm by then, it's still snowing today.
New or used?
Bicycle shops are similarly booked up in spring and don't even have time for quick stuff.
Supposed to find out tomorrow if there's any chance I can pick up the bike this week sometime. Supposed to be a gorgeous weekend so would be awesome...
Yee having a lucky afternoon.
Picked up a pair of almost new Dainese kevlar jeans for cheap off a local forum d00d.
Then went to the shop to find out all the registration/certification paperwork is done, they just need to go to the ministry and pick up my plate. They're gonna try to do that this afternoon, otherwise first thing tomorrow morning.
I might actually be bringing the bike home today :rockon:
:cheers:
Well finally brought it home tonight.
Here she is next to my neighbor's Brutale and 650R
(http://i.imgur.com/EV2kQl0.jpg)
:rockon:
Dope.
How was the ride home?
Yea how was the maiden voyage bro
Smooth sailing on the way home. Had to stop once because I forgot to put earplugs in, and I definitely underestimated how loud my exhaust is.
Had one hiccup at a light, misjudged the friction zone like a n00b so ended up having to pull the clutch in and retry the taking off thing. Didn't stall though, all good.
Initial thoughts:
- Some of the reviews I saw said there's no power below like 8k rpm and that the engine really has to be wrung out, it didn't feel like that yesterday but I literally rode it for 10 miles so I can't say exactly yet :lol:
- And speaking of power, I know this is a 300cc/entry level bike but I expected a little more of a woah factor with a WOT 2nd gear pull. I mean before I knew it I was doing like 55mph or whatever the top speed in 2nd is, but because the engine has no torqz it just kind of just wafts to that speed
- I thought I was just a n00b and didn't adjust the mirrors correctly because I can't see shit out of them...nope very commonly mentioned on the Ninja 300 forum
- I gotta keep a better track of what gear I'm in, I tried to shift up from 6th twice in just the 10 mile ride home :lol:
You've got the power/weight of a V6 CamCord. Acceleration "woah factor" will be about the same.
Quote from: MX793 on April 14, 2016, 06:30:02 AM
You've got the power/weight of a V6 CamCord. Acceleration "woah factor" will be about the same.
:cry:
The ninja's a little better, 0-60 in the mid/high 5's apparently. I know the Camry V6 SE model at some point had a similar 0-60 time, but I don't think the CamCords are quite that fast right now unless I'm mistaken.
Naw Camry V6s are low key rockets. They will do a 14 flat on a good day. I got disciplined by an Avalon in the Z at a 2-1 merge once and there is similar Youtube footage available
But yea, a 300 is not going to thrill you with speed, which is the point. Thankfully something as measly as a 650 twin probably will. 4 years later mine still makes me giggle and requires commitment for WOT. I still also look for 7th every now and then. I'm surprised they don't space the gears out more on street bikes.
Also, how often is "normal" to run into the issue where you stop at a point where the bike doesn't want to go into 1st/neutral? I mean it could just be bad luck, but I ran into this issue twice on my ride in this morning. Stopped at light, kicked down as far as it'd go, then realize I'm still in 2nd when I'm trying to take off. Obviously as soon as I roll the bike a little, it has no issues going into first.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 14, 2016, 08:30:01 AM
Also, how often is "normal" to run into the issue where you stop at a point where the bike doesn't want to go into 1st/neutral? I mean it could just be bad luck, but I ran into this issue twice on my ride in this morning. Stopped at light, kicked down as far as it'd go, then realize I'm still in 2nd when I'm trying to take off. Obviously as soon as I roll the bike a little, it has no issues going into first.
Not uncommon. I almost always run down through the gears and engine brake when coming to a stop rather than pulling in the clutch and tapping down through the gears after stopping, so I don't run into gear lockout often as a byproduct of that behavior.
Quote from: MX793 on April 14, 2016, 08:39:02 AM
Not uncommon. I almost always run down through the gears and engine brake when coming to a stop rather than pulling in the clutch and tapping down through the gears after stopping, so I don't run into gear lockout often as a byproduct of that behavior.
I ended up doing engine braking when I had a lot of room to stop and just grabbing the brake and tapping down when I had to stop at a changing light or something. Can't brake and downshift yet :lol:
4 years in I can't brake + downshift either
I'm not sure how it is with other bikes but the engine braking on my bike is so strong I only really use the brakes when coming to a stop or if I have to slow down in a hurry. W/quasi panic stops the gear you are in doesn't really matter... just make sure to get into the right gear before you start moving again
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 14, 2016, 08:50:47 AM
4 years in I can't brake + downshift either
I'm not sure how it is with other bikes but the engine braking on my bike is so strong I only really use the brakes when coming to a stop or if I have to slow down in a hurry. W/quasi panic stops the gear you are in doesn't really matter... just make sure to get into the right gear before you start moving again
I did notice the bike has noticeable engine braking, I pretty only much have to use the actual brakes at the very end to come to a standstill. It's actually almost annoying when I start downshifting a few car lengths back and the engine braking slows me down way faster than expected. Guess I just gotta downshift later
I frequently will lightly drag one of the brakes when engine braking just so my brake light is on to let people behind me know I'm slowing.
Rev matched downshifts while braking can be tricky (akin to heel-toe in a car), but if you're smooth with the clutch release you don't have to rev match. Bike wet clutches are made to hold up to slipping more than a dry clutch in a car. Gear spacing is close enough that you are unlikely to upset anything as long as you are in the lower 1/4 of the Rev range even if you aren't that smooth with the clutch release.
So 25 miles into this motorcycling thing, I feel almost a little disappointed in a way.
I waited literally 10 years to get a motorcycle, and I think I built up so much expectation and what not over the years that I'm a little let down by the bike so far. I know I literally just got the bike yesterday and I've just been riding slowly in the city going to work/home. But I thought I'd be a little giddy and feel like a kid again as soon as I got it. Maybe I'm just too old now, or maybe I just lost my sense of fun...I barely felt anything flooring a CTS-V through the gears until I was doing 150 mph so it might be me.
I'm sure going up to some curvy roads soon might change how I feel, but for now my initial feelings on the bike aren't as great as I thought it'd be.
Quote from: MX793 on April 14, 2016, 09:04:00 AM
I frequently will lightly drag one of the brakes when engine braking just so my brake light is on to let people behind me know I'm slowing.
Rev matched downshifts while braking can be tricky (akin to heel-toe in a car), but if you're smooth with the clutch release you don't have to rev match. Bike wet clutches are made to hold up to slopping more than a dry clutch in a car. Gear spacing is close enough that you are unlikely to upset anything as long as you are in the lower 1/4 of the Rev range.
That and I have a slipper clutch to save my n00b ass :lol:
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 14, 2016, 08:30:01 AM
Also, how often is "normal" to run into the issue where you stop at a point where the bike doesn't want to go into 1st/neutral? I mean it could just be bad luck, but I ran into this issue twice on my ride in this morning. Stopped at light, kicked down as far as it'd go, then realize I'm still in 2nd when I'm trying to take off. Obviously as soon as I roll the bike a little, it has no issues going into first.
Hmm. I've heard of this issue but haven't experienced it (yet) on either of my bikes. Although the Nighthawk might have had that problem. All bikes do clunk into first gear, though, and I remember sometimes the CBR would be pretty balky trying to go from first to neutral.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 14, 2016, 08:50:47 AM
4 years in I can't brake + downshift either
I'm not sure how it is with other bikes but the engine braking on my bike is so strong I only really use the brakes when coming to a stop or if I have to slow down in a hurry. W/quasi panic stops the gear you are in doesn't really matter... just make sure to get into the right gear before you start moving again
OK I'm not trying to be a dick, but how do you not know how to downshift and brake on a bike? To me it was one of the easier things to pick up and took considerably less effort to learn than heel-toeing a car, since the clutch, front brake and throttle are all controlled by your hands, which have much more dexterity and control than your feet.
What is it that is stopping you from doing it? Maybe adjusting your brake lever (if possible) to be closer to the grip so you can roll your wrist a bit easier to blip the gas?
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 14, 2016, 09:10:22 AM
So 25 miles into this motorcycling thing, I feel almost a little disappointed in a way.
I waited literally 10 years to get a motorcycle, and I think I built up so much expectation and what not over the years that I'm a little let down by the bike so far. I know I literally just got the bike yesterday and I've just been riding slowly in the city going to work/home. But I thought I'd be a little giddy and feel like a kid again as soon as I got it. Maybe I'm just too old now, or maybe I just lost my sense of fun...I barely felt anything flooring a CTS-V through the gears until I was doing 150 mph so it might be me.
I'm sure going up to some curvy roads soon might change how I feel, but for now my initial feelings on the bike aren't as great as I thought it'd be.
Well from what you've said, it sounds like you live in a flat area with no twisties, so for that I can definitely see how a 300 would be underwhelming. There is definitely a visceral rush on a powerful bike, even going in a straight line, so I think once you upgrade you'd enjoy it more. I do think that you made a great choice by going with the 300 first though and you'll definitely enjoy it in the twisties. I thought my friend's Ninja 300 was a ton of fun in the twisties since it's so damn flickable and light.
Hell, I haven't even gone WOT on my bike in the first three gears in A-mode because it's so brutal. Definitely would stomp pretty much any 600 off the line (I think).
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 14, 2016, 10:03:19 AM
Well from what you've said, it sounds like you live in a flat area with no twisties, so for that I can definitely see how a 300 would be underwhelming. There is definitely a visceral rush on a powerful bike, even going in a straight line, so I think once you upgrade you'd enjoy it more. I do think that you made a great choice by going with the 300 first though and you'll definitely enjoy it in the twisties. I thought my friend's Ninja 300 was a ton of fun in the twisties since it's so damn flickable and light.
Hell, I haven't even gone WOT on my bike in the first three gears in A-mode because it's so brutal. Definitely would stomp pretty much any 600 off the line (I think).
Here's a map of the region:
(http://i.imgur.com/tjR3smI.jpg)
Just for scale, from Toronto to Newmarket (north of Toronto, near the edge of this map) is about 40 miles. So safe to say there's nothing but straight, grid roads within an hour of Toronto
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 14, 2016, 10:03:19 AM
OK I'm not trying to be a dick, but how do you not know how to downshift and brake on a bike? To me it was one of the easier things to pick up and took considerably less effort to learn than heel-toeing a car, since the clutch, front brake and throttle are all controlled by your hands, which have much more dexterity and control than your feet.
What is it that is stopping you from doing it? Maybe adjusting your brake lever (if possible) to be closer to the grip so you can roll your wrist a bit easier to blip the gas?
Blipping the throttle and holding onto the brake is kind of tough. My bike has stock levers which are pretty huge so it makes the grip awkward. Plus on the street I've never found it to be necessary- most of the time I can just engine brake to slow down enough for a turn, and if I'm slowing down to stop there's no need to keep the engine speed up. If I wind up not stopping I just blip up before letting the clutch out :huh:
I think the biggie is the levers. Mine are just shit. I'm also overdue for a brake flush as my lever is pretty soggy and makes for holding and blipping awkward. It's no biggie though, not really a critical technique off the track. Hell, people who do a ton of track time just get slipper clutches anyway. It's not as critical to know on a bike as it is for cars.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 14, 2016, 10:52:29 AM
Blipping the throttle and holding onto the brake is kind of tough. My bike has stock levers which are pretty huge so it makes the grip awkward. Plus on the street I've never found it to be necessary- most of the time I can just engine brake to slow down enough for a turn, and if I'm slowing down to stop there's no need to keep the engine speed up. If I wind up not stopping I just blip up before letting the clutch out :huh:
I think the biggie is the levers. Mine are just shit. I'm also overdue for a brake flush as my lever is pretty soggy and makes for holding and blipping awkward. It's no biggie though, not really a critical technique off the track.
Hmm, I have big hands so I guess it's easier for me to blip and hold the brake. It's just a habit for me to do since I heel-toe while stopping in the car as well. Plus, the Akrapovic sounds orgasmic on decel, especially since it's untuned and pops like crazy. :wub: :lol:
Gently use the back brake while you're blipping. :huh:
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 14, 2016, 11:03:42 AM
Gently use the back brake while you're blipping. :huh:
That doesn't work so well when you want to actually stop...
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 14, 2016, 11:33:24 AM
That doesn't work so well when you want to actually stop...
Well if you want to stop quickly you should probably just use the brakes and keep the clutch disengaged. (But keep the trans in the correct gear as you slow down, in case you want to accelerate)
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 14, 2016, 11:55:30 AM
Well if you want to stop quickly you should probably just use the brakes and keep the clutch disengaged. (But keep the trans in the correct gear as you slow down, in case you want to accelerate)
I'm confused. Under what circumstance would you only use the rear brake? :confused:
I can see dragging the rear brake gently to scrub a bit of speed in a corner so you don't wash out the front (rear is easier to modulate due to having less power than the fronts, which can be grabby), but otherwise I always use the front brake to slow down. That's where you get 70%+ of your braking power.
Under normal situations I will downshift and revmatch while braking. I think it's important to do so so you're in the right gear to take off if needed. If I'm slamming on my brakes in an emergency stop, I'll pull the clutch in and just focus on braking so as to not hit the thing I'm trying to avoid, then worry about finding the right gear to accelerate.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 14, 2016, 06:01:04 AM
Smooth sailing on the way home. Had to stop once because I forgot to put earplugs in, and I definitely underestimated how loud my exhaust is.
Had one hiccup at a light, misjudged the friction zone like a n00b so ended up having to pull the clutch in and retry the taking off thing. Didn't stall though, all good.
Initial thoughts:
- Some of the reviews I saw said there's no power below like 8k rpm and that the engine really has to be wrung out, it didn't feel like that yesterday but I literally rode it for 10 miles so I can't say exactly yet :lol:
- And speaking of power, I know this is a 300cc/entry level bike but I expected a little more of a woah factor with a WOT 2nd gear pull. I mean before I knew it I was doing like 55mph or whatever the top speed in 2nd is, but because the engine has no torqz it just kind of just wafts to that speed
- I thought I was just a n00b and didn't adjust the mirrors correctly because I can't see shit out of them...nope very commonly mentioned on the Ninja 300 forum
- I gotta keep a better track of what gear I'm in, I tried to shift up from 6th twice in just the 10 mile ride home :lol:
Oh, regarding the gear you're in - it doesn't really matter what gear you're in, since if you want to go faster, you can downshift and if you want to bring the revs down, you upshift. If you don't want to keep upshifting after hitting 6th, just find a set speed and RPM in 6th and memorize it. For example, on the F4i, 75 mph in 6th gear was 6000 RPM, so once I hit 75 and saw I was spinning at 6k I knew I was in the top gear.
The FJ-09 has spoiled me, though. It has a giant gear indicator. :lol:
I will have to see what I do next time I ride. I feel like I either give myself so much room I can just engine brake until I'm down to like 2nd gear, or I just pull the clutch in and brake. I think being able to downshift and brake at the same time is a good skill to have, but not really necessary on a street bike. I can only think of 2 places on my commute where that would come in handy, and in both cases there's gotta be no traffic. Otherwise just being in the right gear is enough
Speaking of being in the right gear, I mainly just go by sound and feel. Bike gets completely choked at like 8500 and I usually calibrate my ears for the tone associated with a certain speed. So like on back roads where the limit is 55 I will go to 65, listen to what it sounds like and then not go higher than that sound. I use sound to gauge how/when to downshift as well
Maybe I'll upload a short video of me doing it. Again, half the reason to do it is just that amazing exhaust note.
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 14, 2016, 12:57:25 PM
I'm confused. Under what circumstance would you only use the rear brake? :confused:
I can see dragging the rear brake gently to scrub a bit of speed in a corner so you don't wash out the front (rear is easier to modulate due to having less power than the fronts, which can be grabby), but otherwise I always use the front brake to slow down. That's where you get 70%+ of your braking power.
Under normal situations I will downshift and revmatch while braking. I think it's important to do so so you're in the right gear to take off if needed. If I'm slamming on my brakes in an emergency stop, I'll pull the clutch in and just focus on braking so as to not hit the thing I'm trying to avoid, then worry about finding the right gear to accelerate.
I didn't mean only use the rear brake the entire time, just while blipping the throttle if you have crappy levers or just haven't practiced enough to be able to front brake and blip at the same time.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 14, 2016, 06:01:04 AM
Initial thoughts:
- And speaking of power, I know this is a 300cc/entry level bike but I expected a little more of a woah factor with a WOT 2nd gear pull. I mean before I knew it I was doing like 55mph or whatever the top speed in 2nd is, but because the engine has no torqz it just kind of just wafts to that speed
My Ninja 500 was the same way, it never felt fast by the seat of my pants but it was still quick enough 0-60 if I timed it. Maybe it's a parallel-twin thing?
Engines with peaky torque bands feel faster. 300/500 twins take what little torque they have and spread it as thin/efficiently as possible, so there's not that on cam "hit". So the job gets done, but it doesn't feel like it. This is why I dislike DOHC VTEC engines. The torque "curve" is just 2 straight lines with a step at the VTEC crossover. Feels a lot slower than it is.
Flip side, my bike's engine is a little too peaky. From idle to like 7000 it's a beast. I don't know if there are many cars that can touch it from 0-30. But after 8K or so it falls on its face, FAST, and just makes a lot of noise. Again not to hijack but the SV doesn't.
I rarely downshift to use engine braking to slow down. Once I run out of 5th or 4th slowing down, it gets kicked into neutral. Of course, my bike has a tractor engine. It'll take off in 2nd gear without much complaint, but that causes clutch wear.
I can take off in 2nd on my bike without much clutch slipping. My Bandit would take off in 2nd as easily as in 1st. That thing had so much grunt, there's a video from one of the major cycle mags showing them taking off in 4th without abusing the clutch.
Naked Ninja?
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g3PWg8sAag8/VxBU-PRXjII/AAAAAAAALLw/ZH4DnX82jZkTEUjmEVmBrJjAF-irFCbJACL0B/w1153-h865-no/2016-04-14.jpg)
That was fast
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 14, 2016, 08:50:58 PM
That was fast
Got her naked pretty fast eh :winkguy:
Anyway final results:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6db35e2jAy0/VxBUuSMwjvI/AAAAAAAALL0/U5gdLg-86cEiupb7EQ0T75e3EGKVbLL9QCL0B/w1153-h865-no/2016-04-14.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--G2sihppf1c/VxBUt2R_xqI/AAAAAAAALL0/ImGf4LvQaYQiUhA-0bczqdLOWqMC35RFACL0B/w1153-h865-no/2016-04-14.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JhAaHEnYEWk/VxBUtADvsWI/AAAAAAAALL0/hShpCfcLAeYnExgS6Stt1Qflm2FyhUEBACL0B/w1153-h865-no/2016-04-14.jpg)
Got her naked and then pegged her.
Nice lookin bike. As someone who currently rides an air cooled 230, I understand your disappointment. Not all bad, though. It'll allow you to focus on things other than pure speed like cornering, braking, posture, shifting, reading surfaces, etc. Won't be long before you can wring it out without worry, and what's not fun about being able to push a machine towards its limits every time you use it? :ohyeah: :cheers:
Yea thats the goal here. Build them skillz, confidence and reflexes. All that shit goes a loooonnnnnnnggggg way.
I would try and find some twisties though even if you have to go a little out of your way. Maybe in a few months. I think it will "click" then and the power won't matter.
Gonna go for a little ride with a couple of friends this Sunday. Plan is to head north of the city where the roads will hopefully be pretty empty so I can get some practice in, and maybe jump on the highway
Luggage! Had to bring lunch and shoes, wouldn't fit in my normal backpack. On that note, the bungie cord net is a little annoying to use
(http://i.imgur.com/e28Lt7r.png)
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 14, 2016, 08:50:47 AM
4 years in I can't brake + downshift either
WOW! But you're not a lone. I ride with a few guys that can't! I do it without thinking.....
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on April 15, 2016, 02:36:19 PM
WOW! But you're not a lone. I ride with a few guys that can't! I do it without thinking.....
Definitely a lot of people who don't know how, or don't know it's even a thing. I learned how to hold the front brake while applying throttle when I used to motocross. Dragging the front brake while holding steady throttle in the middle part of a corner is a technique to help the bike turn better on a rutted/bermed corner.
I noticed during the MSF that I naturally only grab the clutch with the index/middle fingers for shifting, and I'm still doing the same thing on my bike. This occasionally makes me pull the lever into my ring finger and it's starting to hurt a little bit. Think I'll order some cheapo shorty levers from ebay and see if I like it. Probably only gonna use the shorty for the clutch and keep the full lever for the brake.
You should use your whole hand for the clutch and fingers for the brake
Be careful with shorty levers, I've heard stories of cheapo levers locking up front brakes.
You don't need to use your whole hand on the clutch. As long as it disengages it doesn't need to go all the way to the bar.
That said I still use my whole hand because it feels more natural to me but I know plenty of people who don't.
I use my index and middle fingers on the brake. Going to replace both with shorty levers at some point.
Yea you dont have to pull it all the way in. Nowhere close.
Filled the tank for the first time yesterday, thought it'd be harder to see the gas level in the tank as I was filling up.
Definitely not riding this thing in a gas friendly manner, went through more than half the tank while doing ~120 miles. If I had to guess, probably averaged roughly 40-45 mpg.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 17, 2016, 06:24:16 AM
Filled the tank for the first time yesterday, thought it'd be harder to see the gas level in the tank as I was filling up.
Definitely not riding this thing in a gas friendly manner, went through more than half the tank while doing ~120 miles. If I had to guess, probably averaged roughly 40-45 mpg.
That's a decent sized tank, I can only get 140 miles before my fuel light comes on.
Quote from: Speed_Racer on April 17, 2016, 12:18:26 PM
That's a decent sized tank, I can only get 140 miles before my fuel light comes on.
Is your fuel light as pessimistic as my Suzuki's was? Seemed like mine would come on when I still had 1.75 gallons left in the tank (another ~90 miles on that bike).
Fuel light? Must be a fancy new type of petcock. :lol:
Quote from: Speed_Racer on April 17, 2016, 12:18:26 PM
That's a decent sized tank, I can only get 140 miles before my fuel light comes on.
4.5 US gal, most people seem to average around 70-80 mpg on these things :lol:
Maybe it's because I'm lucky to get 16 mpg in my car, but I don't get the obsession some people have with mpg on their motorcycle. I'm not gonna go easy on the throttle to save $0.20, I'm gonna wring it out and enjoy life.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 17, 2016, 05:35:00 PM
Maybe it's because I'm lucky to get 16 mpg in my car, but I don't get the obsession some people have with mpg on their motorcycle. I'm not gonna go easy on the throttle to save $0.20, I'm gonna wring it out and enjoy life.
:hesaid:
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 17, 2016, 05:35:00 PM
Maybe it's because I'm lucky to get 16 mpg in my car, but I don't get the obsession some people have with mpg on their motorcycle. I'm not gonna go easy on the throttle to save $0.20, I'm gonna wring it out and enjoy life.
I commute too far to not care about MPG. I don't pay attention to it on fun rides but on my daily commute I always make sure I can get some decent MPG.
40-45 mpg on a a Ninja 300 is pretty shitty, too.
Dude is all in the city
I agree though that it's silly to talk about gas mileage on a bike. If there is any problem its with the stupid tiny tanks. I would be OK to have a ugly endurance 5-6 gallon tank. There is hella room under my seat, they could have fit another 1-2 gallons under there.
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 17, 2016, 06:58:29 PM
I commute too far to not care about MPG. I don't pay attention to it on fun rides but on my daily commute I always make sure I can get some decent MPG.
40-45 mpg on a a Ninja 300 is pretty shitty, too.
Yeah I'll cut some slack for commuters going more than a few miles. Otherwise the only reason I'd care about mileage is so that I don't have to stop for gas every 10 minutes
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 17, 2016, 06:58:29 PM
I commute too far to not care about MPG. I don't pay attention to it on fun rides but on my daily commute I always make sure I can get some decent MPG.
40-45 mpg on a a Ninja 300 is pretty shitty, too.
That's what happens if you wind up the motor to 5 digits RPM regularly just for kicks, even if it's a 300cc motor :lol:
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 17, 2016, 08:22:39 PM
Yeah I'll cut some slack for commuters going more than a few miles. Otherwise the only reason I'd care about mileage is so that I don't have to stop for gas every 10 minutes
Oddly enough, my overall mpg went up during my twisty ride today. :lol:
With that said, I see the allure of having a slower bike. I can go to redline in 1st & 2nd and still be at a reasonable speed. Hell I wouldn't even be able to go on the highway with just 2nd (it's just shy of 60 mph). As much fun as the power would be, wouldn't be that much fun not even being able to approach redline in a single gear in town on a SS or something.
I also did a roughly 120 mile ride with a couple of friends today. Did my first noteworthy highway stint, even if it was a little less than 20 miles. Then took some country side roads back home. The 300 is definitely a step slower than a EX500, but I was easily faster than my friend on his Hyosung 250. I think I hit an indicated 90 mph, which should be roughly 80 mph actual. Bike was still pulling decently even with my fat ass on it.
I trolled my friend when we stopped to look up directions by turning his bike off and tossing his keys away...then I proceeded to shift into 1st with my kickstand down like a n00b :cry: :lol:
And I noticed a little crack on my instrument cluster. I could've sworn it wasn't there this morning, but it magically appeared while riding today. The only possible explanation I thought was a rock must've bounced off of my helmet and hit the cluster, except I don't remember getting hit by a single rock/pebble today.
Then I got home and googled it, apparently a relatively common problem with the damn 300's. The cluster cover for whatever reason likes to just crack. People have had it under a cover and found it the next day, other people have had it sitting out in the sun for weeks without issues and one day bam it happens. What kind of stupidity is this? Who designs a bike instrument cluster cover to be so damn fragile?
I emailed the dealer tonight mentioning that and a little condensation inside the high beam headlight housing. Obviously they might say "sorry used bike, out of warranty, out of our hands", but who knows. Maybe they'll replace the instrument housing in good faith.
Must be super sensitive to temperature change?
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 17, 2016, 08:43:03 PM
Must be super sensitive to temperature change?
My parking garage is usually around 50F, I left my apartment this morning when the temps were in the low 50's. And I was out with my bike all day, and the temp peaked around 70F today although the sun was intense without a single cloud in the sky. Definitely no thermal shock, it did change a decent amount especially with sunlight but it wasn't a sudden change.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 17, 2016, 08:37:45 PM
With that said, I see the allure of having a slower bike. I can go to redline in 1st & 2nd and still be at a reasonable speed. Hell I wouldn't even be able to go on the highway with just 2nd (it's just shy of 60 mph). As much fun as the power would be, wouldn't be that much fun not even being able to approach redline in a single gear in town on a SS or something.
I like an engine that rewards being wrung to redline but doesn't HAVE to be wrung. On anything beyond a 300 that shit takes commitment
On the street midrange is king. The appeal of something like a Ninja 1000 isn't that it makes 140HP or whatever.... its that you can keep it in 6th and give 99% of whatever you encounter on the highway in your rear view mirror. Or have a pillion and not have the bike be a total dog. Plus when you can surf the midrange wave you get to shift more if you want.
Quote from: MX793 on April 17, 2016, 12:37:38 PM
Is your fuel light as pessimistic as my Suzuki's was? Seemed like mine would come on when I still had 1.75 gallons left in the tank (another ~90 miles on that bike).
After the light comes on, 3.2 gallons will fill it to the brim. So I guess that means it's coming on when I have 1.3 gallons left or maybe 50-60 miles. So not as optimistic as yours, but that's still a decent ride until I'm pushing it to the gas station.
Was looking at integrated tail lights today to get rid of that awful rear fender. Too much money for a decent one and don't wanna pick up a junky one that's not plug n play.
I need moar monies
Why do you need an integrated tail light to get rid of the fender? :confused:
Turn signals on the fender. I had the same issue
My bike was the same way. Most bikes are IIRC. Most good fender eliminators will provide a place for your stock turn signals. Both fender eliminators for the FJ and F4i had mounts for the stock lights.
I also don't care for the stock turn signals :lol:
You can always get the fender eliminator now and then get the tail light later. :huh:
I got the fender eliminator ASAP to get rid of the stock ugly fender. I'm taking my time with the integrated tail light because I want the integrated LED front turn signals too but am kind of lazy to take the bike apart so I haven't bought that stuff yet.
Well it'd cost me like $50 for a fender eliminator with turn signals already on them (not sure how good they are, I could always rip them out and put my stock ones on if i want). Or wait a while and get TST industry integrated tail light for like $120, which is the option I'm leaning towards.
I wish I was still at school so I could just take a scrap piece of metal lying around and turn it into a fender eliminator. It's literally just a stupid piece of metal bracket.
I'm confused... where would your license plate go? Doesn't it go on the fender right now? Where would you put it if you removed the fender and got an integrated tail light?
I'd just get a little metal bracket to hold just the plate.
Like dis:
(http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5g3GqkuVHAc/mqdefault.jpg)
Or I do the undertail mount and get some free rides on the toll highway here since it's all camera/plate dependent and the cameras are all mounted above to allow tractor trailers to fit underneath
:devil:
Fastest ride yet, took it to an indicated 101 mph. Supposedly the N300 speedo is off by almost exactly 10% so I would've just cracked 90 mph. It was starting to run out of steam pretty quickly at that point, but I wasn't in a full tuck so even with my fat ass on it, should be able to crack the 100 mph mark.
Mmmmm.... don't do that.
I ended up riding on the highway in the middle of the day so traffic was pretty scarce, decided to take advantage of the situation :lol:
I don't think I'm gonna be trying to crack the triple digits mark any time soon, I'm probably gonna need a decent stretch to inch up there.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 27, 2016, 08:09:41 PM
Mmmmm.... don't do that.
Why not? As long as the road is straight and visibility is good it's fine. :huh:
I hit 105 mph (indicated) on the F4i a day after I bought it and eventually topped it out at 151 mph.
BTW I hit 107 mph on my friend's Ninja 300. For all the racket it was making it felt like I was barely moving. :lol:
DO THE TON
But really don't push yourself.
I don't think it's that hard to just twist your twist, tuck in, and go for a ride. Pushing yourself by trying to go too hot around turns would be the dangerous part :huh:
DEATH WOBBLE
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 27, 2016, 09:06:56 PM
Why not? As long as the road is straight and visibility is good it's fine. :huh:
I hit 105 mph (indicated) on the F4i a day after I bought it and eventually topped it out at 151 mph.
BTW I hit 107 mph on my friend's Ninja 300. For all the racket it was making it felt like I was barely moving. :lol:
You already had a good amount of miles and experience under your belt though. Dude literally just started riding not even a month ago. Big difference.
I'm with Sporty on this one.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 28, 2016, 06:07:22 AM
You already had a good amount of miles and experience under your belt though. Dude literally just started riding not even a month ago. Big difference.
Triple digits on uncontrolled public streets is a bad idea regardless of how much experience you have or how clear the road appears to be. It's not just cars and other motorists you need to worry about. Wildlife can dart out into the road without much warning. A large rodent or small dog can be enough to put you on the ground.
Plus anyone can go on a straightaway and bang the throttle to the stop for a minute or two. True mastery is displayed in braking/turning/the risks you take. This shit is not a game bro.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 28, 2016, 06:47:21 AM
Plus anyone can go on a straightaway and bang the throttle to the stop for a minute or two.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 27, 2016, 10:19:35 PM
I don't think it's that hard to just twist your twist, tuck in, and go for a ride. Pushing yourself by trying to go too hot around turns would be the dangerous part :huh:
:huh:
When the highways are open like that, cars are doing anywhere between 75-90 anyway so it's not like I'm moving way faster than the flow of traffic either.
For the most part when I'm going down the highway, I'm busy getting passed by cars in the left lane :lol:
First full tank of gas on the bike (so after first fill up after picking up bike), I got ~35 mpg. Second full fill up was today, I ended up averaging 52 mpg. Right in line with what other N300 owners average when they ride without a concern for fuel mileage. That 35 mpg made me wonder if there was something up with the bike, but as suspected it was due to my overzealous riding :lol:
Longest single day ride so far, did ~150 miles over the span of 5-6 hours today (including stopping at bike stores and what not). Hands and feet were tingling when I got home, that's a first :lol:
Also cleaned my chain for the first time. As expected, low on difficulty but high on mess. I wanted to do it outside but it was already dark so I just did it in my underground parking lot, used an unused parking space.
Which Lube did you use?
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on May 01, 2016, 08:12:32 PM
Which Lube did you use?
I used kerosene to clean, Maxima chain wax to lube
Quote from: SVT_Power on May 01, 2016, 08:41:16 PM
I used kerosene to clean, Maxima chain wax to lube
COOL! I use Maxima too! I use WD-40 to clean tho......
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on May 02, 2016, 06:32:38 PM
COOL! I use Maxima too! I use WD-40 to clean tho......
I used WD-40 to clean as well but use Dupont Chain Saver lube.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on May 02, 2016, 06:32:38 PM
COOL! I use Maxima too! I use WD-40 to clean tho......
You don't keep kerosene around in case you want to start a riot?
LOL! I got gasoline!!!
I pulled a Rag, started putting some rice on my bike
(http://i.imgur.com/DwLvoHO.jpg)
I definitely like the shorty clutch lever, a lot nicer on my ring finger. I dunno about the brake lever though, I'll give a few days and if I don't like it I'll just go back to stock.
Another ricer mod, took the front reflectors off. They look like they belong on a damn bicycle.