My new motorcycle!

[Mellman]

btw...the 600r is a perfect beginner bike if you arent a squid....i paid 3100 for my 97 with 7000 miles, and the bike hasnt changed a bit since 97-07 so its great for many reasons...plenty of spare parts is the big one It may not be the sexiest looking bike, but its the hotness for me...so damn comfortable, did a 1700 mile trip in a weekend to deals gap with no problems...

OP, get frame sliders, you'll thank me later. and please for the love of god get boots and pants...i hate squids, and no $ isnt an excuse, you just dropped 6 grand on a bike...

 

[SampSon]

Nice bike.

I am throughly amused by people in this thread. There are what, 7+- actual bike riders posting in this thread? Many who post the most, ride the least, if any at all. mikemike is a prime example of this.

Now what I want to know is, does the endless metaphor of "squid" ever become overused by people who ride bikes? It runs parallel to the usage of the term "noob" in geekland. Exactly when do you cease to be a squid? I see people call other people squids even though the person being called a squid has been riding for many, many years. Though because that person initially stated some talk about risky riding, they are immediatly deemed a squid. As an extension of that, why is it necessary to get ever more powerful bikes for road riding? If riding the bike anything beyond the limits of the law is determined to be squid-like activity, what exactly is the point? I know the upfront retort is "well you can open that baby up on a track", but reality is that an extreme minority of people who own and ride bikes EVER put it on a track.

Bikes go inhumanly fast, the majority of sport bikes are made specifically for this purpose. So why is everyone who rides a bike hard immediately dubbed a squid? Seems to be a prime example of hypocrital scene mentality.

 

[WisMan]

Originally posted by: Mellman
btw...the 600r is a perfect beginner bike if you arent a squid....i paid 3100 for my 97 with 7000 miles, and the bike hasnt changed a bit since 97-07 so its great for many reasons...plenty of spare parts is the big one It may not be the sexiest looking bike, but its the hotness for me...so damn comfortable, did a 1700 mile trip in a weekend to deals gap with no problems...

OP, get frame sliders, you'll thank me later. and please for the love of god get boots and pants...i hate squids, and no $ isnt an excuse, you just dropped 6 grand on a bike...

The only sliders they currently make for the bike require you to cut the fairings. I don't think i want to do that nor do i possess the nessassary skills to do it.

 

[Mellman]

Originally posted by: SampSon
Nice bike.

I am throughly amused by people in this thread. There are what, 7+- actual bike riders posting in this thread? Many who post the most, ride the least, if any at all. mikemike is a prime example of this.

Now what I want to know is, does the endless metaphor of "squid" ever become overused by people who ride bikes? It runs parallel to the usage of the term "noob" in geekland. Exactly when do you cease to be a squid? I see people call other people squids even though the person being called a squid has been riding for many, many years. Though because that person initially stated some talk about risky riding, they are immediatly deemed a squid. As an extension of that, why is it necessary to get ever more powerful bikes for road riding? If riding the bike anything beyond the limits of the law is determined to be squid-like activity, what exactly is the point? I know the upfront retort is "well you can open that baby up on a track", but reality is that an extreme minority of people who own and ride bikes EVER put it on a track.

Bikes go inhumanly fast, the majority of sport bikes are made specifically for this purpose. So why is everyone who rides a bike hard immediately dubbed a squid? Seems to be a prime example of hypocrital scene mentality.

IMHO anyone who rides a bike hard is not a squid....I've always heard the term squid, and used it this way - someone who goes out, wears flip flops, t-shirts, shorts, sometimes a helmet....and stunts, or is an asshat in traffic...

If you want to go pop wheelies, stunt etc, thats fine, but don't do it on the highway in front of other cars...its because of those "Squids" that all sport bikers have a bad name. I know plenty of people who ride and don't do that kindof crap, and never were, or will be called a squid.

bottom line... squid != noob squid == asshat

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: SampSon
Now what I want to know is, does the endless metaphor of "squid" ever become overused by people who ride bikes? It runs parallel to the usage of the term "noob" in geekland. Exactly when do you cease to be a squid? I see people call other people squids even though the person being called a squid has been riding for many, many years. Though because that person initially stated some talk about risky riding, they are immediatly deemed a squid. As an extension of that, why is it necessary to get ever more powerful bikes for road riding? If riding the bike anything beyond the limits of the law is determined to be squid-like activity, what exactly is the point? I know the upfront retort is "well you can open that baby up on a track", but reality is that an extreme minority of people who own and ride bikes EVER put it on a track.

Yeah, it gets overused like crazy. I tend to take the quasi-literal definition of "squid"...someone who jets ahead at super high speeds stoplight to stoplight, but probably sucks at cornering. If you have talent, but take risks, I might call you foolhardy, but probably not a squid.

 

[Indred]

OP:

I myself am a first time bike owner. LOVE EM!!!!!! I was orignaly looking at a 600 or 500 sport bike/street bike all though my budget couldn't take that hit i now have a '06 Honda Shadow. For some one that has any riding experance and isn't to "green" in the area i think you picked a great bike. It will grow on you just take it easy and go slow. As far as gear. I've not layed mine down yet (knocks on wood ...) but i'm sure it will hapen at some time. I have a mesh jacket, gloves, and helment. I'm in the army so i have full leather boots for free (thanks uncle sam) so i don't have to worry about that. As far as pants i don't feel i need them for this bike but all my gear can/WILL be switched to my next bike. As far as advise thats all i have to say. I enjoy staying on the side roads with no cars (more room for me) but just make sure you ride safe and we wont hear that you layed it down. I'll always rember a quote some one else said.

You don't dress for the comfort you dress for safety. HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Nik]

Originally posted by: WisMan
Bike + Me (Notice the tags still on the jacket, lol)

Hey cool, thanks for pointing that out. I never would have noticed if you hadn't.

Originally posted by: WisMan
Bike (right as i was about to drive off for the very first time)

If you're going to act like a biker, you need to sound like one as well. You don't ever drive off or drive a bike or drive-anything when referring to a motorcycle. You ride. You ride off for the first time. You ride a bike.

Damn nubcakes. :laugh:

 

[WisMan]

Originally posted by: GuideBot

Originally posted by: WisMan
Bike (right as i was about to drive off for the very first time)

If you're going to act like a biker, you need to sound like one as well. You don't ever drive off or drive a bike or drive-anything when referring to a motorcycle. You ride. You ride off for the first time. You ride a bike.

Damn nubcakes. :laugh:

Haha, yeah, thanks for the tip.


On a side note, i put it over the 100 mile mark today! I also signed up for the MSF course for later this year. Earliest i could get in is mid october. Oh well, i suppose later is better then never!

 

[zixxer]

Originally posted by: loic2003
One bike that hasn't seen a mention yet (unless I missed it) is the new Triumph Daytona 675. It's a triple cylinder which means in terms of power & torque bands it's midway between a twin and four. It's got plenty of low end grunt which makes it more forgiving, for example if you've accidentally short-shifted into a corner, instead of having to slam it down a gear or lose it you can just open her up and it'll pull you through. The power comes lower down than an I4, so regular riding doesn't involve ragging the engine so much.
Nice and light too at ~160Kg.

Reviews are looking good for reliability, and a couple of friends of mine just returned from France with a couple and enjoyed the experience. The only issue is that it really is a sports bike and your natural position is very much over the front wheel. You're pretty much guaranteed a bad back and wrists within an hour or so on the motorway.

oh and zixxer: advising someone to set about their bike with a fvcking dremel days after taking it out the showroom is a *really* dumbass thing to do. Maybe advise going for a 3rd party tail-tidy instead so that the original can be replaced when it comes to selling it would be preferable?
Also, surely 'modding' your bike is a squidish thing to do, no?

Modding a bike is squidish? No, not really. 'Modding' a bike is not the same as 'modding/ricing' a car.

Putting on a 190/200 rear tire = squid. Chroming frame/etc = squid. Not wearing proper gear = squid.


cutting off license plate mudflap is not squidly. Most of the times it's a gigantic flap required by DOT but mainly useless. There's some requirement for a reflector to be like 2 feet below the taillight or some crap.

http://www.mcnews.com.au/Wallpaper/Kawasaki/ZX6R/2005/static_silver_lhf_1024.jpg

http://www.kawasaki-motors.ru/images/wallpapers/wall05/ZX-6R_05_10x7.jpg

That's a zx6r - and not as big as what comes on some bikes. Personally, I literally just cut the piece off that extends past the license plate.

 

[WisMan]

Originally posted by: zixxer

Originally posted by: loic2003
One bike that hasn't seen a mention yet (unless I missed it) is the new Triumph Daytona 675. It's a triple cylinder which means in terms of power & torque bands it's midway between a twin and four. It's got plenty of low end grunt which makes it more forgiving, for example if you've accidentally short-shifted into a corner, instead of having to slam it down a gear or lose it you can just open her up and it'll pull you through. The power comes lower down than an I4, so regular riding doesn't involve ragging the engine so much.
Nice and light too at ~160Kg.

Reviews are looking good for reliability, and a couple of friends of mine just returned from France with a couple and enjoyed the experience. The only issue is that it really is a sports bike and your natural position is very much over the front wheel. You're pretty much guaranteed a bad back and wrists within an hour or so on the motorway.

oh and zixxer: advising someone to set about their bike with a fvcking dremel days after taking it out the showroom is a *really* dumbass thing to do. Maybe advise going for a 3rd party tail-tidy instead so that the original can be replaced when it comes to selling it would be preferable?
Also, surely 'modding' your bike is a squidish thing to do, no?

Modding a bike is squidish? No, not really. 'Modding' a bike is not the same as 'modding/ricing' a car.

Putting on a 190/200 rear tire = squid. Chroming frame/etc = squid. Not wearing proper gear = squid.


cutting off license plate mudflap is not squidly. Most of the times it's a gigantic flap required by DOT but mainly useless. There's some requirement for a reflector to be like 2 feet below the taillight or some crap.

http://www.mcnews.com.au/Wallpaper/Kawasaki/ZX6R/2005/static_silver_lhf_1024.jpg

http://www.kawasaki-motors.ru/images/wallpapers/wall05/ZX-6R_05_10x7.jpg

That's a zx6r - and not as big as what comes on some bikes. Personally, I literally just cut the piece off that extends past the license plate.

I always thought that part that extends down wrapping around the rear tire looks cool.

Everyone?s taste is different i suppose.

 

[MikeMike]

http://www.triumph.co.uk/images/TRI_speedtriple_8.jpg

thats my new favorite bike, and one i am researching as a first bike (lil powerful, but meh)

edit: also, everytime you post a replly, i keep comin back waiting for a "i dropped it" reply.

 

[WisMan]

I haven?t dropped it yet. I had one close call, but nothing serious.

When* I drop it I?m going to probably cry. Though the fairings are rather cheap on this bike compared to most.

* I said when instead of if just so i don?t jinx myself.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: WisMan
I haven?t dropped it yet. I had one close call, but nothing serious.

When* I drop it I?m going to probably cry. Though the fairings are rather cheap on this bike compared to most.

* I said when instead of if just so i don?t jinx myself.

I've dropped my bike three times, one way or the other.

Once, about a month after I started riding, I had just backed out of a driveway, and leaned right and let out the clutch to turn onto the road. Well...this was in March, in Seattle, and there was this nice pile of wet leaves in the road...so basically my already-leaned-over bike just kind of "falls" on its side at 5MPH, leaving me looking like an idiot. I pick it up...turns out the pedal part of the rear brake had bent up. I bend it back, and it falls off. Also, my front brake feels REALLY mushy...and it doesn't hold pressure at all, it just goes straight back to the grip unless I pump it (damn!). I end up getting a rebuild kid, and new rear brake lever, and all is well.

The second time was also sheer stupidity. I was trying to put it on the centerstand. I didn't know the proper technique. I hold the centerstand down with a foot while trying to PUSH the bike up and back...and it overbalances and falls on the right again. Broke the front brake lever in half (double damn!). One new front brake lever later, I'm back on the road.

The third time was as close to "intentional" as you can get. There was this big, dry parking lot with no one in it, and someone had set up some cones. I decided it would be a good idea to learn a bit more about my bike's handling, and see if it was indeed true that every bike will scrape the pegs before slipping sideways. I also practiced panic braking and swerving. Well, while making left circles at ~10MPH, slowly increasing the lean angle, I suddenly learned that my bike loses traction on the rear tire at about the same time as it scrapes the pegs.

Of course, nothing broke that time...the clutch lever just compressed itself against the grip like it should, and the shifter is smaller than the brake and thus didn't contact the pavement.

I learned that it is, indeed, a good idea to get a rat bike for the first few months at least. I also learned that if you're going to drop your bike..drop it on the left

 

[Kalvin00]

The side of my bike has met with the ground once in the time i've had it....pulled it out of the garage down the gravel driveway just a bit....thought the ground was level enough.....guess not. Put bike on kickstand, turn around to close garage door.... ca-CHUNK. it rolled forward off the kickstand.

didn't do any major damage

i need a new set of tires on my bike though.

 

[WisMan]

I am not looking forward to that first drop. Ugh

 

[imported_Shivetya]

For anyone claiming a Ninja 250 is too small.

You just don't know how to ride it, let alone ride any bike.

The first rule with any low displacement bike is, don't slow down. Second, with light weight bike you don't have too.

The best canyon carvers are not defined by having a lot of CCs, they are defined by their riders. I have seen Wing riders dust squids on their sportbikes in Deal's gap.

 

[CombatChuk]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
http://www.triumph.co.uk/images/TRI_speedtriple_8.jpg

thats my new favorite bike, and one i am researching as a first bike (lil powerful, but meh)

edit: also, everytime you post a replly, i keep comin back waiting for a "i dropped it" reply.

The Triumph Speed Triple is a wheelie machine. It's a sweet bike with a powerful engine and a cutting edge suspension. The SV650 would be a much better first bike.

 

[MikeMike]

drop it yet?

 

[grrl]

I don't normally like the Ninjas, but that one is really nice. The black and red looks awesome too.

Ride safe.

 

[WisMan]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
drop it yet?

Just put it in a storage unit for the winter.... and 1,002 miles without dropping it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Wait a minute...this thread is like 3 months old!!! :|

 

[BillyBatson]

nice bike d00d i like it