Ride a motorcycle? Post it! (PICS!!)

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dsigma6 · #1 Post by **dsigma6** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:59 pm

I've recently gotten into riding, and ended up with a 1990 Kawasaki Ninja ZX750R as my first bike. I've posted a lot about it on howardforums, but never took that talk over here...until now.

Here's my baby:

I put $800 into it to get it running properly, and the day after I got it back I was forced off the road by a car making a left AT me as I traveled through a T intersection. I had to jump off, and the bike only suffered damage to the fairings, muffler, and a turn signal. I'm sure the estimate is going to be $2000 considering how rare the parts are. Fingers crossed!

It has around 100HP (probably more like 90ish at the wheel), but weighing 490 with a full tank...it freakin' flys!

#2 Post by **JaneL** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 11:32 pm

I don't have a picture of mine handy, but I have one of these:

http://www.beginnerandbeyond.com/vb/sho ... stcount=24

Website · #3 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:55 am

nonny wrote:I don't have a picture of mine handy, but I have one of these:

http://www.beginnerandbeyond.com/vb/sho ... stcount=24

Wow, nonny on a bike....hadn't seen that one coming...lol

Here is mine (be nice, I am new to riding...lol):

dsigma6 · #4 Post by **dsigma6** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:17 am

Nonny on a bike! I guess you never know, especially when you don't even really know people.

Steve, what year is that Yamaha? It wouldn't look as small if you cut the Durango out of the picture lol!

I'm very new too, but I've taken to the streets and already did a few 100 mile round trips. It's exhilarating!

When new, my bike was supposed to get something like 40-45MPG, and probably in the 30's if it was gunned a lot. I had a stage 3 jet kit put on, and my last tank I got 19MPG...granted I gave it some WOT which probably sucks down a gallon, but my initial reasoning for getting a motorcycle was getting better fuel economy than my car (which averages 24MPG). We shall see...Granted it's a 4-Stroke, DOHC, 4-Cylinder engine, I can't expect too much.

#5 Post by **JaneL** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:21 am

tfflivemb2 wrote:Wow, nonny on a bike....hadn't seen that one coming...lol

What? A mouse can't be a biker? It's the pink ears, right - they make me look so fragile and defenseless?

I get that reaction a lot. I used to ride with my ex, and after we split up, I had to learn how to ride on my own because I missed it. I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes and started out on a borrowed Honda Rebel riding around my property and in parking lots before I ventured out very far on roads.

To give him credit, my ex helped me learn after I finished the class and followed me around drillling me in the yard, in a nearby church parking lot and then up in the mountains. I used to fuss at him that every time we went out he always mapped out a route that involved stopping at as many stop signs at the top of a hill that he could find until I was able to handle a clutch properly (and this was after years and years of driving straight-drive cars). He was convinced I was going to end up dead. Fooled him!

I haven't ridden in a couple of years because of a pinched nerve in my back, but I like the little Beemer. (Mine is one of the first couple of years that they sold it and was an OEM'd Aprilia.) It has a lowering kit on it and just fits me without having to be on tippy-toe too much. I spent a lot of time riding around in the NC mountains.

dsigma6 · #6 Post by **dsigma6** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:03 am

I was signed up for the MSF course (can't believe it's free!), but it was held on a Navy base...didn't have my license (cops took it), and couldn't find my car registration. So much for that.

It's amazing how quickly you learn when you're dodging cars left and right.

I still need to work on hills. I can get up them, but I'll get nervous if there's a line of traffic behind me. Otherwise, I'm good to go. The previous owner had my bike up to 140mph, which is probably 130 since these speedometers are always off...I bet it'd go 160 with me on it, but even at 90MPH my jacket catches too much wind. Time for a new one. With the jet kit and 4 K&N air filters, it breathes a lot easier. I want a 4 into 1 exhaust, but it costs just as much as I paid for the bike!

#7 Post by **gator** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:37 am

I don't have a bike here (yet) but I used to drive one back in madras. It is a simple 100CC bike but it gave me so much freedom that I started loving it. If I save enough money I am planning to get one early next year ... have my eyes on a CBR750.

Here is a pic:

#8 Post by **thePCxp** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:39 pm

I don't have a motorcycle yet but I'm planing on getting one. I'm planing on getting a Honda CRF230L: http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycle ... d=CRF230L8

dsigma6 · #9 Post by **dsigma6** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:42 pm

I have the need for speed, but I understand that any motorcycle will give you a good feeling!

You're talking about the old CBR750's right? Not that they make them anymore...

They look a lot like my ZX750. I just got back from a lunch ride with a coworker and his Yamaha FZ1. That thing flies!!

#10 Post by **gator** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:11 pm

dsigma6 wrote: You're talking about the old CBR750's right? Not that they make them anymore...

They look a lot like my ZX750. I just got back from a lunch ride with a coworker and his Yamaha FZ1. That thing flies!!

Yeah the older ones ... I am thinking of getting a used one, can't afford new bikes till I finish my PhD and start working!

dsigma6 · #11 Post by **dsigma6** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:49 pm

Hey Steve- How ridiculous do you look on that bike?

Website · #12 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:08 pm

dsigma6 wrote:Hey Steve- How ridiculous do you look on that bike?

VERY...LOL

Purcy · #13 Post by **Purcy** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 6:41 am

nonny wrote:I don't have a picture of mine handy, but I have one of these:

http://www.beginnerandbeyond.com/vb/sho ... stcount=24

Nonny, that bike is gorgeous, such style!

Dan, where is the baby seat?? Enjoy your new ride.

dsigma6 · #14 Post by **dsigma6** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:49 am

Purcy wrote: Dan, where is the baby seat?? Enjoy your new ride.

No need for a baby seat. He's going to be 1 on the 31st. He can just sit on the back like normal people do and hold on for dear life.

#15 Post by **gator** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:30 am

dsigma6 wrote: No need for a baby seat. He's going to be 1 on the 31st. He can just sit on the back like normal people do and hold on for dear life.

Dan, is it one year already?

Holy Jeebus time runs fast!

#16 Post by **gator** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:32 am

nonny wrote:I don't have a picture of mine handy, but I have one of these:

http://www.beginnerandbeyond.com/vb/sho ... stcount=24

Is that a BMW? NICE!

Phazer · #17 Post by **Phazer** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:28 pm

DO IT IN THE DIRT

It's old, but then so am I.

'87 YZ 250

dsigma6 · #18 Post by **dsigma6** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:46 am

gator wrote:Dan, is it one year already? Holy Jeebus time runs fast!

You know it's insane when other people notice it too! Quickest year of my life.

Phazer wrote:DO IT IN THE DIRT

Many times my friend, many times.

mattfromomaha · #19 Post by **mattfromomaha** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:30 am

2007 Triumph America. I love it, but I've already put a deposit on the new 1600cc Triumph Thunderbird cruiser due out next year!!!

dsigma6 · #20 Post by **dsigma6** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:55 am

I wanted to see what the Triumph you're going to get looked like, so I googled "1600cc Triumph Thunderbird."

The first result:
http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2008/ ... -1600.html

LOL! Forget them, though...I think it looks great (and I'm not much of a Harley fan).

AIX · #21 Post by **AIX** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:01 am

1600cc?! I thought this is a motorcycle topic not a topic about.. cars. My car has an 1600cc/4L engine..

mattfromomaha · #22 Post by **mattfromomaha** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:31 pm

dsigma, I saw that site a while back, too...they don't seem to like it nearly as much as I do!

I've seen a few forums with posts about how it looks like an H-D or a KawaYamaSuzuki or a Victory but really, how many ways are there to make a cruiser?!

I do have a few complaints based on the pictures but you never know for sure until you ride it in person. If it doesn't work out I might have to go for the 2400cc

Rocket III Touring. I've put about 30 miles on a couple and they handle amazingly well. I can lay it over as far as my 865cc going through corners and never give it a second thought. It's quite the bike but the price hurts.

Brad · #23 Post by **Brad** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 6:58 pm

I test rode a Rocket III and it made my Harley feel like an 18 wheeler. Very nice.

I rented a Triumph Trophy in April visiting another forum member out west. A very nice ride.

Brad

ajkula66 · #24 Post by **ajkula66** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:50 pm

Well, a couple of words from someone who hasn't been on a bike since 1983 after being thrown off one as a passenger and barely surviving...teenagers do stupid things and I was no exception...

What I really wanted to say is that I'm glad that Triumphs are back...the last bike I ever owned was a Bonneville 650...

Enjoy, ladies and gents, I'll be watching, and envying you...

Best of luck to all.

#25 Post by **underclocker** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 6:34 am

In college, I had a 1974 Suzuki TS185. It was an Enduro, designed for off-road use with just enough lights/parts to be street legal.

Off-road is mostly where I rode - often with others, it was a great time. It only had 17 HP, but on the street it would reach speeds over 70 MPH. That was plenty fast for getting to the trails!

Here's a link to the exact model and color I had --> http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzu ... er_800.jpg

dsigma6 · #26 Post by **dsigma6** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 10:56 am

Dang, that's old school!

I bet you never saw one that shiny.

I'd love to get on a dirt bike...I never had the interest before I learned how to ride.

Back to the accident I referenced in the first post- It was deemed a total loss (no mechanical damage, just fairings that are expensive)...They offered me $2K to take the bike off my hands, or $1,600 to keep it and get a salvage title for it and back on the road...easy choice. Free bike for me!

Had to quote myself here...

dsigma6 wrote: I'm sure the estimate is going to be $2000 considering how rare the parts are

It's actually $1,964.50. I was darn close lol.

#27 Post by **underclocker** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:40 pm

dsigma6 wrote:I bet you never saw one that shiny.

NEVER...I'd be lucky if most of the parts were still on it.

Here is a vintage underclocker picture, popping a wheelie on the side lawn (pretty much dirt) of my fraternity house, 20+ years ago!!! This is the only picture I have of the bike, a friend snapped it.

dsigma6 · #28 Post by **dsigma6** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:26 am

Judging by the car in the background, I'd say that was 30+ years ago.

It looks like it was a bit cold out...

Brad · #29 Post by **Brad** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:08 am

Love those two strokes!

Nice form Ed...

Brad

Ride a motorcycle? Post it! (PICS!!)

Ride a motorcycle? Post it! (PICS!!)

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