THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
Senior Member
Joined: 08/11/2003
View Profile
|
saro wrote:
Wow... I was definitely given the impression that it would be making the bike "safer" by adding them. My understanding was that highway bars helped to somewhat reduce the risk of getting pinned under the bike should it go down. What IS the purpose then? Just 'bracing' the bike in slower tip over situations? Are they actually something that's "cosmetic" rather than "functional"? IS there something I should be thinking about adding to the bike FOR safety?
I always thought they were dreamed up to keep the bike from falling completely over in a low-speed drop. I'm trying to remember where I heard they could end up hurting your legs in an accident. I honestly think it was my MSF instructor that mentioned it.
I know a few friends that have them and have mounted highway pegs on them. That allows them to stretch their legs out on long rides.
|
kingchiefa
Western Slope
New Member
Joined: 04/15/2009
View Profile
 Offline
|
Hi guys,
I'm new to the forum, just signed up today. I'm a little late on the conversation, congrats to saro for the purchase of his new rebel. Don't want to just jump in on the convo so late but I too have recently purchased my first motorcycle, it's a 1979 kz 1000. I rode it for a min at the guys house this past sunday and am planning to take the riders training course in may (it is the next available class) but do you'all think I may have bought a bike to big for myself? I'm 5'11" 180lbs, When I sat on the bike it felt... like apart of me, I was nervous of course I didn't even want to test ride it. But the gentleman pressured me into more or less  and I gave in,(the best thing I could hae done) to me it was the best thing in the world. Saro how do you feel riding you Rebel?? What advice do ya'll have for me being a new rider close to saros' situation?
|
gdrevenstedt
Ventura, CA
New Member
Joined: 04/07/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
@kingchiefa:
Congratulations on your new bike! It is not a question of whether the bike is too big for you, but whether the bike is too powerful and heavy given your limited riding skills. Also, the condition of a 20-year-old motorcycle is an important factor. Brake, suspension, and tire technology has come a loooong way in the past 20 years, and those are three components that can make a big difference in a dicey situation.
You already own the bike, and I presume that you got a good deal on it. Now it is up to you to take the MSF course, and then be patient with yourself as you learn to ride your bike (which you won't do in the course). Avoid riding with more experienced people until you feel comfortable on the road. Trying to keep up with faster riders is a recipe for disaster. Ride at off-peak times on roads with minimal traffic, and stick to ATGATT: All The Gear, All The Time (someone just started a thread about this on the forum). Wear a new helmet (preferably full-faced for maximum protection) that fits you properly (go to dealerships to try them on), durable over-the-ankle boots, reinforced gloves, and armored riding jacket and pants. As with motorcycling technology, helmet and riding apparel technology has come a long way in recent years. I know money is an issue for all of us these days, but investing in good quality gear will save you a lot of pain, recovery, and money should you have an accident.
Take care & ride well,
Greg
Greg Drevenstedt
Road Test Editor
Rider Magazine
|
osun061
Houston, Tx.
New Member
Joined: 06/03/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Kingchiefa - Welcome to the Forum .
No , size wise, that kz1000 is not to big , but it all depends on you and your comfort level . And more importantly how adaptive you are to something like this . Taking the driving course will be an important step and don't be ashamed to get out in an empty parking lot somewhere to hone your slow speed skills .
Good luck.
Terry
|
Ride_Slow2004
Northwest
Senior Member
Joined: 02/02/2005
View Profile
|
KZ 1000, boy does that bring back some memories. Like Greg said, make sure all the rubber on the bike is good, and that includes the fuel lines and the carb boots. The basic bike is bullet proof, and you will love the long lasting clutch. If you are not mechanically inclined, have someone synch the carbs for you, and lube the throttle cables. You will find the bike is actually fairly easy to ride, keep it in the lower rev range until you are very familiar with the bike.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."
-Doug Larson
|
saro
Moving
New Member
Joined: 03/30/2009
View Profile
Offline
|
kingchiefa wrote:
Saro how do you feel riding you Rebel?? What advice do ya'll have for me being a new rider close to saros' situation?
Sorry I was away such a long time... I actually JUST rode my Rebel for the 2nd time (1st REAL time) last weekend (non-MC injury kept me off it). Rode around in a big parking lot for about an hour to get the feel of the bike again and was pretty durn happy, even though after that I know I'm still not ready for a road. Was great to be riding even so!
Someone here said "The MC class doesn't teach you to ride the bike." I got schooled on that last weekend. I have ZERO road skills. Mirrors? Signals? Not even on my radar. (The class bikes were stripped of those parts.) I did well keeping my head up, looking and paying attention to the (infrequent) traffic in my parking lot, but, I never even thought once to use my mirrors. Kinda blew my mind when I realized that.
As for the bike itself, I'm having issues up-shifting because of the very flat shifter position -- looking into modifying the bike because it is such a royal pain. (Found others online who have the same problem and who have a guide to angling the shifter.) I have to get into a very unnatural foot position to upshift and that shifts my weight, throwing off my balance. (Amplified by my being a newbie certainly, but, my experienced friend who helps me says he avoids shifting the bike at times because its completely annoying.) I never guessed this would be an issue from just sitting on the bike -- it took riding it and it took me some time riding to realize it.
kingchiefa, My current level of advice would be "Just because you pass the class and have the M on your license, doesn't automatically mean you are road ready." =) Slow and easy seems to be the general theme!  Would love to hear how you do in the class and when you start riding your bike: if you like it, what you think, how different it is from class, etc.
Saro
P.S. Yes, I wore all my gear!! ... full-face helmet (DOT/Snell), jacket with CE armour, full gloves with armour, boots.
|
THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
Senior Member
Joined: 08/11/2003
View Profile
|
Yes, you even have to watch out in parking lots. I recall a friend who bought a 650 Savage and took it to the local mall after hours to practice. He wasn't paying attention and hit a speed bump at 30 miles an hour and dumped it. He didn't bother with any gear because he didn't expect to be moving very fast and ended up with some nice road rash on his arms.
Those are the good old days.
|
Mainer_In_Exile
Colorado
New Member
Joined: 07/11/2009
View Profile
|
This thread has been so helpful for me, I am just starting to think about buying my first motorcycle, and was thinking of starting on the smaller side to help build my skills and confidence. My dad has been telling me to start with a 650, but in my gut, that just doesn't feel right. Leaning towards a Suzuki TU250X as my first bike, don't care about the hit I'll take later when/if I trade up. Thank you all!
|
gdrevenstedt
Ventura, CA
New Member
Joined: 04/07/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
The great thing about buying a small-displacement bike, new or used, is that you can often recoup most if not all of the money you pay for it. Kawasaki Ninja 250s, Honda Nightwawk 250s, Suzuki TU250Xs, small dual-sports, etc. all hold their value quite well (in part because they are inexpensive to begin with and they are usually bulletproof). Good luck!
|
|
