learning to ride a bike

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csimon

Veteran Icrontian

7,090 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 4:45am

Just like the title says.
I won't get long winded with this or anything but here's the deal.
Wifey and bro-in-law grew up racing and riding bikes. Their dad (pop-n-law) owns a dealership that sells kawasaki and suzuki among other things ...he grew up racing as well so it's in the blood.
I've never riden anything but 4wheelers cause when I was younger I was not allowed to get a bike of my own. But ...tomorrow weather permitting wifey will be taking home this used bike and it's for sale at a good price and since it isn't a supersport the insurance won't be so bad.
I think it's high time I learn to ride since I'm a big boy now. And I think I'm old enough to be responsible and consciensious (sp?) enough to be a defensive driver. The problem with that is when you're proven wrong it's usually too late.
So guys ...wish me luck and pray that I do not fall in love.
Here's a mfgs pic ...I'll post pics of the real deal if it lands in my garage tomorrow. It's a black Ninja 650. Any advice welcome!

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Leonardo

Buzzwinkle the Moose FTW

14,843 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 5:02am

Chris, that's great! Please, please do yourself and your family a favor. See if there's an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course in your area. Anyone can learn to ride a motorcycle, but most riders make huge errors in defensive driving. I took one of the MSF courses, and the techniques I learned or improved upon probably saved my life on more than one occasion. Oh and by the way, I took that MSF course AFTER I had already accumulated over 50,000 miles of riding experience - it was still valuable.

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csimon

Veteran Icrontian

7,090 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 5:06am

Oh yes I will definitely take the course. I think Tracie said all I had to do was provide the bike and the instructor would come to the shop on a saturday and run me through it.

Thanks Leon ...that's really the best advice anyone could offer! Safety first!

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airbornflght

McLovin

5,587 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 5:18am

That looks so fun, I told my dad I wanted a sportbike instead of a car, and he told me while I was under his roof I will never get near a sport bike. Although, I wont tell him I've driven my friends, and it so damn fast. I had it up to 140 before I knew it, it just slipped up there...

.

When I get older, I would like to buy one.

As far as advice, dont kill your self, that would be a bad thing. Now, if I were you, I would do some performance upgrades, not sure if that is your cup of tea, but I would start with exhaust and intake first, then go from there, if you are into hopping up the engine a little.

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airbornflght edited : 8 Jul 2006 at 5:24am .

dragonV8

RIP SM

3,935 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 5:40am

WooHoo..............Chris the biker.

Mate, you are never too old to ride. Bikes are great. Nothing quite like the fresh air in your face.

Leo's advise is the best. Safety first and you'll end up having more fun.

Our early years are bike orientated and i still have a picture of Sally on her 650cc BSA Lightning, ape hangers and all.

Have a great time riding.

And don't forget to lean with the bike.

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muddocktor

Wandering about

6,250 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 7:03am

Go for it Chris. :thumsup: I grew up riding bikes and had 3 before I got my driver's license. I rode up unitl around 10 years ago when my carpal tunnel syndrome started making my hands fall asleep while riding.

But I would like to get another bike some day myself, just to putt around on. And a Ninja 650 should still scoot around like a bat out of hell too.

Just remember when riding bikes the most paramount lesson; all mofo's in cars and trucks are morons that don't look out for bikes and always plan for an escape route if they do something moronic that could threaten you.....

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Enverex

~-+-~

5,852 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 10:31am

Hmmm, that IS a sports bike (not top end but still) so it will likely still be expensive on insurance (it would be like category 16 or something here (on a scale of 1-20)). Do you have a motorbike riding licence or anything yet then or can you ride a bike on a car licence in the US? Only issue with starting on big bikes rather than a small 125cc or something is people tend to want to open them up all the time, which can be dangerous, especially on a high power bike where it may even just flip, heh.

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csimon

Veteran Icrontian

7,090 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 1:36pm

airborn -
I'm very appreciative of my dad for having held me back from all of the fun during my younger years ...especially since I have younger years to look back on!

dragon-
ape hangers? LOL wtf are ape hangers?

mudd-
thanks for the advice ...when you're ready for the cruiser to take Molly around on let me know. Tracie can hook you up with a nice boulevard or vulcan ...they have supercool looking classics that Tracie really loves.

enverex-
you absolutely need to licsense and insure a bike in the US. A helmet is also necessary in LA ...trust me it wasn't long ago that the law was passed. Once you're licsensed they just add a "class" to your drivers licsense which qualifies you as a bike/car driver. There is quite a difference in cost to insure a sport bike as compared to a supersport bike which is why we prefer this one. The only other bike we're considering is the katana which is now out of production.

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dragonV8

RIP SM

3,935 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 2:17pm

Ok Chris, education time, lol.

Think the movie "Easyrider.

Take the "apehanger" handle bars of the Harley and put them on the BSA Lightning.

Next put a beautiful girl on the bike and you would have a picture of Sally on her bike back in '71.

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airbornflght

McLovin

5,587 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 4:24pm

Yup, I was about to chime in and tell you that about the ape hangers.

I find that odd, because in ok, I dont need a seperate license or endorsement to ride a bike as far as I know. I do have to wear a helmet, which every one should , but the law only requires that until you are 18 I believe.

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GHoosdum

tequilavangelist

10,372 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 5:12pm

Quoting airbornflght

I do have to wear a helmet, which every one should , but the law only requires that until you are 18 I believe.

And I'd highly recommend you continue to wear one after you turn 18. You don't suddenly become invincible or get an asphalt-proof head when you become an 'adult' at 18. Look what just happened to Rothlisberger, and all because PA doesn't require adults to wear helmets, and he thought he looked better without one...

His time in the ICU is considered getting off light when something like that happens without a helmet.

Chris, congrats on the bike!

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airbornflght

McLovin

5,587 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 5:28pm

Yeh, I always ride with a brain bucket on, although, they do get a bit hot. I think I may make a vapochilled helmet.

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muddocktor

Wandering about

6,250 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 10:11pm

Actually, helmet laws in La have had a rather roller coaster presence here. When I first got my license in 1971, helmets were required by law for everyone. Then somewhere around the late 70's to early 80's, the helmet law was set back to where only people under 18 were required to wear one. Then, about 4 years later, a law was again passed making it mandatory for everyone to wear helmets. Then, when Mike Foster was elected Governor, he made it a personal thing to get that law repealed, which happened in his 1st or 2nd year in office. Finally, when the dumb broad got to be Governor( Blanco), she made it her personal pet project to again rquire helmets for everyone. I personally rode with a helmet most all the time myself.

When I first started riding, I thought the law was crap, since at that time there was no law requiring mandatory seatbelt usage. Since the mandatory seatbelt laws went into effect though, it doesn't bother me any more. I figure it is just "Big Brother" taking more individual rights away.

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Leonardo

Buzzwinkle the Moose FTW

14,843 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 10:48pm

Dragon, that BSA is beautiful, whether or not there's a pretty female on it. Bet you wish you still had it, right? It's a classic. Did it have the crap electrics like the English cars of that era?

Helmets. I've put about 100,000 miles on bikes. I always worn a helmet, whether the state I was in required it or not. Figured my head was worth it. I've always worn a seat belt. I think I'm worth preserving. (others might disagree) Others who wish not to wear a helmet, well that's their risk as far as I'm concerned, just as is eating fatty foods or imbalanced meals, smoking, or driving a vehicle for any distance when it's not necessary. None of it's wrong, none of it's right. It's just a matter of personal risk tolerance. I always find it amusing who one group or another decides what is acceptable risk and unacceptable risk for another group of people. It has nothing to do with morals, but is only a means of projecting power over others.

Children though, are another matter. All children, ages below 18, should be required to wear seat belts and helmets...but not necessarily at the same time!

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MrBill

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2,135 Posts

8 Jul 2006, 11:43pm

That will be plenty of bike to start with Chris. Don't let the "650" fool you. My first bike was a 1976 Kawasaki KZ650. I don't think I went anywhere that the tachometer didn't see 10 grand.

I almost back-flipped it once doing a wheelie. I think that was my last wheelie on a street bike.

I was without a motorcycle for many years, but I bought a Yamaha V-Star 1100 [edit]~~last year~~ two years ago[/edit]. I was a little concerned about it being too big since I had never ridden a cruiser. It took about 10 miles before I started thinking I should have got a Road Star 1600.

Be cautious but don't be scared. Riding scared can be deadly. I can't verify the statistics, but I heard someone say that 90% of accidents involving a motorcycle were not the fault of the motorcycle operator.

ABF: I'm pretty sure all states require a license for any motorbike over 5 brake horsepower.

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MrBill edited : 9 Jul 2006 at 4:29am .

airbornflght

McLovin

5,587 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 12:34am

Yeh, I dont think there should be a law for it, becauhttp://www.short-media.com/forum/images/editor/separator.gif
http://www.short-media.com/forum/ima...eparator.gifse if I choose not to, than I believe that is my (idiotic) choice not too. I myself will wear one everytime I'm on one, same thing with the seat belt, I always wear it.

MrBill, I guess you are right as far as ok is concerened, it appear Nov. 1, 2005; that even if you do have a DL, you have to get a Motorcycle endorsment, Before that you could drive a cycle as long as you had a DL. That sucks, guess I better not go riding bike from now on.

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airbornflght edited : 9 Jul 2006 at 12:55am .

csimon

Veteran Icrontian

7,090 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 1:33am

I took it first to milton (about 5 miles)...I wasn't scared until I realised the turn was sharper than I thought so I just stopped it and got my sh*t together. After that I rode home and Tracie was cutting the corner coming to look for me ...LOL I guess I went farther than she thought I would.
I took it again just now and I felt more confident. I'll just keep doing little jogs here and there where there isn't much traffic til I get my MSF training.

Man ...no one warned me about the hand cramps!!! aaaarrrrrggghhhh

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airbornflght

McLovin

5,587 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 2:48am

lol, they will stop that after a week or so. Cramps are just from muscles that arent used regularly, so it stops. I cramped for the first 3 or 4 days I rode, and since I havent rode in such a long time, my hands would probably cramp again.

If you wanna see scared, think of a 15 year old kid riding a 80cc bike (tiny, looks like a clown on a minibike) that is all and well, but then you are doing 40 and drive onto what looks like a normal road, but turns out to be a road of loose sand about 4 inches deep, talk about unstable, I was scared ****less thta I was gonna wipe out.

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MrBill

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2,135 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 4:41am

Quoting csimon

I took it first to milton (about 5 miles)...I wasn't scared until I realised the turn was sharper than I thought so I just stopped it and got my sh*t together. After that I rode home and Tracie was cutting the corner coming to look for me ...LOL I guess I went farther than she thought I would.
I took it again just now and I felt more confident. I'll just keep doing little jogs here and there where there isn't much traffic til I get my MSF training.

Man ...no one warned me about the hand cramps!!! aaaarrrrrggghhhh

Hand cramps? Just how tight were you holding on?

Sounds like you have the right plan for learning. I learned on a dirt bike and the transfer to a street bike was pretty simple. A motorcycle safety course sounds like a good idea. It is my understanding it helps with insurance too. I plan to take the course some day, but haven't made it there yet.

I need to get my bike to the shop. It's been sitting in the garage since last fall. This thread has given me the desire to get my bike fixed and do some riding!

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csimon

Veteran Icrontian

7,090 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 5:10am

wow that's a really cool bike. I think Tracie wants to return this one and get a cruiser. She says something's not right. Her dad thinks the previous owner dropped it. She says when you brake the back wheel wants to whip around but I never noticed. Maybe I'm not doing it right ...LOL

Anyway ...she's giving little tips here and there that are very helpful. I know when I take it down the road tomorrow to the park I will have that much more confidence.

Man it's soooo nice to have all that acceleration at the wrist. Before I knew it I had climbed to 75 in seconds. I backed down cause I don't want to have to do anything spur of the moment out of a life or death situation. I know from driving cars at high speed that anything can happen at any moment and one wrong move and you can regret it for a very long time.

Tracie says the hand cramps are from hanging on for dear life! LOL

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Leonardo

Buzzwinkle the Moose FTW

14,843 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 6:08am

A few pointers before for you before you can take the safety course:

+ Remember, 80+% of the bike's braking force is on the front wheel. At speed, the rear brake does not accomplish much.
+ Brake BEFORE corners, not in them
+ Learn to accellerate just before coming out of a corner - this will help stabilize the bike before you go upright again.
+ Gravel, sticks, tire parts, and other debris on the road can send you to the hospital.
+ Beware, you can stop much faster than the car behind you. In traffic, start braking before you need to in order to warn traffic behind you.
+ Always assume that car drivers don't see you. Psychologically, most car drivers DON'T see you.
+ In traffic, always plan "what if": what if that car cuts me off, what if that car doesn't slow down as fast as I do, what if that car at the intersection blows the red light, what if that car strays over the center line on the tight curve. It's like playing baseball - you must have the plays in your head before the ball moves. You don't get many second chances on a motorcycle.
+ Until you are experienced, don't brake when leaned over.
+ Start learning to "read" the road. Bumps, gravel, oil and coolant spots, rain grooves are your enemy. They will throw you to the ground.
+ When in traffic, leave a safety pocket around you. Have an escape route to travel through at all times. You will not be in a position to compete for road space with even the smallest car. Remember, even the smallest compact has more than a thousand pounds of rolling mass than you do.

Some things to practice on a lonely road:

+ Panic braking (remember, your front brake will have more than three times as much force as the back brake because all the weight shifts forward when slowing down). You need to get good enough with braking so that you know where the tire lock-up point is.
+ Emergency obstacle avoidance.
+ Learn the skill of driving at a slow walking speed without putting your feet down.

Have fun!

I may get another bike some day. If I do, it will probably be another BMW boxer.

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muddocktor

Wandering about

6,250 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 6:12am

Nice bike, MrBill.

Chris, just keep doing like you are presently doing and you should be just fine. You are getting into the swing of it smartly by not taxing yourself to the point of exhaustion. And MrBill is so right about not riding scared. Be alert and aware of your surroundings, but enjoy yourself. And with the weather we've been having lately, watch yourself if you get caught in a rain shower. Don't ride in the middle of your lane on wet roads as that usually is the slickest part of the lane; try to stay where the car's wheels travel in your lane.

And Chris, when I get ready for a new bike I will definitely see what Tracie can come up with.

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airbornflght

McLovin

5,587 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 6:28am

Quoting muddocktor

Don't ride in the middle of your lane on wet roads as that usually is the slickest part of the lan

I wish someone would have told me that before. I didnt wreck, well, err, not too bad. Was drvin my friends bike, and I go to stop, and my wheels were sliding like I was on a big oil slick or something, I swear it was slicker than snot, anyway, I didnt crash thankfuly, but I was thinking "oh crap, oh crap the whole 10 seconds that I was sliding, after that, andy rode in the 'ruts'. Although, I still dont think I would feel confortable in rain.

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dragonV8

RIP SM

3,935 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 7:10am

Oil, rain and two wheels don't mix too well. Still have a funny shaped collar bone as proof of that. The fact it was my own fault didn't help either.

Chris, some sound advise being given. When i read about sore muscles, my thoughts went to a different bike. As you mentioned a cruiser, that would definitely be more comfortable to ride.

Good to hear you are having a great time of it.

MrBill, agreed, VERY nice bike. Not that i'm jealous or anything....well a little bit maybe........nah, make that a lot, lol.

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dragonV8 edited : 9 Jul 2006 at 8:33am .

Mt_Goat

Relentless Pursuit

4,937 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 1:46pm

Chris
Way to go! I agree with all the advise given so far also as it is your safety above all else when on a bike. I have had a few myself and it had always been some of the best times ever. I am still a big fan of the classics. I had '67 & '71 & '81Triumphs, '71 Norton Comando and 1947 Harley FL "Knuckle". My whole family has been into bikes for quite a wile. Right now my sister is the only one that owns any. She currently has a "Blood and Gold Softail Deluxe and a Fat Boy.

Here's a pic of my sister with her Fat Boy since all my bike pics are on celuloid.

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csimon

Veteran Icrontian

7,090 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 2:44pm

Quoting Leonardo

A few pointers before for you before you can take the safety course:

+ Remember, 80+% of the bike's braking force is on the front wheel. At speed, the rear brake does not accomplish much.
+ Brake BEFORE corners, not in them
+ Learn to accellerate just before coming out of a corner - this will help stabilize the bike before you go upright again.
+ Gravel, sticks, tire parts, and other debris on the road can send you to the hospital.
+ Beware, you can stop much faster than the car behind you. In traffic, start braking before you need to in order to warn traffic behind you.
+ Always assume that car drivers don't see you. Psychologically, most car drivers DON'T see you.
+ In traffic, always plan "what if": what if that car cuts me off, what if that car doesn't slow down as fast as I do, what if that car at the intersection blows the red light, what if that car strays over the center line on the tight curve. It's like playing baseball - you must have the plays in your head before the ball moves. You don't get many second chances on a motorcycle.
+ Until you are experienced, don't brake when leaned over.
+ Start learning to "read" the road. Bumps, gravel, oil and coolant spots, rain grooves are your enemy. They will throw you to the ground.
+ When in traffic, leave a safety pocket around you. Have an escape route to travel through at all times. You will not be in a position to compete for road space with even the smallest car. Remember, even the smallest compact has more than a thousand pounds of rolling mass than you do.

Some things to practice on a lonely road:

+ Panic braking (remember, your front brake will have more than three times as much force as the back brake because all the weight shifts forward when slowing down). You need to get good enough with braking so that you know where the tire lock-up point is.
+ Emergency obstacle avoidance.
+ Learn the skill of driving at a slow walking speed without putting your feet down.

Have fun!

I may get another bike some day. If I do, it will probably be another BMW boxer.

All very helpful tips Leon ...I will practice a little in a few hours. I will practice those braking tips for sure.

Funny you should mention the BMW ...Tracie just told me last night that her dad is considering the BMW line. The only condition she mentioned was that he would have to go exclusive so idunno what will become of that. I'm sure we'll know more after the Vegas convention.

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csimon

Veteran Icrontian

7,090 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 3:26pm

Quoting Mt_Goat

Chris
Way to go! I agree with all the advise given so far also as it is your safety above all else when on a bike. I have had a few myself and it had always been some of the best times ever. I am still a big fan of the classics. I had '67 & '71 & '81Triumphs, '71 Norton Comando and 1947 Harley FL "Knuckle". My whole family has been into bikes for quite a wile. Right now my sister is the only one that owns any. She currently has a "Blood and Gold Softail Deluxe and a Fat Boy.

Here's a pic of my sister with her Fat Boy since all my bike pics are on celuloid.

Sis is hot ...you sure you guys come from the same gene pool? LOL j/k

All of those bikes you mentioned sound familiar to me ...I think Tracies dad raced Triumph if I'm not mistaken. I don't know if cafe' were popular to race back then ...not in the states anyway. He raced "flat track" whatever that means.

It's funny because the small village I live in has always been known for it's "City Bar". Usually about a dozen or so bikes out front. And up the road in Milton is another hand out called "Wah Wee's". Usually every Sunday after lunch about a dozen or so bikes make there way from Wah Wee's to City Bar and they pass behind my house. It's pretty nice to hear all of those deep throated rumbles all running together. Reminds me of "back in the day".

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csimon

Veteran Icrontian

7,090 Posts

9 Jul 2006, 5:57pm

Ah finally I got off it long enough to snap a few pics out in the garage. I had to take in an hour or so of practice this morning since Tracie was out of town. We have some awesome low limit country roads very close by that I had to explore. There is only one area that I travel that has a speed limit over 25.

Sorry for the pic quality it's very humid outside ...in fact I did get somewhat of a drizzle out there. Not enough for standing water on the road but it was a little glassy in areas.

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airbornflght

McLovin

5,587 Posts

10 Jul 2006, 5:23pm

That is a kick ass bike, to put it bluntly. Hope you have fun with her.

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csimon

Veteran Icrontian

7,090 Posts

10 Jul 2006, 6:07pm

Tracie brought it back today so she can try and sell it. I think next she'll get a cruiser of some sort. There's a Harley 900 she'd really like to take for the weekend but we'll see what she comes up w/ next!

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airbornflght

McLovin

5,587 Posts

10 Jul 2006, 10:48pm

Hmm,

Sport bike, cruiser. Im thinking Sport Bike > Cruiser, unless you are into big long trips and just seeing sites. I guess it depends on your age and what you want to do with a bike.

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csimon

Veteran Icrontian

7,090 Posts

11 Jul 2006, 1:09am

Quoting airbornflght

Hmm,

Sport bike, cruiser. Im thinking Sport Bike > Cruiser, unless you are into big long trips and just seeing sites. I guess it depends on your age and what you want to do with a bike.

Yeah I agree. It's her call I won't argue though. I really enjoyed the ninja and there's plenty more where that came from. Hell there were 2 Z14's right next to it ...LOL
I'm thinking we'll just keep trying them out for a weekend!

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muddocktor

Wandering about

6,250 Posts

11 Jul 2006, 1:57am

For your needs, Chris, a cruiser would be more what you need. After all, you aren't a young pup any more and you know you aren't bulletproof like Superman. You will want something that is comfortable to ride and doesn't contort you in an awkward postion. The Ninja was probably getting to you hands and arms due to the seating position on it. It is designed to relieve pressure at high speeds, not at low speeds, making you stress the hands and arms too much. I have a friend that has a Ducati and it's comfortable to ride at 70-80 mph but not slower. He also had a Buell too and while it was a semi-cafe-racer style the riding position was a lot less radical than the Duck and was comfortable to ride at slower speeds. It was also a real hoot to ride too; the only Harley I've ever seen that loved to wheelie.

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Leonardo

Buzzwinkle the Moose FTW

14,843 Posts

11 Jul 2006, 2:53am

It was also a real hoot to ride too; the only Harley I've ever seen that loved to wheelie.

Only a "Harley" because it has a Harley engine and because H-D purchased the company lock, stock, and barrel from Mr. Buell. Smart move on Harley's part. They gained a sport bike line with real character without any R&D.

CSimon, Mudd was right. You really should be looking for a cruiser or a sport-tourer (mid-weight, more upgright, "long legs"). Sport bikes just aren't the right compromise for day to day riding, especially for older bones and muscles. Canyon carving, mountains, empty roads and high speeds? Then they're at home. But they just aren't designed for upright day-to-day driving.

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dragonV8

RIP SM

3,935 Posts

11 Jul 2006, 3:53am

From another "older type" person, i concur with Mudd & Leo. A cruiser type bike is the way to go. Speaking from personal experience, i have tried a variety of handle bars on one bike and though the racing drop bars were fun, sitting in a more upright cruising position was much more comfortable.

Had we not spent all our money on computers, i would have been able to show you pictures of me and my dream machine. A very comfortable HD Badboy.

Found this pic online to show what i mean.

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airbornflght

McLovin

5,587 Posts

11 Jul 2006, 4:09am

Quoting dragonV8

From another "older type" person, i concur with Mudd & Leo. A cruiser type bike is the way to go. Speaking from personal experience, i have tried a variety of handle bars on one bike and though the racing drop bars were fun, sitting in a more upright cruising position was much more comfortable.

Had we not spent all our money on computers, i would have been able to show you pictures of me and my dream machine. A very comfortable HD Badboy.

Found this pic online to show what i mean.

Thats a nice bike too, I have to admit, If I were rich, I would have both, I nice comfy bike that had some gitty in the up, and a balls to the wall sport bike.

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Leonardo

Buzzwinkle the Moose FTW

14,843 Posts

11 Jul 2006, 4:12am

Personally, were I looking for a new bike now, I'd be looking for a sport-tourer, that is, a bike that will work for general purposes but also handle challenging roads well, such as mountain roads, canyons, and "twisties" beside rivers. Cruisers are just perfect low-speed, straight, flat roads, but are generaly poor performers on tricky roads because of their high mass and liberal geometry: rake of front forks, wide handlebars, long trail, and so forth. But Chris, a cruiser would be darn near perfect for the flat, straight Louisiana roads.

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csimon

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7,090 Posts

18 Feb 2007, 4:28am

How about this pearl cruiser Leo? http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/2006-Boulevard-C50C.php
Tracie has this bike on the showroom floor and she really loves it and thinks it would be the bike for us. She ran our credit rating and to her surprise we ended up a "gold" customer! LOL I've run through some reviews on it and it seems to be a very good cruiser as far as cruisers go. Her dad already promised he would lose the riveted seats for her since she really doesn't want that ...she thinks they will pop out or something which is fine with me ...it's no charge.
I will be taking a course through Lt. Wells Cornette of Opelousas. Tracie said he offers a 1/2 off deal to family of the dealership so I'll take advantage and send Tracie too ...maybe even go together. $150 each for training is money well spent.

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rapture

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18 Feb 2007, 8:19am

Beware, you can stop much faster than the car behind you. In traffic, start braking before you need to in order to warn traffic behind you.

Old post yes but this is totally inaccurate. Modern cars have shorter breaking distances than modern bikes.

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csimon

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18 Feb 2007, 12:59pm

Idunno much about this bike except for what I've read. Doesn't seem to be very heavy at all so not sure about it's braking distance. The one on the showroom floor is nice looking but I didn't spend much time with it at all. How can I when there is a pearl w/ maroon trim zx14 standing right in front of it? All of the Kawasaki & Suzuki bikes are there. Hyabusa's coming out the whazzoo!
I prefer the katana 750 to the c50c though ...I just like the styling.

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csimon edited : 18 Feb 2007 at 1:10pm .

csimon

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4 Mar 2007, 1:46am

Here is the riding school I took today http://www.wellscornette.com/page/page/3751164.htm. Unlike I previously thought this is not an MSF however I do feel very confident now in my manuevers. These guys are very concise and thorough and extreemley talented instructors as well as riders.

It's all about technique guys ...all about technigue. Also, leave your ego at home. I highly recommend this school to anyone who rides a bike no matter how much experience. I can't imagine anyone walking away without gaining some sort of useful knowledge. Even with all of the trick and stunt riders I've met theses guys would argue to the point of a "fist fight" over proper technique. I just never imagined I would use my rear brake to get that big police bike to respond like a bicycle turning on a dime.

I simply loved it.

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Leonardo

Buzzwinkle the Moose FTW

14,843 Posts

4 Mar 2007, 2:42am

Did they teach proper "panic breaking", obstacle avoidance, and low speed stability? Sounds like they did.

You may have just prevented a lot of future pain and injury by attending that course. Your bit about leaving the ego at home is right. When I took the MSF Experienced Riders Course (years ago, I admit), there were a number of high mileage guys (experience, not our age!) that were really challenged and learned a LOT during the safety and accident avoidance training.

So glad you got take the course. Bet your wife is pleased, too.

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csimon

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4 Mar 2007, 3:19am

Quoting Leonardo

Did they teach proper "panic breaking", obstacle avoidance, and low speed stability? Sounds like they did.

That about covers the course!

We had an open airport runway to practice on with absolutely no pressure whatsoever. It was all self paced!
After my first run while the other student was making his run one instructor turn to me and said: "Man we're gonna make easy money off of you today"! LOL It was a compliment because I had no old habits for them to break. I cruised right through every run practically flawlesly because I appplied everything they were teaching instantly.

The only problem that I'm having ...which I've had with every bike and atv that I've ridden with a footshifter ...is that I have limited rocking abilities with my feet. Meaning, in order for me to "shift-up" I usually have to lift my entire left leg and/or pull my left knee out away from the bike. This will all be remedied with a kick shifter which is standard on the c50c. I think this is one of the main reasons Tracie prefers me to ride a cruiser ...that and the fact that she'd feel safer riding on back.

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csimon

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30 Mar 2007, 3:33am

Well I bought the bike. I got the suzuki c50c in a limited edition.

"2006 Boulevard C50C

An attractive new version of the classic C50 featuring new cast aluminum wheels, a special flamed pearl white paint scheme, stylish studded seat and a classic white faced speedometer."

http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/2006-Boulevard-C50C.php

There is one new bike left in LA for sale ...after that Texas is the place to get one. I may hang on to it a while and see what kind of price I get later. For now I will Enjoy!

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GHoosdum

tequilavangelist

10,372 Posts

30 Mar 2007, 1:52pm

Nice bike choice.

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MrBill

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2,135 Posts

30 Mar 2007, 4:12pm

Very nice bike Chris! Looks a lot like my V-Star.

Congratulations!

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csimon

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26 Apr 2009, 1:38am

The C50C goes up for sale on Monday morning. Someone came by the shop today wanting to sell a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 "Mean Streak" Limited Edition for $7500. The kicker was the fact that the bike only has 350 miles ...been in storage and that's why he wants to get rid of it and get a Ninja 250.
At any rate I'll be riding a bigger bike from here on out. Tracie may keep the C50C for herself because it's only worth right now what I just paid it off for.

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rapture

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26 Apr 2009, 12:14pm

Not usually a fan of cruisers but that thing looks amazing, congrats!

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csimon

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27 Apr 2009, 1:30am

The beauty is that it is fine "as-is". Almost all cruisers need some sort or another mod here or there. The only thing I will do is perhaps add a heel toe shifter cause I need it to keep up with everyone. I may put the lisence plate on the back hub as well idunno.
I know one thing for sure ...it has all of the guys in the shop drooling for sure. There is a quite a line behind me if I fail the purchase of those want to snatch her up.

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rapture

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1,287 Posts

27 Apr 2009, 2:10am

Is it shaft driven? How does that feel? Everything I've ridden (apart from the occasional scooter oh the shame) has had a chain.

Bet it's nice to take a chain out of the maintenance equation too, more time to shine up all the chrome

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