you know what i think would be awesome? an adventure-tourer, or a highway-worthy dual sport with some wind protection and bags. I'd love to do some LONG motorcycle road trips...I just need time to do it.

I'll probably resist the urge to pick one up, because I wouldn't get enough use out of it right now, but if I find one for a price too good to pass up, you never know.

5/2/2009 12:02:26 PM

^dl650 or dl1000 v-strom?

[Edited on May 2, 2009 at 4:06 PM. Reason : .]

5/2/2009 4:06:11 PM

if i got a V-Strom, I'd just get the 650.

That would be at the upper end of what I'd get, though, both in size (overall physical size, not necessarily engine displacement) and cost.

[Edited on May 2, 2009 at 5:38 PM. Reason : afd]

5/2/2009 5:38:03 PM

dual sports are underpowered and handle like shit on road, and heavy and handle like shit off road, why would anybody wan one?

5/2/2009 5:50:22 PM

^drz 400's aren't bad at all for a dual sport that lives up to its name. light enough to run trails, yet still enough power/gearing to run comfortable speeds on the road. pwnt's klr 650 was great on the road/highway. it was a heavy/tall bitch for any real trails though.

if i was looking to do something like ^^^^, i think i'd have to suck it up and shell out the $$ for a bmw.

[Edited on May 2, 2009 at 9:11 PM. Reason : .]

5/2/2009 9:11:40 PM

yeah, i have a friend with a GS 800 (and another with a V-Strom). A KLR would probably be pretty cool. Probably really slow, though. I'd love to have a BMW, especially since my granddad was a dealer, but I wouldn't spend that kind of money for a motorcycle (especially a SECOND motorcycle).

^^ again, there would only be a point in it for doing long trips that included some off-pavement riding.

Like, when I was in Italy on the way back from Iraq, I ran into a group of at least a dozen Polish riders (all on big adventure tourers). They'd started in Warsaw, headed down through eastern Europe, through north Africa (I don't know if they shipped the bikes from Greece or Turkey, or if they headed all the way through Syria and Jordan). When I met them, they were on the island of Sicily, headed back to Poland.

I'd like to do some trips out to the western US, up into Canada, and in central/south America...but I won't have time in the near future.

[Edited on May 2, 2009 at 10:26 PM. Reason : adsf]

5/2/2009 10:26:37 PM

the nice thing about a klr also is they're like the toyota land cruiser/hilux of motorcycles. you can get parts easy/cheap in pretty much any part of the world. that's pretty damn important when you're talking about expeditions across continents.

5/2/2009 11:38:08 PM

i wish i had the balls, time, money, and ability to do the TAT. I've spent many hours browsing the ride reports on advrider.

5/3/2009 12:44:43 AM

Just ordered Alpinestars' Octane 2-piece leathers.

(along with a set of Bridgestone BT-016s and a couple of oil filters)


Still on the list: air filter, retrofit to clip-on bars, service manual, solo cowl

5/3/2009 1:16:24 PM

I still have a thing for the superduke 990. It's a shame they're like 13k to have imported.

5/3/2009 1:21:09 PM

i have a thing for the earlier ones, too...particularly the last of the big singles they made. maybe i'll pick one up someday.

5/3/2009 2:37:20 PM

someone told me you like big singles, just like dan's kinda women

5/4/2009 11:58:57 AM

I got an 86 VT500 today. I love it so far.

5/23/2009 7:54:45 PM

I'm thinking very tentatively about trying to pick up a 86 VF500F interceptor as a project bike. Part would be somewhat difficult to find, but are they likely to be prohibitively so? Are they hard bikes to work on? It doesn't seem like the best choice, but I have always liked these bikes and I'd love the chance to own one. Good idea/bad idea?

6/8/2009 7:49:39 PM

went out the other day and noticed some oil...i think i need a new gasket...how hard are they to replace? any of you do this type of thing? if not, who would you recommend? at least, i think (hope) it's just a new gasket...i checked the plugs and they're sooty, but it seems to be dry, which makes me think it's just running rich instead of oil in the chamber (could be wrong, though)...might as well get a tune-up while i'm at it

left side



right side

6/15/2009 3:13:08 PM

Wait, you shouldn't have burnt oil caked on your engine?

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuckkk

6/15/2009 4:05:58 PM

i thought it was strange, too, but teh intarweb told me it was a bad thing

6/15/2009 4:18:40 PM

suggestions for mechanics to take a look at this?

6/18/2009 9:24:52 PM

Do it yourself, get your boyfriend to help out.

6/19/2009 10:27:30 AM

on second thought, i'll take you up on your offer to help me out with a little cuddling as payment (you're gonna have to keep your hands to yourself this time, though...my door doesn't swing that way, OKAY?)

6/19/2009 10:34:50 AM

I can understand if you're strapped for time or something, but seriously, do it yourself. The best part of owning an old bike is taking it apart.

6/19/2009 10:36:49 AM

the problem is that i have NO idea where to start...it would be a great thing to learn on, but i may or may not be selling it in the near future, so i don't want to screw something up and then have to find MORE time (and someone who knows what they're doing) to fix what should have been relatively simple in the first place

paying someone to work on it and me sticking around while they do it is preferable...especially since the most i can muster each weekend is maybe half a day (and teaching myself means that it will likely take 4-5 times longer than necessary)

i'm sure this is a simple thing for most of y'all...just not for me

6/19/2009 10:58:24 AM

does anyone want to buy a 94 cbr f2. 6k on engine... 'streetfigther' runs like a champ for 1500.. i neeed this unit gone.

6/19/2009 11:05:07 AM

^^ Get a shop manual and find a good forum

^ catzor does

6/19/2009 11:08:44 AM

Good deal, but I don't know about this guy.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/1229225077.html

6/20/2009 10:12:34 AM

^^^ if you want some ragged out patched up shit that wont run for a day after you buy it, just ask the last few people stupid enough to buy shit from him

streetfighter means layed down or dropped about fiddy leven times and everything is tore all to shit

6/20/2009 12:08:37 PM

hm laid down only once and runs mint.

6/20/2009 6:16:06 PM

Quote :

"Good deal, but I don't know about this guy bike. "

There, I fixed it fer ya... If you are getting a pussy bike just go get a moped

Seriously, its one thing if you wanna go to the grocery store to pick up a six pack, but if you want a panty dropper, I suggest something a little more faster. You would definitely get bored, quick!


And yes I am giving you hell...

6/21/2009 7:35:45 PM

If you're serious: holy fucking squid batman!

6/21/2009 7:45:40 PM

I am curious, sir, to see what you would consider a squid...

Here is MY vision of a squid:



I am sure thats a bit exaggerated... But I imagine this guy probably splits lanes, goes 150mph in a 30 mph zone, does wheelies in traffic and is an overall danger to the cars and other riders around him.

Would you say this guy is a squid?



Because I can assure you that this guy is going REALLY fast... so fast he's probably taking that turn at about 150 mph +... speeds that you couldn't even handle if you had a bike that went that fast... AND he is definitely on a panty dropper bike...

Now the difference between him and my version of the squid is that he is a little bit more skilled, he wears protective gear and does this in an environment away from every day traffic.

So I took one extreme and went to the next... But your average rider will probably look somewhat like this:





And honestly, you will have the occasional rider that will get a 600 and not use it to its full potential. But most people get their motorcycles to have some fun on even though its against the law to "speed" or do "wheelies." (The government is corrupt anyways) Thats why you take your bike to the track to seriously push your bike to the limits or to a place where traffic is minimal. And most people wear jackets and other protective gear in case they do hit the dirt. I have seen people go down everywhere in all different skill levels going all different speeds even as low at 15 mph doing exactly what they should be doing. But the difference comes with the protective gear people choose to wear and how they conduct themselves in and out of traffic.

My whole point of my post above is that if you want something that scoots around town to save money on gas or run the occasional errand, don't waste your money on a motorcycle with a 250cc engine, get a scooter... But if you actually want to keep up with traffic, maybe enjoy some adrenaline flowing through your veins and learning to actually lean the bike around turns, get something with a little more power. And I was just teasing the guy... If he wants a turd bike, he can get one; and I am not afraid to give him hell about it...

I had something with like a 450 cc engine or something and it was a turd from hell. I got tired of it really quick and on top of that, when I took it on the highway, I felt like that thing was going to blow up going 70 mph.

So... I honestly hope you are not dumb enough to think that because someone wants to go fast on their bike, they are considered a squid. If so, either you have a turd bike yourself, you don't even own a bike and think that when a bike passes you, that they are trying to be a badass (no they're actually tryin to get away from your careless ass) or you're just mad that you're too scared to push your bike a little if you had one.

6/21/2009 10:19:03 PM

Being as how that guy doesn't post about bikes that I've ever noticed and the fact that he posted regarding a ninja 250, implies that he is an inexperienced rider. Obviously, this evidence isn't bulletproof, but an educated guess would say he doesn't ride big bikes, if at all.

With that said, you imply that there is only a negligible difference between a ninja 250, which travels at 100mph, and a 50cc scooter, which does 35. That implies, to me, that you are one that likes to ride a bike way outside your ability. Sure, a 600 is fun as hell, but even an experienced rider can have a hell of a lot of fun on a 300lb, 30hp machine like the 250r. Basically, if you think small displacement bikes(especially the 250r) are as enjoyable as a scooter, you don't know how to ride for shit. Enjoy going fast in a straight line, squid.

Lastly, I ride a bike MUCH less powerful than the run-of-the-mill RR. It is a 1986 VT500c. It has less that 50 hp, a top speed of 110 mph, and handles like a marshmallow. However, I would never tell someone that it isn't worth bothering with because you can't go fifty leven mph with it. It goes plenty quick enough to kill you, it travels on the freeway just fine, and makes me grin in the twisties. My point: Any bike is a good bike.

BTW, I am impressed by your e-peen.

6/21/2009 10:34:43 PM

Quote :

"I imagine this guy probably splits lanes"

fwiw, statistics show that lane splitting actually reduces accidents involving motorcycles, especially in high traffic/low speed/urban areas.

6/21/2009 10:44:11 PM

First of all before I pwn your ass in motorcycles... I was joking with the guy. I was merely challenging his manhood... I am sure any dude that isn't a pussy would have picked up on that right away... But you're a poser douchebag that had to play the "OMG you're a squid" card. If homeslice wants a 250cc bike, he can buy whatever the hell he wants with his money.

But I am going to have to say that you're the one with the big vag. I would like to say that I have nothing against cruisers. In fact when I get old, I'll probably own one. But I honestly doubt your cruiser knows anything about twisties. Your cruiser "cruises" around turns. It is designed to take it easy. You try to take your bike and lean it like a sportsbike, you're liable to scrape pegs, exhausts whatever... A sportbike is designed to take turns at 150mpg and most skilled riders do this by "scraping a knee." If you have ever watched a motogp or AMA race you would know what I am talking about. But no, people don't do that on the street. I don't do that on the street. And I know I am not a "skilled" rider. I am a good rider and consider myself better than most females for sure. But I do like to take turns much faster than you because my bike is DESIGNED TO DO SO and yours isn't. And I know how fast I can comfortably take those turns.

And just because someone has a sportsbike, it doesn't make them a squid. Also people that normally ride fast in straight lines ride bikes like this:


My bike is not stretched. And before you go telling someone they don't ride for shit, I suggest we take this to the track and we'll see who can't ride for shit. I have no doubt in my mind that I can react, take turns, shift gears, and brake a hell of a lot better than you. Hell you wouldn't even know what to do at the markers... "what do these numbers mean?" Durrrrrrrrrr Have you even been to the track? Doubt it...



Sure a 250 cc can go 100 mph... But it would prolly take it about 5 min to reach 70 mph and I know I wouldn't want to take that thing on I-40 if I had to. Also, my mom has a 250 rebel and its incredibly dangerous to pull out in traffic because it takes so long to get it to speed limit. As I mentioned above, my 450 cc Buell Blast felt like it would fall apart going 70 mph and I am sure a 250cc kawasazi wouldn't be much better. I would much rather be on a bike that could accelerate to a safe speed fast. I am sure a 500 cc would be a much better starter if even that. I mean its simple common sense: you get a bike, don't go hammerin down on the throttle right away. My little v twin I use to ride was perfect for riding and the price for it was great.

And I know you can't ride for shit because the only thing your little boy brain can comprehend is riding that piece of shit cruiser. If you were to ever ride a sportsbike, I am sure it would either put your dick in the dirt or you're too much of a vag to ride one.

And if anything is worth getting with a 250cc engine it would be a two stroke dirtbike and even I am not that brave to ride until I get a 150cc.

6/22/2009 2:02:14 AM

no no no no no no...my penis is bigger! AND faster!

6/22/2009 7:03:39 AM

Very intelligent retort. I see this going places. I can now see how superior your motorcycle is to my motorcycle. I am going to do my best to find one that will do 150 mpg through the turns and drops panties with greater efficiency. Good thing I met you on the internet. Otherwise, I never would have know how shitty I am at riding said motorcycle.

I owned a cb250(same engine as a rebel) and it was plenty quick enough to not be dangerous in traffic, especially Raleigh. Get the fuck over yourself. Your generalizations are astounding. Yes, I ride a cruiser. I would ride a sport bike, if money allowed(probably something more sport standardish. Do you approve of a honda 919? I've heard 100hp is too slow to keep up with traffic, so I might add some yosh pipes). It doesn't mean that I simply cruise, as if that is inferior in the first place. If fast bikes are the only real bikes to you, you are the fucking poser, dear. I've owned a 250 and 500. I'd be lost on 600rr, you have that right. But I've loved every second in the saddle. Once, I even took my 250 out and rode with two really cool dudes from TWW, both on 600rrs. It seems you are more concerned with the capabilities of the bike, not the rider. GTFO cunt.

P.S. Quag has a 250. We might form a small displacement motorcycle gang and then you'll be in a whole world of shit! Of couse, we won't be able to catch you...

[Edited on June 22, 2009 at 7:19 AM. Reason : .]

6/22/2009 7:17:52 AM

yeah, i like my 250 well enough (i'll like it a lot more once i replace this gasket )...it's plenty fun and it keeps up with traffic up to about 70...past that and yeah, it starts to get scary (which is why i don't usually go past that)

i think mine is probably a bit underpowered compared to the 250r (mine's also a cruiser and not a sport bike)...i would trust the 250r on the highway more than my rebel, that's because i don't want to die...you can die just as quickly and easily on a 250cc bike going 70mph as you can on a monster 1000cc bike doing the same speed

but assuming you're NOT trying to race or show off or run track (AKA normal riding), then a 250 does just as well as something 5x its size...i don't know what this crap is about it not being able to keep up with traffic...my rebel is perkier than my 4-banger saturn, which isn't saying much, but my point is that i have absolutely zero problems merging into and keeping up with traffic on the highway (up to about that 70mph zone, though, where i pussy out and don't push it anymore)

to each their own

6/22/2009 7:27:07 AM

6/22/2009 7:57:09 AM

^^ you're a rehtard catzor... LOL

As quagmire02 stated if you're going over 70 mph on the highway, its pretty scary. In fact I would never take something that small on I-40. I ride defensively and try to stay as far from truckers as possible and if I were on a 250 ninja and an 18-wheeler rolled up beside me, it would be quite difficult to get the fuck out of his way.

And yes I appreciate all bikes. I thought it was cool my parents both got cruisers after I got my first bike. And there are cruisers that are pretty badass. Its not all about speed for me. I look at what is safe for my taste. I have only ridden my bike up to 140 mph once and that was just as scary as riding my 400cc bike 70 mph. I rarely go over 85 mph. But I do like it that I can merge in and out of traffic without twisting the throttle wide open.

I like anything with an engine on it and I can come up with some pretty creative ways of having fun with the smallest of motors. LOL I love riding on bikes with 50 cc motors LOL good for wheelies. I have ridden 80 cc dirtbikes... They are all fun to me.

I have nothing against cruisers... I do enjoy giving people hell that have cruisers because they think all sportbike riders are squids. I am pretty sure [user] arhodes [/user] would be pissed off knowing that you had to blow shit wayyyy out of proportion. Like I said in every single post... I was giving him hell aka (for some of you who don't know what that means in man language) means I was picking on him in a very nonserious way. If he feels comfortable on a 250cc bike, then its his prerogative and I have also said that. But I am done proving to you catzor just how much of a vag and retard you are.

6/22/2009 9:16:02 AM

Squirt has a bigger dong than you, catzor.

6/22/2009 9:38:28 AM

^ EXACTLY SON!

Quote :

"And just because someone has a sportsbike, it doesn't make them a squid. Also people that normally ride fast in straight lines ride bikes like this."

It makes me a squid son. I only ride in straight lines son. I mean, like, 100% exclusively.

6/22/2009 11:22:42 AM

I posted this on an SOHC forum, but I'll repost it here because when you guys aren't swordfighting, you can sometimes be helpful:

So, at work, on my lunch break, I'm making my way down the road on my 77 550F when suddenly it starts sputtering and backfiring. That's strange, I think to myself as I flip the petcock to reserve, I just filled up this morning. I pull into the nearest gas station, fill up and head in to pay. Upon returning to my bike, I see a pretty large puddle of fuel forming underneath. I was stupefied for a moment, a good two gallons had exited before I turned off the petcock. Better still, oil was leaking pretty rapidly from the shifter pedal. With the petcock still off, I limped back to work, the bike seemingly running extremely rich.

I've had a small oil leak at the shifter since I bought the bike, but the way it was pouring out today was like nothing I'd ever seen. And the fuel leak is even more troubling, mostly because I can't tell where the hell it's coming from. The gas is rolling off the bike at the bottom of the frame, just behind the oil pan, but I can't tell if it's coming from the carbs, the tank, or what. I do know it's not coming from the overflow hose and it leaks with the petcock on or off reserve.

Basically, I'm in desperate need of a troubleshooting list. For more background, this past weekend I removed the tank for the first time to get a look at my cam chain and clean up the engine block a bit. I didn't have any problem getting it on or off, but there's a good chance I boned something in the process. Also, after putting the tank back on and firing it up, the bike was sputtering a bit. I figured I had gotten some water in the tank, but the problem was gone when I filled her up.

I also tightened the chain yesterday. Maybe it's rubbed through the crankcase? Seems like it would take more than 40 miles (the commute to work) for that, though.

Sorry if I'm rambling. I'm 40 miles from home and have very limited access to any tools.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

6/22/2009 2:29:34 PM

Quote :

"If you are getting a pussy bike just go get a moped "

called out by a girl

Quote :

"but an educated guess would say he doesn't ride big bikes, if at all"

You are correct, sir. I have not ever owned a bike before. At 5'6", a 250 would be a good starter bike for me.
Anyone who has seen me on a jet ski would tell you that I have a tendency to be out of control when fishtailing and whatnot, so I know that I need to start on something with limited power. And I would find a scooter to be boring.

6/22/2009 4:55:10 PM

How about this,

If you want to ride bikes, get what you like and what your comfortable on?

Its all for fun folks.

6/23/2009 2:21:30 PM

here we got squirt talking about panty droppers


Bitches Squirt when they feel my ride

6/23/2009 2:38:02 PM

been too fuckin hot here lately

6/28/2009 5:53:50 PM

whats with all the 250cc bashing

i kind of want one. seems like the perfect thing to cruise around on and take to work for my grueling 12 miles roundtrip

7/8/2009 9:49:22 AM

lol i've ridden an anemic 500cc and.... well i wouldn't want to go any smaller than that...

7/8/2009 9:58:28 AM

i've also never really ridden a street cycle and wouldn't want to lay down a ton of cash.

7/8/2009 10:24:49 AM

Don't do it, man. Squirt'll talk shit about you on the internet.

7/8/2009 10:29:18 AM

i live in a pretty big biker town, i imagine everyone would talk shit to me

7/8/2009 10:31:01 AM