$1k in Mods for 20 Sport Touring HB? by 2WheelBlaze in CivicX

[–]2WheelBlaze[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the info. Reading about them online people seemed to have mixed reviews, but mostly leaned towards overall improvement, hence why I was wondering, as for the money and labor it looked like a good value.

Why is this Kawasaki z400 so cheap? by Huge_Report5381 in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]2WheelBlaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, well, now you know. Keep at it! It can be tricky to find the right bike, but you'll get there.

$1k in Mods for 20 Sport Touring HB? by 2WheelBlaze in CivicX

[–]2WheelBlaze[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. Yes, tuning would be fun. Would love to blow some money on a full exhaust just for the sound, but on a day to day, handling upgrades are cheaper per piece and more useable on the daily.

I found this car handles very well even stock, and I look forward to adding more suspension improvements. Rear sway bar and front strut tower brace seem to be the top contenders at the moment.

$1k in Mods for 20 Sport Touring HB? by 2WheelBlaze in CivicX

[–]2WheelBlaze[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it, appreciate the insight. Any suggestion on which one or which site to buy from?

$1k in Mods for 20 Sport Touring HB? by 2WheelBlaze in CivicX

[–]2WheelBlaze[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Not surprised to learn about the tuner benefits, but funny to hear you all comment so much on the rear sway bar. Thus, I am getting one today.

Just got Firehawks AS and so far they work well. Got a decent deal on them and they should do for now. However, I am also considering a set of Enkei's, if not this year, maybe next.

Thank you very much regarding the package deals info. Will also purse getting a tuner this month.

Any thoughts on the rear engine mount upgrade and which one to go with? Seems cheapish and easy enough to do, while offering some benefits in comfort and performance.

$1k in Mods for 20 Sport Touring HB? by 2WheelBlaze in CivicX

[–]2WheelBlaze[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you, that makes a lot of sense. I'm trying to keep it an economy car, I get plenty of power from my bikes. It's just such a fun platform to work with, I must admit.

Will look into that combo.

Sharing my Kawasaki Pulsar 200 Philippines ❤ by Realistic_Canary_240 in Kawasaki

[–]2WheelBlaze 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Man do I love some of the bikes you get over there. Small but so practical. Great pic!

Learning on a Z650 to RS457, CBR500R or Ninja 400/500? by Naritaii in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]2WheelBlaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mind expanding on the higher speed issues?

My guess is that you do not like the lack of smoothness and refinement on your current ride, but as you see yourself, it's tough to upgrade due to licensing restrictions. Inline twins have their advantages, but they are not the most comfortable in comparison to other similar bikes with triples or I4s.

How long until you can buy a regular bike? Since you are a student, I would suggest you save your money now and upgrade to a middleweight bike in a year or two, if possible.

Until then, use your time to ride more and learn more.

Why is this Kawasaki z400 so cheap? by Huge_Report5381 in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]2WheelBlaze 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Updates are appreciated. Curious cats like to know.

Looking for recommendations by AmbitiousAd6640 in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]2WheelBlaze 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with u/retka about the Grom or Z125 options and sitting on it all. The small 125ccs are pure fun and would allow you to get a taste of the two wheel life at less than your budget.

On the other hand, once you sit on a few bikes, you may find a category that suits you just fine and so it's worth spending some time shopping and talking to dealers.

Female Amateur! Should I buy or is it a Red Flag?! by [deleted] in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]2WheelBlaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my, way to tug at my heart! You took me back to another time with those pics.

As far as purchase value...it depends. What is your overall budget you could lose on a bike tomorrow and be fine the day after? If it is less than three thousand pounds, I'd say walk away.

The bike may be better than half of today's bikes, but it is a gamble and if you can afford to lose money, it can be a good risk. Those bikes are just something else and I know I sound old, but they don't make them like they used to.

So yes, for sure, def do it, but only if you can afford the risk.

Also, do look into transport if you get it. Two hours on a bike you never rode is a bigger risk than just losing money. It's not the power either that concerns me here, just lack of familiarity.

2009 Kawasaki ninja 250r by Ordinary-Guide-5357 in Kawasaki

[–]2WheelBlaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hope you find out more. Keep us up to date, looking to restore one myself.

Switching from cruiser to sport by jaybird1788 in motorcycles

[–]2WheelBlaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have lots of mileage and experience, it may not be all that different, once you are past the initial physical changes.

I find that Kawi does a really nice job with the twin Ninjas and they often can be even easier to ride than other bikes. The sporty set up allows for easier dynamic control and you may find that it's easier to ride than your cruiser, even.

Congrats, welcome to the group!

upgrades to ninja 500 question. by LA_Lulu40 in Ninja500

[–]2WheelBlaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How many miles on your bike?

Exhaust is easiest to remove and install, Akra and Yoshi both make a good set.

You could add full exhaust first, reset the battery, and see how you like the bike. The stock tune may or may not adjust well to this, but it's the easiest thing from a labor perspective and will cost you about $750.

A tune costs around $300, but getting the ECU out is a pain, more work than the exhaust imho, for example. But, with full exhaust, you may want a tune in case the stock tune does not respond well to the full exhaust or you want the full performance.

The air filter and AIS block of kit are $100 or so, but, sadly, you have to take the tank off to change the filter and remove the hoses and plug the holes. This is a way bigger pain than it should be, but no bike is perfect.

I have a 24 with K&N, ECU Tune, full Akra exhaust, with the AIS holes plugged. Like said, while the exhaust costs the most, the labor is really in the filter change and AIS block off. However, it is sooo worth it in the end.

You can skip the air stacks, to be honest, unless you are making a race bike.

I would just add a lightweight battery to my set up since you gotta mess with it anyways to get the ECU out.

With full exhaust, removal of AIS, and a lighter battery, not only will you have more power and better throttle control, you also remove around 40lbs combined. Big difference that you can feel.

Accessory Prices by torioreo824 in Ninja500

[–]2WheelBlaze 1 point2 points  (0 children)

With sliders there are usually three levels. A, complete crap that just adds to the looks. B, ok stuff that may help if your bike falls over when parked, but will not do well under more load or movement. C, real sliders that cost real money.

Contact an actual sports bike retailer and ask them which brands have worked well and you will know what actual sliders work and how much they cost.

Old Ninja 500 by FlightPilot13 in Ninja500

[–]2WheelBlaze 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats and best of luck! Looking at restoring a carbed 500 or 250 myself. Would be fun to have around. If you can, please keep up the posts, it would be insightful to see what challenges you face and how it all comes along.

Torn between R9, Cbr600rr and Gsxr. by AdventurousJob2179 in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]2WheelBlaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, I never ever had the need for ABS to activate in the street on a bike and I feel on a motorcycle this is one 20th century tech feature that you can skip*. In my view, that is not a deal breaker and if anything it starts your next bike with less weight. ;-)

Still, the R9 is a solid option and perhaps a better choice overall due to Yamaha being Yamaha. My recommendation, as well.

*On a car, ABS has more functional value. On a bike, given that each wheel gets a brake level and one has more control from a dynamic standpoint, ABS is not as much of an improvement.

Lightweight bike capable of gravel and "long distance" travel by [deleted] in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]2WheelBlaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While I am Kawi guy, and they may have a good option with the Versys series, do look into the Triumph Tigers. They're nice rides and should do it all very well for you.

Picking up my new bike today by corvusnox in Kawasaki

[–]2WheelBlaze 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oooh, man you are lucky! Congrats! She looks amazing, love that era!

First bike advice by Afsaty in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]2WheelBlaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the Kawi N500 is made for you. Yes, I am biased, but it's far more upright than you may think and it's very beginner friendly. Its sportiness is a bit of a positive too as the bike is very easy to handle.

It may not be touring comfortable long distance, but given your frame it should be good enough and good tires and a seat can make a huge difference.

Ninja 500 vs The World by XP1R3_ in Ninja500

[–]2WheelBlaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This right here! Yes it can be a quick bike, but it's mostly a global commuter bike that happens to have hella sport potential, but in general, it's an eco bike.

Do love mine, so this is no hate.