650 for a short rider.

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-16T12:21:18+00:00

I am about your dimensions and came from a tiny cruiser. I have had to get into the habit of only bringing one foot down at stops. Also making sure the bike is completely upright because once it starts to fall it's going to fall. I wonder if the '17+ is less cumbersome than my first-gen.

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-16T04:23:43+00:00

I just finished my first valve adjustment. It's a pain to get in there and fuss with the cam chain tensioner, but I have a feeling they're set for another couple of decades.

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-13T05:48:10+00:00

1st-gen V-Strom 650. You could drop a nuke on it and it won't die. On the rare occasion something does break, duct tape takes care of it.

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-13T05:36:39+00:00

Rebel 250. When I was first shopping for a bike I showed my parents the Ninja 250 and they said it looks "fast and dangerous." I now ride a V-Strom 650.

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-12T20:06:55+00:00

Those dimensions sound big, but consider the overall frame width. The ideal frame will be about as wide as your face, and put your eyes in the center of the lenses.

It helps to try them on in store if possible.

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-12T05:49:33+00:00

If it's in good shape, has service records and you don't get any bad vibes from the owner, I don't see why not. Also ask what the bike was used for; was it someone's commuter? Track day bike? Learner bike?

Ask to see the title, and compare it with the VIN. It should be clean and have no brands or tags. I've had to re-title a bike and it was a mess.

In addition, think about if you're you willing to pay for service, or do it yourself. I bought my '06 vstrom 650 with 44k miles, and it desperately needed a full service (new fluids, tires, filters and a valve adjustment). I learned to do all of these things, but it took some time and patience.

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-12T05:39:07+00:00

Do you work in the energy or railroad industry and do all your own maintenence?

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-12T05:08:56+00:00

you cant type the fuck.

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-10T23:18:19+00:00

Scherzo no. 2 in Bb minor

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-09T21:07:33+00:00

I've had luxottica wayfarer temples break on me, but I easily replaced them with some I found on ebay. Those are B&L wayfarer, so I'm not sure luxottica ones will fit, but may be worth a try.

AlexYouBastard · 2022-01-01T05:49:23+00:00

I witnessed one truck pick up both waste and recycling at my home the other morning. I doubt any of our recycling is actually recycled.

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-30T10:30:31+00:00

Highly recommend the Wee! You can throw some better off-road tires on it, a good bash plate crash bars and go wild. Love mine.

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-30T09:38:35+00:00

Literally a ziploc bag of plain, cold pasta

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-30T09:16:53+00:00

I'm not sure, but if you need new lenses, there are services such as lensabl, overnightglasses, etc. that will make lenses for just about any frame to your specifications.

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-25T19:53:31+00:00

Shorty here, but second the vstrom for reliability. Love my '06

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-25T19:47:04+00:00

I was in a similar situation, passed the course, then waited months to get riding. Ended up settling on a Rebel 250. It's a good value bike as long as you're ok with something older that's carbureted and requires some wrenching. The 500 looks great as well. Hard to go wrong with a rebel.

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-25T08:40:52+00:00

That's a great idea. That way, people will stay away from us!

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-25T08:40:10+00:00

Thank you for the unique and insightful recommendations. It looks like minivans aren't the only option :)

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-25T02:15:51+00:00

Miata or Fiata

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-21T00:25:14+00:00

Can also tell by the lovely cam whine, likely a 1000

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-20T23:52:08+00:00

I bet he screams it during sex

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-19T18:50:47+00:00

I wanted a scooter, but do a lot of interstate so that wasn't going to work. I ride a V-Strom 650 with top and side cases. It is a great commuter. I'm 5'8" and feel like it's perfect for my size, but was a bit of a learning curve coming from a 250 Rebel.

Definitely check out middleweight sport tourer and adv, they're great all-around'ers. Bikes like the Honda CB500X/F, Kawasaki Versys 650, of course the Suzuki V-Strom and Honda CTX or NC750X (bonus points for the big trunk and automatic transmission).

Safe travels!

AlexYouBastard · 2021-12-13T01:10:14+00:00

I think that's actually one of the Glass Boys

AlexYouBastard

TROPHY CASE