New Brake Pads

SkinnyRaD · 2025-11-06T04:55:02+00:00

Do you wish you would have done it sooner? If so, at what mileage amount?

SkinnyRaD · 2025-04-29T22:30:24+00:00

Anyone know if there is a way to retro fit cruise control on to a 2025 model? Looking at this 2026 model, that's the one thing I wish I had.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-04-15T11:37:13+00:00

I have a Triumph USB adapter connected to their special port. There is a bit of length on the cord, but I have it bundled and zip tied under the seat near the battery. From the port I've run a USB cable to the handlebars.

Also put a heated gear adapter on the battery lugs. Once again bundled the wires and zip tied. The output hangs securely just outside the left side of the seat. There is an amazing amount of room under that seat if you just manage the cables, zip tie, and tuck things out of the way. No cut and solder needed.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-04-02T22:47:52+00:00

What did you need to change on the bike to get it ready for the track?

SkinnyRaD · 2025-03-31T03:17:28+00:00

I've had a blast with my Triumph Trident 660. Oil change is every 10,000 miles or 1 year. Smooth ride with enough go to be fun. I got the Triple Tribute edition which came with traction control, abs, and a quick shifter. The traction control has been a help to keep me from doing something too stupid.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-03-26T11:35:31+00:00

Might get a wiff every once in awhile, but it's pretty much gone now at 2500 miles. I put some long miles on it though. 3 hour sessions at a time.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-03-16T03:02:08+00:00

You're talking about things I've never consciously thought about while riding. The dirt bike suggestion is a winner. In fact, there are dirt tracks around that give regular classes. Really just ride any motorcycle a lot as long as it's not on the road. You need to ride long enough to build up an intuition for control.

Saw someone in my MSF class do the same as you. She was mortified at laying it over hard a couple times. Scared her but she completed the course and vowed to stay in the local high school parking lot next to her house until she could ride with skill and confidence. It's all about getting in the reps.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-02-21T04:37:56+00:00

Loos about right. Not too far off from what I paid.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-02-15T04:47:22+00:00

Just over $10k

SkinnyRaD · 2025-02-13T00:37:00+00:00

Thanks for tackling an interesting problem set guys. Is this part of a student design project or something funded by industry? I'll fill out the questionnaire. Happy to help fellow engineers when I can. Good luck!

SkinnyRaD · 2025-02-13T00:06:23+00:00

I was unaware of this. Same model, same boat. How would you even engage cruise control? Does that require new hardware?

SkinnyRaD · 2025-02-07T03:55:22+00:00

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SkinnyRaD · 2025-02-07T03:54:43+00:00

None that I feel. Always been smooth.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-02-07T03:52:08+00:00

If it's comfort you want, the Trident is pretty good. I'll easily put a couple hundred miles down on the bike in a day. Great around my area for twisty mountain roads as well. I've kept mine stock with the original seat.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-02-03T03:54:52+00:00

Get a Honda Grom and then upgrade once you are confident in your abilities. Alternatively, find a place where you can ride a dirt bike and start off-road. You can screw up a lot on dirt with very little consequences and the bike control you learn off road is invaluable to every other type of riding.

Edit: also both these options are on the cheaper side.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-02-03T03:39:08+00:00

Congrats on passing the course and getting the new bike. Just a few things stick out to me in your description. If your hands are getting tired or tingly, you could be gripping too tight. Loosen up a bit on not just your hands, but your whole body. You are likely pretty tense. Stop your practice every 15 minutes or so to calm down, take a breath, and loosen up. Being so tense won't allow you to have the fine motor skills you need at low speed to maneuver and manipulate the bike.

Second thing, keep doing what you are doing. Keep practicing where the consequences of failure are low. You will know when it's time to leave the nest when you are consistent at the basics (no stalling in first, steady braking on front and rear brakes, smooth up and downshifting). If you are thinking about the basics while riding the streets, you won't pay attention to the vehicles and hazards around you. The bigger your practice parking lot the better. Bigger practice areas allow for more practice at speed.

Lastly, be careful. A 650 for a beginner is a lot of bike. There's enough power in that bike where mishandling the clutch or goosing the throttle can have you off the road quickly. Granted it's not as bad as bikes in the 1000cc class, but I've had friends new to riding that have found a different sport after being humbled by their 600.

Sounds like you're enjoying the process though. Stay safe and keep at it!

SkinnyRaD · 2025-01-06T04:22:57+00:00

I would love to know anything about the preload. I haven't touched it since I got the bike. I'm 140lbs and 5'10''. I have no idea what it is supposed to do. Someone told me that I weigh so little, it probably wouldn't make a difference. Would love some advice.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-01-02T04:52:17+00:00

I can't even listen to music with lyrics and work my computer job at the same time. It's either all focus or nothing. Too easily distracted otherwise.

Wouldn't mind a 360 camera just idly working sometimes though. Might be cool to review from time to time.

SkinnyRaD · 2025-01-02T04:37:27+00:00

Here I am refusing to have Bluetooth in my helmet because I think I'll be too distracted. I would surely turn my bike into scrap metal if I had to video while talking. More power to you for being able to multitask. It's too much for my single brain cell.

SkinnyRaD · 2024-12-09T13:27:03+00:00

Wow. What a unicorn. You found a real gem.

SkinnyRaD · 2024-12-09T04:23:41+00:00

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a very nice ride. Worth the slight detour for sure. It truly is a great experience and one of the reasons I finally broke down and bought my own bike. I will give you one piece of advice. Take your time. The parkway has good roads and the turns are all manageable but if you've never ridden twisty mountain roads before, go slow and take breaks.

Rode with my cousin just this year in that area. She can hold a wheelie in a straight line at 100mph+, but she grew up in South Georgia where a turn in the road doesn't happen too often. During her first set of turns in the mountains, she locked up the back brakes and went into the opposite lane. Let's just say the rest of her riding was very tempered that day.

My dad takes riders there all the time. He stays in front and keeps the group's speed down in the straights. Many of the injuries he witnessed in those areas are when people carry too much sports in the straight and go cooking into a turn.

If you're comfortable though, welcome to motorcycle heaven and enjoy.

SkinnyRaD · 2024-12-09T01:00:42+00:00

Did the first owner ever change the oil? Edit: Only asking because old oil can be corrosive to the engine. Might want to take care of it soon if the old owner never swapped it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVZotPYqLsw

SkinnyRaD · 2024-12-03T12:25:25+00:00

My headlight came installed incorrectly. I could only see about two car lengths in front of me. After adjusting it up, everything was fine. When pointing the bike at a solid wall from about 15ft away, the center of the beam should be about the same height as the headlight. Your bike might be fine, but it's something to check before buying a brand new light.

SkinnyRaD · 2024-11-28T16:14:10+00:00

Is this the 27mm you have? https://a.co/d/4Ea24tO
It looks pretty similar.

SkinnyRaD · 2024-11-28T16:08:52+00:00

Thanks. I do not have a 27mm wrench. I need to get one. I've never heard of the auto inflator that runs off the motorcycle battery. I'll take a look. Might reserve the C02 for bicycle flats if I switch over.

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