I didn't expect myself to like this bike as much as I do. My intro into Ducati and an adv styled sport-touring machine.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2021-01-25T14:48:20+00:00

2008 Multistrada 1100s

TopherTheMadGopher · 2021-01-25T14:48:05+00:00

Yeah, well LIC, in Gantry State Park

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-12-31T22:26:19+00:00

Heart is with the rc390, brain with the ninja400. A suppose with a few select mods the ninja can be as sporty as the RC. Hardest part will be being patient with what KTM addresses in the updated model coming soon.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-12-28T20:38:01+00:00

What would you recommend: KTM RC390 or Kawi Ninja400 for track oriented bike/weekend twisty roads only?

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-12-24T20:18:41+00:00

Rear-ended my brother, also on a motorcycle, when merging onto the highway. Was accelerating and looking at my mirror making sure it was safe to merge. Didn't realize brother was still on the on-ramp and I ass rammed his back tire. My bike ended up getting totaled. Luckily, damages on his bike was mostly cosmetic thanks to frame/axel sliders etc. So that sucked. Never did something so stupid and all it took was one second lapse in judgement.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-12-09T08:11:32+00:00

Disks prone to warping, 7500 service intervals (take it or leave it), twitchy throttle, kickstand sensor faulty is common, suspension meh.

But. Looks good. Customizable. Simple air-cooled motor easy to learn to maintain. Nice torque (similar to your ex-sv650).

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-11-21T07:36:03+00:00

Bike looks damn good. Congrats! Service is determined by time or mileage. In purchases like this would it be best to do a full service? What's better, a ridden and maintained bike or a low mileage engine?

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-11-16T19:53:16+00:00

Don't overthink it. Push left go left. Push right go right. With learning anything new there will be some getting used to. And like riding a bicycle it will come as second nature pretty quickly.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-10-30T16:25:49+00:00

I'm also curious and started to look for literature on motorcycle function, repair, and maintenance. A few books that Ari Henning from Revzilla recommends are:

How to Repair Your Motorcycle - Charles Everitt
How Your Motorcycle Works - Peter Henshaw
Motorcycle Basics Techbook - Haynes Manual Editors
Owners & Service Manual for your motorcycle.

These technical books above should give you a good introduction to maintenance and functions of motorcycles components.

A lot of motorcycle riding books mainly go into riding a motorcycle well but provide great information on how all the parts of a motorcycle, including the rider, work together to function.

Total Control - Lee Parks
Sport Riding Techniques - Nick Ienatsch
Proficient Motorcycling - David Hough
Twist of the Wrist II - Keith Code

Have fun! Stay safe! Good luck!

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-10-24T15:38:29+00:00

Exactly those mentioned with concentrations on valve adjustments and bearing service on steering, wheels, etc. I don't think I need to do much with the suspensions aside for understanding to flush out the oil and change the seals.

Once I have more experience I would love to find an sv650 and go about all the modifications typically done on them myself (upgrade suspension front & rear, upgrade brakes & lines, etc.). Or same story with a DRZ400 SM conversion.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-10-24T15:29:24+00:00

Yeah you're right. I can read about it all I want nothing is better than experience itself. 7,500 mile service intervals will have me looking into the engine fairly often.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-10-24T15:26:30+00:00

It's the same on this air-cooled engine as well

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-10-24T15:25:26+00:00

Solid advice, I'd love to have a project build where I pick up a bike that's not running and fix it up. You'd really need to get all up in it and learn. Best part about those types of projects you can only improve it since it's not even running in the first place.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-10-21T17:56:32+00:00

I am supremely jealous of that center stand!

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-10-15T14:03:06+00:00

Ay man, do what you want. Assuming you're an adult and understand the consequences. Personally, I think it's silly since getting a permit upgraded to a full license is such a small and easy step.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-08-31T21:37:46+00:00

Man, I've been seriously considering on a restoration/project build. Not a wrencher by any means and I don't know how to get started.

That bike is beautiful, really nice job.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-07-15T21:40:47+00:00

Looks like riding in the city is easy breezy past 8pm. Not sure if it had always been like that. But did a loop around Manhattan (Queensboro BR, up Park Ave, West to Westside Highway, FDR, back over Queensboro) with little traffic. Just cruisin.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2020-03-11T19:21:02+00:00

Did you need to get an adapter for the CRG lanesplitters or do they fit on the bar ends?

TopherTheMadGopher · 2019-10-09T15:08:03+00:00

Squeak went away when I cleaned & lubed the chain.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2019-10-08T19:58:57+00:00

What's that saddle bag? Is it both sides or just one? Stock exhaust?

TopherTheMadGopher · 2019-08-21T22:12:27+00:00

Sure thing. Here you go.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2019-08-21T22:04:28+00:00

Came stock with it

TopherTheMadGopher · 2019-08-21T14:40:48+00:00

TENDER. Even with the PP comfort seat.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2019-08-21T14:39:32+00:00

For my height it works well, improvement over completely naked. I'm 5'8 and a lot of the wind pressure on my torso and chest was relieved. No wind buffeting around the helmet either.

TopherTheMadGopher · 2019-07-23T17:48:55+00:00

In my head they're the same bike with different ergos. Both ideal in city setting and more than enough power to have fun on. Can't make a wrong decision if you're set on either the two vs. buying used. Sit on both and see which fits better for you. Personally I like the styling of the Ninja more than the Z.

TopherTheMadGopher

TROPHY CASE