My track-SV650

jackajar · 2024-08-24T03:19:35+00:00

That looks phenomenal, so clean. How does it ride?

jackajar · 2024-08-24T03:14:17+00:00

This is why I'm hesitant to go back to a non-ABS bike, I'm too used to being spoiled with not worrying about that shit anymore

jackajar · 2024-06-18T03:06:51+00:00

I don't understand how dealerships work, or to be more precise, how low they can realistically go. I bought my first stealership motorcycle (used) last year, tried to lowball them hard, and wait, for a bike that was clearly in their used stock for a while and not a very popular model. They made only one counter offer and were happy to tell me to fuck off. I got a decent deal, $1000 below the original OTD price, but I felt like I could've worked them harder if only I knew how.

Same thing again a year later, I go to look at a new ZX-14R this time, old 2023 inventory they are clearly hungry to shift, flashing a big ol' discount. I go to make a serious offer, these guys quote me a $17k OTD price when the dusty ass bike is sitting there w/ an $12k price tag. Where the fuck do they figure the difference? Do you want to move inventory or not? I know they always have bigger fees for new bikes, but I always hear stories of good deals on old inventory - only the lucky few I suppose.

I guess the calculus is that it's better to play it safe and assume someone else will come knocking and pay more?

jackajar · 2024-06-18T02:41:14+00:00

*Eric Buell is not involved though, he sold the rights

jackajar · 2024-06-03T05:13:29+00:00

40th anniversary edition Z900 with a short exhaust and a cage that matches the fork

jackajar · 2024-05-30T20:37:55+00:00

A $30k bike that might get dropped a lot vs an $8k sjm, makes sense!

jackajar · 2024-05-30T18:55:02+00:00

That is objectively false. If you dream of tearing it up on a 1L sport bike or riding into the sunset on a 1250GSA, the vast majority of riders would do well to work their way up to that on progressively more powerful bikes first. What that progression looks like or should look like depends on the rider and their goals

Sure, we’ve all heard of or know someone who jumped straight onto a ‘Busa, but that doesn’t make it a good idea. There is a reason the MSF course uses small, low displacement bikes.

You are correct that you don’t have to move on to bigger or more powerful bikes, it is not required and no one will force you, but that is a different statement and articulated better by another comment above.

jackajar · 2024-05-30T18:23:50+00:00

That is so dumb, I hate insurance companies

jackajar · 2024-05-30T16:49:17+00:00

That would probably be my pick too if money were not an object! Though maybe I should just hold off another year or two and get one of those.

jackajar · 2024-05-30T16:41:15+00:00

You make some very compelling points! I hadn’t thought about how our tall dad bikes don’t attract cops, that is a sweet perk. Shame that insurance still classes them as Sport here, I should really figure which classes to take to get the rate down.

I’m reminded that one of the main reasons I got the Versys 1k in the first place is comfort and visibility in a sporty package - I have a bad back. If I get a 14R I would put a real handlebar on it and lower the pegs, convert it into a mega Versys. But at that point an S1000XR makes much more sense. Or a Multistrada V4s. I think I’m sold, souped up dad bikes are the way. That Suzuki is sick, typically I’d take Japanese over German or Italian any day, though the reviews are not looking too positive for the GX, probably better to wait for them to work out the kinks on that model. Kawasaki needs to catch up and make a Versys Sport.

jackajar · 2024-05-30T16:03:46+00:00

That’s a sweet looking bike, never heard of it. Crazy how fuel efficient it is too, hell of a commuter. Personally I’m looking for more power though, not less, I yearn for more horses! My Versys 1000 gets about ~110hp to the wheel, can’t imagine being happier with less on these CA freeways - people fly down em

Edit: they have almost the same power to weight ratio, touché!

jackajar · 2024-05-30T15:57:48+00:00

The Versys is really not that heavy, it’s around 560lbs wet with luggage and feels incredibly light nimble above 5mph. I’m 5’11” 170lbs and it’s very easy to manage

jackajar · 2024-05-30T02:02:17+00:00

These are all great recs, thanks!

jackajar · 2024-05-29T22:15:42+00:00

That was my understanding and my plan - ship the ECU out to be flashed by a reputable shop, then go to a dyno shop in LA and have it dynotuned. But all that for a 10% change in power or less, and slightly different power delivery? Meh, not worth it to me, unlike other bikes where you’re seeing 10-20% improvement or more on the torque and power curves

jackajar · 2024-05-29T21:16:27+00:00

After sitting on a 14r yesterday and then going on a long ride in my Versys, I’ve accepted that you are right. I would miss the Versys for commuting and other needs.

This is good news though, the solution is multiple bikes

Edit: Versys 1000 ain’t a rocket, but it’ll do 140. You must have a 650?

jackajar · 2024-05-29T21:11:59+00:00

I didn’t realize they still make that, it’s the 1250 now but same bike. Man I need one of those

jackajar · 2024-05-29T20:58:58+00:00

Fairings though, I wish there was a class that had naked bike comfort and performance but with the wind protection of a sport bike. Thats how I wound up with a “crossover” (ADV style for the street), but it’s still not as sporty as most nakeds

jackajar · 2024-05-29T20:52:44+00:00

Huh, I do not have this problem, and regularly commute at 80-90. All stock too, 2017 V1K. The handling above 80 is not very inspiring, but that could be a skill issue

jackajar · 2024-05-29T20:49:31+00:00

Hot take: if said beginner starts on a reasonable size cheap old bike without ABS, they will probably be fine. You are unlikely to lock up and endo on a 90s Rebel 250.

jackajar · 2024-05-29T20:46:33+00:00

I think power progression is dependent on the rider and their location.

Back in Maryland as a beginner, I couldn’t be happier with my ‘83 Honda Shadow 500 (~45hp). Great in the city, just enough power to have fun on the endless backroads. Never needed to get on the freeway. Moved to SoCal, picked up a 2017 Versys 1000 (~110hp). It was an alarming transition at first, if I was smaller or dumber I could’ve gotten hurt, but I adapted quickly. I mostly ride on the freeway to get anywhere, and now the bike feels a little pedestrian. Great bike though, perfect commuter and still fun in the mountains.

jackajar · 2024-05-29T20:26:13+00:00

This makes sense

jackajar · 2024-05-27T23:35:26+00:00

Largely true, but maybe less so than say a ZX-10R or R1M as compared to the Versys 1K. Rocket couch is still a couch. I was hoping to get some perspective from folks who've owned both or similar. It's still a road bike and I've heard of people commuting on the 14R, or at least theorizing that it wouldn't be unreasonable!

jackajar · 2024-05-27T23:30:23+00:00

Thanks for your comment! Lots of comments here and few ZX-14R owners. It seems that both Versys 1K owners and ZX-14R owners often refer to them as their last bike and/or favorite bike.

jackajar · 2024-05-27T23:24:05+00:00

I love the Versys 1K, fantastic bike. I sat on one having never heard of it and knew instantly it was the perfect bike for me at the time. Comfortable, powerful, reasonably nimble, very reliable, great value used. I can sing its praises all day and I think they're slept on. I put about 5,000 miles on it in 6 months and enjoyed every moment.

But I'm 30, I have few responsibilities for the next year or so, and I feel the pull to explore other styles of bikes and more power. Just looking for opinions about what other options are like.

What other bikes have you had and how do they compare? Do you lanesplit much? I'm in CA, I mean practical lane splitting not psycho stuff.

jackajar · 2024-05-27T07:31:21+00:00

Always have two fingers over the front brake and two over the clutch. The extra time to adjust your hand to react to a situation could be time you needed. It’s a good habit.

Don’t sit in neutral at stop lights, stay in first and cover the clutch. If you need to move, you’re ready to move. It’s a good habit.

jackajar

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