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Post by cyborg on Oct 28, 2015 13:48:48 GMT -5
After 40 motorcycycles from Monsters, to crotch rockets to Harley's to Guzzi's, I'm more excited about getting a 150 than I was a year ago getting a Triumph Scrambler last year. Am I crazy or finally figuring out I had more fun 50 years ago on a Honda 50 than on a CBR900rr? Guess speed and power aren't everything. Even old dogs can learn i too like many here started small went big then found out what "real fun" is ,,,getting away from all the high hp and the speeding tickets that go along with it and the $1000 fall overs in the driveway,,,(just the tank on my s4 monster is $2000 in the box if you can find one,,,and the exhaust on it was $3200),,,i went small 350 and under a couple years ago,,,missed the big bore stuff little,,,altho i'm looking for an older bmw or a cb750k honda for two up,,,but the exotics are in my past unless i find a giveaway big bore that will be sold to fund the 750 |
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New Rider
Currently Offline
so excite!
Posts: 7 
Likes: 5
Joined: Nov 10, 2015 20:02:29 GMT -5
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Post by m0t0g0th on Nov 11, 2015 13:23:44 GMT -5
Same boat, here. 32 years of riding, current bike is a Ducati Monster 620, and I'm doing the "WHEN IS NOW CAN HAVE TIEM" dance for this Friday, when I get to buy a Buddy 125. I'm so excited- your 150 arrived yet?
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Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
2007 Yamaha Majesty
Posts: 219
Likes: 6
Joined: Feb 24, 2013 23:59:56 GMT -5
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Post by bigggroovy on Nov 11, 2015 14:38:08 GMT -5
After 40 motorcycycles from Monsters, to crotch rockets to Harley's to Guzzi's, I'm more excited about getting a 150 than I was a year ago getting a Triumph Scrambler last year. Am I crazy or finally figuring out I had more fun 50 years ago on a Honda 50 than on a CBR900rr? Guess speed and power aren't everything. Even old dogs can learn Enjoy and ride safe |
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Post by lain on Nov 12, 2015 17:11:29 GMT -5
I like the feel of scooters, they feel like an extension of one-self to me at least. I can get places fast and avoid hazards pretty easily. I think scooters are best until it comes to riding for long distances, then a big bike would be more comfortable for the longer journeys.
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Post by mikestib1 on Nov 12, 2015 17:22:14 GMT -5
Just got a Kymco People 300i. This is my third scooter, first was a 49, second a 150, now a 300. Consider me hooked. All since this July.
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Post by ricardoguitars on Nov 13, 2015 20:57:15 GMT -5
At first, I got my scooter just for commuting purposes to save money on gas and avoid the terrible traffic jams around here (filtering is allowed here), but after the first ride I was hooked! Now my car spends most of his time in the garage and the scooter mileage is on the loose.
Aside from the fun and convenience of riding, I also enjoy tinkering with this thing, it is so simple that it is a joy to work on it.
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Post by urbanmadness on Nov 30, 2015 16:09:32 GMT -5
This'll kill all the loverly offers. I absolutely cannot do legit u-turns. Comes from trying one before my beginner's class, here in the private streets of our neighborhood. Even though I read what to do, I really had no idea what to do. Didn't fall so much as settled down on Peej's side. Once again when 320+ pounds of scooter wants to lie down.... In the beginner's MSF, we were warned to either put feet down or go outside the box, but most definitely NOT both.  Guess who managed to do both, not just once, not a couple times, but pretty much throughout the entirety of that drill. >'Kat I actually find doing u-turns on a scooter more difficult then doing them on my big bikes. I feel I have more control as I can slip the clutch and control the rear brake independently. But even saying that, I find I have to practice every few weeks. I haven't ridden a lot the last few months. I really need to get at it some more and I need to spend a few hours in a parking lot again, just to keep those skills sharp (right now they are not).... Went out sunday... about the only thing I didn't do wrong was shift the bike (I sometimes don't get her into first, and end up taking off in second)... LOL |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Nov 30, 2015 22:12:58 GMT -5
This'll kill all the loverly offers. I absolutely cannot do legit u-turns. Comes from trying one before my beginner's class, here in the private streets of our neighborhood. Even though I read what to do, I really had no idea what to do. Didn't fall so much as settled down on Peej's side. Once again when 320+ pounds of scooter wants to lie down.... In the beginner's MSF, we were warned to either put feet down or go outside the box, but most definitely NOT both. Guess who managed to do both, not just once, not a couple times, but pretty much throughout the entirety of that drill. >'Kat I actually find doing u-turns on a scooter more difficult then doing them on my big bikes. I feel I have more control as I can slip the clutch and control the rear brake independently. But even saying that, I find I have to practice every few weeks. I haven't ridden a lot the last few months. I really need to get at it some more and I need to spend a few hours in a parking lot again, just to keep those skills sharp (right now they are not).... Went out sunday... about the only thing I didn't do wrong was shift the bike (I sometimes don't get her into first, and end up taking off in second)... LOL Hey, Urbanmadness is right. He's onto something here...
Not only is a motorcycle more manageable with a clutch, it's "top-heavy" with big motor and gas tank up high... Is this a GOOD thing? It is if you're making a tight, slow U-turn.
The HIGHER the center of gravity, the EASIER it is to balance at low speed. Try this test... Take a baseball bat and put the large, heavy end in the palm of your hand. THAT simulates a SCOOTER with the motor down low. It's somewhat difficult to balance.
Now, put the small, handle end in your palm. THAT simulates a MOTORCYCLE with a tall motor and fuel tank. It's EASY to balance!
I can make a graceful U-turn on a thousand-pound Harley or Honda bagger, both feet on the floorboards easier than I can on my 250 scooter! And my old lightweight 150 scooter was MORE difficult. I still put a foot WAY out and drag my foot while making a "U-EEE" on the scoot. Heck, it looks kinda "macho" anyway... LOL!
I learned to ride a motorcycle at 11 or 12, on a 1950's "full-dress" Harley "74". Hand-shift, "suicide-clutch", kick-start, etc. and a half-ton of cast-iron and steel... And it was STILL easier to balance and ride than my fat-tire Schwinn bicycle!!! I was HOOKED on bikes in one minute flat.
Kat, just stick a leg out there as an outrigger, put some honest "big-girl-biker" wear on the heels of those boots and enjoy those tight U-turns!
Of course, if you're right-handed like me, LEFT turns are INFINITELY easier than "righties"... LOL! 
Ride safe one and all, and keep the shiny side up, and the greasy side down...
Leo in Texas
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Post by rockynv on Dec 1, 2015 12:55:18 GMT -5
A U-Turn on the scooter is easy. You have to feather the rear brake while upping the throttle controlling your speed more with the rear brake than the throttle. People get into trouble using too little throttle and not enough rear brake. You will get into even more trouble in a U-Turn if you panic and use the front brake. You will usually drop the bike if you hit the front brake in a hard turn. Many folks drop their bikes walking them back out of a parking space by hitting the front brake while the handle bars are turned fully to one side.
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Post by ricardoguitars on Dec 1, 2015 13:40:11 GMT -5
A U-Turn on the scooter is easy. You have to feather the rear brake while upping the throttle controlling your speed more with the rear brake than the throttle. People get into trouble using too little throttle and not enough rear brake. You will get into even more trouble in a U-Turn if you panic and use the front brake. You will usually drop the bike if you hit the front brake in a hard turn. Many folks drop their bikes walking them back out of a parking space by hitting the front brake while the handle bars are turned fully to one side. Yep, this little things like to throw the rear wheel to the front when you lose control, ask my broken leg how I know, lol. Most of the weight is concentrated on the rear wheel, that's why it goes sideways when lose control. |
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Post by rockynv on Dec 2, 2015 5:20:07 GMT -5
Ricardo - Yes you do have to be aware of what your dealing with and even then you usually can not fight against the laws of physics. You can end up getting some serious bruises when you fight and lose in that court.
At least while your healing up you'll have plenty of time to review your MSF Riders Course materials before you get back on the bike.
Time for me to hit the shower, gear up and head off to work.
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Post by mikestib1 on Dec 2, 2015 13:08:02 GMT -5
My 150 wolf blaze weighs 240. Compared to a 49cc its 40 lbs heavier but At 50 mph the weight adds to stability , at least it feels that way. The 12" wheels help too, like when you hit a bump or pothole
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Post by JerryScript on Dec 2, 2015 19:39:27 GMT -5
One of the most common mistakes when making a u-turn is eye position. Your ride tends to go where you are looking. If you are looking at your front wheel, or just in front of it, you will have a hard time making a smooth turn. You need to look where you are going, and for a u-turn that's almost over your shoulder. Your body and your ride will follow your eyes.
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Post by rockynv on Dec 3, 2015 1:07:07 GMT -5
One of the most common mistakes when making a u-turn is eye position. Your ride tends to go where you are looking. If you are looking at your front wheel, or just in front of it, you will have a hard time making a smooth turn. You need to look where you are going, and for a u-turn that's almost over your shoulder. Your body and your ride will follow your eyes. I can still hear the MSF Coach telling the students "Keep looking down at the pavement and that's where you will end up, down on the pavement". You have to focus level to where you want to be and not down on the ground anywhere near to the bike. You should have already checked out whats laying on the road before you started making your turn. |
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Post by mikestib1 on Dec 11, 2015 18:00:44 GMT -5
Just got scooter number 3 it's a 300 and that's big enough. No maxi scooters for me as they are heavier than motorcycles plus I don't ride on interstates except in my car
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