SpeedTriple44444

I think many of you would agree that the '80s were a good time to grow up. I'm part of the Atari 2600, BMX bikes, home at dusk generation too. It was a good time. You didn't have to worry about getting kidnapped and killed. I used to get on my bike on summer mornings when I was 12 and never come home until the streetlights were on. Our idea of getting into trouble involved toilet paper in trees and soap on windows. You could watch TV and it typically had a laugh track and a plot. People generally believed in right and wrong, and tended to respect each other. It was definitely a different time. I feel sorry for my kids, growing up in this world as it has become.

that amp would have worked for the Prius setup... high level inputs and built in crossover meant you just connect a speaker lead to the amp from one of the rear speakers and wire in the power.

+1

at 190+ I don't think the gear would do much good anyway. Looks like the new ZX is the bike to beat!

I'll ride the V-strom. It's not fast either. Now, for the real question. Do you want to be seen with someone in full touring gear (the adult nerd version of the power ranger suit)? it's going to be friggin' cold!

This is why I have a picture of my motorcycle as my facebook pic. I'm ugly, broke, and don't own a vette.

I rode a new Ninja 250 home for a friend's son the other day. I was afraid for the 1/2 mile of highway riding I had to do... thought it would never get to 70 (but I'm 250ish with gear, so the little thing was grunting). Otherwise, it wasn't too bad. It would be a fun little around-towner.

The only advice that comes to mind is this: Until you are really comfortable, don't go south out of Zanesville on route 555. I'm jealous you're close to that road. I love that road.

Where are you heading? Do you mind old people (35!)?

I know what you mean. I want to correct people when I hear something that's obviously wrong. You don't gain any points by doing it... they just think you're a know-it-all a-hole. So, most the time, I don't bother. Does it really matter anyway?

I'm sure I don't have any idea what you're talking about, lol.

lol... so true.

People here don't seem to have their panties in quite so tight of a wad. Maybe it's an Ohio thing?

lol... it's so softly sprung, that means you'll crank the preload all the way up. There are a lot of aftermarket options to upgrade the suspension.

That's because the stromtroopers are generally a bunch of asshats. I hate that site. I am 6'4" tall, 250ish with gear, and I love my DL650. I have the Madstad / Givi combination as well. Your description of the type riding you want to do on it is exactly what I use it for. It's the best bike I've owned, and I've owned some good ones. I find I can hang on a twisty road with just about anyone on just about anything, until there is a long straight. It's definitely not a powerhouse, but it has enough. It's such a great all-around bike that I can forgive the lack of power. The light weight makes up for it in the twisties. Hang off, full on the throttle, scraping pegs through eastern Ohio twisties, and you'll be amazed (and comfortable). The lack of weight makes it a really fun bike.

I like the Conti Roadattacks. I've used them and the Trail Attacks (which is almost the same tire) on my Vstrom. Very good grip and stability, and long wearing for a grippy tire.

Nice. Do you think it's real?

That sucks. Motorcycles aren't very forgiving of stupid mistakes. I hope he has a chance to learn from it.

Too much salt on the road still around here.

Thanks. I guess I could have just checked the website. duh.

How much is it on Wed to run, and what do they require as far as gear?

If they only would have followed the bike, the world would be a much nicer place.

2007 DL650 V-Strom: added tall Givi shield and adjustable bracket, top case with LED brake lighting. 17,000 miles or so and four years of ownership (bought it new) Likes: -Go anywhere, do almost everything well bike. This bike will hang with faster equipment if you have the skills (until the straights). It can do some decent offroading with the right tires and, as mentioned, the right skills. -Comfortable -Will haul lots of stuff with the right luggage -sits up high. good view for commuting in traffic -excellent mileage... typically 53mpg beating the ever loving, well you know, out of it. -great headlight -reliable -fairly easy to work on -decent weather protection Dislikes: -clack clack clack clack clack... -chain drive sucks on a touring type bike -too much plastic to break if you want to get rowdy off road (not really my thing on this bike, but I've done it) -exhaust note is pathetic. Sounds like a moped. -front brake is a little wimpy (easy upgrade available) -19" front tire doesn't allow many tire choices for good street rubber. Conti road attacks are my current choice and work fairly well. -Fell out of the ugly tree, hit every branch, and beaten with the ugly stick once on the ground, just in case. -only 62hp. 85 would be just right. Overall: My favorite bike out of the 7 I've owned. 2009 Triumph Speed Triple: completely bone stock. 5000 miles or so. Likes: -Riding position is a good compromise between sport torture and upright standard. I've done a 14 hour day on it. -Looks cool... turns many heads. -Makes amazing Triple music, at idle and when on the throttle -wheelies -3 motors in one: pulls cleanly at no RPM, has a fat midrange, and a decent top end. Can be ridden however you feel at the moment. -Did I mention wheelies? -So far, no problems -it's not japanese Dislikes: -Squealy front brakes (although they stop HARD) -gear whine gets annoying sometimes (easily fixed with a louder exhaust). -absolutely no wind or weather protection (duh, it's naked). Beats the hell out of you when you ride on the highway, especially on a windy day. If it rains, you are soaked to the skin. I know this to be a fact. -no place to store anything, and luggage would totally screw the looks up. -when it's hot, it doesn't like to start (starter sometimes spins slow) -when it's not warmed up, it takes 2 tries to start (always starts on the 2nd try). -it's not japanese -Tends to get a little out of sorts when pushed very hard... starts to wallow and slap the bars when you muscle it too much. -HUGE turning radius. I can't do a U-ie on my road! What the? -harsh ride is painful on bumpy roads (thanks so much ODOT for the pristine roads ) -Harley riders tend to accept Triumph and don't make jokes about it. -it's difficult to keep the front wheel down and avoid unwanted attention

Last time I ran there I had to dodge an alternator belt off a car on the top end. It is definitely an appalachian american type of facility.

Anyone checking out the 800 XC? I want one bad! Sounds like the perfect adventure bike.