How to deal with a road surface that's unleveled?

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Brian

I love the sound of motorcycles and the sight of them, interrupts a boring day for me, they're pieces of art! , I guess none of you feel the same and I guess I'm on the wrong forum to be saying that.... It's just an opinion and you're all jumping on it like a fire. Woah

haha. you should hear her 250. that thing is LOUD! don't worry we're just making fun of you for sounding like a cute little squiddypoo. don't take it too hard. we all love how bikes sound but we love how they ride more. everyone loves poking the newbie.

[ally99]

Originally Posted by Brian

I love the sound of motorcycles and the sight of them, interrupts a boring day for me, they're pieces of art! , I guess none of you feel the same and I guess I'm on the wrong forum to be saying that.... It's just an opinion and you're all jumping on it like a fire. Woah

Wut.


What Alex said...as usual.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by ally99

Wut.

What's up with you?..

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Brian

You ever ridden a Harley though? Those were born to show off with, sport-bikes, also, but they are far more agile then a Harley. And I said the sound of the bike would get increasingly louder with a bigger bike so the exhaust I purchased would be senseless to completely shut out, it just sounds too fulfilling. Would that be a reason why you stick with the 250? because you seem skilled, and everyone sticks the ninja 250 in the "beginner bike" category even though they are more than supplementary for a motorcycle.

at the race tracks, the ninja 250's are easily one of the loudest groups. i stick with the 250 because its cheap and fun and i have lots of spare parts for them. don't be fooled, the 250 is not any competition for something like a supersport. but that's not what motorcycles are about. if you like spending money, then sure go buy a supersport. go buy a ducati and put $400 rubber on it with $25/l royal purple oil and motul fork oil with some KN filters. don't forget to have the carbon fiber monster puke on it. if instead of spending money on looks, you want to have some fun, then stop worrying about how other people are perceiving you and start riding your bike instead of posing for girls

[choneofakind]

Squidlypoo.

Brian, the closest to a Harley I've ridden is a Buell Firebolt XB9R. Lovely bike, even though it feels a little heavy. Torque for days and good handling. I've test ridden a Kawasaki Vulcan also, you can decide which is closer. As for me being skilled; Ha. I'm an average rider and I have a ton to learn still.

I stick with my 250 because I love it. I'm not the only one here who's that way.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by alex.s

at the race tracks, the ninja 250's are easily one of the loudest groups. i stick with the 250 because its cheap and fun and i have lots of spare parts for them. don't be fooled, the 250 is not any competition for something like a supersport. but that's not what motorcycles are about. if you like spending money, then sure go buy a supersport. go buy a ducati and put $400 rubber on it with $25/l royal purple oil and motul fork oil with some KN filters. don't forget to have the carbon fiber monster puke on it. if instead of spending money on looks, you want to have some fun, then stop worrying about how other people are perceiving you and start riding your bike instead of posing for girls

Yup I agree, it's the reason I picked up a 250 instead of a 600 my friends told me to get. The wait for the nice weather is killer, and I'm anticipating Florida for college instead of this poop town. Arrhughh

[ally99]

Originally Posted by Brian

Yup I agree, it's the reason I picked up a 250 instead of a 600 my friends told me to get. The wait for the nice weather is killer, and I'm anticipating Florida for college instead of this poop town. Arrhughh

Ride safe when you get started. Forgive me if this has been said, but did you take the MSF class? Have good gear?

[Brian]

Originally Posted by ally99

Ride safe when you get started. Forgive me if this has been said, but did you take the MSF class? Have good gear?

Yep you bet, have all the standard gear, helmet, a-stars jacket, still haven't got my pants yet and a good set of mits, just have some $20 fox dirtpaws which I picked up just to get the feel for gloves.
Here are some pants I was looking at, they look amazing and haven't heard one bad thing about them, they're also affordable: http://www.drayko.com/mens-renegade_i.php

I already downed the bike in my garage, it got me pretty upset.

I have not taken the MSF course yet. In the spring I am taking the class to get my license.

[ally99]

Originally Posted by Brian

Yep you bet, have all the standard gear, helmet, a-stars jacket, still haven't got my pants yet and a good set of mits, just have some $20 fox dirtpaws which I picked up just to get the feel for gloves.
Here are some pants I was looking at, they look amazing and haven't heard one bad thing about them, they're also affordable: http://www.drayko.com/mens-renegade_i.php

I already downed the bike in my garage, it got me pretty upset.

Boots? Ankles are important.
We all down em. It happens.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by ally99

Boots? Ankles are important.
We all down em. It happens.

Yeah I don't have any riding shoes now, and I don't think Timbs will work. As you can tell I want to remain in the stylish-ish gear with out being to race oriented in full leathers. Nothing against those though. Something like http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...-joey-wp-shoes instead of boots.

[ally99]

Originally Posted by Brian

Yeah I don't have boots currently. As you can tell I want to remain in the stylish gear with out being to race oriented in full leathers . Nothing against those though. Something like http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...-joey-wp-shoes instead of boots.

Oh yeah. How dare I ignore style. My bad. It's way more important than ankles.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by ally99

Oh yeah. How dare I ignore style. My bad. It's way more important than ankles.

LOL the shoes I linked do just the job. I don't wear a helmet when I'm walking down the street I hope you don't. Are we back to this again

[ally99]

Originally Posted by Brian

LOL the shoes I linked do just the job. I don't wear a helmet when I'm walking down the street I hope you don't. Are we back to this again

Wut? Never mind.

[choneofakind]

Oh me, oh my! oh lawdie lawdie save my soul; shoes instead of boots?!?!?!???

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

The biggest thing was the feel of fresh air, the sunshine, the freedom, the feeling of flying through turns. Same reason I love riding my bicycles.

Electric bikes are awesome!! Look into them a bit. They're amazing when you realize how far they've come and how much potential they still have. Instant torque. perfectly smooth torque application. There's some very cool things going on with those bikes.

Upgrading because of sound? oh my. dude.

[Brian]

You guys.... My 250 is better than all of yours.

[ally99]

My 300 beats it.

[choneofakind]

doubt it. You don't have me on it. chyea-duh!

[csmith12]

In due time my brudda.

Originally Posted by Brian

You guys.... My 250 is better than all of yours.

[Brian]

Well all I'm saying is I heard my Ninja talking last night he was saying how he was made extra special and has 5 more cc's than all the other 250's ever made and is better than all you guys that takes care of that.

[ninjamunky85]

Originally Posted by Brian

Yeah I don't have any riding shoes now, and I don't think Timbs will work. As you can tell I want to remain in the stylish-ish gear with out being to race oriented in full leathers. Nothing against those though. Something like http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...-joey-wp-shoes instead of boots.

Dude, don't waste your $$$. As much as I like A*s, those are a sorry excuse for riding shoes.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by ninjamunky85

Dude, don't waste your $$$. As much as I like A*s, those are a sorry excuse for riding shoes.

Other than the material dont they provide the same ankle protection? Would you mind linking me up a good riding boot/shoe that offers max protection under $200? (that also looks good for every-day wear)

[ninjamunky85]

Originally Posted by Brian

Other than the material dont they provide the same ankle protection? Would you mind linking me up a good riding boot/shoe that offers max protection under $200? (that also looks good for every-day wear)

I have these boots, and wore them most of this year. My only complaint is no airflow, so my feet got pretty sweaty in the summer.

I also own the SMX+ boots. They offer full race protection, and are way more comfortable than they should be. I've walked around in them for a good part of the day with no discomfort. Not something you would want to wear every day though. Airflow is great too, not good for cold temps.

My next pair of casual footwear for riding will probably be the A*s S-MX 1's or S-MX2's.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by ninjamunky85

I have these boots, and wore them most of this year. My only complaint is no airflow, so my feet got pretty sweaty in the summer.

I also own the SMX+ boots. They offer full race protection, and are way more comfortable then they should be. I've walked around in them for a good part of the day with no discomfort. Not something you would want to wear every day though. Airflow is great too, not good for cold temps.

My next pair of casual footwear for riding will probably be the A*s S-MX 1's or S-MX2's.

These things look G style: http://www.revzilla.com/product/sidi-streetburner-boots

[choneofakind]

Dude.

ankle.

protection.

[ninjamunky85]

Originally Posted by Brian

These things look G style: http://www.revzilla.com/product/sidi-streetburner-boots

Uhhh yeah, they look BA. For the price you might as well just go with a full on boot. Good boots aren't uncomfortable if you find a nice pair.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Dude.

ankle.

protection.

That's plenty of ankle... I've honestly looked through 6 different websites and can't find anything that looks relatively stylish in my price range except for these or maybe even these. Why are the boots so damn ugly?

[ninjamunky85]

My best suggestion is to just try some of these shoes on if you can. I liked the fastlane shoes too, until I tried them on. They offer no more protection than a regular sneaker.

Also skate shoes are cool, but they don't make good motorcycle boots. Just sayin

[NevadaWolf]

Dude! Seriously, laces?!?

I have a feeling there's a massive disconnect here, so let me ask you a genuine serious question. When we are all telling you that you need ankle protection, why do you think we are saying that? In a wreck, what would the shoes you are looking at protect you from? Really think and come up with a list of injuries those can protect you from.

Every shoe has its strengths and weaknesses and is geared for one activity. Honestly, if you want to be cool walking down the street, take a backpack and carry a pair that work for your style and just swap between them.

Of the ones you have linked, the Sidi's are probably the best

[ninjamunky85]

Originally Posted by Brian

Why are the boots so damn ugly?

That's a matter of opinion. I occasionally wear my full race boots with jeans, yes I sometimes ride in jeans , I think they look damn good. You're riding a motorcycle, what's wrong with looking the part?

[ally99]

Originally Posted by Brian

That's plenty of ankle... I've honestly looked through 6 different websites and can't find anything that looks relatively stylish in my price range except for these or maybe even these. Why are the boots so damn ugly?

My advice would be to lower your standards for "style" ever-so-slightly in favor of safety when you're doing something with potential for extreme injury. These look good b/c you can wear your jeans/pants over them. My pair has lasted me through crashes and daily use for 5 years now. It's worth the extra $40.
http://www.revzilla.com/product/alpinestars-s-mx-5-boot
Men have more choices for color variations. No laces, no buckles.

[choneofakind]

High top shoes still allow your ankle to twist.

The reason race boots are so ugly is because they're built for function. Those heel and ankle supports (and funky lacing methods) are there to keep your ankles from bending/twisting the wrong ways or further than they're supposed to in the normal ways.

Go read through Jiggles's crash thread about when he hit that chick in the Camry. Look what he broke, his femur (and his sanity). Look what didn't break, his ankles or feet. I remember reading a few posts from him standing (no pun intended) behind his boot choice as a large part of why his feet were not injured.

With 'riding shoes' or 'short boots' at least you get a clean surface to shift with, but you don't get twist/hyper-extension protection because there's nothing locked onto your leg to support the ankle.

[NevadaWolf]

The other reason why standard hiking boot style is not recommended on a bike is that they are not designed to have several hundred pounds comes down on top of them. Look at the higher boots and you'll see a thick piece of armor right over the ankle. That helps prevent the bones from being crushed if your leg gets trapped under the bike in the wreck.

[Brian]

Are the boots comfortable even for city riding guys? I'm going to be pairing them up with riding jeans and I'm hoping they don't feel like ski boots even though they look like them. I'm gonna do plenty of research when I get out of work.

[csmith12]

Not all boots are comfy. My Spidi race boots are only on my feet shortly before, during, and shortly after the ride. My feet really need the break after a long day at the track. They are way too stiff and the padding at the bottom is pretty thin. Great for feeling the bike through the feet and keeping tidy feet while riding, horrible for casual walks on the beach. lol

Might want to check out the sport touring section as well.

[NevadaWolf]

I wear Sidi Cobra Airs and love them. When worn with long pants over them all you see is the black toe. The slider is the only thing that gives away they aren't typical shoes. From behind the pant leg conceals the thick heel. The sole isn't thick or heavy and the boot is light enough I actually can wear them all day, even just walking around. They are far less Stormtrooper than ski boots but if you expose the top of them they look like what they are. I wear tall thick socks to keep the shoe off my shin.

They suck for hiking because my foot has limited flexibility but I've done it.

I like the suggestion of sport touring boots. Not as aggressive as racing boots but enough protection for long rides and comfortable enough for a variety of situations. Here's one idea that's not as obviously a motorcycle boot when worn with long pants, the Tourmaster Solution.

[choneofakind]

Sport touring boots are a good compromise. I've got AXO primato boots. They're sporty enough not to get in the way when the pace picks up, but comfy enough to run errands in and on shorter rides. They're just basic boots.

[ally99]

Originally Posted by Brian

Are the boots comfortable even for city riding guys? I'm going to be pairing them up with riding jeans and I'm hoping they don't feel like ski boots even though they look like them. I'm gonna do plenty of research when I get out of work.

I have done minor hiking in my smx5s when on mountain trips on the bike. I've even worn them to work a few times when I forgot to pack my work shoes. Mine are very comfortable.

[alex.s]

i think the smx5's are great do-everything boots. they aren't flashy so they blend in with heavy weight jeans to "look normal enough". they provide more than ample protection (i've crashed in my smx5s 2 or 3 times at least and they're still fine) they're cheap and last a long time. they aren't bad for walking either and are relatively comfortable. not as much protection against the shift peg as my smx+ but good enough for street use

[alex.s]

seriously though dude you should stop being so concerned with your image. if you only ride a bike because it sets up an image for you. maybe you should rethink your life