Thread: Street bikes

Originally Posted by azjoe

Riding dirt roads is fun too... and the loose gravel adds a whole new dimension to the ride... think of skiing/snowboarding on ice with dull edges, LOL. Even if you don't like the gravel, practice on it anyway 'cause every paved road will invariably have a dip on a curve where water has washed sand/gravel across the pavement... and when you hit that at speed and you lay over for the turn and the tires break free, you gotta know what to do.

Yup, be careful about doing it too often or you'll end up with a dual-sport or a dirt bike too.

In the past 5 years I've owned a cruiser, a dual-sport and a (big CC) sport bike and of all of them I really wish I had the dual-sport back. I had more fun on that bike (even mostly being on pavement) than the other two combined.

Ant

For now it's only been ridden to the local college's parking lot, on the parking lot and back. I'm just developing a comfort level so I can take the course and the road test in the rain (long term forecast lol). After I get my certificate and a pass for the road test, I'll still have a bit over a month before I can get fully licensed.. Until then...
1) No passengers (even though I'm not planning on taking any this season)
2) No riding after sunset
3) No riding on highways with speed limits over 80km/h (with a few exceptions but all are way out of Toronto)
Still, I should be able to get a few good weekend rides in.

Another update.. I just passed my road test, so I'll be receiving the M2 class licence in 5 weeks (graduated licencing waiting period). Until then, practice under the conditions noted in the previous post.
The course was tough. 2 days of 8+hrs riding per day. It's like riding in rush hour. Still, that much saddle time with really good instructors was a huge confidence booster. I was so tired that I skipped a couple of shaves and when I finally got around to it tonight, due to the sunburn, I couldn't resist using Giovanni's mentholated Alpino and the proraso aftershave. Totally forgot that I had a new mentholated as from Colleen that I REALLY wanted to try lol

With that much time on that bike's saddle I'm surprised it was only your face that needed the cooling and conditioning.

That's why I got a change of clothes for the second day. They were drenched. This evening I took my baby out for a short ride. As you see, I'm not stupid -- full face-shield helmet, gloves, boots and a ballistic jacket with padding...

wowza!

talk the talk walk the walk

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

That's why I got a change of clothes for the second day. They were drenched. This evening I took my baby out for a short ride. As you see, I'm not stupid -- full face-shield helmet, gloves, boots and a ballistic jacket with padding...

Very nice, I've always been strong on ATGATT as well.

Ant

*ATGATT = all the gear, all the time.

Now I'm looking into getting sone kevlar jeans. They are about $100 a pop and more my style than anything else. Can't imagine myself wearing full leathers, ballistic pants or leather chaps for that matter lol. As the summer's approaching I'll also be looking into a mesh jacket and lighter gloves.

I've always used Draggin Jeans for commuting. They're very nice. They are a little heavier than normal jeans so they do tend to get a little hotter. My eventual plans are to get a nice Aerostitch, just haven't managed to get there.

I also have their Kevlar shirt but I wear it under my riding jacket (unzipped somewhat but still secured by arm and waist straps and under the back protector) . That allows me to get some increased air flow through without dropping below my safety comfort level. Despite the heat here in the summer mesh-only is below my personal tolerance for protection. I was strongly tempted by a Vanson perf leather jacket though.

Ant

This is an '02 CBR600 F4i. Just over 6000 miles on it.
Bought it from a guy I work with, he is wanted to switch to a cruiser.

Fireguy