I'm driving around on a scooter. 50 horsepower. Gets up to 70-75 MPH without problems, cruises at 5500 RPM. Wasn't my first choice, and it's over 20 years old. So I'm hoping to upgrade next year. Not really the point, but bear with me.

Meanwhile, I'm eyeballing the 500 class new bikes. NX500, KL500, CB500 F/R/etc., all of those good smaller engines. Still make about 45-50 horsepower. Meanwhile the SCL500 is marked as 'really really bad' on the highway.

But some of them are 'so vibrationy' you wouldn't want to ride at 70 according to reviews. While others are 'great' at similar RPM and speed and overall horsepower.

Even some of the 650s, like the RE lineup, or the Tenere 700 (or, ok, the KLR, but at least I understand what's going on there), get marked as poorly mannered on highways.

So...I don't get it. Why is there such a wide variety in highway manners on bikes that seem to have the same 500 pound weight, about the same engine size and horsepower? I always thought it was simply horsepower, but clearly I don't know enough.

I got my DR650 a few years ago to be a do-it-alll/daily rider. When I bought it, I also went all out on safety gear, ECE 22.06 helmet, airbag vest, full size boots, and so on.

So it takes me some time to get my gear on. I also have a kid to take care of and rides to give to peers, and further, nowhere to really keep my gear when I'm off the bike but not at work or home.

So usually it's just easiest to not take the motorcycle. The extra time to put on gear, the concern of if I need to give a ride or go find the kid in an emergency, and not having anywhere to store gear if I go out to eat or go to the movies, it all just adds up to a general level of anxiety which keeps me from riding most days.

Maybe some locking panniers for more gear storage would help? Already have a top box which doesn't lock that I use for my backpack and such. Some days I wish I just got a goldwing instead LOL.

Also I recognize that your mental is part of ATGATT, so if I'm having that anxiety to begin with, that's yet another reason not to take the bike.

TLDR: Anybody else feel like the ATGATT mindset keeps you from riding for one reason or another, namely, convenience? Or am I just being especially prissy?

Always seems to be an out-of-place Tesla doing weird stuff out in the mountains.

Currently own an f800 gs 2008. I love it but it does feel tall only been riding about a year so was looking for options. I don’t like a sport bike but came across f800 r 2012

Will I regret swapping or any advice or anything to consider looking at thanks

Any comments on the location of this tire plug? The tire has *maybe* 3,000 miles of extremely conservative riding, so there's tons of life left in it. I picked up this screw on Saturday evening, plugged that night and it has held steady 37psi since then. I haven't ridden it (so, I realize there's no real flex being tested yet).

I have plugged dozens (?) of car tires over the years, many as close to the shoulder as this one. But on a rounded rear moto tire, I'm just unsure. Yes, I could go buy a new tire and have it mounted - the expense is trivial. It's just the hassle of doing it.

Comments?

Hello all!

I am looking into riding as it’s something I have wanted to get into for the longest time. I’ve been driving a car since I was 17. (i’m 22 now)

I absolutely LOVE riding my bicycle and I have been doing that as well since I was around 5 years old. I’m sure motorcycles are very different but have possibly some commonalities with a motorcycle.

I recognize that motorcycles are not as safe as cars and as such I want to ride with the best possible gear to keep me safe. There is no budget for me when it comes to safety.

I recognize the inherent risk that comes with riding a motorcycle and while i’m willing to accept that I also want to mitigate that risk with gear.

As such I would love recommendations on the best possible gear to wear when riding. Additionally beginner bike recommendations are also very welcome. (helmet, gloves, boots, and some form of body protection)

I’m looking for more of a cruiser, I don’t care about going fast or doing anything dangerous. I merely want to enjoy going from A to B.

I've never worked on a carb, but with how cool old sport bikes are, I'm willing to learn.

Is it worth learning to maintain a carbed bike? Is it worth owning it? And i mean is it worth it in general. I'm a bit concerned about things like parts availability and generally what the experience of owning a 90s sport bike is like.

About to get my first bike, just completed the msf course. Will probably get an r3. I’ll mostly just be doing some casual riding especially as I learn.

Looking for gear but I’m not really tryna look like I’m going to the track every time I ride especially since I’ll probably ride to spots where I’m gonna hang out for a bit so I don’t want to have to bring a whole set of spare clothes every time. I’m willing to spend money for good gear but I don’t know what brands are reputable that have more casual looking gear (hoodies/jeans/boots). Any of have suggestions?

M 5’ 10”, ~160 lbs if that matters.

Hello everyone I’m taking apart my 2014 cbr 1000rr for the first time and I’m trying to figure out where these extra hoses go

We were watching the cars

Hey everyone! I noticed today that I have to put my foot in a weird position to press the rear brake on my 2022 Kawasaki Z400. It feels different than before. I’m wondering if the pedal got bent accidentally. Does it look bent or out of place to you? And if so, is it an easy fix?

Edit: Thank you everyone. I really appreciate your help❤️.

So I'm a baby rider, like, genuinely bloody and wailing out the chrome moto womb. I DoorDash occasionally on an eBike and have been infected with the itch to graduate to motorcycles.

I've completed a beginner's motorcycle course, have my permit, and haven taken two more private lessons to tighten my fundamentals before purchasing my first bike. Just want to be as confident and responsible as possible for myself and others on the road before I start having fun.

I'm not interested in becoming The Flash. I'm in my late 30s, have done a lot of extreme stuff in my life, and am now more at peace with just doing things because I enjoy them and not for anyone else. I saw videos of police motorcycle rodeos and moto gymkhanas and fell in love with the smooth, technical handling of those riders. I've also seen videos of riders doing dounts and drifting and would love to be able to do that through corners one day (LOOOOVED Initial D as a kid).

I'm going to continue to take private lessons to sharpen my technique, but I'm confident enough now to purchase my first bike.

I'm in SoCal and there's a big market here, but I want to go used for my first love. In your opinion, what's a fantastic beginner bike for someone like me?

Key things to note:

- Hard budget is 5k

- I have a weak lower back, so I'd prefer something with decent comfort and suspension. However, that's not a dealbreaker if the overall quality of the bike is high

- I'd like it to handle highways well in case I want to travel a few hours to nearby track venues for advanced training

Thank you!

I’m a newer rider. Triumph 900 scrambler.
I was fitting a new seat the other day and noticed my suspension seems to bottom out (or close to) when I was kinda bouncing on the seat.
I’m 6’3” 205 lbs. but hadn’t really noticed it before.

My question is, what do I lose or what is dangerous in regard to how the motorcycle performs when rear suspension bottoms out?

I can likely adjust it a little but I’m curious about the physics of rear suspension and how it affects safety.

I really think this is a unique look, I don't know the material or fasteners used but it's a pretty cool look.I have a K1200R I want to try it out on..

Hey everyone! I’m 17 and I have a genuine love for motorbikes. I’ve been a pillion passenger a few times (the first time was when I was 8, and I completely fell in love with all of it), and I know for a fact I want to ride. The problem is... I have absolutely zero general knowledge. I don't even know the bare basics of how they mechanically work, what the different bike sub-genres are, or how people manage to accumulate so much knowledge about them. I badly want to be able to talk to other people who are passionate about them and be able to actually have a decent conversation, I guess i'm wanting to know where to start with learning enough about them to then be able to talk to people and learn more.

I’m getting my car P-plates in about two months, and my goal is to get my bike license as soon as I’m legally allowed to. My parents have actually been riding for 20 years, so they get the appeal, but they’ve told me they don't want me getting a bike until I'm 25. I reckon if I can build up a solid base of knowledge and show them I’m responsible and understand the mechanics and safety of riding, I can convince them way sooner.

On top of that, my boyfriend knows a ton about bikes. I can tell he would love to just talk to me about them for hours without having to stop and explain every single tiny acronym or mechanical term to me.

Right now, I know I like road bikes and leaning more towards older bikes which probably isn't a great idea but oh well. not a massive fan of cruisers, but keeping an open mind! But because I don't know the names of styles or brands, I don’t even know what my dream bike looks like yet.

Where do I start? What are the best YouTube channels, blogs, or resources for someone who needs the absolute "explain like I'm 5" version of motorcycles? How did you all learn everything you know?

Thanks in advance for helping a future rider out! (hopefully)

What do you all do about household supplies and groceries?

Do you make daily trips or have it delivered?

I have bought an 08 YZ450F on Marketplace as a non-runner. The owner said it was a stretched timing chain, and it had been sitting for 5 years in a container. I’ve redone the timing and valve clearances. There is spark, and the float bowl is filling up. The jets are clean, and I’ve done my best with the carby. Compression feels good, but I can’t test it due to the automatic decompressor, and I can’t do a leak-down test yet because I don’t own an air compressor. I’ve had one very loud backfire and one fire where there was mist coming out of the carb, but still no luck running it. The fuel screw seems to be missing the O-ring and washer, and after kicking it 10 times, the plug comes out dry. I’m pretty stuck. I’ve done all the likely things multiple times and no result.

Here is my 2000 Yzfr1, i can either keep the burgundy, i have a tank with the correct color so ignore the red stock tank.
Or i could go for this dark green, not sure if it would clash with the silver frame though, any opinions?
Would also love some reccomendations for a new color

As the title suggests I live in a valleys in the south of Wales and have had problems with my motorbike ( leximoto zsb) falling over when the wind gets really bad. The first time It fell I thought maybe it was some kids or someone trying to be an arse but I've sadly watched it fall over more than once in further storms/ strong winds. I park perpendicular to the pavement handles locked up hill and stand on the decline, and it keeps falling up the bloody hill ! I don't really have an option of parking it elsewhere when it gets bad but I've payed enouth in damages I'm just looking for any option on ways to help even if it's just ways to negate damage when it dose inevitably fall over again. Any suggestions ?

For the first time since getting my license and owning a motorcycle, I felt like it came in handy to know how to ride.

Sunday morning I was with my girlfriend in our car headed to do some groceries when she spotted a downed rider in the middle of a residential area. Luckily she spotted him because I was not looking down the side streets and he was all alone. We immediately take the turn down the road and stop to help. A neighbour had come out around the same time and we both helped get the rider to the curb where he could wait til emergency services arrived.

I was then able to put my skills to use by executing a technically sound lift and get his bike up and off to the side (bmw r1200 so a bit heavier than my own).

After that and talking to the gentleman who was riding it, we decided since he was going off to ER most likely (broke or severely sprained ankle) I would just ride his bike back to his house down the street.

Felt really cool to be able to help this guy out, especially since his neighbours didn’t seem to have a clue of what and how to move this bike.

Thought I’d share my little story!

TLDR: Helped pick up a strangers bike and rode it to his house for him while he went to hospital.

Half inch tube steel, hammered flat and drilled where screws need to go. It's super solid and well clear of the tire and suspension. I'm considering plasti-dipping for looks and rust protection.

E: for concerned citizens: under downwards pressure, the first thing it would contact is the chain tensioner and I can't imagine what I would have to do to get it to compress that far. I'm not even sure if it CAN compress that far.

There is lots of room between the tubes and the tire, and it's quite stiff. If something pushes the tubes into the tire, I've probably been hit by a car.

Just for anyone who was curious how much it sticks out, just installed mine during my oil change tonight. No review yet because I obviously haven’t used it, but I tested it right out of the package and the mechanism feels good. I have fumoto valves on both cars so this felt logical for the bike. You can buy direct from Stahlbus, I got mine on Amazon.