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Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 4:45 am
by angt
what is a "dog Bone"?
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 5:17 am
by Loonette
angt wrote:I am looking at a concourse. Anyone know anything about that??????
From what I am reading about it, its sporty, yet comfy like a cruising bike.
I appreciate everyones advice.
The Concourse is a pretty tall bike - and it's heavier than the average sports bike - and it's a 1000 cc engine. I think they're cool, and my husband is considering a move to the Concourse from a ZRX1200 (a bike I'm willing to ride, but I don't feel as confident on his bike as I do on my shorter bike). But for a newbie... I don't know. I think you need to sit on lots of bikes and read up on a lot of different models.
The thing with holding a bike to its side is this - when you're on uneven or inclided/declined pavement (as Verm has mentioned), you lose a lot of your holding power. It's up to you how much focus you want to put on keeping the bike upright - and some people do manage just fine. Sit on a lot of bikes, tip them from side to side while standing, take note of the reach you'll need to the handlebars (will you develop a sore back with a too-long reach?) - see if you're comfortable with how it all feels.
It all becomes very personal at some point - hopefully you'll find the perfect fit. Keep us posted.
Cheers,
Loonette
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 6:46 am
by dr_bar
Kawasaki Concours, a very nice bike, but too big to start on imho. Seat height, 31.1 inches dry weight: 595 lbs... yikes!!!!
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 12:26 pm
by Shorts
That look like the big brother of the ZZR250.
As for a bike for the OP, measure your inseam. Mine is 28-29" and the GPX250RII (JPN Ninja 250) was tall for me, I was on the front half of my feet. It's the same for the bike I ended up buying.
Find a good pair of boots. I hear the Lady Star GTX are excellent all around (and add height), sold by Helimot, but they are expensive. I have a pair of Sidi Jasmine Tepor boots that are on their way. I'm hoping the sole on them won't be thin.
You can shave the seat. But it will make the seat hard. So, if you shave the seat, you may want to get it stuffed with a better foam than the stock stuff.
I bought one
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 1:26 am
by angt
Ok so I bought one. Its a kawasaki gpx 550. I think it will work out good. Its an 84. So if I dump it while learning, I wont cry as much as if it was a new one. Im excited and nervous at the same time!!!!!!
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 3:20 am
by Loonette
Yay!! Congratulations. Make sure to post some pics when you can. Enjoy, and ride safe.!
Cheers,
Loonette
Re: I bought one
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 1:13 pm
by Shorts
angt wrote:Ok so I bought one. Its a kawasaki gpx 550. I think it will work out good. Its an 84. So if I dump it while learning, I wont cry as much as if it was a new one. Im excited and nervous at the same time!!!!!!
Congrats on the bike!
+1 on the pics
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 5:26 pm
by blues2cruise
angt wrote:what is a "dog Bone"?
It is part of the suspension.
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 5:29 pm
by blues2cruise
Here is a link to a page that has lowering your bike points.
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Suspension1.html
You can also google, Lowering your motorcycle. There are a lot of kits available for lowering your bike.
If you google motorcycle dog bone, you will be able to see some pics.
Posted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 5:21 pm
by racerxgirl
Get a 125, however you wont be able to ride it on the street, only on the track, but that is where you really learn how to ride. You, the bike, and the pavement. No cars, no speed limits, no pedestrians, and if you happen to crash, at least you have an ambulance waiting for you.
Take a motorcycle safety course and training course to get your license and a lil' bit of experience. again..my 02.