When to consider going to a bigger bike?

[SCgurl]

First, I am not running out and getting a bigger bike anytime soon. I'm not ready yet, I fully know this. But I know that in the not-too-distant future, the itch will need to be scratched. But just for giggles:

- what is the maximum speed that you have achieved (and sustained) on your bike?
75 sustained for around 40 miles before taking my exit, I felt like I was pushing the limits of the engine but could be underestimating its limits.
- can you make an U turn in less than 2 parking spots width?
Does 3 turns in the MSF figure-8 box count? I haven't tried a U-turn in the 2 parking space width
- can you make a full circle with handle bars mostly locked to one side?
Almost-I can almost get all the way around, but not quite yet
- did you ever drag your pegs? Did you do it during slow speed maneuvers?
Yes-on the 135 degree turn on the MSF course, haven't needed to lean that far since
- can you stop and start without putting your right foot down? Can you do it repeatedly in traffic, especially on the tight right turns?
Yes-normal traffic patterns make this a necessity
- can you constantly avoid 'duck walking' when getting out of parking spot or driveway on the street?
Still working on steeply-graded uphill spots, but on flat pavement, yes
- can you constantly avoid using your foot to save from shaky situations during slow speed turns and stops?
Yes-I use either throttle or clutch (depending on what I need) to stabilize
- do people in cars constantly outrun you from lights even though you are doing your best to beat them.
No-I have a goal of not getting boxed in

EDIT:

just saw your other post. S40 can get up to 85 mph, but say it can get to 75 reasonably fast and steady. Now, what kind of emergency maneuver do you have in mind that would surpass that speed? I can see from your other post that your first ride was on Aug 11 this year. I would think that for the person with your experience 99% of time, emergency should be braking. Hmmm-not what the MSF instructors told us; and I would think swerves would be a better choice in many situations, but I don't know everything yet.

On the other side, how good are you with braking? Could you stop from 60 to 0 in less than 5 seconds? Haven't tried from 60, that's a little tougher to gauge at this point as I have not had to do an emergency stop in traffic. I have been practicing quick stops on the MSF course at 20-25 mph.

Let me reiterate-I don't what this to turn into an argument over whether or not to get a bigger bike now. I'm not getting a bigger bike now. I was looking for a better sense of readiness than time; just as some poeple may be ready after 3 months of riding, I'm sure there are others who aren't ready for a few years. The skills questions were helpful, though.

[motokid]

I don't understand how context of either response ruled out swerving.

Btw- that article isn't on the choice between the two- it's further clarification when they shouldn't be combined. A "panic stop" shouldn't be combined with a swerve into a "panic" swerve. Personally I never panic on a motorcycle, but apparently msgroup.org encourages it during stops.

It wasn't my intention to suggest one over another, but rather to point to the article with a lot to think about, but since you really like to get into it . Ok, here is a one of the final chapters from the article:

"So, in summary, you should almost always elect to do the PANIC STOP instead of PANIC SWERVE as it is EASIER and SAFER and the results are far more predictable. It is wishful thinking to believe that when you elect to do a PANIC SWERVE you have plotted a course beyond the initial hard right or hard left avoidance trajectory. I cannot imagine a rational mind electing to make a hard turn right or left into the unknown while driving at 40 MPH or more likely at 65 MPH."

So, it's pretty obvious where the author stands on the issue. So, yes, it is about the choice between the two and he clearly explains his reasons why he thinks it's better to stop.

K

[motokid]

....
Let me reiterate-I don't what this to turn into an argument over whether or not to get a bigger bike now. I'm not getting a bigger bike now. I was looking for a better sense of readiness than time; just as some poeple may be ready after 3 months of riding, I'm sure there are others who aren't ready for a few years. The skills questions were helpful, though.

Hi,

no, it's not my intention to argue. I'm in the same boat with you, having exactly the same doubts. So, those are the questions that I ask myself quite often, and just try to provoke the discussion so I can get clearer picture. . I've been riding somewhat longer than you, and even though most of my riding is uneventful, from time to time something happens that gets me thinking "how would this have ended up if I was on the bigger, heavier bike" and "do people on the bigger bikes make the same kind of mistakes and get away with it, or one needs to clear them completely out before moving on"?

thks for sharing.

K

P.S about braking. There are tests performed (some institution in Quebec, Canada) and their results show that well trained rider can stop typical bike, with original tires, in the ideal conditions from 100Kmh (60mph) in 3 seconds. So, taking into the account less experience and less ideal conditions, motorcycle should be able to safely stop from 100 to 0 in 5 or so seconds, which I find still pretty amazing and well worth practicing. Of course, not from 60 mph down, but from some more reasonable 30 or so. They even explain what is the most effective technique. If I find the link, I'll post it.

here it is:
http://www.msf-usa.org/imsc/proceedings ... ystems.pdf

[SCgurl]

Hi,

no, it's not my intention to argue. I'm in the same boat with you, having exactly the same doubts. So, those are the questions that I ask myself quite often, and just try to provoke the discussion so I can get clearer picture. . I've been riding somewhat longer than you, and even though most of my riding is uneventful, from time to time something happens that gets me thinking "how would this have ended up if I was on the bigger, heavier bike" and "do people on the bigger bikes make the same kind of mistakes and get away with it, or one needs to clear them completely out before moving on"?

thks for sharing.

K

Ah I see-you're a troublemaker (j/k)
It's nice to know I'm not the only one asking these questions. Prior to the "big ride" thread, I had been practicing in a parking lot for a couple of weeks, which is good, but I had not tackled the big, scary riding-in-traffic demon. Once I got past that initial fear, it was all over-I have no issues going anywhere now, obviously.

My rides have been relatively uneventful, with one or two exceptions, but I attribute that to anticipating other drivers doing something stupid before they do it and having a plan. That's why I don't necessarily brake when a cager does something "unexpected".

ETA: Regarding the article, a couple of things I noticed:
1) He talks about panic stops and panic swerves. Neither are good. You should have a plan at all times and continuously mentally update that plan as conditions change.
2) Laws of physic-due to gyroscopic forces, you are always more stable under acceleration (no mater how slight) than deceleration. That hard left swerve can be much more stable (depending on road conditions) than a hard braking maneuver. But, you still need a plan-you shouldn't be swerving into the unknown.

ETA2: I'm a newb, but I also have put these things into practice. The MSF instructors drilled this into our heads. Plus, I double majored in physics

[RockBottom]

the merge onto 95 was scary.

I've driven I-95 between Baltimore or Washington and Dillon probably 75 times over the years, and the merge is even scary in a car.

[motokid]

... Plus, I double majored in physics

... then, you should check out that whole site. This guy is a court expert witness for motorcycle accidents, and a lots of his writing is about the physics of motorcycle. Turning, counter steering and similar. There are even some calculators for stopping distance, lean based on speed and curve, maximum speed for a specific turning radius e.t.c. Lots of good tips too.

Talking about highway speed, that one got me to reconsider my choice of cruisers as a style. At speed of 120-130 km/h (I'm not going to insult you providing mph conversion ), quite a few times, I hit a had wind that forced me to grab and pull on the handlebars more than I was comfortable (and that's with the windshield). I don't see how that can be remedied with the bigger bike. Looks like seating position needs to change. So, I'm thinking about switching to more street/dual purpose bike. Yes, that's my way of justifying a desire to get v-strom.

K

[Nibblet99]

For me, I probably could have upgraded when the throttle was being used as an on/off switch. On a 125cc you eventually find yourself taking corners full throttle as it's a pain to re-accellerate afterwards. In one respect this teaches a hell of a lot about cornering... In another, it was probably time to think about upgrading.

Having said that I continued to put a lot of miles on the 125s (something like 10,000miles I forget the exact amount now)till finally I got around to taking the big bike test.

What I have to ask is does it feel limited some of the time, or nearly all the time. If its some of the time, you're probably still learning a lot without realising it. If nearly all the time, its probably time to think bigger.

[storysunfolding]

So, it's pretty obvious where the author stands on the issue. So, yes, it is about the choice between the two and he clearly explains his reasons why he thinks it's better to stop.

He's saying not to brake and swerve at the same time. His only tips that suggest stopping instead of swerving involves animals and a car on your right running a red light. If your following a car at a 3 second following distance only to see a bag of who knows what come out from under it, swerving is your only real option unless you want to hit it.

His article suggests not going into maximum breaking and THEN deciding to swerve.

[JC Viper]

I'm pretty satisfied with the Vulcan 500. It has a decent amount of power stock and good power after tuning it back to Ninja 500 levels. Still I am ready for a new bike because I'm tired of the seating position and I would like a bit more grunt without the need to constantly shift gears and I need for tank range (I'm looking to get the Kawasaki Versys or Suzuki V-strom).

When it comes down to it you'll know when you're ready for a new bike but you'll be surprised how much performance you can get from a lower end ride as well.

[motomac]

SCGurl,

From reading through your posts above, it sure looks to me like you've got a steady head on your shoulders, thinking a lot about the aspects of riding, plus planning ahead for the next machine. One other thing to consider is whether you've had any "throttle accidents". Those are the times where you accidently gave it too much throttle somewhere that could have caused problems. If you're still having an occasional one of those, hold off getting a bigger bike. More power means those little incidents could become major incidents quickly!

It sounds to me like you may be ready to upgrade anytime. The fact that you want to travel medium and long distances means you do need some more engine. The extra power are nice for acceleraton and for having some emergency reserve, but it also means the bike is a lot less stressed running down the highway. If you're running it at it's maximum all the time, you could easily be broken down at the side of the road. Taking a bike that will do 130mph on a long interstate drone at 75mph means it will likely last forever.

I had it easy when I first started riding....my wallet told me when I could get something better, and it usually lagged well behind my desires.

As an aside, I've always subscribed to the theory that "It's the ride, not the destination" and take the secondary roads whenever possible. You see a lot more interesting stuff when you're off the interstates, meet people, find great little cafe's (and some not-so-great ones), and just have a little more fun. Interstates are only for the times you must get from point A to point B in the least time. Just my $.02 worth...

Good luck with your riding and hope you get maximum smiles per mile.

Cheers,

Mac