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Yeah that's a pretty good looking bike.

It's like a Streetfighting Sportsbike...or something. The yellow is nice.

I'd probably put a new seat on it and change the mirrors.

Jadien wrote:Also, don't let Wrider ride 'er... Otherwise he might get pulled over....

Hey now... I resemble that remark!

Well, took her out for a long ride today. I live about about an hour from my sweetie, so I went to see him. Did have a couple of issues and I've got a question for those more experienced.

1) Wow, the brakes on this thing!!! Really came in handy today. Was getting off the highway when a soccer mom with a cell phone glued to her ear decided she was going to cut across several lanes of traffic and barely make her exit without regard for anyone that might already be on it... -sigh- That was really scary. The only thing I could think of after that was that I had a great MSF instructor. If I didn't take the class, I probably would've grabbed the brakes and maybe turned the wheel (because I would've probably doubted the brakes' abilities, and would try to get out of the way). I managed to come to a rather smooth, yet rapid stop (the exit was pretty backed up anyway).

2) On the way back home, I got stuck in traffic. It wasn't too bad. We were moving at about 40-50, occasionally coming to a stop. I noticed that a couple of times (these are the only times this has happened to me), when I would shift down from 2nd, it would hit neutral as I was slowing down instead of going to 1st. Am I doing something wrong? Is there something wrong with the bike? Or does this just happen occasionally?

3) When I'm riding at below about 30 mph (the speed limit on the roads around where I live is an abysmal 20mph), the bike seems to jump forward a little bit. Doesn't seem happy to be going that slow. If I pull in the clutch an itty-bitty tiny bit, it doesn't do that. Same questions as above: Am I doing something wrong? Is there something wrong with the bike? Or does this just happen?

Overall it was a good ride today. A little windy, but not too bad. I'm enjoying this more and more every day.

Glad to hear you came through that aggressive driver incident. Proper brake application during maximum stopping or emergency situations takes good technique and regular practice and it's doubly good to hear rider education contributed to your skill and safety.

Because Neutral resides between 1st and 2nd gears, the lever throw between the those two gears tends to be a bit longer than between the other gears. A firm, positive shift is needed to reduce any tendency for a "false neutral".

Sounds like there might be some mild surging. A bit of this has to be expected on a 1994 model year motorcycle. It doesn't necessarily indicate a mechanical fault and unless it becomes more severe or impedes safe handling of the bike, may not be cost effective to get fixed on this bike. However, it probably isn't good to slip the clutch for long periods of time at these speeds. One possibility is, as a new rider, at lower gears and low throttle openings, a less than perfectly smooth throttle control can manifest as some jerkiness.

Hope this helps...

It does help. I went out again today and didn't have either of those problems, taking your post into consideration. I spent extra time riding around at low speeds, trying to pay careful attention to any wrist movement. I think that must've been it -- not keeping it steady enough. And did try to make sure I was more confident in my shifts. Thanks for your answers.

Nice bike. I can always change the bars .