quote:

Originally posted by datz510:
Andy.. You need something unique..I wonder what kinda fuel economy the diesels get.. You gotta admit, its a cool idea for a motorcycle. Would be extremely efficient.

Try 96 mpg
http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/02/25/marines-diesel-motor.html

and not quite so "busy" as the civilian diesel you posted- more utilitarian. It's adapted from a Kawi KLR650 thumper.

Those Rokon's are minibikes on steroids. I can remember looking at those in POp Science years ago and dreaming

96mpg is awesome for a bike...

If I bought a motorcycle, that's what i'd be looking for.

Bill, yes, the course covered all that you mentioned.

I've just about talked myself into going and buying that Suzuki I posted up. They have two brand new 2007 models on the showroom floor that they'll deal on.

I'd strongly recommend AGAINST buying a new bike for your first. Odds are very good that you will drop it. You can find those gs500's for pretty good prices used. Private party = no taxes, etc. And if you drop it, you won't lose your ass

Everysone says you will drop it but I had two bikes. One was my only transportation for about a year and a half

Groceries were fun!

But I never dropped either one...

I did do the high speed wobble thing once on my Honda 750CB. That's the only thing that ever really scared me.

I'm thinking new bike mostly because I don't want someone else's headache, and I have a factory warranty. I don't know a lot about bike maintenance yet so getting something that's 100% sound to begin with appeals to me.

Yep. I agree actually.

Did they cover high spped wobble at the class?

Hard to cover at 15mph.

http://www.bosshoss.net/view_bike.asp?x=BHC3LS2

"Engine
TypeLiquid Cooled V-8
Horsepower425@5750 rpm
Torque425 Ft.Lbs. @ 4750 rpm
BlockAluminum - 6 bolt main
CylindersAluminum (65cc)
Valvetrain2.00" Int./1.55" Exh.
Size364 ci.i (6000cc)
Compression10.9:1
Fuel InjectionMulti-port
Exhaust2.5" with daul mufflers
Transmission2-speed semi-auto w/rev.
Final DriveBelt, Gates - Polychain

Dimensions
Overall Length103"
Wheel Base77.0"
Seat Height25.0"
Rake33.0°
Grd. Dlearance4.5"
Frame Width28.0
GVWR1675 lbs.
Dry Weight1065 lbs."

quote:

Originally posted by Stone:
Everysone says you will drop it...

Given enough time and miles...

quote:

Originally posted by Desert Rat:
Bill, yes, the course covered all that you mentioned..

Good deal. I'm glad they still stress the "core" issues.

One more thing- did they talk about riding w/ the balls of your feet on the pegs- instead of flatfooted( your arches) over the pegs?

Theory behind it is that if you get into a head on, or someone turns in front of you, you can more easily "spring"(provided you anticipate) off the bike, instead of slamming into the bikes handlebars and car/truck windshield or side of the offending vehicle.

The farther away you land from an accident scene the better your survival chances.
Instead of a a high G stop against the car/truck windshield or side of same- you launch over it and land behind it.

You definately get more air time, but that's better than a sudden stop embedded in their windshield, side of the vehicle, or grill.

I'll spare you the youtube/nothing toxic vid's of headons.

Jesus Bill...you're just full of sparkles and sunshine...

We all know its going to happen, maybe we should place bets.


What will Andy's first mod be on his bike?
1. Suspension
2. Tires
3. Wheels
4. Sliders
5. EXO
6. Engine
7. Snorkle

Given his riding experience, it should be sliders*, then tires, followed by suspension. No point in putting engine work into a gs500

*frame sliders

and interestingly enough I removed the snorkel on my bike.

Andy's a pretty responsible guy.

I think he'll be fine.

He will, I'm sure, stay in the middle of his lane to be in rear view mirrors, stay out of blind spots and not race around like a wild man.

Sure cars pull out in front of bikes. But I offer that a lot of those bikes were accelerating pretty good and given the diminished size of the bike and the speed, well, it's just hard to see them.

He will be fine...