27 Search Results for "sportbike"

• Motorcycle Buying Tips For Beg

  • From: twest137
  • Description:

    With so many choices in motorcycles, selecting your first motorcycle can be challenging. Here are several tips to help you select the right motorcycle for you.

    What type motorcycle should you purchase?

    There are at least eight different motorcycle types (styles) of motorcycles: touring, sport-touring, standard, sport-bike, scooter, dual-sport, dirt-bike, and cruiser.

    Many new riders begin their search by looking at Harley Davidson motorcycles. Don't make this mistake. While cruisers are extremely popular they don't necessarily make the best beginner motorcycle. They're heavy, loud, expensive, and unforgiving (loaded with chrome) of minor spills.

    Touring motorcycles are generally built for long distance riding. Examples include the popular Honda Gold Wing and the BMW K1200. These motorbikes are heavy, powerful, expensive, and require significant skills to operate properly... making them a poor choice for new riders.

    Sport-bikes (also referred to as crotch-rockets) are built for speed, agility, and performance. They're light weight, brightly colored, and quick. Engine sizes for sport-bikes usually range from 600cc to 1000cc.

    Note: Don't let a smallish sounding 600cc engine fool you. A Honda CBR600 sport-bike can run circles around an 1800cc v-twin cruiser. Crotch rockets can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds! That's faster than 99% of all production sports cars.

    Do sport-bikes make good beginner bikes? Probably not, unless you have the maturity to handle the temptations of power, speed, and agility.

    The next style of motorcycle is pretty easy to describe. Dirt-bikes are made to ride off-road. Tread patterns and suspension components on dirt-bikes are very different than their street-bike cousins.

    While many models have headlights and turn signals, most won't easily accommodate interstate travels. If you have convenient access to dirt roads or other off-road areas, a dirt-bike is a good beginner motorcycle.

    Don't have easy access to off-road areas? Consider a dual-sport motorcycle. These bikes are made to accommodate moderate off-road conditions, and handle highway speeds. A compromise of sorts, they don't perform on-road as well as street bikes, nor off-road as well as dirt-bikes.

    But, most dual-sport models can easily travel at interstate speeds and handle moderate off-road conditions. When you take that motorcycle tour (you've been dreaming about) to the Northern tip of Alaska, you'll most likely be riding a dual-sport motorcycle, like the popular Kawasaki KLR650.

    A standard motorcycle is an older style that once described the majority of bikes available... hence the term 'standard'. Standard motorcycles are generally upright and moderately priced. Picture that 1970s bike your dad owned. It was most likely a standard motorcycle. While not the fanciest or flashiest bike, standard bikes can be good starter motorcycles.

    Scooters? Before you form an opinion here, visit your local motorcycle dealership. Gone are the 50cc mopeds of the 1970s. Instead, several new scooters fancy large 650cc engines and automatic transmissions. With a top speed of over 100 mph, and a 0 to 60 acceleration time below 5 seconds, scooters can keep up with most anything. Want to embarrass a Harley rider or Mustang owner... no problems? A Honda Silver Wing 650 scooter can do both.

    Do scooters handle like motorcycles. Sure. Do they operate easily on interstates? Yes. Do they make good beginner bikes? Why not?

    A sport-touring motorcycle is the last style of motorcycle addressed here. Sport-touring models are sporty versions of touring bikes. Or conversely, relaxed versions of sport-bikes. This class of motorcycle falls between a touring bike and sport-bike.

    The sport-touring class was designed as a balance between ergonomics, engine performance, and long range touring capabilities. It's a popular class of motorcycle that combines the best of both worlds. The Honda VFR Interceptor 800, Triumph Sprint ST, and Yamaha FJR 1300 are examples of popular sport-touring motorcycles. Most models utilize 650cc to 1300cc engines.

    Do sport-touring motorcycles make good first bikes? They can. Most, however, are relatively heavy... utilizing high performance engines and creature comforts like hard rear storage bags. Before you select a sport-touring model, make sure you have the discipline to use only the power that matches your skill level.

  • Blog post
  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 81

• omninate

  • Member
  • Points:290
  • Views: 17
  • Since: 2 months ago

• Kawasaki KZ900

  • From: onetopp
  • Description:

    My second Bike, when I was about 20 ! Was the fastest production machine, it easily out-accelerated any other machine (2 or 4 wheeled) in its day.
    Although the speed is not on par with today's modern sport-bike standards, it is still impressive for a carbureted 'muscle-bike' with points ignition (pre-'79) and is a popular platform for a lot of top-fuel and pro-stock drag bike competitors.
    Maximum horsepower: 93 hp (69 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
    Maximum torque: 8.1 kg.m@ 6,500 rpm
    Braking distance: 11 m from 50 km/h
    Climbing ability: 30°
    Minimum turning radius: 2.4 m

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 49

• My Ride VTX 1800.2

  • From: ftelenta
  • Description:

    Just pics of my ride...

    The wife got a beautiful 6 lb. 13 oz girl delivered so I picked up this girl. 

    Not my first, just a change from Interceptors and CBR's. Wife did not like the Sportbike Passenger Pads so I picked up what was supposed to be the most comfortable passenger ride.

    Too bad she hasn't experienced that yet...

  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 92

• My Ride VTX.3

  • From: ftelenta
  • Description:

    Just pics of my ride...

    The wife got a beautiful 6 lb. 13 oz girl delivered so I picked up this girl. 

    Not my first, just a change from Interceptors and CBR's. Wife did not like the Sportbike Passenger Pads so I picked up what was supposed to be the most comfortable passenger ride.

    Too bad she hasn't experienced that yet...

  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 71

• My Ride VTX 1800.1

  • From: ftelenta
  • Description:

    Just pics of my ride...

    The wife got a beautiful 6 lb. 13 oz girl delivered so I picked up this girl. 

    Not my first, just a change from Interceptors and CBR's. Wife did not like the Sportbike Passenger Pads so I picked up what was supposed to be the most comfortable passenger ride.

    Too bad she hasn't experienced that yet...

  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 94

• My gal and Mr. Sportbike

  • From: mato
  • Description:

    Nice picture of my gal and our friend "Mr. Sportbike".

    Mato

  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 64
  • Not yet rated

• Mr. Sportbike and I...at the t

  • From: mato
  • Description:

    Once I stopped cussing him out for taking me up this bleeping road...and yes I bleeped at him, because he makes everything look so easy when it is very, very, very hard...well at least for me. I love my dear friend and he puts up with my newness as a rider. I have only been riding for about 4 1/2 years. Mostly commuting miles, which are different than touring miles. He is kind enough to ride with us and help us grow as riders. He is truly a gifted rider. Anyways, here we are overlooking a beautiful view of Solvang.

    Mato

  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 59
  • Not yet rated

• Out Riding with my Gal

  • From: mato
  • Description:

    This is us on a break from a ride near Solvang. What a beautiful view...once you got past a 1/2 mile of gravel with two fully loaded cruisers. Don't ya know that was fun!!!  Oh well...what we do for entertainment. :) 

    You will notice that we are standing near a sportbike (a Yamaha R1 to be exact).  It is a very nice picture of our friend's R1. Our friend who is an amazing rider, who can tear it up at Laguna Seca with the best of them. He has no fear...ever.  I mention this because this entire ride (about 500 miles over 2 days) took us to places I never thought I would see from the back of a motorcycle. It was amazing...even the parts I didn't like.
    

    "Mr. Sportbike" doesn't mind that we don't ride as fast, he just cares that we like to ride and that we ride safely. He bravely took us up this long and twisty gravely road. (While I sat and cursed loudly at him in my helmet in four languages). Have I mentioned that I hate gravel yet? I have posted several other pictures from this view because it was spectacular, as was the day.
    

    You will note that our bikes are not in this picture.  I imagine that they are off to the side poor things and they are recovering from the effort it took to get them up this hill. My gal was riding her blue Suzuki M-50, aka "The Batmobile" (if you have ever seen an M-50 from behind you know what I mean) and I was on my Boulevard C50.
    

    Mato

  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 91

• Do You Know Jack?

  • From: Hiwayprisoner
  • Description:

      I would never be one to tell a person how to ride.  But what I want to say here isn't really telling anyone "how" to ride but maybe some little tips that could clue you into some things.  With the weather warmer and more of us getting out on the road I just wanted to make some of the new riders here aware of some things.  As an over the road truck driver I've made it a point to be as careful with riders as they make their way by me.  Most riders out there would be surprised just how many truck drivers there are that ride.  A larger percentage than you may think.  One of my fears has always been having a bike go under me.  You would not imagine the nightmares I've had.  After nearly 3 million miles it hasn't happened and I thank the good Lord up above for that.  But after over 25 years of driving, I've seen more than I care to remember and some I'll never forget.  With my job it's a reality that stays with you the whole time on the road.  There's no getting away from it as long as you're on that truck.  With rule changes over the years our industry has been able to weed out alot of people that were doing the things out there that they shouldn't.  But we all know that there are some that are able to skirt the rules and the laws like any industry.  I will be the first to admit that there are some out here that shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car, much less a truck pulling a loaded trailer.  So thus the reason I'm giving you these few tips to try and keep as many of my friends here as safe as possible. 

      When you're approaching a truck from behind, try and stay where he can see you in his mirrors.  It's like the sign says on alot of trailers, "If you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you!".  That isn't there just to satisfy the insurance company or the safety director of the company.  There are many blind spots on these trucks and as careful as you try to be, without cooperation mistakes can happen.  Alot of drivers out here will try to give you space so you can come around him.  I will try to get over as close to the shoulder as I can to show that I see you and that you're being given the space to pass.  The wind turbulence off of trucks can rock a rider and has even caused accidents in the past.  When you see the truck moving over like this, take the opportunity to go by.  It's easier for me to keep my eyes on you when you're in front.  In California I even make it a point when in traffic and see a rider approaching between lanes to wave a rider by to show that I see him and that it's safe for him to take the middle.  But understand that there are jerks in trucks just like in cars that like to make things hard for a rider.  Always remember, not all bikers are the same and not all us truck drivers are the same.

      Never, ever, ever, tailgate or follow close behind a trailer, especially in warm or hot weather.  This is a recipe for disaster just waiting to happen and it could be instantly fatal.  As we all know here, friction builds heat.  With a truck traveling 65 mph, loaded with 40,000 lbs of freight in high temperatures, a tire blowing out is a possibility.  Alot of companies out here run what we call "recaps".  For those who don't know what a recap is, it's basically a tire that's had the old tread replaced with new tread but with the same sidewalls.  It is NOT a new tire.  They do have a propensity to blow in extreme heat.  If you'll notice all the large pieces of rubber on the shoulders of the road as you drive where it looks like someone has peeled the tread completely off the tire, that's most likely a "recap".  These are extremely dangerous to be around when they blow.  I've had them blow metal mudflap brackets off the rear of the trailer.  I was also witness years ago to a incident in Dallas where a driver was simply walking across a parking lot and as another truck pulled into the drive the tire blew, hitting the driver walking and killed him instantly.  So try and imagine this large piece of rubber coming off the trailer in front of you and hitting you while doing 65-70 mph.  Stay back or get around as soon as possible.

      Another reason for not being close to the rear of a trailer is simple.  You can't see what's in front of him.  You're not able to see the debris in the road that he can't avoid and gets thrown into the air at you.  Tread on a truck tire is much wider and deeper than any other vehicle on the road and they will pick up rocks and gravel from parking lots and such and will begin throwing these the faster they go.  They will make the small pieces tossed by cars seem like spitwads in class.  Also, if traffic comes to a halt in front of the truck you won't know it until possibly too late.  There was an accident in Tulsa, Oklahoma where a rider on a sportbike came up behind a truck too fast as the truck had to suddenly slow down.  The young fellow ended up with his head poking through the rear trailer door and being drug down the highway with his feet skimming along the concrete.  Folks, it's hard for a driver to tell when a 2000 lb car has hit our rear end.  This driver had to be flagged down and stopped because he never felt the impact on the rear doors.  Fortunately, this rider was wearing a helmet and somehow survived.  I believe he should've left the hospital and went straight down and bought lottery tickets with that kind of luck.

      One very important thing.  Don't act like alot of these knuckleheads in cars and jump in front of a truck with no signal and leave him little room for braking.  For one, you don't know what kind of weight he's carrying and if he'll be able to stop in time.  Or quite possibly this guy works for a company that equipment safety is not a high priority.  Alot of people that aren't in the industry don't know that a empty trailer is actually more dangerous stopping in an emergency than a loaded trailer.  Because there is no weight in the trailer to give the trailer axles traction.  A trailer can actually "hop" while stopping.  I'm sure some of you have witnessed this.  So now the only thing stopping the tractor trailer is essentially the tractor.  So understand that you can't always know just what's in that trailer.  In my years of driving I've hauled everything from whiskey to Patriot missiles (relax, they weren't armed!).  But some companies out here can haul some extremely toxic, nasty, deadly freight.

      Stop and think about it, pretty much everything is hauled by truck.  So imagine being behind a waste truck that has just left a meat packing plant that has gone in a picked up all the "leftovers" from the kill line.  Do you REALLY want to have that splattering on you?  I've seen one of these trucks in a rollover.  If it can gag a firefighter who has seen pretty much anything, you don't want to be near it and you don't want it on you.  Also a little word of advice, stay away and get around the cattle trucks as quickly as possible.  Just because the cattle are in the trailer doesn't mean they quit going "potty".  There are holes in the sides of these trailers and they do use them!  Not pretty. 

      Now my intent here wasn't to offend anyone that is experienced at riding, but was simply to remind you that we all need to be reminded every now and then of what's out there.  A wise man once told me about trucking years ago, "When you get to the point of where you think you know it all, get the hell off the road.  Because not only are you a danger to yourself but everyone around you."  I still live by that and have been lucky that in over 25 years have never hurt or injured anyone doing my job.  I always remind myself that I may have been doing this for 27 years but there are people who have been doing it 35 and 45 years, so I don't know jack!  So the next time you get a little cocky at your riding abilities and how many years you've been doing it.  Just remember that there's guys out there that have been doing it longer than you and you still don't know JACK!!

  • Blog post
  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 233

• ftelenta

  • Platinum - Country Rider
  • Points:6836
  • Views: 35718
  • Since: 6 months ago

• Mr. Sportbike and my gal

  • From: mato
  • Description:

    Here we have stopped for the most important thing in motorcyling - good food. Well, at least you hope it's good.

    Mato

  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 70
  • Not yet rated

• It's very very gravelly....

  • From: mato
  • Description:

    My friend, Mr. Sportbike, decided after an 8 hour ride to take us up to this beautiful vista overlooking Solvang. However to get here involved a very steep 1/4 " mile gravel road on a fully loaded C50....you know 30 lbs of tools, first aid kit, water, snacks oh yah and a few clothes.  A lot of cursing and some luck got me to the top of this vista.

    Mr. Sportbike who only packs the barest minimum of clothes, and no tools of course; flew up said hill, while I sat at the bottom and contemplated my fate, while cursing loudly in the helmet. I believe I now understand the expression, "Where Angels tread lightly."

    Mato  

  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 76

• Fast scooter

  • From: mato
  • Description:

    This is a picture of my Piaggio X-9 500 cc scooter out on a ride. This scooter is about the size of a Burgman Silverwing and rides a lot like a sportbike. Very fast and able to do twisties like you wouldn't believe. Piaggio is the company that makes Vespa's - the original scooter. If you ride a motorcycle it feels weird to sit higher without a tank to wrap around, but after awhile you get used to it. What I can't describe really is the absolute joy of twist and go without shifting! This baby can hit zero to 60 in like a ridiculously short time.

    I took my friend, "Mr. Sportbike" who rides a Yamaha R1 off the line and left him 3 blocks back at a light.  Of course, I didn't tell him I was going to take off! What would be the fun in that? I know he could smoke me down the line, but at the time it was sure fun.

    So the next time you see a full size scooter out there, take your hats off to that rider. I takes work to look cool on a scooter. And you know...that's why we ride. LOL.

    Mato
    

  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 50

• A dirt bike for Kyle

  • From: uwe999
  • Description:

    a GSX-R 1100 sportbike converted into a dirtbike - that's probably something Kyle would ride in an instant 

    http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-news/suzuki-gsx-r-1100-dirt-bike-ar72909.html

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Views: 98

• Goldwing doing the Dragon

  • From: Prop3
  • Description:
    Sportbike or Touring bike? Don't think I'd like to try this.
  • 7 months ago
  • Views: 331

• Fastest custom motorcycles

  • From: ort1z
  • Description:

    News 40 clip on Ransom Motorsports. It shows these awesome sportbike powered custom motorcycles in action. Hayabusa powered custom bikes! With full Aluminum bodies! One-of-a-kind Custom bikes!

  • 7 months ago
  • Views: 70

• What Can Kuryakyn Do For You?

  • From: manybikes
  • Description:

    Kyle Bradshaw of Cruiser Customizing show section by section what the addition of Kuryakyn parts and accessories can do for your ride! Adding just a few parts to each section of our motorcycle can create a dramatic change to the look and feel of your motorcycle. Kuryakyn makes and has parts available for most all metric cruisers, Harley Davidson, Goldwing, and now sportbike motorcycles. Check out the blog story to see the part breakdowns for the top selling metric motorcycles. 

    • Honda VTX 1300
    • Honda VTX 1800
    • Yamaha Roadstar 1600 / 1700
    • Yamaha Vstar 1100
    • Kawasaki Vulcan 900
    • Kawasaki Vulcan 1600
    • Suzuki M109R
    • Suzuki Boulevard C50
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 7466

• RideGear.com is Back!

  • From: manybikes
  • Description:

    Check it out!  

    www.RideGear.com is back...

    Back and under the Strong and Dependable forces of Cruiser Customizing!

    I am excited! Read about the Acquisition below:

    Cruiser Customizing, Inc. Formally Announces the Acquisition of RideGear.com

    March 1, 2009, Livermore, CA  Cruiser Customizing, Inc. proudly announces their bold move into social media for bikers, the success they have had in the metric motorcycle community, and the acquisition of RideGear.com to welcome street and sport riders into their family of web communities.

     

    For more than 8 years, Cruiser Customizing, Inc. has been serving the metric cruiser biker population with a great product selection, fair prices, excellent customer service, and comprehensive product reviews on thousands of products.  In July of 2008 we launched our metric biker community and to date boast the largest international metric community online.

    As passionate bikers, we sat down together at the end of the year, defined our core values, and translated them into our aspirations for the Cruiser Customizing family.  We determined that our top priority is to foster communities online where bikers can meet other bikers, share personal and motorcycle related content, help each other, learn new skills, gain product knowledge, and ultimately make informed buying decisions.   Each of us at Cruiser Customizing, Inc. work individually to cultivate the biker spirit around us, and now as a family we are dedicated 100% to translating that into an international community for all bikers to connect, share, learn, and buy.  Everything they need to make their riding lifestyle the best it can be, all under one roof.

    We are very excited to announce the rounding out of our motorcycle communities with the purchase of RideGear.com out of bankruptcy. We have a clear understanding of the challenges this brand has faced in the past and are united in the belief that we will make it a brand that not only we, but also the international biker community, can be proud of. Having the opportunity to provide street and sport bikers around the world a great place to connect with other bikers and shop with confidence and security again is something we care deeply about. We look forward to quickly bringing RideGear.com up to the standards of the Cruiser Customizing, Inc. family.   HYPERLINK "http://www.cruisercustomizing.com" http://www.Cruisercustomizing.com 

    With the new offering of RideGear.com launching in late March and our Harley Davidson biker site, RealHog.com and our Honda GoldWing biker site, GoldWingCountry.com communities starting to take off, we see the unique opportunity to bring every biker in the world under one roof and celebrate the biker spirit.  We always say at Cruiser Customizing, “if it has two wheels, I’ll ride it!”  Even in uncertain times, with strong support from our family, our community, and our suppliers, we plan to spend 2009 servicing our existing and new customers better than ever before and more importantly, better than anyone in the business! 

    Some quotes from our suppliers:

    We at Joe Rocket are very excited to see the resurrection of the RideGear.com website as a member of the Cruiser Customizing family of motorcycling community websites. The integrity Cruiser Customizing has demonstrated building their community will be a revelation to former RideGear.com customers. The sportbike crowd will now experience what superior customer service and commitment is all about!  Welcome back to motorcycling as it should be, great fun with trusted friends!”  Kurt Knollenberg, Joe Rocket

     

    “We have had both personal and business relationships with the people at Cruiser Customizing for the past five years. At Tucker Rocky Distributing, we find them to be a great business partner and enthusiastic in their desire to provide a community and exciting product offerings for the motorcyclist. From the phone staff to middle and top management they all seem to care and nurture all they come in contact with, whether they are a customer, supplier, or somebody who is just looking to start motorcycling, everyone is treated with respect and integrity.”  Gregory Beck, Tucker Rocky Distributing

    For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release, contact Tammie McKenzie or visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.CruiserCustomizing.com" www.CruiserCustomizing.com. 

    About Cruiser Customizing, Inc.

    Cruiser Customizing, Inc., along with its family of web communities, has been serving the international biker community with integrity and success for over 8 years.  As passionate bikers they serve their fellow riders with excellent service, great product offerings, fair prices, and the opportunity to connect with other bikers, share, and learn online in an open and safe forum.

    Contact:
    Tammie McKenzie
    Cruiser Customizing, Inc.
    925-583-2200
     HYPERLINK "http://www.cruisercustomizing.com" http://www.cruisercustomizing.com

    
    

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 312

• Helion Custom Sportbike with S

  • From: uwe999
  • Description:

    pretty cool idea:

    http://www.gc-cycles.com/Hellion.html

    reminds me a little bit of the Confederate motorcycles ...

  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 205