April 30th, 2008

Let’s Talk Naked

Posted by Naked Rider in Motorcycles

 

Let’s discuss naked. For the next few days, weeks, months (however long it takes) I’d like to look at some naked bikes–explore design, performance and what makes these bikes so appealing to those of us who ride them. 

Naked bikes were originally sport bikes without fairings.  Often damaged fairings were removed and discarded.  The plastics were difficult to repair and expensive to replace and ultimately proved un-necessary for an enjoyable riding experience. Exposed engines and frames drew attention to the look and design of the frame and engine and maid maintenance and repair much easer.  People began to improve the looks of the frames and engines beginning a new trend.  Motorcycle manufactures began to take note of the new trend and in 1988 Honda released its first naked bike. 

 

Next Time:  Honda HalkGT NT650

 

April 27th, 2008

Harley vs. Indian

Posted by Naked Rider in Motorcycles

I was watching “Modern Marvels: Motorcycles” on YouTube when I heard this poem:

You never wear out
the Indian Scout
or it’s brother the Indian Chief.
They’re built like rocks
to take hard knocks.
It’s the Harleys that cause the grief.

The Harley rider’s response: “sez you!”

April 23rd, 2008

Help Control the Mosquito Population

Posted by Naked Rider in Riding

 

After going for a wonderful evening ride my visor iscovered with bugs.  What a wonderful way to control the mosquito population.  

 

 

 

April 22nd, 2008

A Great Way to Start a Day

Posted by Naked Rider in Riding

Today was a wonderful morning.  The air was warm, the sun was out and I could ride my bike to work.  After doing a couple of quick errands I hit the main road––and got stuck behind a farm truck loaded down with crap (manure).  After a few blocks the truck turned and I was able to hit the road.  Enjoying my ride enough to take the long way to work.  No better way to start a day than with fresh bug on your helmet.  

April 18th, 2008

My Butt Hurts

Posted by Naked Rider in Accessories

After riding 240 miles I have decided the first accessory for my SV650 will be a new seat.  As with all things motorcycle the real question is “what brand is right for me?”  A quick web search brought out three possible options.  First, Suzuki offers a gel seat as an accessory, Corbin makes a custom seat for the SV650 and last, Sergent makes a custom seat for the SV650. 

Sergent’s seat appears to be a basic seat with a dip in the middle.  Judging by the pictures on Sergent’s website, it looks like they have taken a u shaped approach that leaves the riders sitting an inch lower than the stock seat.  This may be desirable for some smaller riders.  This seat comes in two different fabrics with a price tag of  $299.95.

Corbin re-shaped the seat cutting a shallow channel with a rounded surface for the riders legs to exit the seat as well as a shaped section that maximizes surface contact with the riders butt.  This seat comes in a large variety of colors and fabrics, but not all may be suited to wet weather.  List price for this seat is $259.00.

Suzuki’s gel seat appears to be a stock seat with allot of extra gel padding.  This seat actually raises the seat height by an inch.  It appears that the surface area in contact with the rider is slightly expanded and contoured as the rider sits.  It sells for about $130.

If you have experience with any of these seats please comment.

April 16th, 2008

SV650

Posted by Naked Rider in Motorcycles

After looking for months I finally settled on a 2007 Suzuki SV650.  The SV650 is powered by a fuel injected 649 cc liquid cooled engine that drives a six-speed transmission.  Weighing in at 363 lbs. dry, the SVs power to weight ratio provides an extremely fun riding experience even for a rider of 250 lbs. like myself.  

After putting 250 miles on the bike I just love the performance of the bike.  It feels light and nimble and handles great in the corners.  I have started a list of accessories to enhance the riding experience and places I would like to ride.

If you know things I need to know as a new SV rider please comment.

 

Next Time:  My Butt Hurts