Motorcycle Riders of Oppo?!

"Benzed92" (zoomzoom6) 10/08/2013 at 23:00 • Filed to: None

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So I think I am need of scratching the 2 wheel itch, I have been looking at the Triumph 675r recently but could use some guidance on what you all ride and basically any other information would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

And a Triumph for your viewing pleasure.

Aday91 > Benzed92 10/08/2013 at 23:06

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Not sure if I count as a member of Oppo but, I ride cruiser daily and love it. My best motorcycle riding advice is get it before the girlfriend AND take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riders course. It is the single best help any new rider can take advantage of.

Checkin' Pockets > Benzed92 10/08/2013 at 23:07

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leicester > Benzed92 10/08/2013 at 23:11

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I ride Triumph (Sprint RS - 995), and heartily encourage you to drink of the Triumph Kool-Aid Cup. The midrange of the triple is excellent, and makes for a potent ride for commutes to track days.

That said - the important stuff - Do you have an endorsement? How much riding experience do you have? How many training classes have you taken? Is this a first ride or a return to two wheels (I'd dissuade you from purchasing anything with an 'R' in its nomenclature if you aren't experienced). What does ATGATT mean you? And most importantly, what is the best method for brake-checking an SUV while riding?

Seriously, though, while I'd pick up that bike in a heartbeat, it might not be the best ride for you - give us a bit more info on your hows and whys of riding, and we're happy to proselytize on the 'perfect' bike for you.

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > Benzed92 10/08/2013 at 23:18

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Have you ever rode motorcycles before? And I mean street bikes, not dirt bikes or something similar.

I ask because although I too am a fan of the Triumph Kool-Aid, it may be a bit to torque happy for a new rider.

So I would say give us some more info on past experiences, bikes, etc. and what exactly you want out of the bike.

Benzed92 > leicester 10/08/2013 at 23:26

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Perfect, thanks for the quick response! And regarding your questions, I do not currently have an endorsement, but I do plan on taking any and all classes and training before even thinking about going on the open road, as well as participating in track days if needed to get acquainted with the bike. This will be my first ride as well, but regarding the "R" designation, the 675R has the same power output as the normal 675 (128PS/75Nm), the only difference being Öhlins suspension, different wheels, larger brakes, quick-shifter, and the paint scheme. ATGATT is all the gear all the time, and no question that will be how I will ride. I priced out gear last night and I have no issue dropping $1800 on the proper stuff. And if I remember correctly, the best method would be to refrain lol.

EDIT: Other reasons for my choice are the relatively low weight of the bike, and the low mounted exhaust which will allow me to control it easier.

Benzed92 > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 23:35

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Street bikes, no. But I have had some experience with dirt bikes. And I have heard that they are a little torquey. I explained more in my response to lelcester, but I want a bike that I can commute with if necessary, but that will be enough to take to the track if I feel the need. I was drawn to the 675 because of the Triumph triple, the low(er) weight and CG than that of some other bikes, and that I feel the power output bridges the gap fairly evenly between some of the smaller displacement options and a litre bike. If you need anymore information just ask and I appreciate any feedback!!

RidgeFish > Benzed92 10/08/2013 at 23:44

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If low weight and ease of control-ability are high on the list then look at a supermoto like the DRZ400SM and the like. A racing position with high rearsets and clip-ons make sense on the track at high speeds but are simply not as user friendly on the streets. If you want a good starter bike that is nimble, you won't outgrow quickly, and has more friendly controls than a race-replica bike then supermotos are good, or a relatively small displacement twin like a Ninja 500/650, or an SV650. I have owned a handful of bikes from <30hp dual sports to my lovely MV Agusta Brutale 750s with 127hp and all have been sold off except for one, a 2009 Kawaski Versys 650. On that bike I can take a month long tour with the hard bags, embarrass sportbikes in the twisties, and ride all day in comfort. Then again I have an old-man mentality and place function over form...

If you are looking for a race-replica and that is all you will consider, then take out a life insurance policy, get your gear, get your training, and try to listen to the angel over your shoulder more than you indulge the devil over your other shoulder. As far as sportbikes go the triple is a solid choice and quite reliable with regular maintenance, the only thing I have heard is that the voltage regulator/rectifiers are know to go without warning. But if they haven't already corrected that issue there are aftermarket replacements that will plug right in. I would also recommend slapping on some frame sliders ASAP since dropping a brand-new bike that looks that good will break your heart.

desertdog5051 > Benzed92 10/08/2013 at 23:46

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Please start out on a smaller bike. You will learn so much and not be in a position, hopefully, to get hurt. I have been riding for many years and I can never stress enough that you need to hone your skills on a smaller bike before heading to a big bike. You do not jump into a F-1 car before competing in several junior series. Best of luck to you. And do take the rider safety course.

leicester > Benzed92 10/08/2013 at 23:51

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yeah.. not a first bike- 126 hp on a 400 lb bike is a handful.

I'd point you toward one of the various 500s that are out there, or a detuned 600. Trust me, any bike has the guts to get you into trouble very quickly (my 1st ride was 65 hp on 400 lbs, could park plenty of cars at a stoplight and topped out at plenty over 100). And unless your name is Rossi, it is unlikely that you will have more capability than the bike has.

And unless you're made of money (and even if you are), buy used. Because a bike will, sooner or later, find its most stable state - on its side. Also - perhaps the itch is a temporary thing, or a chronic condition. Invest what you need in order to find out. There are a lot of bikes out there on CL with 500 miles on the odo and a lot of dust.

You have the proper attitude on classes, track, and gear. When I started out, my gear cost more than my first bike. And the money/time invested in being a learner will outstrip the value of any bike. After all - just like cars, it's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than ride a fast bike slowly.

That's my $0.02. Hope that helped. Always happy to welcome another rider to the fray.

Decay buys too many beaters > Benzed92 10/08/2013 at 23:59

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I ride a 1982 Yamaha Virago, but I plan on buying either a Speed Triple or a 1970 Bonneville as my next bike. Strange, I know, but I just cannot seem to choose between old and new bikes and my preference swings wildly between the two from day to day.

Also as an idiot who started out on a 550lb 750cc bike, I'd advise you to start with something small, and relatively cheap. Also, don't pick fights with range rovers, you will lose :)

leicester > Benzed92 10/09/2013 at 00:40

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by 'a little torquey' that means a Triple rider can watch bird migrations while riding.

The torque curve plus short wheelbase can easily take the front end off the pavement - whether you want it or not...

Of course, there are the Rocket III riders who would like to have a word with you about torque:

Benzed92 > desertdog5051 10/09/2013 at 01:04

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Thank you, I appreciate the input and it looks like the consensus is definitely less power.

Benzed92 > Decay buys too many beaters 10/09/2013 at 01:05

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I think I can manage to stay away from those pesky Rovers, but that sounds like one hell of a first bike!

Benzed92 > RidgeFish 10/09/2013 at 01:19

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I actually like the looks of supermotos too, and would be open to them once I can sit down and do some more research. Also, I would like to have a race replica at some point in my riding career, but other than the serious amount of want for that 675, there isn't much logic behind it as a first bike. And I agree, frame sliders would be a must on really any new bike. One more thing, is it the just the ability to use all 128hp what makes it a dangerous first bike, or is there something else that does. In other words, is it possible to 'learn' on something like a 675 by taking it easy and working the way up to 10/10ths riding? That being said, I don't mind one bit going for a smaller displacement, actually think I would enjoy it, just wondering if there is a way to work around that route.

Decay buys too many beaters > Benzed92 10/09/2013 at 01:34

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The same 1982 Yamaha I still ride today, actually. I got the hang of it, but it was a pretty steep learning curve. I think I dropped it 3 times in my first 2 weeks of ownership.

Benzed92 > Decay buys too many beaters 10/09/2013 at 01:49

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Oh man, that's rough. Hopefully you had some frame sliders!! What would you say was the hardest part about the learning curve?

Decay buys too many beaters > Benzed92 10/09/2013 at 02:14

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For me it was getting used to the weight of the bike especially slow speed maneuvering.

Sadly no frame sliders, or frame (around the engine) for that matter. The engine is a structural component so there is no protection for it from rider error. I ended up almost punching the shift lever through the crankcase.

Here is a picture, you can see how there is no real protection for the engine.

But it's still running strong to this day, old Japanese bikes are almost impossible too kill.

trynthink > Benzed92 10/09/2013 at 02:21

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I think I'm just a bit further down this road than you. I don't know what state you're in, but a lot of states are changing their endorsement to require that you take an MSF 2-day course before the test. I took a course run by WMST to get my endorsement and it was awesome . I don't think having dirt experience is a prerequisite to being safe on the road, but I do think being a cyclist could be helpful. A lot of the things that are important on a bike are the same on a bicycle.

I've been trying to figure out what bike to get now, and as I think everyone has already said, low power for a first bike seems to be universal advice. Also possibly something used and that you don't love all that much, maybe a bike that has already been laid down by someone learning. That way, if you lay it down, you won't be sad that you damaged your baby. Bikes seem to have pretty fixed resale, so you might be able to pick up a 200os 250/500cc something-or-other and resell it for almost as much as you paid. I think the common advice is to get a Ninja 250, though if you're tall/heavy that might be too small.

Benzed92 > trynthink 10/09/2013 at 02:53

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I'm currently going to school in Indiana, but live in Illinois, so I would be getting my license there. And I don't mind going through whatever tests they require, I'd like to get as much practice as possible. But I agree on on the cyclist theory, and it definitely seems the consensus is smaller displacement. And the used idea seems to be a very good one as well. Thanks for the info and good luck finding yourself a bike!

Benzed92 > Decay buys too many beaters 10/09/2013 at 02:55

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I can see how that will be something that will take some getting used to. But I can definitely see how that could just puncture the crankcase. Also, that's a fine looking bike, I'm impressed it's still holding up strong!

f86sabre > Benzed92 10/09/2013 at 08:01

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I have a 2002 BMW R1150RT-P. Used cop bike. Insert Blues Brothers joke here. I use it for commuting. The cases are big enough for my laptop, gym bag and storage for wet weather gear. The thing is a heavy beast though.

I agree with the comments about starting on something smaller. I spent two summers on a 82 Shadow 650 before getting the BMW. This was after I spent my childhood on dirt bikes. They are different beasts in very different environments. Even the 650 had more than enough power to do stupid stuff.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Benzed92 10/09/2013 at 10:42

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Had no bike experience before I started. I learned on a Ninja 500 I got for cheap and it was perfect to learn on. It could even wheelie if you tried really hard (drop the clutch lol). 675 is too much bike to start. I ride a CBR600RR right now, and I can't even come close to the potential of that bike.

They are sexy though. If you really want to ride one, get your motorcycle endorsement and head down to Daytona Beach (seriously). I went to college there, and during Bike Week, tons of manufacturers come down and offer free demo rides if you have an endorsement. I know usually triumph, kawasaki, yamaha, suzuki, and harley do them, and there might be more that I'm forgetting.

RidgeFish > Benzed92 10/09/2013 at 11:50

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Honestly most 600cc supersports are pretty tame and lack a lot of low end torque compared to more powerful machines, but once you get them up to around 8K rpm they will pull on your arm sockets. Part of what makes riding difficult for new riders is getting down the mechanics, but if you drive a manual transmission and are pretty skilled on a mountain/road pedal bike you will probably take to it like a duck to water. The next part that most get tripped up on is body position, and isolating your body from the inputs. For example an experienced rider grips the bike with their legs, keeps their arms loose and bent at the elbows, and can maintain smooth throttle in bumpy terrain. Your typical new rider grips the bike with their hands, keeps their elbows locked, and when they hit a big bump commonly twist the throttle which has resulted in many an accidental wheelie and a resulting crash. Or if you don't crash you get scared and start losing your interest in motorcycling because "its too dangerous". To make matters worse, a supersport-like position makes it harder to grip with your legs, and the extra weight over your upper body makes you push on the bars, both things that make it much more difficult to control.

Is it possible to start on a 600 and work your way up? Yes, but it will be much more difficult than starting on a more sensible bike. You would be amazed at what a little Ninja 250 will do in skilled hands. I was in your same position years ago, lusting for a supersport and I figured my best approach was to start small. I bought a Ninja 500 because I led myself to believe a Ninja 250 was too small (I was wrong). After riding a while I liked canyon carving but I also really liked touring and multi-day trips so I upgraded to the Versys I have now which was a better bike in every way. After 3 years and 30K+ miles of riding I allowed myself to buy a powerful sportbike and give in to my original desire. Long story short that sportbike is now gone after only having ridden it 3K miles in a year because it just wasn't much fun at less than 80 mph and I would like to live a few more decades. I still lust after some of the sexy superports but I don't think I will ever own one...

Benzed92 > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 10/09/2013 at 11:50

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Thanks for the info! I know I'd definitely want to get to a 675 or higher at some point, but the consensus is smaller displacement all the way. And as far a Daytona Goes, I will have to see if I can swing down there, sound awesome!

Benzed92 > f86sabre 10/09/2013 at 11:53

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I can only imagine how heavy it is! Anything much over 400lbs is where I will draw my line, but thanks for the advice! I have been looking into a DRZ400SM and I think it might be the way to go!

f86sabre > Benzed92 10/09/2013 at 12:06

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614 lbs fully fueled. It has a 6.5 gallon tank and is really top heavy when full.

Benzed92 > f86sabre 10/09/2013 at 15:54

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That is crazy, I imagine you're pretty tall to be able to handle that kind of weight. I doubt my 5'10" 150lb frame could handle that lol

Benzed92 > RidgeFish 10/09/2013 at 16:02

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I appreciate your input on this, I've been driving a manual trans for the past 5 years and have had my fair share of mountain/hybrid pedal bike experience, so I think that part of the mechanics shouldn't be too bad, but that is really nice to know about the legs v. arms point. I have been driving jetskis for around 5 years now and I know if I don't hold on for dear life with my legs at 70mph I will be thrown off. lelcester had suggested a supermoto for a first bike, which seems to be a pretty good idea. I've always wanted the supersports style bike but I just have to realize it's probably not the best for a first. I shall do some more research on the DRZ400SM and probably go that route, and in turn, save $7k over the Triumph.

f86sabre > Benzed92 10/09/2013 at 16:03

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6' and a good bit heavier. Just have to be careful.

Benzed92 > f86sabre 10/09/2013 at 16:07

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Sounds like a fair assesment, you seem to have a great time on the bike though.