Recent content by Invader Jim

2013 Kawasaki Ninja looks too good.

Buy used and small (250 - 300) for your first bike unless you are a really big person. This late in the year you might find a really good bargain. Make sure you actually like riding and have the time to do it before you buy a brand new bike.

Pants are lightly used, excellent condition. Size 32. See http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/last_chance_bargains/first_gear/mesh_tex_2_mesh_motorcycle_pants.html for specifications. Asking $60 plus $10 for shipping in the continental US. Send me a message if interested...

The best gear is gear that you will wear. Hopefully you will pick something that is both comfortable and provides an increased level of protection but gear with lighter protection that you wear 100% of the time is better than gear that provides the best possible protection but you rarely/never...

I started riding in 2008. About 20 years ago I was at a cousin's house and he had a dirt bike. They let me give it a try. First thing I did was accidentally pop a huge wheelie and fell off backwards. Nobody explained to me before getting on about easing off the clutch. If she goes the dirt...

Wear ear plugs. I never wear them around town but always wear them for highway trips. They will lessen fatigue and make the ride more pleasant. Also, I can still hear everything just fine with the plugs in but they really do help lessen wind noise.

Anyone ever heard of them and/or owned a pair? I happened across them on the internet and find very little in the way of reviews. See https://ridgeoutdoors.com/shop/motorcycle-boots.html

I re-lube the chain within a day or so if I get caught in the rain. I have not worried about anything else.

I have to say I really like the classic look of your Yamaha SRV 250. I bet it has been a lot of fun and easy to ride. The 6R is lots of fun too.

Fill the tank until gas comes in contact with the bottom of the neck in the fuel tank. That is full. You can watch the gas go in and then slow the fill rate as the level rises close to the neck and then stop when the gas is just washing over the bottom of the neck. See page 4-11 of your...

Can you roll your 6R forward while it is in first gear (engine off) if the clutch lever is pulled? I just rolled the bike out of the garage after a long winter and I had to put it in neutral to roll it. Shouldn't it roll freely with the clutch pulled in if it is not running? Clutch handle...

Parking garage riding may be worse than letting it sit. Low RPMs (idling or riding around a garage) drain the battery. Also, short duration operation is going to lead to more condensation and possible rust problems. I suggest you not ride during the winter unless you get get out for at least...

I would not be comfortable with someone riding with two bike lengths between us (staggered or not), especially if he was behind me.

I really like the way way the FZ6 looks; not completely naked but exposed/accessible engine. It also makes it easier to work on the bike.

I don't use high beams during the day. I always use them at night unless approaching oncoming traffic. Using them at night with oncoming traffic is a good way to get killed. Using them during the day can be obnoxious. I think a high-viz helmet and or helmet/vest/jacket during the day will...