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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> A really really new guy here.
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Message started by Cloudyday on 07/28/11 at 12:15:21

Title: A really really new guy here.
Post by Cloudyday on 07/28/11 at 12:15:21

Hey all, been lurking for a few weeks. This is a great forum. Just got an '06 S40 about 2 weeks ago, love it. Not only is my bike new to me, but I'm new to riding. The MSF course and 2 weeks on the S40 is the sum total of my experience so far. Here are my questions:

1) What do you suggest as the "no rider should be without" accessories for a newbie?

2) What should be the first things I should think about getting for the bike itself to make the riding experience better?

I realize this is very subjective, everyone is going to have their own opinions, but that's what I want to hear - what do you think?

Thanks to all in advance, and I hope that one day I might be able to contribute something worthwhile to the forum.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/28/11 at 12:48:25

Two words....... Fork Brace. Either a SuperBrace or a TKat Brace. Doesn't matter which one. One looks nicer but the other one is cheaper. Your choice.

AL

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Serowbot on 07/28/11 at 13:06:04

I'd check out the seat lift mod in the Tech section... for comfort...

Welcome,
ride safe,
Serow

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Gyrobob on 07/28/11 at 13:09:59

5A75766C7D607D7860190 wrote:

1. Full face helmet

2. Earplugs

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by babyhog on 07/28/11 at 13:18:06

That's tough, not knowing your riding habits and such. But the first thing that came to my mind was something for WHEN (not if) you get caught out in the rain. Whether it be actual rain gear, or just a towel to dry off LOL.

But I guess before that... do you have saddlebags or any kind of way to carry stuff? Saddlebags was one of my first additions.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Sunchasers on 07/28/11 at 13:32:25

Depending on your height and leg length, I would go for the forward control extensions (either Ed L's or Routy's). They are reasonably priced, easy to install and you would not believe the difference in the comfort! ;)

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by EJID on 07/28/11 at 14:12:28

Check out the Tech section Table of Contents (http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1181745927) personally check out things like Road Spares and such that you should have with you at all times.

Welcome 8-)

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by arteacher on 07/28/11 at 14:18:03

A china marker to write on the tank or mirror the mileage at which you will need to get gas.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by bill67 on 07/28/11 at 14:18:17

A big windshield so your not being blown of the bike.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by splash07 on 07/28/11 at 15:05:53

Never leave home without your license and registration.

As far as the accessories I agree with piglet, saddlebags are great for taking whatever you need. I Once traveled 800 miles with a tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, one litre water bottle, two cans of beans, sleeve of crackers, camp stove, MSR fuel bottle, jacket, tool pouch with many hand tools, and one extra change of clothes all stuffed into a set of small saddlebags.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Cloudyday on 07/28/11 at 16:06:41

Thanks for the feedback. Good ideas. I have a full-face helmet already. And the bike came with set of saddlebags, but they are kind of beat up and definitely not my style, so I will be looking to replace them. In the meantime, they are functional at least.

Good idea to check the Tech section and the Road Spares thread, I guess I missed that when I was perusing the different pages on the forum

ALfromNH, I guess I haven't ridden enough yet to know that fork braces are advisable on this bike. Do they really make that much of a difference?

Are there any little gizmos or gadgets you all have discovered that make riding more enjoyable or fun?

Thanks all for the ideas!

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Trippah on 07/28/11 at 16:48:10

+1 on the fork braces..best money spent on the bike. I also like a windshield in Spring and Autumn (I don't use the f___ word!) when on a motorcycle forumn. :D

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by lukeduck on 07/28/11 at 17:20:20

Helmet-Armored jacket-Good, tough pants, Good boots. Put gasoline credit card in pocket. Start riding. Keep riding.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by cafdad on 07/28/11 at 17:26:28

Personally, full face helmet, proper motorcycle gloves, jacket with armor, pants with protection from road rash, possibly a high vis vest.

For the bike, I like the suzuki oem windshield. It blocks just enough wind that the higher speeds no longer make you feel like you are going to get blown off but it is small enough that you look over it and barely notice it is there.

Just my two cents.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Boofer on 07/28/11 at 17:31:34

You should not be without your full wits and dexterity. No drugs or alcohol. Safety equipment as you can tolerate. As much of the other stuff mentioned before as you can use and enjoy. And a grain of salt to take with my advice. Welcome, and ride safe. :)

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Cloudyday on 07/28/11 at 19:16:02

Thanks for all the good advice!

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Starlifter on 07/28/11 at 20:14:28

RUN don't walk to your nearest Barns & Noble book store and buy:

"Proficient Motorcycling"

And

"More Proficient Motorcycling" -both by David L. Hough.

These are by far the best and most comprehensive two books ever written on motorcycling. (Should be required reading by everyone who ever has, ever does, or ever will ride a motorcycle). These books can literally save your life.

..Oh, and as for the little things, through away the cheap tool kit that came with the bike, and replace it with quality stainless steel tools, also a handlebar clock is a nice item to have. :D

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by drums1 on 07/28/11 at 20:41:10

I haven't seen it mentioned, but a good air gauge is nice to have. Check your tires before each ride. Get one with the nipple to the side, not straight on. (Rear tire is a little difficult to check) Pressure is usually stamped on side of tire but I believe ours are 30psi front, 32psi rear?
Also, if you don't have a service manual or owners manual, you can download them both in the tech section.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by bluesrockdoc on 07/29/11 at 02:01:30

Helmet

Saddlebags

Mileage (ride, then ride some more)

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Gyrobob on 07/29/11 at 10:19:10

4A5C5B435D1F2E0 wrote:

The pressure stamped on the side of the tire has little to do with what is the best pressure for that bike. That side-of-the-tire pressure is something the nanny-state makes the manufacturers put on the side of the tire -- it is simply the max load that tire can carry for a given pressure as told to them by the authorities.

If you increase the pressure, you can carry more load, and vice versa.

As a starting point, use the pressures shown on the nanny-state sticker on the frame of the bike, which should be the same as the recommended pressures in the owners manual.

The only real pressure consideration is to use whatever pressure provides the best balance between safety (minimizing heat build up) and performance (lower pressures make for more traction).

What would really be handy would be to know what the max load was for a range of pressures. Sometimes on a Goldwang with a fat wife, you might want to add 20psi to keep the tire from heating up. Sometimes on a lightweight bike with a lightweight rider taking a road course at the Barber motorcycle park, you might use 20 psi less than the sidewall pressure.

Sorry, I tend to ramble a bit. To sum up, the pressure and load on the side of the tire don't mean diddly.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by dasch on 07/29/11 at 11:08:23

I'm with gyro! It's some max load crap tire itself can handle. Owner's manual gives much lower pressure the bike needs. I'm guessing that one is right. :D I pump mine to 2.4 bar regardless.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Tiefighterpilot on 07/29/11 at 21:24:54

After riding on my suzuki for over a year... one thing came very clear. ERGONOMICS. Get the handlebar, foward control and seat perfect for your body. IF the handlebar is too low and you have short arms, you will get lot of pain in back and shoulder. If leg too long, extend forward control. If you butt is not comfortable... look for a new seat.

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by Arizuno on 07/30/11 at 18:58:39

Thanks for posting this, Cloudyday, and thanks to all who responded. As a fellow newbie, I wonder why I didn't ask these guys for this info myself; this has to be one of the web's best forums, so many members so non-judgmentally willing to help. And special thanks to Starlifter, who brought Mr. Hough's books to my attention. So far, the best thing I've done for myself is incrementally more challenging practice - but I do see a TKat in my future... :)

Title: Re: A really really new guy here.
Post by PiaFea on 08/02/11 at 13:30:51

- Keep about $ 10 in tools pouch keep on the bike for unexpected dry gas tank.
- A mesh jacket for summer riding
- Saddlebags with tie down bungee cords
- Full face helmet or half-helmet with good riding eyewear.
- Full attention to surrounding when riding
- Riding gloves
(above not in any priority order)

Of course we could ride naked if we choose too, but I don't think it is recommended :)

Happy and Safe riding.