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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1342159215 Message started by RandomHero on 07/12/12 at 23:00:15 |
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Title: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/12/12 at 23:00:15 wallof.txt but please bare with me... So, my name is Roger and i live in San Antonio. I introd myself in the proper thread already. Anyway, i have never ridden before but always wanted too. My dad used to ride until her got married to my mom, and his entire side of the family are active riders. However they all live up north and im here in Texas. Anyway, im a car guy (owned a V6 swapped MR2) however i have recently been bitten by the bug to ride and have decided on a Savage after a whole lot of internet research and stuff. Thought about a Buell Blast, but i want a Savage. There is however a problem. I was born with a disability in my right hand. Which has never really stopped me from doing anything. I can drive 5spd car just fine. This is me for reference ( http://www.superhonda.com/photopost/data/519/medium/P1100047.jpg ) . Now i have balance and everything so i can ride properly, i rode my bike all the time as a kid and jumped it and did all sort of crazy nuts. Heres where i need help and maybe you guys can help me out. What can i do to the bike to completely remove the right hand controls? I went to HD a few days ago and talked with the salesman who works part time at my mothers office, he let me sit on some bikes to get a feel for the handle bar placement and stuff and i got to sit on the buell blast training bike. i probably coulda got more info but the training class wasnt in session when we were there. i also talked with a mechanic who has done some work with the wounded warriors program. Unfortunately, he hadnt done anything for right arm disabilities so he was just as lost as i was for ideas. Ive come up with a few ideas, but since i dont have a bike in front of me to see how it would work i cant say if it would or not. Im currently browsing CL for used possibly not working Savages (im poor), as i can wrench on it to make it run on the cheap. Maybe you guys might have some ideas on how to eliminate the right hand controls. I know its got to be possible somehow as ive seen some bobbers without their finger controls. Also i think alot of people have seen the youtube video of the bamarider that was missing his right arm and still raced his bike. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNtfAz7Lbio Ideas i have so far. follow the bamariders idea and drop the clutch lever, and move the brake over, and run a twist throttle on the left. Thumb throttle + Linked brake system. as far as the linked brakes, google-fu came up with a dual lever foot brake that runs on 2 independent master cylinders. i know there would be pros/cons to this set-up. http://i.imgur.com/9DcL4.jpg Anyway, i hope some of you might have some ideas or might be able to point me in the right direction. Like i said this is my first bike so i dont have alot of knowledge on how they operate but i can learn and i understand the basics. Im up for trying anything that may work and be simple and safe. Im gonna try and find me a non running Savage so i can at least get it running and if i cant find a way for the bike to be safe for me, i will just have to realize riding aint for me and sell a running Savage for some profit. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/12/12 at 23:03:57 also, ive made this thread before at some of the other forums im on with automotive/motorcycle sections. A few of the answers have been that "maybe a Can-am is the way for you". yea, id rather buy a Miata, another MR2 or an old 200sx (s12) than buy a can-am. Also, i mentioned above, im poor. so my budget is short, but im willing to wrench myself. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by arteacher on 07/13/12 at 05:03:28 Think about a thumb operated throttle lever for your left hand. Maybe two pedals for your left foot, one to shift and one for the rear brake. Use the pedal on the right side for the front brake, most don't use much rear brake anyway. Me, I like to have both hands on the bars, so maybe a prosthetic of some sort to allow your right hand to at least be on the bar. That's all I can think of. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Dave on 07/13/12 at 05:52:21 There is an automatic clutch conversion that Enduro riders have been adding to their bikes. It prevents them from accidently stalling their bikes in the mud and at slow speed.....maybe a model of this clutch could be adapted to the Savage. Not having a clutch lever would allow you to use your left hand for the front brake - you would find a bike with a hydraulic clutch lever and use that lever assembly for the front brake. I will try and find the name of the auto clutch conversion they use. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by splash07 on 07/13/12 at 06:57:52 First off, welcome. You have come to the right place, if anyone can find a solution for ya its the guys here at ss.com. Thumb throttle seems like it will be pretty easy to mod up and maybe a little safer for you than a left side twist throttle. As for the front brake lever, one option is to delete the front brakes all together, some here have done it on bobbers but I dont think its the safest idea. Another option is to ad a double brake pedal that will operate both brakes, or a toe pedal for the rear brake and a heel pedal for the front. (Hmmmm I think that last idea was my best ;)) |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/13/12 at 07:03:24 Welcome to the forum, Im sorry for your troubles, but youve got something on your side you cant buy, & thats guts.. Necessity is the Mother of Invention,, now, figuring out what you need to make this work will help folks try to help you come up with the answers. I dont know a thing about what you can & cant do with the right arm. Would you tell us about what you can do? How much strength is there & what can you hold onto & stuff like that, Did you do anything to the shifter to make it easier? |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Dave on 07/13/12 at 07:16:16 Here are some of the automatic clutch makers: http://www.rekluse.com/ http://www.efmautoclutch.com/ I did not look to see how they could be adapated to the Savage. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Charon on 07/13/12 at 07:17:54 I know you said you want a Savage. I think you'd be better served to find one of the Honda models with their ABS and linked brake systems, which allows the foot pedal to apply both brakes. I also know a scooter doesn't fit the macho motorcycle man image, but one with a left-hand operated combined brake system might allow you to move the throttle to the left and use a thumb-operated throttle such as found on four-wheelers. The scooters have automatic transmissions, which eliminates the need for a clutch lever and shifter. Doing that would put all the controls at your left hand. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/13/12 at 07:20:54 Suzuki builds a Scooter thatll run away from our Savages. Buuut,,, I cant remember tha name right now,, Ahh! Bergman,, & it moves a LOT faster than a Berg, Man.,. http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4875784923972164&id=b2ec2041767ada714eaddd4774431747 Hmmmmm,,, dang,, all that automatic stuff must not be cheap.. The 2009 Burgman 400 had a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $6,599. The MSRP for the 2009 Burgman 650 was $8,699 for the standard model and $9,799 for the executive. The Honda Silver Wing's 2009 MSRP started at $8,499. Read more: Comparison Test: Suzuki Burgman Vs. Honda Scooter | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6640566_comparison-burgman-vs_-honda-scooter.html#ixzz20VlN88J3 |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by verslagen1 on 07/13/12 at 08:29:59 Welcome, we'll see if we can make you a club member. 1st off, the savage has a touchy rear brake, easy to lock up. So linking the front and the back IMHO is a bad idea. At least not w/o some major tinkerin'. You would be linking a mechanical system with a hydraulic anyway. What can you do with your right hand? Maybe a grip on the frame with some controls would be an option? At least it would steady you while you stear with the left. Left and right foot pedals for the brakes is not a bad idea... at stops you could have either foot down. I would make it an electric shifter, like a paddle shifter in cars. Up/down buttons somewhere... right hand? Heels maybe. An aftermarket HD dual cable twist grip can be put on either side and use only 1 cable. ATV thumb throttle might be ok on the left too. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Cavi Mike on 07/13/12 at 08:57:06 I can't believe you guys are recommending scooters. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by 12Bravo on 07/13/12 at 09:18:11 2002150A2E0A0806630 wrote:
LOL ;D I had a Burgman 650 and it would eat most cruisers for lunch off the line. Though the Burgmans (both 400 and 650) have both brakes on the handlebars: right-front, left-rear |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Charon on 07/13/12 at 09:25:05 4A687F604460626C090 wrote:
It's a matter of pragmatism. I am recommending a machine which can be made to work around physical limitations, in this case a less-functional right hand. Perhaps the easiest would be Honda's Helix scooter, now out of production. It has no controls at all (except switches) on the left. Move the throttle and front brake from the right to the left, leave its existing foot brake as-is, and the job is pretty much done. True, it is a scooter, with a 250 cc engine, automatic transmission, and a top speed of about 65 - 70 mph. It should also be available for about the same price as a Savage. It also has pretty decent storage, completely lacking on the Savage. Most important, it lets the man ride a two-wheeler, even though it "ain't a real motorsickle." |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Cavi Mike on 07/13/12 at 09:37:02 The guy already made it clear he wouldn't even ride a Can-Am which is exponentially cooler than a scooter. Scooters aren't motorcycles. They're glorified mo-peds with electric start. "Scooters are like fat chicks, they're fun to ride until your friends see you on one." *edit* And motorcycles aren't pragmatic. They're dangerous, cumbersome in inclement weather, and don't get better mileage than a lot of cars on the road. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Serowbot on 07/13/12 at 10:12:40 I'm thinking the most economical way, from a cable routing point of view,... would be a right foot, gas pedal (ditch the rear brake),... get a lefty brake lever and master cylinder from a scooter, ... and rig a manual de-compression lever from a Yamaha Sr500 as a clutch... This would require that you swap your bars and risers to 7/8"... :-?... |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/13/12 at 10:18:01 Im waiting to learn just what he can do with his right hand. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by SuperSavage on 07/13/12 at 10:23:06 This sounds like a nice project. With all the brains, talent and vision here, I don't see why you can't come up with a perfectly adapted scoot. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/13/12 at 11:20:35 342B2D2A3730013101392B276C5E0 wrote:
SOrry, i keep odd hours (works 2nd shift) so i was asleep during well, all morning. as far as what i can do, it depends. i cant make a fist and i dont have much grip strength with what fist i can make. I can grab a regular throttle and give it a half twist or so. Im a gun owner and the best way to describe my grip strength is that on some pistols, mostly newer, i cant rack the slide. i can get a grip and pull back and the slide will come about half way back and then the spring tension is too much. The good thing, is its nothing a break in and some skateboard grip tape cant fix. 5D767F6C71701E0 wrote:
i thought about that, but the goldwing is a big bike and doesnt seem like it would be rider friendly or no0b friendly. i did however think i might be able to use the linked brakes as a donor part for my project. but the goldwing uses both front and rear disc, and from what i understand the linked is actually a "half link" in that the hand brake controls like half the pistons in front and back, and the rear brake does the other half. Im sure i could make this work with one brake lever on the savage though, as the system contains a proportioning valve. just do my best to get it to 70/30. I did also wonder how i would do if i stopped on a hill. living in san antonio, we are just outside the hill country so some of the city is really hill, while some is flat. But thinking about it, i guess i could just make a stop and stay in gear. 514255544B4640424916270 wrote:
i knew about the dual cable throttles, but then figured since the savage was a single cable it wouldnt work. But since you put it that way, i can see it working. My brain didnt think of it like that. 323939303C333228295D0 wrote:
i will have both hands on the bars at all times. im not completly disabled in my right arm. i can still "grab" the bars. i saw mentions of an autoclutch in here, the tech at HD mentioned a Pengal(?) auto shift system, but with that you have to ride the clutch on start-up and at stops. The autoclutch thing though, i will have to look into. And the mentions of scooters....... ;D id rather buy myself a 2 seater jap fun car. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by verslagen1 on 07/13/12 at 11:55:51 So maybe you can use a regular throttle if you had some help. Ever try a throttle boss? Another option would be to go to dual cable setup so we can put a lighter return spring. I'd make a special right control and put the up/down shift buttons on it. left and right brake pedals. and leave the left control as it is. Now if you can fit an abs brake system... 8-) |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by splash07 on 07/13/12 at 12:11:10 Hell, I would be interested in a push button shifter. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/13/12 at 13:17:39 May wind up modifying the handlebar on that end,,& its possible the throttle can stay on that side,, |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/13/12 at 13:46:46 7E6167607D7A4B7B4B73616D26140 wrote:
Yea. I may modify the bar. I sat on some HDs a few days ao and a few felt comfy, but the right side was a bit too far out. But nothing a bend in the bar on that side wouldnt fix. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Realbtl on 07/13/12 at 14:09:42 You might be able to use a cramp buster type tab on the throttle. Also try the google for disabled motorcyclist, there are a lot of options for moving stuff to one side only. One you might look at is http://www.disabledmotorcyclerider.com/ |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by verslagen1 on 07/13/12 at 14:11:33 33302C2133287077400 wrote:
Hell why re-invent the wheel... http://www.disabledmotorcyclerider.com/shiftersfaq.html http://www.pingelonline.com/eshifter_universal.htm |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/13/12 at 15:14:09 5D4E5958474A4C4E451A2B0 wrote:
Hell why re-invent the wheel... http://www.disabledmotorcyclerider.com/shiftersfaq.html http://www.pingelonline.com/eshifter_universal.htm[/quote] Those things are $$$ and you still need the clutch during startup and stops. I have no problem with shifting. I looked at the dual "k-lever" but $2k is rediculous. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Charon on 07/13/12 at 20:51:14 I wasn't thinking so much of the Gold Wing as of some smaller bikes. Honda's new CB250R can be had with the combined and ABS brake system, for a premium. From published reports its top speed is about equivalent to the Savage, though as a 250 its acceleration off the line will probably be slower. If you are looking at new, its MSRP even with the ABS is less than the Savage/S40. Something else I thought I'd mention. Modifications to motorcycles typically decrease the resale value, and modifications which make the controls non-standard are likely to have a severe effect on resale. You might want to make sure any modifications are fairly easily reversible, or you might end up having to sell it as a parts bike. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by verslagen1 on 07/13/12 at 21:25:07 The decomp solenoid is pretty strong, you might try it as a shifter. One in one direction and another in the other. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Cavi Mike on 07/13/12 at 21:31:44 Using the clutch isn't necessary to shift in the first place. Put some slight upward pressure on the lever, just enough to remove the slop, then let off the throttle just slightly while pulling up on the shifter and it will go right into the next gear. If you get good enough, your shift will be just as fast as any air-shifter out there, possibly faster. I never use the clutch to up-shift. But why are we trying to find a replacement shifter? His foot works just fine. We need an auto-clutch. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/13/12 at 22:22:19 0A21283B2627490 wrote:
not looking at new. ive been searching Cl everyday as often as possible to see if a non-working bike pops up, they havent yet :'( |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Cavi Mike on 07/13/12 at 23:03:25 Where are you located? A Suzukimatic just popped up on CL for $750 right by me! No clutch! http://rochester.craigslist.org/mcy/3137748965.html I wasn't even looking for one and I never even heard of one of these until just now! |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/13/12 at 23:24:09 537166795D797B75100 wrote:
texas. ill have to keep my out for one of those too. never knew suzuki had one. i know honda does. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/14/12 at 00:14:34 wow. honestly i just checked out a youtube video of that, if i for some reason cant figure out something with a Savage to work for me, that looks like the route i will definitely go. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCw4xqx8G7I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5mDSHreM8c&feature=related |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Realbtl on 07/14/12 at 15:21:57 I believe that the old Indians had the controls reversed from H-D. Something similar might work. Left foot suicide clutch, left hand throttle and front brake, right foot rear brake, right hand jockey shift. You wouldn't need much gripping power for the shifter, just shove it forward or back. Rigging up a right hand jockey shift would require some shade tree engineering but it sounds like you are comfortable with that. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by bill67 on 07/14/12 at 15:48:11 I rode one of those automatic suzukis thought it would be nice for my wife but see had been riding a while and said she knew how to shift.That was the end of that. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Greg-E on 07/14/12 at 16:05:12 See if you can go to a motorcycle store that sells 4 wheel ATVs, better yet see if there is a place that rents them or someone you can borrow one from. Many (most) of these use a thumb throttle which you should try and see how well you can make it function. If you can sort of rack a slide on an auto, the thumb throttle on the right will probably be fine, and is easy to test. Snowmobiles also use a thumb throttle so parts should be easy to get. Now we just need to deal with the front break and could probably come up with a way to link it and the back break to the single pedal. Easiest way would be to allow a bunch of slop on the rear master cylinder so that it engages later than the front. Alternate would be to change to a small master cylinder for the rear so that it has a smaller advantage over the slave cylinder and won't lock the rear break. Or put the actuating lever for the front break farther out from the pedal pivot so the front cylinder gets moved farther than the rear cylinder. If you really want to get technical make the length adjustable so you can tune the front rear bias. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/14/12 at 16:50:48 271205074D25600 wrote:
this and the suicide clutch post above sound like great ideas to check out. Unfortunately i havent found a bike yet. I did come across this http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/3139471727.html which is an hour or so away. If its still available Monday what should i offer for it? No way im paying $900 for an 88 w/17k miles and not running. Or should i just let it go and try and find something else? Im trying to find a not running bike for cost reasons and the fact i dont want to be out alot of $ in case i cant get something figured out. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by ToesNose on 07/14/12 at 17:12:09 Not running but she looks nice and clean for an '86 from the pics. ;) |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Realbtl on 07/14/12 at 17:17:47 Just my 2 cents but I would not trust my life with a kludged linked brake system. I want my brakes totally dependable and capable of max stopping power. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Cavi Mike on 07/14/12 at 17:47:27 "not running" on a single-cylinder bike that's almost bullet-proof? I almost guarantee it's a carb issue, it's gummed up with stale gas. I bet a simple disassemble/reassemble of the carb would make it run again. If that wasn't it, it's probably a loose wire somewhere. Thumpers are nothing but glorified dirt-bikes and believe me I'm not saying that in a bad way. It's why I've been drawn to them. When problems arise, there isn't some huge list of issues like on a multi-cylinder bike. It's something simple that someone over-looked or was just too afraid to dig into. I'd buy that in a heartbeat. I wish that was the one I found when I bought mine. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by verslagen1 on 07/14/12 at 18:23:33 Pretty sure the engine has been replaced, it's got a late model paint job. Check to see if it's a 5 speed. also in the tech section are a list of engine s/n's to get an idea of what year it came out of. 86 to 90 not running, red flag, make sure it can turn over. maybe take some starter fluid and see if it will start for a few seconds. that would say it's the carb, easy fix If it don't turn over, don't buy, people have been sticking people with busted out starters. 95 or later don't have the problem. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Boofer on 07/14/12 at 19:35:18 Just so you'll know about scooters. The Burgman has around 50 + horsepower and weighs about 300 pounds. I know a fellow who rode one to work every day and was well pleased with its smooth ride and I ain't about to challenge one to a race. Honda is also building some high power scoots for older guys who can't sling a leg over any more. I don't remember the controls on a scooter, but don't discount the scooters because of prejudice against them. hth :) |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Charon on 07/14/12 at 21:54:23 Actually, the weights I found were 613 pounds for the 650 Burgman Executive, and 489 for the 400 Burgman. Yamaha's Majesty 400 claims 467 pounds. I didn't look for Honda's Silverwing. The main difference for scooter controls is the rear brake, which is on the left handlebar where the clutch normally lives on a motorcycle. Honda's Helix had a rear brake pedal conventionally located. The scooters are automatic, using a centrifugal clutch and CVT belt drive, so there is neither a clutch nor shifter control. Some, such as the Burgman Executive, have an electronically controlled CVT with a paddle shifter that emulates discrete gear positions. On some scooters the left brake is a combined brake activating both wheel brakes, often with ABS. Because the scooters do not have a true Neutral, they usually have a brake - starter interlock so the starter will not energise unless brakes are applied. Because there is no way for the engine to hold the scooter in place when stopped (the centrifugal clutch disengages) they usually have some form of parking brake. Many folks denigrate scooters as not being "real motorcycles." But in many ways the scooters are superior. Their automatic transmissions, along with fuel injection or automatic chokes make them very easy to drive. They almost always have built-in storage, usually big enough for at least one and sometimes two helmets. Their leg shields help to protect from wind and bugs, and their floorboards allow feet to be moved around (note that many upscale cruisers also have floorboards). When you look at styling you might note that the Polaris Victory Vision looks a lot like a big scooter. If you want a lot of information about scooters from small to large, try www.motorscooterguide.net. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Boofer on 07/15/12 at 06:59:17 Charon, I stand corrected. But the risk of being embarrassed in a race is still there, and they have larger tires and a comfy ride--"not your father's scooter". ;) |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/15/12 at 20:48:52 013A3720313D26203B333E21520 wrote:
thanks for both those links. The EFM looks like it would be perfect and it doesnt seem to expensive, and if they dont have one that fits ofr the savage they say on the site they can make one. thats a way to get around the clutch. the rekluse link has a left hand rear brake set up, i can possibly use that for the front brake on a savage. it is designed to keep both the clutch lever and add a brake lever to the left side. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Dave on 07/16/12 at 06:13:38 I have been thinking about this thread for a while......and while I was moving my bike around the garage I noticed how heavy it was compared to my light trials bike. I realize that compared to the big twins the Savage is light.....but it is not a feather weight. I would think that a Scooter or small motorcycle with an automatic transmission would be a better starting point to begin this adventure. Something under 200 pounds would be much easier to move around and get some experience before you move on to a bigger bike. In watching Craigslist and eBay I have noticed that there are an awful lot of Savages that are low mileage and crashed......and a lot of it appears to be front end damage as if they got going too fast and could not stop....or someone pulled out in front of them. It would also be a lot cheaper to get some experience on this bike and work out the throttle/clutch/brake issues.....then you would be better equipped to make the changes to the Savage if you still decide to get one. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by splash07 on 07/16/12 at 07:15:41 61727D777C7E7B76617C130 wrote:
this and the suicide clutch post above sound like great ideas to check out. Unfortunately i havent found a bike yet. I did come across this http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/3139471727.html which is an hour or so away. If its still available Monday what should i offer for it? No way im paying $900 for an 88 w/17k miles and not running. Or should i just let it go and try and find something else? Im trying to find a not running bike for cost reasons and the fact i dont want to be out alot of $ in case i cant get something figured out. [/quote] I cant believe you guys are still suggesting scooter, leave this guy alone and let him have his motorcycle. All he wants is a real bike to ride. As for the bike on craigslist, it either has a newer engine which is good, or someone has done a lot of work to the original engine which is also good. +1 on what versalgen said, make sure it turns over. As for the linked rear brakes, I wouldnt go that route. Sound dangerous to be honest. I can imagine accidentally locking the brakes up very easily with a linked system. GO to stop a little too hard and the rear tire goes sliding, the front brakes can take a lot more pressure without locking up. Like I said before, try two separate pedals on the right side, one for rear and one for front. You could do a toe and heel set up which would make it difficult to engage both at the same time or a side by side set up, allowing you to engage both at the same time but still somewhat regulate the amount of pressure used on each pedal. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/16/12 at 07:17:07 Dave makes a good point,, ya know, maybe grabbing some half worn out, kinda beat up Old Scooter or maybe a dual purpose thing so you can play in the dirt,, Heck yea,, ( You asked for brainstormin,, I just had a lightnin strike!) How about gettin a dual purpose, small bike & work out how it needs to be set up riding in the dirt? Dirt is fun & no one runs red lites there, If you manage to get it all worked out so you can ride in the dirt, then step on up & take it to the grocery store or something. If you decide you want something "more" then youll have already learned how to make a bike work for you & you can get a bike & start in on it. Ohh & Geee whiz,, heres the downside. Youve got a little bike to play in the dirt with now,, |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by Dave on 07/16/12 at 08:04:02 I am not only suggesting a scooter.....but something that is already set up with an automatic clutch takes a lot of the work away. Honda has made the automatic clutch bikes for years. The Trail 90 or a similar older Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, etc. with an auto clutch would allow anyone to build on the skills they need to balance, brake, stop and operate a motorcycle. For those of us that have been riding motorcycles since we were kids.....the coordination it takes to operate a motorcycle with one foot shifting, the other foot braking, the left hand clutching.....and worst of all is a right hand that must use the front brake and throttle at the same time. I tried to teach my wife to ride last summer......and it became obvious what a mismatch the grip throttle and front brake are when she squeezed the front brake and rolled on the throttle simultaneously......even on an 80cc bike this is not a combination that works out well. I am a member of the American Motorcycle Association and recently in their magazine they had an article for new riders.....and one suggestion was that new riders don't buy their "dream" bike as their first ride. They commented that everyone will take a spill or two on their first bike, and it was much cheaper to take these spills on a used, economy, affordable beginner bike. Then as they developed the skills they could resell the first bike and move on to their dream bike with confidence. That is what I am suggesting in this thread......start out with a bike that is easy to ride, easy to buy, easy to adapt - then get the bike of your dreams. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/16/12 at 09:16:37 .start out with a bike that is easy to ride, easy to buy, easy to adapt - then get the bike of your dreams. wisdom,, |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by SALB on 07/16/12 at 13:09:59 Honda built automatic motorcycles from '76 through '83 in 400cc, 450cc, and 750cc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hondamatic Although they're hard to find, all you would have to do is swap the throttle and front brake to the left. |
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Title: Re: Im new here, lets have a brainstorming session Post by RandomHero on 07/16/12 at 14:18:53 63606377616967020 wrote:
already have that as a backup along with a suzukimatic |
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