I get my bike today!!!

GS Jenn · May 18, 2006, 11:48:59 AM

Hello, I've been lurking this forum for a while, but thought I would introduce myself today, since as soon as work is over, I am going to pick up my new GS.

I'm getting an 05, but brand new leftover from last year (got a great price on it!), it's the naked version, what can I say naked bikes with round headlights just do it for me in ways I can't explain.

It's my first bike... I've been a passenger for a while on my boyfriend's bike, took a course this spring and got my licence, and have been riding his Kawasaki KLR 650, but I find it on the tall and heavy side for me. I'm hoping the GS is going to be perfect and the hours are going by way too slow today!

So yeah... just wanted to introduce myself... and I'd be interested in any suggestions as to mods/additions to do right away, and also for which (if any) bags/luggage might work for this bike, since I'll be using it for going to work and need to take some files and such.

Maduro Mistress · May 18, 2006, 11:57:54 AM

Hey! Nice to have another girl around the place! Welcome. There's lots of people that will have much better info than me, I'll let them talk, I'll just be part of the welcoming committee!

Alphamazing · May 18, 2006, 12:27:23 PM

The naked '05s look the best:

SF Dan · May 18, 2006, 01:00:09 PM

Daaaarn, that's a sexy bike...

Codger · May 18, 2006, 01:34:12 PM

Welcome aboard.

I run some Nelson Rigg saddlebags.
http://www.newenoughhp.com/nelson_rigg_standard_saddle_bag_page.htm
They are not well shaped for files/binders/laptop. With the taper, you have to cram them in.
Although not recommended by many, I typically backpack the laptop.

scratch · May 18, 2006, 02:32:47 PM

Welcome!

You're going to find the GS much more manageable than the big KLR.

pandy · May 18, 2006, 02:40:55 PM

Welcome!!

I'd lay odds that you're going to LOVE your GS!!

Dwn4whadever · May 18, 2006, 02:44:26 PM

Welocme to the fam.

JetSwing · May 18, 2006, 02:47:08 PM

congrats!

GS Jenn · May 23, 2006, 09:06:26 AM

Thanks everyone for the welcome!

Here is a pic from my first ride on the new bike. It really is much easier than the big KLR and I am really happy with it!

I have since then added a windsheild, the F-16, because I intend to do a lot of highway driving, I'll have to get some pics with the windshield on. I'm looking to add some kind of engine guards if anyone has suggestions of a good online source?

I don't have much experience with motorbikes but I did notice the rear brake seems weak on this bike compared to the few others I have ridden. It holds the bike still on hills but seems to add nothing to the stopping power above a creeping speed. Is this a GS characteristic or a problem with my bike?

Alphamazing · May 23, 2006, 09:17:44 AM

Blue front fender... so sexy... want...

Nice bike!

Onlypastrana199 · May 23, 2006, 09:24:55 AM

You know Alpha, you could always paint your fender, mine's turning blue today

Alphamazing · May 23, 2006, 09:28:50 AM

Quote from: Onlypastrana199 on May 23, 2006, 09:24:55 AM
You know Alpha, you could always paint your fender, mine's turning blue today

I don't have the money right now to get a guy to match the paint (harder with metallic paint) and get it painted or to get the paint from ColorRite and do it myself. Maybe later though, yeah.
I wonder how much ColorRite paint is.

Jake D · May 23, 2006, 09:31:06 AM

What city is that in the back ground? It looks like it has sprung from the weeds!

galahs · May 23, 2006, 09:34:05 AM

What is it about a chick on a bike

....

that makes me want to .......

overtake her

Welcome to your new home Jenn!

Alphamazing · May 23, 2006, 09:49:24 AM

Quote from: Jake D on May 23, 2006, 09:31:06 AM
What city is that in the back ground? It looks like it has sprung from the weeds!

I'd imagine it's Calgary, per her loation.

scratch · May 23, 2006, 12:29:21 PM

Quote from: GS Jenn on May 23, 2006, 09:06:26 AM
I don't have much experience with motorbikes but I did notice the rear brake seems weak on this bike compared to the few others I have ridden. It holds the bike still on hills but seems to add nothing to the stopping power above a creeping speed. Is this a GS characteristic or a problem with my bike?

It's normal. Think of it as an anti-lock rear brake, except it isn't...hmm, maybe Suzuki wanted to train new riders not to rely completely on the rear brake...70%+ of your braking power is in the front brake. In practicing emergency stops, pick a spot on the ground that you want to stop at, and as you begin to use the front brake, gradually increase pressure til you stop. You may find yourself stopping much shorter than your intended target.

GS Jenn · May 23, 2006, 12:36:05 PM

Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on May 23, 2006, 09:49:24 AM
Quote from: Jake D on May 23, 2006, 09:31:06 AM
What city is that in the back ground? It looks like it has sprung from the weeds!

I'd imagine it's Calgary, per her loation.

It is, indeed, Calgary.

afplayboy18 · May 23, 2006, 02:33:26 PM

Welcome, welcome

Kasumi · May 23, 2006, 02:48:43 PM

About the back brake issue ive found on many bikes that it doesn't seem to be we can't have a beasty rear brake on it but more that we don't want to. I mean my dads thundercat for example will lock the back wheel when rear brake is applied hard. Whereas his beemer which has amazing brakes has the back brake just to balance the bike at low speed not lock it up.

News:

I get my bike today!!!