Hi,
I've been lurking around in and out, was tempted by a CBR 125 and Ninja 250 for a little while (Until I rode a 125 and priced a 250) and settled right back where I started with a GS500. I have a 2001 naked model, and it's been tons of fun.
Pics for the interested
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/c_ca/IMG_0069.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/c_ca/Image005.jpg)
I've done a couple short day rides (300kms) and while they're great, I kind wish I had more wind protection. I am also 6' with long legs, so I've been eyeing that footrest mod. I just moved into a condo though working space is at a premium.
Windscreen is a National Cycle F18, installed by previous owner. I'm looking at getting a Fabbri or MRA screen (Naked Vario-touring) but the MRA one is expensive at $250.
Anyway, seems like a great community here. I'm used to car forums which have TONS of subforums, but for better or for worse, it's simpler here. And, the wiki is a great idea.
Bike looks nice. I assume by thinking about the cbr 125 you don't live in the US? Makes me jealous for your ability to find a kawasaki zrx 400!
(http://www.bikez.com/pictures/kawasaki/1992/9136_0_1_2_zxr%20400_Image%20credits%20-%20Simon%20H.jpg)
Anyway, if you're looking to get out of some wind, you could try to find some clipons, they would get you down out of the wind a bit, plus some people seem to think that they're more comfortable with longer arms.
I may be wrong but I don't think the '01 model was available in the US in that color too.
-Jessie
Yeah, I can't tell where the plate is from, but the phone sign in the second picture definitely gives it away.
and I meant to say zxr 400.
Did you have to install anything special for the windscreen or does it just mount onto the headlight brackets?
OP is from Ontario and the restaurant is in Calabogie.
As for not handling the wind... I ride naked (brrrr :oops:) and don't find the wind a bother. On social rides, pull up for a coffee break every hour or so - what's the rush, right? Then hit the road again. Do the same on the way home, or make your route circular. Take the back roads not the highways for less turbulence on rides - and less traffic too.
There was a guy who rode Brisbane (Aust, Qld) down to Sale (Aust, Vic) non-stop on a 650VStrom. He remarked of it... it stopped being fun and became only about survival. Stopping every 50 clicks for a ten minute shut eye for fear of having a micro sleep on the bike. You can read his full account here http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php?topic=10397.0 and see how loaded his bike was.
Of course, I don't have a screen to direct all wind into my upper chest and head - and at 6'2" I am like a sail on the top of the bike. Have you tried the bike without a screen to see how it feels?
Michael
Sorry, I hadn't meant to turn it into a big mystery! Yes the picture is from Calabogie, and I am in Ontario. Sorry I didn't install the screen myself so I"m not sure what's involved.
I haven't tried it without a screen yet. I'm not in a huge rush to buy one, so maybe in time I'll get used to the wind. I only spend maximum 90 minutes on the freeway at 100 km / h (62 mph) anyway, so maybe I can just deal.