Hi guys and gals,
I have mostly been doing city and local highway commuting, but I am about to do turnpike and major highway commuting.
And Since I'm not satisfied with the available info out there I thought I would pose the question:
What are your personal experiences using the GS for commuting and if you have encountered any issues or problems please state your solutions?
This is a very general question so PLEASE ANSWER FREELY. It can be about the gear you use, mods to make the journey easier, luggage, mechanical issues, ride issues ETC....
Thanks :D
There will be no problems going on a freeway, assuming your bike is in good shape. The gs can go over 110 stock so speed wont be an issue. Just make sure you look out for cars, cagers are dumb and blind. you will love it.
My main concern, especially lately, is the wind slapping me in the face and then punching the bike from under me. I don't know if the weather in NJ has just been that way recently, but I've never been this concerned about it before. It was rarely an issue before and has kind of scared me a little.
My bike is faired with a sport touring zero gravity shield, which helps with buffeting and comfort. I've been riding for just under 3 years with ~15k miles and ride all almost all year. Which is kinda why I'm a little freaked out that it's bothering me.
It feels like it gets worse between 70-85???
Please continue with everyone's opinions and experiances :)
I have a stock 2009 GS500F and can say that going 60 to 80 I really don't feel anything. Smooth as silk. Cross winds can be bothersome, but then they would be even in a car. I have the middle Zero Gravity windshield on order, but even the stock wind screen seems just fine. I'm going to switch mainly for looks. If I was doing a lot of highway commuting, I might go with the GSX650F since it is a hundred pounds heavier. But I think the GS500F is just fine. I don't care for the bent over position of the R series. I prefer the more upright riding position.
My longest ride was 90 miles on I-90. After it I felt just fine - no pain or soreness at all. The Harleys, Gold wings, GSXR's and my GS500F - we all rode together as a well organized group.
I'm very happy with my GS500F. After that ride, I decided no need to upgrade to the GSX650F. Maybe next year.
I use my 500F every day to commute to and from work. It does city and highway speeds during that trip (maybe sometimes more :icon_twisted: ). Love the thing, very comfortable for my frame, average height but heavy set. I found wearing a back back uncomfortable so I sourced a ventura bag rack from a wrecker (as I had a 65L ventura bag from my last bike). Carries a change of clothes, some minor tools, rain gear, fits my helmet, shopping on the way home etc. Maintenance is simple, parts aren't expensive, if ridden sensibly can get good fuel economy. Rides well in all weather as I ride sun, rain and occasionally hail but that hurts.
I don't have a problem with the cross winds. I used to but I talked it over with the riders I know and they taught me to ride better in the wind (cause I'm a novice really, even though its my second road bike). Here is Newcastle Australia the wind has been absolutely shaZam! the last two weeks. Winds 40-60km/h with gusts of up to 60-100kms hour. I also travel over a tall unprotected bridge which on a calm day is windy. It all about keeping enough space for the bike to move, offering less of a side profile, weight positioning and most importantly I found, staying relaxed. The stiffer you are the more it moves around. Doesn't mean I didn't think my life was about to end once or twice, but anyway.
I taken the bike a couple 1600 + kilometer (1000 mile) trips so far and found it a great touring bike. What I want, is a touring windscreen, hand guards to deflect the wind off my hands, cruise control(throttle lock) and some side luggage pods (Which I plan to make a rack for when I finish the car as its running out of time so the bike gets only what it must have now).
I was commuting 96 miles a day in southern arizona.. I-10.. Some days there was cross winds gusting up to 60mph. I remember a couple of days that pretty much most of the ride I was leaning just a little bit against the wind. Passing some of the big rigs it does kind of "feel" like the wind is trying to push the bike out from under you.. but, it never really bothered me. Keep your tank full and the shiny side up. (Tucking helps 'fight the wind' and improves fuel mileage!)
I'm in NJ too.....I commute just about every day on the 09 gs 500F............50 miles a day on mon thru fri and 160 miles on sat and 160 miles on sun.......
Got bike on june 16...............2 months, yesterday, passed 5000 miles!
I do not ride on super highways but often go 60... 65 mph on state highways.......
Bike is a dream to ride............no worries or problems at all.....
average 66 MPG
Got a spider web bungee thing and strap a small bag to rear seat to carry a change of clothes and some minor gear....
You can't go wrong with this bike!
Cookie
Mirrors, better mirrors, that's what I'm finding I need with the GS on the highway. When I'm on the speed limit, I just hate traffic creeping up behind where I can't really see them in the stock mirror set-up. I've played about with the adjustment on the mirrors but just can't get it right for me. (Any suggestions???)
Get mirror extensions from TwistedThrottle.com
No more looking at your elbows.
I took both my naked 97 GS and my naked 02 GS on 5 trips to the mountains with either my big Plexi 2 or my little Spitfire shields on them. On the 4 trips from NE Ohio to the Smoky Mtns we did 400 mile first and last days on I-77 to get there and back running 70-80 mph indicated. I was comfortable most of the way not getting cramped up much till the end of the day but a quick stop and a walk around the bike would loosen me up. I took my last trip to the Smokies in 04 just before my 72nd birthday and don't think I'll do it again, too much arthritis now. Sould be a piece of cake for a younger man/woman on a GS500 size bike. The 02 trip to Lake George, NY was a 530 mile first day with about half interstate and half back roads and it rained half the time and it was a very long day.
throttle lock, give your hand a break from the vibes. vista cruise works for me, worth the $30
I commute ~140kms round trip almost every day (save bad rain storm days) and I have no complaints. In fact I bought the bike for this VERY purpose. My ride is 30% 400 series hwy's (I guess you would call that an interstate in the USA) 50% expressway riding and about 20% city. As everyone else is said, its powerful enough for hwy speeds, on the hwy i cruise a 120kms no problems at all, its pretty comfy, the bike handles very well and all in all if I were using a 0-10 scale I would give it a 9 for commuting easily. All the info I read about the GS with commuting in mind was; it has good horsepower, decent torque, light weight, great seat/riding position, very reliable bullet proof engine and exceptional fuel economy. I mean the thing was made for commuting in my opinion.
Just get past big trucks quickly and watch out for eveything else ;) and most of all...enjoy the ride. Ever since I started riding to work I actually look forward to going to work...not being AT work...but getting there and back :)
I agree, I look forward to my commute more than actually working. And I agree with everyone that I love commuting with this bike: mpg, comfort, maintenance. I guess my balls have fallen off recently and I just didn't notice it :icon_eek:
Maybe I should just keep my speed down with high winds.
I'm starting to lean on the idea of NOT upgrading my bike this year and just getting the givi topcase system and some more gear: A* Roam boots, mesh/summer overpants, and heated gloves and maybe a heated vest (depending on the info in the forum). I already got a bright green vest for night riding since I'll eventually work the night shift.
Cross winds were an issue for me on both my GS's. It did seem to get worse above 65mph for me. After riding with friends, I would comment about the wind, to which they always replied, "What wind?"
When I got my V-Strom, cross winds were never a problem. I think the GS is just more susceptible to winds. I think we had a thread on possible causes a while back.
It's not a horrible problem, just one you may have to get familiar with and learn to place yourself in the optimum part of your travel lane to compensate for wind gusts.
I commute on my '07 GS500F almost every day in Houston, TX. The trip is about 26 miles each way, 85% super highway (I-10). Speed is almost never a problem. The bike will make 70 mph with no issues. Just ride your own pace and let the cagers do their thing. Be alert. Keep plenty of space ahead. The worst issue I have is the slow bits when traffic really backs up. Mainly it's heat, heat indexes have been 1005+ here lately. High wind here made me nervous at first. After a few trips I learned to lean into it to track a straight line. The GS is light s o you will feel wind more than say a V-Strom.
Some notes on my set up:
Bike has Zero Gravity touring screen. Less wind than the stock, but a bit hotter. Everything is a trade off.
Fitted First Gear saddle bags which stay on the bile at all times. These are the largest soft bags I could find do a good job of carrying by work items and rain gear. Before the saddle bags I strapped a back pack to the seat with bungee cords. I have never worn a pack while riding.
I wear full gear on every ride, Olympia GT Air Transitions jacket with AST mesh pants. These work well over a very wide temperature range. I use Alpinestar boots and an Arai full face helmet.
You should enjoy the extra riding the commute brings.
Keep the shiny side up,
Chuck
I do 80 miles RT a day. I have no major issues other than other commuters and some patches where the road quality is less than perfect (potholes, bumps, and grooves). Also, I wear a safety vest during my commute. I picked up one of the Rocket milspec ones. It has good visibility and a pocket on the front I put my badge in so when I get to the gate at work the guard can see my ID right away.
I commute about 10 miles each way to work, most of it highway. On weekends, I sometimes take my bike into San Francisco, since parking a car sucks in the city on weekends. That's also mostly highway. The GS seems pretty up to the task. I have a naked '98. Coming home from work, sometimes the wind kicks and pushes me around a bit; a faired bike would probably be a little more comfortable in those situations. I would definitely recommend buying some sort of motorcycle luggage if you plan on commuting a lot. Wearing a hot, heavy backpack, or having to constantly bungee and unbungee stuff to your seat will get old after awhile. I bought a set of cortech saddlebags last year. It's surprising how much capacity they have. I recently bought a tankbag from my neighbor and took off the saddlebags. It works for nearly everything except groceries.
Hey,
Look what I found. This should make winter riding much better for GS owners, since alternator output is low for us. Also I'm not sure if this is true, but logic tells me that a warm core temp should increase warm blood flow to the hands. I'm wondering if a heated vest will do the job into the high 30's since I've been doing short distances (~15-30 min; 20-50 mph) into the 20's with Joe rocket winter gloves.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/heated-vest/battery-heated-vest/
This heated battery vest got amazing reviews and is about $240 with a battery pack
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-gloves/gerbing-hybrid-gloves/
These gloves are expensive ~$300, but I can't find anything else like it for cheaper and they can be wired or used with a battery.
I'm having trouble finding good mesh pants for hot summers. The best I can do is wear knee/shin guards under my jeans. My alter ego pants are hot above 60-75 with jeans under them.
On a side note look at this sale I found: $40 for $90 gloves. I thought I would share this sale with everyone else. Since I don't have gauntlet's I think I'm gonna give them a try.
http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/gloves/cortech_by_tour_master/injector_motorcycle_gloves.html
I've got those gloves. Certainly worth the price. But the seams on the inside could have been placed a little better. It took a few weeks of commuting to get them flattened out and my hands toughened up so they don't bother me anymore.....'course I might have been spoiled by the cushy Tour Master Winter Elites. I can wear those all day.
I thought i was crazy thinking that the wind in NJ somehow has gotten worse lately and feels like it is moving the gs500f i have around alot more. When i commute in my car i can't even tell that their is a wind but on the bike over 65mph it seems like the winds just move you around at their will.
In one of the previous posts i believe burning1 had made a comment to about riding 2up and how the passenger was always bumping helmets when braking and having to use his arms to brace himself from the passenger sliding forward and pushing him off. He stated that you shouldn't be holding on with your arms to being with to brace yourself on the bike but you should hold on with your core. I have since then tried riding concentrating on using my core to hold the bike rather than my hands and arms and have noticed that at highway speeds the bike being more stable. I could tell when i wasn't holding on with my core any more as i felt the bike start to get taken in the wind and once i corrected myself the wind wasn't an issue any more.
This did not completely eliminate crosswind but i noticed a huge difference in stability in riding now based on how you hold on to the bike.
Thanks for the advice, I'm gonna give it a try.
BTW, I got some friends that live in Flemington. I myself live in the Rutgers area.
If you ever want to do any group rides please let me know. I'm tired of riding with irresponsible sport bike riders that quite riding after a year. (aakashp31@gmail.com)
I think I just hijacked my own thread :icon_lol:
Quote from: myfirstluv on August 16, 2010, 08:05:50 AM
Thanks for the advice, I'm gonna give it a try.
BTW, I got some friends that live in Flemington. I myself live in the Rutgers area.
If you ever want to do any group rides please let me know. I'm tired of riding with irresponsible sport bike riders that quite riding after a year. (aakashp31@gmail.com)
I think I just hijacked my own thread
Your original topic seemed to generate a lot of great responses.
For $4400.00 new, what other bike could possibly fill the bill???
The GS500E/F with a wind screen, some luggage, and an electric glove/vest outlet is unbeatable, (
for the price).
Too light for the highway???
The fact that the GS "is" light makes it a great commuter rig, (
for the price).
I also have a 600 lb. Harley and a little 225 lb. Yamaha thumper. In comparison, the GS500 (
for the price) is the easiest to live with, so why not commute it?
There is however one problem. . .
The GS, (well at least my GS), will numb your hands and feet after about 2 hours. Even though the mirrors stay clear at NJ Turnpike speeds, the high frequency vibes will eventually take their toll on your hands & feet. IMHO anyway.
As for hijacking the thread. . .
Not to worry. We were already discussing 2-up riding and favorite glove picks two posts back.
Nice thread
myfirstluv, and good luck running the New Jersey Turnpike on a GS500. It'll build character! <heh-heh> :thumb:
And some free advice: Get EasyPass. It does rain in Jersey and the toll plaza is no place to be in the wet.
What color is your GS? I'll be looking out for ya'
Regards,
-Ej-
I hear ya on the EZPass and the rain. I'm planning to get a pass and more rain gear. I don't think its possible to spend too much on gear as long as you use it and it keeps you safe. (Just as long as there are good deals)
I have a 2007 black and silver F. I've actually seen the naked and pictures do not do it any justice. It looks beautiful without the fairings IN PERSON. In pics it looks strange, I don't know why :dunno_black:
I've actually done a ~5-6 hour ride to upstate NJ and lower NY (Port Jervis area where alot of mountain twisties are), which a beautiful ride and another ~4-5 hour ride down to frenchtown along the river. The vibes were noticeable early but I got used to it. Even the seating position felt perfect. My experience is that as long as I'm not coming off and on the bike alot and just sit on the seat for extended time, the stock seat is really comfortable even with jeans on.
I also like it for commuting, I just seem to have lost some of my confidence somewhere.
Quote from: myfirstluv on August 16, 2010, 05:27:28 PM
I hear ya on the EZPass and the rain. I'm planning to get a pass and more rain gear.
I have a 2007 black and silver F.
I also like it for commuting, I just seem to have lost some of my confidence somewhere.
Toll booths are deadly slippery in the rain. <I know> :icon_neutral:
With EZPass you can avoid the stop & pay issue altogether.
Just my 2 cents worth.
As for confidence. . .
We all have good days & bad days on the bike. I don't know what your skill level is so I won't preach but navigating the cage traffic in New Jersey can get over whelming for anyone.
Sometimes it helps to give the bike a rest for a few days.
If you give it a little honest thought, you probably already know what's stealing your confidence.
Buy a book.
Read it.
Practice the drills (in small amounts).
Don't overdose on the cure.
O.K., I'll stop the sermon.By the way, I have the same bike as you.
A 2007 black & silver "F" bike.
Loaded with all my commuter stuff as always.
(https://system.netsuite.com/core/media/media.nl?id=734&c=851642&h=82bf451955db5381f072&ck=rT8EejBXAcXmAQ2C&vid=Ym3QHSlXAfjb-5Gj&cktime=87883)
When time permits, post a pic and label it "commuter bike" so its on-topic. :cheers:
-Ej-
Electrojake,
Great looking bike! :D
Black and silver 07's are great.
(http://i47.tinypic.com/317ayp1.jpg)
For the daily rides I leave off the tail bag and tank bag.
myfirstluv,
I regulate the commute by riding when the rain chance is 30% or less. Works most of the time. Always carry rain gear any way. Electrojake is right, sometimes a short break lets you ride better.
Keep the shiny side up,
Chuck
Sure i'd be up for a ride sometime.
As far as commuting i avoid riding the bike when their is a chance of rain cause to me it isn't fun to ride in the rain. I also have never been on either the turnpike or parkway as even riding on them in a car is a danger especially when getting near a toll booth as most drivers don't know which lane they should be in and just cut across all the lanes without looking. With the newer speed lanes for ezpass on the parkway I would get one for the bike but i never see myself taking the parkway anwhere as i would just take less traveled side roads even if it is slower.
Quote from: Electrojake on August 16, 2010, 08:53:13 PM
By the way, I have the same bike as you.
A 2007 black & silver "F" bike.
Loaded with all my commuter stuff as always.
(https://system.netsuite.com/core/media/media.nl?id=734&c=851642&h=82bf451955db5381f072&ck=rT8EejBXAcXmAQ2C&vid=Ym3QHSlXAfjb-5Gj&cktime=87883)
When time permits, post a pic and label it "commuter bike" so its on-topic. :cheers:
-Ej-
Yea please post. I'm curious about the gauges you have fitted into err the cowl? I don't know what to call. Those extra gauges on the right.
IMO, the GS500 is the ideal commuter bike. It is fast enough to keep up with traffic, even when the average speed on the freeway is well over the speed limit. It is the largest motorcycle that is still more economical to operate than a small car. Bikes may get better gas mileage than cars, but tires kill you on cost compared to cages.
(My regular ride is a Ninja 650; Mrs. Bad Example recently purchased a GS500F.)
We have some pretty fierce winds in my turf, and the GS actually handles them with far more aplomb than my 650; less nervousness, far less yaw. I don't take any palpable headwind on either, but then again I'm only 5'5".
I found her GS to be superior as far as lane sharing. Almost the same curb weight, but the GS feels far more nimble and light; lower center of gravity, I think.
Speaking of which, I have a few pounds of tools and other essentials in my tankbag; the Gs carries it lower.
I had no problem with the GS's relative lack of power, but then again I wasn't racing anyone (and keep in mind that I was keeping to the 5.5k rpm limit, as her moto is new). I've also commuted on Ms. Bad Examples's Ninja 250 adn her 675 Daytona (the Daytona is moto is just plain overkill, especially as far as power goes).
I agree with the last post, in that supersports are too fast for the street and should remain on the track.
Anyways here are pics of my bike. Sorry about the mistake before, I meant 2006 not 2007 (I bought in 07).
(http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad239/aakashp31/bikepic.jpg)
(http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad239/aakashp31/P1000942.jpg)
(http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad239/aakashp31/P1010034.jpg)
The last is my most current with the zero gravity sport touring windshield. FYI: it takes wind away from my chest and to the visor of my helmet. Much less buffeting, actually no buffeting whatsoever. I'm 5'9" and 225 lbs.
Peace Out till later :thumb:
Quote from: myfirstluv on August 17, 2010, 07:52:33 PM
I agree with the last post, in that supersports are too fast for the street and should remain on the track.
They're fun on
some streets, but IME commuters they are not.
OTOH, having gobs of power on tap can be exhilarating on some streets/highways. That's still not enough to offset the price one pays for 99% of the riding I do, though.
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
(Three Cheers) for the best little commuter out there.
I've got a blue & white 07 (really wanted the black/silver... so I'm jealous!). I commute 70 miles round trip daily year-round in SE Pennsylvania (but do not do snowy or icy roads). I'm completely satisfied with the ride, love the economy, LOVE the handling :thumb:. Sure, I'll be honest... there are times I wish I had a little more power on tap on the freeway. But I have yet to say that the darn thing isn't fast enough. And... with lots of empty, twisty country roads out here... it doesn't take a whole lot of great road to make up for those power-lust moments. With the handling and weight of the GS, you can turn any twisty road into an eye-opening experience.
Been commuting for a month or three on my 07 500F - Definitely feeling an urge to get a touring windscreen to handle the freeway time but no complaints otherwise. Using a pair of fabric saddlebags to carry my stuff.
Curious though, my mileage isn't where I'd expect (<50), guessing that's due to the 70-80MPH highway speed?
i have been going back and forth to work on my bike for 2 years now....only my bike....cause i don't have a car. my advice.....even though you think you are gonna get somewhere faster by using 60mph roads, there are more stop lights and more idiots on main roads, too many people trying to beat the clock in the morning to get to work and too many people trying to get home as fast and reckless as they can. my advice...seek out a route that takes back roads and you will be surprised to find you get to work faster. :2guns: pachoo pachoo
Quote from: Sinisterpolarbears on August 18, 2010, 12:03:25 AM
i have been going back and forth to work on my bike for 2 years now....only my bike....cause i don't have a car. my advice.....even though you think you are gonna get somewhere faster by using 60mph roads, there are more stop lights and more idiots on main roads, too many people trying to beat the clock in the morning to get to work and too many people trying to get home as fast and reckless as they can. my advice...seek out a route that takes back roads and you will be surprised to find you get to work faster. :2guns: pachoo pachoo
Good point about the back roads. So what if the commute takes an extra 5 or 10 minutes? Riding the GS is fun, so 10 more minutes of fun.........and avoiding the a-holes.........
On my weekend commute, which is 80 miles each way, I have about 5 different routes I can take......less than 10 minutes difference, and less than 5 miles difference........can take main highways, or back roads thru a national park........I just mix it up for interest!
Cookie
Quote from: twocool on August 18, 2010, 03:03:17 AM
Good point about the back roads. So what if the commute takes an extra 5 or 10 minutes? Riding the GS is fun, so 10 more minutes of fun.........and avoiding the a-holes.........
On my weekend commute, which is 80 miles each way, I have about 5 different routes I can take......less than 10 minutes difference, and less than 5 miles difference........can take main highways, or back roads thru a national park........I just mix it up for interest!
There other less-obvious advantages to this approach, namely reducing "familiarity fatigue". Driving the same route every day, day-in and day-out, has the effect of reducing your attentiveness. In short, you get bored (at some level) because you are TOO familiar with the route. You see the same cars and same traffic conditions, and your responses become conditioned. You are therefore less able to adapt and respond to novel stimulus, like that guy pulling out of a driveway that has been empty for months.
By changing your route, you are constantly "refreshing" those conditioned responses because the context keeps changing, making you more attentive, and in my opinion, a rider more capable of dealing with novel situations.
:cheers:
I just started my new job and have tried two routes, too and from work. I still have one or two more routes I might be able to try.
I bought A* Roam waterproof boots for the commute and wore them comfortably in 90C temp.
My turn signals are really marker lights and have just ordered a clear alternatives integrated taillight to use in conjunction. It will help with visibility when and if I buy a givi tailbag. Just unsure about the size of the givi topcase and whether or not it will be too big for the bike. E370 would be fine, but I'm unsure about the E450 or E470 :dunno_black:
Those cortech injector gloves are sick for $40. I'm also gonna try and buy kevlar reinforced jeans to substitute for mesh overpants, which I'm not having any luck finding a good pair of.
I'm not thinking of using turnpike cause it'll cost $90 a month. I'd rather leave earlier and save money, but I'm still gonna get a EZPass.
I'll keep posting about my commuting gear. :thumb:
Quote from: myfirstluv on August 14, 2010, 08:44:59 PM
My main concern, especially lately, is the wind slapping me in the face and then punching the bike from under me. I don't know if the weather in NJ has just been that way recently, but I've never been this concerned about it before. It was rarely an issue before and has kind of scared me a little.
My bike is faired with a sport touring zero gravity shield, which helps with buffeting and comfort. I've been riding for just under 3 years with ~15k miles and ride all almost all year. Which is kinda why I'm a little freaked out that it's bothering me.
It feels like it gets worse between 70-85???
Please continue with everyone's opinions and experiances :)
You are going too fast! When it's windy any bike will get blown around at 80 mph. My GS is naked so the wind situation is worse but I still think it's the best commuter available. I put a 17-tooth front sprocket on and it's wonderful on the highway. It makes the bike feel more relaxed at speed. Sixth gear is now a true overdrive gear. Before that the bike screamed at me, "I want another gear!" So, I gave it one and it's been thanking me ever since. God, I LOVE THIS BIKE, and I've ridden everything from minibikes to 1600cc Harleys. When it's windy and you're riding a light motorcycle you have to slow down. There's no other cure.
Quote from: myfirstluv on August 15, 2010, 09:17:21 PM
Hey,
Look what I found. This should make winter riding much better for GS owners, since alternator output is low for us. Also I'm not sure if this is true, but logic tells me that a warm core temp should increase warm blood flow to the hands. I'm wondering if a heated vest will do the job into the high 30's since I've been doing short distances (~15-30 min; 20-50 mph) into the 20's with Joe rocket winter gloves.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/heated-vest/battery-heated-vest/
This heated battery vest got amazing reviews and is about $240 with a battery pack
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-gloves/gerbing-hybrid-gloves/
These gloves are expensive ~$300, but I can't find anything else like it for cheaper and they can be wired or used with a battery.
I'm having trouble finding good mesh pants for hot summers. The best I can do is wear knee/shin guards under my jeans. My alter ego pants are hot above 60-75 with jeans under them.
On a side note look at this sale I found: $40 for $90 gloves. I thought I would share this sale with everyone else. Since I don't have gauntlet's I think I'm gonna give them a try.
http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/gloves/cortech_by_tour_master/injector_motorcycle_gloves.html
I ride whenever the snow and ice are gone. I live in Buffalo and I have a pair of Tourmaster winter gloves. They cost me $35. They do the job nicely for 20 minute commutes to work even if it's 30 degrees. I have no extras on my bike. I like it simple. I say dress for the weather.
Quote from: Chuck500 on August 17, 2010, 06:08:35 PM
I regulate the commute by riding when the rain chance is 30% or less. Works most of the time. Always carry rain gear any way. Electrojake is right, sometimes a short break lets you ride better.
Keep the shiny side up,
Chuck
I re-read your post, and I think I will follow your rule of riding only when the chance of rain is 30% or less. Since the commute is longer it makes more sense. My old rule when I commuting 15-30 min to Rutgers with access to a parking garage, was to ride in the rain as long as it wasn't going to rain the entire day. But now the routes I have to work are fairly dangerous even in optimal conditions.
I've commuted in downtown Dallas traffic since I bought my '07 GS500f brand new and love it. The bike is the best part of the commute. My gear on the other hand in our 105-110 degree summers on the other hand is difficult to bear. I only have textile fabrics because they're decent year-round materials, but aren't really good for either and I feel like I'm baking in the summer!
The only thing I don't recommend is trying to ride it like a supersport (which I tried for a little while). I was an idiot and drove it hard and put way too much strain on the engine causing gaskets to blow, oil leaks, etc. I've since calmed my riding down and really enjoy the ride now.
Quote from: SRJbb99 on August 22, 2010, 09:26:25 PMbut aren't really good for either and I feel like I'm baking in the summer!
MotoPort.
I'm familiar with motorport and dismissed it a while ago. It's more expensive than even the aerostitch gear.
I wanted to know if you guys lock your tail bag and/or saddlebags to your bike while your commuting?
I don't anticipate anyone stealing my stuff where I work but you never know, but at the same time I'm having trouble dropping the coin for a topcase. I'm worried about the weight up so high and in the back from what I've read and what people have said to me. I need the ability to pass and stay away from cars 60-85 mph depending on the road.
My aleternative's are nelson rigg cl-85 and cl-350.
Not sure I'd dismiss Motoport just because it's more expensive than Stich - they make some fantastic gear (maybe Homer and I can duke it out one of these days? :) ). Of course, if it's more than you want to pay that's really all there is to it. I dug into it a lot when I was shopping for gear - quickest summary I can think of is the motoport will breathe through the fabric (which you don't get from most cordura/carbolex textiles) but is more of a challenge in the weather. Even so, I'm sure there are plenty of meshy pants in the hundred dollar range from the usual suspects (fieldsheer, tourmaster, etc).
I have some First Gear Monza saddlebags on my bike - they are pretty spacious and look decent:
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mbYlV8uE1I0/TEzRJ9lrHvI/AAAAAAAAABE/y4qVt8QmYwo/s400/img_0806.jpg)
However, their mounting is pretty rudimentary - just a pair of velcro straps over the top. It comes with two small bungee cords but there really isn't a place to bungee on them (??). I have somewhere between an inch and two of clearance over the exhaust. I don't lock mine, but the only thing that's ever really in there are my gym clothes. Anything of value usually ends up in the pockets of my riding jacket. I could get a smallish master lock to tie the zippers together if I was concerned, but I don't like my gym clothes anyway so if somebody feels the need to liberate them from me... more power to them I suppose. I do often leave my riding pants in there at work. I suppose I'll get concerned about theft after it's too late.
I went with saddlebags instead of a top case (or tail bag) because I'm weird and prefer the look. I have no personal experience with top cases, but a coworker of mine said he doesn't even notice his back there when he rides. Of course, he's on a KLR, so he expects everything to be tall! Main point - whatever you get, you will get used to.
Here is mine with First Gear Silverstones. The saddlebags live on the bike. Tail bag only when traveling. Tank bag for weekend rides. i keep the rain liners for my suit in on bag and use the other for work items and day shoes. No locks since my main gear won't fit inthem any way. I never leave my suit or helmet on the bike. May go to hard bags this winter. I run the straps under the seat and use the bungees to hook the bottoms of the bags together. Keeps them form flying.
(http://i36.tinypic.com/w163gg.jpg)
Keep the shiny side up,
Chuck