Motorcycles BS Thread 2.0

Found you a grom
https://www.hondagrom.net/threads/2020-green-grom-for-sale-northern-virginia.47719/

 

That looks awesome!

Here's a gen1
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mcy/d/germantown-honda-grom-125cc-motorcycle/7352995935.html

 

That’s what I’ve read about the Sporty suspension! From what I have seen, Legends Revo-A’s have good reviews. Couple few adjustments available. Also, exactly why I asked is I didn’t think about the possible effect on the jiffy stand. Thanks for the input!

 

I haven't seen that, thanks for the heads up!

In the back of my mind I figure if I can come up with something easy to replicate I could make a few bucks, but my fab skills will have to advance a lot before I start trusting my work on other people's bikes haha. I'm a beginner but working at it. I'm trying to rig something up that would be between a sissy bar, cargo rack, pannier support for when the wife and I travel light so it may not appeal to traditional riders. I'll fiddle with it all winter most likely and get back to yall if anything comes of it. The wife likes to ride with me when we cruise around town or around the lake but on trips she wants her own bike so I don't really have to worry about a passenger. I would like to keep the weight low and not have to step through if possible though.

 

the cruiser conundrum....comfy feet forward seating means your lower back IS the shock absorber. My bike is considered a cruiser but its got fairly mid controls and at speed, when I don't need to cover the brake, I put my feet on the rear sets and have an almost ADV posture. Rotates the pelvis, relieves the lower back. Moving around like that keeps me in the saddle and comfy much longer. Irrelevant though cuz...can't do that on a Harley.

There's gotta be dozens of established aftermarket options for a Harley, no?

Another thing....custom seat foam. There are lots of shops that will craft a multi density foam / or gel / seat for you, that can help a lot as well. They'll use your existing cover and seat pan. Visually identical to what you have, but much different under your arse.

 

Sadly dating back to when I worked for a dealership, that's what happened to a lot of those bikes. Sales of HD were so hot then people were taking whatever they could get and often it was entirely the wrong bike for what they intended to use it for. That Sport model had among the best suspension Harley ever put out. Adjustable both front and rear, twin disc brakes on the front, and dual plug heads.

 

I like the Roadsters

 

I actually liked them too until I rode one. The peg location is right inline with the seat. Meaning when you come to a stop, they’re right where your legs will naturally land to put your feet down. This leaves you with two awkward choices: either stand with your feet widely apart or move them forward or behind the pegs where you can’t create a good base to stand on. While riding, the pegs are in the perfect position so moving them would change that. It was a combination of the higher saddle that also moved you forward and the peg position that just made it uncomfortable.

I still like the ride though, but I’d have to swap the seat and move the peg position.

 

I like the OG Grom with the high exhaust. Wonder why they put a SF Grom pipe on it? Swap it out for an FMF system and put some Maxxis 6024 knobbies on it, and you've got a cool little adventure bike clone.

 

Dug the speed triple out of my parents house. Been sitting for over 2 years. Threw a battery in it and it fired up. Spent the morning cleaning it up.

originally planned to sell it but after a ride around the block.... wave of nostalgia hit me and I can’t do it. Going to ship it back to AZ and 1050 swap it

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTjR1vTufGA

 

I’ve really enjoyed my “S.” I bought it because it had everything I was looking for (carb’ed, rigid frame, 1200cc) and was a helluva deal. It has its quirks that have made modification a little difficult, but luckily I’ve been able to work around them with @fatfurious2 help. I think the RK shocks I put on the rear are better than the stock S shocks. I haven’t sold the stock shocks and may put them back on one day. The dual plug heads and higher compression are cool, and I really like the dual disc front brakes. I appreciate what Harley was going for but at some point I don’t know really how much more “sporty” you can make a Sportster. At the end of the day, it’s still going to be a Sportster. It’s not going to compare to true sport bikes.

 

Went on a spirited ride today. 50/50 gravel street. I still like the bike. Just not for long distance

 

I'm planning a route around Lake Michigan for late August/early September - any pointers on what/where I should ride? Vague plan is to start in Manitowoc WI and go north hugging the shoreline as close as possible, avoiding interstates and large cities whenever able, cross the Mackinac Bridge and head south through Michigan, again as close to the shore and as far from big roads as I can manage.

 

I wish my garage had an indoor hose bib, jealous.

 

Hot water? Baller!

 

Got the rear brake pads changed out on the project Ninja.







Thank God this thing isn’t registered yet, and that I’ve had the opportunity to go through all the important mechanical stuff.

I think they were the original Tokico pads from 2004.

 

Took the SV for a ride today for the first time since I got it. Always a good time hitting some back roads. Front brakes are really mushy so I will probably order some stainless lines and get some proper brake pads for it.
When I got back my daughter begged me to take her for a ride on the Grom since the SV is too loud. Of course my 1 1/2 year old started crying and wanted to ride as well so I put him in the carrier and took him for a ride. First time he has ever been on the grom and he had an absolute blast and started crying when we stopped.

 

Sitting on my couch drinking whiskey last night I decided that today was a good day for a 1000 mile ride iron butt ride. It was great until the last 100 miles which alternated between high winds, rain, thunderstorms and lightning or did all four at the same time. It took 15 hours 27 minutes start to finish with seven gas stops, a quick breakfast at the first station, lunch, and a snack at a gas stop on the way home. Riding time was 13 hours 41 minutes for 1045 miles. I don't know if I'll do that again, have to see what my knees feel like in the morning.