Show us your Motorcycles
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NH-MAN
Addicted Member
What's the problem?
BMWCCA
Addicted Member
Assuming you're talking to me, these look about as functional as clapped-out Honda Civics with fart-can exhaust and wheels from a skateboard sticking out beyond the fenders. Just missing a female passenger in a G-string hanging her butt off the back. And, yes, I've been to Daytona Bike Week. In fact, as I like to say: I rode my bike to Trailer Week.
I'm looking for some functional purpose here. But you know I'm old and maybe that's just me?
RocketFoot
Everyone's a DJ until you give them a set of 1200s
I don't ride, but these are in my garage...
Both my sons are riders...personally, I wish they didn't! Not because of the bikes...they are experienced riders but it's the other drivers out there that I worry about! My oldest already wiped out one Harley when a guy in a brand new Silverado ran a red light! He was lucky to walk away with only a few bumps and scratches! The sport bike is a Yamaha MT-09 SP Naked...I'll have to get an updated photo because he changed the tail light from the boat anchor to a tight F1 LED with license plate relocation! It is sharp...wicked fast, too! (Which is another big thing to worry about!)
Both my sons are riders...personally, I wish they didn't! Not because of the bikes...they are experienced riders but it's the other drivers out there that I worry about! My oldest already wiped out one Harley when a guy in a brand new Silverado ran a red light! He was lucky to walk away with only a few bumps and scratches! The sport bike is a Yamaha MT-09 SP Naked...I'll have to get an updated photo because he changed the tail light from the boat anchor to a tight F1 LED with license plate relocation! It is sharp...wicked fast, too! (Which is another big thing to worry about!)
NH-MAN
Addicted Member
Assuming you're talking to me, these look about as functional as clapped-out Honda Civics with fart-can exhaust and wheels from a skateboard sticking out beyond the fenders. Just missing a female passenger in a G-string hanging her butt off the back. And, yes, I've been to Daytona Bike Week. In fact, as I like to say: I rode my bike to Trailer Week.
I'm looking for some functional purpose here. But you know I'm old and maybe that's just me?
I just see some folks enjoying some time together on what they enjoy.
They might think the same about yours or my bike.
noise on the other hand I have issues with.
NH-MAN
Addicted Member
My son 23 who’s been riding since he was 10 just bought this Honda 2013 954rr (also has 83 Honda v4 700 Sabre) but just tracked down and is purchasing all the fender and turn signal stuff so people do see him. The after market integral brake light turn signal combo is a joke. You can barley see it 200 ft away when he leaves the house and is braking down the hill. He worries more about people behind him looking at their cell phones more than looking “cool”
confused as how you worry about him on one hand yet applaud making his bike less visible to others on the other.
I posted the Honda Gromes picture. Like I said, I was old school, mid 70s and Brit bikes mostly,
tho I was the Service manager for Rockville Kawasaki in 1976, and although we see a lot of the smaller
motorbikes, minibike, scooters, whatever (most apparently 49cc so they don't need plates),
I just wasn't familiar with the mini-dragster style bikes like those Gromes.
But since Fairfax city is a college town, I get that small bikes are popular with the college crowd -
fun is fun, especially on a warm day like Friday was.
I wasn't harshing on anyone, just commenting on something new to me.
tho I was the Service manager for Rockville Kawasaki in 1976, and although we see a lot of the smaller
motorbikes, minibike, scooters, whatever (most apparently 49cc so they don't need plates),
I just wasn't familiar with the mini-dragster style bikes like those Gromes.
But since Fairfax city is a college town, I get that small bikes are popular with the college crowd -
fun is fun, especially on a warm day like Friday was.
I wasn't harshing on anyone, just commenting on something new to me.
BMWCCA
Addicted Member
Forgotten in all these mods (or not!) is the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for reflective area. This is reflective surfaces that get attention even if your taillight bulbs aren't working. LEDs may often be brighter than incandescent bulbs but the reflective surfaces may be all that gets the attention of someone behind you.
Years ago I bought some marvelous 3M reflective black sheets and cut them to fit my saddle bags. In daylight they look just like normal black bags but at night they light up the bike incredibly in the headlights of a following vehicle. Riding is just a dangerous proposition which the rider should make as safe as possible. We know we are taking our chances whenever we straddle a machine.
NH-MAN
Addicted Member
Forgotten in all these mods (or not!) is the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for reflective area. This is reflective surfaces that get attention even if your taillight bulbs aren't working. LEDs may often be brighter than incandescent bulbs but the reflective surfaces may be all that gets the attention of someone behind you.
Years ago I bought some marvelous 3M reflective black sheets and cut them to fit my saddle bags. In daylight they look just like normal black bags but at night they light up the bike incredibly in the headlights of a following vehicle. Riding is just a dangerous proposition which the rider should make as safe as possible. We know we are taking our chances whenever we straddle a machine.
WOW
RocketFoot
Everyone's a DJ until you give them a set of 1200s
I would say the light kit he bought is an upgrade, yeah it looks better but it is brighter and has the attention strobe. The main change was moving the plate for looks. That LED is bright! As a parent I will always worry!
gizzyman47
Addicted Member
Here's my CBR 900RR I had while living in AZ.
3kitty
Super Member
YY1
Addicted Member
The Grom is actually a late arrival.
For the past 10 years, there have been pretty sizable followings for Honda Ruckus 125 and Yamaha Zuma 125 (I have one of those).
They both do well on 50 MPH or less roadways. I frequently catch and pass cars on mine, and it will beat a LOT of vehicles 0-40 MPH.
I know there is a 49cc Zuma model but was not aware of a 49cc Ruckus.
In FL (as well as OH) any motor vehicle driven on public roads needs to be licensed and registered, as well as operated by a licensed driver.
The only benefit to an "under 50cc" engine is that a motorcycle endorsement is not required on your driver's license.
That said, I've seen in both states those "Whizzer" type bicycle conversions not get hassled by the cops.
Although I've also noticed the numbers of those steadily increasing, so that may be about to change.
For the past 10 years, there have been pretty sizable followings for Honda Ruckus 125 and Yamaha Zuma 125 (I have one of those).
They both do well on 50 MPH or less roadways. I frequently catch and pass cars on mine, and it will beat a LOT of vehicles 0-40 MPH.
I know there is a 49cc Zuma model but was not aware of a 49cc Ruckus.
In FL (as well as OH) any motor vehicle driven on public roads needs to be licensed and registered, as well as operated by a licensed driver.
The only benefit to an "under 50cc" engine is that a motorcycle endorsement is not required on your driver's license.
That said, I've seen in both states those "Whizzer" type bicycle conversions not get hassled by the cops.
Although I've also noticed the numbers of those steadily increasing, so that may be about to change.
BMWCCA
Addicted Member
Pio1980
AK Member
Murphy's Corollary:
It is impossible to make anything foolproof because fools are so ingenious.
knotscott
Super Member
The one that got away!
Bought this 1979 Yamaha RD400 Daytona Special brand new. It was the last of the street legal two-strokes in the US. Sold it in 1983 to buy a house for my bride. (still have the bride 
)
The one that got away!
View attachment 2869784
Not to nitpick, but I believe the last of the street legal two-strokes in the US were the 1984-1985 RZ350....
Thanks,
Joe
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knotscott
Super Member
That's a pretty cool bike. Good to know actually, so thanks for the update. (Kenny Roberts' signature to boot!)
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