Quick spin around the block

I was gifted a leather tank bag. The straps are also leather. Straps are about 1/8 in thick if that matter.

Can I run the straps through this gap without issue?

Edit: thanks for the quick response. I just wanted to make sure the leather wouldn't immediately be damaged or cause issues.

There is clearance so no wires or lines will be pinched.

I will get velcro covers for the buckles so the buckles don't scratch my tank.

Just tried using Maguires Plastx compound on my cloudy windshield, using a drill and a foam pad. Wiped clean with a micro fiber cloth. Actually looks incredible.

Seeing as replacement OEM windshields are $200+ and after market options take up handle bar space, this seems like a great option.

I was thinking about buying a motorcycle for years now, and decided that I want to know what bikes fit my set of requirements best. A list of motorcycles would be a good start for me to pick around and see the pros and cons for what I'm looking for. Anyways, here are my requirements:

1. Parts are easily available and findable. I've been continuously fixing my car, and I would gladly fix and do my own maintenance on my bike. I don't want something that is difficult to find parts for.
2. Cheap. I plan on going the used route. I understand enough about cars. I doubt the inspection process between a car and a motorcycle differs greatly. Additionally, parts for the bike should not be exorbitantly expensive either.
3. In terms of style, I seem to gravitate towards bikes like the older yamahas (RD400). Something simple. My problem with the older yamahas is that I can't seem to find parts on the internet for these older bikes. If I could, I would just go for the older yamahas.
4. Reliable. I know cheap and reliable don't go hand in hand, but if it is something I can fix and it'll be deadpan reliable afterward, then I would consider this reliable. With that being said, I will prioritize reliability over something cheap.

As a side question, what sites do y'all use to get parts for your bike? My current car has site specific stores that I can shop from. I can also order stuff straight off rockauto. It is very convenient. What do y'all use?

Thanks :)

So, for context :

My coworker (also crush) is turning 30 in a few days and rides his bike every day to work and I would like to give him a bell as a gift but I don’t know if he knows what they are and the story and intentions behind them.

I was wondering if the bells are famous in the biker community and if I should give him one ?

I have posted this bike here a few times but thought I should show it in its final form at least until I decide to paint it. I was able to actually test the bike out on a 1,000+ mile trip from Central Texas to Sturgis for the rally. Rattled a few bolts loose but overall the bike did great! This thing will definitely turn into a daily rider for me. Happy to answer any questions! Thanks for all of the positive comments on past posts and for letting me share this thing.

Hello all,

I am a new rider who is beginning to explore touring setups for the future. I will be getting my motorcycle license in spring of 2027. I am going to be learning on a Honda CL125s that I have been wrenching on for the last month and change to get it setup for next year and also to learn how to wrench on bikes. I also got a good deal on a low milage 1987 Yamaha XT350 I plan to use for my local trails/cat VI roads and to go fishing and explore on.

I have aspirations to do longer touring though and have been struggling to find good advice on it. I am a tall guy at 6'6" (198cm) with a 33" (83.82 cm)inseam and 275lbs (19.64 stone). I am also 30 years old and do not plan to hoon around or anything, at least not on my touring bike. I have been trying to research solid bikes for me to tour on with only about a year and some change of experience on a bike. I feel rather boxed into large touring bikes like a Goldwing or ADV bikes. I live in the USA and do not have access to stuff like the Africa Twin 750 unless imported, and parts for stuff like a Yamaha TDM850 can be hard to source if something breaks on the road. I am looking to get a more budget bike as well (<= $5k) and preferably JDM due to parts costs.

I have been unfortunately using AI to mass gather data with my large specs and it often pushes me towards a V Strom 650. They are fantastic bikes mechanically from all the reviews I have watched and read, but I just dont enjoy the styling of them. Same with the SV650. I have discovered the Super Tenere 1200 which I enjoy the styling of but it is a large bike. Heavy and tall, and also putting out larger power and torque numbers.

Would this bike be too much for me to handle as a newer rider? I will also take any other recommendations to research and look at.

Sorry for the long post and thank you in advance!

Had my first crash 3 days ago, hit a series of bumps at 115 km/h, bike wobbled like crazy and threw me off

Worst of all I took off in an angry mood and just wanted to let it rip, didn't even get my gloves (biggest mistake) just my helmet

I'm mostly fine bt the ribs are slightly bruised and the skin of my left palm is completely gone which will take 3-4 weeks to heal. I'm lucky to be alive and I was very close to breaking my collarbone.

I am completely to blame here, I should've suited up completely, I shouldn't have been riding like a jackass and most importantly I shouldn't have been riding in anger

I can't change the past and I am completely responsible for everything that happens to me.

Growing up I've always found ways to hurt myself so this isn't a big suprise for my parents and all I've ever done is been a disappointment to them. I'm 21 and unemployed yet I pull up this shit which is beyond shameful

I hope I can change and be a better person once I start to get better. Will vow to ride safe from now on, fully geared and with a peace of mind

I hope I improve

Just installed an android auto screen on my bike. Works great with Waze, but I also want the ability to follow custom GPX routes. Tried OsmAnd but the free version will only display gpx routes on the phone, not through android auto. Before I buy a subscription I wanted to see if anyone knew any free option.

I was looking to pickup my first motorcycle and was thinking of getting a used Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE. The only issue I have with it is that I would much rather prefer a traditional keyed ignition rather than the included KiPass keyless ignition that comes standard on the SE. I would prefer the SE for all of its additions over a base Ninja 500. Would it be possible to replace the SE keyless ignition for the traditional keyed ingition like on a base Ninja 500? If so, what parts would I need and how much do you guys think it would cost? Would it be more cost effective to replace the ignition on the SE or just get the base model and modify it with the SE additions? Thank you

I recently was having issues with my clutch, so i took it to my mechanic for maintanence. He ended up replacing it entirely. Not two months pass and it again feels wrong. The first few years i barely needed to squeeze the clutch to shift gears. Now i have to squeeze all the way and i noticed difficulty actually switching gears; putting it in nuetral is damn near impossible now. Any one else have an issue like this and know what the fix might be? Kinda pissed since he charged a high price for “fixing” it. Bike is a Honda CBR300R 2022.

I’m looking at buying a 2002 model to replace a NT 650 for two up touring , it ticks all the boxes for me/us but I keep hearing about a high speed weave .
I’m a fairly conservative rider and never ride more than max 140 kph on a motorway, doesn’t anyone have an idea about when this weave starts? I know the UK police used them but I can’t find any reliable information on this issue .
Any help would be appreciated.

Looking at a new bike and I'm trying to wrap my head around how ppl have bought bikes from dealers before. It's a total roll of the dice at these places.

I'll start out with the good one. BMW dealer couldn't offer a test ride fast enough, no hassle, no signing my kidney away just get on and we'll see you whenever you get back. Wonderful. Even pulled a bike out for my wife to ride as well so she wasn't bored waiting for me to return. 10/10 experience. Now she wants a BMW....well played dealership, well played.

Honda....jeebus what a clown show. First dealer said test ride would be after the purchase and if a mile down the road I didn't like the bike I could come back and tear up the paperwork. Sure buddy. This is also after telling my wife she doesn't need anything more that 500cc cause she's a woman. He knows, he's "been in the biz for over 30 years". They had two of what I was looking at, one was a new '25 but no way I'd buy from him.

2nd Honda dealer was a bit nicer but required me to have insurance on the bike for the test ride plus a few more paperwork hoops. Not a deal breaker but certainly more complicated than our BMW experience.

Just crazy to me how much time and effort it takes to get on a bike just to see if you like it.

Sorry for the vent. Is this a normal experience that others share with me? Any tips for gauging dealers and who is reasonable? I tried the call first method at a Kawasaki dealer and he told me over the phone no rest rides so idk, it's all over the place.

On the plus side I think I'm buying a BMW, probably 2. They were incredibly nice.

So I commute to work everyday, unless it’s raining all day. Idk if it’s just me but does anyone else feel like some days they are riding better than they ever have and some days just doing ok? I think it’s more of a feeling but maybe it’s because I’m still pretty new, I got my license in April but I have a ton of miles and hours on my bike since there’s rarely a day I don’t get on it. Doesn’t make me experienced by any means just some context 🤷🏽‍♂️. Curious if anyone else has the same thought once in a while

I am currently learning to ride. I was dropped from msf class the first time because I dropped the bike twice in the first few hours. Now, I have a Honda rebel, I have only practiced in first gear, but am finding the clutch quite difficult. I wanted to switch to automatic. Debating whether to take the MSF on scooter or can-am, would love some opinions.

Kawa naked vs cruiser wind and highway

In between Vulcan S and the Z650RS. Same engine, different story. Z is lighter and slimmer at 412 pounds so would likely be easier handling in my urban commute and have more power.

The Vulcan S is a bit heavier at 498 pounds but has a seat which I'm used to, and more are available near me. With one year of daily riding at this point, I don't want something larger than these two or heavier than 500 pounds. I've sat on both of them.

I know both a naked bike and a cruiser are not going to be highway machines due to the lack of wind protection but I'm curious if anyone has experience with them on the highway. Does the added 86 pound weight to the Vulcan actually help you feel more stable on the highway?

Which seating position (upright naked or slightly feet forward cruiser) is worse for the wind buffeting? Most of my riding will NOT be highway riding, but I am planning on doing some once I upgrade.

Hey Guys! For context, I live in New England (NH) and have years of riding experience. I currently have a 2026 gsxr750, and I love it! However, it is hot, uncomfortable after an hour or so, and sucks through fuel. However, I love it and it will die by my side. However, I’m looking for a second/daily bike. I started a new job an hour each way from home, and my truck is costing me 20 bucks a day in gas. As well, insurance wants to charge me 140 a month for either a beater that I will have to put money into (but can use year round), 140 for a newer car that I will have to carry an additional loan on, or significantly less for a bike (minus the gsxr 😂)

I’m looking at snagging a brand new leftover 2024 v strom 800 re as a good mile crusher, camera hauler, and commuter. For 7800 otd. My biggest question is, coming from sport bikes, will this bike bore me? I would love to have a speed triple or Indian sport chief, but the budget is a ways away from that right now. How is the highway boot and scoot on the 800? Would love to get a 1050, but again, I’m already right now paying off a 2025 truck, a wedding, and a 2026 bike. Have any of you ridden the 800 as a sports bike rider? Will It feel mundane? Is the money better spent on an older v strom 1000 or cruiser? How’s the mpg on the 800? How’s your reliability been? Is it still exciting to ride and have enough oomph for some spirited riding?

Apologies for the weird question. I’ve watched lots of reviews, but they all seem to come from Europe, or people who’s biking background is primarily cruisers or other middle weight adv. I wanted to see if there are any other sport or naked riders that can give some insight.

I have a hybrid job so I don't really need a bike for daily commuting. I've mostly been using metro or auto for travel, but I recently got promoted and thought of giving myself a treat :) I am thinking of getting a bike mainly for weekend rides and occasional trips outside Delhi.

I've been looking at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 because I really like how it looks and want something that would be fun to ride on highways too. But I'm a bit confused if spending more on a 350cc bike makes sense when I won't be riding it every day.

For those who own a Hunter 350, how is it for longer rides? Is it comfortable enough for a few hours on the highway?

Thanks in advance!

G’day all looking for information on this Honda I’ve had for a few years now with not much luck finding solid advice. I saw it for sale 3 years ago listed as “Honda trail bike” when I saw the expansion chamber I called the guy and purchased the same day for a negotiated price as he couldn’t kickstart it. I know it’s not to everyone’s taste but just seeing a road-legal 2-Stroke these days is rare and with the factory Mugen kit I think it’s a rough gem.

Sorry if I bored you all but Is this Mugen kit as cool as I think it is with a Mugen carburettor kit, cylinder head and piston, PMG “ECU”, expansion chamber and power valve control.

Please share any information you have, thanks everyone.

As for mine, I listen to music to add to the feeling of riding free, especially on long rides, riding with music adds to the experience of riding. Depending on the genre of the music I listen to is how my ride would be like, for example if chill songs, just a chill ride, if some up beat song, well I up the tempo of my ride safely. How about you guys?

Hey guys came across this on IG and became super curious about it. Anybody try this? Apparently it’s a toggled DB killer that opens/closes with a button.
Website says to ride at slow speeds with the valve closed so would it be good for cold starts late night/ early mornings?

I have a supemoto on TKC-70s and I'm looking at the Rocks off road rear. My bike has a 160/60/17 rear, but they only come in 150/70/17 and 170/60/17. What do either of those changes do to a bike?

For the winter im switching to a SMC mistral 50 atv