Author Topic: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?  (Read 42181 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline HondaMan

  • Someone took this pic of me before I became a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,142
  • ...not my choice, I was nicknamed...
    • Getting 'em Back on the Road
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #125 on: June 29, 2009, 08:53:55 AM »
In the 1960s, Honda offered "Western" bars on bikes like the Superhawk as an option. These resembled the Clubman style (without the sharp angles), but could be mounted upside down for full crouch, or turned over for a slightly more upright position that did not hit the tank in full turns. My "Racing Hawk" had these in the upright position, and worked very well, allowing more hand english (leverage) than the shorter flat bars or clip-ons. They were a little wider.

My upcoming caf'e 750 will be done this way, so it can also be a commuter bike for young riders whose body is more advanced in years (like me!).
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
Hondaman's creed: "Bikers are family. Treat them accordingly."

Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book

Link to website: www.SOHC4shop.com

Offline techy5025

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 886
  • 1969 Diecast and Sandcast 750's
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #126 on: June 29, 2009, 10:54:33 AM »
I think the lifters for the F4I raise the bars about one inch. Any more would probably have clearance issues.

What concerns me more...on almost all the sport bikes..is the mirrors are so far in you can't see behind you, especially with a jacket. They also can be extended an inch or so out with adapters. Having been hit three times from behind in cars, this lack of vision concerns me more than the bar height.  :o

....and yes, you can spend some serious bucks to upgrade sport bikes!

Jim
 
........
1969 750 K0 (Reborn)
1969 Sandcast 750 K0 (Reborn)
2003 CBR600F4I
........

Offline sangyo soichiro

  • Tuck
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,167
  • ☢ the atomic playboy ☠
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #127 on: June 29, 2009, 11:25:24 AM »
http://www.jpcycles.com/catalog/2008SportbikeCatalog/

Some serious modifications have been done to that bike. And by serious I mean seriously expensive.


Not counting the cost of the bike there's probably another 8k in that bike easy.

The wheels alone are around $2600!!!

In case anyone doesn't have the flash player, here is a pic of that bike:





Hondaman, I'm looking forward to seeing that bike you're talking about!
1974 CB 750
1972 CB 750 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,57974.0.html
1971 CL 350 Scrambler
1966 Black Bomber
Too many others to name…
My cross country trip: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,138625.0.html

Offline aptech77

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 850
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #128 on: July 01, 2009, 08:11:05 AM »
The Street Triple is a great little bike. Perfact balance of power and light flickability. Get the Speed Triple if you have the balls.....

Best known streetfighter for a reason......







........and it will eat that "other" Euro trash for lunch!!!!!


Offline Inigo Montoya

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,855
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #129 on: July 01, 2009, 08:59:32 AM »
I just wish they offered a different headlight. That dual light setup is the only thing I really do not like about them.

Offline HavocTurbo

  • Angry little bastard of an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,739
  • Can you tell?
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #130 on: July 01, 2009, 09:11:28 AM »
Pretty sure my old Duc would stomp a triple into the ground.  ;D
 
The Street Triple is a great little bike. Perfact balance of power and light flickability. Get the Speed Triple if you have the balls.....

Best known streetfighter for a reason......
........and it will eat that "other" Euro trash for lunch!!!!!


'48 HD Panhead - Exxon Valdez
'78 CB550K - Fokker CB.3
'78 Honda CB750K - Mavrik
'80 Yamaha XS850G - Kanibalistik
09 XL883L - No Name

pit monkey

  • Guest
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #131 on: July 01, 2009, 09:28:36 AM »
soichiro,

If you're really serious about learning to really ride a sport bike, you should hook up with the folks at NESBA (http://www.nesba.com/).  They're set-up to help people learn to ride well and fast.  Further more you're riding in about the safest enviroment to go really fast, a purpose built road track.  The general advice there is to try their free introductory session to see if it's for you.  My wife has been riding with them for two years now and really loves it.  We got an old CBR600F2 which at the speeds the beginners can achieve is plenty fast.  Especially on the shorter more technical tracks the liter bikes are over kill, the 600s can keep higher level of over all speed and stay right with the big dogs.  In the advanced group there is some difference but still not much.  They're really friendly and helpful folks and will get you riding correctly.  Here's a picture of my spouse at Blackhawk Farms last month so you can see what it's like
« Last Edit: July 01, 2009, 10:27:21 AM by pit monkey »

Offline sangyo soichiro

  • Tuck
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,167
  • ☢ the atomic playboy ☠
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #132 on: July 01, 2009, 09:34:00 AM »
soichiro,

If you're really serious about learning to really ride a sport bike, you should hook up with the folks at NESBA (http://www.nesba.com/).  They're set-up to help people learn to ride well and fast.  Further more you're riding in about the safest enviroment to go really fast, a purpose built road track.  The general advice there is to try their free introductory session to see if it's for you.  My wife has been riding with them for two years now and really loves it.  We got an old CBR600F2 which at the speeds the beginners can achieve is plenty fast.  Especially on the shorter more technical tracks the liter bikes are over kill, the 600s can keep higher level of over all speed and stay right with the big dogs.  In the advanced group there is some difference but still not much.  They're really friendly and helpful folks and will get you riding correctly.  He's a picture of my spouse at Blackhawk Farms last month so you can see what it's like

Holy cow!  There's a track in South Haven Michigan, not too far from where I live.  Thank you.
1974 CB 750
1972 CB 750 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,57974.0.html
1971 CL 350 Scrambler
1966 Black Bomber
Too many others to name…
My cross country trip: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,138625.0.html

Offline aptech77

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 850
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #133 on: July 01, 2009, 08:40:39 PM »
Pretty sure my old Duc would stomp a triple into the ground.  ;D
 
The Street Triple is a great little bike. Perfact balance of power and light flickability. Get the Speed Triple if you have the balls.....

Best known streetfighter for a reason......
........and it will eat that "other" Euro trash for lunch!!!!!




Well maybe after you put some real power parts on it....what did you do to it, turbo? lol

Offline aptech77

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 850
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #134 on: July 01, 2009, 08:42:19 PM »
I just wish they offered a different headlight. That dual light setup is the only thing I really do not like about them.

What!!! That's one of the best unique parts about it. You know, you can always change that out right?

Offline HavocTurbo

  • Angry little bastard of an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,739
  • Can you tell?
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #135 on: July 01, 2009, 10:59:37 PM »
Well maybe after you put some real power parts on it....what did you do to it, turbo? lol

Lightened and balanced crank, rods.

Jetted carbs to match even length exhaust and intake.
Adapted slipper clutch assembly with HD (heavy duty no Harley Davidson lol) springs and plates.
That's pretty much it. Lots of carbon fiber and Ti bolts.

Gave Liter bikes a run for their money.

I don't doubt your triple. Looks lean mean and def scary when compared to everyday bikes. I love the looks. But never did like the sound of the aftermarket systems. And I even own a Yamaha triple. Go figure.  :D
'48 HD Panhead - Exxon Valdez
'78 CB550K - Fokker CB.3
'78 Honda CB750K - Mavrik
'80 Yamaha XS850G - Kanibalistik
09 XL883L - No Name

Offline bucky katt

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,564
  • i am a pastafarian!
    • facebook
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #136 on: July 02, 2009, 01:29:54 AM »
the thing that shocked me was how comfortable the speed triple is for me. for those that know me know i'm not exactly small (down 48 pounds from a high of 425). the seating position and positioning of the pegs were just right for me. those are bigtime wheelie machines too (if you like that kind of thing) with their short wheelbase, quick, nimble handling too. the Triumph "off road only" exhaust and the ecu re-flash thats required makes the speed triple a real beast.
Of all God's creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.
Mark Twain - Notebook, 1894

Offline Inigo Montoya

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,855
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #137 on: July 02, 2009, 06:15:45 AM »
Quote
What!!! That's one of the best unique parts about it. You know, you can always change that out right?
Yeah I know I could but after spending that kind of coin on a bike, I would like to wait for a few years before I make changes ;) I mean, performance parts are one thing, changing a light different, besides, there are other bikes I like more! The suzuki bandit for instance. I liked the honda 919 till they crapped out and decided to do virtually nothing but cruisers and a couple rockets.

Offline razor02097

  • Not a fool, just an
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 767
  • Yes its a Honda You got an F'in problem with that?
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #138 on: July 02, 2009, 06:27:06 AM »
I'm a fan of naked bikes too.  I would own a bike with fairing but something about a streetfighter look is just sexy
Project Rina

That is an inconceivably egregious transgression against my rudimentary concordance of socially shunned individuals.

Offline aptech77

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 850
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #139 on: July 02, 2009, 06:37:47 AM »
Well maybe after you put some real power parts on it....what did you do to it, turbo? lol

Lightened and balanced crank, rods.

Jetted carbs to match even length exhaust and intake.
Adapted slipper clutch assembly with HD (heavy duty no Harley Davidson lol) springs and plates.
That's pretty much it. Lots of carbon fiber and Ti bolts.

Gave Liter bikes a run for their money.

I don't doubt your triple. Looks lean mean and def scary when compared to everyday bikes. I love the looks. But never did like the sound of the aftermarket systems. And I even own a Yamaha triple. Go figure.  :D

Sound like a start.

I seriously think you have under estmated what the Triumph S3 has. Have you ever ridden one?

Offline Inigo Montoya

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,855
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #140 on: July 02, 2009, 08:08:49 AM »
Naked bikes are great. After all, the bike is about the engine! A nicely displayed engine will get looks. besides, I would rather seen engine than plastic ;)

Offline HavocTurbo

  • Angry little bastard of an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,739
  • Can you tell?
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #141 on: July 02, 2009, 10:48:35 AM »
Well maybe after you put some real power parts on it....what did you do to it, turbo? lol

Lightened and balanced crank, rods.

Jetted carbs to match even length exhaust and intake.
Adapted slipper clutch assembly with HD (heavy duty no Harley Davidson lol) springs and plates.
That's pretty much it. Lots of carbon fiber and Ti bolts.

Gave Liter bikes a run for their money.

I don't doubt your triple. Looks lean mean and def scary when compared to everyday bikes. I love the looks. But never did like the sound of the aftermarket systems. And I even own a Yamaha triple. Go figure.  :D

Sound like a start.

I seriously think you have under estmated what the Triumph S3 has. Have you ever ridden one?

Oh you betcha. You think I'm going to see a bike like that on the market and not try to ride it every chance I get? Pfffft....

Like I said don't get me wrong. They are the dogs danglies wehn it comes to the looks/performance package. Nothing comes close to offering what they do in one bike.

But they aren't as fast as you think. Torquey for sure, and they go like stink, but they lack the mid and top end power of a well built 4cyl. And the all over torque and pull of a liter class 90 degree italian twin. It is the street where they shine. When it comes to everyday riding and carving through traffic and corners, the S3 is a very notable contender. I've seen guys out ride 600cc bikes in corners with the wheel kicked out and spewing white smoke. They just are not the type of track bike they should be. They were never made for that.

If I could find a deal on one I'd buy it. I just bought an 850cc triple and that bike is amazing. Even for 29 years old.
'48 HD Panhead - Exxon Valdez
'78 CB550K - Fokker CB.3
'78 Honda CB750K - Mavrik
'80 Yamaha XS850G - Kanibalistik
09 XL883L - No Name

Offline aptech77

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 850
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #142 on: July 02, 2009, 01:16:33 PM »
OK, now I know you have no idea what you're talking about.
1. I never said that they are faster than an I4. We were talking about your Duc.
2. Lack mid range and top end. DUDE this has the most liner torque and power band than just about any bike on the market. Look it up!!!!
3. "And the all over torque and pull of a liter class 90 degree italian twin". I don't even know what to say about that, except you're smoking some #$%*!!!!
4. Not a track bike huh.....






You should really stop drinking that Ducati bull#$%* KoolAid.
« Last Edit: July 02, 2009, 01:20:48 PM by aptech77 »

Offline aptech77

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 850
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #143 on: July 02, 2009, 01:18:02 PM »
Keep reading fella.....


Offline aptech77

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 850
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #144 on: July 02, 2009, 01:19:28 PM »
....and

Offline HavocTurbo

  • Angry little bastard of an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,739
  • Can you tell?
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #145 on: July 02, 2009, 01:45:43 PM »
You can show me pictures all you want. And give me articles. And show me lap times. And let me talk to some actual racers. It won't matter.

Things are different on the street than on a track.

Sure my bike wouldn't keep up with you on the street. I'm not going to deny.

But on a track or on an open country road. You wouldn't stand a chance.

Have you ever ridden a liter class Ducati? Or raced one? Maybe a Bimota for some flavor?

I will admit that the triple is a great bike. No argument here. My opinion lies elsewhere. That's all.



P.S. There is no need to get all riled up. Just because I disagree with you doesn't mean it is the end of the world. Just means we are different.

OK, now I know you have no idea what you're talking about.

3. ......you're smoking some #$%*!!!!

You should really stop drinking that Ducati bull#$%* KoolAid.


Was all that really necessary? I don't recall calling you stupid, or any names, or calling your bike crap.
'48 HD Panhead - Exxon Valdez
'78 CB550K - Fokker CB.3
'78 Honda CB750K - Mavrik
'80 Yamaha XS850G - Kanibalistik
09 XL883L - No Name

Offline sangyo soichiro

  • Tuck
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,167
  • ☢ the atomic playboy ☠
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #146 on: July 02, 2009, 01:55:30 PM »
Havoc and aptech, it looks like you two don't live that far apart.

Why not settle this like men? - Arm wrestle.  Obviously, the guy that wins has the faster bike.


 :D


1974 CB 750
1972 CB 750 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,57974.0.html
1971 CL 350 Scrambler
1966 Black Bomber
Too many others to name…
My cross country trip: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,138625.0.html

Offline aptech77

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 850
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #147 on: July 02, 2009, 01:57:33 PM »
I'm not worked up. You're the one who keeps changing the story. We are talking about YOUR bike not worked over Bimotas. You're the one that started this grudge match. Ummmm, you keep referring to riding "liter" class bikes. Do you even know what a Speed Triple is?  You're right! We disagree, why am I even wasting my time.

Offline HavocTurbo

  • Angry little bastard of an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,739
  • Can you tell?
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #148 on: July 02, 2009, 01:58:05 PM »
Havoc and aptech, it looks like you two don't live that far apart.

Why not settle this like men? - Arm wrestle.  Obviously, the guy that wins has the faster bike.


 :D




Oh I'd probably lose. I'm small and frail.

I'd race him at Blackhawk Farms but I sold that bike 3 years ago. I'd race him on my 750 Turbo but that got ruined by a drunk driver.

So all I have running at the moment is my Yamaha XS850 Triple.... Imagine that.  :D
'48 HD Panhead - Exxon Valdez
'78 CB550K - Fokker CB.3
'78 Honda CB750K - Mavrik
'80 Yamaha XS850G - Kanibalistik
09 XL883L - No Name

Offline aptech77

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 850
Re: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?
« Reply #149 on: July 02, 2009, 02:04:18 PM »
So you start this grudge match over a bike you don't even have....