This blog might be over before it started. It began with my intention to write about my experience buying a motorcycle. Well I just celebrated my 40th birthday and my 5 year old daughter surprised me with a brand new Adventure Motorcycle. Here it is:
At first glance this looks like a good motorcycle. I've read a lot of arguments about the benefits of smaller adventure bikes like a 650cc and also that bigger is not necessarily better, but I'm itching to test out this 60000cc engine. A little worried about the MPG's though. It comes with some good looking aggressive knobby tires that should work well in the dirt and should last a long time as they don't seem to need to take any air.
I am definitely going to have to make a few modifications to make this bike adventure worthy. I am now figuring out what all the people on the forums are saying, that you have to make your motorcycle your own by modifying it. That's the fun.
So, first lets look at the ergonomics. Looks like standing on this won't be a problem. It's the seat that I'm worried about. Looks a little uncomfortable - might have to replace that but I haven't yet found a good after market seat that will fit and be comfortable. Will have to keep looking.
At first I was a little concerned that maintenance might be difficult but as it turns out it is a very simple design. The entire body lifts on the frame in one go making for very easy access to the engine. Here is how it looks when stripped down. Doesn't look like a 60000 cc motor now does it.
I am definitely going to have to make a few modifications to make this bike adventure worthy. I am now figuring out what all the people on the forums are saying, that you have to make your motorcycle your own by modifying it. That's the fun.
So, first lets look at the ergonomics. Looks like standing on this won't be a problem. It's the seat that I'm worried about. Looks a little uncomfortable - might have to replace that but I haven't yet found a good after market seat that will fit and be comfortable. Will have to keep looking.
At first I was a little concerned that maintenance might be difficult but as it turns out it is a very simple design. The entire body lifts on the frame in one go making for very easy access to the engine. Here is how it looks when stripped down. Doesn't look like a 60000 cc motor now does it.
The only thing that concerns me about this design is if I drop it and break something, I essentially have to replace the whole bike. That could be expensive.
At the moment this is not set up to take a top box, but it did come with one and a set of Panniers standard. All you have to do is remove the yellow/black stick (I think it might be a helmet holder, not sure though) and rear emergency light. There are actually 2 sets of luggage depending on your needs, the standard set shown below on the left and the extra large shown below on the right.
At the moment this is not set up to take a top box, but it did come with one and a set of Panniers standard. All you have to do is remove the yellow/black stick (I think it might be a helmet holder, not sure though) and rear emergency light. There are actually 2 sets of luggage depending on your needs, the standard set shown below on the left and the extra large shown below on the right.
After installing these I wasn't happy for two reasons. There are no tie downs and there is simply too much red. So, I managed to locate a better after market set of panniers. They have some really big tie downs and the black gives a more rugged look don't you think.