Advice for a new rider

I own a 1997 650ST and absolutely love the bike. Right now it is in for some minor repairs and I hope to have it back soon! I too have problems with the center stand and my husband is the one that normally puts it up for me. I can get it off the center stand without any problem, both on and off the bike. I think that part of the problem is that the bike is factory lowered and the center of gravity is right above the center stand. Ross' 650 Funduro is easier to put on the center stand than my bike. Maybe I will see you on these Iowa roads sometime! Terry

rtdirks said:

Maybe I will see you on these Iowa roads sometime!

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A fellow Iowan! Hello! Nice to hear from you, Terry.

Congrats on your beautiful bike!

Lots of good advice already given. I don't much care for the big plastic top cases, I really like the BMW soft tail bag.

http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=1409

I got lucky and found BOTH of them for sale on the Chain Gang site for 100$. I only use the monstrous 'add on' bag when I go grocery shopping or on a trip.

We have a set of the BMW System cases on one of our GS's, and while they look really nice, they dent easily. I use soft luggage on mine. Moto-Sport racks and Ortlieb dry bags.



And if I'm just going to work or on a day trip when I don't need to carry 5 tons of stuff, I have an Aerostich messenger bag style purse. In pink.

http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-letter-bag.html

I also have the larger dispatch bag if I do need to carry just a little bit.

And come visit the Chain Gang

www.f650.com

I was hoping to get my ride back tomorrow but the parts are not in yet, bummer, let's get together sometime.....Terry

A lady friend just bought an '03 F650 GS. When she asked for my advise, I told her when she's on the road, think of herself as one of the front fenders on a car and put herself where she can best be seen. That'll help give her time to figure out what she needs/wants to add.

You have a great bike. There's one in my future.

Tom

From MARS said:

A lady friend just bought an '03 F650 GS. When she asked for my advise, I told her when she's on the road, think of herself as one of the front fenders on a car and put herself where she can best be seen.

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That's good advice, Tom. I find after a ride I'm pretty wiped out. I guess it takes a lot of energy for me to stay focused and drive defensively for any length of time! That added with beginner's nerves - it's hard work!

Riding's just like dancing: the more you do it; the better you get at it. Dance with your bike often.


Tom

Voni said:

It's my motto that whoever puts my bike on the centerstand is the one who is responsible for taking it OFF the center stand.

Sidestand works for me!

Voni
sMiling

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works at our house as well