I just wanted to add that for those of you have never seen Patlabor, I’d highly suggest the short (13 episode...I think?) OVA. It’s a mecha anime where the characters are emphasized over the robot action sequences. The movies are outstanding (especially #2), but IMHO, they’re a little confusing as a standalone viewing…

In addition to setting a budget for a decent bike, don’t forget to create a budget for safety gear first. Don’t be that guy riding around in a wife beater and flip flops.

You should be fine being on tippy-toes or balancing on one foot. It’s mostly intimidating when it’s your first bike that you can’t flat foot.

Having been through two crashes (one street and one track), I always gear up when I get on the bike.

I have a pair of Dainese D6 Kevlar Jeans that I really like. Just my personal preference, but I’d avoid the ones that rely only on kevlar panels in the seat and knees. There are a few that are woven with Kevlar thread (somewhere around 10-15%) which *should* hold up better (i.e. Tearing apart). Just be aware that…

Since it’s being co-developed with BMW, I think it would be a miracle if it came in under 3400 pounds.

I used Carmax to get a written quote for my old car to see if the dealership will match it. I ended up selling two cars to them, and I am very satisfied with the experience (in and out in about 30-45 minutes).

I was just thinking that he looked like a Bond villain in that pic.

It might also be because Arai is incredibly stubborn about keeping the side pods when every other manufacturer have moved away from it.

I’d actually suggest a used Kawasaki Ninja 250 and spend your money on...

I’m a little conflicted since I used to wear a Shark RSR2, and I now wear an Arai RX-Q. The Shark is absolutely lighter even going by the inaccurate “picking it up after any other helmet” test, but I prefer the airflow and (most importantly) the fit of the Arai.

It may be a slight fluke since Sachsenring overlooks the RCV’s shortcomings and accentuates its positives. Besides, this is also a track that both Marquez and Pedrosa do very well at.

My 3rd bike: a 2005 CBR600RR. She’s now back to OEM plastics after an ill-advised purchase of aftermarket fairings post trackday crash.

Actually, I’ll have to respectfully disagree with you on this point. While I enjoy lots of torque (I have owned two turbo’d cars, and lusted after several muscle cars), I think that the recipe for the FT86 is just fine...the engine just seems to be lacking that magical Honda touch (1990s Hondas...with low torque, high…

Humiliate DeMuro? Is humiliation possible for a man with no shame? :P

I’m not a Buell apologist or even ridden one, but the newer ones had nothing to do with HD engines. I *believe* they started using Buell designed/Rotax built engines starting with the 1125 (tail end of the HD days).

Agreed. All of my motorcycles were purchased used except for my 2005 CBR600rr...which is still going strong and will soon be converted to track only when the kids are older and I can pick up a used Street Triple.

They’re a pain to work on (literally...my back aches just thinking about it), but it’s such an awesome example of 1990s Toyota engineering. I replaced mine with a WRX and wife, but I still miss my 91T.

How about for a motorcycle license? The last time I visited Tokyo, the crazy bumper to bumper traffic (keep in mind that I’m from Los Angeles) convinced me that if I was to ever stay for an extended period of time, I’d rely on public transit for daily use and stick to two wheels for fun.

Agreed. I met him once at the Rock Store (motorcycle meeting spot near Malibu), and he was awesome. Very friendly and willing to do “celebrity stuff” (take pictures, sign autographs) even though he probably only wanted to talk bikes to the regulars.