CalamariGSX-R
Well-known member
I am a new rider. I bought a GS500 that I rode almost every day from August to December last year. Then I sold that bike and bought a GSX-R 600. Little did I realize that the model is known for its Squidliness as a Squids bike.
I feel I have earned a bit more respect than a squid and perhaps have a little more class, given I am soon to be 49 years old. So you can call me Calamari.
I was quite apprehensive when I first got on the bike, hearing stories of people who own them and say the bike scares them everytime they ride, or a well meaning sales rep implying I am too old and fat, trying to push me to a FZ6.
Do you ever spend any time envisioning things? I did an artsy fartsy degree, two of them actually. And we spent a lot of time inside ourselves, being self-centered, and envisioning the outcome, or envisioning the perfection of technique. (classical musician)
As soon as I got on that bike it felt exactly how I had imagined an ideal motorcycle experience to be. I know this is a bit out there, I swear to you I am not a scientologist, I will leave that job in the capable hands of John Travolta and that other wiener. It wasn't about the increase in power, although that was obvious coming from a GS, it was about the suspension. I needed a race suspension. That is part of it for me. I spent hours watching and re-watching Dave Moss, I found his masterclasses interesting about dialing in a bike. Or scrubbing the pistons of the brake calipers as a regular part of maintenance.
The bike felt safe, solid, firm footed. It sliced through the wind, instead of the wind wanting to slap me off asking me to hold on to the bars too tight. The position, although it took getting used to, started to feel good infact. I realized that I didnt need to bend my neck up, that I could keep my head straight, and just move my eyes. I repositioned the pegs up and back, because the previous owner had them too low, now the shifter feels more normal and not as close to my ankle. What can I tell you, my belly fits nicely in between the seat and the tank, I used to ride horses, so gripping with my knees is normal to me, and the bars just float you to where you want to go, the bike reacts to you shifting your weight. It is predictable, and absolutely a joy to ride, complete heaven.
Everyone I know thinks of me as a hog rider, and I like them. I am a complete enthusiast and have albums full of pictures I have taken at the bike shows.
Just to calm the squidness implications, I do not own flip flops. I did ride however for a long time with caterpillar work boots. I did not realize what a difference it would make to wear proper boots that allowed you to feel the bike. I am in love by the way with Speed and Strength riding gear. I think it is amazing stuff. I would look real bad in a red leather suit.
I also made the investment of a good helmet Shoei GT-Air. I didnt at first see the point to paying so much for a helmet. But I do now.
So you will not see me riding around Toronto in flippies, shorts and a t-shirt. I will be riding around in a black biker jacket, and Speed and Strength armoured hoodie, armoured pants and proper riding shoes. I wont be going 300kph, but I may be going 47 in a 50km zone if there is no traffic to contend with, and I just feel like enjoying what an incredible machine Suzuki makes for squids.
This site is incredibly informative I will say. I am not intending to be a member of gsxr, but I will here. There is some really really excellent and informed topics and members here.
I can not send a picture at the moment as all my files are too big but I will soon as I can figure it out. I am committed to riding a lot. Every day, as much as possible. To and from work, and on the weekends exploring the good trails.
Michael
I feel I have earned a bit more respect than a squid and perhaps have a little more class, given I am soon to be 49 years old. So you can call me Calamari.
I was quite apprehensive when I first got on the bike, hearing stories of people who own them and say the bike scares them everytime they ride, or a well meaning sales rep implying I am too old and fat, trying to push me to a FZ6.
Do you ever spend any time envisioning things? I did an artsy fartsy degree, two of them actually. And we spent a lot of time inside ourselves, being self-centered, and envisioning the outcome, or envisioning the perfection of technique. (classical musician)
As soon as I got on that bike it felt exactly how I had imagined an ideal motorcycle experience to be. I know this is a bit out there, I swear to you I am not a scientologist, I will leave that job in the capable hands of John Travolta and that other wiener. It wasn't about the increase in power, although that was obvious coming from a GS, it was about the suspension. I needed a race suspension. That is part of it for me. I spent hours watching and re-watching Dave Moss, I found his masterclasses interesting about dialing in a bike. Or scrubbing the pistons of the brake calipers as a regular part of maintenance.
The bike felt safe, solid, firm footed. It sliced through the wind, instead of the wind wanting to slap me off asking me to hold on to the bars too tight. The position, although it took getting used to, started to feel good infact. I realized that I didnt need to bend my neck up, that I could keep my head straight, and just move my eyes. I repositioned the pegs up and back, because the previous owner had them too low, now the shifter feels more normal and not as close to my ankle. What can I tell you, my belly fits nicely in between the seat and the tank, I used to ride horses, so gripping with my knees is normal to me, and the bars just float you to where you want to go, the bike reacts to you shifting your weight. It is predictable, and absolutely a joy to ride, complete heaven.
Everyone I know thinks of me as a hog rider, and I like them. I am a complete enthusiast and have albums full of pictures I have taken at the bike shows.
Just to calm the squidness implications, I do not own flip flops. I did ride however for a long time with caterpillar work boots. I did not realize what a difference it would make to wear proper boots that allowed you to feel the bike. I am in love by the way with Speed and Strength riding gear. I think it is amazing stuff. I would look real bad in a red leather suit.
I also made the investment of a good helmet Shoei GT-Air. I didnt at first see the point to paying so much for a helmet. But I do now.
So you will not see me riding around Toronto in flippies, shorts and a t-shirt. I will be riding around in a black biker jacket, and Speed and Strength armoured hoodie, armoured pants and proper riding shoes. I wont be going 300kph, but I may be going 47 in a 50km zone if there is no traffic to contend with, and I just feel like enjoying what an incredible machine Suzuki makes for squids.
This site is incredibly informative I will say. I am not intending to be a member of gsxr, but I will here. There is some really really excellent and informed topics and members here.
I can not send a picture at the moment as all my files are too big but I will soon as I can figure it out. I am committed to riding a lot. Every day, as much as possible. To and from work, and on the weekends exploring the good trails.
Michael
