New rider in Seattle
- sgtcall
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Re: New rider in Seattle
I always liked Partzilla, they were easy to deal with and had a good amount of OEM parts.
https://www.partzilla.com/?msclkid=d809 ... tzilla.com
https://www.partzilla.com/?msclkid=d809 ... tzilla.com
If you have any type of electrical issue, have your battery load tested before you do anything else. Any auto parts store will test it for free.
- Designer
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Re: New rider in Seattle
From experience, buying from sellers on Ebay, even with good ratings, can prove problematical.bdschultz wrote: ↑Fri Apr 12, 2024 3:37 pmSolid tip. Seems like eBay has plenty. Any insight on how to determine a reputable source, besides the feedback rating?hillsy v2 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 12, 2024 1:55 pmeBay will have caliper rebuild kits with pistons if you ever need - and in fact eBay is a good source of most consumable parts for older bikes. But be warned - sometimes Mr Suzuki still has parts and sometimes cheaper than aftermaket so it's always a good idea to check OEM first.
Yep, I'll always try to find OEM first.
To make as sure as you can that you keep from having to re-do what you have rebuilt, I recommend shopping OEM.
Price point differences far outweigh the Time you spend redoing it over again.
That is Riding Time Lost.
- hillsy v2
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Re: New rider in Seattle
I always search for items in my country first (Australia) for a couple of reasons - generally faster shipping plus dealing with a local seller is easier when it comes to any issues.bdschultz wrote: ↑Fri Apr 12, 2024 3:37 pmSolid tip. Seems like eBay has plenty. Any insight on how to determine a reputable source, besides the feedback rating?hillsy v2 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 12, 2024 1:55 pm
eBay will have caliper rebuild kits with pistons if you ever need - and in fact eBay is a good source of most consumable parts for older bikes.
But be warned - sometimes Mr Suzuki still has parts and sometimes cheaper than aftermaket so it's always a good idea to check OEM first.
Yep, I'll always try to find OEM first.
Other than that feedback rating is a fair indicator.
Plus I ALWAYS pay with PayPal - as a buyer their protection is amazing. Any dispute I have raised about an item has always been resolved in my favour.
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Re: New rider in Seattle
IMO the vs700 is a great starter bike, and a keeper.bdschultz wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 12:14 pmHi All, and thanks for creating and sustaining this forum for all us new folks.
Brand spanking new rider here. Spent decades on bicycles and cargo ebikes, both wrenching and riding, but that's all the experience I carry with me. Taking a riding course next week to get my permit and looking to move right into my first bike.
The one I have my eye on is a seemingly pristine 1986 Suzuki Intruder VS700GL. The big question: is this a good option for a first bike, specifically around repairs? Will I be able to find parts and accessories? I'm reasonably confident in my ability to learn a bike, mechanically and riding-wise. I know it will take time, and that's fine. What concerns me is that the greatest challenge won't be riding or performing the actual repair but instead to be scouring the world over for a part that simply doesn't exist.
Very eager to hear your thoughts, and thanks in advance.
-Ben
Most vs800 parts fit the 700, engine internals and radiator are different, along with some wiring, but body parts, caliper, hydraulics, etc. can all be 800 parts which are readily accessible.
- hillsy v2
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Re: New rider in Seattle
Only just saw this FA - that's a photo they took of the tendon anchors they put in my shoulder during surgery. They did it all by keyhole so it's pretty amazing how they got those images.FallenAngel wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 11:19 pm
Hillsy
Your avitar looks like an eye test for color blindness
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Re: New rider in Seattle
I can back up what you say there, navigator. All good points you make.navigator wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 12:27 pmIMO the vs700 is a great starter bike, and a keeper.bdschultz wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 12:14 pmHi All, and thanks for creating and sustaining this forum for all us new folks. Brand spanking new rider here. Spent decades on bicycles and cargo ebikes, both wrenching and riding, but that's all the experience I carry with me. Taking a riding course next week to get my permit and looking to move right into my first bike. The one I have my eye on is a seemingly pristine 1986 Suzuki Intruder VS700GL. The big question: is this a good option for a first bike, specifically around repairs? Will I be able to find parts and accessories? I'm reasonably confident in my ability to learn a bike, mechanically and riding-wise. I know it will take time, and that's fine. What concerns me is that the greatest challenge won't be riding or performing the actual repair but instead to be scouring the world over for a part that simply doesn't exist.Very eager to hear your thoughts, and thanks in advance.
-Ben
Most vs800 parts fit the 700, engine internals and radiator are different, along with some wiring, but body parts, caliper, hydraulics, etc. can all be 800 parts which are readily accessible.
It is a worthy choice in size and wize move above anything smaller in cc's.
- hillsy v2
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Re: New rider in Seattle
You can start on any bike you like - but the best starter bikes for someone to LEARN HOW TO RIDE are ergonomically neutral bikes - like naked / standard / UJM bikes.
Cruisers and sports bikes are not the best to learn on. Not just my opinion.
Cruisers and sports bikes are not the best to learn on. Not just my opinion.
- bdschultz
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Re: New rider in Seattle
Took the plunge. Here it is:
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Re: New rider in Seattle
WOWSER!
That's OneHeckUVa beautiful Bike you have there. Good For YOU!
As you can see, the Lower Seat Level and More Relaxed Riding Posture makes it a Wonderful First-time, Learn How To Ride Bike.
Follow what navigator says,......... he KNOWS.
That's OneHeckUVa beautiful Bike you have there. Good For YOU!
As you can see, the Lower Seat Level and More Relaxed Riding Posture makes it a Wonderful First-time, Learn How To Ride Bike.
Follow what navigator says,......... he KNOWS.
- bdschultz
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Re: New rider in Seattle
Thanks for chiming in here, navigator. This is reassuring, especially since I’ve recently committed.
Two questions: first, when you say body parts, would this include an engine guard/crash bar? Been much easier to find used engine guards located stateside for VS800 than the VS700, so that would make my search much easier.
Second, would this approach apply to body parts made for any year VS800 or only certain years?
- FallenAngel
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Re: New rider in Seattle
Nice looking scooter
Not to big and not to small
When do you start your class's
Also may I suggest "Ride like a pro"
https://www.youtube.com/user/motorman857
Not to big and not to small
When do you start your class's
Also may I suggest "Ride like a pro"
https://www.youtube.com/user/motorman857
- hillsy v2
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Re: New rider in Seattle
Congrats!
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Re: New rider in Seattle
Any year VS800 parts should fit, including S50 parts.bdschultz wrote: ↑Mon Apr 15, 2024 9:51 amThanks for chiming in here, navigator. This is reassuring, especially since I’ve recently committed.
Two questions: first, when you say body parts, would this include an engine guard/crash bar? Been much easier to find used engine guards located stateside for VS800 than the VS700, so that would make my search much easier.
Second, would this approach apply to body parts made for any year VS800 or only certain years?
The engine guards should bolt up no problem, you may need to adjust with some spacers (washers) but the frames are the same. The engine guards I've dealt with bolt with the front engine mount, if a new longer bolt is not supplied, you may need to buy one...or use threaded rod.
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Re: New rider in Seattle
I've got a slew of parts if you run into a bind.
Your fork tubes are 37mm, 800's are 39mm
IIRC, Your rotor is 5 bolt, 800's are 6 bolt.
Your fork tubes are 37mm, 800's are 39mm
IIRC, Your rotor is 5 bolt, 800's are 6 bolt.
- sgtcall
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Re: New rider in Seattle
Nice looking bike!
One thing,
That windscreen needs to go. Just not the right look. Dart has some nice small screens if you want a little protection. Or you can even check out Walmart online. Believe it or not Walmart has a bunch of well priced motorcycle accessories.
One thing,
That windscreen needs to go. Just not the right look. Dart has some nice small screens if you want a little protection. Or you can even check out Walmart online. Believe it or not Walmart has a bunch of well priced motorcycle accessories.
If you have any type of electrical issue, have your battery load tested before you do anything else. Any auto parts store will test it for free.
- bdschultz
- Practicing Bicycling
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2024 3:23 am
- My Bike: 1986 Suzuki Intruder VS700GL
- bdschultz
- Practicing Bicycling
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2024 3:23 am
- My Bike: 1986 Suzuki Intruder VS700GL
Re: New rider in Seattle
Yeah, feels like a good fit. We’ll see.FallenAngel wrote: ↑Mon Apr 15, 2024 1:55 pmNice looking scooter
Not to big and not to small
When do you start your class's
Also may I suggest "Ride like a pro"
https://www.youtube.com/user/motorman857
Wednesday and Thursday this week in Auburn.
Thanks for the link, I’ll check it out.
- bdschultz
- Practicing Bicycling
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- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2024 3:23 am
- My Bike: 1986 Suzuki Intruder VS700GL
Re: New rider in Seattle
Thanks for the tips.sgtcall wrote: ↑Mon Apr 15, 2024 5:39 pmNice looking bike!
One thing,
That windscreen needs to go. Just not the right look. Dart has some nice small screens if you want a little protection. Or you can even check out Walmart online. Believe it or not Walmart has a bunch of well priced motorcycle accessories.
- bdschultz
- Practicing Bicycling
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2024 3:23 am
- My Bike: 1986 Suzuki Intruder VS700GL
- FallenAngel
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Re: New rider in Seattle
Here is another link
Robert Simmons
https://bethebossofyourmotorcycle.com/
Also a retired Motor Officer
Jerry and Robert teach the same basic principles
Staying in control of the motorcycle at slow speeds useing the clutch Friction zone and rear brake.
Take a few minutes and watch one or 2 of their videos and I promise You will do much better in your classes
Some serious slow speed skills
Try to listen to the engines sounds when these riders are taking sharp turns