monkeyass Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Hello, I've been reading various posts on this forum and decided I have a few questions of my own. I am just about to take my test after being on a direct access course, I asked my instructor what size engine he would advise me on purchasing and he informed me that it would probably be more suitable for to buy a bike with a 600CC engine as I will still be learning. I really like the look of the midnight star cruisers but because of the engine sizes I have put my wants aside and decided to listen to the advice of my instructor and choose a bike with a 600cc engine. Because I like my Drag star 125 so much I have decided to purchase a Dragstar 650cc, I enjoy the seating position and the comfort compared to the Kawasaki ER 5 style riding position which we use on the course, I am not so much interested in riding fast as I am for comfort during long journeys. What I have been having trouble in finding are customised accessories, especially pillion seats as I will be taking passengers for a ride once in a while. I have also promised a friend of mine we will take a trip through Europe hopefully, if I pass in time a visit to Oktoberfest is necessary to celebrate, only if though especially with the commotion over the new tests which I am glad are being put back till March. My question is whether any of you would know of shops or sites that specialise in customisations, I have come across one website: http://www.custom-wizard.com/acatalog/copy...ic_1998_Up.html However I don't want to increase the loan that I will have to get in order to buy these, obviously if there is anyone out there who has a Dragstar 650 could you let me know whether the stock seat is comfortable for a passenger? As I will be using the bike for long tours do you feel the engine size would make a difference? I have seen some bikes with lights fitted to the underneath of the engine and panels, this would help to be more visible at night I would imagine, would these be quite easy to fit by myself or would it be better to take the bike to a garage? The final question is do any of you arrange ride outs? because I would love to take a journey out on my new bike with some other bikers and meet some fellow enthusiasts. Thank you in advance, Antony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ttaskmaster Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 My question is whether any of you would know of shops or sites that specialise in customisations, For want of a better term - Ther are SHITLOADS of them!!!! A quick browse through the back of Bike, RiDE, Back Street Heroes and other such motorcycle publications will unearth tons of the buggers, mate!! eBay and many other places stock stuff, as do local parts shps and even independant mechanics. Anything you want, they'll have a cataloge for it. Highway Hawk are one of the more popular manufacturers of custom accessories. However I don't want to increase the loan that I will have to get in order to buy these, obviously if there is anyone out there who has a Dragstar 650 could you let me know whether the stock seat is comfortable for a passenger? Un-modified, the back seat is an absolute bitch. As a rider, you'll have the pillion holding on to you, which will really alter the way you ride. I'd strongly suggest waiting a while and getting thoroughly used to the bike. Even after a year of riding long distances every day, the addition of a pillion for me was very unsettling. Take it very easy and practice on quiet roads. As a pillion, there is not much room and the footpegs are very high up. I'm 5' 11" and my knees sit inside my elbows. You can get footpeg extenders that allow more leg room for your backseat buddy, but you may want to take it easy round corners. The addition of a backrest provides more space and something to hold on to for the pillion. It also means they are further away from the rider and you are unlikely to bump lids when braking. Any acceleration is lessened too as they have the added support of the backpad. The same goes for the 1100 and just about any other Cruiser, IMO. I spent two years as a pillion on these things. As I will be using the bike for long tours do you feel the engine size would make a difference? If you're touring on your own, ie without other, larger bikes, then no - The 650 will cope perfectly well and happily cruise 2-up at 80. My other half and I weigh a combined total of 24 stone and both our bikes (both 650s) handle fine. If keeping up with bigger bikes or single riders, you will notice the difference though. I have seen some bikes with lights fitted to the underneath of the engine and panels, this would help to be more visible at night I would imagine, would these be quite easy to fit by myself or would it be better to take the bike to a garage? A big, bright headlight works better. Look at the light-bars with side lamps and indicators. Those do a better job. The fancy lights behind panelling and whatever are mostly for show and, if I recall, actually illegal. If you have some basic electronic skills, try it yourself. Get the service manual, wiring diagram and all that and give it a bash. It's character-building. If you don't know what you're doing, get it done professionally. The final question is do any of you arrange ride outs? because I would love to take a journey out on my new bike with some other bikers and meet some fellow enthusiasts. I belong to a local bike club here in Reading. We do Rideouts once a month at least. Whereabouts in the country are you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeyass Posted September 18, 2008 Author Share Posted September 18, 2008 Hello, Thank you for the quick reply, I was unaware of the legality of adding extra lights and should have thought about it in hindsight. I will definately look into buying a new pillion seat with the back rest for drivers and passengers then, but before that I will heed your advice and practise riding a while before thinking of giving anyone else a ride. At the moment I live in Newport, Shropshire, hopefully when I pass the test and buy a new bike, still not certain as to what it will be yet, I will be able to come out on a trek. For now I will pick up some magazines to look for the accesories and modifications adverts, I shalll be in touch . Thank you again, Antony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ttaskmaster Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 Only the little coloured LED underlighters are illegal/suspect. By all means, whack the extra sey of headlights on. They look pretty cool and WILL get you noticed!!! They are perfectly legal!! No reason you can't add the backrest anyway. The existing back seat pad gets a bit bum-numbing after about 200 miles, but you generally stop for fuel before that anyway. The backrests often come with luggage shelves, so could be a good addition anyway. I myself have just a luggage rack on the back, but the backrest allows you to take bigger items. Ah - Shropshire's a bit far from Reading, otherwise I'd have invited you along to some club Rideouts!! Ride safe, Woody. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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