on 8/26/03 6:13 PM, LT Don & Debbie at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Sorry for the confusing subject line. This is a two part email.
>
> Just got back from a wonderful 30 mile loop thru the corn/soybean field
> roads in central Iowa (two lanes, no traffic). But Iowa is in the midst of
> a grasshopper epidemic. I normally wear a full-coverage Shoei helmet, but
> tonight went with only sunglasses. Big mistake. Not because I crashed, but
> because a grasshopper hitting the forehead at 60 mph really hurts. I swear,
> I could watch them maneuvering over the Windjammer II faring then diving
> into my face! And they make a really big 1" splat on the windscreen, too. I
> even had one manage to land inside my Docksider shoes (no socks!). How
> he/she managed that I'll never know. A really strange feeling, zipping down
> the two-lane at 60 mph trying to fish a live grasshopper out of one's foot
> area!
I don't have any desire to find out about grasshoppers, grasshopper. <g> I
fielded a bee (yellowjacket) inside my jacket collar once, didn't figure
that out until I got stung (ouch!) then I poked around with my left hand and
stunned it. I was near my stopping point anyway, so when I stopped I quickly
shed my helmet and jacket, then shook it around until the little bugger fell
out, and then I stomped him :-p
>
> Ok, the 750 part. I am curious about just how fast those 750s really are.
> My CB-500, this evening, using moderate throttle, was zipping past 65 mph
> in 2nd gear, no where near redline. So, if my almost stock (other than the
> exhaust) 500 does this, just how much do you 750 guys have to change
> underwear? I have put my 500 thru the paces full throttle a couple of times
> (I really try to baby my antique bike) and I am nearing 60 mph in 1st gear
> when I really push it.
The 750 is heavier than the 500/550's, so there isn't as much of an
advantage as you might figure. Both were relatively fast in their day, but
aren't much now compared to a modern 600 sportbike (for example). I think
the 750 is about 1/2 to 3/4 second faster in the quarter, from the tests
I've read. Either will beat just about any stock car off the line up to 60
or so. Still, I don't streetrace with my old bikes, just 'brisk
acceleration'. The 750 will be quicker when you get on it at speed, as
there's more power there, say from 45-75 (or something like that...)
>
> I have several hours on a borrowed GoldWing 1500, and my 500 will
> out-accelerate it every time. I've not parked my butt onto a 750 yet, but
> might own one someday.
>
> Logic says they should be another 1/3 faster than my 500. Is this true?
>
> I should add that I am now really old (50) and enjoy the slower cruise that
> Iowa offers. I am anything but a road racer these days. My favorite evening
> loop is at 45 mph, no helmet, no traffic, and no tractors on the road. ...
> And for you hardcore safety folks, I do normally wear a helmet on my rides.
> Tonight I just was in that "no helmet" mood.
I won't preach at you (much)... I applaud that you have the choice of helmet
or no helmet, but I think you're deciding wrong. You can't choose the day
you crash, when something happens there's no chance to say "time out" and
put the helmet on. And I think 45 is plenty fast to wish you had it on
afterward, even though that won't make any difference... I also think in the
event something happens you won't be real pleased with the performance of
those Docksiders either... Besides, this is ruining the 'real biker' image
you have -- you need a full-face helmet, black leather jacket, chaps or
leather pants, and some 'clod-kicking' black leather boots... make small
children run and hide when you walk into the 7-11 <g>.
>
> Don
>
> Debbie & Don
> 1977 240D ("Slug") 200,000+ km
> 1996 Buick Regal
> 1989 Pontiac Sunbird
> 1972 Honda CB-500K motorcycle
> 1971 Honda Express moped
> Iowa
>
> Debbie: "It's JUST a car!"
> Don: "No, it's NOT!"
>
> http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?selected=207103
>
--
Jim Brokaw
DoD #1415 SOHC/4 #40 AMA #716223
Santa Clara, CA
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1978 CB550K - First Bike 1978 CB750K - Big Brother
1980 CB750F - Money Pit 1994 VFR750F - Fast Bike
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