I did it.

[flamin lib]

Okay, I did it. Pulled the trigger so to speak. Wasn’t really ready for it yet but sometimes there are omens and signs.

Been lusting after a Hyosung GV650 for about four months. Few on the market used and those that are seem to be way overpriced. Decided on a new bike and needed about two more months of savings to make a nice down payment.

Then Craig’s List presented me with “the bike”. 2007 with 10 months left on warranty, right color and some options I would have bought anyway. Less than half new price.


Here she is complete with ‘50s style Roy Rogers fringe on the bags. That stuff is gone already. For now just trimmed off the fringe and got rid of the chrome froo-froo. It’ll do ‘till I can get some more appropriate luggage. Why somebody would put that on new-age styled machine is beyond me.


Came with a windshield and cup holder. Both gone now. Never cared for shields and the only beverage I’d put in the cup holder would get me in deep do with the local constabulary. Besides, that’s just askin’ for trouble . . .


One of the complaints the reviewers had was that the bike’s power plant looks “industrial” which is what I like about it. It doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t, like air-cooled. No fins or other froo-froo, no do-daas, just what it says it is.


This is what cinched the deal. I collect ceramic dragons. It’s like the somebody was tryin’ to tell me something.

[IDemo]

1. congrats, flamin lib. Nice looking bike.

I see you're missing the AIS (air injection system) canister on the right side of the engine, so you either got a Canadian model or the previous owner removed it. Many owners have bypassed or completely removed it, but you want to watch it if you either live in a state with vehicle inspections or you put less restrictive pipes on the bike.

I have enjoyed the heck out of my 2006 so far, and will ride it as long as I can unless or until we get snow or ice on the road. It was 32° Thursday morning, the last day I rode it, but not real bad for a 10 minute commute. I'll be laid off for five of the next seven weeks, so hope to get in some afternoon rides.

I took the riding test three weeks ago for my motorcycle endorsement and was the only one up to that point on a motorcycle to pass it (there were a ton of scooters). I handled the braking, swerving, and U-turn tests ok, but flopped on trying to negotiate the orange cone S-turns. This bike has a 35° rake and is quite long, so it doesn't corner like any machine I have owned. I have also scraped the footpegs in cornering at intersections and actually dragged my foot off the pegs a couple of times, which needless to say can get your attention real quick!

Get ready for the "what kind of bike is that?" questions; at the gas pumps, parking lots, and intersections! :)

[flamin lib]

6. AIS? I've heard it mentioned in various forums, but not seen it on

a bike, even in the showroom. Maybe it isn't required in Texas?

It is a long thing, isn't it. Doesn't particularly like sharp turns at low speeds -- feels a bit awkward but I'll probably get used to it with a bit more practice.

[Shardik]

2. Beautiful bike!

Congratulations. Now I want one!

[DrDan]

3. good lookin' bike!

What kind is it?

:rofl:

[flamin lib]

4. Nobody likes an over-educated mule . . .

;-)

That's a smart ass by any other name . . .

[Robb]

5. Dang, congrats!

You can never go wrong buying a motorbike or boat in November. :toast: