Have2BeFree
It's My Bike!
Saturday afternoon I arrived at my friend’s house where I’m storing my FZ6 (Zelda) for my first ride ever on her. She was parked in the driveway facing out with my recently purchased Motovation frame sliders installed (good friend!). It was bright sunny and 45 degrees – I couldn’t wait any longer! I turned the key and delighted in the sound of the fuel injection pump engaging – so nice not to have to deal with a choke anymore. I flipped the cut off switch to on and fired her up. The scorpion exhaust is loud but boy does she sound sweet! I gave Zelda a few minutes to warm up while I put on my helmet and gloves and then the moment came. I threw a leg over and was seated and ready to go. I shifted her into first and was dismayed at a noticeable clunk and the bike jerked forward ever so slightly but since she only has 4,200 miles on her I wasn’t too worried. As my friend and the neighbors watched, I slowly eased out the clutch and gave her a little gas…………and was on my way! Yay – I didn’t stall her and embarrass myself! (yet) The first thing I did notice is how low Zelda is geared compared to any other bike I have ever ridden. At first I was shifting her at around 3,000 rpm and then realized that she responded better at 4,000 (at least). I was shocked to notice that redline was 1,500 rpm (and a little excited too). I made it to the first stop light safely, carefully put my feet down – I can’t flat foot it and am mostly on my toes. This is definitely going to take some getting used to! The light turned green and…………….I stalled it. Eventually I did figure out the clutch/throttle technique and had an enjoyable 50 mile ride over back roads. The only problems I encountered were 1) a rattling in the front (fairing?) 2) she wants to go, go, go! I had a difficult time maintaining an even speed. Every straight away I encountered I just wanted to see how fast she could go! I finally did give it a go but I chickened out at 65 mph because it was a back road in a village well know for radar and I figured that discretion is the best part of valor since I am just getting to know the bike. I didn’t take her out on the highway yet because I wanted to have some practice first. No pics on this ride because everything is still dull and brown here, another month or so before the trees will be budding and it will be getting more scenic. There is still some snow on the sides of the road and the rivers, ponds and slow moving creeks still have a layer of ice. I was sad to bring Zelda back after only 50 miles but I was getting cold!
On Sunday it was sunny and 55 and I rounded up a couple of friends and took a 100 mile ride. I called my friend and he took my bike out of the garage - and found a nail in the tire from yesterdays ride
Fortunately he was able to plug it and away I went. I was the lead rider since I have the most experience riding and that kept me honest at least. I am definitely getting better with shifting, the “clunking” seems to have gone, and I got her up to 90 (from a dead stop) before I chickened out this time (not sure if I was in 3rd of 4th but boy was it a rush!). What a great day! The stock seat is ok, but I’m undecided on how comfy it will be on a long ride. I need a tank protector since I sit so close because I am uh ……vertically challenged……..and don’t want to scratch the bike. I’m still a little stiff in the corners and curves and need some more practice riding her but I’m sure that will come as my confidence improves. I have only one question - does the “how fast will she go?” feeling ever go away? I think the Scorpion exhaust adds to that because she sounds awesome when you get her up to or above about 5,000 rpm. Oh yeah, at 60 mph she is at about 5500 rpm, is this normal?
I am totally in love with my FZ!
I will post some pics of the bike as soon as I find the cable to my digital camera (why can’t teenagers leave their hands off of Mom’s stuff?).
I also want to say thanks to everyone here for all the good info. I read all of the threads, though I don’t understand most of them and have learned a lot. I may never be mechanically inclined but at least I now have a general idea of how the bike works. If it weren’t for the thread regarding the sliders my friend may not have been as successful in installing them. So, thanks everyone!
On Sunday it was sunny and 55 and I rounded up a couple of friends and took a 100 mile ride. I called my friend and he took my bike out of the garage - and found a nail in the tire from yesterdays ride
Fortunately he was able to plug it and away I went. I was the lead rider since I have the most experience riding and that kept me honest at least. I am definitely getting better with shifting, the “clunking” seems to have gone, and I got her up to 90 (from a dead stop) before I chickened out this time (not sure if I was in 3rd of 4th but boy was it a rush!). What a great day! The stock seat is ok, but I’m undecided on how comfy it will be on a long ride. I need a tank protector since I sit so close because I am uh ……vertically challenged……..and don’t want to scratch the bike. I’m still a little stiff in the corners and curves and need some more practice riding her but I’m sure that will come as my confidence improves. I have only one question - does the “how fast will she go?” feeling ever go away? I think the Scorpion exhaust adds to that because she sounds awesome when you get her up to or above about 5,000 rpm. Oh yeah, at 60 mph she is at about 5500 rpm, is this normal?I am totally in love with my FZ!
I will post some pics of the bike as soon as I find the cable to my digital camera (why can’t teenagers leave their hands off of Mom’s stuff?).
I also want to say thanks to everyone here for all the good info. I read all of the threads, though I don’t understand most of them and have learned a lot. I may never be mechanically inclined but at least I now have a general idea of how the bike works. If it weren’t for the thread regarding the sliders my friend may not have been as successful in installing them. So, thanks everyone!
