Not to sound like a pussy, but...

[muskywhisperr]

Hello all,

So i've been working on hardtailing a 1975 honda cl360 for the past year as I'm not rich and this is my first motorcycle and build all together in one and learning as i go. It's getting very close, pj has my carbs and searching for a small peanut tank and I'm ready to roll.

My parents gave me a 1980 suzuki GS1000gl because they want me to go riding with them so bad, bless their hearts. For the record I'm 140 lbs and maybe 5'7 and this bike seems way too big for me and i almost feel wore out just from a short little ride. I hate to sound like a puss but damn do i feel uncomfortable on it. Will i learn to become more secure on it or is it simple math?

Thoughts?

 

[Big R]

What makes you feel so uncomfortable about it? The sheer size of it?

I'm not a lot bigger than you, and I don't want a larger bike. But if you look around online (especially the GSResources) , you might find somebody that would be willing to trade a smaller bike.

 

[my-79-750-k]

You'll feel more comfortable in time. A GS1000 is a big bike, true, but everyone starts somewhere. My first bike was a 2002 1200cc Sportster. It sounded a lot bigger when I first got it. I weighed in at 125, maybe, and about 5'9". I got used to it pretty quick. Give it some time, you'll be leaning into corners before you realize it.

 

[muskywhisperr]

I think the problem is my short inseam compared to the height of the seat so when i come to a stop all of the weight goes to one side or another. I also have to lean into the handlebars. You're probably right it will just take some time on the road.

 

[muskywhisperr]

heres a pic

 

[Big R]

I do recommend getting a front fender - it attributes a lot to the handling of the front end.

Aside from trying to pull some foam from the seat, you could try lowering the suspension a little as well. Not sure how much it would affect that driveshaft though........

 

[muskywhisperr]

From other articles i have read on this forum I have learned the importance of the front fender, over style, and will be picking one up soon.

I am thinking on giving it a more cafe look with a flat seat which will help with my shortness and butt stop cuz this bike throws my tiny ass back ;D

 

[Fix]

Being able to get both feet down certainly helps that feeling of steadiness. I'm lucky enough to be 6'4 so I've never had to deal with it, but my wife is only 5' so we're having a lot of trouble finding a bike she can feel comfortable on.

 

[Big R]

Fix, look into a CB/CL 175. When I had mine, I could stand up at a red light with the bike held up between my thighs.

 

[Fix]

Fix, look into a CB/CL 175. When I had mine, I could stand up at a red light with the bike held up between my thighs.

Will do, thanks Rich!

 

[muskywhisperr]

Yeah i definately like the feel of my hardtailed 360 but she needs a lot of my time to be road worthy and safe to ride.

The other issue is that I put pod filters on the suzuki and the carbs need to be jetted and cleaned. So maybe when it runs the way it should without spitin and sputtering I will beable to relax a bit. So when i get my 360carbs back from crazypj im gonna give him a new challenge. From all the positive feedback Im sure he will work his magic on this 4pac of carbs

 

[Big R]

Rollin, sign up at the GSResources and have a look around. They know every nut and bolt about that bike, and can help with the jetting and many other problems as well.

 

[rrjlind]

Maybe you just need more practice, maybe set up some cones, practice braking (I practice a few emergency stops in the beginning of the season) & remember while turning "pull up/push down"

I'll be interested to hear what you say after you get that front fender on there.

 

[crazypj]

It's G.
The GS 750/850/1000 are known to be a bit top heavy, the G (shaft drive) is a bit worse
It IS a heavy bike

 

[MNBikerPup]

Hello all,

So i've been working on hardtailing a 1975 honda cl360 for the past year as I'm not rich and this is my first motorcycle and build all together in one and learning as i go. It's getting very close, pj has my carbs and searching for a small peanut tank and I'm ready to roll.

My parents gave me a 1980 suzuki GS1000gl because they want me to go riding with them so bad, bless their hearts. For the record I'm 140 lbs and maybe 5'7 and this bike seems way too big for me and i almost feel wore out just from a short little ride. I hate to sound like a puss but damn do i feel uncomfortable on it. Will i learn to become more secure on it or is it simple math?

Thoughts?

I stand 5'4.5" and weigh 180 lbs as of my last weigh in two months ago. I am also a new rider. I rode my buddy's Maxim 550 a whole of 2 months total, and that was not riding every day either. 2 months after I obtained my endorsement I bought a Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic. I love this bike. I can not see myself on anything smaller at all. Give it some time bro, you will eventually want something bigger than a liter. I'm already looking at a HD Ultra Classic Electra Glide which is 103 ci. ('Bout 1800cc) and I haven't even officially been riding a full 12 mos. yet. I bought my vstar in Oct of 11, endorsed Aug. 1st of 11.

 

[IanC]

I'm 5'10" and 135lb and I ride this:

1978 GS1000E Yes, it's a fairly heavy bike especially at low speeds. You have to learn to work with the weight. I have a blast getting the hefty pig to do what I want and that's the name of the game with vintage riding. A couple passes at Deal's Gap makes for a heck of a work out though.

Sent telepathically using Tapatalk 2.

 

[muskywhisperr]

I geuss i just need to get on it and ride, but over the past couple days i've decided that if im putting money into a bike its going to go into my cl360. I just love that thing and cant wait to see how it runs with the carbs setup properly. Thanks for all of the input and I will be keeping SuzyQ for my next project.