Bros,
I wasn't sure if this should go here, or "no moto content" since it's not monster related. But, I wanted to share with you all. My wife said she wanted to start riding again, so I jumped on Craigslist and grabbed this sweet CBR500r. This will be her second bike, after being out of the game for almost 10yrs. I got the bike for $2k, and have dropped another $200 in deferred maintenance. Overall a good score I think.
Last pic first! All cleaned up, safety checked, and ready to roll. New break light housing, front turn signals, rear rotor, pads all around, brake bleed, caliper scrub and lube, coolant flush, oil change, and some new levers. Still waiting on turn signal mirrors and bar end weights.
The day we brought her home. Disassembly began immediately. Needed to remove some dubious parts and do the requisite "new bike cleanup"
Previous life was a hard one. To be expected I guess for a popular beginner bike.
Steady stream of new parts inbound! Between Babbits and Partzilla, every last part on this bike is available for about $5. Something to be said for Honda vs Ducati
Lots of grossness to scrub off!
Scrubbing the stoppy bits
Drinking my wifes "lady beer", after a hard day of scrubbing
Initial reassembly, still waiting on some new levers, but ready for a shakedown ride!
First parking lot ride!
There is a big ass grin under that helmet.
My first impressions is that the bike is made to order for a new rider. Low seat, upright ergos, just enough power to hit the freeway, and very low gearing. All the controls are very forgiving, and it's just damn easy to ride (compared to my S2R). I had a blast today, riding this thing around 94, honey springs road, and olympic pkwy. My wife is very happy, and I'm stoked to have my riding buddy back. Once she logs a few more neighborhood rides, to shake off the cobwebs, I'll hit you all up with some ride reports from San Diego!
