Motorbikes

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die young.jpg
 
I support the NABD (National Association of Bikers with a Disability) and have a couple of t-shirts and a hoody with "TOO OLD TO DIE YOUNG" around a picture of a skull (done for them by Billy Connoly, I'm told).
 
The usual start to a winter ride.

Put on fleece waistcoat, followed by fleece, jacket, waterproofs.

Don helmet. Wiggle fingers into silk gloves then riding gloves. Check all over for gaps.

Swing leg over bike and settle into riding position.

Remember that the keys are in one of the pockets under all the clobber.

Teach neighbour's kids new words and phrases!!!
 
I’m hoping to get out on mine today, but the weather is now starting to deteriorate. Really frustrating.
 
im not sure i could drop 70 BHP just for a bit of added comfort...its not that i find the FZ1 un-comfy i can and do ride it all day, I've even done a 16 hour day in the saddle..before i smashed my knee in...but its done 60000 miles and i know it wont keep going forever, i'm not precious about it and don't exactly treat it gently it gets used right through the year and its scratched and battered after being dropped a couple of times...but its serviced regularly..i change the oil in it more than i change my socks, its had its ECU flashed and with its K&N filter and titanium exhaust ( exup and cat removed) it runs as smooth as butter ....decisions decisions
 
Brendan Mulachy said:
whats it like for comfort on long journeys Duncan...toying with the idea of a new bike and this is on the list of considerations, i've had a quick go on a Triumph Tiger and that was really comfy, but i do like a Yamaha
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It's good. It's not a GS for comfort but off-road and on dirt tracks it's a lot more fun and really fun bike to ride in general. For long distance I have a sheepy that keeps my skinny butt comfortable. It's a very well balanced bike to ride and the engine is bombproof. I also considered the Tiger but went with the T700 and glad I did. Worth a test ride, Brendan.
 
THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
It's good. It's not a GS for comfort but off-road and on dirt tracks it's a lot more fun and really fun bike to ride in general. For long distance I have a sheepy that keeps my skinny butt comfortable. It's a very well balanced bike to ride and the engine is bombproof. I also considered the Tiger but went with the T700 and glad I did. Worth a test ride, Brendan.
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i love off road and thats what started me off on bikes as a kid..so ive always hankered at doing a bit more before i get too old..hence why i was thinking of this and the tiger, and the vstrom and il probably have a go on a versys just to round off the candidates..i dont want to go down the GS route just yet as im only in my 50's though my mate Bruce (Teapotone on youtube) tells me they are the best bikes in the world..ive had a broken leg for the past 2.5 years after the surgery to fix my broken tib and fib left me with a 10mm gap in my tibial platau ( thats the bit right at the top just by my knee cap) so im waiting on surgery for A) the plates to come out and B) a total knee replacement...so how much off roading i can do afterwards is debatable anyway...depends on what the orthopods say...mind you they have told me not to carry on riding the bike with the gap in my leg :LOL:
 
Not ridden a GS off road (and wouldn't want to!), I'd much rather have something I could pick up myself rather than needing South West Crane Hire's services. BiL has a GS and dropped it at a standstill. Broke a couple of bits that should bend (on the bike, not him) so he had to send his son on a 100 mile round trip to the closest dealer for replacements. It was supposed to be a weekender course but he didn't dare risk it again so he missed the Sunday!
 
So, after quite some years, the idea of another bike is starting to filter into my consciousness.

Although I rode bikes constantly from the age of 16 to 30 and less so to the age of 40, I haven't ridden for about 20 years.

On that basis, I would consider myself a beginner, both in terms of ability and knowledge.

So, I'm thinking I should be looking for something easily handled and not too powerful but will also not bore me once I regain confidence.

The new bike that leaps out at me as ideal would be the new Triumph Tiger 660 but I don't have that sort of money.

What would people recommend I think about for a budget up to about £3000 used?

Cheers
 
Brendan Mulachy said:
i love off road and thats what started me off on bikes as a kid..so ive always hankered at doing a bit more before i get too old..hence why i was thinking of this and the tiger, and the vstrom and il probably have a go on a versys just to round off the candidates..i dont want to go down the GS route just yet as im only in my 50's though my mate Bruce (Teapotone on youtube) tells me they are the best bikes in the world..ive had a broken leg for the past 2.5 years after the surgery to fix my broken tib and fib left me with a 10mm gap in my tibial platau ( thats the bit right at the top just by my knee cap) so im waiting on surgery for A) the plates to come out and B) a total knee replacement...so how much off roading i can do afterwards is debatable anyway...depends on what the orthopods say...mind you they have told me not to carry on riding the bike with the gap in my leg :LOL:
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A good mate of mine has just sold his GS and bought a Tenere 700. Like you, I come from a motocross/enduro background and started as a 7 y/o kid. I'm now 54. Interestingly, the T700 steers like a motocross bike so if you're used to that you'll be right at home. The GS is a good bike but it's overly complicated for me and I like things a bit old school. I'm planning on heading down to Spain, Italy and around Europe with my son on the back and we'll camp. I spent most of my like abroard so there are so many places I want to show him. Would a Tiger have been a more natural choice for that kind of travelling? Possibly! But a guy I know went twice round the world on a Monkey Bike! :oops: :$ I like to be different, I like enduro style bikes and I like bikes that can do it all. That's why I chose the T700. The Tiger was definitely a close second but the rebel in me had to get the T700, if that makes any sense, and I've not regretted it one bit.
 
Nod said:
Not ridden a GS off road (and wouldn't want to!), I'd much rather have something I could pick up myself rather than needing South West Crane Hire's services. BiL has a GS and dropped it at a standstill. Broke a couple of bits that should bend (on the bike, not him) so he had to send his son on a 100 mile round trip to the closest dealer for replacements. It was supposed to be a weekender course but he didn't dare risk it again so he missed the Sunday!
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being able to pick it up if off road ( and you will drop it) is why im more leaning to a lighter bike
 
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simon ess said:
So, after quite some years, the idea of another bike is starting to filter into my consciousness.

Although I rode bikes constantly from the age of 16 to 30 and less so to the age of 40, I haven't ridden for about 20 years.

On that basis, I would consider myself a beginner, both in terms of ability and knowledge.

So, I'm thinking I should be looking for something easily handled and not too powerful but will also not bore me once I regain confidence.

The new bike that leaps out at me as ideal would be the new Triumph Tiger 660 but I don't have that sort of money.

What would people recommend I think about for a budget up to about £3000 used?

Cheers
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You could stretch to spend a little more and get a new Benelli Imperiale.

www.benelli.co.uk

Benelli Motorcycles & Scooters for sale

Benelli offers a wide range of motorcycles and scooters. Find your perfect ride with various styles and sizes available.
www.benelli.co.uk www.benelli.co.uk
 
THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
A good mate of mine has just sold his GS and bought a Tenere 700. Like you, I come from a motocross/enduro background and started as a 7 y/o kid. I'm now 54. Interestingly, the T700 steers like a motocross bike so if you're used to that you'll be right at home. The GS is a good bike but it's overly complicated for me and I like things a bit old school. I'm planning on heading down to Spain, Italy and around Europe with my son on the back and we'll camp. I spent most of my like abroard so there are so many places I want to show him. Would a Tiger have been a more natural choice for that kind of travelling? Possibly! But a guy I know went twice round the world on a Monkey Bike! :oops: :$ I like to be different, I like enduro style bikes and I like bikes that can do it all. That's why I chose the T700. The Tiger was definitely a close second but the rebel in me had to get the T700, if that makes any sense, and I've not regretted it one bit.
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My touring plans for this year have changed. I’m going to ride to Annecy and use it as a base to ride the Alps. I’ve driven most of the best roads and can’t wait to ride them, and discover new passes etc.
 
Brendan Mulachy said:
being able to pick it up if off road ( and you will drop it) is why im more leaning to a lighter bike
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The T700 is actually quite top heavy. Some people seem to pick it up relatively easily, some struggle. In my tool box I have a MotoWinch LC2500. I've not yet dropped it and don't expect a problem but just in case as my old bones get older. :D

eastbound.shop

MotoWinch LC2500 Motorcycle Hoist

motorcycle jack; the multifuctional MotoWinch designed to lift a dropped motorcycle. Compact, light, easy to carry on your motorcycle.
eastbound.shop eastbound.shop
 
As much as I love my GS I'm still thinking about something smaller/lighter for a number of reasons, since getting a camper van there aren't going to be many road trips on a bike. I've had if for nearly five years and fancy a change, it is big and I'm not getting younger, general health issues etc etc.

I need to visit few dealers and suss stuff out because on paper some of the bikes that appeal to me don't seem to be very much smaller or lighter!

First world problems again!
 
Mr Bastable said:
As much as I love my GS I'm still thinking about something smaller/lighter for a number of reasons, since getting a camper van there aren't going to be many road trips on a bike. I've had if for nearly five years and fancy a change, it is big and I'm not getting younger, general health issues etc etc.

I need to visit few dealers and suss stuff out because on paper some of the bikes that appeal to me don't seem to be very much smaller or lighter!

First world problems again!
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If you're looking at a T700 you'll need a decent inside leg as they're not low. I'm 32" IL and have lowered it to accommodate.
 
THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
If you're looking at a T700 you'll need a decent inside leg as they're not low. I'm 32" IL and have lowered it to accommodate.
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The T700 is on my list, I easily flat foot my gs with the seat in high position so hopefully OK.
 
Are you suggesting that Douglas riders are old farts? ;) :P
 
Just gone through the chore of giving my Alpinestars textile suit it’s annual wash and reproof. I do this in the bath as the care label states it’s hand wash only.
Just wondering if there were any brands/types out there that are properly machine washable (as opposed to “getting away with it in the machine”)?
No immediate plans to replace the current one - just thought I’d ask while I still have the smell of TX-Direct in my nostrils :)
 
Does your machine have a "Hand Wash" setting? Ours does and Mrs Nod puts her handwash only with no (apparent) ill effects.
 
Nod said:
Does your machine have a "Hand Wash" setting? Ours does and Mrs Nod puts her handwash only with no (apparent) ill effects.
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Nope - gentlest is a wool wash…….
 
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simon ess said:
So, after quite some years, the idea of another bike is starting to filter into my consciousness.
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I’ve a few suggestions for you; the Suzuki bandit 600 or SV650. Or if you like the off road style, the Kawasaki versys 650.
Had a 600 bandit for 5yrs having had bigger bikes including the 1200 before it and loved it. Got GAS though and went to a triumph street triple, another cracking bike.
Now, just got an Enfield meteor 350 which is a lovely bike but s l o w with max speed of 70mph but just what I wanted and only £3800ish new.
Good luck with the search!
 
simon ess said:
The Versys does seem to be emerging as a favourite.
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After another day looking at reviews, specs, prices etc. I think maybe the Honda CB500X might have nosed ahead.

Going to visit Superbike Factory Macclesfield tomorrow just to have a look and perhaps a sit on if possible.
 
simon ess said:
Going to visit Superbike Factory Macclesfield tomorrow just to have a look and perhaps a sit on if possible.
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That was a very useful exercise. I had to consider the following...

I'm not as young / strong as I was.
I haven't ridden for over 20 years.
I've got to manhandle the bike through the entry and the back door.

The Honda CB500x felt totally manageable while the Versys, clearly a more substantial machine, felt a bit heavy, a bit tall and a bit awkward.

My last bike was a "breathed on" GS1000 and went like the proverbial so I'm a little bit concerned that if I go for the Honda I might be wishing for a bit more get up and go after a few weeks.

However, this is now not the past or future. I would struggle to get the Versys through to the back of the house so I'm going for the Honda.

Now to find one, Budget may stretch a little as usual.

BTW, the chap I spoke to at the Superbike factory was very patient and very helpful.
 
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Have to admit that I just used your want as an excuse to see what they have in stock that I might be interested in!
 
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