More bike related stuff

[Red Steve]

Had the old 749s serviced at home on Monday, plus a new set of Metzeler Racetec RR's fitted, which got some great reviews when they were launched a couple of months ago.

Now just waiting for another sunny day to see how they perform.

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[higham5]

Had the old 749s serviced at home on Monday, plus a new set of Metzeler Racetec RR's fitted, which got some great reviews when they were launched a couple of months ago.

Now just waiting for another sunny day to see how they perform.

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101984646_3260066587346023_4543204190821810176_n (2)

Lovely bike and nice colour. My pal had a 749 I only rode it for about 15 miles. Even at 5’6” it felt compact. I likened it to being on a race horse, you didnt so much steer with the bars, you just squashed your knees this way and that and it tracked like a missile.

I laboured for months when he talked about selling it as its also ( in my opinion) a bike that looks nicer with the fairing off.
Enjoy the dry weather to scrub those tyres in

Steve

[learningtofly]

[Gyp]

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Video is private

oooo err!

[learningtofly]

Video Unavailable
Video is private

oooo err!

Ah, I think that's better. Probably not worth the wait, though!

[Gyp]

Ah, I think that's better. Probably not worth the wait, though!

It's an interesting effect.

Not one I would necessarily suggest you use that often. Or at all.

But an interesting effect nonetheless

[learningtofly]

It's an interesting effect.

Not one I would necessarily suggest you use that often. Or at all.

But an interesting effect nonetheless

(I've not actually posted it on YouTube)

[Tifa]

Yet another update:
Fitted black headlight surround....looks heaps better imho, kinda finished with the emblackening for now....picked up a s/hand one for £25 off fleabay, and a can of satin black spray for £6. Can always go back to silver by refitting the original and flog the black if I get tired of it I recon.





Treated it to a new rear shock. (Lockdown/Cabin Fever) Maxton GP10. Took a month to be built, mine is the first GP10 to be fitted to a CB1000NSC...so loads of trial and error, and lots of chats with Maxton. Went in with a bit of fettling to the undertray, happy with end result.

Few pics:

First 3 are OE shock compared with Maxton....the rest are just bike porn....





















Yeah, yeah I know, it's only a shock, but when it arrived, trust me, I had to reach for the tissues...


Finished article.



Loving this bike.

[brandersnatch]

Took a trip out to the Reedham chain ferry in Norfolk. Interesting watching the motors pulling on the chains.

[higham5]

Re Tifa’s post on bling

Micky on the UKGSER site (an ex plod close protection rider) recons good suspension is worth 10 bhp all day long. The mods done On my small GS by the lads at Revs Racing using Wilbers transformed the bikes feel and poise.

[Stanford]

Yet another update:

Treated it to a new rear shock. (Lockdown/Cabin Fever) Maxton GP10. Took a month to be built, mine is the first GP10 to be fitted to a CB1000NSC...so loads of trial and error, and lots of chats with Maxton. Went in with a bit of fettling to the undertray, happy with end result.

Yeah, yeah I know, it's only a shock, but when it arrived, trust me, I had to reach for the tissues...

Loving this bike.

Nice - have you noticed any significant improvement in handling?

[Saint-Just]

Considering the taste for sporty bikes and our age group (with some exceptions, of course), I am surprised the S1000 XR isn't the 2 wheels equivalent of the MX5 among us.

[higham5]

Yet another update:
Fitted black headlight surround....looks heaps better imho, kinda finished with the emblackening for now....picked up a s/hand one for £25 off fleabay, and a can of satin black spray for £6. Can always go back to silver by refitting the original and flog the black if I get tired of it I recon.





Treated it to a new rear shock. (Lockdown/Cabin Fever) Maxton GP10. Took a month to be built, mine is the first GP10 to be fitted to a CB1000NSC...so loads of trial and error, and lots of chats with Maxton. Went in with a bit of fettling to the undertray, happy with end result.

Few pics:

First 3 are OE shock compared with Maxton....the rest are just bike porn....





















Yeah, yeah I know, it's only a shock, but when it arrived, trust me, I had to reach for the tissues...


Finished article.



Loving this bike.

Tifa cant help noticing the reg rectifier is going to cop all the spray and crap the hugger doesn’t stop. Could you form a simple plastic deflector to keep it clean whilst allowing air to cool it? OR better still reposition it on the other side Of the mudguard.

[SimonH]

I have the day off tomorrow as I have to take my son and his friends on a socially distanced end of year cycle ride

Thinking in the afternoon I might sneak off to Bulldog to test a Speed Twin if I can get an appointment.

I wonder if it would be a fatal mistake?

[Tifa]

Tifa cant help noticing the reg rectifier is going to cop all the spray and crap the hugger doesn’t stop. Could you form a simple plastic deflector to keep it clean whilst allowing air to cool it? OR better still reposition it on the other side Of the mudguard.

Most Honda's use this setup.
The connectors are actually inside the undertray and sealed away from the elements and road spray.
It's only the cooling fins of the heat sink on the reg/rec that's hanging in the breeze.
On my Aprilia Tuono, the reg/rec was almost directly behind the front wheel...it caught massive road spray. I just used to pack connectors with dilectric grease once a year. Never had an issue with it.

[Enoch]

I have the day off tomorrow as I have to take my son and his friends on a socially distanced end of year cycle ride

Thinking in the afternoon I might sneak off to Bulldog to test a Speed Twin if I can get an appointment.

I wonder if it would be a fatal mistake?

Could well be.... a mate had a test ride on Tuesday at Stafford Triumph. Came back and placed an order👍

[oldoakknives]

Took a trip out to the Reedham chain ferry in Norfolk. Interesting watching the motors pulling on the chains.

Nice looking bike. Must admit to missing my Harley, even though I'm enjoying the Enfield. Just couldn't handle the weight anymore.

Never considered a Sporty before, but some do look tempting.

[brandersnatch]

Nice looking bike. Must admit to missing my Harley, even though I'm enjoying the Enfield. Just couldn't handle the weight anymore.

Never considered a Sporty before, but some do look tempting.

Thanks. There is something about an HD. It’s undefinable but they’re just ‘right’. For me anyway. Sports bike fans will hate it. I like to be comfortable, my other bike is a Yamaha FJR1300. I do like a tourer

[andy tims]

Went with my Brother to look at the Kawasaki 1000SX last weekend as he "needs" a new bike. Looks a pretty good bike bar the minging standard end can. He enjoyed the test ride despite the slight drizzle.

Tomorrow he's looking at the BMW 900XR & probably the 1000XR. I think the later will be too much for him as he's not been riding long, but he's checked out insurance & the Kwak is apparently £700/year more that the BMW 900 & £600 more than the 1000. He hasn't fessed up the total quotes to me,bit I was amazed at the difference!

I know the Kwak has a fuller fairing, so more to damage if dropped on it's side but WTF? No wonder the 1000SX is a bit of a bargain to buy.

[Gyp]

Went with my Brother to look at the Kawasaki 1000SX last weekend as he "needs" a new bike. Looks a pretty good bike bar the minging standard end can. He enjoyed the test ride despite the slight drizzle.

Tomorrow he's looking at the BMW 900XR & probably the 1000XR. I think the later will be too much for him as he's not been riding long, but he's checked out insurance & the Kwak is apparently £700/year more that the BMW 900 & £600 more than the 1000. He hasn't fessed up the total quotes to me,bit I was amazed at the difference!

I know the Kwak has a fuller fairing, so more to damage if dropped on it's side but WTF? No wonder the 1000SX is a bit of a bargain to buy.

Possibly the demographic of the typical buyers is such that more 1000SX get crashed than the BMWs do.

I'm surprised that the S1000XR is £100 less expensive to insure than the F900XR.

Of the two the 1000 will be more exciting but the 900 more satisfying (the 1000 needs quite a bit of revs to get it going where the 900 is more about the midrange).

P.S. the end cans on the BMWs are gopping too. The manufacturers seem to be deliberately making gopping cans so that they can sell you the (also legal) slightly prettier accessory cans

[andy tims]

I'm surprised that the S1000XR is £100 less expensive to insure than the F900XR.

It's not

[kildareman]

Went with my Brother to look at the Kawasaki 1000SX last weekend as he "needs" a new bike. Looks a pretty good bike bar the minging standard end can. He enjoyed the test ride despite the slight drizzle.

Tomorrow he's looking at the BMW 900XR & probably the 1000XR. I think the later will be too much for him as he's not been riding long, but he's checked out insurance & the Kwak is apparently £700/year more that the BMW 900 & £600 more than the 1000. He hasn't fessed up the total quotes to me,bit I was amazed at the difference!

I know the Kwak has a fuller fairing, so more to damage if dropped on it's side but WTF? No wonder the 1000SX is a bit of a bargain to buy.

His riding experience will also be a factor in the insurance. Of the 3 I'd have the Kwaka, or a Ducati or another Triumph, or maybe a Honda. Defo next bike will be physically smaller and weigh less than 200Kg

[Gyp]

It's not

You're right.

Brain fade.

[learningtofly]

Went with my Brother to look at the Kawasaki 1000SX last weekend as he "needs" a new bike. Looks a pretty good bike bar the minging standard end can. He enjoyed the test ride despite the slight drizzle.

Tomorrow he's looking at the BMW 900XR & probably the 1000XR. I think the later will be too much for him as he's not been riding long, but he's checked out insurance & the Kwak is apparently £700/year more that the BMW 900 & £600 more than the 1000. He hasn't fessed up the total quotes to me,bit I was amazed at the difference!

I know the Kwak has a fuller fairing, so more to damage if dropped on it's side but WTF? No wonder the 1000SX is a bit of a bargain to buy.

I like the 1000XR to look at, but it's heavy at about 230kg dry and delivers peak power at 11000 rpm. For me it wouldn't be rideable at anything near that level and doesn't seem to quite make sense for what looks like a tourer.

[blackal]

I like the 1000XR to look at, but it's heavy at about 230kg dry and delivers peak power at 11000 rpm. For me it wouldn't be rideable at anything near that level and doesn't seem to quite make sense for what looks like a tourer.

You should try one - they are remarkably tractable throughout the range. That said, you might not like it initially - if coming from a twin.

Fantastic do-it-all bike in my experience.

[Saint-Just]

I like the 1000XR to look at, but it's heavy at about 230kg dry and delivers peak power at 11000 rpm. For me it wouldn't be rideable at anything near that level and doesn't seem to quite make sense for what looks like a tourer.

Remember Tony, it's the same engine than the 1000 RR, slightly detuned. None of the tests I have watched seemed to complain about either weight, lack of midrange grunt or need to rev excessively. All, however, described it as a bike with the comfort of a tourer and the performances of a sports bike.

[learningtofly]

Remember Tony, it's the same engine than the 1000 RR, slightly detuned. None of the tests I have watched seemed to complain about either weight, lack of midrange grunt or need to rev excessively. All, however, described it as a bike with the comfort of a tourer and the performances of a sports bike.

Well, when you put it that way... :)

[Stanford]

Remember Tony, it's the same engine than the 1000 RR, slightly detuned. None of the tests I have watched seemed to complain about either weight, lack of midrange grunt or need to rev excessively. All, however, described it as a bike with the comfort of a tourer and the performances of a sports bike.

When I rode the earlier version of the XR, some 5 years ago, this is what I thought then. Apparently the vibration problem, which was widely reported, has been resolved in the later versions.

It's an amazing bike with an engine that just demands to be revved (way beyond what I would have found comfortable (or legal) on a long journey) so much so that I kept trying to find 7th gear!
I thought it was all very frantic and quite viby but specially on the overrun around 6500 rpm when it sent a tingle right up through the seat and my gooch (ooh err)!

p.s. from memory it was also quite a tall bike and I struggled to get both feet comfortably planted. I would still like to try the current model, though, because it was(is) a very good bike.

p.p.s I also likened the bike (because of the vibes) to an expensive sex toy, not that I knew from first hand experience. One of my brothers then mentioned "gerbil Armageddon" - just a bit off topic but worth googling if you want a laugh.

[SimonH]

I have the day off tomorrow as I have to take my son and his friends on a socially distanced end of year cycle ride

Thinking in the afternoon I might sneak off to Bulldog to test a Speed Twin if I can get an appointment.

I wonder if it would be a fatal mistake?

Hosed it down all afternoon so decided not to do the test ride today, but went along anyway and had a sit and a play. TBH. it's even nicer in real life than I'd hoped. So test ride booked for tomorrow, if it goes as well as it looks* I could succumb...

*

The manufacturers seem to be deliberately making gopping cans so that they can sell you the (also legal) slightly prettier accessory cans

Yes, here's another one, it's nice apart from the standard cans, so would have to add the V&H.

Next question, silver or red...?!

[Gyp]

Yes, here's another one, it's nice apart from the standard cans, so would have to add the V&H.

Next question, silver or red...?!

Red.

Hold off on the V&H for a while as Triumph have somehow managed to make their standard cans sound really good and they are nowhere as awful as the BMW cans

Or yeah, maybe silver

[SimonH]

The stock pipes are plenty loud enough for me, I just don't like the look of them. But I can always get the V&H later so maybe I'll stick with stock for now and see if they grow on me.

My initial thought was red, but the demonstrator is silver and does look very classy. I'm not totally against black TBH but my current bike is black so fancy a change.

Of course, maybe I won't like it anyway...

[learningtofly]

The stock pipes are plenty loud enough for me, I just don't like the look of them. But I can always get the V&H later so maybe I'll stick with stock for now and see if they grow on me.

My initial thought was red, but the demonstrator is silver and does look very classy. I'm not totally against black TBH but my current bike is black so fancy a change.

Of course, maybe I won't like it anyway...

Of course you won’t!

Hard choice on the colour, although I think I’m just about favouring the grey. There are also quite a few aftermarket exhausts that are probably worth checking out before you decide to swap out the stock can for the V&H.

[Gyp]

There are also quite a few aftermarket exhausts that are probably worth checking out before you decide to swap out the stock can for the V&H.

Interesting that Triumph aren't themselves flogging an exhaust themselves for the Speed Twin

[downer]

The stock pipes are plenty loud enough for me, I just don't like the look of them. But I can always get the V&H later so maybe I'll stick with stock for now and see if they grow on me.

My initial thought was red, but the demonstrator is silver and does look very classy. I'm not totally against black TBH but my current bike is black so fancy a change.

Of course, maybe I won't like it anyway...

Personally, I think the bike looks a hell of a lot better with the V&H pipes. And I’d choose red. Or black.

[SimonH]

The V&H was once upon a time available as an accessory on the configurator, but no more, not sure why.

I was leaning towards it because of the fact it was developed with Triumph as they were (are?) partners, so will hopefully will work well out of the box as it were. It seems to add more burble and pops than outright volume which suits me, but the looks seem to suit it well.

But you make a good point Tony, maybe I should look further afield before deciding.

[SimonH]

Personally, I think the bike looks a hell of a lot better with the V&H pipes.

Yes exactly, how it should have come from the factory really.

And I’d choose red. Or black.

Arggh!!!

[higham5]

Yes exactly, how it should have come from the factory really.

Arggh!!!

I have to say those VH pipes look well on the bike, the matt black original looks decidedly meh

https://vanceandhines.com/pages/triumph

Enjoy your test ride

Steve

[E_2_Right-Force]

Went for a bimble around the New Forest, Salisbury, Stockbridge etc today, me on the Big and my mate borrowed the CBR.





It`s been a lean year, could really do with a dooo now. Thinking of re-visiting Wales at some point.

[Matt8500]

I was in Stockbridge and Salisbury today! Would have definitely noticed those bikes

[andy tims]

Remember Tony, it's the same engine than the 1000 RR, slightly detuned. None of the tests I have watched seemed to complain about either weight, lack of midrange grunt or need to rev excessively. All, however, described it as a bike with the comfort of a tourer and the performances of a sports bike.

Many know I had the S1000R before the RR I currently have and that has more low to mid range grunt than the RR. I’m pretty sure the XRs engine mapping is the same as the R. No need at all the rev it particularly high to experience weapons grade acceleration up to about 80mph.

[andy tims]

Anyway, whilst my bro was test riding the 900XR (which he liked, but wasn’t blown away by) I had an hour on the new RR.

The demo bike only had 400 miles on the clock and still had the 9k rpm running in limiter, so impossible to tell if it’s noticeably quicker than my 2015 bike. Sure it is, once properly run in.
it did handle better than mine. Not much lighter, but it felt like it was. More nimble especially the way it drops into corners really fast, but then holds a line as well as my bike. Very stable under heavy braking too. The TFT screen is superb. The only negative is the more muted soundtrack, but that’s down to the ever tightening regulations.
All in all a superb bike, but nothing like over twice as good as my current bike which would be the financial requirement.
I’ll not be changing any time soon.

[Enoch]

Went for a bimble around the New Forest, Salisbury, Stockbridge etc today, me on the Big and my mate borrowed the CBR.





It`s been a lean year, could really do with a dooo now. Thinking of re-visiting Wales at some point.

Did madmax and the goose join in😎😎

[SimonH]

Well I test rode the Speed twin today. Took the Striple down to have a benchmark fresh in the mind.

I think it's fair to say I loved it! That engine is a joy, whilst the handling and general feeling while riding it in terms of position etc. were not unlike to the Striple which is a good thing.

The demo had the V&H on and I was giggling at times at the burbles and pops that were going on. At the same time, although a bit fruity, not crazy loud.

Interestingly, on the way home I had the opportunity to open up the Striple and I did wonder if I would miss the excitement of that wonderful 675 engine, but once I got it on a more technical twisty road I realised how much more intuitive the Speed Twin is in the way the engine integrates with the handling compared to the Striple.

I would say the only downside is it feels a bit heavier than the Striple to manoeuvre about at low speed, but even then not massively so.

So I think I am going to order one. As for colour, I always say, if you have a question you are not sure about, go with your instinctive first answer. Which was always red for me. Plus that's the colour my son likes!

I'm going to get the V&H pipes on it. I thought they suited it perfectly looks-wise, and sound superb, and as they were developed in partnership with triumph will complement it well.

[learningtofly]

Well I test rode the Speed twin today. Took the Striple down to have a benchmark fresh in the mind.

I think it's fair to say I loved it! That engine is a joy, whilst the handling and general feeling while riding it in terms of position etc. were not unlike to the Striple which is a good thing.

The demo had the V&H on and I was giggling at times at the burbles and pops that were going on. At the same time, although a bit fruity, not crazy loud.

Interestingly, on the way home I had the opportunity to open up the Striple and I did wonder if I would miss the excitement of that wonderful 675 engine, but once I got it on a more technical twisty road I realised how much more intuitive the Speed Twin is in the way the engine integrates with the handling compared to the Striple.

I would say the only downside is it feels a bit heavier than the Striple to manoeuvre about at low speed, but even then not massively so.

So I think I am going to order one. As for colour, I always say, if you have a question you are not sure about, go with your instinctive first answer. Which was always red for me. Plus that's the colour my son likes!

I'm going to get the V&H pipes on it. I thought they suited it perfectly looks-wise, and sound superb, and as they were developed in partnership with triumph will complement it well.

Fantastic, Simon! As well as, or instead of?

Edit: strike that, you’ve already given the answer.

[higham5]

Well I test rode the Speed twin today. Took the Striple down to have a benchmark fresh in the mind.

I think it's fair to say I loved it! That engine is a joy, whilst the handling and general feeling while riding it in terms of position etc. were not unlike to the Striple which is a good thing.

The demo had the V&H on and I was giggling at times at the burbles and pops that were going on. At the same time, although a bit fruity, not crazy loud.

Interestingly, on the way home I had the opportunity to open up the Striple and I did wonder if I would miss the excitement of that wonderful 675 engine, but once I got it on a more technical twisty road I realised how much more intuitive the Speed Twin is in the way the engine integrates with the handling compared to the Striple.

I would say the only downside is it feels a bit heavier than the Striple to manoeuvre about at low speed, but even then not massively so.

So I think I am going to order one. As for colour, I always say, if you have a question you are not sure about, go with your instinctive first answer. Which was always red for me. Plus that's the colour my son likes!

I'm going to get the V&H pipes on it. I thought they suited it perfectly looks-wise, and sound superb, and as they were developed in partnership with triumph will complement it well.

Simon I dont know if you saw last weeks June 3 rd MCN but they tested on the same 250 mile loop, the Speed triple RS , the Street Triple RS against the 2020 Speed Twin. And the overall best bike and winner was...




















Speed Twin :)

[learningtofly]

Going out for a ride with young Howard later this morning - planned a nice 140km route planned on Calimoto and it looks like being a lovely day for it

[learningtofly]

Simon I dont know if you saw last weeks June 3 rd MCN but they tested on the same 250 mile loop, the Speed triple RS , the Street Triple RS against the 2020 Speed Twin. And the overall best bike and winner was...





Speed Twin :)

Funnily enough, I have a test ride on a Monster 821 booked for tomorrow morning, and a request in with Triumph North London for a (second) Speed twin test ride. I think I'm getting itchy again

[Gyp]

Anyway, whilst my bro was test riding the 900XR (which he liked, but wasn’t blown away by)

Has he considered the Tiger 900?

I looked at a Tiger 900 Vs F900XR review yesterday and the Tiger came out on top as it was more engaging.

BTW, re your comments about the new RR being better than your RR, I'm in a similar position with my R1200R Sport.

Is the new R1250R better? Yes.

What's the trade in value of mine? About £6-7k.

What's the price of the R1250R in a similar spec to my 1200? £18k.

Is the R1250R £11-12k better than my R1200R? Not a chance.

[Skyman]

Wish I had money to blow on these boys’ toys. Then again......

[Skyman]

Wish I had money to blow on these boys’ toys. Then again......

I do, and I don’t. Fools game chasing the latest and best.