More bike related stuff

[Gyp]

I was st the 1066 cafe this morning and BMW were doing test rides on the R18; they had a dozen of the things lined up outside the cafe in a few of their various guises. My impression was long, low and very wide Harley wannabes.

I don't think they are selling very well, and looking at the classifieds, the used value isn't holding up well either. BMW are offering quite large discounts to shift them.

[Possu]

Might as well join the fun. I spent more than a decade bikeless but this summer I decided the kids are old enough to come along for a ride. First I tried a Honda 750 Shadow. I could stand the handling of the Shadow for two weeks. It was the bike I tried to buy with reason, but soon realised that it didn’t feel right for me at all. The footpegs were dragging on the road even at lowish cruising speeds. Not fun on the road when it feels like you’re constantly pushing the limits.

After two weeks I bit the bullet and bought the bike I actually wanted in the first place, a Honda CB 1100 from 2013. Turns out it’s just what I need. It handles really well and it’s fun to drive even at sensible speeds. It sports some 90 HP which is plenty enough for the occasional overtake and there’s enough torque to make driving pleasant even at low rpm. I’ll mostly use it for urban commutes and to bimble around winding back roads for a few hours in the evening. There will be occasional longer trips as well. This bike will handle all of that easily while offering reasonable comfort for two. I’ll admit it does not excel at anything but for my purpose it’s a pretty nice all-around bike. Maybe it’s least comfortable off paved roads but for me that’s not an issue.

This bike came equipped with an OEM top box that had a nice backrest cushion for the kids, and my wife too. I hate the look of it and take it off whenever I can but I must admit it’s pretty handy on weekend trips. Most importantly this is the first bike I’ve ever had with ABS brakes, pretty happy about that. I got a set of pivoting risers for the handlebar and with that I was able to get a way better driving position for myself. I’m considering an upgrade for the saddle as well. I thought gel padding might make it more comfy and I’d really like the look of brown leather. Otherwise I’m going to keep it standard. It helps me that this seems to have been a short-lived and unliked model. It’s hard to find reasonably priced parts for the bike.

A couple of bad pics, as per my photography skills

[higham5]

Possu , nice bike. Before you go investing in different seats please understand our derrière’s take a while to accustom to riding. Simple options other than miles in the saddle are cycling shorts. Others use airhawks a low volume air cushion seat. Just ride it around a little longer.

Top boxes are brilliant for giving pillions confidence with the back support and at a push you can do a weekend camping with a single topbox and a rollbag.

Lastly have a look for any owners groups / forums. Studying what other people have upgraded often indicates least cost changes, plus you may pick up some second hand upgrades.

[andy tims]

A rare wash of the track bike, plus a carbon hugger + front mudguard added to the BMW so I grabbed a few pics yesterday.

[Thewatchbloke]

The joys of vintage motorcycling. British bikes usually leak oil, not petrol! All part of recommissioning though, if a leaky carb is the worst issue I've found then it's a win in my book.





One of the things I've found incredible with this particular bike is absolutely everything is still available spare parts wise. For instance with the carburettor it runs a pre-monoblock Amal, a 229F/1DV brass body to be precise, and logging on to Amal's site everything from a gasket, to a throttle slide, to a jet, to a complete carburettor is still available. It's the same with engine parts, cycle parts, brakes, wheels, controls etc, everything is still available from companies like the Vincent Spares Company who recommission a lot of components, to specialist manufacturers like Maughans and small specialist companies who can supply and repair magnetos, generators and the like. Not bad for a 70 year old machine.

The frustrating thing with a bike this old is trying to find all my old whitworth spanners, they haven't been used for so long they are scattered to all four corners of the garage!

[Possu]

Possu , nice bike. Before you go investing in different seats please understand our derrière’s take a while to accustom to riding. Simple options other than miles in the saddle are cycling shorts. Others use airhawks a low volume air cushion seat. Just ride it around a little longer.

Top boxes are brilliant for giving pillions confidence with the back support and at a push you can do a weekend camping with a single topbox and a rollbag.

Lastly have a look for any owners groups / forums. Studying what other people have upgraded often indicates least cost changes, plus you may pick up some second hand upgrades.

Cheers higham. My kids are 10 and 8 years old. I wouldn’t have them on without a proper backrest.

I’ll need to think about the seat. I can live with the factory seat easily enough, but I’d just like the upgrade. A bloke in Japan sells seats but the one I specced goes for 700€ before import tax. I don’t see myself spending 900€ for a seat upgrade. I’ll need to ask some local upholsterer for a quote. I can’t give up the seat before winter anyway, so I’ll have ample time to ponder.

[Time Cat]

Gave my new arrival a clean yesterday. This was pre-wash, and as you can see, it was filthy.

Complete torque monster and a fantastic sound.

Love this model. So much cooler than the Panigale.

I had a Honda vtr sp1 for many years. Now a blade. But I would love a 1198 one day..

[BadBoyR]

Had this a few weeks, love riding it.


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[blackal]

https://i.imgur.com/qNhPA6k.jpg[/IMG]A rare wash of the track bike, plus a carbon hugger + front mudguard added to the BMW so I grabbed a few pics yesterday.

That S1000r is stunning in that colour-scheme. Interested to see that the sump-glass is on the opposite side from my S1000XR (easier to keep clean for a start, and also easier to see the level as you bring the bike upright.

Bike looks a lot of fun !!!

[j0hnbarker]

Love this model. So much cooler than the Panigale.

I had a Honda vtr sp1 for many years. Now a blade. But I would love a 1198 one day..

Funny you should mention it, but I chopped my SP1 in for this. Honda was more reliable (already had one electrical gremlin on the Ducati), but the Italian bike is more soulful.

How did you find your SP1?

This is my old Honda on Bike World. You can still see my private plate on it, which is now on the 1198.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wL1D-BLAW40&t=77s

[higham5]

Funny you should mention it, but I chopped my SP1 in for this. Honda was more reliable (already had one electrical gremlin on the Ducati), but the Italian bike is more soulful.

How did you find your SP1?

This is my old Honda on Bike World. You can still see my private plate on it, which is now on the 1198.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wL1D-BLAW40&t=77s

John I trust it was a trolley jack under the bike that prompted that wheelie……..what a bike superb

[j0hnbarker]

John I trust it was a trolley jack under the bike that prompted that wheelie……..what a bike superb

Not me riding!

[andy tims]

That S1000r is stunning in that colour-scheme.

Bike looks a lot of fun !!!

Thanks and yes it is.

[Adge]

Just a friendly PSA to say that although it's hot, make sure you ride your full leathers and safety gear.

I saw the aftermath of this nasty looking accident yesterday, and although I didn't see the rider, I imagine it would have been a sight more painful had he decided it was too hot to wear the jacket ( like I have seen on the roads recently)

[andy tims]

Just a friendly PSA to say that although it's hot, make sure you ride your full leathers and safety gear.

I'm wearing a mesh jacket, Rokker chino's and mesh / vented gloves for the last few weeks for road rides.

[blackal]

Just a friendly PSA to say that although it's hot, make sure you ride your full leathers and safety gear.

I saw the aftermath of this nasty looking accident yesterday, and although I didn't see the rider, I imagine it would have been a sight more painful had he decided it was too hot to wear the jacket ( like I have seen on the roads recently)

Textiles have come a long way in the last couple of decades, and there are far better options than leather in this kind of weather.

Your sentiment is valid though - I cringe when I see people riding without gloves, with trainers on, with non-armoured jeans - and worst of all..........young girls in skimpy clothes on the back of a bike.

[lewie]

Saw 3 separately yesterday- shorts and T-shirts - crazy

[blackie]

Dragged the fechter out for a checkover this morning.
Got to collate a list of what's needed to get it back on the road

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[higham5]

Dragged the fechter out for a checkover this morning.
Got to collate a list of what's needed to get it back on the road

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In my case the list would be short, I would have to grow a large pair of cahunaas to ride that beast. Enjoy

[blackie]

It's a pussy really mate. When it's not being and absolutely b@stard.

[pugster]

if i cant wear the correct gear (whether armoured jeans and textiles or leathers) because its too hot (for me) - i dont bother going out , you only come off a bike in a tshirt and shorts once and if you survive you wont do it again.

[Thewatchbloke]

^^In stark contrast to me, I love riding in the hot weather but my only concessions to safety are a jacket (a light leather one with no armour), an open face helmet and summer gloves. Having said that I always wear jeans never shorts, but I don't wear motorcycle jeans as in the heat I find they are far too uncomfortable. Below is pretty much how I'm kitted out for summer riding.



I've had spills in the past when I was a younger man and I've also seen many horrific accidents, the worst of which was riding with an old schoolmate who died at the side of the road after T-boning a car that pulled out of a country pub car park on him. Due to bike accidents I've lost 7 of the group I used to ride around with when I was a teenager, the last one to go was two years ago at age 57. I do accept the risks and I never ride hard without all the correct gear, consequently I'm happy in the summer months to just bimble around on my bikes, it's not foolproof as I never know what surprises other road users are going to spring on me but it's served me well up to now.

Wearing all the safety gear (or not) is all about your own personal attitude to risk, I'm prepared to accept a higher factor of injury in the event of an accident in order to be able to enjoy my summer riding the way I've always done it.

[learningtofly]

^^In stark contrast to me, I love riding in the hot weather but my only concessions to safety are a jacket (a light leather one with no armour), an open face helmet and summer gloves. Having said that I always wear jeans never shorts, but I don't wear motorcycle jeans as in the heat I find they are far too uncomfortable. Below is pretty much how I'm kitted out for summer riding.



I've had spills in the past when I was a younger man and I've also seen many horrific accidents, the worst of which was riding with an old schoolmate who died at the side of the road after T-boning a car that pulled out of a country pub car park on him. Due to bike accidents I've lost 7 of the group I used to ride around with when I was a teenager, the last one to go was two years ago at age 57. I do accept the risks and I never ride hard without all the correct gear, consequently I'm happy in the summer months to just bimble around on my bikes, it's not foolproof as I never know what surprises other road users are going to spring on me but it's served me well up to now.

Wearing all the safety gear (or not) is all about your own personal attitude to risk, I'm prepared to accept a higher factor of injury in the event of an accident in order to be able to enjoy my summer riding the way I've always done it.

I could have written that myself, Duncan. The only differences for me are that I wear armoured mesh jackets in the summer and like a little bit of protection over my ankles (not full-on boots, more lightweight leather high-tops).

I would literally never venture out in the likes of T-shirts and shorts, and cringe every time I see it. I'd also like to know why nobody makes an open face helmet (not a flip up or modular) with ventilation!

[wileeeeeey]

There is mesh and there is mesh. The rukka Air stuff is like riding in a t-shirt. I've had the dianese air frame stuff before but the Rukka is truly on another level

[manganr]

Probably one of the best looking bikes on TZ ever in my opinion. Have decided to keep mine on the back of a weekend ride with some mates. Really don't get out on it enough but when I do I'm literally grinning like a Cheshire cat. Very few bikes quite make me smile like this does on a good road. First gear is really too aggressive for town/traffic riding but great for popping the front wheel up with absolutely no effort. And your looks incredibly sorted and I imagine, slightly more mental. Can I ask what battery you're running as the stock bike has been stripped back so much to save weight I feel a set of AA Duracells would have more starting grunt then the stock one?

Dragged the fechter out for a checkover this morning.
Got to collate a list of what's needed to get it back on the road

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[manganr]

if i cant wear the correct gear (whether armoured jeans and textiles or leathers) because its too hot (for me) - i dont bother going out , you only come off a bike in a tshirt and shorts once and if you survive you wont do it again.

Mesh knox vest and kevlar jeans is my standard kit all year round. If the weather is too bad for that it's too bad to enjoy for me. I know there are some year round riders here and I salute them but I'm in it for fun. Spent 2 days riding through Spain this year in rain and snow so I know it's definitely not for me.
If you have a traffic or road furniture accident then it really doesn't matter how much leather you have on. Its gonna hurt.

[lewie]

Recently wore my Knox urban and chino style armoured trouseres in Cyprus - was great till we got to the top of Mt Olympus -freezing
Haven’t ridden for a few days - just too hot

[blackal]

There is mesh and there is mesh. The rukka Air stuff is like riding in a t-shirt. I've had the dianese air frame stuff before but the Rukka is truly on another level

Any specific model? I've had Alpinestars jackets that have been great, but like most great things - they stop making them.

Today seemed a good day to fit new Michelin Road5s to a pair of wheels bought recently to get the most out of changing own tyres. With these temperatures - they almost 'fell' on ! The downside was that by the time I had finished - I was sweating like a Geordie in a spelling competition..............

[Gyp]

I've just booked a test ride.

[learningtofly]

There is mesh and there is mesh. The rukka Air stuff is like riding in a t-shirt. I've had the dianese air frame stuff before but the Rukka is truly on another level

I've got Rev'It and Knox. The Rev'It is lighter, but the Knox (the new Honister) is on another level to anything else I've worn.

[Samlack99]

I've got Rev'It and Knox. The Rev'It is lighter, but the Knox (the new Honister) is on another level to anything else I've worn.

As an All Gear All The Time kinda guy...

...I gotta say this weather is making bike riding a rather sweaty affair.

Think it's time to invest in a mesh jacket.

[E_2_Right-Force]

I bought a new textile jacket three years ago.
I still haven`t removed the thermal liner.....

[Possu]

I got the new Rukka Aramen all weather leather jacket and trousers. I’ve found that with proper layering they are as comfy as can be from +5 to +25 Celcius rain or shine. By far the best gear I’ve ever had. Close to thirty degrees I’d rather wear something lighter but nothing will be really comfortable at thirty plus.

[blackie]

Probably one of the best looking bikes on TZ ever in my opinion. Have decided to keep mine on the back of a weekend ride with some mates. Really don't get out on it enough but when I do I'm literally grinning like a Cheshire cat. Very few bikes quite make me smile like this does on a good road. First gear is really too aggressive for town/traffic riding but great for popping the front wheel up with absolutely no effort. And your looks incredibly sorted and I imagine, slightly more mental. Can I ask what battery you're running as the stock bike has been stripped back so much to save weight I feel a set of AA Duracells would have more starting grunt then the stock one?

Standard Yuasa battery. Even though it looks stripped down its still got original fairings and seat pod on albeit in carbon. Its the exhaust that makes it look squat.
It's got a custom map in it and the lambda sensors removed. EVR slipper clutch takes care of the stopping I can literally slam it down the gears without lockup.
It lifts at will and is a right PITA. It's utterly mental but I love it. Nothing touches it on country lanes.
Top tip. Ditch the bars for a set of renthals. Some from a KX250 fit perfectly. I can send you the part no if you're interested. Dont need to alter any cables or brake lines. Straight on.

[Time Cat]

Funny you should mention it, but I chopped my SP1 in for this. Honda was more reliable (already had one electrical gremlin on the Ducati), but the Italian bike is more soulful.

How did you find your SP1?

This is my old Honda on Bike World. You can still see my private plate on it, which is now on the 1198.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wL1D-BLAW40&t=77s

The SP1 was by far the coolest bike i’v owned. Looks and sounds. I had a lot of sportbikes. The sp1 for almost 100.000 km. Very reliable as with all Honda’s.

As for riding. It was very stable in corners. Enough torque to keep up with modern 4 in lines up to 200km/h. The only weakness was hairpin corners, but what sportbike likes those.

I loved it but after that many km’s I wanted to try something else. I traded it for a Daytona 675. Poor choice. That bike had so much electric problems that I sold it only after. 4.000 km. Bought a blade. Solid. But no way as cool and fun as the sp1.

I m busy building my house. Once that is finished, i’ll going for something else. Maybe classic and back to a sp2 or maybe a Ducati with v2. Who knows. Sp2’s are getting expensive!

[downer]

I've just booked a test ride.

Do you have any more details?

[spareparts]

Back from 10 days in Spain and Portugal, riding the Picos, exploring Galicia to Santiago de Compostela and up around the coast, and then down to Porto, the Douro Valley, and back through the province of Leon. The roads and trails were astounding, the riding enormous fun with 2 good mates who are highly experienced bikers, and as we are foodies we also enjoyed the best cuisine that the Iberian peninsular could offer along the way. It was a fiery furnace along the way - especially as we hit Portugal when fires were ablaze through the mountains. I ride fully kitted out in a textile vented suits (Klim Dakar) + BMW Coolvest, but I conceded defeat when riding the Douro Valley as air temps were 42/43C. It was like riding with a hairdryer in your face, and sustained pace on the twisties (no motorways throughout the 2,500 miles) took its toll and concentration levels fell. We literally stopped the bikes at the beach on the Douro, stripped, and jumped in. Brand new tyres fitted at the start of the trip now look decidedly worn edge-to-edge, and they are cupped on both sides after sustained high speed fun saw 49 and 47 degrees of lean on the mighty GS. The trails offroad were brilliant too - as we intentionally cut across and left the ribbon tarmac. There is no other bike I would be using to do what we do in the same day, switching between Dynamic Pro and Enduro Pro modes at the tap of the button. When you only stop for either fuel or because you want to take a break, and not because of traffic lights, you know you must be in a good biking place... and Spain and Portugal, once again, did not disappoint.












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[spareparts]

More pics












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[spareparts]

and last set










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[wileeeeeey]

Any specific model? I've had Alpinestars jackets that have been great, but like most great things - they stop making them.

Today seemed a good day to fit new Michelin Road5s to a pair of wheels bought recently to get the most out of changing own tyres. With these temperatures - they almost 'fell' on ! The downside was that by the time I had finished - I was sweating like a Geordie in a spelling competition..............

I have the AiRider which is an old model now.

Review here https://www.webbikeworld.com/rukka-a...jacket-review/

Looks like the current version is the Forsair which is 399 RRP but can be had for less. I think I paid 280 or 300 in 2014/2015.

https://bikerheadz.co.uk/product/for...esh-jacket-blk

I have the matching trousers but they don’t seem to be as good or the wind protection on the GS is just too good down there. Usually wear Rukka over trousers with gym shorts/boxers.

[oldoakknives]

As an All Gear All The Time kinda guy...

...I gotta say this weather is making bike riding a rather sweaty affair.

Think it's time to invest in a mesh jacket.

I did the same. The only mesh I'll wear now. Just don't feel protected without it now.

https://heliteuk.co.uk/product/helit...ed-air-jacket/

[blackal]

I have the AiRider which is an old model now.

Review here https://www.webbikeworld.com/rukka-a...jacket-review/

Looks like the current version is the Forsair which is 399 RRP but can be had for less. I think I paid 280 or 300 in 2014/2015.

https://bikerheadz.co.uk/product/for...esh-jacket-blk

I have the matching trousers but they don’t seem to be as good or the wind protection on the GS is just too good down there. Usually wear Rukka over trousers with gym shorts/boxers.

Cheers, will have a look.

[learningtofly]

I have the AiRider which is an old model now.

Review here https://www.webbikeworld.com/rukka-a...jacket-review/

Looks like the current version is the Forsair which is 399 RRP but can be had for less. I think I paid 280 or 300 in 2014/2015.

https://bikerheadz.co.uk/product/for...esh-jacket-blk

I have the matching trousers but they don’t seem to be as good or the wind protection on the GS is just too good down there. Usually wear Rukka over trousers with gym shorts/boxers.

Talking of Forsair, I bought a pair of the gloves recently as they were greatly reduced in the Motolegends sale. The other day I was getting ready to go on a ride, and put them - with my helmet and other bits and pieces - on the kitchen table whilst I continued to gather my stuff together.

As I walked past by gear that sits on racks in my office I saw the Forsair gloves there. I was a bit puzzled as I thought I'd put them on the kitchen table but took them down walked into the kitchen and... yep, there were the pair I'd already put on the table.I had two pairs of the bloody things.

I had to go back through my shopping emails, and it transpired that there had been a similar offer at the end of last year. I'd bought them then as well, popped them on the shelf and promptly forgotten about them.

[Gyp]

Do you have any more details?

Z H2 SE for me and the lad's signed up to try the new Z650

I suspect in truth there's more chance of him ending up with the Z H2 and me with the 650

[andy tims]

Back from 10 days in Spain and Portugal

Looks like a great trip.

[Dave+63]

Z H2 SE for me and the lad's signed up to try the new Z650

I suspect in truth there's more chance of him ending up with the Z H2 and me with the 650

I know it’s the touring version you’re riding but it’s hard to believe how cheap these are now.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155065239...mis&media=COPY

I keep looking at the new Z650RS but you can pick up a three year old Z900RS for about the same price which confused the issue for me.

If he/you go for the RS then it has to be either the brown/orange 650/900 or the green 650

[spareparts]

Looks like a great trip.

It was, and tbh I’m still buzzing after what seems like sensory overload of the consecutive days riding. The ferry to/from Santander was the Brittany Ferries Galicia - one of their newer boats. Although the Galicia is smaller than the venerable Pont Aven, it was audibly quieter in operation and condition much better. It made for a great way to decompress.
Next biking event will be the GS Trophy adventure in Sept to prep for, as I have signed up with one of my mates who came on the trip. Will hopefully be a bit cooler, slower paced, but just as much fun.


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[wileeeeeey]

Talking of Forsair, I bought a pair of the gloves recently as they were greatly reduced in the Motolegends sale. The other day I was getting ready to go on a ride, and put them - with my helmet and other bits and pieces - on the kitchen table whilst I continued to gather my stuff together.

As I walked past by gear that sits on racks in my office I saw the Forsair gloves there. I was a bit puzzled as I thought I'd put them on the kitchen table but took them down walked into the kitchen and... yep, there were the pair I'd already put on the table.I had two pairs of the bloody things.

I had to go back through my shopping emails, and it transpired that there had been a similar offer at the end of last year. I'd bought them then as well, popped them on the shelf and promptly forgotten about them.

Ha! I have no bike at the minute but 8 pairs of gloves!

[kildareman]

Might have to consider some real summer riding gear. Monday I used my Textile jacket, Halvarssons Vanbro rather than my Leather one, as it flows more air. Going into work at 25 degrees - at 8:30 wasn't too bad at all. Coming home in 33 degrees required a light gritting of teeth and laser focus. Not at all pleasant.

[Gyp]

I know it’s the touring version you’re riding but it’s hard to believe how cheap these are now.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155065239...mis&media=COPY

I keep looking at the new Z650RS but you can pick up a three year old Z900RS for about the same price which confused the issue for me.

If he/you go for the RS then it has to be either the brown/orange 650/900 or the green 650

To avoid confusion there are broadly 4 variants of the supercharged Kawasaki...

H2, road version
H2R, track version
H2 SX, touring version
Z H2, naked version

As well as through life tweaks, there have also been "performance" versions with louder exhausts and more recently SE versions with semi active suspension

The straight H2 seem to be holding up value wise, the SX has dipped rather as you say and the Z H2 that I'm testing has dipped quite a bit as well, but not as much as the SX.

I suspect the arrival of the SE versions with the active suspension that goes some way to making the latest versions more useable has done the value of the first gen SX and Z versions no favours.

My boss has the non-SE H2 SX and admits that it's somewhat unsettled on anything but the smoothest tarmac. My experience of the H2 involved so much screaming and holding on that the performance of the suspension didn't worry me