The Motorbike Thread

[Afrocat]

Went to Motorcycle Live today, some great stuff to see. Hearing the Kawasaki H2R dyno run in person was incredible:

(not my video)


Video doesn't even do it justice.

Sat on a number of amazing bikes, makes me mad jealous of those of you that hold a full A licence.

I think next year I might book the day off work and go on a weekday when it's quieter. Free reign over which bike to sit on!

[smurphy]

Is £900 enough to get a decent 125cc? I'm potentially getting a bonus from work soon, so if I can buy a bike in a oner without having to take out a loan that would be awesome.

[bigcheez2k3]

Yes, just don't expect a sportsbike style one in perfect condition. More than enough for a decent, reliable bike.

[satriales]

Is £900 enough to get a decent 125cc? I'm potentially getting a bonus from work soon, so if I can buy a bike in a oner without having to take out a loan that would be awesome.

Yes, £900 is a good budget for a 125.
With the 125's they hardly change year to year except for some plastic cosmetics, so go for one that's a few years old to save some money. The engine's in the honda's/yamahas and the like are all rock solid so it's hard to go too wrong.

[Minto]

Got some new bits and bobs over Christmas for the RR.

New Screen

New Yoshi bar ends.

Rear paddock stand

[Afrocat]

Weather has been seriously dicking on my want to ride... every time I feel like spring is here there's more snow forecast.

When I did get out, I realised my chain was in dire need of replacing. Some serious kinks where the links had seized up and completely unevenly stretched. When I tightened it to spec at it's tightest spot, it was still loose enough that it was knocking against the chain guard over the front sprocket under engine braking. Ordered a shiny new chain and sprocket set and fitted them to my filthy bike last weekend:

The ride is unbelievably smoother now. Bring on the nicer weather!

[bigcheez2k3]

I've been looking at bikes again. CG125's aren't far off the price of something like the CBR125 I used to have so not sure what I'll go for yet.

I watch a lot of moto vlogs on Youtube and it just really gives me the urge to get back on 2 wheels. Would help with seeing the missus too as she lives in West London so parking restrictions Mon-Fri 9-5. Plus I'm in SE London so driving there is wanky too, motorbike would make it easier.

[LewisD]

Surely if you're after something similar to your old CBR125, a Yamaha R125 would be better?
Bigger size, nicer looking and proper (nearly) sized tyres.

The tyres on my old CBR125 were like push bike wheels.
No confidence going into a bend at all on that thing..

[Afrocat]

If you're in London it seems stupid not to! Have you got any time left on your CBT or will you have to do it again?

[bigcheez2k3]

Surely if you're after something similar to your old CBR125, a Yamaha R125 would be better?
Bigger size, nicer looking and proper (nearly) sized tyres.

The tyres on my old CBR125 were like push bike wheels.
No confidence going into a bend at all on that thing..

I know what you mean about the tyres but for me an R125 is no-no. Too many people who think they are 'badmanz/gangsta' have them around here and I'd rather not be associated with them.

If I had the money I'd get a KTM Duke but £2k at least for a 125 is a bit much for me. I'm happy enough with a CG, it's just when I was looking at some on ebay, the prices weren't far off the nicer stuff which made me start having ideas.

If you're in London it seems stupid not to! Have you got any time left on your CBT or will you have to do it again?

I'd have to do it again, ran out about 2 years ago but it's no problem, the place is local and I've been using my old moped, which is currently broken, in the meantime. It's nice having the full moped licence, comes in handy.

[satriales]

The CBT isn't recorded anywhere, so police can't check if you have actually done it or not.

It's only a one day course and if you're rusty then it's a nice refresher, but I wouldn't really worry about it too much.

[Afrocat]

I do love the KTM Dukes, but as you said they are expensive. Are you looking for a permanent 125 or are you thinking of taking your test after a few months?

[bigcheez2k3]

I'd be looking to upgrade in time. That was the plan last time but due to my job needing my car, I hardly got out on it meaning it just became an expensive ornament. Have places to go now.

[Minto]

strawberry floating winter needs to end. Sick of only getting on the bike once or twice a month if lucky.

[Afrocat]

In the space of a week I went from driving through snow to work, to riding in my summer gear. Amazing weather today, went for a short ride around and saw a lot of bikes about.

I bet we get forecast more snow for next week now.

[Minto]

Yeah it's been odd weather the last few weeks but today is looking lovely so me and my bro are gonna head out all day for a spin before catching the footy later.

Gonna get the bike a service and adjust the chain soon, it's getting a bit slack.

[Afrocat]

Went for another ride in the evening and took this (Yeah it could do with a wash):

Weather is not looking so good here today, still warm but supposed to rain around mid day. Still tempted to go out for the day though.

[Minto]

Went for another ride in the evening and took this (Yeah it could do with a wash):

Weather is not looking so good here today, still warm but supposed to rain around mid day. Still tempted to go out for the day though.

Love it. I cleaned and waxed my bike this afternoon after the ride as it was stinking.

It started raining here at 11am just as we got on the road and we got all the seasons in the space of the 3 hour ride

Here's a pic of my bro going past me on his GSXR, captured it on my GoPro.

[Afrocat]

Sweet, I'd love a CBR or a GSX-R. Wouldn't be allowed to ride them even restricted on my licence

I noticed the brake pads I swapped out on my rear around Christmas were down to the metal already - the bike has barely done 500 miles in that time. New ones on order and bike garaged for the time being. Can't work out what has caused the extreme wear. Most obvious would be the piston binding but the wheel spins freely on a stand. Might just put it down to defective pads and keep an eye on the new ones.

[bigcheez2k3]

Riding with your foot resting on it? Or the arm needs adjusting.