The Motorbike Thread

[Minto]

Yeah, although I doubt they even looked. Get the feeling it was some last minute directions given by a passenger that the driver blindly followed way too late.

Hit 10k miles on the ER-6f this week, nearly done 5k since I bought it now.

How do you find it dude? I am looking to pick up my first bike and I'm looking at it along with bandits and phazers.

[Afrocat]

I love it, no complaints here, and I've not had any mechanical problems.

They're well known for vibration issues - nothing that causes problems but the fairing and ignition barrel can develop pretty noticeable buzzing at different RPMs. I've heard some people talk about selling the bike because of it but personally it doesn't really bother me. If it does get to you, stick a louder exhaust on it

That being said, my only experience riding something bigger than a 125 are the ER5 I did my training on and this bike. Not a lot to compare it to really!

[Minto]

So I might have bought this

[Captain Kinopio]

Got my Mod 1 booked for Friday, absolutely bricking it. I know I can do all the manoeuvres but I'm just worried about being so nervous on the day I strawberry float up.

[rinks]

So I might have bought this

Good choice, you can't go far wrong with a CBR (though GSX-R is my preference).

[Minto]

Got my Mod 1 booked for Friday, absolutely bricking it. I know I can do all the manoeuvres but I'm just worried about being so nervous on the day I strawberry float up.

You'll pass with ease. You got this.

[Minto]

So I picked up my bike yesterday from the dealer and off I set, it's strange getting used to the more forward riding position of the CBR compared with the Hornet I learnt on. Handles like a dream and the noise from that exhaust is just

I get home and switch it off, put it in the front yard and go to start it again and nothing.... Sounds like a flat battery. I ring the dealer and he has to send a van to collect the bike and take it back. He fits a new battery free of charge and I collect the bike again after about 2 hours.

Take it out on the road, again feeling like a hero and it's all good. No issues since the battery change which is a relief but the whole day was soured by the bike breaking down.

Up early now to go for a blast before the cops come out

[Afrocat]

So I might have bought this

Nice! And you got it in the fastest colour


Last weekend a few of us from work were treated to a day out to the Mick Extance Enduro Experience day. This was my first try at anything off road and it really is quite a bit different to riding on the road. Had a strawberry floating blast and it's made me seriously consider getting a dirt bike when I have the funds for 2 bikes. Strongly recommended!

Photo gallery here.

[TheWay]

*sigh*

Then again, all that chrome and they stuck plastic clocks on it. Plus, I could never go back to spoked wheels.

Yeah ...

So I bought one.

gooseberry fool.

[Gatehouse11]

I bagsy your liver.

[Afrocat]

I have a saved search on Ebay which notifies me whenever anything is listed relating to my bike. It's an expensive and dangerous way to live.

This week I bought some "Sports bars" that only seem to be available from the US. Quite fancied some when I first got the bike but looking at that price (plus shipping and customs) put me right off. Got them £70 posted in the UK and they are in good condition.

I went to fit them tonight to discover that they are supposed to come with bolts as the Kawasaki stock ones are 5mm too long. Cock!

The seller said he didn't realise and has been pretty helpful, he is offering to post some out. I might take a trip to Screwfix tomorrow instead so I can have my bike road worthy for Monday.

[bigcheez2k3]

Washers?

EDIT: Or just makes yours shorter. e.g. a grinder.

[Afrocat]

I considered washers but I don't have any that fit so I'd need to go out and buy some anyway - may as well just get the right bolts.

I don't own a grinder or anything that would get through the bolts without hours of effort. My garage is not well stocked.

[bigcheez2k3]

Not even a hacksaw? Takes longer but you'll get there eventually.

I've been gradually buying tools as working on my car, motorbikes/mopeds (when I have them), and other things means it all comes in useful.

[Captain Kinopio]

Is there a standard policy when it comes to new riders and test riding stuff.

I'm starting to look at bikes and have more or less picked out the one I want but I don't know if I'd be able to test ride it because I've heard some dealers don't let you if you've been riding for less than 2 years or something.

I could just phone up but thought I'd check here first.

[TheWay]

The two year thing is probably based on the old laws, whereby you would be limited by a power/weight ratio. If you passed a direct access test I can't see an objection. However, some places just don't allow test rides at all.

[Afrocat]

After a trip to Screwfix I was able to fit the bars:

Before (last weekend):

After (don't judge my messy garage):

Went for a quick blast around and found it a lot nicer to ride. I'm a bit of a tall strawberry floater so it does well to keep me out of the wind.

[Captain Kinopio]

What are people's views on listening to music whilst riding?

[bigcheez2k3]

I wouldn't. I think it needs your full attention.

[TheWay]

I wouldn't, but I like being able to hear what's happening around me. Maybe on long motorway journeys, if you want to block out wind noise.