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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Newportnobby on June 16, 2018, 12:58:31 PM

Title: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 16, 2018, 12:58:31 PM
My state pension kicks in in 4 months time and I will have extra disposable income. My mind ponders getting a new bike more and more, so much so I have been trawling t'interweb to see what's about, especially as I saw a chap t'other day on a bike I'd really like.
I'm not, and never have been a 'clip-ons, rearsets and bum in the air' type of biker, so am looking for a tourer I can fit top box and panniers to, maybe with a small twin headlamped fairing and an upright riding position. Chances are all my riding will be solo, but I do not want anything where a pillion would sit 6ft up in the air behind me like wot a lot of bikes do ::)
I don't want anything with a huge motor as my insurance as a born again biker is going to be extortionate anyway (might cost as much as a bike! :worried: )
Now I have looked at the websites of Triumph, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki and at what they refer to as 'adventure tourers' and all I've seen are:-
Kawasaki 650 Versys GT (parallel twin)
Suzuki 650 V-Strom XGT (V-twin)
Yamaha 700 Tracer (in line twin)

Which sort of fit the bill but are all sharp edges and pointy bits, whereas I tend to prefer rounded stuff. Being of a pensionable age I'll also want Comfort with a capital 'C' and will most definitely be a 'fair weather' biker probably doing less than 5000 miles per annum!!!
I'm not even sure if, medically, I am OK to ride a bike as constant vibration may affect my defibrillator implant but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Any advice/help appreciated :thankyousign:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: David Asquith on June 16, 2018, 02:08:46 PM
I feel the same way as you do about modern bikes and the pillion sat above supervising (back seat driver).  Also if I had a modern  bike I'd want the top of the range, fastest, most expensive one which as you say would cost an arm and a leg to insure.  My solution though I haven't done it yet is to buy a classic bike that I admired in my youth.  A Honda 750 4.  Love em.  Saw one for sale over here a little while ago for 5 thousand euros.  Very tempted but I had just bought my second scooter.  There's another option.  A big engined scooter

Dave
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Train Waiting on June 16, 2018, 02:28:48 PM
Hello Mick

The type of motorcycle you and I are probably both thinking of has kind of vanished from the market.  A kind of 350/500 middleweight tourer with good manners*.  I completely understand your remark about all the pointy bits.  You would be less aware of these when sitting on or riding the machine, of course.

I'm not really that knowledgeable about modern stuff but one manufacturer that you have not mentioned is Royal Enfield.  I believe that there is now an electric start 'Bullet' available if you don't fancy kick starting a 500cc single.  They look like motorcycles ought (in my opinion) and make a reasonable sound.

I suppose that a test ride would help no end.  You'll probably be very impressed with any of the three you mentioned.  They will be smooth and the roadholding due to the fat tyres will be amazing (I expect that TT100s or Avons were the tyres you last experienced).  The Enfield will be entertaining - I tried a 350cc version a few years ago but the 500 is likely to be noticeably better.

A Triumph would be tempting but I think that 900 is the smallest one gets nowadays.

Alternatively, you could look at an older machine but maybe you fancy the piece of mind that comes with a new one.  Perhaps something that was a bit overlooked at the time such as a mid-1960s unit construction BSA twin (the A50).  A Velocette is always worth thinking about, but they can be a tad temperamental (a MSS 500 is a nice machine) and will retain its resale value.  I had a couple of Velos and enjoyed them.  There is an active club and good spares.

Enough of this - you are tempting me to get one of my old motorcycles out!

* Although there are scooters now available in this category...

Best wishes.

John
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: daversmth on June 16, 2018, 03:14:34 PM
Hi,

I would suggest the best way to proceed would be :

Having decided your (realistic) needs, whch it sounds like you have, read reviews and pull up a shortlst. For reviews I suggest motorcyclenews.com , visordown and youtube. Again, it sounds like perhaps you have already done so.

Also, attend one of the big motorcycle shows.
You cannot ride the bikes but you can sit on them and compare static riding position and how that feels side by side all in one place.

Next step, and it is a must, do test rides. Reading reviews is briliant to get to a short list but you will only ever know what suits you until you actually ride them. Voice of experience, believe me.

Above all , take care out there ...

Happy to help further if I can.
Just ask.

Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 16, 2018, 04:32:44 PM
Thanks for the replies so far.
1. I don't want a top of the range, fastest, most expensive one as it would result in my demise no doubt.
2. I really don't want 'retro' having been there and done it before (and, yes, on Avon Roadrunner tyres)
3. The Triumph Tiger 800 looks good but by the time I've configured it as I would like it would appear to be a couple of thousand quid more than one of the Japanese bikes I mentioned in the OP (a triple would sound rather nice, though :D)
4. No more riding around in a waxed jacket and a Griffin full face helmet any more :no: I'd have to factor in decent clothing so there's another £1000+
5. No DIY repairs for me now. Dealer only.
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Railwaygun on June 16, 2018, 06:33:05 PM
the only solution is a BMW footwarmer - 500/750 models are readily available, though not up to current emission /noise ( ie water-cooled etc) standards.

Comfort & reliability and an unbeatable tourer

NR ( 750/5 & R69S)
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: d-a-n on June 17, 2018, 10:46:11 AM
Secondhand Honda Trans Alp on a classic policy?
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 17, 2018, 12:21:49 PM
Quote from: d-a-n on June 17, 2018, 10:46:11 AM
Secondhand Honda Trans Alp on a classic policy?

Looks like the sort of thing I'm after but a bit 'old' now :hmmm: :thankyousign:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: d-a-n on June 17, 2018, 02:01:22 PM
Strom? https://bikes.suzuki.co.uk/bikes/adventure/v-strom-650/
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 17, 2018, 03:02:40 PM
Thanks, but please see the OP
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: d-a-n on June 17, 2018, 04:07:58 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on June 17, 2018, 03:02:40 PM
Thanks, but please see the OP

My bad, always known them as a DL650 but didn't put two and two together! Anything from the BMW stable of bikes, or if you don't mind a bit more cc, a Honda Africa Twin?
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: themadhippy on June 17, 2018, 05:45:20 PM
pity the yammy xj900 is no longer as i recon that would suit you nicely,how about a guzzi,always fancied  a california,or if theres not to many bends a baby hog?
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: joe cassidy on June 17, 2018, 07:50:12 PM
Mick,

Most French bikers in your age group seem to go for Harley Davidsons ?

Best regards,


Joe
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 17, 2018, 08:06:51 PM
Sorry, Chaps, but in order to carry on living I think I ought to limit myself to 600-700cc (or less if the right bike was available). Italian stuff is both out of my price range and not particularly my sort of thing looks wise. I don't do baby hogs, bobbers or Harleys as I like bend swinging.
I think I may be too fussy ::)
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Mr Sprue on June 19, 2018, 07:19:14 PM
For what its worth Mick if you can stretch your budget the Triumph is a really good option. I have had plenty of Jap bikes over the years and it has to be said they were really good and I enjoyed em. But the Tiger looks like a go anywhere bike and best of all it has that sweet sounding smooth reliable 3 pot they are renown for.

Go on go for it!  :)

 
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 19, 2018, 08:09:28 PM
Stop it, you naughty man :stop:
You'll bankrupt me :telloff:

Quote from: Mr Sprue on June 19, 2018, 07:19:14 PM
best of all it has that sweet sounding smooth reliable 3 pot they are renown for.


It'll never sound as good as a Trident or Rocket 3 though :(
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Mr Sprue on June 19, 2018, 08:22:24 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on June 19, 2018, 08:09:28 PM
Stop it, you naughty man :stop:
You'll bankrupt me :telloff:

Quote from: Mr Sprue on June 19, 2018, 07:19:14 PM
best of all it has that sweet sounding smooth reliable 3 pot they are renown for.


It'll never sound as good as a Trident or Rocket 3 though :(

Sigh... I agree but on the up there's no noisy tappets like the old triple's had  ;)
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: mr bachmann on June 19, 2018, 08:27:35 PM
at your (our  :D) time of life , do the right thing and settle for a Plaggy Pig or if its too posh then a Bond Minicar will fit the bill  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 19, 2018, 08:36:06 PM
Do they still make NSU Quicklies, or has that contravened the Trades Descriptions Act long ago? :laugh3:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Mr Sprue on June 19, 2018, 08:51:39 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on June 19, 2018, 08:36:06 PM
Do they still make NSU Quicklies, or has that contravened the Trades Descriptions Act long ago? :laugh3:

My first petrol powered wheels for riding over the common when I was 13! :heart2:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: themadhippy on June 19, 2018, 08:53:21 PM
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Puch_Maxi_Special_by_Foxy_Thing.jpg/1024px-Puch_Maxi_Special_by_Foxy_Thing.jpg)
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 19, 2018, 09:11:52 PM
That's immaculate! :goggleeyes: How old is it?
I assume you take the oar with you when it rains heavily :D
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: mr bachmann on June 20, 2018, 07:22:13 PM
forget the bikes - here's a winter project or one for a nite in  :D

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bond-Ranger-Van-mini-car-Convertable1960s-classic-car/332687624307?hash=item4d75ba4873:g:gm8AAOSw46hbDEi2 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bond-Ranger-Van-mini-car-Convertable1960s-classic-car/332687624307?hash=item4d75ba4873:g:gm8AAOSw46hbDEi2)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tober-Models-Bond-Minicar-Mark-D-Model-Kit/163081850391?hash=item25f86f8e17:g:heIAAOSwQQBbFbwl (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tober-Models-Bond-Minicar-Mark-D-Model-Kit/163081850391?hash=item25f86f8e17:g:heIAAOSwQQBbFbwl)
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 20, 2018, 09:13:27 PM
No way!
Some friends had a Reliant Robin and as you all know when it snows the roads have 2 tyre tracks and a ridge of snow down the middle of each lane. Needless to say their Robin front wheel just kept bouncing down each side of the ridge and was quite hilarious to watch. Not so sure I'd want to be in it, though :uneasy:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: themadhippy on June 20, 2018, 09:33:42 PM
see thats the problem with most 3 wheelers,there the wrong way  round,what you needs a berkley
(https://myntransportblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/1960s-three-wheeled-berkeley-t60-sports.jpg?w=840)
t'was the first vehicle i ever traveled in.


However for out and out 3 wheeler fun
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: daffy on June 20, 2018, 09:43:28 PM
Having rolled a Reliant Regal van over an iron rail fence when the centre strip of snow, a crosswind and a road drain all conspired against me, I would definitely countenance against such a beast in winter. Great fun otherwise - until an artic passes by! :o

I'm sure I passed my test on a Puch Maxi. :hmmm:

Mick, I can't advise on a choice of bike cos I'd not wish to be party to encouraging you to play Russian Roulette with all those folks with four or more wheels.
These days I think you'd be better off with one of these:
(https://images05.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/dodbuzz-thumbnails/2017/03/Oshkosh-JLTV-1200x800.jpg?itok=lTQH4lQB)
:D
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 20, 2018, 09:47:19 PM
Problem with the Berkley is you can't stop the nightingales singing in them.
The Carver looks to be great fun, and I see someone's putting out bikes with 2 front wheels now.
Anyone remember the Quasar?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quasar_(motorcycle)

Only ever saw one in the Isle of Man one year and the guy pulled up but forgot to get his feet out in time and the whole thing ended up on its side. Onlookers guffawed hugely to his embarrassment.
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 20, 2018, 09:51:33 PM
Quote from: daffy on June 20, 2018, 09:43:28 PM

Mick, I can't advise on a choice of bike cos I'd not wish to be party to encouraging you to play Russian Roulette with all those folks with four or more wheels.
These days I think you'd be better off with one of these:


Or one of these even..................

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD6qdzQvHhE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD6qdzQvHhE)

>:D
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: MinZaPint on June 21, 2018, 03:33:45 PM
Hi Mick, if the Puch was of interest Honda are bringing back a modernised version of the "Super Cub" scroll down on this link, also there the "monkey" sounds more like you  :D

http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/coming-soon-2018.html (http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/coming-soon-2018.html)

Not available now but until a few years ago one of these might have suited you

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/kawasaki/w800/2011/ (https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/kawasaki/w800/2011/)

and while we're on bikes I thought there was some cracking footage from the IoM this year  :thumbsup:

Cheers David

Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 21, 2018, 03:47:45 PM
All too 'retro', David, especially the Monkey (cheeky rapscallion, you :telloff:)
There's no way I want anything that small anyway.
The Africa Twin would be OK if they did maybe a 650cc version of it :hmmm:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Tavora on June 21, 2018, 04:18:33 PM
Honda did do the Africa Twin with a 750cc engine (1990 to 2003) the model is the XRV750T.
You might be able to find one in second hand and in good nick up to £4500 including side panniers.
or like someone suggested the Transalp XL700V which production ended in 2012.
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: daversmth on June 21, 2018, 06:03:34 PM
I spent 18 months deciding what to change my last bike to and ended up with this in January.

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/66/5576-210618180105.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=66759)

My only justification - I simply wanted one ...
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 21, 2018, 06:08:23 PM
Quote from: Tavora on June 21, 2018, 04:18:33 PM
Honda did do the Africa Twin with a 750cc engine (1990 to 2003) the model is the XRV750T.
You might be able to find one in second hand and in good nick up to £4500 including side panniers.
or like someone suggested the Transalp XL700V which production ended in 2012.

Thanks, but still too old really. The more test vids I see of it, the Kawasaki Versys 650 GT seems to be coming out on top, including a comparison with the Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and BMW 'equivalents' :hmmm:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Tavora on June 22, 2018, 11:41:15 AM
I had four Kawasaki's in the past and never had any problems with them. Had others like Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Ducati, the one that I least enjoy riding was the Suzuki, maybe was just the model I had. But it's also true that I never went back to own a Suzuki again.
The BMW you will find out that the service and parts are more expensive than any of the japanese bikes, so...  :thumbsdown:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: daversmth on June 22, 2018, 07:20:22 PM
 I think it is inappropriate to recommend specific models because its a very personal choice. What suits you wont necessarily suit someone else.

I have to say though that as a general rule my feeling is that  Honda have the edge on build quality, but having said that I now have a Kawasaki as per my earlier post.

I frequently ride out to a "bikers cafe" somewhere and even though there can be 100+ bikes there you can barely see two of the same model. The choice you have is huge.

I dont think anyone makes a bad bike these days. It is just a case of finding what suits you best.
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 22, 2018, 08:18:20 PM
I've watched several YouTube vids on test rides and IMO the Kwacker comes out best in that it's a 'soft' bike to ride and seems to be recommended to people as their first 'big bike' after passing their test. It all sounds smooth and uncomplicated (and makes a nice noise! :D) A good all rounder, which is what I want for trundling around locally and the odd long run (to TINGS maybe :hmmm:). The comfortable seat might be a little high but you can get a lowering kit, I believe.
I'll be consulting the implant specialists about me on any bike and then start looking at what the insurance is likely to be on an £8500 bike with annual mileage of around 5000 miles.
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 28, 2018, 01:23:31 PM
Well, for better or worse I have done the deed and paid a deposit on a Kawasaki 650 Versys Tourer. Got a good deal on 0% finance and will start a refresher course next week which may/may not lead to a test. I really thought the killer would be the insurance owing to the health issues in my past but, on recommendation, I tried Hastings Direct and it was far more reasonable than I'd thought. There's quite a bit to be fitted to the bike so target collection date is 3-4 weeks time. Hopefully there'll be some good weather left and I haven't just jinxed it :uneasy:
Thanks to all who got involved in the thread
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: dannyboy on June 28, 2018, 01:45:16 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on June 28, 2018, 01:23:31 PM
There's quite a bit to be fitted to the bike so target collection date is 3-4 weeks time.

Stabilisers?  (Sorry).  :)
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 28, 2018, 01:53:09 PM
Quote from: dannyboy on June 28, 2018, 01:45:16 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on June 28, 2018, 01:23:31 PM
There's quite a bit to be fitted to the bike so target collection date is 3-4 weeks time.

Stabilisers?  (Sorry).  :)

I've had them fitted to my legs ever since a replacement hip operation  :nerner:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Lawrence on June 28, 2018, 01:59:47 PM
Enjoy it and stay safe old son  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: daffy on June 28, 2018, 02:12:58 PM
Just looked on the Kawasaki site : Looks the part Mick! :thumbsup:

Pictures will be mandatory once you have it so we can see the colour scheme etc 'Covert Green'?  :hmmm:

As for the Refresher course, just take one at a time to make sure you stay safe:

(https://www.appletonsweets.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/650x/7d4dd54f275a124cf1e7cd15378bb0ae/s/w/swizzels-refrehers-chewy-sweets.jpg)

:D
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Southerngooner on June 28, 2018, 02:15:28 PM
I'll be interested to hear how you get on. I gave up my cafe race converted CB750 K2 when I got married in 1982, and we used the money to get my wife's Triumph 1500 resprayed. The hurt lingered for a long time and I finally bought an SV650 (my dream bike at the time) off my boss in 2002. I'm not sure whether it was the fact that I had lived in towns before and now lived in the country, with a lot more dodgy road surfaces, or whether the bike was just that much more pokey, but I never felt safe and couldn't get on with it,so sold it after a couple of years.

I now enjoy flying down French hills at 30mph plus clad in lycra on my Orbea, which brings back more of the thrills I experienced in my youth than the SV ever did. I don't necessarily enjoy the climbing up though....

Sometimes I wonder if the thought is better than the deed? Plus wearing thick clothing and a helmet, while totally appropriate, made me feel cut off from reality. When I was younger shorts and T shirts in hot weather were de rigeur, even on bigger bikes. A lack of fear, perhaps? I appreciate I am at risk should I fall off at 30+ on the pushbike, but somehow I feel more in control, perhaps its just the slower overall speed.

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Train Waiting on June 28, 2018, 07:16:39 PM
This looks a very good choice, Mick.

I hope you enjoy it.

Stay upright!

John
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on July 08, 2018, 12:57:16 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on June 28, 2018, 01:23:31 PM
I really thought the killer would be the insurance owing to the health issues in my past but, on recommendation, I tried Hastings Direct and it was far more reasonable than I'd thought.

Any good words about Hastings Direct have now been retracted. Basically, I bought the 650 Versys Tourer and then uprated it to the Grand Tourer spec by adding on extras. Hastings stated they did not have the Grand Tourer model listed, that some of the extras would probably improve the performance and therefore I should seek an alternative insurer. I told the (unhelpful) guy the extras were purely for a bit of luxury/safety and he could check with Kawasaki UK that I wasn't strapping on a turbo or anything but he wouldn't co-operate so I just said "Goodbye" and put the phone down on him. Have found alternative insurance for an extra £50 per year but at least now the bike is insured for full value.
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: daffy on July 08, 2018, 07:35:10 PM
This is unsurprising to me. Having worked in a Motor Claims Dept for some years in what is a very competitive vehicle insurance market, I am all too aware, as I am sure many here are too, that each insurer has a very closely defined target market. It must also be remembered that those in sales departments are having to follow scripts and tick-boxes, and anything that falls outside their target parameters, no matter how seemingly innocuous it is to we the prospective clients, can lead to the salesperson either refusing to offer suitable cover or placing the client and their vehicle in a category that is probably unjustified. And whenever a 'grey area' is discovered, they will always err on the cautious side, meaning that the risk will be perceived to be greater so a higher premium will be applied.

Sadly it is often nigh on impossible to convince a salesperson (who almost certainly has very little actual insurance underwriting knowledge) that their system is at fault, so going elsewhere is often the best, and sometimes the only recourse.

Glad you finally got an insurer you are happy with Mick.
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on July 08, 2018, 09:13:36 PM
Quote from: Lindi on July 08, 2018, 07:51:17 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on July 08, 2018, 12:57:16 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on June 28, 2018, 01:23:31 PM
I really thought the killer would be the insurance owing to the health issues in my past but, on recommendation, I tried Hastings Direct and it was far more reasonable than I'd thought.
Hastings stated they did not have the Grand Tourer model listed,


They were telling you porkies. It is listed on there website!

You're quite right!
:censored:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on July 24, 2018, 04:15:38 PM
Sorted :D

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/67/264-240718160235-6764070.jpeg)

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/67/264-240718160237-67665267.jpeg)

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/67/264-240718160240-676662488.jpeg)
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: REGP on July 24, 2018, 04:40:22 PM
Very Nice!

Suitable for a run down to the NGF SE event?

Ray
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on July 24, 2018, 05:14:28 PM
Not sure Hookey (seen in the 1st pic) would fancy being crammed into the top box :no:
Mind you, by 2019 I might just have mastered the bike ;D
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: REGP on July 24, 2018, 05:39:59 PM
I thought "she" was sizing it up for a pillion ride.
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Train Waiting on July 24, 2018, 06:41:35 PM
Congratulations, Mick.  I wish you the joy of it.

Hookey appears impressed.  Rightly so.


Stay upright.

John
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: dannyboy on July 24, 2018, 07:03:06 PM
I have never been into bikes, (I prefer 4 wheels), but your machine does look smart - good luck with it Mick and to quote the brilliant 'Hill Street Blues', "Let's be careful out there".  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Black Sheep on August 09, 2018, 05:14:54 PM
Bikers meet up at TINGS?

I'll be there on my CB600FS Hornet :D
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Railwaygun on August 09, 2018, 10:51:03 PM
It'll make a change from rucksacks in the aisles!
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Black Sheep on August 10, 2018, 09:11:35 AM
Quote from: Railwaygun on August 09, 2018, 10:51:03 PM
It'll make a change from rucksacks in the aisles!

Panniers are just as bad!

I'll have to be careful with my tank bag, one side of it is magnetic!
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on August 10, 2018, 09:40:39 AM
Sorry, but I'll not be going to TINGS.
As an aside, the panniers on my bike weigh 4kgs each............empty
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Black Sheep on August 14, 2018, 12:38:14 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on August 10, 2018, 09:40:39 AM
Sorry, but I'll not be going to TINGS.
As an aside, the panniers on my bike weigh 4kgs each............empty

how much would they weigh if you were on your way home from tings?  :smiley-laughing:
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: themadhippy on August 14, 2018, 01:04:20 PM
QuoteNot sure Hookey (seen in the 1st pic) would fancy being crammed into the top box
so  buy hooky a bike,this little chap seems happy enough with his ride
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/68/4863-140818130108.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=68131)
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on August 14, 2018, 02:21:48 PM
Quote from: Black Sheep on August 14, 2018, 12:38:14 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on August 10, 2018, 09:40:39 AM
Sorry, but I'll not be going to TINGS.
As an aside, the panniers on my bike weigh 4kgs each............empty

how much would they weigh if you were on your way home from tings?  :smiley-laughing:

That would be, erm, 4 kgs then :P

Quote from: themadhippy on August 14, 2018, 01:04:20 PM
QuoteNot sure Hookey (seen in the 1st pic) would fancy being crammed into the top box
so  buy hooky a bike,this little chap seems happy enough with his ride
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/68/4863-140818130108.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=68131)


Hookey has similar colouring but I fear the sound of the 'zorst might make him leave a little something on the bike :uneasy:

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/66/264-100618163720-662831079.jpeg)
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Train Waiting on August 14, 2018, 04:16:43 PM
That's a brilliant photograph of Hookey and @tutenkhamunsleeping (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=1490) posted a marvellous one of Kato driving an ex-GWR 'Grange'.  Thank you both.

Maybe Hookey will like the motorcycle, Mick.  When I was 17 (not last year, then), our family cat was called Korky and I had a BSA 250cc single fitted with a Gold Star silencer.  When I arrived home, Korky would jump up on me before I had even stopped the engine.  I'd then put the BSA on its centre stand (who remembers these?) and she would happily sit on the seat for ages enjoying the sounds and smells of a British motorcycle cooling down.  Some day I'll get the Vincent out from below a decrepit 'H0' layout in the garage and see what Poppy makes of it...

John
Title: Re: Advice required from any forum motorcyclists please.
Post by: Newportnobby on August 14, 2018, 09:28:11 PM
I remember the BSA 250 singles well, John (or perhaps if you have a Vincent tucked away I should call you Ogri ;D)
I used to have a black cat named Sam who would regularly wait at the bus stop I got off at after work and then he'd walk home with me. He then got used to the sound of my Mini Metro and would come out to greet me. I just love cats.