Topic: Motorcyclists (Read 45021 times)

andi4x4 · « **Reply #125 on:** April 21, 2008, 10:25:11 am »

Well,

I suppose I had better add my name to this list as I live on the Isle of Man - you can't live here without owning a bike !

TT only 5 week away ---- YYYYEEESSSSSS !!!!!

2000 Honda VTR 1000 SP1

1994 Kawazaki ZZR250 genuine UK import, the rarer one!

The missus also used to have bikes - last one being a cagiva Raptor, however, she has now given it up due to a bad back and hip problems.

Regards

Andi

Bradley · « **Reply #126 on:** June 16, 2008, 12:08:20 pm »

Have always loved motor bikes. Learned on a BSA 250 (C11?) way back in the early 1950's and progressed through a variety of Matchless, AJS and Triumph to various Jap models (mostly Honda) and my last one was a Yamaha XJ900 Diversion (bootiful). Would have loved a Featherbed Norton but never quite managed it. Eventually decided that due to heart problems and galloping old age it was, regretably, time to give up and stick with 4 wheels :(. Oh, almost forgot - a Noddy bike (Velocette) with the Metropolitan Police, but that was a long time ago. Not the fastest thing on 2 wheels but a lot of fun 'scrambling' in the grounds of Alexandra Palace on night duty in the summer :).
Happy days.
Derek.

mogsy · « **Reply #127 on:** June 30, 2008, 12:55:56 pm »

Always been an admirer of bikes and a lot of my mates have them and disapear to the continent for 2 weeks every summer. Hadnt really considered biking myself as I thought SWMBO would be no no. Until she caught me oggling the new Moto Guzzi V7 Classic in saturdays Telegraph. I've spoken to my biking freinds who all laughed and said no way and that Guzzis are ghastly things. I dont think they understand that I'm never going to buy a sports bike and throw it up the road at the earliest oportunity and at my age comfort counts for everything. Right then it's off to find a cbt and direct access course in the S.Wales area.
In the meantime if any one else wants to steer me away from the pretty Guzzi speak now.

I cant envisage travelling more than 60 miles from home on a weekend ride and it will be pressed into action as and when the weather allows on my daily comute - 14 miles round trip.

Mogs

dreadnought72 · « **Reply #128 on:** June 30, 2008, 01:49:32 pm »

Mogsy - go for it.

I love the looks of the 'Classic. Would have one myself if the piggy bank were full enough. And if it were available in something other than white.

The CBT and courses (for anyone curious about biking) are a hoot - especially if you go into it as a bike novice, but with a driving licence and some experience/road sense. It's hard to remove the smile for weeks afterwards. You'll almost certainly love it - and wonder how people can go on about their four-wheeled boxes, when you can select just about anything from a huge range of bikes at prices car drivers would kill for.

Andy

sheerline · « **Reply #129 on:** June 30, 2008, 03:44:08 pm »

Italian electrics on 'Guzzies' used to be a bit of a problem area, worth asking a few owners if things have moved on a bit on later bikes, otherwise they are nice bikes to ride, good lookers and sound lovely... always fancied one myself but live with my old Triumph. With the sort of riding and milages you envisage, I reckon you'll love it!

Circlip · « **Reply #130 on:** June 30, 2008, 06:37:44 pm »

Hmmm, you fancy a Guzzi Mogsy, mine is a Mk1 Lemming. You got to be a masochist, c4ap electrics, c4ap paint, c4ap chrome, you need a right grip like a gorrila, L/F vibration that shakes you to bits, "firm" springing, sooo whats good about them??
Go for a test ride if you can, Ya just going to lurv it.

Wouldn't swop mine for all the rice burners in Japan.

bogstandard · « **Reply #131 on:** June 30, 2008, 09:23:41 pm »

Mogsy,

About four weeks ago I made what I think is the best decision I have made in years.

Being a previous biker, and after over 20 years stuck in a car, I took the plunge and bought a 1500/6, 19 year old gold wing.
My body is clapped out, my brain is going, I am grossly overweight, but after a couple of hours going round in my air conditioned armchair, I stopped at the side of the road, hung the lid on the bars, leaned on a fence and had a fag, admiring the view. I remembered what I liked about biking.

I had forgotten what it was all about. The sights, the sounds and the smells, plus pure adrenalin rush. Also don't forget the camaraderie, while I was having my break, two separate bikers stopped to see if I was in trouble. You just don't get that when in a car.

Plus the occasional burn up of the 'boy racers' in their souped up tin cans, you can imagine their shoulders sagging, as you show them a clean pair of heels.

Forget your aches and pains, forget about what other people say, do it.
If you don't, you might regret it for the rest of your life.
If it doesn't suit you, sell it, but at least you tried.

John

oldiron · « **Reply #132 on:** June 30, 2008, 09:41:34 pm »

Quote from: bogstandard on June 30, 2008, 09:23:41 pm

Mogsy,

About four weeks ago I made what I think is the best decision I have made in years.

Being a previous biker, and after over 20 years stuck in a car, I took the plunge and bought a 1500/6, 19 year old gold wing.
My body is clapped out, my brain is going, I am grossly overweight, but after a couple of hours going round in my air conditioned armchair, I stopped at the side of the road, hung the lid on the bars, leaned on a fence and had a fag, admiring the view. I remembered what I liked about biking.

I had forgotten what it was all about. The sights, the sounds and the smells, plus pure adrenalin rush. Also don't forget the camaraderie, while I was having my break, two separate bikers stopped to see if I was in trouble. You just don't get that when in a car.

Plus the occasional burn up of the 'boy racers' in their souped up tin cans, you can imagine their shoulders sagging, as you show them a clean pair of heels.

Forget your aches and pains, forget about what other people say, do it.
If you don't, you might regret it for the rest of your life.
If it doesn't suit you, sell it, but at least you tried.

John

Amen brother.....in spades. I drive an 1100 Goldwing. Best therapy one can get is finding some empty blacktop and going for a long run. Like you my bones are on the decline with a bad back, strangely, I can spend hours in the saddle and no sore back, but can't get by an hour in the car without agro.
And all the thigs cagers (car drivers) miss in the way of sights sounds and smells......and they don't even know it.

oldiron

tobyker · « **Reply #133 on:** June 30, 2008, 10:51:38 pm »

Go for it, Mogsy. I've done fast and I've done slow, and I think I prefer the slow. Sportsbikes are a pain in the ...frankly, everywhere, and don't do enjoying the scenery. Modern Guzzis are quite good, tho any Eytie electrics must be a little suspect - my Aprilia Caponord didn't really like winter commuting much.

Marks Model Bits · « **Reply #134 on:** July 01, 2008, 07:20:50 am »

Personally i wouldn't buy a guzzi to say they are rubbish is an understatement you will regret it (I know guys who have!!!) Alot of vibration, top end engine noise (even when new) dodgy electrics ect ect.........If you like that style of bike I would recommend a new Triumph Bonneville, better looking, more reliable and british!!!

Thats my opinion anyway.

Mark.

SteamboatPhil · « **Reply #135 on:** July 01, 2008, 09:10:55 am »

I agree with Mark (who knew he had such sense) and I say this not because I own a Triumph Sprint ST, well actually that is the only reason I say it.
Flies on teeth= Happy motorcylist

sheerline · « **Reply #136 on:** July 01, 2008, 09:18:22 am »

Mark,re- the electrics, it sounds as though they haven't moved on in this area, thats dissapointing as you would have thought they would have smartened up their act by now. :(

Marks Model Bits · « **Reply #137 on:** July 01, 2008, 09:40:05 am »

'Tis a shame they haven't sorted their problems............... A mate of mine bought a Breva V1100 and it was always interesting following him on the road dodging the bits that fell off!!!!!! Seriously though he got so fed up with the bike being off the road more than it was on it (usually because of the abysmal parts back up) he ended up selling the guzzi and bought a Triumph Speed Triple instead and he says he is glad to be rid of the guzzi and it's safer for me to follow him.............

Mark..

sheerline · « **Reply #138 on:** July 02, 2008, 09:50:18 am »

I have to say that I was in Italy a couple of weeks ago and come to think of it, I never saw a 'Guzzie' the whole time I was there. I am always looking at bikes and the Italians love their machines ... but no Guzzies! Perhaps given the feedback here one should consider this choice of machine a little more carefully and I take back what I said earlier....so, send the 'Guzzie' to room 101!! :(

Robert Davies · « **Reply #139 on:** July 02, 2008, 06:45:25 pm »

You see alot of Triumphs in Italy!

Passing my test and buying a bike was the best thing I ever did as far as road transport is concerned.

If anyone wants a Guzzi, find your local dealer first, find out what spares back up is like, see what the dealer is like too.

I run a KTM 950SM, there have been issues, but my local dealer, Colwyn Bay Motorcycles, is fabulous.

-Rob

mogsy · « **Reply #140 on:** July 03, 2008, 10:03:48 am »

Guzzi and local are, unfortunatly, not two words you see next to each other here in S.Wales.
I think the largest U.K dealer is in Loghborough so it looks like a trip up there once I've passed my test of course.
I'm lucky that a mate runs a specialist vehicle transport outfit that moves everything from touring cars to quads so I can always truck / trailer it back up for servicing at minimal cost.
As for Guzzis reliability issues I'm told that things should have come on to the new millenium since their takeover.

Anyhow, I am a past master at invoking the sale of goods act and I never loose out when presented with unsatifactory service or shoddy goods.

My hearts set on it, there's no turning me.

Nice KTM by the way Robert.

Mogs

sheerline · « **Reply #141 on:** July 03, 2008, 11:17:04 am »

So be it, I have been there, once your heart is set on something, it's just got to be that way... Good luck Mogsy, I hope it's everything you want it to be.
Chris

offshore1987 · « **Reply #142 on:** July 05, 2008, 05:43:03 pm »

wooo cool thread

this is mine :)

All the best

MONAHAN STEAM MODELS · « **Reply #143 on:** July 12, 2008, 03:36:15 am »

When V-Twins just aren't enough anymore!

oldiron · « **Reply #144 on:** July 14, 2008, 04:05:21 am »

I was at a British car show today and a herd of motor cycles came in. I've attached some shots of a few of the classics: Norton, vincent, Arial, and Matchless, for your enjoyment.

oldiron

sheerline · « **Reply #145 on:** July 14, 2008, 08:54:21 am »

How very beautiful they look.....I want them all!
If you were to total up the man hours spent on all those machines it would make for some scary figures, as would the money lavished upon them. They represent true love and dedication by their owners because I'll bet not one of them did it for the money but simply for the sheer joy of it.
I wonder how many of these machines will be around in a hundred years time and if they are, will they end up being converted to run on hydrogen or some such other combustible since petrol will probably be long gone or cost about £250-00 per litre!
Nice pics..

cbr900 · « **Reply #146 on:** July 14, 2008, 01:18:41 pm »

Sheerline,

The way fuel is rising your figure may not be that far away,
it is getting to be stupid, there is an old Bumper Sticker
that has come to the fore over here ( I own the car the
Petrol is on Higher Purchase).........

Roy

toesupwa · « **Reply #147 on:** July 14, 2008, 05:08:52 pm »

Quote from: sheerline on July 14, 2008, 08:54:21 am

I wonder how many of these machines will be around in a hundred years time...

I guess some of the 'older' classic motorcycles will be, though i have my doubts about some of the modern rice burners being around in 100 years..

I've made a provision for mine after i have 'gone'... At least i know it will go to a good home and will at least be cared for in the same manner in which it was rebuilt.

Some nice pics Oldiron

sheerline · « **Reply #148 on:** July 14, 2008, 05:45:26 pm »

That old Norton single in the third pic down is very similar to the very first motorcycle I rode at the tender age of fourteen. I had never sat on a motorcycle before and after being told how to make it go I chuntered off round a field on it. A very scary but exhilirating experience, never to be forgotten but that sowed the motorcycle seed in me and it has never gone away.
I think the machine I rode was older than the one shown since it had a rigid back end and was showing its army paintwork through the chipped black handpainted job.

oldiron · « **Reply #149 on:** July 14, 2008, 06:01:23 pm »

Quote from: sheerline on July 14, 2008, 05:45:26 pm

That old Norton single in the third pic down is very similar to the very first motorcycle I rode at the tender age of fourteen. I had never sat on a motorcycle before and after being told how to make it go I chuntered off round a field on it. A very scary but exhilirating experience, never to be forgotten but that sowed the motorcycle seed in me and it has never gone away.
I think the machine I rode was older than the one shown since it had a rigid back end and was showing its army paintwork through the chipped black handpainted job.

What you're describing sounds something like this old BSA I saw at out Port Dover Friday 13th (June) run .

oldiron

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Author Topic: Motorcyclists (Read 45021 times)

andi4x4

Bradley

bogstandard

Robert Davies

offshore1987

MONAHAN STEAM MODELS