Two Wheels - Motorcycle Discussion

[Sonny]

Guy's,
Something a bit off-topic as the forum seems to be getting a bit busier in visits and posts lately.

I think it's Tipsy or someone else who rides a Bonnie down there in Mexico (VIC), another active member I know is considering the pursuit and I think some here may know more than just how to make beer. So this is where you can show your machine, or your machine you did have, spruk on about what you have done, or just share whatever that's about bikes and not beer.
Now if you don't like bikes, or you don't like bike riders, or you have a negative view in any way. Then this is not the thread for you.

Me, I started riding dirtbikes on the farm at age 4, hit the streets at 16-9mths and haven't stopped yet. I've raced 250 proddies, toured, done a lot of bike rallies, conducted RTA training for L's and P's, and I still haven't had enough. Never will.

[bullfrog]

I've got an '05 Kawasaki Super Sherpa.

...yep, you wish you were as cool as me!

Looking at the moment at either something along the lines of an XJ6S or an XVS650 (on my R L's so it has to be LAMS listed.) Another active member of this forum is trying to persuade me away from the cruiser and riding pillion on his bike as we lane-split through the school holiday traffic heading up the mountains a couple of weeks ago so that we could get to the brew shop and back in the shortest possible time has just about almost convinced me.

...no points for guessing who I'm talking about, by the way.

[earle]

I probably wish I was as cool as you, Yamaha XV250 for me (only a couple of years old) which I use as a commuter. Probably a good first bike but I wish I had something a bit bigger. Would go away from a cruiser next bike as I have developed an aversion to chrome (or rather cleaning it)

[Sonny]

Wow, wouldn't know myself.

[bullfrog]

I actually have a mate that is seriously considering spending 4.5k on a '92 CBR250. No amount of attempted persuasion from Sonny or I could turn him off getting the bike that everybody else in the world has and now he wants to pay an arm-and-a-leg for it.

I'd sooner see the guy buy a Hyosung.

[big dave]

Handsome ride Sonny.

Am right at the start, haggling with SWMBO about this. For years I have shook my head at the dangers of motorbikes (I am an ambo....), but I recently had a ride at a mates place for the first time in years, and now I have changed my tune.

So I have negotiated the ok to purchase some gear, and will be getting my L's next month. My great passion is fly-fishing for trout, so I would like to combine the two, riding into the hills behind Mansfield. I would love to be looking seriously at the bigger LAMS dual sporties like the BMW GS, Tenere, or Transalp, but realistically, I reckon I will end up with a slightly less sexy KLR 650.

Any advice for a newby?

PS - ride carefully guys, always wear your safety gear, it can go really bad, really quick.

[earle]

I would love to be looking seriously at the bigger LAMS dual sporties like the BMW GS, Tenere, or Transalp, but realistically, I reckon I will end up with a slightly less sexy KLR 650.
.

I like the idea of a Suzuki V Strom 650 although thats only at a cursory glance. Supposedly more comfortable than the KLR. If/when the days comes that I'm allowed to upgrade I'll have a good look around, until them I'm just dreaming.

[Sonny]

My great passion is fly-fishing for trout, so I would like to combine the two, riding into the hills behind Mansfield. I would love to be looking seriously at the bigger LAMS dual sporties like the BMW GS, Tenere, or Transalp, but realistically, I reckon I will end up with a slightly less sexy KLR 650.

Any advice for a newby?

Big Dave, that's awesome. Welcome to the fold.

Riding on the road is only as dangerous as one makes it. Believe the theory that you should ride as if no-one can see you, but forget the theory of making them see you. They do not need to see you, just stay out of their way. Don't put yourself in the position, simple as that.

As for your interests, it all sounds like the perfect plan to me. The KLR650 is apparently a great bike and I have considered one for myself if I sold the BMW, as I really want to get out bush more where I can have some weekend touring/camping fun without getting booked. I need some new roads and there's no radars on dirt roads. But seriously consider the DR650 as well. Same price bracket, just as proven but may suit your ideas a bit more. I think the DR is a bit more up my alley, particularly as I'd probably fit supermoto rims to it.
So I'd say Google both bikes and their forums, get the tech tips and the faults (not that these two have many at all). The doohickey is not a great idea on the KLR, read about this at KLR650.net and I think there is a forum for the DR650 inside the ADVrider.com

Let me know how you go, this is what the thread is for.

[rotten]

that's my bike porn, or dream bike

[billybushcook]

OK
Havn't ever been into road bikes but I do have a few serious dirt bikes bikes.
One can never have too many bikes, in fact a mate of mine has 12.

First, is a VOR (Vertimati Off Road) MX 503
They are an Italian, hand built, 500cc 4 stroke GP motorcrosser.
This thing is leathal! as quick as my mates 2 stroke CR 500. It is the bike that Joel Smetts won his first World 500 MX GP tittle on before he went to Husaberg.



The VoR has been down for a re-build for a while now, I can't buy parts for it so Ivé had to make my own valve guides, big end bearing & pin, little end bearing etc, (bloody glad I'm a machinist!)

So in the mean time I bought a CRF 450 so that I still had something to ride & race.


These pics are not actually my bikes but look the same or similar.

Also have my Son's YZF 250.
Plus a 1980 model Honda XR 80 with a hot little motor I built, great little fun bike.
& a CR 80 framed XR 100 (again just for a fart around bike)

So 5 bikes in total, gee I could do with another

Cheers, Mick.

[Sonny]

I am amazed that you cannot buy the VOR parts. But either way that would make a great supermoto!

[Tipsy]

I think it's Tipsy or someone else who rides a Bonnie down there in Mexico

Yep, I now ride a Bonnie after years of riding Jap bikes.
My back and wrists couldn't take it any more so I had to get a cruiser and I love it.

Nice Beemer Sonny.
I took a mates R1100s(?) for a ride, it cornered at 120kmh and felt like 80.
I'd certainly lose my licence if I had one. He then sold it and bought a Mike hailwood replica Duke. (Chalk 'n' cheese)

[big dave]

I'm back on this thread.

I found a 97 Yammy 660 Tenere in Bendigo, which I bought, and took it out for our first run yesterday. Fantastic. It is a bit vibey, which is to be expected from a big single cylinder, but it looks red hot, goes well and sounds magnificent (has Staintune pipe).

Only one issue.... Needs a taller screen. I am a big fella, and the standard screen keeps my neck in smooth air, but my helmet gets a bit of a blasting if I sit up straight. Especially around 120k's. My young brother knows somebody who has a perspex bending machine, so I might see about a custom job.

Any advice around racks, panniers, saddle-bags, etc. I need to be able to secure my gear now!

Cheers

[Wassa]

I have a Suzuki Intruder 250CC and a 1989 85th Anniversay Harley Davidson Low Rider.

[fozzular]

The tenere sounds like a pretty sweet bike.
I have a smokey old honda cx500 (still on my p's).
I have it cause i got it fairly cheap, but also because my old man used to ride one.
i dream of many bikes but the old short leg syndrome sees me suffer a fair bit. my cx is right about the limit for.

[Sonny]

Welcome Fozz, tell us a bit about yourself.

Where d'ya live?
What do ya brew, Kit, Extract or AG?
Did ya like the movie 300?
Are you a Casey or a Valentino fan?

Mate, a CX500 was a very under rated bike. As long as you did not have to rebuild the motor you were on a winner. I have a mate who has an immaculate example and he rides it too.
So what machine will follow the Shadow? or is it the Custom in which you own?

- Sonny.

[fozzular]

well, ok then. if you insist, sir.
I am a forestry undergrad in canberra.
i just brew 'enhanced' extract atm cause it is easy in a confined space with minimal equipment. doing a dark lager sort of thing at the moment.
my shadow i bought a year and a half ago. i have not had to rebuild it but the valve guides are fairly well worn and i have gone through 8 litres of oil in 1500km. but it has free parking at uni!
300 was good. game of thrones is pretty good for dress ups if you have the time.
casey all the way.
the cx is a great bike and i wish they had a modern one out now. the brakes freak me a bit but i have had absolutely no mechanical problem, although if anyone can source valve guides and spare a day working with me
the next will hopefully be a fully faired gs500. that would be my perfect bike if it was a shaftie.
anyone wanna catch up for a ride sometime? i take it pretty easy (but even if i did hammer i would still take a while)

[Sonny]

doing a dark lager sort of thing at the moment.
I did a beaut dark lager not long ago, very impressed with it too.
valve guides are fairly well worn and i have gone through 8 litres of oil in 1500km. but it has free parking at uni!
Bummer, that's thirsty.
game of thrones is pretty good for dress ups if you have the time.
I have no idea what you're talking about? You're not making a pass are ya?
a fully faired gs500. that would be my perfect bike if it was a shaftie.
Mate, I know another forum member who is aiming for one of these as well. Perfect? Nah you'll only want more soon enough.
anyone wanna catch up for a ride sometime?
If you're in Sydney give us a hoi, otherwise I can suggest that you pop over to my bike forum and do an intro in the Ice Broken threads and you'll meet a few similar riders from the ACT.

[Sonny]

For our new member. Like!

[fozzular]

that is a pretty sweet example a cx. when i have shed/tools,skills to use said tools i would love to bob mine back a bit.
game of thrones is an epic book and tv series, and i am making way more than a pass, man. although i aint no nerd!