Slower bike maybe?

[Winston001]

I love my Ducati. Its not entirely logical but hey, you guys understand, right? :D

I don't hanker after any other bike. I can't even think of another bike I'd swop for.

However I do quite like holding a drivers licence. It's handy. Useful. Unfortunately I find it very difficult to keep the Duc at lawful speeds. Many of you must have the same problem given the extraordinary sports bikes available.

What do you do?

[breakaway]

Learn some self control, invest in a radar detector, and pick the time and place to open it up carefully.

[PirateJafa]

I don't get caught.

[NighthawkNZ]

I love my Ducati. Its not entirely logical but hey, you guys understand, right? :D

I don't hanker after any other bike. I can't even think of another bike I'd swop for.

However I do quite like holding a drivers licence. It's handy. Useful. Unfortunately I find it very difficult to keep the Duc at lawful speeds. Many of you must have the same problem given the extraordinary sports bikes available.

What do you do?

Option 1)- I learnt to control the beast from with in...

Option 2)- slower bike... hmmm Paula's VTR250 wound up could do 145kph that's still loose of license is it not... Cruisers... they are still capable for some pretty fast speeds... my old XJ650 capable of 170kph... so see option 1

[Mully]

Most bikes will loose your licence for you. However, my recommendation is a naked bike, which generally feel faster at a lower speed.

Having ridden Jrandom's GSX1400 (which is more than capable of having my licence shredded), I liked the roll on torque to pootle along heavily Policed roads.

Plus, Random does trackdays on the thing, so it's no slouch.

[Winston001]

Mmmm.....its partly self-control but I like to think I can do that.

And partly it's the sports-riding position. The bike needs to be at 120k before it becomes comfortable and the motor comes on song at closer to 140k.

You make a good point Mully about naked bikes. More air pressure, body weight is lifted off the bars at lower speeds, and there is a greater sensation of speed.

I've thought of taking the screen off as an experiment so thats a possibility.


That's what I like about this site - and bikes. Lots of different individual ideas and small changes to play around with.

[NighthawkNZ]

And partly it's the sports-riding position. The bike needs to be at 120k before it becomes comfortable and the motor comes on song at closer to 140k.


I am comfortable riding mine at any speed including 50-100kph... and makes no difference at 120 or 140????

[cowboyz]

I found myself asking the same question recently.

At the end of the day it came down to how much I love riding my bike. It can get a bit of a pain in the arse watching the speedo all the time to ensure it doent climb to death-defying 120k/hr but hit the twisties and I am soon reminded why I love my bike.

[Gremlin]

1. Learn a bit more self control (reminding yourself of the pain of not having a license helps greatly)

2. Re-adjust your thinking of what is fun (no... 200kph is NOT fun :nono:)

3. Sell current bike

4. Look at something you will have lots of fun on, it will do what you need, but the fun will be at 100kph or less (or at least, most of the fun)

Naked bikes are real helpful, so are those that sit at the limit and don't speed creep a lot.

Spent the last 8 months at least on a Hornet CB900 and KTM 990 Supermoto. Clocked up around 30,000km, I think one chat with a plod, he said my numberplate was a bit dirty, I should clean it.

Then rode my bosses blackbird down to the WOF station, as it needed one. Head down, arse up, struggling to stay within the speed limit (always creeping), one bit of deliberate speeding.... very very happy to return to the SM and 900. :clap:

Looks like I'm cured! :D

[Indiana_Jones]

I know where Winston is coming from, but pretty much what has been said, learn some self control, time and place and don't get caught.

Self control is number one, if you can't seem to use it, then get a GN125

-Indy

[Kickaha]

and the motor comes on song at closer to 140k.


change the gearing it so it comes on song at lower speed

[DMNTD]

change the gearing it so it comes on song at lower speed
Agreed, -1 on the front sprocket sorts that out quick


no... 200kph is NOT fun
Yes it is but it's just not "safe" on a couple of different levels.


However, my recommendation is a naked bike...
Definitely! You get the higher speed sensations below 140kmph and in my opinion they are more fun to ride.

[AD345]

Cruiser

Cruiser cruiser cruiser

Cruuuuuuuuiser

cruisercruisercruiser

Crurururururuiser



Cruiser











Cruiser!!

[trustme]

Get an adventure bike , you slow down & start to go places you would not normally even consider
Sprint to Scrambler was the best move I ever made, I loved the Sprint but I was going to lose my license or my life & not riding it at any where near it's potential seemed a pointless & futile exercise that was ultimately pretty unrewarding

[Cloggy]

I was thinking of sticking a picture of my loved one near the speedo and rev counter to help remind myself of those things which are more important in my life.
Because it is very easy for the speed demon in me to take control.
It is not the speed which does it for me but the acceleration which I find really addictive. And it doesn't take long to reach ridiculous speeds whilst sampling that lovely acceleration.
It is not just the self control but also about picking the right place and right time. And it's due to those last two (as well as luck some would argue) that I haven't lost my licence or had any incidents in the last twenty five odd years of riding / driving.

[crazyhorse]

You have three options:

1. Do not stop - outrun them

2. Get a radar detector

3. Walk everywhere

[trustme]

You have three options:

1. Do not stop - outrun them

2. Get a radar detector

3. Walk everywhere



Options 1 & 2 are like playing Russian Roulette , you get away with it for a while but it WILL all end in tears.

[Gareth51]

I've had the Bonnie for nearly two years and feeling like a change, one half of me says buy another Bonnie and the other half says....yer, you know what I mean.It would have to be naked bike if I did change,you do get a better sensation of speed.

[Gareth51]

Options 1 & 2 are like playing Russian Roulette , you get away with it for a while but it WILL all end in tears.

I thihk you are getting told off girl :spanking:

[trustme]

I've had the Bonnie for nearly two years and feeling like a change, one half of me says buy another Bonnie and the other half says....yer, you know what I mean.It would have to be naked bike if I did change,you do get a better sensation of speed.

Yup, it's always a battle . I'm very slowly building a track bike & one of those whiz bang KTM 690 enduro's sure is tempting.

[puddy]

Agreed, -1 on the front sprocket sorts that out quick


Yes it is but it's just not "safe" on a couple of different levels.


Definitely! You get the higher speed sensations below 140kmph and in my opinion they are more fun to ride.
Have ya taken the fairing off the R1 then?:bleh::bleh::bleh:
If ya have a TOSS before you go out, then there's not so much pent up ............you know.:bleh::bleh::bleh:

[sondela]

Cruiser

Cruiser cruiser cruiser

Cruuuuuuuuiser

cruisercruisercruiser

Crurururururuiser



Cruiser

Cruiser!!


Hell no!!!!..

Take the Duc on the track once a month (or more) and the need for speed on the road cools..

[Big Dave]

Get a naked bike. They feel like you are going mucho faster at 30kph less - and they are more enjoyable on the road.

[Pedrostt500]

There is the option of building a track bike, keep ya thrills for the circut, or get a motor crosser, if ya want to go that way.
You could just say " fark Da Pigs" speed and loose ya licence any way, its one way of having self control imposed on ya.
Smaller bike well ya can still get busted for doing 100 in a 50 zone.
How about build a bucket and join the bucket brigade, seems all good fun.

[AllanB]

And partly it's the sports-riding position. The bike needs to be at 120k before it becomes comfortable and the motor comes on song at closer to 140k.


Yeah - I had a GS1200ss - same thing - head down arse up big screen and 140 was just idling along...........

Replaced it with the CB900 Hornet. Outright speed and all that is basically similar but you need to hold on tight at silly speeds so it's only a bit of a squirt up the top every now and then. Having said that, standard cruising speeds tend to be 10-20% over the legal 100.

But that's more rider control..........:devil2:

You could get a set of those big ape hangers the Harley guys fit - that will slow you down. :clap:

[NighthawkNZ]

Cruiser

Cruiser cruiser cruiser

Cruuuuuuuuiser

cruisercruisercruiser

Crurururururuiser



Cruiser











Cruiser!!


can still go fast enough to loose his license on...

All it is, is learn to control the beast

[Headbanger]

My cruiser loves 140km/h.......

Granted it takes a couple more seconds to get up there.......

[DarkLord]

Buy a Hyosung. :scooter:

[Blackbird]

Get a naked bike. They feel like you are going mucho faster at 30kph less - and they are more enjoyable on the road.

Agreed:niceone:. The 'bird is the best bike I've ever owned (had it for 8 years and it's still nearly mint) but by and large, I've got past hyper-velocities for a number of reasons. A lighter weight naked with a more upright riding stance is the way I'll be going in about 12 months. At present, a Thruxton Bonnie or Street Triple are my "fitness for purpose" front runners.

[jrandom]

I second what everyone's said about naked bikes fixing the "oops, I'm doing the ton" syndrome.

I particularly chose a GSX1400 because I do a lot of two-up riding, and it's the two-up naked bike par excellence. It'll pull to an indicated 250, but I really can stick to 110 all day on it if I have to, and it's not wildly irritating to do so.

Around town, I prefer to ride Stickchick's Scorpio, though. And if it was just me, I'd probably have an ER6n. I like not having to hop on a bike to roll it off the centerstand safely. So long as the ergonomics still fit, lighter bikes are good.

The market seems to be appreciating what a lot of riders are into in that respect; the choice of naked bikes in showrooms right now is better than it has been for some years, IMHO.

Ride 'em all (even the XR1200) and see what you like! It's the most fun part.

[Big Dave]

Agreed:niceone:. The 'bird is the best bike I've ever owned (had it for 8 years and it's still nearly mint) but by and large, I've got past hyper-velocities for a number of reasons. A lighter weight naked with a more upright riding stance is the way I'll be going in about 12 months. At present, a Thruxton Bonnie or Street Triple are my "fitness for purpose" front runners.

I have the Thruxton in my top few best looking bikes. But the racing crouch isn't the best ergonomic for road use either.

My choice of the Bonnie range would be a Scrambler. Same cool - much greater versatility.

It tours great and does real well on ADV rides too.

Street triple is a minta. Get the upgraded suspension job. Worth every cent extra.

[Big Dave]

You could get a set of those big ape hangers the Harley guys fit - that will slow you down. :clap:

I've said before, there is an age limit on them. A man gets to an age where this giblet action starts happening under a raised arm. Flapping is not cool.

[denefoster]

+1 for naked bikes.. +2 for big single trail bikes. When I had my DRZ geared for 160 or so, 100 was alright, 150+ got freaking scary. Big front fender, and big single piston going up and down. Geared for 130 or so was alright at 100, and didn't have a choice of license losing speed.

The husky is apparently geared for 200, but again, gets really scary at 150. 120 is about right for high(ish) speed antics.

Both are well fun up to 120, can't beat a motard around town and it ain't no slouch in the curvy bits. Wouldn't want to tour on it, but commuting is the bees knees

[Blackbird]

I have the Thruxton in my top few best looking bikes. But the racing crouch isn't the best ergonomic for road use either.

My choice of the Bonnie range would be a Scrambler. Same cool - much greater versatility.

It tours great and does real well on ADV rides too.

Street triple is a minta. Get the upgraded suspension job. Worth every cent extra.

I grew up on the "original" Trumpys so would have to agree about the looks. I'd imagine the ergos on the Thruxton aren't any worse than the 'bird. At 61 years of age, the bar position on the 'bird is still ok but I'm thinking ahead a bit as I tend to keep bikes for a while. Unlike you, my greatest problem is short legs and that's an issue with the 'bird whilst stationary or low speed manoeuvring and a lot of care is needed. The Street Triple has a lower seat height and is mucho lighter. The Bonnie is a little lighter but still lower. Now that we live permanently in Coro and maybe 70% of my riding is on the Loop, a high top speed is largely irrelevant.

[jrandom]

Unlike you, my greatest problem is short legs and that's an issue with the 'bird whilst stationary or low speed manoeuvring and a lot of care is needed.

Interesting comment. Everyone's different.

My biggest ergonomic issue is fucked ITBs, dreadful hip flexibility, etc. I have to have leg room on a bike if I'm not to be in pain after 30 minutes. High seats and low pegs are my holy grail.

My favourite ever ergonomics were on the Ducati Multistrada, funnily enough. I suppose it'd be futile to try and convince you to test-ride one...

[Highlander]

I grew up on the "original" Trumpys so would have to agree about the looks. I'd imagine the ergos on the Thruxton aren't any worse than the 'bird. At 61 years of age, the bar position on the 'bird is still ok but I'm thinking ahead a bit as I tend to keep bikes for a while. Unlike you, my greatest problem is short legs and that's an issue with the 'bird whilst stationary or low speed manoeuvring and a lot of care is needed. The Street Triple has a lower seat height and is mucho lighter. The Bonnie is a little lighter but still lower. Now that we live permanently in Coro and maybe 70% of my riding is on the Loop, a high top speed is largely irrelevant.

Love the look (and sound) of the Thruxton.
Can't remember which magazine it was in but they said it is "like a pretty girl who has forgotten to put her top on. Every body looks, the young ones can't work out why it is so apealing and the old ones just smile and nod." I guess that implies I'm old.

[Blackbird]

Interesting comment. Everyone's different.

My biggest ergonomic issue is fucked ITBs, dreadful hip flexibility, etc. I have to have leg room on a bike if I'm not to be in pain after 30 minutes. High seats and low pegs are my holy grail.

My favourite ever ergonomics were on the Ducati Multistrada, funnily enough. I suppose it'd be futile to try and convince you to test-ride one...

Thanks for the comment but yep, the Multistrada just doesn't do it for me at that all-important emotional level, irrespective of it being a superb bike.

Getting the perfect ergonomic bike often involves a lot of tail-chasing. When I switched to a Rider seat conversion for long distance riding, I had the seat lowered and that fixed my leg length issue but it put a bit more stress on my stuffed knees. Lowered the pegs a touch and fixed that problem. Raised the rear ride height to transform the steering and the leg length problem was back with a vengeance. Probably close to the time to stop dicking about and get something well under 200kg that isn't super tall, ergonomically comfortable and steers fast as standard!

[beyond]

The lose your licence aspect of riding effects everyone, no matter how big or how small their bike is.

A scooter will get your licence lost if you happen to be doing more than 75km in a 35kmh area.

Once you are 40kmh over any speed limit then that's it. :(

The bigger and faster the bike the sooner it will happen because of the sheer acceleration.

It's like a loaded gun.... it's only going to kill if somone picks it up and pulls the trigger while aiming it at someone.

It's not the bike that will lose you your licence. That's only going to happen if you swing on the throttle and there's only one person who can control that swing.

Going 200kmh plus is a real buzz, especially on a naked. Mine will go off the clock when tucked in tight at an indicated 260kmh and at that speed it's like riding into a tornado. You make sure everything is tucked in tight and only your peepers showing over the dials.

BUT: you do that only when you know it's safe, can see for miles, have no chance of being caught and even then you run a risk these days because of choppers, spotter planes and long distance radar.

Yes: if you break the limits regularly then you will NEED a radar detector and a good one.

As others have said, it is a matter of time though and luck will run out. A radar detector is not much good when instant on radar is being used unless there's other traffic around to give you some warning.

At that point, once your radar goes off on instant on radar, you can glance down and decide, depending on the speed you are going if a night in the clanger is your cup of tea, or if you have a full tank, know the roads and can ride hard without getting the massive adrenaline rush (doubtful) that you can safely do a runner.

I ride the GSX1400. Bought it for two up touring and taking the missus. She hasn't been on it for over a year though.... no regrets here though. I have more fun on this bike than any other bike I've ridden or owned. It can pootle, it can go hard, it will go on the track and it's handling will suprise the dubious.

I'm on my second one now and have done 61,000kms and loved everyone of them :)

NAKED ALL THE WAY!!!!!! :) :) :headbang: :niceone: :banana::2thumbsup

[AllanB]

My choice of the Bonnie range would be a Scrambler. Same cool - much greater versatility.

Any word of the gruntier engine going into these yet?

If you like your Ducatis there is the monster range to consider.

Street Triple - hell yes, I just have misgivings of keeping one anywhere near legal speeds, they just bring out the hoon in you. I understand they go really well at 100 on the rear wheel ....... :rolleyes:

[pritch]

Thanks for the comment but yep, the Multistrada just doesn't do it for me at that all-important emotional level, irrespective of it being a superb bike.

Don't ignore the Monster :-) I've read that it's not the most confortable bike over long distances but thus far I've only done short distances.

I look forward to trying the bike over the Coro loop sometime after the weather warms up... (Thinks, "And this time I will try not to piss any bus drivers off.")

[FROSTY]

A scooter will get your licence lost if you happen to be doing more than 75km in a 35kmh area.
Nahh the cop would be too busy laughing his head off at ya. :devil2:
But seriously though. have you thought of just taking the fairing off your bike and maybee putting higher bars on.

[Ixion]

Well, I have a couple of different bikes. Naked and semi faired and fully faired. Small and large. Sprots and adventure.

It's certainly true that keeping a faired litre sprots bike legal is very hard . It's not just will power, it's that even a tiny bit of extra throttle will have you way over the limit after a kilometre or so, and the extra speed is quite indetectable (other than looking at the speedo).

A naked adventure bike will almost certainly keep you within vaguely legal speeds. You *can* go faster, but you definately know you are doing so. Ditto really for any naked. The wind over 120kph starts to become quite insistent.

However, naked isn't a total solution. That same wind gets tiring and a pain on long trips. Especially if the weather be foul. And even more so on a smaller bike. Certainly most >250cc bikes nowadays can easily maintain 120kph . But a big one does it more easily.

On a long trip constantly working throttle and gears is tiring and tedious. It's very nice to come up behind a truck on a hill and just give the throttle a tweak to blast past.

MAybe a big cruisier? With a fly screen. But sooo boring.

[Big Dave]

Any word of the gruntier engine going into these yet?


Fix it till it breaks?

[Winston001]

I have the Thruxton in my top few best looking bikes. But the racing crouch isn't the best ergonomic for road use either.


Yes, always liked the Thruxton.




My favourite ever ergonomics were on the Ducati Multistrada, funnily enough. I suppose it'd be futile to try and convince you to test-ride one...

I considered a Multistrada before buying the ST4 but there weren't a lot around so never had a chance to ride one. In truth I'd never owned a quasi-sports bike so I was seduced by the ST4 anyway. :D

There's no argument that self-control is the primary decision. But as we all know, a quick bit of acceleration passing and you settle into a higher speed without noticing.

I suspect its an adrenaline thing too. Riding fast is simply enjoyable. I'm not talking about 200k - rarely ever gone there, but cruising in the range 140 - 170k can become genuinely normal. It just does not feel like a dangerous speed provided the road is good and eyes are kept wide open for all traffic.

But I've done that. Its in the past. What I want to achieve is sane quasi-lawful riding which is enjoyable. For the moment the Duc is still my preferred bike so I'll try removing the screen and work from there. Raise the bars an inch too.

Its very interesting to learn everyones experiences. :niceone:

[YellowDog]

Personally I also find Ducati motorcycles difficult to ride slowly.

It's a sports bike that needs to be ridden fast.

That's why I didn't get one :)

[modboy]

The Thruxton can be a bit tricky to ride round town in slow traffic, with the riding style, (and perhaps my EFI mapping with the Arrow exhaust). It's definately slower than the muscle ducatis, but still pulls enough to easily lose your licence without even knowing it, so it's not gonna be a solution.
But, then, it's a helluva fun problem.