The obsession with big capacity bikes

[Blackbird]

Fellow KB'er Chooky (a very nicely set up CB1300) and me on the 'bird rode down to the Okoroire Pub near Tirau yesterday. (Every other bike in the north island seemed to be heading onto the Coro Peninsula, not off it!)

Anyway, on the return leg, we arranged to meet one of Chooky's workmates part way home as he fancied a shortish ride. He’s in his 60's and rides a Kawasaki W650 – the 70’s Triumph Bonneville “lookalike”. We met at Waihou south west of Thames and Chooky and his mate decided to accompany me about half way up the Thames coast road. Because his mate had a smaller naked “touring” type bike, we put him up front to set a pace that he’d be comfortable with, which was around an indicated 120 km/hr on the open road. However, when he got to the twisty coast road, both Graeme and I had to work quite hard to stay with him!!! The 650 was so light and nimble that he could absolutely fly through a sequence of bends whereas we had to get our lines bang on. Really impressive what a really light bike will do, especially so as it wasn’t sports orientated!

Ok, there are some good reasons for owning bigger capacity bikes but most of us who own big 'uns with mega-horsepower do so when a smaller bike would be perfectly adequate for our purpose (ummmmm... I'm reluctant to mention "little willy" syndrome as a reason why we buy them :whistle:).

I think we all sort of know that a light bike ridden well in twisties will generally stuff a bigger bike but having it demonstrated by a W650 was pretty impressive!

Even more looking forward to getting my Street Triple now!

[MIXONE]

Maybe it's an age thing because I think a striple would be perfect for me too.
The only thing getting in the way is the money(or lack of).

[Blackbird]

Maybe it's an age thing because I think a striple would be perfect for me too.
The only thing getting in the way is the money(or lack of).

It IS age in my case or I'd keep the 'bird forever. It will be just a bit too tall and bit too heavy as I get (even) older and the Striple is perfect. I already have approval by Executive Management. She got a tricked-up MX5 for her 60th birthday so could hardly say no :whistle::whistle:

[MIXONE]

Good man.A few years back I got my wife a red topless BMW for her 40th.Black upholstery and all.Forgot to tell her it only had two wheels.:Oops::whistle::scooter:

[vifferman]

Even more looking forward to getting my Street Triple now!
So it's decided then? I didn't see a post about you test-riding one, just that you were going to. :confused:

[Headbanger]

Even more looking forward to getting my Street Triple now!

Just don't buy the one I have my eye on....:angry2:

That aside, there is more to bike preference then how fast it can get through a set of twisties.

[nosebleed]

Just don't buy the one I have my eye on....:angry2:

That aside, there is more to bike preference then how fast it can get through a set of twisties.

Sez the HD rider :Pokey:

[Motu]

I always prefer a smaller/lower capacity bike because you can ride them harder without getting into too much trouble.It's not just a power/speed thing - a larger capacity bike puts much more ''forces'' through the driveline,and so tyres,front and rear.A smaller bike you can just nail into and out of corners....chop down gears,slam the throttle open,get that throttle open far earlier into the corner.It's just a more fun way to ride than loafing alone on a bike you can't use.

My R65 is a hoot to ride - I wouldn't really want an R100,just can't see the point when I can go just as fast....and ride harder too.

[The Pastor]

I always prefer a smaller/lower capacity bike because you can ride them harder without getting into too much trouble.It's not just a power/speed thing - a larger capacity bike puts much more ''forces'' through the driveline,and so tyres,front and rear.A smaller bike you can just nail into and out of corners....chop down gears,slam the throttle open,get that throttle open far earlier into the corner.It's just a more fun way to ride than loafing alone on a bike you can't use.

My R65 is a hoot to ride - I wouldn't really want an R100,just can't see the point when I can go just as fast....and ride harder too.
ive lost my licence on a 250 before, and probably will do again.

[scumdog]

A torquey plodding engine in an adequate brake/suspension package is enough to keep me happy.

Actual size of the engine doesn't concern me.

[Elysium]

Yep does size really matter? :laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo

[YellowDog]

Intersting posts.

It's funny because I don't ride my big engined bike like a big engined bike.

I rarely drop below 5000rpm and I guess I would get as much out of a 600cc bike.

[Hitcher]

There have only been about three occasions since I moved from the FJR1300 to the Shiver that I have thought "Fuck, wouldn't it be nice to have infinite horsepower". Although that big dog liked to hunt, it took some work, whereas running up SH54 and the like on the Shiver is a much more engaging and rewarding experience. A lot of bikers are riding too much bike. There's more than enough shits and giggles in the current crop of mid rangers for most people.

[davereid]

I always prefer a smaller/lower capacity bike because you can ride them harder without getting into too much trouble.It's not just a power/speed thing - a larger capacity bike puts much more ''forces'' through the driveline,and so tyres,front and rear.A smaller bike you can just nail into and out of corners....chop down gears,slam the throttle open,get that throttle open far earlier into the corner.It's just a more fun way to ride than loafing alone on a bike you can't use.

My R65 is a hoot to ride - I wouldn't really want an R100,just can't see the point when I can go just as fast....and ride harder too.

Yep, I have had Harleys, GSX1100s, Big Triumphs, but I always seem to end up grinning the most when my arse is on a snortin firebreathn 650cc midweight, on a twisty road.

Faster than my license, can still beat my 1100cc mates off the line if they are a bit dozey, but get 70mpg, and thousands of miles per tyre and chain.

[kevfromcoro]

that coast rd is tight as you know... i have had smaller bikes pass me on it..
heres one for ya..... was down the pub a few nights ago. and a couple of blokes were going to have a race from thames to coromandel..
the compeditors are 1 1200 buel. and the other is in a speed boat.
the boat is capable of 80 mph. but it has to do a gas stop half way.
hope they do it.. i think the boat may have the edge... well its a lot shorter.
the bike will do 200 + but there is not many places a bloke can do that on the coast road.

[oldrider]

Fellow KB'er Chooky (a very nicely set up CB1300) and me on the 'bird rode down to the Okoroire Pub near Tirau yesterday. (Every other bike in the north island seemed to be heading onto the Coro Peninsula, not off it!)

Anyway, on the return leg, we arranged to meet one of Chooky's workmates part way home as he fancied a shortish ride. He’s in his 60's and rides a Kawasaki W650 – the 70’s Triumph Bonneville “lookalike”. We met at Waihou south west of Thames and Chooky and his mate decided to accompany me about half way up the Thames coast road. Because his mate had a smaller naked “touring” type bike, we put him up front to set a pace that he’d be comfortable with, which was around an indicated 120 km/hr on the open road. However, when he got to the twisty coast road, both Graeme and I had to work quite hard to stay with him!!! The 650 was so light and nimble that he could absolutely fly through a sequence of bends whereas we had to get our lines bang on. Really impressive what a really light bike will do, especially so as it wasn’t sports orientated!

Ok, there are some good reasons for owning bigger capacity bikes but most of us who own big 'uns with mega-horsepower do so when a smaller bike would be perfectly adequate for our purpose (ummmmm... I'm reluctant to mention "little willy" syndrome as a reason why we buy them :whistle:).

I think we all sort of know that a light bike ridden well in twisties will generally stuff a bigger bike but having it demonstrated by a W650 was pretty impressive!

Even more looking forward to getting my Street Triple now!

Quite agree with your sentiments here but IMHO all that goes out the window when you want to load the bike up!

I do often carry a load in various side or top box configurations and also carry a pillion (and her gear) so I need all the power that the 955 can muster!

For me the litre bike is ideal and the Tiger fits the bill perfectly.

Unfortunately, I am shrinking with age and the Tiger is a bit too tall for me at times! :doh: (stopping and starting mainly, anything very slow.)

[StoneY]

I got back on earlier this year- took a GSX600F as my 'back on the road" ride

Within 15 minutes I needed another 1100 like the one I had years earlier-cant explain it coz I could go faster on the 600 over taka's and other spots- but on long open roads the 600 just wasnt enough-:zzzz:
So an 1100 it was to be.....
I find my 750 a nice compromise too ;)

Call my dick small I dont care, my bike(s) makes up for it muwahahahahaha

[Motu]

I do often carry a load in various side or top box configurations and also carry a pillion (and her gear) so I need all the power that the 955 can muster!


I converted the R65 to a single seater - bikes are a solo experience for me,and I have a Pajero to haul shit around with.

[Blackbird]

When our eldest son was at varsity, he had a Suzuki X7 250 cc 2 stroke sitting in the garage and I had a K100RS. Guess which one I'd always take for a strop round the country lanes when he wasn't there? :whistle:

Guess that reinforces the point that we're all making!

Oh and by the way Brett, that "infinite horsepower" wish is probably more common when you're moving up in capacity. A workmate bought an 80's 650cc Suzuki 4 after having had an old 500 twin and thought it was great that he could pass 3 or 4 cars at a time. Then he bought a VFR 750 and was rapt that he could pass even more cars in one go. Then he started to realise that it was all going to end in tears with that line of thinking. Last time I saw him, he was riding a big Virago!!!

[Indiana_Jones]

Even more looking forward to getting my Street Triple now!

You're gonna love it mate.

I'm considering getting one myself.

-Indy

[jtzzr]

Being a Fat-ass , I need power to get moving, but in saying that I was given a 650 bros as a loaner, and enjoyed it immensely , nimble , quicker turn in , was good fun , but I guess I just love the acceleration that a big bike gives. As for the phallic symbol idea , I`m just glad my other half does`nt get on here.:Oops:

[RDjase]

I have got a 900 monster and my old RD350LC i have owned for 16 years, i prefer to ride my old bike , heaps of grin factor, thats why i started racing a old bike (another LC) there much more challanging to ride , My duke does every thing realy well but doesnt do it for me, it will be for sale shortly if i dont start using it more.
Its is so much fun an the LC carving up Big ,Fast, late model bikes on a 29year 350

[Big Dave]

Try a Buell City-X and a Lightning too Indy.
I find them outstandingly good fun road bikes.

[BMWST?]

cos i am a lazy bastrard and dont like changing gear...i am so used to big low revving engines i just could never do justuce to the fz 750 i had....i always used to change up before it even hit the power band....could stay with my mates tho...so my 60 hp 1000 cc twin is fine for me...

[short-circuit]

There have only been about three occasions since I moved from the FJR1300 to the Shiver that I have thought "Fuck, wouldn't it be nice to have infinite horsepower". Although that big dog liked to hunt, it took some work, whereas running up SH54 and the like on the Shiver is a much more engaging and rewarding experience. A lot of bikers are riding too much bike. There's more than enough shits and giggles in the current crop of mid rangers for most people.


Striple - 107 hp (at the crank) @ 167kg (dry)

Shiver - 95 hp (at the crank) @ 189kg (dry)

Shiver probably better ergos for touring/old man-itis

Different beasts


Just put your money down Blackbird - you've had the nod from the boss. Your only real question is whether you're going for the original or the R:



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[zeocen]

Quite agree with your sentiments here but IMHO all that goes out the window when you want to load the bike up!

Bollocks, I went from a Blackbird to an ER6F and pillioned with a 45L Givi topbox and panniers, it was fine. There were points where it thought about going before it did going up hills, but never enough to make me think it would be far superior if I had my Blackbird still.

I've now found my rhythm in a Hornet 900, with the low, real world usable torque with adequate highway speed comfort.

This isn't America, there aren't any 500mile long straight roads.

/edit: I can't argue with having a Tiger, though. I'd have one too if my wallet wasn't chained to the ground by SWMBO. :P

[Bonez]

Bollocks, I went from a Blackbird to an ER6F and pillioned with a 45L Givi topbox and panniers, it was fine. There were points where it thought about going before it did going up hills, but never enough to make me think it would be far superior if I had my Blackbird still.

I've now found my rhythm in a Hornet 900, with the low, real world usable torque with adequate highway speed comfort.

This isn't America, there aren't any 500mile long straight roads.Amen to that.

[Headbanger]

It was my understanding that a Speed Triple had 130hp.....

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/triu/triumph_speed_triple%2005.htm

[JHolmes]

I have something to say about this subject, and that is ..............I've got a gsxr 1000, it has a few mod's and pushes out 180 HP, now I believe after riding this missile for two years, that it is too powerful.

I have spoken with many people who own and ride 600's with around 120 HP and they are happy all round with there choice, good in heavy traffic, good city worker and great on the Highways and twisties, so I think my next machine will be a 600 of some sort.

Just my 2 bob's worth.

[short-circuit]

It was my understanding that a Speed Triple had 130hp.....

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/triu/triumph_speed_triple%2005.htm

Yeah - that's the Speed Trip 1050 not the Street 675. Its also 30 kg heavier.

I've left a few Speedies behind in the twisties and she's a very near thing in a straight line drag

[Headbanger]

Yeah - that's the Speed Trip 1050 not the Street 675. Its also 30 kg heavier.

I've left a few Speedies behind in the twisties and she's a very near thing in a straight line drag

A man would be crazy to buy a little bitty 675 when there is a 1050 available.:wacko:

[short-circuit]

A man would be crazy to buy a little bitty 675 when there is a 1050 available.:wacko:

Depends if you want stay ahead of the pack and carve corners or if ya just want bragging rights

[Headbanger]

Depends if you want stay ahead of the pack and carve corners or if ya just want bragging rights

Well, Ignoring the fact it was a piss take of the thread title, what if your not interested in the pack or bragging rights?

Personally I much prefer the power delivery of a larger capacity bike, I'll be buying a 1050.












Or I could just be using large numbers to prop up my ego.....but Im cool with that.

[short-circuit]

Well, Ignoring the fact it was a piss take of the thread title, what if your not interested in the pack or bragging rights?

Personally I much prefer the power delivery of a larger capacity bike, I'll be buying a 1050.

Good for you.

I happen to know that the OP is a short arse like me. He (like me) is attracted to the compactness and lightness of the 675.

I'm on my second one and just to make sure on my decision second time round took the Speedy out.

Yes lovely motor the 1050 but not as engaging for me. The ergos also were not as engaging feeling less like part of the bike, more on top of a Speedy. Being flat footed on the Striple is another bonus

[Big Dave]

I'd own a 1050 speed triple instead of my Tbird right now, but it's physically too small for me.

[Headbanger]

How tall are you Dave?

I'm sure I'm short in comparison (6ft,120kg) and she was like a glove, My oldboy also found it comfortable at 6'3.

[Big Dave]

How tall are you Dave?

I'm sure I'm short in comparison (6ft,120kg) and she was like a glove, My oldboy also found it comfortable at 6'3.

6'5" 125 (and falling man, I'm working hard) - Saddle to peg is the prob.

[elevenhundred]

Surfing the torque wave. Ohhh yeaaaahhhhh

[Headbanger]

6'5" 125 (and falling man, I'm working hard) - Saddle to peg is the prob.

I dropped 7kg a couple weeks back when I had the flu, easiest weight loss ever,all I had to do was lay in bed for 4 days and feel like shit.

[Indiana_Jones]

I'm 6'3" and I got by on the Striple, though I'm only just under 80kg.

-Indy

[Drew658]

Haha. Sounds like that dog really knew how to ride. Reckon I will put the hammer down more once I get to 60 too. Not much danger of cutting life much shorter than it already is and good to show a few people the back end of your ride.
He was probably laughing all the way through those twisties.:woohoo:

[Blackbird]

Reckon I will put the hammer down more once I get to 60 too. Not much danger of cutting life much shorter than it already is

Hahaha - spoken like a true whippersnapper:oi-grr: Having reached those years, I can still put the hammer down but still want to preserve the years ahead :woohoo:

[Headbanger]

My oldboy just hit 60, Rides a GSX-R 1000.......:eek5:


Damned if I know why anyone would buy a bike with a piece of fabric pretending to be a seat.

(In fine ricer tradition he puts massive amount of shit on my Harley)

[SixPackBack]

My oldboy just hit 60, Rides a GSX-R 1000.......:eek5:


Damned if I know why anyone would buy a bike with a piece of fabric pretending to be a seat.

(In fine ricer tradition he puts massive amount of shit on my Harley)

........Well justified shit.
Your Dad sounds like a wise man.

[MarkH]

he had a Suzuki X7 250 cc 2 stroke sitting in the garage and I had a K100RS. Guess which one I'd always take for a strop round the country lanes when he wasn't there? :whistle:

My first bike was an X7 - the top speed was rubbish (still zipped past the open road speed limit before top gear though) but the bike was soooooo light, great cornering & acceleration. Mine was much better once I ditched the cheap rear tyre and got a Metzler on it.

[SixPackBack]

My first bike was an X7 - the top speed was rubbish (still zipped past the open road speed limit before top gear though) but the bike was soooooo light, great cornering & acceleration. Mine was much better once I ditched the cheap rear tyre and got a Metzler on it.

Dude this is kiwibiker, NOT kiwiscooter.......never the two shall meet, and until you get a bike your opinion does not count;)

[boomer]

My first bike was an X7 - the top speed was rubbish (still zipped past the open road speed limit before top gear though) but the bike was soooooo light, great cornering & acceleration. Mine was much better once I ditched the cheap rear tyre and got a Metzler on it.

seriously dude.. what would you know about acceleration and cornering..??! :lol:


Dude this is kiwibiker, NOT kiwiscooter.......never the two shall meet, and until you get a bike your opinion does not count;)


roger that pink leader... hows the legs?

ps. it's not kiwiwalker either :p

[MarkH]

Dude this is kiwibiker, NOT kiwiscooter.......never the two shall meet, and until you get a bike your opinion does not count;)

We are talking about the X7, not a scooter - it was a blardy great bike! 250cc inline twin 2 stroke, only 128kg dry weight. I got my first speeding ticket on that machine (and my 2nd, 3rd & 4th), ahhh great times!

[onearmedbandit]

I can make my thou ride like a 600 just by regulating this little device on the right hand clip-on, it's called a 'throttle' someone once told me. And with this device I can twist it (towards me) and really put the wind up the bike and also scare me a little. Sure a smaller bike might have less overall mass, and less rotating mass via a smaller crank etc, which might mean it has a slightly quicker corner speed, but that's never held me back, and hey I'm a road-rider, not a racer so I don't really give a damn if someone is faster than me, I not getting paid on my road speed.

And there is no beating the torque of a larger capacity bike. Passing is a breeze in top cog on the open road. And on that note I can ride my bike fast two ways. I can use the 'box and revs, have lots of fun, remind myself why biking first attracted me (it can be scary), or I can surf the low down power, stay in one gear, and just enjoy the speed at which the thou dispatches the tarmac below me.

Best of both worlds. But that's just for me. What suits you is no doubt different to what suits me.

[SixPackBack]

seriously dude.. what would you know about acceleration and cornering..??! :lol:




roger that pink leader... hows the legs?

ps. it's not kiwiwalker either :p

Watch it cheeky chops I'll slap yo down to the ground;)..........legs are like Kauri stumps....walkin and gyming innit..........nailed the police physical entry [I'm gunna get that ginga feltcher]

[SixPackBack]

We are talking about the X7, not a scooter - it was a blardy great bike! 250cc inline twin 2 stroke, only 128kg dry weight. I got my first speeding ticket on that machine (and my 2nd, 3rd & 4th), ahhh great times!

...........Back in the past when you wus a REAL MAN. You ride a scooter now with your cock duct taped under your crutch lady boy styles:whistle:

[MarkH]

You ride a scooter now with your cock duct taped under your crutch lady boy styles:whistle:

I would have a nice bike if I had ANY money - I need a part time job to supplement my income so I can save some money, but thanks for rubbing it in. :crybaby: Of course I would still keep the scoot as a weekday commuter, but only because it is so damn good for that purpose.

As for my cock duct taped under my crotch - if you mean strapped to my thigh then yeah, but only so I don't trip over the damned thing.

[Taz]

Small bikes rock. I have owned large capacity sports bikes in the past and enjoyed them. But there is no better thrill than passing several sportsbikes thru the coromandel twistys on a humble XT600 with knobbies on.

[red675]

a Kawasaki W650 – the 70’s Triumph Bonneville “lookalike”.

a W650 ? Whoever put one of those forward as the Holy Grail of biking, Jesus Wept - it was the rider not the bike

on the other hand the Street Triple I can understand (lighter and twice the power)

[Indiana_Jones]

a W650 ? Whoever put one of those forward as the Holy Grail of biking, Jesus Wept - it was the rider not the bike


<img src="http://www.janetomlinson.com/journal/files/jane_montypythonbrianstoning.jpg">

Blasphemer!

-Indy

[Blackbird]

Of course I would still keep the scoot as a weekday commuter, but only because it is so damn good for that purpose.


Don't rise to SPB's bait Mark, not a lot between the ears there, it's all in his mouth :calm:

[SixPackBack]

Oh I do love a good lady body what you doing laters Mark? :hug:

Dooood....Get a room!:crazy:.......Fookin' coro hippies and their free love just go a little to far sometimes.

[slowpoke]

I can make my thou ride like a 600 just by regulating this little device on the right hand clip-on, it's called a 'throttle' someone once told me. And with this device I can twist it (towards me) and really put the wind up the bike and also scare me a little. Sure a smaller bike might have less overall mass, and less rotating mass via a smaller crank etc, which might mean it has a slightly quicker corner speed, but that's never held me back, and hey I'm a road-rider, not a racer so I don't really give a damn if someone is faster than me, I not getting paid on my road speed.

And there is no beating the torque of a larger capacity bike. Passing is a breeze in top cog on the open road. And on that note I can ride my bike fast two ways. I can use the 'box and revs, have lots of fun, remind myself why biking first attracted me (it can be scary), or I can surf the low down power, stay in one gear, and just enjoy the speed at which the thou dispatches the tarmac below me.

Best of both worlds. But that's just for me. What suits you is no doubt different to what suits me.

Yup.

Ya gotta laugh at the folks on lil' bikes who claim credit for passing bigger bikes on the open road. Unless you're on the track and you both know you're racing it's just an absolute nonsense.

For what it's worth lotsa supposedly lightweight bikes aren't so lightweight, with the W650 listed as 195-ishkg's dry. I reckon the upright riding position, wide-ish bars and a good rider will have more to do with it's low speed cornering than any other qualities. Take it to the track and see how well it corners:corn:

[dipshit]

..I've got a gsxr 1000, it has a few mod's and pushes out 180 HP, now I believe after riding this missile for two years, that it is too powerful.

Gee... you think.

:whistle:

[red675]

and another thing - a pristine W650 ought to be in that other thread "10 Ugliest bikes of all time"

[oldrider]

Bollocks, I went from a Blackbird to an ER6F and pillioned with a 45L Givi topbox and panniers, it was fine. There were points where it thought about going before it did going up hills, but never enough to make me think it would be far superior if I had my Blackbird still.

I've now found my rhythm in a Hornet 900, with the low, real world usable torque with adequate highway speed comfort.

This isn't America, there aren't any 500mile long straight roads.

/edit: I can't argue with having a Tiger, though. I'd have one too if my wallet wasn't chained to the ground by SWMBO. :P

"Bollocks" ? Not really, different age, different needs, in fact different worlds all together!

The Tigers not a sports bike, it's detuned to provide more low down grunt, thats what we like about it! It's an economical workhorse!

It may not be America but we have our share of long straight roads down here. (gravel or seal)

It's got nothing to do with feeling superior, don't recall even mentioning that!

[Brian d marge]

BSA Bantam ( with the 185 big bore kit )

Be quiet


Stephen

[Blackbird]

BSA Bantam ( with the 185 big bore kit )

Be quiet


Stephen

Don't spoil the fun by asking them to be quiet, it's called "spot the guys with little willies" :laugh::laugh:

[grbaker]

Bring back the 750cc class. Out of all my bikes I thought the 750cc IL4 where the best balance of power and weight.

I really like a slightly heavier bike that trucks well through the bumps on the road and had the extra bit power when you want it.

My current 1200 can sit at 110kph all day and not break 4000 revs, pours it on when overtakling without having too much for this old man to handle... but it noticiable heavier than the 600, 650, 750, 900cc bikes I have riden (well maybe it weighs about the same as the RF900 I had for a while) which is only an issue if I cock up or want to stop really fast.

So the older 750cc class is for me... keep the weight below 190kg without a GSXR cramped ride and I'ld be happy.

Bring back the Kawasaki Spectre 750.

[Pwalo]

It's funny how times change. When I started riding the big bikes were the 750cc Brits, and 250cc was considered mid range.

Still I think one's stature is a limiting factor in the size of bike you can ride. With middle age spread I'm 5'6", and 70kg (after a big meal) so pretty well anything other than a mid range street/sports bike isn't an option.

[avgas]

I like small bikes - but i get to confident on them.
The ol' FZ1 was fantastic cos i if i opened up - warp9 would pull my arm tendons. Or she would kick out the rear. Either way scary - so i rode slower.
Where as my old ZXR4 was quite happy weaving at 180+????!!!!
Seems there is a scale for me - common sense diminishs as engine capacity decreases.
Even the bike i have right now - only 400cc's. No brakes, no suspension, oil all over the forks........and i can tell you its top speed is around the 130kph mark.
put me on a street magic and its a matter of time until i'm a puddle on the road ....with teeth.

[avgas]

BSA Bantam ( with the 185 big bore kit )

Be quiet


Stephen
Yeah all fun and games until a Bultaco passes ya ;)

[grbaker]

I like small bikes - but i get to confident on them.
Seems there is a scale for me - common sense diminishs as engine capacity decreases.

Have to agree there... the old GPX250 (I did my learners on 20 years ago) got pushed way beyond its limit... but it was easy to do... the bike forgave stupidity.

Actually the SV650S I had for 4 years was similar... very forgiving. Maybe something I should think about in my old age. (It is a pity they turned the SV650S into that Gladius thing... another rant thread)... still prefer the ride of the biker bikes when touring tho.

[Pwalo]

Actually the SV650S I had for 4 years was similar... very forgiving. Maybe something I should think about in my old age. (It is a pity they turned the SV650S into that Gladius thing... another rant thread)... still prefer the ride of the biker bikes when touring tho.

No the Gladius only replaces the naked SV. The S is still in production. Still quite comfortable for the older gent as well.

[James Deuce]

Bring back the Kawasaki Spectre 750.

Ummmm - It never went away.

<img src=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=58368&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1176105994> (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=58368&d=1176105994)

[pritch]

a W650 ? Whoever put one of those forward as the Holy Grail of biking, Jesus Wept - it was the rider not the bike


Years ago I read an article in a bike mag - it may have been KiwRider? They had a selection of high powered machinery at the office at the time but it became apparent that most riders selected the W650 for short or medium trips. This prompted a discussion among the staff as to what bikes had the highest "fun" factor. The joint winners were the W650 and the BMW Funduro.

Now the GSXR, CBR, YZF, ZX, owners might scoff at that, but those bikes while great on th open road, or better yet the track, are shit for a quick ride down to the shops.

Friend of mine managing a dealership was complaining to the factory reps that the bikes keep getting bigger but the average age of motorcyclist is getting older. He wanted a better selection of middleweight bikes. They used to look a bit startled at that but the idea sounded good to me.

[Big Dave]

that most riders selected the W650 for short or medium trips. .

Understand your point - I wasn't on the panel. I'd take a KLR over it any day.

[javawocky]

Now the GSXR, CBR, YZF, ZX, owners might scoff at that, but those bikes while great on th open road, or better yet the track, are shit for a quick ride down to the shops.

after a spirited twisty ride home via riverhead road the other day - which was exhilarating - but as I parked the bike I remembered I had forgotten to pickup supplies for dinner, so I hopped on the wifes Scorpio - which was fun

[Ixion]

I've owned everything from 50cc to 1000cc. I will state unequivocally that the funness of a bike is inversely proportional to engine size. Smaller the bike, more the fun. Practicality may be another matter

The funnest bike of all time was the 125cc BSA Bantam .

[Brian d marge]

that makes 2 for the bantam .....


in the cheap seats :apint:

Stephen

[Swoop]

Ummmm - It never went away.
The South Island doesn't count then?:scratch:

[Bonez]

and another thing - a pristine W650 ought to be in that other thread "10 Ugliest bikes of all time"Funny thing is they look better than the Honkley Binnies.

[Gremlin]

I don't think capacity alone can really be used as an accurate measure.

I had a 998cc ZX10R, went up 1cc to 999cc, but a KTM 990 Supermoto. 2/3 of the hp, can't remember the torque figures and inline four to v-twin.

Very different bikes, zx10r was too much to be able to keep your license (oops :rolleyes:) but the KTM is the best bike I have owned. Rode the 690 and it was lacking... needed a bit more to have fun.

[Pussy]

You hang out with some dodgy buggers, Blackbird... if you spent the day with Chooky

[98tls]

I don't think capacity alone can really be used as an accurate measure.

I had a 998cc ZX10R, went up 1cc to 999cc, but a KTM 990 Supermoto. 2/3 of the hp, can't remember the torque figures and inline four to v-twin.

Very different bikes, zx10r was too much to be able to keep your license (oops :rolleyes:) but the KTM is the best bike I have owned. Rode the 690 and it was lacking... needed a bit more to have fun. Food for thought.

[Big Dave]

Funny thing is they look better than the Honkley Binnies.

Funny thing is your eyes.

[shafty]

Funny thing is they look better than the Honkley Binnies.

Well said Bonez, tho I concede, the Bonnies are lookin better all the time

[Blackbird]

You hang out with some dodgy buggers, Blackbird... if you spent the day with Chooky

Hahahaha - the common factor here is AGE:yes:. Oh, and the fact that he's a nice guy and didn't mention Victoria Bitter once:innocent:

[rosie631]

My bike is big and heavy but I wouldn't swap it for anything. However if I had unlimited funds there would probably be a Bonnie in the garage for zipping round town.

[javawocky]

Food for thought.
the CBR has a 3.3sec to 100, is that the odd one out :Pokey:

[Blackbird]

Food for thought.

What that says to me is that for practical purposes, there is eff all difference between any of the superbikes on the track. As always, what's important is what they do for you at an emotional level, how it feels when you ride one, what they're like on the road and what they cost. Reliability is pretty much a "given" these days.

[Headbanger]

Reliability is pretty much a "given" these days.



Not so......we have Hyosung. (and they are the best of a bad bad breed)

[Blackbird]

Not so......we have Hyosung. (and they are the best of a bad bad breed)

No we don't. If you look at my post again, you'll see I used the word "superbikes". I don't think Hyosong fit into that category, along with any other bike which doesn't fit into the superbike category.

[Headbanger]

Ok, But I'll take the liberty of referring to the entire bike market in NZ, Where every manufacturer that shipped in bikes in reasonable numbers could boast of extremely high reliability, and that the bikes were well suited for their purpose, They simply got to the point where the product was refined to a very high standard.

Then.......China start sending us utter shit.

[Blackbird]

Then.......China start sending us utter shit.

Yep and sadly, it's the newbies that get caught with a lemon and probably get put off.

[MarkH]

Then.......China start sending us utter shit.

One good thing with the Chinese bikes and scooters is that they don't work, otherwise you would have people riding them and getting killed due to the crappy brakes. So you could say that the non-operational engine is a safety feature.

The other great thing about the Chinese bikes is that it makes Hyosung look really good in comparison. This is a big plus to all the Hyosung owners - and god knows they need it.

[george formby]

Small bikes rock. I have owned large capacity sports bikes in the past and enjoyed them. But there is no better thrill than passing several sportsbikes thru the coromandel twistys on a humble XT600 with knobbies on.

:rockon:Fastest bike I ever had on windy roads was a 125cc kawasaki trail bike. 33bhp & tapped out everywhere. Light is right! Big bikes are a blast but it frustrates me that I can rarely use the performance. The nearest track is far, far away.:angry: Oh well, I settled for a torquey, light twin & it's an absolute blast. I really like Tuono's too. Brilliantly silly & comfy for a 6ft streak like me.

[Devil]

Rode the 690 and it was lacking... needed a bit more to have fun.

Pie smuggler. :innocent:

[Gremlin]

Pie smuggler. :innocent:
Thats ok... I know you rode mine and you were a little scared by it...

Horses for courses aye?

[piston broke]

well ive had a few 900+ rice burners in the past,
but i have a lot more fun on my lil 600 spag,even though it's old now.
it's much smoother and easier to corner.
i miss the power on the straights but it's a cool ride,and over 140 is licence gone,not that it doesn't happen,right place right time