Why do you have your current bike?

[onearmedbandit]

We've got such a wide range of bikes ridden by members here I thought it might be interesting to see why we have choosen those bikes.

Ever since the GSXR750 came out in 1985 I wanted one, but being 10yrs old at the time it was a bit hard to convince my father I needed one! Luckily enough one of my brothers friends owned a number of them over the years, and I would get lifts to school on them (12yrs old and turning up to school on the back of a gixxer, what a feeling!) and he would take me on the back when they went to parties etc. Then one night in town I met up with him and he chucked me the keys!! 15yrs old and out on a gixxer 750, I was sold!

So now I've owned 3 GSXR750's, two prior to my accident and the SRAD after my accident. The last one was meant to be mine, I had just got back from Japan and had picked up my leathers (in blue and white, I knew I wanted a 96-97 750 in those colours) over there in anticipation of buying another gixxer. First day back at work and what is sitting in the showroom, a 1997 Gixxer 750 in Blue and white. A bit of negotiation with the owner and she was mine forever, or so I thought.

Long story short, an opportunity to own a K2 Gixxer thou for fuck all money plus my bike came along and I couldn't refuse. So my gixxer fetish continues, in Blue and White of course!

So fess up, what made you choose or how did you find yourself with your current bike?

[Sniper]

Been riding for 7 years. Started out on a CG125 and then moved to and RG400. Got taken out by a jag failing to give way so after a break I bought the CBR as it was fast enough to keep me excited at the time but also tame enough to look after me

[Str8 Jacket]

Started riding 7 months ago, wrote my first (brand new) bike of 2 months into riding. With the insurance pay out I got the KR. I fell in love with the KR the moment I test rode it, loud, obnoxious and temperamental (sp?) just like me! I love her so much that when I upgrade im gonna keep her as a racer!

[nudemetalz]

Well, my last "big bike" was back in 1992 being an FJ11.
Decided I wanted another big sports-tourer so I can do a good bit of open road touring with the missus.
The ZX-10 came along at a bargain price and the rest is history.
Starting to slow down now as I'm getting older and enjoying riding for the pleasure of it rather than 10/10's riding....however I do hustle the old girl (the bike, not the missus) through the corners when the mood arises.

[Grahameeboy]

Been riding since 17, had an 8 year break before coming here.
Had 1 take out by a guy who ran a red light in London....I was lucky.
Love my SV1000S......no other bins but I have fallen down a mountain so don't want too lose to many lives.
I guess I am a medium to sometimes fast rider.....well I was fast yesterday....just sorted my suspension and was in he groove.
I chose my bike cause I wanted a change and price wise it is hard to beat and it suits my riding style.

[Colapop]

Because I like to walk everywhere.... :cry:

[Str8 Jacket]

Because I like to walk everywhere.... :cry:
Umm, I saw you out running yesterday?... :wavey:

[35tickets]

Wanted a bike for years and my parents said they'd disown me if i got one (nice!) anyhow left uni and got my first it was the KR 1-s 2 stroker from kawasaki. I'd always wanted the suzuki GSXR250 with the yellow headlights but then read an article in Performance Bikes magazine saying the KR 1 was the best pig paiting bike of all time, and fortunately as it so happens my local kawa agent had one in so off and bought it.
Then a year to the the minute later i traded that on the ZXR 750 H1, had that for 4 years and sold it to do my OE then when i got back i just had to get another bike so bought a GSXR1100 L (1990) Fuck was it fast, and then my local bike shop said there was a guy looking for a GSXR and would i l;ike to sell so I said what else do you have and they showed me the ZZR1100, and i've had it ever since (5 nearly 6 yrs) Love its my best bike ever done over 93000 on it never given any probs

[MSTRS]

After 13yrs off bikes, the subject of returning to the fold came up. I decided OK, why not. I wanted a big bike and the GSXR was available at the right price. The rest is history.

[T.W.R]

Mmm interesting concept really, the ZXR was a case in the right place at the right time. After a few years off the road just working on bikes & playing around on trailies decided it was time to head back to the road, brought a Honda CBX Bol dor' & found it was just too plain, so spread the word around that i was looking for something a bit more spicy & an old associate waved his hand with ZXR , it was bargin so jumped at it.
Had done my time on litre plus bikes so wanted have some fun on a smaller toys.

[emaN]

worked in Phil Turnbulls (part-time) in '96; a whole lotta RF's came thru',and all the buyers were stoked with them...so i filed that one away in the grey matter area.

fast forward to London, 2003. insurance premiums dictated (ie-narrowed down) bike choice; RF's were cheap big bikes to insure...as well as being quick and comfy.

since then we've toured Europe, Scandinavia, all over the UK (incl Isle of Man) and she hasn't let us down once!

working on some mods at the moment, which should make her a bit more 'unique'...

she's a bit porky and bouncy at times; but 80% of the time she's got what it takes!

[Fishy]

Been road riding for 11years but had a 3 year break, and just got back into it last November. Have had 1 major accident which left me pretty badly smashed up and twisted as I got hit by a fucken Volvo. Broke just about every bone on the left side of my body and dislocated my knee real bad. Was on crutches for 9 months and lost a lot of my vastus lateralus (outer quad) as the bone ripped out of my leg and ripped the muscle to bits. Had 2 compound fractures from that accident.

I bought another bike as soon as I could hobble around on 1 crutch instead of 2 :yes: haha the guys in Red Baron thought I was mad hobbling in on a crutch and buying a bike from them.

Bought my current bike as it was cheap!.

Really wanted a K4 Gixxer but deal didn't work out and the blade came up on trademe - I made the guy an offer and he accepted.

Only really own a thou because I am always 2up and the extra torque in the bigger cc engine helps. If I was single I would have either bought a ZX636 or a Gixxer 750.

[limbimtimwim]

I'd always wanted a VTR250 when I saw a picture of one, it looks quite good from the side. A dash of style most 250s lack. I got one, it was great. It has since been sold on. I regret selling it.

Always wanted an RVF400. Saw one on the cover on a magazine doing a mono (Performance Bikes, I have a copy somewhere unless my parents threw it out when I moved out) when I was 16 or so when they were a current model. Now I got one, I am not selling it ever because I regretted selling the VTR so much.

Next bike, a 749s biposto. Why? Because it looks cool.

Hmm, funny that, I only want bikes that look good to me. I think about it like this, if I couldn't stare at it and think "yeah" then I couldn't fall in love with it. Hence I have a soft spot for stuff like ugly-as-sin-but-lock-up-your-daughters ZRX1200 . Sure, a CBR600F4i or a GSXR600K1 is probably a better bike than the RVF, but fuggit, I could never fall in love with those.

[Mental Trousers]

Got the bike cos it was a good bike at a good price from someone with a good reputation (Frosty). I've pretty much decided that I'm keeping the old girl even after I upgrade and turn her into a trackday bike as it's got all the good bits straight from the factory (6 pot Brembo's front and twin Brembo's rear, upside downers, 39mm flat slides, close ratio gearbox, Ohlins rear shock blah blah) and lots of cheap parts to get more go (heads/barrels/pistons from FZR 1000 bolt straight in etc).

At the moment I'm going to upgrade the fork springs and ride her for a bit, then upgrade later on.

[buellbabe]

Buell X1 Lightning/ Sex on wheels......I've been riding 20+ yrs, had a bike long before I ever got a car. Started on a Yamaha dirt bike and then pretty soon was lusting after an RD350 but my mates talked me out of it cos they knew my need for speed and reckoned I'd probably kill myself on it!!! Rode OP's for a few years then 1 day out of the blue I found myself in a bike shop with money to burn and became the proud owner of an 883 HD Hugger. Loved that bike and wish I still had it but time marches on and 14 yrs and 2 Harleys later they just weren't doing it for me anymore, I had the measure of the bike and wanted something more challenging but being brand-loyal there was only 1 logical choice! Test rode the Buell for a couple of days then bought it. 5+ yrs later the love affair shows no sign of waning... more and more in love with it everytime I go for a ride!
oh yeah baby...

[ZeroIndex]

I got mine because it was cheap and... wait that's it, it was cheap... something to learn and fall on ;)

[Ixion]

When I decided that I needed to get more serious about biking and that the T500 was in need of a long reinvigorating rest, I wanted to try something completely different. And I always hankered after trying a BMW.No real reason , just wanted to try one. And one came along (I was actually after a boxer, but whatever). And it had lots of interesting stuff that I wanted to try out - ABS (brilliant) , shaft drive (nice, mostly) , water cooling (unimpressed) , full fairing (nice when the weatehrs shit, pain when it's nice) , lotsa luggage space (nice)

And then Ratty cos I wanted a commuter scooter - don't want to risk a BMW being knocked over in a car park ding. And I couldn't find a suitable two stroke single - either too dear (rare road going off roaders) , too rare (DT230), too sprotsbike and too many cylinders, (RGV, TZR etc) or too old for a day-to-day-ride-to-worker. And if I can't have a two smoker, I like singles. Preferably with a bit of zing. And an SRX250 came along, fitted the bill

And Petal and Phoebe are obvious. The end of an era, the last big touring two strokes ever made (ever will be made). Never be anything like them ever again.

[loosebruce]

GSXR - own the racetrack :no: own fucken everything :not:

No need to say anymore

[justsomeguy]

I got my bike cos I like speeding - onto my 3rd 250 now and it's supposed to be the fastest 250 - apart from those smoky 2 strokes.

[justsomeguy]

GSXR - own the racetrack :no: own fucken everything :not:

No need to say anymore

All your bike owns is workshop space......:whistle:

[Colapop]

Umm, I saw you out running yesterday?... :wavey:
I thought I'd be able to get a bike quicker...

[skelstar]

Broken record but have been riding for 7-8 months.

Had the Hyobag for 7 months and was/is a great bike to learn on.

I spent ALOT of time analysing what I wanted next and to cut a long story short I realised I wanted a bike that did everything: Commute/tour/trackday/nut around the rapa/and be good enough for the rigors of the TRTNR. Having bought the bike and found what it/I can do I love it even more. Im just starting to customise it a bit (something that I may not have been able to do on a sprotsbike). This bike is going to be individual and all mine (and the banks).

[SpeedyGirl]

With my record of breaking bikes.... I thought that cheap was a better thing to do before pretty and flash :innocent:

[Keystone19]

Ahh, where does a wee slip of a lass like myself go after a VTR250? Well, as Skelstar says, the SV650 really is a girls bike, so there you go, that's why I have it, I ride like a girl.

Actually, I wanted a bike that could do everything I wanted to do - commute, track days, twistys, etc - and the SV is a good stepping stone for a newbie rider like me.

It's just that now I've found out what it can really do, I don't think of it as a stepping stone at all, I have other plans for it..........

[skelstar]

Youre not going to let that go are ya J? :)

[Marmoot]

Hayabusa - a one beautiful creature with comfort and pricetag to match. :love:

It can only be better if it is made by Honda, has a '99 Fireblade logo on it and is coloured metalicblue/orange/red/black.

[Motu]

I was looking for a small dirt bike (I've been trying to get back off road for 10 yrs now,but it's not going to happen until I get out of business,by then it might be too late) ,but all the small bikes have crap suspension and brakes...I also wanted it road registerable so I could do adventure rides,or maybe transport the bike to a nice gravel road,but still be a light enough bike for me to strip and take off road.A tall order,and it was going to have to be some gutless 4 stroke that wouldn't hack it as a road bike.

Then I came across the DT230,checked them out,and then found this one owned by a friend of a friend sorta style.I spent hours on the phone yaking bikes with the owner,and he really went out of his way to make it happen for me.Although I had the money in my pocket after selling 4 other bikes,we had just bought a house to do up,and I was reluctant to commit it all on the bike - so he let me put on a deposit and pay him off,also transporting the bike to Auckland to me before I had paid for it...and on top of all that giving me a GST receipt so I could claim the GST on the bike.

The bike has been so much more than I expected - a street legal semi serious dirt bike that's capable of over 160kph on standard gearing,hard hitting power for twisty sealed and gravel roads,handling good enough for a dummy like me...I couldn't ask for a better back road bike.I still can't use it off road yet as my XT is still not going...kinda frustrating,and I feel like just giving up getting off road again,when I do I'll be so embarassingly out of shape it might be better off not even trying.

Anyway,it's a neat bike,it's a joke having such a small bike with big hitting performance.

[Pwalo]

I've been riding since I was sixteen, bar the customary break for house purchase, children etc. When I could afford to buy another bike I started off on an old FT400 (remember them), and purchased my first GS as a replacement.

Purchased the GS because it was pretty cheap, comfortable for commuting, and a lot more fun to ride than some of the more 'serious' bikes that I tested.
It's also easy to work on, cheap to get serviced, and in my eyes at least, pretty good looking.

Still like one of the new 06 GSXR 600s though.

[Blackbird]

I’ve had the Blackbird since October 2001. I was originally looking for a sports bike such as a Fireblade, R1 and the like. However, when Mrs Blackbird sat on the pillions of these bikes, she flatly said that she wouldn’t be coming on the back. As I love her dearly, as well as being slightly wary of retaliation for making a decision which wasn’t in her best interests, we started looking at sports tourers. Now most modern bikes are pretty much bullet proof with very few reliability issues and the Blackbird is no exception. Some of the UK owners have racked up over 200,000 km with negligible engine work. However, the choice of a ‘bird was really made on “gut feel” – what its looks did for me emotionally and I suspect that most people subconsciously make similar decisions.

Four and a half year on, I’ve spent around $3000 on personalising the bike, some of it “bling”, but most of it genuine enhancements. I would put the NZ “Rider” brand custom seat, the Scottoiler, Escort Radar detector and ride height spacer at the top in terms of effectiveness.

So what bike comes next? Haven’t a clue. The ‘bird can munch miles as shown by doing the Southern Cross and Grand Challenge rides, acquit itself pretty well round the Coro Loop at speed and cruise two up in perfect comfort. I like the idea of a Speed Triple because of less load on the wrists but even a great machine like that has its limitations, not the least in the 2 up stakes. Perhaps when Mrs B retires as pillion.

Nope, the Blackbird still fills my “fitness for purpose" requirements in spades!

[TLDV8]

And Petal and Phoebe are obvious. The end of an era, the last big touring two strokes ever made (ever will be made). Never be anything like them ever again

Thats because they don't put the petrol stations close enough :wari:

Current now,current then,the reason never changes.

<img src=http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/manurewa/20.jpg>

[Blackbird]

You know all good smokey things come in 3's Mr Ixion :wari:

Current now,current then,the reason never changes.

<img src=http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/manurewa/20.jpg>

Yum. My neighbour had the 750:not: :not: :not: :not:

[raster]

Cheap.......

[N4CR]

I rode almost every 90's and upwards four stroke 250 on the market and decided on the ZX2RC model because it was the fastest all round (confirmed by two independent people now...) best looking (IMO) and most 'animal' to ride of the lot. Which by by bike standards.. isn't much animal. Sigh.

I still have it because I can't afford rego for a cheap fxr150 and a 2 stroke 250 ('prillia/NSR etc) at the same time. Nor the tax should I stop on a bigger bike.

The thing this bike is made for is... down hill corro loop or any other >100k twisties. Jeepers creepers it is fun!

[Lou Girardin]

I may have mentioned this before. But the Bandit is the only bike at a reasonable price that does everything I need it to do and has everything I want on it. I get to ride some fancy bikes, and some are very tempting, but only as second bikes.
After 2 weeks of riding various new and interesting bikes, I'm not sorry to be back on old faithful.

[skelstar]

You are in an enviable position Lou. I was lucky I got what I needed. You can be much more sure.

[Bonez]

So fess up, what made you choose or how did you find yourself with your current bike?
Because it does exactly what i expect out of a m/c. Had it 20 years and it still runs well.

[beyond]

Well, when I was eighteen Jap cars were too expensive and you could only afford a motorbike. Had to get enough life insurance to cover my funeral or the old man wasn't going to let me have one.

Got hold of a Suzuki T250 Hustler. What a great machine. 35,000 miles in nine months, two right off accidents with some nasty injuries and couldn't rebuild her the second time. My brothers injuries as a pillion in my second prang put me off bikes for a while. 140kmh into a trailer and car.

Then when I first got married, we used a Honda SL125 to get around on, then a Suzuki T350, Yamaha RD350 (heaps of fun and the fastest bike back then) then a kawasaki CSR250 belt drive for commuting and up till then, clocked a good 100,000 miles on my bikes all up, then nothing for 23 years.

I checked all the reviews I could find through 2004 and in January 2005, bought myself the GSX1400 and have never looked back. Wanted a real comfortable bike for two up riding, with heaps of usable grunt, a motor that was bullet proof and a bike that could still handle well when pushed hard.

I've done 22,000kms in the last year and have enjoyed everyone of them.

In fact the guy that sold on the 1400 I bought, has tried some other bikes and ended up buying another new 1400. They are really an awesome machine. In my opinion anyway. :)

[hunt]

Been road riding for 11years but had a 3 year break, and just got back into it last November. Have had 1 major accident which left me pretty badly smashed up and twisted as I got hit by a fucken Volvo. Broke just about every bone on the left side of my body and dislocated my knee real bad. Was on crutches for 9 months and lost a lot of my vastus lateralus (outer quad) as the bone ripped out of my leg and ripped the muscle to bits. Had 2 compound fractures from that accident.

naasty......

[thealmightytaco]

Wanted to get something to tinker with, learn about fiddling with bikes and found the NSR with a seized cylinder. Was just revinned the summer before, chassis, brakes, everything sweet, but somehow he seized it. Bought a new engine to put in and at some point found out they're a bit dangerous so thought I should get something more docile.

Got ripped off by Holeshot and got the FXR while the NSR was still gettin' stared at and tinkered with, and rode it for a month or so till I finally got the NSR ready.

NSR now goes, far more fun than the FXR but reliability questionable, still weighing up which one to sell, wanna get back into go karting once I've got my restricted. FXR cheap to run but painful on the open road, NSR so sweet compared to the FXR but askin' for ongoin' money troubles...

I can't decide.

And then, a Buell perhaps. Or a Hornet? Dunno.

[SlowHand]

because i had too much money and wanted a bike that spent more time in the shop than under my arse. :mellow: I've learnt me lesson.

[Brett]

Because due to ltsa rules, i am not allowed anything bigger than a 250cc. I too rode a few 250's, and the zxr250c just felt like it had it over the rest of the machines.
Haven't come off the bike yet, been riding a year, however i was hit on the exhaust by a bus once...bring on the 636.

[Lazy7]

i swore i would never go anywhere near a bike, until two close mates both brought one each at the same time, i thought - hey, those a cooool, but you would never catch me riding one.

then one day, one of them twisted my arm into riding it. i bought it off him two days later.

after that i got right into everything bikish, playstation games, watching the races on tv etc etc. Everytime i would play the game i would choose the ZX7r as my bike. (cause i was riding a zxr400) and then i saw one in real life at red baron, and i was all Drooooool

but i was paying off my car, and i didn't have the coin so i sat and waiting, grumpily at times.

took me 3 years to finish paying off the car. and i promised myself i wouldn't get back in debt. 2 days later my bike came up on trademe. I say my bike because no one else was going to get it. And i sign myself up for some more tick.

i shouldn't have bought it. in fact i didn't want to get another bike till 2007. but i couldn't help myself. it was an accident. i tripped and fell and landed on it.

but god its heaven wrapped in green plastic and black metal.

[thehollowmen]

Longest pillion leg-room

Seriously. The major considering factor. Comfort for six footers two up.

Fast enough to go to 160km/h two up, big tank and economical are all good points.

Four hours with no stops, we can pull into a petrol station and get off and not be stiff or sore. We'll be away again all happy :-)

[kickingzebra]

I was always told, make sure you have a bike when you get married, or you're buggered. Told my wife that, and as soon as we had the spare cash she said, right, we're getting you a bike.

I had had an fxr 150 (totalled) an NSR 250 (rothmans colours, mc16) that bloody thing was fast, my favourite, put 25000 kms on it, and then at 56000 it melted down big time.

Replaced that with a GSX400E (and a restricted license) what a bag of crap that was, FXR 150 would toast it, on acceleration and top speed!!

Then a year off bikes, and wifey said, Bike for full license, now!! ZZR was a 250, and dirt cheap, so I bought it, rode around for a month to refamiliarise myself, sat the full license, passed, loaned the bike to a mate of mine that afternoon (unlicensed) to take his wife for a quick ride...

Good way to lose your fairings!! So several cans of spraypaint, lots of beers, and no money later, the zzr250racebikeish emerged. Might bore and stroke it, piss around with the suspension etc, then put it back on the road.
Meanwhile, Road bike for wife and I was to be SV 1000, but insurance company don't like me, under 25. My wife is over 25, but no license. Have to go with the 600 cc and under option (yeah, cause a gsxr600 is soooo much slower than an sv 650!!)

Hence, as soon as the bank calls, I jump in the car to pick up my new k1 gsxr 600.

Truth is, I just love suzukis, but any bike that can do a wheelie is a good bike, and possibly even a few that can't!!

[iwilde]

Was 15 when the GPZ900 Ninja came out, always wanted one of those, or a red duke. Got the ZX9R, must add the 999r to the garage next!

[inlinefour]

CBR, needed another bike after the CB400f2 ended up not enough for me. Test piloted all the Japanese 600, 750 and 1000cc bikes. Short list was: ZXR636, GSXR 750 ltd ed and the CBR600RR. Got the Honda beacuse of all my good experiences with Honda, passed on the Kawasaki becase of all the nightmares I have heard about and passed on the Suzuki because of the negative experiences with the former suzuki dealership.

DRZ, needed a replacement for the stolen TT350. Was almost a hard decision deciding to purchase another suzuki, but in all honesty all my suzukis of the past have been great bikes.:nya: Plus the deal was cheap, the bike was newish and hardly used. That and the local honda dealership can do all the servicing on the bike, no need to goto that suzuki place at all. Although I have been caught lurking about there a few times:gob:

[Scouse]

Bought a ZRX1200 two years ago cause it was suck a cool looking machine and comfortable on long rides then sometime around October 2005 I caught sight of the latest Speed Triple And thought to myself now that is an even cooler looking bike than the ZRX so after much agonising over weather it would be as comfortable as the Kwaka I decided to take the plunge and I am glad I did now Cause it is a comfie bike an its handling is somthing else

[larriken]

I bought my latest bike to do wheelies on. That's it really. I have been riding on the rode for 15 years and owned alot of bikes but I just end up ill treating them, I really shouldn't be allowed machinery. To be honest my most fav bikes over the years have been the ones that were a bit rough. I sold my spanky new Z1000 last year cos I spent to much time worrying about what it would look like when I flipped it. Now I don't care, it's much easier on the mind!

[avrflr]

I could never see the point of anything but a pure sports bike, I think they are the safest and the most fun. Litre bikes are as light and handle as well as 600s but you get lots more torque so they are easier to ride. I've had 2 gsxr1k3s, bought the first one new (just for the new bike smell). The second one was a bit special, worked motor, sorted handling, just couldn't resist it. Bought it for $12500, rode it about 10 times, crashed it, sold it for $6000. $650 per ride and worth every penny.

[Pathos]

bought my fxr in very good condition for 1600 from a mate.

I can't get anything over 250cc yet and they are too expensive/old for what they are.

[Flyingpony]

Been riding since I was thirteen, bar the customary break for the first two rounds of higher education, into my third round now.

Bought the FXR because at the time it was the best value for money and only intended to keep it a year before trading up to a SV650S when full lic obtained. Plans being plans that never happened due to lack of funds.

Keeping it for now because it's reliable, cheaper to run than a car, hassle free parking and all those 'Why we ride' reasons. Eventually when the next bike appears and it wasn't sold or traded, it'll be kept as either a run about or will be converted into a bucket racer.

[kcpies]

Back when i was going through the learning stages i had a srv 250, i hired it out a couple of times for people to do there tests on, one afternoon after school a guy turned up and picked my bike up to do his test, and left me his gsxr 1100 , needles to say after that i wanted one real bad , and now i got a 1000.:spudbn:

[GIXser]

We've got such a wide range of bikes ridden by members here I thought it might be interesting to see why we have choosen those bikes.

Ever since the GSXR750 came out in 1985 I wanted one, but being 10yrs old at the time it was a bit hard to convince my father I needed one! Luckily enough one of my brothers friends owned a number of them over the years, and I would get lifts to school on them (12yrs old and turning up to school on the back of a gixxer, what a feeling!) and he would take me on the back when they went to parties etc. Then one night in town I met up with him and he chucked me the keys!! 15yrs old and out on a gixxer 750, I was sold!

So now I've owned 3 GSXR750's, two prior to my accident and the SRAD after my accident. The last one was meant to be mine, I had just got back from Japan and had picked up my leathers (in blue and white, I knew I wanted a 96-97 750 in those colours) over there in anticipation of buying another gixxer. First day back at work and what is sitting in the showroom, a 1997 Gixxer 750 in Blue and white. A bit of negotiation with the owner and she was mine forever, or so I thought.

Long story short, an opportunity to own a K2 Gixxer thou for fuck all money plus my bike came along and I couldn't refuse. So my gixxer fetish continues, in Blue and White of course!

So fess up, what made you choose or how did you find yourself with your current bike?

WHAT????? there are bikes "other than GSXR's---!!

(somebody told me the other day"the beatles have split up")

[kiwifruit]

Because it does everything i want it to, very well.
I just love it to bits :D
You prolly know what im on about onearm :niceone:

[yungatart]

I wanted something that wouldn't scare the s... out of me, that I could sit on with both feet on the ground, had a comfortable riding position, not covered in expensive breakable fairings (when it kisses the road), and it had to suit my budget.
Voila- the Eliminator, she's a great little bike and is perfect for an old nana like me

[Unit]

Well I met TL Rider, now Im on a TL. Easily led I believe :whistle: Anyway, its all about V-twins, I love them, I love the torque and their unique sound. I had my Ducati 900ss but it was slow and old. TL Rider had a TL and believed it would be a better bike for the same price. My current TL came up for sale at the same time I had an offer on the Duck, so that was that. 7,000ks later since 11 Nov 05 and I adore my bike, quirks and all. If it hadnt of been for TL Rider I probably wouldnt have even known about them to consider the option. Ive had the greatest summer on it and the challenge of learning to handle this particular beast was exciting to take on. Eventually I would like to trade up to an Aprillia Tuono, now thats a v-twin (the latest shape of course), but in the meantime (for many moons to come) Im more than happy with what Ive got.:2thumbsup

[digsaw]

After many years of motorcycling in most of the discipline's and riding a SR500 at a get to work ride, a mate brought a CBR 600 F2 and i liked the look of it but it was too tall and heavy then i saw and rode the CBR 400R AERO,woow it fitted me like a glove,and went like bullet,handled well and did all the things that i needed it to do. Well 14 years later and 4 strokes it is still doing all the good things for me and will do so for some time yet.:apint:

[aff-man]

Started on a vt250F and still being a student just upgraded when I had the money. Had a 98 cbr600F 6 months ago bought all the things to do it up but then the gixer came along at a price I couldn't refuse, it's still a 98 but so much more refined....

Can't wait till I start working full time and have some money to throw at a bike....

[Psalm42]

WR500 was the beast when I was 15, I sugested to my parents I should have one. It was new back then. Now Im allowed one, well only because my Wife does not know what it is, just the white bike in the shed.
Used to ride fast ish road bikes, decided I would try my luck with trees and dirt rather than cars and tarseal.
Will be back on road bikes when I finish the RGV DR600 project. Fast to top, quick round corners, too slow to get me in serious ticket trouble, fast enough to get me out of trafic trouble.

Or should I just road kit (motard) the 500 stroker?

[Streetwise]

Because i had to sell my old Katana,, bboohhoooooooooo. Current machine fast good looking and comfortable, Just like another wife.

[Oakie]

Needed something bigger than the FXR to carry the combined weight of Mrs Oakie and myself around. The CB400 was suitable, affordable, comfortable, low mileage, shiny, had some gold bits on it and it just looked at me and said "take me home big boy" How could I say no?

[SuperDave]

Started off with an FXR150 towards the end of 6th form which was in 2004. Took me a shitload of time to convince my parents to let me get a bike, tried everything to convice them - told them I couldn't afford the running costs of a car and a bike would be great when I go to uni etc etc. Finally after a few months of hounding them they gave in and I got the FXR.

Sold the FXR around last Oct and bought the ZXR. Compared to the FXR the ZXR is one fast monster, but I'm beginning to tire of it and would like to move onto another bike now, but that is dependent on funding.

Agree with much of the other comments on why I like bikes in general.

[aff-man]

Started off with an FXR150 towards the end of 6th form which was in 2004. Took me a shitload of time to convince my parents to let me get a bike, tried everything to convice them - told them I couldn't afford the running costs of a car and a bike would be great when I go to uni etc etc. Finally after a few months of hounding them they gave in and I got the FXR.

Sold the FXR around last Oct and bought the ZXR. Compared to the FXR the ZXR is one fast monster, but I'm beginning to tire of it and would like to move onto another bike now, but that is dependent on funding.

Agree with much of the other comments on why I like bikes in general.

come own up you got the zxr cause it is the mother of all bikes....... plus we had just run it in nicely.... By the way have you finished painting the fairings would like to see how it came out??

[far queue]

Cool thread, it's interesting to see others backgrounds.

I've always loved bikes. Loved push bikes as a kid and still ride mountain bikes today.

I've been riding motorbikes for 27 years now.

Started in 1979 with 1973 Suzuki A50 while at school - that was ideal because Dad bought it for me :hug: I had a ball on that bike. My mates had trail bikes and I used to tag along with them, eventually blew a hole in the piston and had to learn how to fix engines.

Next - 1980, had a job by now so traded the A50 on a 1976 Suzuki TS185N trail bike and got into some decent trail riding with my mates. But wanted to go faster on the road, so ...

Next - 1980 still, got a 1979 Yamaha RD250F and had a ball on that. Had a few off's on the road through inexperience and going too fast for my ability at the time. Eventually got bored on the road and had a hankering to get back on the dirt. So, and remember I was only 18 at the time, so got bored and moved on easily ...

Next - 1980 still, got a brand new Suzuki TS185ER - great bike in its time. Had a ball on the dirt again for a few more years - I was happy with this bike. Eventually marriage and mortgage came along and I ended up only using it for commuting, so ...

Next - 1987, I had really liked the Suzuki GN400 when it came out in 1980, so when I spotted one in a shop, and as the ER was now only on commutung duty, I had to have it. Really enjoyed that bike. Eventually it crapped out and as kids had now joined the marriage and mortgage, the bike languished in the garage for a couple of years. The wife said I may as well sell it since I wasn't using it. I pointed out to her that I couldn't use it as we couldn't afford to fix it, but at least I've still got a bike and there was no way I was going to sell it as I'd never get another one approved by her. Eventually got it fixed up and on the road again. A guy at work had been regaleing me with stories of bike rallies, so I took the bike to one - that was fun. Then the misses did a runner, so ...

Next - 1998, unencumbered by the ball and chain I traded the GN on a 1993 Suzuki GSX750F and travelled all over the South Island going to rallies for the next few years. Really enjoyed the power, the speed, and the handling and can only imagine what a GSXR1000 must be like. The cops eventually made it harder to have fun at speed on the roads and the bike was getting used less and spending more time in the garage, so ...

Next - 2003, traded the GSX on a new Suzuki DR650 and am fun all over again. Still do all the rallies, but now have as much fun at 110kph as I used to at 140-180kph. Now travel the back roads, explore the back country areas, and am back into the good old trail riding again. I now ride everything from the local twisty sealed roads to the local riverbeds to the same thing anywhere else in the island. The DR is a true jack of all trades and master of none. I'm still having a ball.

I've got a 50 & 80cc kids bikes, which I'm teaching the kids with. They love getting out on them too.

mmmmmmmm, I may have got a bit carried away there, sorry about that :whistle:

[Matt Bleck]

Couldn't find a ZX7R at the time.

[Edbear]

Finally managed to get outta the wheelchair and as my wife had said, "If you ever get out of the wheelchair you can get another bike". Well, I did, (long hard story!), and a mate said he had the GSX-F and offered it to me at a price well under valuation. After expressing my desire, she said, "Well, why don't you buy it?" (What can I say, she's a gem!). It wasn't my first choice of bike; as a "middle-aged returning biker" I'd been considering a cruiser, but as I said the price was really too good to pass up and as I knew the extremely fussy type of owner he was, and after seeing how immaculate the bike was with only 30,000k's on it, I just couldn't pass it up! Now I've got used to a 'sports' bike, I don't think I could be satisfied witrh a cruiser, not enough cornering clearance! :drinkup:

[magnum]

got mine cause it was cheapish and goes like fark.

[sAsLEX]

Wasn't allowed a bike at home, so left and joined the navy.

K14 was buying a CBR250RR so I got one to, had for a yearish then got nicked.

K14 wanted me to look at a NC30 for him as he had got his full, he never did get it........

[Insanity_rules]

Had a few bikes but no licence, so I decided to go legal and buy a 250. But which 250? Liked the look at Hyosungs until I rode one (Yukkkk).

Well after the licence I was left wanting and I found a forum post about a member selling my current bike. It reminded me of an old favourite bike from my past and it rode like it too.... So long story short its now in my driveway, little work needed but fun to ride and going to be a great custom.

Why ride what everyone else is riding?

[robnz]

been around bike's most of my life. got photo's of sitting on the back of my uncle's cb750. my first bike was br250 have owned gsx's, gsxr's and now own a sv1000. great bike to ride, although it seems to have developed an attraction to gremlins kwaka

[crash harry]

Always wanted a ZX-7R because I think they're the sexyist machine ever made, and they're a kawasaki so they're a bit mad as well...

The 9R came up at a really good price, and it's ALMOST a 7R... just about 1000 tons heavier and with a bit more wick...

[APPLE]

riding for 7 years,first bike woz 91 RGV,mount eden motorcycles,2nd bike.97 TL1000S,black,had that 4 couple years,now hav 99TLR1000,red.

[classic zed]

In 1976 I bought a new Kawasaki Z1000.

3 years later the Z1300 came out, I just couldnt afford one. Finally 26 years later I managed to get one, in fact I bought 2 of them.

[Gremlin]

...great bike to ride, although it seems to have developed an attraction to gremlins kwaka
Told you already... twas you and looking down... maybe paying me back for almost taking you out before we began?? :Oops:


The 9R came up at a really good price, and it's ALMOST a 7R... just about 1000 tons heavier and with a bit more wick...
The zx9r c series is actually lighter I think, with a bit more power, but not the sporty riding position.

For me, the bike added up as the next bike, by fitting my requirements best, and it does have an awesome reputation. I thought it was gorgeous, and loved riding it. The test ride alone halved its chicken strips, while being only my second experience of a big bike.

Loved the test ride, felt confident, and bought it :spudbooge

[oldrider]

Well I bought my first bike when I was 14 living in Masterton. (1953) A small James 2 stroke hand gear change. Not much of a bike even then but it was mine!

The old man took it off me and used the law to make the guy take it back, boy was I embarrassed and really pissed off.

We moved to Petone and I bought my second bike, a Royal Enfield 350 rigid back with tele's in the front. Again not much of a bike but it was mine! I was 15. The same thing happened the old man locked it in the shed and I wasn't to ride it.

I chopped the door down with the axe and pissed off on the bike. He was not happy! Fuck him I said and there was much unpleasantness. He was a big bugger and he won that round but the bike didn't go back so I kept cutting the door down and getting the bike out and pissing off for the week end.

I joined up with the original "Milkbar cowboys" in lower Hutt in the fifties and stayed with that "terrific" group of guys until the start of the sixties when I went to sea as an engineer in the merchant navy.

The last bike I had in the fifties was a BSA 500 with Gold Star cams etc not a very exciting bike by today's standard but it made a lot of noise and used to get a lot of MOT/ City Council Officers attention, who issued me with a lot of invitations to spend my money. Actually I wrote that bike off against a pile driving truck in Nelson Street Petone and there is a monumental compulsory stop there now to this day.

Got married in 1964 and had various home made bitsa bikes until Honda started turning out great little trailbikes so just progressed with kids and me as we grew up.

My last two bikes before this one were Honda ST1100's and they proved to me they did not like going slow so with the new attitudes towards law enforcement and my retirement budget not being large I bought my current bike (possibly my last) as a bike for all occasions.

Jack of all trades master of none is probably an apt description for the TransAlp but we like it, it's not too heavy for us and we can still catch the attention of the "Darkside" :Police: (lol) if we push it.

It's a funny thing but I still long for a bit more stick and a bit more attitude (noise) out of the back end but I guess I will grow up eventually. Cheers John.

[Shadows]

I decided to get another bike after a long break because I had a thirsty cage at the time and wanted to save some money on gas. The bike was going at a good price, the motor was good, it had been dropped (it seems several times) but was straight and I couldn't give a fuck about cosmetics at the time anyway.
Then I got bit by the bug. I should have known.
Now my bike has paid for itself in fuel savings but is no longer good enough (in fact now its embarrassing), and I've done my time on Jap bikes (no fun without doubling the speed limit, which was part of the reason I gave up last time, I was going to kill myself) so now I'm getting the HD I always wanted. :ride:

[Rashika]

The Buell... well for many years I've liked the Buell, my mate BB in Auckland has an X1 lightning and it is the only bike that has held her interest for more than a couple of years, over 70,000 kms on it and she and it are still going strong... and that girl rides hard, waaaaay harder than me. :cool:

I've always liked Harleys too, but after having the Virago for 10 years decided in my old age that i wanted to go 'easily' faster...rather than having to really push the bike to do it (750cc was just not enough anymore)... but still love the Vtwin sound/torque, so a bit of a quandry. Dont dislike jappas but they just dont have the X factor I like...
So when i saw the firebolt, I kinda fell in love... very Happy It had the Vtwin pumping power and sound, along with a damn nice sports shape to make the most of the corners.
Then I took one out for a long 5 hour test ride north of Auckland, and i loved it!
Decided then and there that it would be my next bike, altho at the time I didn't know when I would ever get another bike, I just knew that that was it for me. And as life works out it was probably sooner than i espected, and I have definately had no regrets about it, luv it as much as i did 8 months ago when i got it.

It is interesting reading peoples reasons, we really are a varied bunch, great to see that we can all get on given the variety! :2thumbsup

[buellbabe]

Hey Rashika... thats over 80,000 actually! Thinking about doing an engine rebuild when she hits 100. ( nothing wrong with her, and not using any oil... but things will be wearing... ) This ones a keeper!:rockon:

[texmo]

Simple - its what I can afford.

[The_Dover]

Because I crashed the last one.

And someone crashed into the one before that.

[**R1**]

I have to keep mine or my username would be a bit pointless.....

[texmo]

I have to keep mine or my username would be a bit pointless.....
I still have to come down c-church ways for the wheelie on the back you promised me.

[imdying]

I'm sure SpankMe would be happy to rename you to **RSV-R** Aaron :lol:

[Jackrat]

When The Zephers first came out in about 84-5,I said to myself I'm gonn'a get one of them one day.
An now I have one.
To easy really:niceone:

[Krusti]

Like alot of you I walked into shop looking at ordering a new zx6r, saw the z, fell in love and bought it. The one who expects to be obeyed nearly barfed when she saw the colour but now she has come to realise only real men ride orange!

[MidnightMike]

I had my scooter for a year. :headbang: ( Which at the time i thought was the shizz ) And are now wanting a 250 inline 4. Mmmmmm :soon:

[bladez]

well i fell in love with the blades while i was laying in bed for 4 months and said when i get out i will own one took another 8yrs to buy one sold tl to get it so am happy now;)

[Jamezo]

Cause there does not exist any bike that provides anywhere near the fun for the dollar.

They're a quarter of the price of a good sports 250, make sexy two-stroke noises, are mechanically very simple - so you can do a lot of work on them yourself, they're pretty much the most flickable thing on the planet bar a 125GP bike, they're very narrow which is great for splitting, they are just one hell of a little machine.

A major factor in me deciding to look for an RG was Two Smoker's apprenticeship on one. He's proven that when ridden properly, they can give many larger bikes The Learn through tight sections. It doesn't hurt to be a race god amongst mortals like TS, but the bike is up to the challenge.

The two-stroke-ness is a big plus. It teaches you good throttle control around town. With a kick-start, you are never susceptible to a flat battery. Indeed, I rode it for over a week with the battery completely disconnected.....(I thought it was just flat lol). Not that great on gas though for a small bike, I got 175Ks out of my last 10L... :| Oil is also a factor, adding another ~35% on top of fuel *cough* depending on how it's ridden.

The only downside I think it has is pretty shit ground clearance. Scraping pegs is a non-event. Maybe that could be turned into a plus, forcing one to develop good hanging-off technique?

[imdying]

Two strokes kick ass, long live the two stroke. Sooner we get an injected 750cc vtwin stroker roadbike making 180bhp and 135kg the better I say :D

My current bike is a ZX6R, it's great, love it too bits. Brought it because it was the latest 600cc sports bike I could afford at the time (about 4 years ago).

It's gotta go though, much as I'll miss it. There's a black Yoshi piped SV1000S with my name on it in a 40 footer from Japan as we speak :D :D I still look at my 6R for 10-15 minutes a day... it's a phat bike... I've not even groomed it for sale, the nick it's in now is the nick I always keep it in :)

[race_demon]

a very long thread but very good nice 1, i started off last year on a yamaha jog r moped restricted (i took it apart and eys it was restricted minus a tecnigas exhaust) and that did 60 down hill and ended up spending £300 total on repairs since i first obught ti till i sold it to soem mugg for £401 on an internet auction (can we name it?) nothign worked on it now i own a 1991 kawasaki kdx 125 in gun metal grey with about 34 bhp (thats 32 more than the jog) but everythign breaks maybe tis just my luck whast the differnce between the kdx and mkx I NEED PARTS AND THEY ONLY MADE MY BIEK FOR " YEARS HELLLPPPPPPPPPP cheers :wavey:

[race_demon]

sorry boutt he spelling mistakes but whats the differnce between the kmx 125 and kdx 125 cus im going through parts like theyre otu of fassion and i need to know fi theyre interchangable cus they only made the kdx from 1990-92 and noone bought it they all bought the kmx so its hard for me to get parts any info will be greatfully received cheers

[Biff]

Powerful, agile, comfortable and a great ride. You can go for hours on it at breathtaking speeds.

But that's enough about me.

:wari:

[scumdog]

Cos I wanted it.

And the:Pokey: :nya: factors of owning a H-D.

[Pixie]

Buell X1 Lightning/ Sex on wheels......I've been riding 20+ yrs, had a bike long before I ever got a car. Started on a Yamaha dirt bike and then pretty soon was lusting after an RD350 but my mates talked me out of it cos they knew my need for speed and reckoned I'd probably kill myself on it!!!
Everybody who ever owned an RD350 was told they'd kill themselves on it

[Pixie]

I could never see the point of anything but a pure sports bike, I think they are the safest and the most fun. Litre bikes are as light and handle as well as 600s but you get lots more torque so they are easier to ride. I've had 2 gsxr1k3s, bought the first one new (just for the new bike smell). The second one was a bit special, worked motor, sorted handling, just couldn't resist it. Bought it for $12500, rode it about 10 times, crashed it, sold it for $6000. $650 per ride and worth every penny.
Sports bikes are almost as illsuited to NZ roads as cruisers.
That's why I keep buying Bandits.

[LXS]

Saw the GPX at Red Baron and thought yup, its the bike for me; cheap & enough power to keep me happy.

Had it for 6 months & loving every minute on it.

[avrflr]

Sports bikes are almost as illsuited to NZ roads as cruisers.
That's why I keep buying Bandits.
Oh absolutely. Take a sportsbike, make it heavier, put the footpegs down a bit so they drag on the ground, make the brakes and suspension cheaper and you've got a bandit. And I'm supposed to believe that makes it more "suited to NZ roads." Get a grip.

[fishb8nz]

Just love riding my bike to work. The BMW F650CS is so comfortable and practical, too. Handles well and has great fuel economy and is plenty fast enough for me. Good for touring, with heaps of torque.

[crazyxr250rider]

I gOt It cheAp In a BoX.....

[Mrs Busa Pete]

i allways wanted a gsxr 1100 after riding for 18 years or so after losing the bike for the house deposit i found my self with $7500 for a bike i fownd an 2001 thunder ace yzf 1000 on trade me went for test ride very nice on the way home drove past 97 rf900r on side of the road 500 meters from home tride it liked it at the end of the day rf was beter suted for my needs .used it abused it ran out of top end so i test rode some gsxr1100s not that imprest then on trade me a busa for $9000 a 99 with 11700kms a god send .not that shore were to from here. list of bikes to date:suzuki gt 250 x7 yamaha sr 185 yamaha srx 250 yamaha rz 350 katana suzuki gs 550 sportster harly 1200 750 in 1000 frame rt model yamaha fzr750 yamaha ysr 80 pregnent whale honda cbr1000 honda vfr400r suzuki rf 900 busa 1300

[orangeback]

ridden for 22 yeads plus , started around 9-10
started on the farm as a kid in the weekends
went through three dirt bikes DR200, XR250RE, IT490, while at skool then wanted to buy a TT600 at 16 and my dad said to get a road bike so at 16 1/2bought a 86 popup katana then fzr400 for 6 weeks (hated It) then a car 4 a year , moved to auckland and bought a new GSXR1100N ,then a new ZX9R B1 crashed it 2 times, once a 100mph highside braking both arms wrist in 6 places and fracturing my spine , decided to slow down and buy a Ducati didnt work as it got the arse thrasthed off it,then a FZR1000A, did OE for 2 years came home to Ducati ,saw a FZR1000B bought it to ride to a rally one weekend , sold it , then came a 99 CBR900RR Had this For 4 years with others ,2x 90SS vespas , SZ750 Katana, Custom Katana 1100 with GSXR running gear, GSX1135EFE, and now at xmas i bought a new GSXR750XK5 whilst running it in didnt thing it had enough power so i pick up a 99 Hayabusa with loads of go fast bitz on it ,
but now the 750XK5 run it. it goes realy good , keeps up with the guys on busa and gsxr1000 R1s that i ride with, its a happy medium as you no you going fast as you maded it go fast by having to rev it out, not like the hayabusa. Your going fast with out even nowing it , as they pick up speed so fast , and with the 140km rule in now there not many days i throw my leg over the bikes and dont braking the law , so the bus will be going in october when people start looking for bikes for the summer
currently in with 4 bikes <still have Ducati 10 years now , Custom Katana Sz1100, GSXR750XK5, And GSXR1300 Hayabusa (to be sold):spudwave:
But One day there will be a BMW K1200R or S to that list :stoogie:

[ducatilover]

because i crashed the previous one and have a soft spot for small v twins... and its sexy and legal.... same with the missus:banana: :buggerd: ...... and i can afford it..... and its great to ride..... and its red and black..... and id rather have a bike than a cage..... riding is relaxing and exhilerating at the same time.... did i mention its red and black?.... its cheap on petrol and with the mileage i do it s cheaper than a cage to use, but that doesnt have anything to do with it, rideing kicks arse and i love it:baby:

[megageoff76]

Ive had so many bikes over the last 15 years, and really theres been no rhyme or reason why i decide to buy or sell them. So far ive had in this order: NQ50, CB125T, GT250 X7, RZ350K, GSX400X, RZ250R, CBR400RR, GSXR750M, GSXR600V, RF900R, GSXR750WR, GSXR750WX, FXR150, another CBR400RR, SG350, and my current GSXR1100W..and only because i decided i actually quite liked my old 750WR and this was the closest i could get.

[Sketchy_Racer]

i have my bikes because I got them for a good price.

Im poor, so i dont by anybikes unless they are cheap.

I have a tendancy to buy cheap bikes, spend a couple hundy$$$$ on them the make about a 30% gain on what it all cost me when i sell it.

My current 'new' bike is a KRR150ZX that i really like and might keep it for a road bike, rather than sell on.

So yes im a tight arse, so tight infact, that my arse cheeks squeak when i walk :rofl:

[SwanTiger]

Purchased the Hyosung as it was the largest and most comfortable 250cc Motorcycle available. I have a few gripes, however for the most part I have enjoyed what the bike has taught me and togeather we've clocked up a few Kilometers on the road.

[Drew]

Gotta be honest I suppose. Reason is, I've never been able to afford what I want, so I make do with what I can get. The fizzer is the closest thing to a real sports bike I've ever had. I love it, and am usually right there with the new bikes at the top of the Sunday race track, but come August, I'll be perched on something much newer, and I cant friggin wait!
As for the FJ1200, oppertunaty arose, and I snatched it up for me and my lady to do the long haul.

[Swoop]

After playing around on Yammys during the very early 80's, a workmate had a new Honda VFR - all white with the red/blue trim. Talk about the shizz......
Ooooh!
He made the bike go splat, and I took a break from the bikes.
Fast forward to today. Traffic = shit because of cheap jap imports with either a baked-bean can welded to the ehaust, a golden-pagoda-hanging-from-the-rear-view-mirror driver, or fuckwit who has to drive in the "fast lane" and cause a tail-back. Solution???
Tardme has a wide selection of bargains...
Also, those bastards who produced the bikers programme on Triangle TV immediately before the fishing programme - you have a LOT to answer for...:finger:

[Hitcher]

I don't have my "current bike". It's still not fixed.

But why do I own an ST1300? It's a mile-eating beast. Over 530km to a tank (cruises at about 19-20km/litre) and will cruise all day and all night (fantastic headlight set) and all day again. Yet great fun for those short 250km trips for brunch and coffee. Agile enough to eat twisties, strong enough to carry a pillion and all your stuff without even knowing its there. A great Honda gearbox. Loads of stopping power from those wondeful linked brakes. "No surprises" from the computerised trip management display (for those who want to know the overnight temperature in Belize and the next high tide in Windhoek).

And the minuses? The screen (mine's the 2002 model with the manual screen). The pannier locking system. It looks ugly with the panniers off. An 18" front wheel (limits your choice of tyres considerably). It's too quiet -- those Toblerone mufflers are way too efficient. No span-adjustable clutch lever. It's a pig to ride in a big crosswind (any crosswind over 90kmh makes it a real handful).

One day it shall be returned to me...

[sels1]

Had Jap trailbikes thru the teenage years, and a Kwaka 350 triple for a short while....then had the 20+ year break and got back into bikes by going back to what I was familiar with - a street legal XT Yam trailie. Then met more road riders (thru KB) so moved to an BMW F650 for more road comfort while retaining a bit of off road ability. Then family/friends started coming out on the back so started looking for something for a bigger back seat and capable of longer miles. Was considering a bigger beamer when I was saw the Triumph range....and that was it. My Tiger is a roomy 2 up bike with comfortable enduro style sit up riding position. Its fun to ride, and altho not really an off roader it sails easily thru roadworks/gravel/rough roads etc. It will cruise round town at low revs or tour the long roads and backroads.
Now I just need a little trailbike to go with it.......

[Dave1_0]

I had a bunch of bikes back in the 70s & 80s my first being a 71 CZ175 trail of all things (bought off my mate as a motor in bits in a suitcase) and my fav from that era being an XR500 that had a K&N, Supertrap, Wiseco and cut balancer chain (wheelie heaven). I once took it on an extended road trip with a CB360 rear wheel & sprocket and got 80MPG best at cruise. Kids coming saw an interlude until commuting in 03 saw me return with an R80RT Beemer ex police (slow thirsty and no handling). Lost it in favour of an 84 FJ1100 which was light years ahead despite being older. Loved the torque and better economy, but scraped everything including lower chinscoop fairing & bevelled off the gearshift. Sold it and now a 94 ZZR1100 takes pride of place. Best economy yet (62mpg when restrained), 6 gears, lighter, heaps of clearance, handles great, and oh, did I mention speed? Low down the FJ would edge it out, but 5000+ it's a revelation! Suspect the speedo is optimistic, though it could be faster than I am giving credit for.. Only niggle is sore wrists at times. I nurse it till warm as they say cold thrashing (& long monos) kills the oil feed to 2nd Rod brg. Checked out by mechanic who converted rattly auto cam tensioner to manual, gave her a clean bill of health telling me to use the Black GTX oil - NEVER synthetic it pits the cams - and always keep the sight glass full to top. Fitted a Scottoiler I got off Trademe & hadn't gotten round to putting on the FJ, and it works like a dream. I'm one very happy camper - best bike yet. Even wifey concedes its fun on the back and I'm staggered at accelleration. Two up starting at 90km/h passing a milk tanker & car in 4th and you pull in @180 having used hardly any road and with about 3500 rpm still up your sleeve. Sure it would have been quicker in 2nd/3rd, but no need. My darling knows she's got a better chance of success with "Let's go on the bike" than if she wants me to take her somewhere in the car...

[aiki]

I got my first bike when i hit 15 in 75 never ridden a geared bike before and went down to the bike shop and bought a Kwaka 90cc trail bike for $400 {worked all summer hols for the money}, wheeled it out of the shop, got on took off and picked up a friend to ride on the back. Bit different now i guess. Back then we all got bikes as cars just weren't avavilable for us.
Now i have a big cruiser {see Bike Thieves thread} and i love to get on and take off and ride and ride. I use it to commute no matter what the weather, hate driving and buses. Love my bike.:woohoo:

[msm]

I only have a dinky little scooter so I don't count. The grand plan was to ride the scooter around until I felt confident being in traffic (I didn't really drive until I got the scoot) and then upgrade to a proper bike. But now I'm not sure I want a proper bike at all, at least not for a few more years. And I don't really want to drive the car anymore either. What the hell happened to me? :doobey:

[pritch]

I'm not wealthy, but money wasn't the major consideration.

Having owned a BMW K100RS previously and routinely found myself inadvertently travelling at velocities considerably in excess of what I had intended when I started that particular journey. It seemed a good idea to get a bike where I would be rather more exposed to the elements so as to get a better idea of my speed.

About 750cc, a reasonable tank range, half faired at most, a comfy seat, and no vices with handling, cornering or braking. Pretty much anything like this would be considered. Late 2004 though, nobody seemed to be making a bike to my simple specification.

Then they dropped $2000 off the Hornet. At that time it was on BIKE magazines 10 Best of the Best list, for the money it was (and is) a bargain.
While it wasn't a 750 I decided to live with the burden of the extra CCs.
For what I want it's pretty near perfect.

Other bikes appeal and are nice to think about eg Moto Morini Corsaro, Aprilia Tuono, but they aren't as practical and if I was to buy another bike tomorrow, after all the dreaming was done, it would probably be another Hornet.

[avgas]

Cos i cant stop smilling (EnG!)

[BeakerRAT]

Been riding for four years. A good mate was looking at getting back into riding and I went with him to have a look at some Ducati, no intention of riding myself. Saw my first bike – Honda Hornet 250 and purchased it. Took two months to get into the basic handling course, so it sat in the garage waiting. It was a great bike for starting out on, simple, not too quick and easy to maintain. Went into AMPS and saw the Aprilia RS250-GP1, had to have it so a deal was done. Want a difference; it was like learning all the basics again. A year later I stuffed up on a Sunday ride, lost the front (combination of a bad line & crappy road surface). The van it hit coming the other was fine, as was everyone involved but the bike was a write off. Got a replacement (thanks Mr. Insurance). Had pre-ordered a Triumph Thruxton, when that came in I still hadn’t got the full licence, so it sat on display for a month! Loved the style of the Thruxton, nice to cruise on, good two-up and sporty enough to get that ‘BUZZ’. I’d been reading reviews of the GSXR thou and thought – awesome bike, but every review stated it was a real handful with the power so I was a bit wary. I took one out of a test ride and was pleased to discover that it’s more of a Jeckel and Hyde personality (depending on application of the right hand). Once again a deal done, only I had to say good-bye to the RS. In a moment of weakness I sold the Thruxton and now regret it. Looking for another one. The Vespa is for around town and is just no fuss riding, being an Aucklander it's perfect to jump on and head to the café. :) Bonus is it keeps the ‘better half’ off the GSXR!

[Clivoris]

The Tuono is a bit of wish fulfilment. The jury is still out on whether it's lived up to expectations. Can't wait for dry roads and fresh tyres. Before this had an SV1000s and that was a fabulous bike for the money spent. Not so great resale tho.:rockon:

[terbang]

Bin riding for 30 odd years and it just keeps on getting better..!

[Dooly]

I brought my 02 VTR1000 a few months ago.
Dunno why, just happened.
Saw it on TM and just did it, impulse.
Weird as I medically are'nt allowed to ride on the road for at least 3 months, as a result of a few injuries non bike related.
Been riding since I got my licence 27 yrs ago at age 15. Mainly dirt bikes, but did have quite a few road bikes in the 90s, mainly as recreational riders, and sports type, having cars etc.

I have'nt ridden a bike on the road for over 6 years, and have contented myself mucking about on dirt.

I decided to get another bike and have been looking for a while but in all honestly, not having any idea what I wanted, except not a cruiser.
As the bike could sometimes not get used much due to me having a company vehicle, so riding to work is out, and having some land to take care of, I was'nt keen to spend big bucks to have a bike sitting for a while unused.

The VTR is the first 'modern' Honda I've had, disregarding an old CB900.
I test rode one when they first came out in '97, but ended up buying the then new TL1000S Suzuki.
I've always liked the sound of a Vtwin, and when this one came up at a wicked price I just acted without really thinking, and to be honest, its great.
I've tootled around the paddocks here a few times, and last weekend took it for a blast down the road. My road is 6km long and being rural not many were around.
I may not be able to hit the road yet, but I've had the thing torn down, mucking around with it, adding bits, customising things, and I can honestly say I love it.

I sold all my riding gear and accessorries years ago except for a decent helmet I had, and now are in the process of buying gear and stuff, and loving looking at all the options around now.

Man, I'm counting down the days to when I can go for it!

[DougB]

I am an old fart, my last big bike was a Moto guzzi which is up for sale again on trade me right now.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=60149388

I developed a weak heart and could not deal with heavy stuff so I sold the above machine and my son found me a Aermacchi 350 which is light and easy to manage. I see he is talking about me on the Guzzi trade sale me site.

I started off in the 1950's with an AJS 500 single and have had ten different bikes since then.

[Vagabond]

25 years of riding and still alive! Now thats an achievement a lot of people have said would not come about. (reaches up and touches his head)

I started off on a Suzuki TS 50 ER which was basically an on/off roader and was used to commute to school and eventually two frames later to work as well.

Next having started work and having the coin roll in I bought a Yamaha IT 200 (1984 model) first of it's kind after the 175 man I loved that bike huge power and huge wheelies (oops yes I did flip it)

Then I got sent to a technical colledge some 100 km's away and the 200 just wasn't cutting it any more, so I traded her for a 1981 Kawasaki Z750 love love love! until she threw me off at 160kmh due to a really serious tank slapper (clubmans I had on punched holes into my tank)

So you fall off what do you do? Go out and buy a a bigger bastard thats what! Along comes my second Zed a 1981 Kawasaki Z1000,Now she was real grunty wheelied easily too (oops yes i did flip her as well)
Anyways I eventually rode her into the ground after fitting an 1105 Wiseco kit.
Along came Mr Eddie Lawson yes another Zed ,see the pattern Zed Zed Zed

From there it went Gsxr 750r, Dr500, Xr600, 900Hornet, S83, and back to my beloved Zed's

Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[Edbear]

Zed Zed Zed



Zed Zed Zzzzzzzzzz....:zzzz: :zzzz:

(Sorry, couldn't resist!)

[heavenly.talker]

I have my current bike because I am totally in love with it and it suits me down to the ground. the saddle height is prefect for my wee short legs and there is enough power for everything I want to do. It is also very sexy looking all black and chrome...yay! Everytime I look at it, ride it and even clean it I comment to my hubbie that I looovvvveee my bike. Content you bet!! I have even stopped looking at other bikes because i just think it is so cool! Go the honda magna v4 750! sweet as.

[Hitcher]

I think I am now sort of officially "between bikes"...

[Highlander]

I think I am now sort of officially "between bikes"...

Last time I did that it was 12 years - NEVER AGAIN.

[buellbabe]

LOL! This thread has been going awhile... think I have already posted on it (months ago!) but I'll say it again... Buell X1 Lightning ... cos its got balls...
:love: :devil2:

[Rashika]

I think I am now sort of officially "between bikes"...
god damn I hated that time in my life....never EVER again!

[NC]

Cause I needed a big kids bike

[Str8 Jacket]

Cause I needed a big kids bike


Did it come with Pull-ups?

[NC]

Did it come with Pull-ups?
Narh, should of. Touching cloth!

[Str8 Jacket]

Narh, should of. Touching cloth!


LOL... wont tell you what im touching... :blah:

[NC]

LOL... wont tell you what im touching... :blah:
You've got your finger in a half rotten road kill possums arse hole?

[Str8 Jacket]

You've got your finger in a half rotten road kill possums arse hole?


You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to NC again.

Damnit... Oh yeah I can still log onto that site BTW :p

[NC]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to NC again.

Damnit... Oh yeah I can still log onto that site BTW :p
Fuck I can't!
LOLZ!!1

[Wolf]

Well, after trying a commuter, a road-trail, several "classic" tourers, a couple of sprot bikes and a cruiser, I wanted another road-trail style bike - road-trails and the old tourers being the most comfortable fit for me.

When it came to getting one I also wanted one in the 200-250cc range - not so small as to be useless on the open road and not too large for my wife to learn on. There were also physical dimension constraints owing to my wike and I both having "Ducks Disease" - arses too close to the ground.

After seeing what was available and a lot of on-line research I settled on the XT225 as being "ideal" for our needs - physically it was the right size for strayjuliet to sit on and maintain adequate contact with the ground, it was in the middle of the cc range and, according to all the riders who had piosted reviews, reliable and "bulletproof".

I located one that was not registered but had all the road legal stuff - indicators, pillion pegs etc - and got the dealer, Supacross Cycles, to get it revinned and registered as part of the purchase price. It required some road tyres as well and we threw a helmet for strayj onto the purchase price as well.

A little over 170kms (mainly commuting around town) later and I do not regret the choice. It is nimble, zippy, reliable and comfortable. I do not experience the numbing of my throttle hand that I used to get on the LS400 (probably because I used to ride with the throttle in a death grip) or other bikes (probably from supporting my weight on my hands) despite it being a single cylinder as the riding posture is so great.

It manoeuvres like a dream - I find myself deliberately seeking winding roads and knotty intersections just to put the bike through its paces, now that I've scrubbed some of the shininess off the new Pirellis - still got a lot of casting flash on the wheels that has not worn off but its getting there - I think it'll take more than just one blat to Ngaruawahia and back and some gentle commuting to clean off the tyres.

I've definitely confirmed that a Road/Trail is my style of bike. I would like a straight tourer with a larger engine capacity for long hauls on the open road - a 1980s BMW R100CS would be nice (or even the R80, at a pinch) - but the XT225 suits my 'round town needs and apparently is more than capable of long journeys at up to 75mph (according to those riders in the States that ride on the Freeways frequently).

[Wolf]

The one who expects to be obeyed nearly barfed when she saw the colour but now she has come to realise only real men ride orange!
Only real bike that colour is a KTM... :devil2:

[Wolf]

Everybody who ever owned an RD350 was told they'd kill themselves on it
Yep. I had one as my first "Full Licence" bike. Air-cooled green monster. Wicked power band that took a little getting used to but I managed to survive it despite beeing greener than the bike.

Didn't like the riding posture, though - uncomfortable on all but the shortest of rides. The ride to my dad's place at Paeroa was nearly crippling. Progressed to Honda CBs and Suzuki GTs which were far more comfortable for me.

[Rashika]

Only real bike that colour is a KTM... :devil2:
or a very nicely painted Buell...

[T.W.R]

Ha Wolf & Rashika :oi-grr: REAL bikes were being painted orange way before KTM or Buell even though about it :yes: :nya:

[Rashika]

Ha Wolf & Rashika :oi-grr: REAL bikes were being painted orange way before KTM or Buell even though about it :yes: :nya:
now YOU are just showing your age boyo! ;)

[buellbabe]

REAL BIKES??... yep Harley have been painting them orange since 1903...

[Rashika]

REAL BIKES??... yep Harley have been painting them orange since 1903...
Thank you babe! I figured it was a while but dont ever seem to have facts to back it up...cheers!

[petesmeats]

Me and my old man got a gn250 which needed a bit of work on it... Got it on the road, got my liscence and had a bit of fun zipping round town. Crashed it twice (crashes cost me only $75 all up to fix...). Got it stolen twice. bought 2 other gns for parts. One day we were Trailering the bike home from my mates place where it had decided to not start on me and One of the tie downs came loose and the bike started to fall over so we stopped on the side of the road to tie it down again and a guy came over who lived across from where we had stopped and we got talking about bikes and he mentioned that he had a project bike that wasnt doing anything in his garage and that he wanted to get rid of... 2 days later i had myself a gsx400x impulse in parts scattered around my driveway.... Got this bike stolen also but seeing as it wasnt running they only managed to get it down the road and then dump it... Luckily. Got it back and got it running but couldnt be bothered to revinn it so sold it. Then i stopped riding for around 2 and a half years. Time ticked away and i discovered that i could get my full liscence and so I bought myself the CBR then got my liscence and have been riding it since... Im pretty happy with it but im pretty sure that anything to me is going to be fast compared to the GN. Now im a little more confident with my bike and am practicing the art of wheelie...

[T.W.R]

REAL BIKES??... yep Harley have been painting them orange since 1903...

:killingme lols was talking about real bikes, you know the ones that stop & go properly & go around corners :yes: XR harleys are a product of the late 50s early 60s, original harleys were red.

Eric Buell had the foresight to piss-off from harley & make proper machines ( as your mounts) then harley clicked & snaffled him back :nya:

[buellbabe]

HA HA didn't take ya long to bite...:nya:

[Wolf]

:killingme lols was talking about real bikes, you know the ones that stop & go properly & go around corners
Oh, come on. 97% of all Harleys ever made are still on the road today.

The other 3% made it back home.


Yeah, OK, it's been said on here before but I can't resist a classic...

[Unforgiven]

I was after a 250 sports bike that was cheap on gas (not hard after a turbo car):blah:, nice to learn on and I wouldnt get too bored on.
The GSXR was local, cheap and fitted the criteria.:scooter:

[Wolf]

I was after a 250 sports bike that was cheap on gas (not hard after a turbo car)
Mate, Classic Zed's newly restored Z1300 would be cheap to run after a turboed car!

[Madmax]

rd350s did not do for me H1 h2 tripples were the go
stick an H2 engine in an H1 frame and its all fun from there on
(just never try this on an old H1 frame!!!,you would die)
ZX10Rs are about as much fun as anyone could want
just dont worry about the damper and your laughing

[SPman]

It was there
It looked good
Comfy
The salesman busted his nuts to sell it to me.
The full Akropovich sounds nice
I was "between bikes" and going spare!

-and why the fuck would anyone put an H2 motor in an H1 frame :gob: - did you actually WANT to die?
An early white tank H1 was enough for me!

[classic zed]

I bought a Kawasaki KH500 back in 1976, closely followed by a Z1000 in 1978.

The Z1300 was introduced in 1979, sadly I just couldnt afford one. Last year I found 2 on Trademe and bought them both, one has now become a monster project and the other fully restored back to new condition, next best thing to buying a new one I guess.:2thumbsup

[scracha]

Why'd I get the viffer? Guy at the place I was working (wot sells Honda parts) was selling it for a good price and since I was a new immigrant I was bikeless. :second: It's OK but I'd still swap it for a TDM

[Beemer]

Easy - I can reach the ground with both feet and not just on tippy-toes! It's nice and light, it looks cool and it handles well. Lovely gear box and it sounds more like a bike than the BMW CS did - that was like a sewing machine to listen to! Insurance is about half the cost of the Beemer (should be a third, god knows it only cost a third...) and I'd imagine the parts would be cheaper too.

I had an RG150 that I loved and the Goose is sort of like a grown-up version - it has electric start rather than kick start, and just a bit more civilised power. I'm not likely to lose my licence (or my life) on the bike and it's a hell of a lot of fun to ride. I have to hide the keys to keep my husband from stealing it though! Out of all the bikes I've owned, it's the only one he's enjoyed riding so much.

[Street Gerbil]

No class 6 license hence can't ride a bigger bike
It is fun to ride
It looks cool
Can't use a cage for commuting due to budget constraints

[Magua]

Rg150.

It was dirt cheap.
It's fun to ride.
Good for commuting.

[Hitcher]

It's official. I no longer have a "current bike". RIP STeed.

[Wolf]

It's official. I no longer have a "current bike". RIP STeed.
I gather it has been written off? Bummer, mate. Look forward to finding out what you get as a replacement - and learning why you chose it in this thread.

Condolences.

[Hitcher]

Off it has been written. Payment hopefully by close of play tomorrow.

[Beemer]

Off it has been written. Payment hopefully by close of play tomorrow.

Woo hoo, party at Hitcher's?

[Rashika]

It's official. I no longer have a "current bike". RIP STeed.
damn shame...after all the work to get it right last time as well... very sad for ya mate.

Whatcha gonna get now, same or different?

[The_Dover]

Off it has been written. Payment hopefully by close of play tomorrow.

Hey Felcher,

Get a GSXR1000K6. You'll love it. You really will.

[SpankMe]

It blew me away on the test ride. Wasn't even thinking about buying it till I rode it.

'06 GSX-R750, gotta love it. :love:

[Hitcher]

Woo hoo, party at Hitcher's?
Yeah, a cheque book party. Us bikeless bastards need all the support we can muster. Deutchmarks or dollars, American Express will do nicely, thank you.

[Wolf]

Yeah, a cheque book party. Us bikeless bastards need all the support we can muster. Deutchmarks or dollars, American Express will do nicely, thank you.
Deutschmarks? They use the Euro these days. All the best finding a suitable replacement for the STeed.

[ldnz]

Once i'd ridden the KR I was hooked:

Comfortable riding position
Loud and obnoxious - gotta love 2 smoke!
Reliable as hell, 26000 hard ridden k's and no drama...
And it goes pretty fast for what it is.
Its perfect for the windiest roads.

I will never forget the faces on the 2 boy racers I overtook in the manawatu gorge yesterday WITH the g/f on the back, waving at them. Bahahaaaa. I want a big neon sign to flash "You just got overtaken by 150cc's of grunt, HAHA!" every time I overtake some cage twat.

[sexy beast]

my dad used to own a yamaha trail bike, and he used to give me rides on it when was about 10, i enjoyed watching him do stand up wheelies...but i didnt know i was goin to be so in love with them..later! during my last year at university one of my mates who owned a kawasaki 440z offered to teach me after seeing how enthusiastic i was...an hour later i was riding on my own and a week later he offered me the bike for free as he was getting a company car from his new work!!!.....just my luck!!!!....or not! long story short, one of my uncles had a fatal bike accident so i wasnt allowed a bike at home....so had to give the bike back!
10 years later i bought my first bike in 2005...a kawasaki GPX 205R...got my 'L' and enjoyed every ride i took on it, was a sweet bike...but had to let go few months down as needed cash! but my love for bikes and my belief that i will get what i want brought me across a 1998 ZX6R...yea kawasaki....4 months ago, i got the price right and it was what i wanted to get after a 250 and thats what i got and still have it...my SEXY BEAST! i guess i will always love kawasakis but would love to try some other bikes...specially the R6.

[ogr1]

I have my current bike because........................

I would look a right tw@t driving my car in my leathers and skid lid :nya:

[Wolf]

I have my current bike because........................

I would look a right tw@t driving my car in my leathers and skid lid :nya:
Yes, there is always that. :yes:

[Ozzie]

Well, limited funds, not having riden for a while, was looking at options for a second hand ride around the 10k mark. Thinking, now the baggage was dumped, I could get something to re-educate myself and do me until I had the money and made a decision regarding what was the true desire.

Was scanning bikepoint and saw that the Katana 600 was 10k new, so, deal done.

Had read a few articles and posts about it, and a lot of people recon they were a bit of a nana bike, too heavy, under powered, but I would say I disagree. The Katana is definately no crotch rocket, but it isn't a nana bike either. Get the revs up, it will get you where you want to be, with a lot more speed and fun than a cage, so it will do me for a while. May even keep it as a commuter once I upgrade.

[Hitcher]

Technically I don't have my "current" bike until tomorrow. Does this mean I now have to hang out with the Yamaha crowd?

[Motu]

Have you applied to the committy? Make sure spelling and punctuation is corectt on you're form,us Yamaha riders' are fussy on these things y'know.Do you have the latest Rossi helmet? Wait till after this last race before you order,he may change it again.

[Wolf]

Have you applied to the committy? Make sure spelling and punctuation is corectt on you're form,us Yamaha riders' are fussy on these things y'know.Do you have the latest Rossi helmet? Wait till after this last race before you order,he may change it again.
Nah, Hitcher's cool, I vote we let him in - even if he is riding an FJR and not a real bike...

[Kendog]

'Cause it's sexy.:love: Well I think so, and that's all that matters, aye!
Mrs KD

[vtec]

Well, after over 4 years of riding, I still haven't got round to upgrading my licence, because I've been too poor to upgrade my bike anyway as I went back to uni. Had saved up about $20g to fund my studies, but had it all invested in a car that I had imported from Japan which subsequently got stolen, and thus made me extremely poor.

Initially when I was about 19, I decided that I wanted to race motorbikes. But seeing as I had no experience riding bikes, I thought I had better get my licence and at least learn to ride before I raced. So I looked around, and found a sweet looking (bit crashed up, but still hot) Pepsi Racing Replica Suzuki RGV 250. This bike was a beast, bloody quick, but was a mission to keep running, and I spent well over a grand on it just keeping it running for a year. Then I lost my licence about 3 years ago for 6 months for excessive speed in my Honda Prelude, so I sold the bike. Then got my licence back, and I wanted something with a nicer power curve, more suitable for road riding, but still fast and still hot. That left me with a choice of 2 different bikes. The ZXR250 or the CBR250RR. For some reason I've just got this feeling that Hondas are bulletproof, and Kawasaki's slightly more prone to failures, but still awesome bikes. And I suppose I liked the look of the CBR's a bit better, and was following Colin Edwards progress on the VTR1000 at the time when he stole the series from Troy Bayliss. Also about this time I lost that $20g car, on my last day of work when I had quit to go back to uni. Was slightly suicidal, so I thought I'm just going to blow my last $5g, and get the bike that I really want to make me feel a bit better, which happened to be the CBR (in Black with red and silver). So from then on, I've had no money for the last 2.5 years. So I've kind of been stuck with it, but I love it all the same. Have thrashed the pants off it, and even started racing it recently, dropped it quite a few times now, but they crash bloody well, and even with my worst high speed crash at the track where I was taken out by a guy on a Duc, it only broke the footpeg, handlebar, brake lever and front fairings.

Recently I've purchased another crashed CBR250RR for parts, and to play with (thanks for crashing it HDTBoy). And then I've just picked up a crashed CBR250R that I'm in the process of fixing up for a mate of my dads. And my dad bought me another CBR250RR for me to use on the road, so I don't keep having to strip down my other CBR for racing, I can just keep it in racing mode. So currently I've got 2 running RR's, and 1 non-running RR (with heaps of good spares), and 1 just about roadworthy single R. So I'm pretty busy with the bikes at the moment. Also I've just scored a good job which I can do in my own time from home, so it's going to be perfect for funding racing, and I should be able to get a 600 soon enough... Bitchin. Might also be able to afford to step up to F2 next year aswell. We'll see. Hopefully somebody knows some talent when they see it and I can score some sponsorship too.

All in all, the CBR250RR is my love affair. I now know so damn much about them. And am bloody quick at working on them too. Also, they're a lot faster than most people realise even in standard trim which is how I always run my baby's.

[Suzi Q]

When we decided it was time for me to get off the back of hubbies bike, we looked at 2nd hand gn250's but decided to get a new FXR150 - cheap, light and great learner/commuter bike. Not so good on the open road, I was most surprised when hubbie on the RF900 stayed with me on the open road at 70kms - cars were passing us!!! The week I got my full licence I got a Gold GSX600F - bit different to the FXR - heavier abd faster. Learned to love it, but the clutch was soo stiff. Traded that in for a GSX750F, felt very much like the 600. Traded that in for a new 2003 GSX750F cause I had always wanted a silver one. Absolutely love the 750f, good tourer, comfortable, fast. I got the R6 after hubbie came home with a 2005 GSX1000R for a test ride and I begged him to let me take it for a spin. What a buz, the grin factor was huge & I only took it round the block. I had to then get on the 750F and it felt like a slow, big elephant. Knew I had to get something more sporty. Tested the Triumph TT 600, GSX600R and an R6. The R6 was awesome, the 600 was too close to what I had - felt to familiar - and I hated the TT600. I eventually found the R6 on this site and I love it to bits. great colour too.:first:

[Suzi Q]

The Aprilia SR50 is a fantastic commuter, I had it derestricted so it shows 90kms on the clock, but I reckon it perhaps goes about 80kms. I ahve the top box, so have heaps of storage, the helmet fits under the seat and everything else int eh box. Take it to work every day and costs about $6 a fortnight in petrol. Cheaper than public transport!:scooter:

[98tls]

Had my TL for donkeys,love it to bits and its a keeper for sure...does everything ok....touring,two up etc and can stay with most through the twistys,the noise is absolutly beautiful..like a Duke i used to own but without the rattles from the dry clutch,was thinking of selling awhile back but then came across tlzone an overseas website which renewed my interest in the old girl and have been modding ever since.....:doobey: :doobey: will buy another bike but the TL will be staying for sure.