Get a decent bike... [Archive]

Str8 Jacket

20th July 2006, 10:35

I had to laugh, I checked my rep points just before and noticed that someone had given me a greenie with the comment "get a decent bike".... I take no offence at this, it did make me smile. But it got me wondering if it was just because I have recently changed my bike to "Ringa Ding Ding" in my profile and that particular person hates two strokes or if the person just really doesnt like KR's....
I personally love Two Strokes cause they reflect my personality! Although I dont believe that I am smelly I AM loud and obnoxious and tend to eat alot of food just as my bike eats the oil! But this got me wondering how many people hate Two Strokes and why? What is your idea of a "decent" bike? How many of you guy's reckon that your bike reflects your personality and why?

And yes, its a slow day. Thanks for asking....

MSTRS

20th July 2006, 10:41

Too subjective, but if you screwed me down I'd have to describe a 'decent bike' as one that is built/used for the purpose intended, does it well and is reliable

kiwifruit

20th July 2006, 10:43

Two strokes RULE! :headbang:

Str8 Jacket

20th July 2006, 10:52

Too subjective

Well yeah, thats what I thought. Thats what got me wondering just what IS a decent bike? I reckon its definately a personal thing and I also dont think that you can "judge" someones bike based on being "decent". Its like morals, everyones are different.

Fatjim

20th July 2006, 10:58

Too subjective, but if you screwed me down I'd have to describe a 'decent bike' as one that is built/used for the purpose intended, does it well and is reliable

Thats typical, turn everything in to a sexual experience!

2 smokers are cool, I don't know a lot about them but as far as I know not many had good chassis/susp and dev stop decades ago now, so it really limits most, not all,of them to the collectors mentality.

Ixion

20th July 2006, 11:01

jim.cox

20th July 2006, 11:02

Well yeah, thats what I thought. Thats what got me wondering just what IS a decent bike? I reckon its definately a personal thing and I also dont think that you can "judge" someones bike based on being "decent". Its like morals, everyones are different.

Any bike is a good bike - and one that goes is better than one that doesnt

=mjc=
.

bobsmith

20th July 2006, 11:03

Its like morals, everyones are different.

Well yes... but people seem to give me green/red reps depending on what they think about my morals....

Dooly

20th July 2006, 11:07

I really dislike this nasty habit of being disrespectful of other bikers machines.

Every rider has different requirements. The fact that someone' else's choice of machine does not meet your own criteria does not make their choice invalid .

I do have to say too, that it seems to be mainly the sprotsbike people who do this.

I wish people would not do it. It is senseless, rude, arrogant, and destructive of the communal spirit that should be part of biking. If you cannot compliment a rider on his or her machine, just keep quiet.

I do not mean reasoned discussion, of the "I would not choose such a machine myself, because XXX" variety, or good natures teasing, but rather senseless jeering and denigration.

Good post.

I like all bikes. Plenty I'd never own in a million years, but each to their own, and we're all in this together I guess.

snuffles

20th July 2006, 11:08

people who hate 2 strokes are just scared of the power band.

Bend-it

20th July 2006, 11:08

I have a very scientific formula to determins the decent-ness (I believe it's decency, but that has other connotations) of a bike...

(time available for riding / time UNavailable 4 riding) multiplied by
(No. of times you finish with a silly grin / No. of times you finish with the grill in your chin)

The higher, the more decent. :)

Str8 Jacket

20th July 2006, 11:16

I really dislike this nasty habit of being disrespectful of other bikers machines. ...........

Excellent post, I agree entirely! While im not sure if the person was just being sarcastic or not it seems more and more people tend to judge others choice of bikes. I havent been riding long enough to know what I really like or want in a bike. All I know is I like bikes and I like riding. If I won lotto I would love to have a bike for every occasion, and yes this would include a cruiser. As far as im concerned every bike has a purpose and if everyone rode the same bike or type of bike life could get very boring...

frogfeaturesFZR

20th July 2006, 11:18

Well said Ixion.:rockon:

spudchucka

20th July 2006, 11:22

I've always liked two strokes since I started riding in the early 80's, something to do with the RD's that were popular at the time I guess. Sadly I can't have two bikes so I have to resort to playing with a chain saw when I feel the need for a two stroke fix.

Big Dave

20th July 2006, 11:23

I wish people would not do it. It is senseless, rude, arrogant, and destructive of the communal spirit that should be part of biking. If you cannot compliment a rider on his or her machine, just keep quiet.

Should be on the front page.

MSTRS

20th July 2006, 11:23

Thats typical, turn everything in to a sexual experience!

Of course. The after-effects of a good ride are so similar....
....weak in the knees and a silly grin...

Str8 Jacket

20th July 2006, 11:25

Sadly I can't have two bikes so I have to resort to playing with a chain saw when I feel the need for a two stroke fix.

hehe, my bike has been called a chainsaw lots! Was at the Featherston pub on evening and one of the locals called it a sewing machine, my poor bike was so offended it stalled al by itself... :o

Squeak the Rat

20th July 2006, 11:26

Str8 Jacket

20th July 2006, 11:28

The person who disses your ride is the last person you should be listening to about what bike you should get.

Keep riding, reading and observing and you'll work out what you want. And then what you want will change anyway....

The funniest thing is that the bike before that one was a GN....

I really really really think that I want an SV650. But until I get my full and can test ride a few I dont *really* know.

Macktheknife

20th July 2006, 11:37

If it has 2 wheels and it goes reliably, I say its good. I dont care if it is 4 stroke or 2 stroke, as long as it goes when it should, stops when it should, and the rider is enjoying it, that is all that matters.

Bend-it

20th July 2006, 11:43

I really really really think that I want an SV650. But until I get my full and can test ride a few I dont *really* know.

Yeah, absolutely!! I've been tyre kicking a fair few times and just can't wait till Dec 8th!! Ohh, also need to set up finances so Mrs It would be favourable too... :)

Might go out and pick up some gear for her this weekend! Woo hoo!!

WRT

20th July 2006, 11:55

I love my two stroke . . . loves it, I tells ya. Not a big fan of the smoke (hence "puff the tragic wagon"), but by using Motul oil at least it smells nice. It also has the added bonus of giving the people following me a way to tell where I've been after leaving them behind in the forest.

<img src="http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35145&d=1150930319">

F5 Dave

20th July 2006, 12:59

Largely immature people “oh you have a Honda & Yamahas are better” Wake up guys, just because it is a particular brand, they make good bikes, budget bikes, all sorts of bikes.

School yard tatter, “my school is better than your school, my Dad could beat up your Dad” is moronic.

So what is a decent bike?

More so who the hell can tell someone to buy one? Heck I’ve been broke many earlier studenty years in my life & if all I could afford was a GS550 while my friends had CBR600s then - Where’s my balaclava? I’ll just go make a withdrawal.

I bought my road RG50 to commute on. After a short while I realised what a hoot it was & decided to get a bigger 2 stroke & sell my considerably bigger 4 stroke. If they made a modern RZ/RG500 I would buy one.

If someone really loves it then it is ‘Decent’. The acid test is if they still love it after it has been replaced some while down the track.

There are of course exceptions, anyone who has ridden a CX custom or an XZ400 will question why Honda or Yamaha respectively put these forsaken bikes on the planet & no amount of Politically Correct biker-brotherhood talk would convince any sane bod otherwise.

madboy

20th July 2006, 13:06

Its like morals, everyones are different.Never a truer word spoken.

Hawkeye

20th July 2006, 13:08

I really dislike this nasty habit of being disrespectful of other bikers machines.

Every rider has different requirements. The fact that someone' else's choice of machine does not meet your own criteria does not make their choice invalid .

I do have to say too, that it seems to be mainly the sprotsbike people who do this.

I wish people would not do it. It is senseless, rude, arrogant, and destructive of the communal spirit that should be part of biking. If you cannot compliment a rider on his or her machine, just keep quiet.

I do not mean reasoned discussion, of the "I would not choose such a machine myself, because XXX" variety, or good natures teasing, but rather senseless jeering and denigration.

Fully agree, What you ride depends on a number of factors.
Licence - price - purpose - health.

My current machine is based purely on 3 things.
I'm still on a Learner, the price ($250) and I wanted a cummuter bike.
I know a number of people that would love to ride sports bikes, but due to back problems go for the more upright approach.

MSTRS

20th July 2006, 13:21

If someone really loves it then it is ‘Decent’. The acid test is if they still love it after it has been replaced some while down the track.

This is perhaps the truest statement....boiled down, it means that the {insert make/model} you used to own was the best bike and you wish you'd kept it?

Stevo

20th July 2006, 13:22

A decent bike is:
Fuel efficient OR
Fast AND
Comfortable (for what it was designed) AND
Reliable OR
Easy to work on AND

LEAVE A FOOKIN BIG SMILE ON YA FACE EVERY TIME YOU RETURN!!!!!!!

merv

20th July 2006, 13:40

Its just got to fit you and feel good and give you that smile factor.

In my early years we adored 2 strokes because that was what was the go then. Our family had a number of 2 strokes - Zundapps, Suzukis, a Bultaco and a Benelli. Loved them all, but ...

Once I changed to 4 strokes I didn't miss the fouled plugs and the low gas mileage.

However, times have changed, I'm sure the synthetic oil, improved electronics and all sorts of other trickery means they don't foul plugs like they used to.

In truth I have never ridden a bike that I didn't enjoy the ride on. They are all just a challenge for you to ride to the best of their ability. They all make me smile even if they wobble like a pig or make a weird noise.

Str8 as for sewing machines I reckon my VFR with gear driven cams is the true sewing machine sound and the true chainsaw in my view was the Tas Taka that we have spoken about on this forum before. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11794&d=1119558593

I never diss anyone else's bike and never will, if they chose to buy it for whatever reason that is their choice. I buy mine to fit me and serve my purposes, which are probably weird compared to what others expect.

Like why the hell would anyone in the mid 70's buy a Benelli 180cc monkey bike type bike, but my brother did and I still don't know why except for the laugh factor. That bike would be lethal in the wrong hands - it was like an overpowered pit bike, would wheelie the second you opened the throttle. I would go home from Uni and just enjoy riding it, to the extent I even rode it in club scrambles and mini-TT's just because I could.

So to me all bikes are decent if they make you enjoy yourself.

An in-decent bike in my view is one that doesn't put a smile on your face and that is probably one that breaks down too much and causes you heartache and frustration. One of my mates had that experience buying a Kawasaki Bighorn - that bike was just plain unreliable - so bad that over a year he never went for a ride with me on it.

Smokin

20th July 2006, 14:08

I gave up on two strokes because whenever I really started enjoying myself on them they would always make speed holes in the top of the bloody pistons.

merv

20th July 2006, 14:13

I gave up on two strokes because whenever I really started enjoying myself on them they would always make speed holes in the top of the bloody pistons.

Using plugs that were too hot mate!

Wolf

20th July 2006, 14:14

I've had a mix of 2 and 4 stroke bikes over the years and they each have their good and bad points. I like the power-band that 2-strokes have but I also like the engine braking of a 4-stroke. The smell of a two-stroke I do not mind and I also love the simplicity of maintenance ("Overhead what? Nah, mate, you just undo four bolts and pull the head off.") but I'm not keen on the propensity of the engine to seize midway through a turn (only happened the once and it took a few miles to get my arse to unclench, didn't know what it was at the time but I didn't like it much.)

I've enjoyed riding 2-strokes and I've enjoyed riding 4-strokes - that's all that matters, really.

Would I get another 2-stroke? Possibly. If I found a bike I liked that was a 2-stroke I certainly would not reject it because it was a two-stroke.

As to the style and make prejudices, I just don't get it.

I prefer Enduros and classic tourers - but I'll admire the look of nearly any bike. I've had bad experiences with the two Kawasakis I've ridden and I'd be leery buying one for myself but I would not dis the make and I'm sure that there are plenty of people who have had nothing but reliable service from their Kawasakis. Hondas, Suzukis, Yamahas, Puch and Zundapp - owned them and been quite satisfied.

There are many types of bike that I would not buy because they do not suit the style of riding I like but that does not negate their suitability for other riders.

A decent bike is one that does what you personally want it to do - if you want to commute daily on the smell of an oily rag, then an old FA50 would be a "decent" bike so long as it was still running reliably.

Colapop

20th July 2006, 14:32

JUst having a bike would be pretty decent.

merv

20th July 2006, 15:58

I mentioned "fit" in my earlier post on this reminded me of something. Seat height is a big issue these days with us shorter people. My early days on dirt bikes they weren't so tall, but the WR I bought - seat height 998mm - I had to fit a shorter shock to lower it plus modify the forks because at my height - short 165cm - I'm fucked on anything taller than about 890mm in the dirt, comfy on about 850mm.

On the road with a slightly heavier bike and having to stop in traffic etc about 800mm is my limit which is what my VFR is.

What I see now is a few of the road bikes have crept up in height too.

Str8 you were talking about liking the ER-6F and 6N. Specs on the web say they are seat heights of 790 and 785mm.

Suzuki GSR600K6 is 785mm while SV650K6 and SK6 are both 800mm.

GSXR600 is 810, GSXR750 is 825 and GSXR1000 810.

Kawi Z750 is 815.

Yamaha R1 is 835.

So if we are talking about decent bikes whatever that is, where are the ones for shorties? VRod? Monster?

Or like I did with my WR and Blooveeteeah did with her GSXR thou you got to lower them.

Jonty

20th July 2006, 16:08

I like pretty colours........

Bonez

20th July 2006, 16:49

A decent bike is:
LEAVE A FOOKIN BIG SMILE ON YA FACE EVERY TIME YOU RETURN!!!!!!!Agree with you on this point. The others are moot :).
An unreliable, uncomfortable, slow bike can also be a hoot to blast around on............:gob:

MattRSK

20th July 2006, 16:53

After a day riding behind RG100 and Ldnz, and possibly you Str8 at one stage. Sniffing those exhaust fumes, I'm addicted. Love 'em. Just love my four stroke better thats all.

Motu

20th July 2006, 17:33

I don't think people should be allowd to ride two strokes,they bring out a side of their personality that should be locked away and never accessed.I'd probably be a manic depressive if I didn't have a two stroke....now I'm just manic...

inlinefour

20th July 2006, 17:36

I wonder if they are actually scared of 2-smokers...

fozz rock

20th July 2006, 17:58

JUst having a bike would be pretty decent.

yea mate
somethings better than nothings

merv

20th July 2006, 21:01

I'm still a member of Hawkes Bay Motorcycle Club and the newsletter was waiting for me in the mail when I got home. Interestingly the club president wrote an article on "watch what's happening you are going to see 2 strokes making a comeback" - being a dirt club mainly he is talking about MX bikes. Got me curious so thought I'd better do some web searching.

However, can't find much except old stuff about the Honda EXP2 from about 6 years back. Does any one know what the pres is talking about? Have you heard any rumours from the manufacturers?

The 2 strokes got killed basically by US emission laws and other articles tell me Honda won't be making any 2 strokes at all after 2008 so I don't know what to believe.

If the right model were produced I wouldn't mind going "Ringa ding ding" along with Str8 - as long as it was easy on gas and the engine lasted well.

Edbear

20th July 2006, 21:21

Jamezo

20th July 2006, 21:44

How wude!

Somebody probably just recently got pwned by a two stroke in teh tight stuff.

Str8 Jacket

21st July 2006, 07:25

How wude!

Somebody probably just recently got pwned by a two stroke in teh tight stuff.

hehe, now thats very likely! I love my bike :D

scumdog

21st July 2006, 08:09

A decent bike is always polite, is willing to help you when needed, never dresses in an immodest way, behaves in a seemly manner and never uses profanity or vulgar language.

Hope this helps.

Str8 Jacket

21st July 2006, 08:11

A decent bike is always polite, is willing to help you when needed, never dresses in an immodest way, behaves in a seemly manner and never uses profanity or vulgar language.

Hope this helps.

Doh! Maybe my bike isnt so "decent" then! Ive heard her use profanities (sp?) on a few occasions now... And she definately is NOT polite :blip:

Ixion

21st July 2006, 09:42

A decent bike is always polite, is willing to help you when needed, never dresses in an immodest way, behaves in a seemly manner and never uses profanity or vulgar language.

Hope this helps.

Oh dear. two of mine are naked bikes. How indecent. I hope I don't get a ticket when riding them, for indecent bike exposure.

merv

21st July 2006, 10:19

Doh! Maybe my bike isnt so "decent" then! Ive heard her use profanities (sp?) on a few occasions now... And she definately is NOT polite :blip:

Loud and cute can be quite attractive.

Wolf

21st July 2006, 13:11

A decent bike is always polite, is willing to help you when needed, never dresses in an immodest way, behaves in a seemly manner and never uses profanity or vulgar language.

Hope this helps.
That's no fun. Where does one find a bike that slinks around in lingerie and swears like a trooper?

Ruralman

21st July 2006, 15:25

Too subjective, but if you screwed me down I'd have to describe a 'decent bike' as one that is built/used for the purpose intended, does it well and is reliable

This about sums it up. Anything that does what you want and puts a smile on your face is a good bike.
. I have a 2 stroker as a toy - that power band gets real exciting when its muddy and everything is going everwhere, or when you want the front leg in the air. Not sure I'd want one on the road tho and these days the blue smoke will get harder to get a warrant with. I reckon some of these high performance off road 4 strokes probably use more oil anyway 'cos you've got to change the oil every couple of rides but I suppose its less noticecable than burning it through the motor?

Motu

21st July 2006, 15:37

What smoke? Mine only smokes from cold,and they all do that - but on the road only the faintest trace at the tip.Watch the MotoGP 125's and 250's - you don't see any smoke there do you?

Str8 Jacket

21st July 2006, 17:13

Yeah, mine smokes a bit when it's cold and Ive been cheap and used partially synthetic oil. Otherwise if I use fully synthetic oil it doesnt smoke much at all. Either way it still smells great!

Colapop

21st July 2006, 18:30

What about if you use chip oil?

Edbear

21st July 2006, 18:47

Sadly I can't have two bikes so I have to resort to playing with a chain saw when I feel the need for a two stroke fix.

Just tryin' to picture you ridin' a chainsaw...:innocent:

Edbear

21st July 2006, 19:02

I gave up on two strokes because whenever I really started enjoying myself on them they would always make speed holes in the top of the bloody pistons.

I used to use two different plugs in the old T500 - Champion L82Y's for low speed running and when heading out on the open roads I swapped to L78's which ran cooler and avoided this problem.

I still have very fond memories of the old girl after regretting selling it in '77 to get married. Still got the Missus, though, so all's good!:blip: Do love the GSX-F, got twice the power and far better handling and brakes! :yes:

Could get over 70mpg out of the T500 if I rode it right and the thirstiest I could make it was 33mpg - had to be doing over the ton for that! Topped out at 112mph on the speedo laying flat on the tank.

I agree with most here, if you like your bike and like riding it, it's gotta be a good one! :first:

McJim

24th July 2006, 14:38

New Zealand is supposed to be a classless society isn't it? That's one of the reasons I moved here from blighty. If people are going to go around judging your bike (especially if these guys are on incredibly expensive bikes) then that, surely, is tantamount to them humbling you due to your income. My bike is not the cheapest learner in the world I must admit but I will still give a nod and a wave to people on nifty fifties, GN250s and even cyclists (force of habit - been a cyclist on the road myself for the past 22 years) we're all united on 2 wheels the way I see it.
I think you've got a decent bike...for years I couldn't afford one at all myself.

Wolf

24th July 2006, 15:05

My bike is not the cheapest learner in the world I must admit but I will still give a nod and a wave to people on nifty fifties, GN250s and even cyclists
Fair enough. I wave to everyone, even those on scooters, especially this time of the year as I figure anyone tootling about on two wheels in the crappy weather has got to be a dedicated kindred spirit no matter what size engine the bike has.

McJim

24th July 2006, 16:23

My only problem is that no one waves back coz I'm an arsehole (I use self deprecation as a comedy device.....but I'm not very good at it)

Wolf

24th July 2006, 16:44

My only problem is that no one waves back coz I'm an arsehole (I use self deprecation as a comedy device.....but I'm not very good at it)
Nah, they don't wave back because they have the issues...

I've gotten waves out of all sorts of folk - including startled-looking gang members, probably wondering who the fuck it is waving at them.

Ixion

24th July 2006, 16:55

The gang types seem to wave back to petal. I suspect it's all the chrome, and they can't make out what the hell it is

I used to use two different plugs in the old T500 - Champion L82Y's for low speed running and when heading out on the open roads I swapped to L78's which ran cooler and avoided this problem.

The trouble with that of course, is when you come to a small town after a period of fangery, and have to throttle back. The hard plugs proceed to cool down, and foul up by the end of the town speed limit. So your exit from the town is ignominiously on one intermittent cylinder, and it takes 20km to get back on song. Ah, two smokers, dontcha luv them :love: