Jimmy B rides again

[Jimmy B]

Good afternoon,

Well after 5 years of not owning a bike, I started looking around. During my travels through cyberspace I found my way here and asked questions about specific bikes that I thought that I may like. The advice received has been fantastic, especially that received from "Blackbird" who endured the whole process with good humor and provided some interesting resources.

Well last week I spotted a 2003 Honda X11 which is basically a naked Blackbird, just set up slightly diferently. I initally wanted a naked bike because I like the old school look and the Blackbird was the only exception. Looks like I have (for me) found the perfect compromise.

Saturady after 2 nights of no sleep sees a quick test run and subsequent purchase. Ohh happy days, this bike is rapid from any speed, the handling inspires confidence and has a presence that definitley turns heads. Some dont rate the bikes appearance, but love it or hate it you cant ignore it. It is the best bike I have ridden by a considerable margin and I cant wait to learn more about it.

Now I picked it up for a good price and this became evident on close inspection, From 10 feet away it looks mint, closer inspection reveals some needed cosmetic repairs. Mechanically it is perfect and has only covered 11000Ks.

I need the tank resprayed and some of the plastic to the radiator intake repaired (minor) and resprayed.

Can anyone in Auckland point me in the direction of a shop that charges reasonably that has a good reputation for repairs?

Also does anyone know what the approximate cost would be?

Cheers

JB

[Blackbird]

Thank you for the kind words - your enthusiasm was catching.:2thumbsup Seriously, it's nice to be able to help someone as plenty of people from this site have helped me on all manner of things, not just bikes. That's what makes KiwiBiker members so special.

The best sprayers I've come across are Reflections in Glenfield. Not cheap, but superb. I had a fairing side panel done there when I binned the 'bird on the gravel out at East Cape Lighthouse. If your tank is plain black, the respray shouldn't be too bad. My side panel was ~$500 but that was multi-coat translucent blue with some metallic undercoats - a huge amount of work. You should be able to get decals through the 'net or even locally cut too. I'll make enquiries if none of the other members can help.

cheers

Geoff

[kiwifruit]

Im not sure on painters up there so i wont comment on that....
welcome to the site and welcome back to riding! :cool:
nice choice of wheels, they are a muscle bike :2thumbsup
have fun!

[Jimmy B]

Thanks Blackbird and Kiwifruit for the compliment on the Bike. Ive only ridden it for 3 hours and I have been amazed at how far Bikes have come in the short time since I last rode. Muscle Bike is right, good honest grunt, no question:cool:

I love it so much that I think I might give it a name

[Blackbird]

Good honest grunt is right - just take a look at the attached test results. That is phenomenal performance:2thumbsup

[Jimmy B]

Thanks mate,

Quite sobering really as to how quick these machines are, by the time you have said "this is flippin unreal" you've put on 100kph, well at least thats my experience:whistle:

Also interesting that the HP varies considerably between the various bikes yet that translates to minimal differences in usable power over short distances

had a PM from another KBer who suggested that I get some training onboard, sensible chap that...will be looking into it shortly, might make a pretty good Xmas pressie from my better h:cool:

[Blackbird]

Thanks mate,

Quite sobering really as to how quick these machines are, by the time you have said "this is flippin unreal" you've put on 100kph, well at least thats my experience:whistle:

Also interesting that the HP varies considerably between the various bikes yet that translates to minimal differences in usable power over short distances

had a PM from another KBer who suggested that I get some training onboard, sensible chap that...will be looking into it shortly, might make a pretty good Xmas pressie from my better h:cool:

Yes indeed on both counts.

Eminently sensible suggestion by the other KBer. Can't help you with Auckland courses but the half day 1:1 advanced road course (as opposed to track) that I did in Hamilton was really worthwhile. Here's their link: http://www.yellow.co.nz/site/fischerandassociatesltd/Motorcycle%20Riding%20School.html. My better 0.5 is also buying me bike stuff for my birthday this month. Oh goody, goody.:hug: