Using the bike on a daily basis...

[madbikeboy]

I'm back to doing a responsible job, and I've been trying an experiment to see how practical it is to ride Scoot instead of using the cage. The cage has been very helpful in assisting me by breaking down at great expense, so it's banished to the workshop where people are thoughtfully reading Italian workshop manuals and frowning a lot with a little meter in the background that goes Kaching! every 15 minutes...

So, the practicalities... Well, some days it just plain sucks. I remember being a lot harder back in the day. Turning up in reception areas dripping isn't cool. All three pairs of gloves are on the drying rack as we speak.

Last night was the worst, I grabbed a lid, braved the torrential rain, and spent a miserable time slip sliding around on rain soaked roads, cold and wet (in fairness my wets were already damp which wasn't a great start). I was cursing the fact that my eyesight was getting worse, turns out I'm a tool - in my haste to get out and about, I'd grabbed a lid with a tinted visor. Should have been obvious the moment I put my lid on, but I was hungry and in a rush.

Note to self, even slightly tinted visors are no good at night.

has anyone got a real solution about the suit and tie with a sportsbike (and if anyone suggests a Vespa...).

[Ixion]

That's Alfas for y'. Electrics have gone (again) haven't they. Did-a Nuvolari complaina about the reliability ? Did-a Fangio complaina about the relaibility ?

I sometimes have to wear suit and tie. No real problems. Fold the jacket up in a waterproof bag and stow it (luggage helps, but a back pack would work). Tie in pocket. Keep a spare pair of shoes at werk, if boots won't do (mine are plainish, I get away with them).

For all but the most formal meeting, I just wear a leather jacket (I have a plainish one, looks like a fashion jacket) and a tie and white shirt. Shirt is the key I reckon.

Overtrousers over dress trou is easy enough.

[chubby]

I take it that you get out and a bout with work???

For me, I have a suit permanently at work and so wear shirt and tie in with the rest of the bike clothes. My shoes arrive (one must watch ones words on here) in my bag (sissy bars are good for things like that).

If i had to get out and about for work..... mmm blows that idea. Herd of suit in a bag :lol::lol::lol:

Ok, if that doesn't work then you have to look at a compromise between the suit and riding gear and find a mid point that may work for both.

Ok vespas are out.... how's about a cruiser and corporate sheik.:headbang:

[chubby]

PS my alfa's have been nothing but a delight to own and drive. :cool::cool::cool:

[mowgli]

has anyone got a real solution about the suit and tie with a sportsbike (and if anyone suggests a Vespa...).

Cage it on Monday and take a week's worth of ironed shirts to work. Take last week's shirts home in the cage Monday evening. And for the rest of the week ..... enjoy the freedom of two wheels :niceone:

[jim.cox]

The cage has been very helpful in assisting me by breaking down at great expense, so it's banished to the workshop where people are thoughtfully reading Italian workshop manuals and frowning a lot with a little meter in the background that goes Kaching! every 15 minutes...


Tits or Wheels - It'll give you trouble in the end

[madbikeboy]

That's Alfas for y'. Electrics have gone (again) haven't they. Did-a Nuvolari complaina about the reliability ? Did-a Fangio complaina about the relaibility ?

It's an Alfa. It's still WAY more reliable than the succession of Audis that came before it. My last Alfa was a 166. Every time I see one (which is not often because they're not common), I realise that everything else misses the boat in terms of styling.

[mowgli]

Tits or Wheels - It'll give you trouble in the end
So halve the wheels, halve the trouble ;)

[madbikeboy]

I take it that you get out and a bout with work???

For me, I have a suit permanently at work and so wear shirt and tie in with the rest of the bike clothes. My shoes arrive (one must watch ones words on here) in my bag (sissy bars are good for things like that).

If i had to get out and about for work..... mmm blows that idea. Herd of suit in a bag :lol::lol::lol:

Ok, if that doesn't work then you have to look at a compromise between the suit and riding gear and find a mid point that may work for both.

Ok vespas are out.... how's about a cruiser and corporate sheik.:headbang:

Yeah, and not only do I get out and about, I tend to have long lunches with CEO types... Hence suit and tie being essential... Do you reckon the Gixer would look okay with sissy bars and ape-hangers???

I'm too young, and too into actually getting laid to own a cruiser... :)

[madbikeboy]

PS my alfa's have been nothing but a delight to own and drive. :cool::cool::cool:

That's just cruel. I bought a 156 sele to replace the company cage. I knew it needed some rehabilitation, but it's so mint otherwise. And it reminded me of my 166. What is it about mechanical stuff that makes common sense be thrown out the window with monotonous regularity?? It was the Alfa or a prius. I couldn't even muster the energy to look inside a prius...

[Ixion]

PS my alfa's have been nothing but a delight to own and drive. :cool::cool::cool:

OH, no disputing *that*. When the electrics are working.

But, the great thing about the Alfa electrics, is they never actually break.

They just require a regular mantric ritual to be followed.

For instance, on mine the "boot open" light comes on every so often. Nothing will turn it off. Nothing, except, opening the boot, opening the passenger door (it's a coupe) , and opening the bonnet. Then closing them in the same order. Sorted.

Finding out about these little rituals is part of the Alfa experience !

[Ixion]

..What is it about mechanical stuff that makes common sense be thrown out the window with monotonous regularity?? ....

Oh, reason not the need
Allow not Nature more than Nature's need
And man's life were cheap as beasts.

[daaatomic]

My last car before getting into bikes was an Alfa 33 Cloverleaf. Still miss it dearly, but dont miss being under the bonnet every weekend trying to keep it running properly.

[chubby]

Yeah, and not only do I get out and about, I tend to have long lunches with CEO types... Hence suit and tie being essential... Do you reckon the Gixer would look okay with sissy bars and ape-hangers???

I'm too young, and too into actually getting laid to own a cruiser... :)


Nope the Gixer is totally the wrong bike. Ok... If your gunna play big boy lunches then you'll need an edge. Softail custom with 14 inch apes and as much chrome as it'll handle, make it a red one to match the alfa (you do have a red one eh?). That will be a talking point for those meetings plus you'll win every CEO's heart.

Too young.... This isn't about you... this is about attitude and business. HD jackets are accepted anywhere.

Getting laid. if your bike is your best tool then I'd get worried :shifty: Go in a taxi, with expectation.

How about ride to work and then taxi????

[madbikeboy]

OH, no disputing *that*. When the electrics are working.

But, the great thing about the Alfa electrics, is they never actually break.

They just require a regular mantric ritual to be followed.

For instance, on mine the "boot open" light comes on every so often. Nothing will turn it off. Nothing, except, opening the boot, opening the passenger door (it's a coupe) , and opening the bonnet. Then closing them in the same order. Sorted.

Finding out about these little rituals is part of the Alfa experience !

I've always thought that Italians have difficulty getting electricity from one place to another. And oil to stay contained. And hydraulic systems that retain pressure...
But the noise and the beauty...

[Big Dave]

Forget the goretex - it carries more water than it repels - Step in - step out Plastic oversuit, waterproof boots and plastic liners under gloves.

Suit folds up to nothing. wear a bag for the gloves and helmet.

HTFU & Job done.

[vifferman]

I've always wanted to own an Alfa, and very nearly bought one after writing off the VFR750 (actually tested/signed up for one, but bought a VTR100 instead). Thank heavens I didn't. But (however) we do own a FIAT, which appears to ahve the same sort of gremlins as an Alfa, but without the performance and style. After the car was rear-ended by a hit-and-run bOi RacR, it was repaired. When I got it back from the panelbeater, the airbag warning light was on, so I took it back. Both the panelbeater and dealer swore that it had nothing to do with the accident. Rriiiiihgt....
So, it was functioning normally, the car had a bang in the rear, and now it's playing up, and it's nothing to do with the accident?!?
I checked around on the Interdweeb, and apparently all it takes for these to malfunction is a nasty pothole. $1800 or so will fix it.
Disconnecting the light doesn't - it fails a WOF if you do that.
But a $12 timer kit from Jaycar, that illuminates the warning light for 7 seconds whenever the ignition is switched on, fixes it fine. :whistle:

It doesn't fix the leaky heater core that leaks onto the ECU that is conveniently placed directly under it. Several layers of plastic bags fix that.

Anyway - back to your problem.
For about 7 years, I commuted everyday to work by bike, and had to wear 'business attire'. I used to wear shirt'n'tie under leathers, and carry shoes, trousers and jacket in the backpack, and get changed in the toilets or shower at work. (You can also leave the shoes and/or jacket at work overnight).
It used to amuse the hell outta the plebs to see me transform from leather-clad biker dude into mild-mannered cubicle dweeboid.

I do the same now, except now I can wear what I like while at work, and often take the car.
Because I can.

[chubby]

I've always thought that Italians have difficulty getting electricity from one place to another. And oil to stay contained. And hydraulic systems that retain pressure...
But the noise and the beauty...

I had a 156 and it was a pure pleasure. Oh the power band.

I now have the 159 (slightly modified exhaust) and while the inside is great the engine is more 'dignified'. I miss the 156 and its voice.

hmmmm... and I thought that trunk thing was just me hitting the wrong part of the fob....... duh-oh

[madbikeboy]

I had a 156 and it was a pure pleasure. Oh the power band.

I now have the 159 (slightly modified exhaust) and while the inside is great the engine is more 'dignified'. I miss the 156 and its voice.

hmmmm... and I thought that trunk thing was just me hitting the wrong part of the fob....... duh-oh

I bought the 156 as a placeholder, we're selling up and moving overseas depending on how things pan out. I've test driven a 159 2.2, and it was stunning, a massive improvement on the 156. It's a bit bigger too, almost 166 sized. I still prefer the 166, though the 159 sportwagon is a thing of beauty. Good taste Chubbs.

[chubby]

That's the 159 that I have. The 159 has a powerband that is more defined throughput the rev range. the old 156 had a little lag until you hit about 3200 revs. The euro exhaust emission requirements are the main reason for the change as the old 156 went all haywire on the tests once the 3200 rpm was met. The 156 had that school boy character. The 159 is a great driving car, corners well and everyting points at you the driver, however it feels more like a young adult than a screaming school kid. My adjusted exhaust system gets it off its knees and it has more of the old alfa sound. The 159 a nicer car to drive and it fits well but lacks a little of the barearsed 156 personality.

PS Both have been red with black leather, of course.

No problems with a suit in those cars.

[jim.cox]

But (however) we do own a FIAT, which appears to ahve the same sort of gremlins as an Alfa, but without the performance and style.

F.I.A.T. == Fix It Again Tomorrow (at least in my experience it does)

[vifferman]

F.I.A.T. == Fix It Again Tomorrow (at least in my experience it does)
That's "Fix It Again, Tonio!" :buggerd:
We were dumb buying it - we were shown all the receipts and service history, and it's absolutely staggering how many things have failed, been replaced, repaired, whatever. To be fair, it's been pretty reliable since (airbag thing notwithstanding) - the only repair has been some gaskets on the waterpump, and a battery past it's use by date. It's an excellent around-town car: easy to drive, economical and comfy, just a tad anaemic and the suspension dampers are fookt, so it's a bit bouncy.
The previous Fiat we had (or first family car) was a 132, and despite having had 13 owners and possibly having been crashed, it was brilliant. But.... I sold it at auction in the end, as a brake cylinder resleeving job meant that whether or not the brakes worked was a lottery. No good with a young baby on board...

[madbikeboy]

That's the 159 that I have. The 159 has a powerband that is more defined throughput the rev range. the old 156 had a little lag until you hit about 3200 revs. The euro exhaust emission requirements are the main reason for the change as the old 156 went all haywire on the tests once the 3200 rpm was met. The 156 had that school boy character. The 159 is a great driving car, corners well and everyting points at you the driver, however it feels more like a young adult than a screaming school kid. My adjusted exhaust system gets it off its knees and it has more of the old alfa sound. The 159 a nicer car to drive and it fits well but lacks a little of the barearsed 156 personality.

PS Both have been red with black leather, of course.

No problems with a suit in those cars.

Interesting - the lag is noticable, and if you're in a rush, then you've got to keep it on the boil. The car immediately prior to the company cage was a Mini Cooper S - tonnes more go, and handles really well, but the real difference is the torque. Which is why you ride a cruiser, and why, even though I know a Gixer thou is a sledgehammer when a normal hammer would suffice - torque is all good.

The 156 is black, with black leather. Red leather is just... Sublime.

It's with a guy I know getting cambelt, waterpump etc, new clutch etc. Would rather spend the bucks and get it sorted, so I don't have to mess with it for a while. Will sell it soon either way, either heading to Aus, or I'll buy something new.

[chubby]

Your right... torque is good. Torque has a 'good feel' quotion far in excess of top end speed. Ok to me torque is everything.

Ok so I have a HD and compared to the Gixer its slow. Your right, but even slower, when you wind it up it still feels damn good, its raw and it sounds fantastic (I'd be dead in a few minutes on the Gixer).

I hope your 156 gets fixed up and you will enjoy her again. They are a sprightly wee thing even if it needs the rpm to dance properly. Bit hard to rev that high at the lights without appearing a tosser but once your up around the powerband she is so much fun. Cornering is purely point and squirt.

Good luck with her and take care on the Gixer

[scracha]

has anyone got a real solution about the suit and tie with a sportsbike (and if anyone suggests a Vespa...).
Reportedly the bestest most superdooperist motorcycle oversuit is the Aerostich Roadcrafter. http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Roadcrafter-p-1-c-249.html

Cordura Frank Thomas gear did the job for me. Cheap, Light, armoured, breathable and from my experience 99.5% waterproof. Came off over the trousers etc no problems. Strongly advise on hard panniers (givi or similar). Push button, off with pannier(s), into bogs, change out of superman costume and you come out looking like a white collar worker carrying a slightly scuffed givi topbox by it's handle. Obviously take your wet things back out of the top box(s) when you arrive at your workstation to dry out.

If it was torrential rain I also threw over a light goretex jacket. Ignore the plastic comments, you'll smell and they'll make your shirt all sweaty.

[madbikeboy]

Your right... torque is good. Torque has a 'good feel' quotion far in excess of top end speed. Ok to me torque is everything.

Ok so I have a HD and compared to the Gixer its slow. Your right, but even slower, when you wind it up it still feels damn good, its raw and it sounds fantastic (I'd be dead in a few minutes on the Gixer).

I hope your 156 gets fixed up and you will enjoy her again. They are a sprightly wee thing even if it needs the rpm to dance properly. Bit hard to rev that high at the lights without appearing a tosser but once your up around the powerband she is so much fun. Cornering is purely point and squirt.

Good luck with her and take care on the Gixer

I was tempted to say this in a PM, but fuck it. I like the torque of a big capacity HD. I'd own a bagger. But it would have 122 S&S and a blower. The HD out of the whole is quick - first 60 feet, and it's ahead, until the Gixer gets on cam, and the clutch stops slipping (the only fast way to launch without looping). The gixer is a pussy cat, it's so easy to ride, its like a 600 with more oomph. until you push a little hard, and then it's not so easy to live with.

I'm notorious for killing tires, my mini cooper S fronts last about 1000 k (from Queenstown to Auckland). I'm hoping the alfa will be easier on rubber...

[Big Dave]

Ignore the plastic comments, you'll smell and they'll make your shirt all sweaty.

Ignore the goretex comments unless you have deodorant issues.

[alanzs]

Reportedly the bestest most superdooperist motorcycle oversuit is the Aerostich Roadcrafter. http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Roadcrafter-p-1-c-249.html


I have an Aeorstich riding suit that I wear all the time. I am warm and comfy, the clothes look just fine when I arrive wherever I am going. It doesn't leak, has all the protection I demand. Best riding suit around, as far as I am concerned. Wasn't cheap, but the better things generally aren't. www.aerostich.com
I don't wear suits and ties to work now, but I used to wear it all the time when I did. It was a conversation piece and it/I garnered respect from whoever I went and met, as it showed I wasn't just riding for kicks. I used to use it as an example in my sales presentations. Commitment, quality, no compromising, blah, blah, blah...

[Insanity_rules]

I just wear a Nortech 355 jacket, Dri-rider touring gloves (keep the hands well warm and dry)and shift rain pants. I ride 50K's each way in all weather. Working well so far. Shoes and jacket at work, havent gotten too wet either.

I find the ride home clenses the bitter taste of work quite nicely.

Oh BTW, if you have to carry a laptop small piece of advice. Targus do a great back pack, all you have to do is spray it with a bit of scotch guard. I also found my large tank bag rain cover covers it well. Not only that but the straps on the side make it ideal for lashing to the passenger seat.

[Nasty]

I have a few jackets at work and keep a box of shoes there as well .. I also keep a skirt of two just in case I have emergency meeting that I had no anticipated.

I wear my shirts and trousers under my motorcycle gear and have two pairs of gloves just in case one gets wet ... ride 30 odd kms to work and back ... overall have never had a major issue and occasionally bring the car in to change the cloths ... but most are dryclean anyway.

[Mikkel]

I'm back to doing a responsible job, and I've been trying an experiment to see how practical it is to ride Scoot instead of using the cage. The cage has been very helpful in assisting me by breaking down at great expense, so it's banished to the workshop where people are thoughtfully reading Italian workshop manuals and frowning a lot with a little meter in the background that goes Kaching! every 15 minutes...

Buy a Toyota...


Last night was the worst, I grabbed a lid, braved the torrential rain, and spent a miserable time slip sliding around on rain soaked roads, cold and wet (in fairness my wets were already damp which wasn't a great start). I was cursing the fact that my eyesight was getting worse, turns out I'm a tool - in my haste to get out and about, I'd grabbed a lid with a tinted visor. Should have been obvious the moment I put my lid on, but I was hungry and in a rush.

Note to self, even slightly tinted visors are no good at night.

Good thing you're still here :yes:

Get a motard, slipping and sliding should be the natural state then ;)
Also, what would be more awesome than to ride to work on Aprillia SVX 550, wearing an Armani suit? :clap: (There's even one for sale (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-159015534.htm) right now.)

[SPman]

I don't own a suit, refuse to wear a tie, if I'm involved in meetings, I just look like one of the builders and if "the Firm" don't like it, they haven't told me yet.
So - full leathers over whatever I'm wearing to work and Oxford oversuit over that if it's wet. If I look a bit "crinkled", well....do I actually give a stuff.......ahhh, it's great to be old and not actually care what others in the office think you should look like....the advantage of having "skills" in very short supply over here..
Speaking of Alfas (well, everyone else seems to be) - last car was a 72 Berlina 2000 - looked like a Lada but a bloody brilliant car on the road, espec with some suspension mods. And the engine was as strong as.... Shame about the sodding headlight/flasher/indicator switch assembly, which needed fixing/beating/abusing/replacing every year or so.....

[swbarnett]

All three pairs of gloves are on the drying rack as we speak.
Get yourself a pair of "Rain-Offs" over gloves. I bought a pair last week and there the best piece of rain gear I have ever owned.