Self-gratifying/investment?

[Maha]

New or Second Hand Bike Mods:
(This is a genuine question and not related to any personal experience, or a dig at any in particular)

You buy a brand new bike, why not leave it as it is?
Surely, spending anywhere between $13K and $20K+ you would expect the bike to be able to perform exactly how you want for that money right?
Is there an expectation that spending a few grand extra is the done thing?
Obviously, when the time comes to trade up (or whatever) you bike is now worth alot more to you than anybody else.
Is it false economy to own something that owes you $25K but market value puts it closer to the $ 16K mark?

Its it looked upon as an investment or is it more self gratifying?
Will leave expenditure out of it now.

[CookMySock]

Is there an expectation that spending a few grand extra is the done thing?I think its the kiwi way to personalise it a bit. Then theres the purely practical side of it - the lights need improving, and the brakes and suspension - how to do that without breaking the bank.

Other than that, I like a new bike to look factory standard. Hrm, maybe a few blue LEDs.. :yes:

Steve

[Maha]

I think its the kiwi way to personalise it a bit. Then theres the purely practical side of it - the lights need improving, and the brakes and suspension - how to do that without breaking the bank.

Other than that, I like a new bike to look factory standard. Hrm, maybe a few blue LEDs.. :yes:

Steve


A good reply.
Gald you brought up brakes and suspension.
Manufactures try to keep costs down by using low spec suspension (in most cases) ...I find that a little misleading on their behalf.

[skidMark]

I doubt i will ever find a bike that is that complete perfect package the exact right looks etc....

thats why ya tweak it to how ya want it,

people say putting an exhaust power commander etc on a bike adds no resale value, i do not think this is true because i know i would be willing to pay that bit extra to have the goodies. (saves me putting em on right?)

[marioc]

An investment in happiness for sure,which is what bikes are all about.
Money wise though unless you a buying an appreciating classic a motorbike is a very bad investment.
But who gives a shit about that!

[R6_kid]

Manufactures try to keep costs down by using low spec suspension (in most cases) ...I find that a little misleading on their behalf.

I think you'll find that they actually try to meet the needs of the broadest range of target customers that they can. For instance the suspension on your bike may be suitable for me, but not for you, or the next guy. Bike's aren't like cars where one setup will meet the needs of 99% of the market.

If you buy a bargain bin bike you get bargain bin parts. And if you want top line suspension standard on your bike then you will pay for it. You can't expect any manufacturer to make the same bike in skinny/average/fat person suspension options, or to have a bike that has suspension to cater for every person that will every ride it as it is out of the box.

[wysper]

New or Second Hand Bike Mods:
(This is a genuine question and not related to any personal experience, or a dig at any in particular)



Its it looked upon as an investment or is it more self gratifying?
Will leave expenditure out of it now.

Leaving the dollars of the original purchase out of it and also the cost of the mods.

Things are built to a budget - usually across the board. So for a bike, engine, brakes, suspension, chasis etc

So if you pick up one where everything suits you except say the exhaust system, you buy that then change the exhaust. Becuause looking at the model that had the exhaust you liked - everything else was higher spec'd than you wanted or needed.

So subsequently the cost would be higher.

The other reason is coz you want to :lol:

Plus Kiwis seem to love to tinker with things.

[Cajun]

TOTAL RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Cost $4,295.76
Services $1,028
Maintenance $2,637
Hot up parts $3,236
Dress up parts $1,309
Tires $2,890
Suspension $892

TOTAL RUNNING COSTS $16,287.81


Cost of Buying bike $16,349

TOTAL OUTLAY $32,636.81
--------------------------
thats in 4 1/2 years ownership 50,000kms

Why do mods? many i have picked up cheap/second handy, some i wanted to do, some i didn't really think about doing, but found cheap so did them.
Were they all needed? No. (some yes)
Have some made difference to bike performance/handling? Yes some have, some have not.
Some mods have just to tidy up looks, and not made any peformance in area, of the bike.
Am i gonna get anything extra when come to sell it? No
i could recover some of money if i decided to sell some parts of later.

But meh, i have done all the work on my bike myself, some input by friends or other forums for some things. My bike is very unquine, and different.

[Rosie]

The nature of bike modifications varies quite a lot, so obviously the reasons for doing the mods will vary as well.

I bought my bike brand new, and starting changing things around almost straight away, and am continuing to plan further mods. They are generally comfort/touring related things (nice seat, big tank, luggage racks), rather than performance/bling type mods

I couldn't find a bike that was going to do exactly what I wanted it to, so I bought something close enough, and started fiddling with all the bits that needed improvement.

I don't expect any of the mods would increase the value of the bike, but, I didn't buy the bike to sell it, I bought it to go touring on gravel roads, so I'm happy to throw away a little bit of money to make the bike better at doing that. :scooter:

[Maha]

I doubt i will ever find a bike that is that complete perfect package the exact right looks etc....

thats why ya tweak it to how ya want it,

people say putting an exhaust power commander etc on a bike adds no resale value, i do not think this is true because i know i would be willing to pay that bit extra to have the goodies. (saves me putting em on right?)

Correct/incorrect.
Correct in your first sentence, no argument there (still erks me that that cant be so)
Incorrect (to me anyway) on the resale bit. A bike is worth how much you sell it for, does not matter what it has on it, that only envokes more interest.

[skidMark]

TOTAL RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Cost $4,295.76
Services $1,028
Maintenance $2,637
Hot up parts $3,236
Dress up parts $1,309
Tires $2,890
Suspension $892

TOTAL RUNNING COSTS $16,287.81


Cost of Buying bike $16,349

TOTAL OUTLAY $32,876.81
--------------------------


All the modifications and then realising it wasnt the bike that was useless...

...Priceless.

[Cajun]

All the modifications and then realising it wasnt the bike that was useless...

...Priceless.

hey knew that long before modifications started.

[skidMark]

hey knew that long before modifications started.

Midlife crisis?, i assume the tassles were part of the dress up parts?

[Bass]

New or Second Hand Bike Mods:
Its it looked upon as an investment or is it more self gratifying?
Will leave expenditure out of it now.

While for some, the bike is everyday transport and so just a tool of sorts, for most on here, the bike is a toy. Now most bikes are built to a price - I know that mine surely are and so there will have been compromises made.
We often are unwilling to accept compromises in our toys and are prepared to spend some extra to get something that better meets our wants.

Bling appears to have almost no resale value ON THE BIKE. It seems that to get your money back on the additions that you have made, one has to take it back to standard and sell the bling-bits separately. It follows therefore that it's not an investment and falls into the self-gratification or wanking category.

The Triumph is wanked in the seating and suspension areas and I get sufficient gratification from that. The DR however is a complete kaleidoscope of solitary sin.

[AllanB]

One of the attractions of the Hornet 900 to me was that it is a good and easy platform to personalise.

Handlebars first..... turn signals (Honda ones were severely gay) ...... mirrors (goodbye Mickey Mouse)...... remove the stickers (I know I need to wear a helmet)..... muffler tips altered (good grief there is now a noise)....tail tidy in the works......hmmm seats a bit plain..........hmmm a wee hand beaten alloy flyscreen would be a nice project........then there is fancy springs .....

I enjoy it - my wife does not understand it.

Remember the factory made your bike as a mass produced item to met a budget and global regulations. Go on change a few things to make it yours.

If its done carefully you can always change it back to stock when selling (I have a growing box of Honda parts).

[Cajun]

Midlife crisis?, i assume the tassles were part of the dress up parts?

Dress up Parts
Rear hugger
Exhaust Polished
Exhaust Repacking
Rearsets powdercoated
Exhuast Bracket
Speedohealer
Stoud Dash
Dash Front Cover
Air Horns
Exhust Polished
Intergrated tailight
Fender elemtor
Rear interactors
Headlight protector
Tinted D/b Screen
Lightweight ram air ducts
-----
list of what i would call dress up parts.

not even in my 30's ages until i have to buy a harley

and at least i allowed to ride young man.

[skidMark]

Dress up Parts
Rear hugger (34,300)
Exhaust Polished (44,500)
Exhaust Repacking (44,500)
Rearsets powdercoated (15,0000)
Exhuast Bracket (15,300) $34
Speedohealer (28,300)
Stoud Dash (44,500)
Dash Front Cover
Air Horns (3,700)
Exhust Polished (44,500)
Intergrated tailight (44,700)
Fender elemtor
Rear interactors
Headlight protector
Tinted D/b Screen
Lightweight ram air ducts
-----
list of what i would call dress up parts.

not even in my 30's ages until i have to buy a harley

and at least i allowed to ride young man.

What's a rear interactor?

You may be allowed to, but at least i am good at it :woohoo:

[Cajun]

What's a rear interactor?

You may be allowed to, but at least i am good at it :woohoo:

my disylix one, you know the one you wanted to buy for your bike

who said you any good? if you keep getting caught by the 50 your not that good.

[skidMark]

One of the attractions of the Hornet 900 to me was that it is a good and easy platform to personalise.

Handlebars first..... turn signals (Honda ones were severely gay) ...... mirrors (goodbye Mickey Mouse)...... remove the stickers (I know I need to wear a helmet)..... muffler tips altered (good grief there is now a noise)....tail tidy in the works......hmmm seats a bit plain..........hmmm a wee hand beaten alloy flyscreen would be a nice project........then there is fancy springs .....

I enjoy it - my wife does not understand it.

Remember the factory made your bike as a mass produced item to met a budget and global regulations. Go on change a few things to make it yours.

If its done carefully you can always change it back to stock when selling (I have a growing box of Honda parts).

Yeah you can always change it back if need be, thats why i am sticking to changing frame colour etc on my katana, may ditch the turbo idea i dont think the old GS crank and stock internals would handle it.

[skidMark]

my disylix one, you know the one you wanted to buy for your bike

who said you any good? if you keep getting caught by the 50 your not that good.


They dont catch me, i stop and wait for them to catch up and the bike wont start.

Honest.

[Maha]

An investment in happiness for sure,which is what bikes are all about.


Nicely put!!!


I think you'll find that they actually try to meet the needs of the broadest range of target customers that they can. For instance the suspension on your bike may be suitable for me, but not for you, or the next guy. Bike's aren't like cars where one setup will meet the needs of 99% of the market.
If you buy a bargain bin bike you get bargain bin parts. And if you want top line suspension standard on your bike then you will pay for it. You can't expect any manufacturer to make the same bike in skinny/average/fat person suspension options, or to have a bike that has suspension to cater for every person that will every ride it as it is out of the box.

Well thought out reply Gareth....great explanation. (I sound like a teacher marking a report....:rolleyes:)



Plus Kiwis seem to love to tinker with things.

Aint that the truth.


TOTAL RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Cost $4,295.76
Services $1,028
Maintenance $2,637
Hot up parts $3,236
Dress up parts $1,309
Tires $2,890
Suspension $892

TOTAL RUNNING COSTS $16,287.81


Cost of Buying bike $16,349

TOTAL OUTLAY $32,636.81
--------------------------
thats in 4 1/2 years ownership 50,000kms

Why do mods? many i have picked up cheap/second handy, some i wanted to do, some i didn't really think about doing, but found cheap so did them.
Were they all needed? No. (some yes)
Have some made difference to bike performance/handling? Yes some have, some have not.
Some mods have just to tidy up looks, and not made any peformance in area, of the bike.
Am i gonna get anything extra when come to sell it? No
i could recover some of money if i decided to sell some parts of later.

But meh, i have done all the work on my bike myself, some input by friends or other forums for some things. My bike is very unquine, and different.


The nature of bike modifications varies quite a lot, so obviously the reasons for doing the mods will vary as well.

I bought my bike brand new, and starting changing things around almost straight away, and am continuing to plan further mods. They are generally comfort/touring related things (nice seat, big tank, luggage racks), rather than performance/bling type mods

I couldn't find a bike that was going to do exactly what I wanted it to, so I bought something close enough, and started fiddling with all the bits that needed improvement.

I don't expect any of the mods would increase the value of the bike, but, I didn't buy the bike to sell it, I bought it to go touring on gravel roads, so I'm happy to throw away a little bit of money to make the bike better at doing that. :scooter:

I hear what you're saying, personally I dont really see it as throwing away money. The seat on my Honda (for instance) is fine, no problem with it, but sat on on the other day, one you guys may done actually and it felt fine also. Do I need a new seat?...not really, would be nice to have cool looking seat with pipping and embroided bits, but I cant see the point in it right now.

[Cajun]

some of my parts i brought i see as sorta throwing away money,
did i need spare set of rims?
did i need a seat of race fairings?
did i need the race fairings repaired and painted?
did i need a spare engine?

Others are good investments
full race system
ohlins rear/steering damper
racetech front

[skidMark]

some of my parts i brought i see as sorta throwing away money,
did i need spare set of rims?
did i need a seat of race fairings?
did i need the race fairings repaired and painted?
did i need a spare engine?

Others are good investments
full race system
ohlins rear/steering damper
racetech front


you hsould gather more bits and make a complete racebike, ya already got all the hard to source goodies!

[Maha]

Bling appears to have almost no resale value ON THE BIKE. It seems that to get your money back on the additions that you have made, one has to take it back to standard and sell the bling-bits separately. It follows therefore that it's not an investment and falls into the self-gratification or wanking category.

The Triumph is wanked in the seating and suspension areas and I get sufficient gratification from that. The DR however is a complete kaleidoscope of solitary sin.

The seat on my Honda (for instance) is fine, no problem with it, but sat on on the other day, one you guys may done actually and it felt fine also. Do I need a new seat?...not really, would be nice to have cool looking seat with pipping and embroided bits, but I cant see the point in it right now.

This is what I sadi in an earlier post Neal, love your way with words...
The DR however is a complete kaleidoscope of solitary sin. :rockon:


One of the attractions of the Hornet 900 to me was that it is a good and easy platform to personalise.

Handlebars first..... turn signals (Honda ones were severely gay) ...... mirrors (goodbye Mickey Mouse)...... remove the stickers (I know I need to wear a helmet)..... muffler tips altered (good grief there is now a noise)....tail tidy in the works......hmmm seats a bit plain..........hmmm a wee hand beaten alloy flyscreen would be a nice project........then there is fancy springs .....

I enjoy it - my wife does not understand it.

Remember the factory made your bike as a mass produced item to met a budget and global regulations. Go on change a few things to make it yours.

If its done carefully you can always change it back to stock when selling (I have a growing box of Honda parts).

Not a huge outlay for excellent results.... keeping it simple. I dont like the mirrors on mine, they may have to change, I know exactly what my elbows look like!

[vifferman]

I enjoy it - my wife does not understand it.

Remember the factory made your bike as a mass produced item to met a budget and global regulations. Go on change a few things to make it yours.

If its done carefully you can always change it back to stock when selling (I have a growing box of Honda parts).
You sound much like me, Mr B. Even as far as "the wife does not understand it".
She made me buyt the bike, and it was the first bike I've had that was OUR bike. Then I started to "tinker with it" (her words), i.e., improve some of the things I wasn't happy with, and all of a sudden it wasn't 'our' bike anymore, and I was in trouble.
Heh... the reason I chose this particular bike in the first place (had a choice of about 5 VFRs) was because it already had some of the things I wanted to put on it, and wasn't sure if I'd be able to justify them, like the Satantune zorst and heated hand grips.
Nothing I've done to it is has been irreversible, and some (like disabling the PAIR valves) I've changed my mind about and returned to standard. Everything else (apart from the paint scratches and battle damage) has - to my mind - improved the bike in some way.

[Bonez]

Its it looked upon as an investment or is it more self gratifying?
Will leave expenditure out of it now.More self gratifying more than anything else ;).

You can come out even or close to getting your money back buying used. For example my GB400. I paid $1400 for it around three years ago. Apart from the normal things to keep it running and road legal I've spent naff all. Goes everywhere I need to go. Its on its second set of tyres and I've done 30,000kms on it so far, around town and long distance stuff(done 20,000kms plus on the CX which cost me $300 and a bit on the 550f in that time as well). Market value is around the $1200-$1600. I'm not going to sell it as I've had a hoot of time on it as you know but I'm not going loose much if anything if I do sell it.

Basicly comes done to what you want from a motocycle. As long as you're happy doing the changes why not go for it.

[martybabe]

My bike is all about me, it's the only thing I own that's truly mine. I don't have the skills, money or facilities to make a bike, so I have to buy a mass produced item then set about making it the way I want. It needs to handle, stop and look the way I want it to, it's an on going and costly venture but it's my hobby, every time it improves, at least from my perspective, it makes me feel good. How many things do we own that we can say are better today than yesterday.

I think maybe, I have a desire to create my own bike, I've carried an image of that bike in my head for 40 years, till the day comes when I can make that bike :laugh: I shall just keep on tinkering, polishing and 'improving' the bike I have.

So yeah, for me, self indulgence/gtatification but I enjoy it and I've sure as hell indulged enough people in my life time to deserve a little self indulgence. :niceone:

[Roj]

Pretty much go for the self gratifying answer, I have to use a car for work so my bike is only for fun...

[MadDuck]

You buy a brand new bike, why not leave it as it is?


...because stock standard just does not have enough "bling" :whistle:

[keithbuckby]

I think it is for personal satisfaction, my bike might look original now, and I am proud of that, but as time goes by I will change it to what I like (and as budget allows). after all beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[ManDownUnder]

...because stock standard just does not have enough "bling" :whistle:

Exactly - for some.

I value funtion over bling personally, but others value bling over functionality. Each to their own, and how it all washes out in respect of the $$$ value of a vehicle is totally subjective anyway.

Market forces being what they are - the price of anything is only what someone's willing to pay.

[Maha]

More self gratifying more than anything else ;).


Basicly comes done to what you want from a motocycle. As long as you're happy doing the changes why not go for it.

Yes Bonez, nail and hammer collide.
I ended up selling my Triumph for what it would have been sold for on the floor. And I was happy with what I had done to it, overkill on the Ohlins looking back, but hey, its gone now and the new onwer has brilliant bike thanks to me....<_<




My bike is all about me, it's the only thing I own that's truly mine. I don't have the skills, money or facilities to make a bike, so I have to buy a mass produced item then set about making it the way I want. It needs to handle, stop and look the way I want it to, it's an on going and costly venture but it's my hobby, every time it improves, at least from my perspective, it makes me feel good. How many things do we own that we can say are better today than yesterday.
So yeah, for me, self indulgence/gtatification but I enjoy it and I've sure as hell indulged enough people in my life time to deserve a little self indulgence. :niceone:

Yes they become a passion in a sense eh Marty?
And a bit of passionate self indulgance never hurt anyone....:Punk:

[Maha]

I think it is for personal satisfaction, my bike might look original now, and I am proud of that, but as time goes by I will change it to what I like (and as budget allows). after all beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Your GPZ is now classed as a classic??

Which beg's the question, would anyone tart up Bonnie or a Norton etc, or leave them stock standard. Surely it be frowned upon by 'senior' bikers if they viewed a classic wearing anything else but its original bits?

[Bonez]

Your GPZ is now classed as a classic??

Which beg's the question, would anyone tart up Bonnie or a Norton etc, or leave them stock standard. Surely it be frowned upon by 'senior' bikers if they viewed a classic wearing anything else but its original bits?There are some folk who are just plane anal about that ah? As bad as train and plane spotters.

[AllanB]

Much has been tweaked on this Norton but it is very true to the original look.
YUMMY

[Maha]

There are some folk who are just anal about that ah? As bad as train and plane spotters.

Well yeah but, they way I see it, those sort of bike should be left as original as possible. You will pay good money to pick one up in mint (or close enough) condition, and they are ment to have a bit a harden attitude about them aren't they? (the bikes i mean)

On a side not: the Yamaha we have in the garage is a few years old and it gets nothing but tyres (it has to safe so I wont stop at tyres) but you know what I mean? Its worth $1000 and thats it!

[pritch]

Surely it be frowned upon by 'senior' bikers if they viewed a classic wearing anything else but its original bits?

Well those bikes were "tarted up" to a degree by the guys who owned them back in the day. ManyTriumphs had crash bars and/or spotlights. Some guys put alloy guards on bikes that didn't have them standard as I recall.

There were also performance bits offered by some of the Brit manufacturers but these were internal and not on display.

There was probably a lot less customising than today though. I've replaced standard shocks with Konis way-back-when but only because the OE Girlings were stuffed.

It's only in the last four years or so that I've added or changed things on a whim rather than because it was necessary.

[Bonez]

Well yeah but, they way I see it, those sort of bike should be left as original as possible. You will pay good money to pick one up in mint (or close enough) condition, and they are ment to have a bit a harden attitude about them aren't they? (the bikes i mean)

On a side not: the Yamaha we have in the garage is a few years old and it gets nothing but tyres (it has to safe so I wont stop at tyres) but you know what I mean? Its worth $1000 and thats it!Yeah. But it's interesting to prices rise as the years go by though. Todays shit can be tomorrows treasures.

[SPman]

The XJR has had lots of little tweaks - goes a lot better, sounds a lot better but still looks bog stock standard - complete to the thick smearing of insect life across the front (bikes are to use, not slavishly pander to...). Cost - most parts sourced through Ebay, so, not a lot. The expensive bits are to come - if I feel like it - although there are better things to do with the money a.t.m. - stainless collector box replacement - thats just bling - although it would provide a bit more go as well....a visit to the local suspension man for front springs, etc, would be nice, but, it's not vital....and a set of Renthall bars.......coloured braided lines......the list could go on and on and on.......
I think, the main thing is we like to personalise our bikes, so they're just that bit different, if possible, from all the others out there - some people achieve it by throwing heaps of money at it, others just fiddle about here and there - guess it depends on the size of your ego.........

[keithbuckby]

Your GPZ is now classed as a classic??

Which beg's the question, would anyone tart up Bonnie or a Norton etc, or leave them stock standard. Surely it be frowned upon by 'senior' bikers if they viewed a classic wearing anything else but its original bits?

didn't think it was old enough to be a classic yet, but yeah, some people I have talked to have just about had heart attacks when I talk of anything not stock

[martybabe]

There are some folk who are just plane anal about that ah? As bad as train and plane spotters.


In England, those chaps are called 'Anoraks', well known for statements like....." oh I see you have plastic bolts holding your number plate on, of course originally they would have been zinc platted items from the GKN factory in Birmingham" :yawn:

To be fair though, a Brough superior in metallic pink flake paint or an Ariel square four with yoshis, would be bordering on the criminal. :eek5:

[AllanB]

I heard of a guy a while back who had a restored Z900 that he entered in to a USA show – apparently he got second place because he did not have the original running-in sticker on the tacho ………..

And the people who restore yank cars and hang every bolt on a piece of wire at just the right angle so when repainted the paint runs at the same angle as the original factory painted bolt ……….

And the guy who only let his 60kg wife sit in the car an steer it when rolling it off the trailer as she left the smallest indent in the leather seat ………….

[James Deuce]

It's not an investment. A stock 05 Z750S is worth exactly the same as my Ohlins, Renthal, Traxxion Dynamics, Ventura pimped out 05 Z750S.

It's not about the "Kiwi way" either. Mine is done from a safety perspective. Shaun Harris has criticised my criticism of stock suspension as being dangerously inadequate, but then I think he spends most of his time dealing with sportsbikes that get all the decent fruit on them from the manufacturer.

A couple of tiers down, and the average street bike has the price slashed on suspension, brakes, and engine feel (CDI, EFI, etc) to pay for the good stuff that goes into top end sportsbikes.

Brake pads, and either reinforced "rubber" lines (better feel, good power), or braided lines (less feel more instant power) can make the difference between hitting something and stopping. No amount of bleeding gave the Zed brakes. So new lines and scintered pads went in. The stock discs then warped. Somewhere else expenditure was moderated I guess. At peg scrapping lean angles the forks were too soft and the rear shock undersprung and over damped from a compression perspective so you bashed your way from ripple to pothole and back again. You didn't pick a line so much as hope you didn't bounce into oncoming traffic. Interestingly, I'm wearing the front Metzler Sportec M1 out quicker than the rear. Must be time to steal Jeremy's Ohlins forks off his Z1000 while he isn't looking.

The steering was weird, but the steering head bearings had been over tightened. Greased and re-tensioned and all good.

The engine went flat at 5500rpm. A DNA air filter fixed that. The stock air filter element passed about as much air as a plastic bag full of wet concrete.

The only "bling" I have on my bike are my bar end mirrors, but they give a much better rearward view than the stock "Objects May Be Less Numerous Than They Appear" elbow-wind-deflectors. Mirrors. Heh.

Spend money where it will save you money. Brakes as insurance, suspension for comfort and to make your tyres last longer. A chain lubing device or the good habits to regularly clean and lube your chain. It looks expensive, but 5 sets of tyres instead of 7 and no chain and sprockets as opposed to the 2 sets some people seem to go through in that interval means savings of a couple of thousand dollars.

[Bonez]

didn't think it was old enough to be a classic yet, but yeah, some people I have talked to have just about had heart attacks when I talk of anything not stockI've got an '81 GSX750 with around 30,000kms on the motor. Been roll, bowled and arseholed but someone spent a lot of effort to get it tidied up.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23984&d=1137287039

Still needs a few bits n bobs done to it.

[AllanB]

There's no way James is getting a Harley - all that money spent on performance bits when he could have purchased bling.......:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Usarka]

Thats kinda where i was going with my "non-sports bike sports bike" thread....

I'd really like to buy a street bike that has top quality components.

[Maha]

Thats kinda where i was going with my "non-sports bike sports bike" thread....

I'd really like to buy a street bike that has top quality components.

Have ya found one yet???
Is there a short list?

One thing I have thought about doing is extending the pillion pegs mounts (cos that first step is a killer for Mom) and then getting all four pegs and bracketts anodised (is that what they do?) gold....:niceone:

[Usarka]

Have ya found one yet???
Is there a short list?

One thing I have thought about doing is extending the pillion pegs mounts (cos that first step is a killer for Mom) and then getting all four pegs and bracketts anodised (is that what they do?) gold....:niceone:

Got a few ideas but holding off until the new CB1000r comes out.

Gold pegs - I like it, thats really pimping up your ride!

[Maha]

Got a few ideas but holding off until the new CB1000r comes out.

Gold pegs - I like it, thats really pimping up your ride!

Of fuck yeah!...on both accounts.
I have this thing right, I change bikes on a regular basis, two years is the longest I have owned one so dont want to get to carried away. I like how some have called it 'personalising'...

[The Stranger]

I get what you are saying Maha, Bling is for posers.
So they can sit back stroking their members whislt admiring their new tail tidy or pansy arse rim stripes. I mean fucken rim stripes? where'd they earn their rim stripes - Fuken FAGS I tell ya.

You know they're completely beyond redemption when they have leathers to match their bike or even worse wear white boots.

If a mod makes it go faster either in a straight line or around a corner why the fuck not, it's akin to buying a 1300 when a 600 would suffice, and who would do that?

[MadDuck]

Bling is for posers.

Why thank you.... :msn-wink:


So they can sit back stroking their members

Hmmmm....havent quite mastered that skill but working on it.


You know they're completely beyond redemption when they have leathers to match their bike

You will be pleased to know my Harley boots are on order :bleh:

[The Stranger]

Why thank you.... :msn-wink:



Hmmmm....havent quite mastered that skill but working on it.



You will be pleased to know my Harley boots are on order :bleh:

Look, it's ok for chicks - in fact it's expected.
Therein lies the problem. Too many confused soft cock guys trying to be chicks. I blame the current government.

[James Deuce]

There's no way James is getting a Harley - all that money spent on performance bits when he could have purchased bling.......:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

I'm considering offering Crasherfromwayback my left testicle in exhange for a Rocker. That way he gets a left testicle to replace the one he lost lending someone with a broken Buell another Buell.

Mind you the only mods I would consider would be the one WMCC does to the mufflers. Fruity but not ear bleeding loud.

[98tls]

Why mod?why not,waste of money? if its not to you then its not a waste of money.I particulay like one off things like the clear clutch cover on my old TLS,there was 30 of us the world over wanted them and a guy in the states had a mate in Germany who made them for us,blingy bullshit for sure but i and most i come across think its pretty neat.As for when its time to sell the bikes worth no more with all the xtras at all but then its no problem to take them all off and put the oem stuff back on and sell the good bits seperate.Motorcycling is such an individual thing i dont believe theres any right/wrong,just do what ever floats your boat,when i am on my deathbed and i look back at my life on 2 wheels the amount of money i spent on each bike wont be in my thoughts,how much i enjoyed them will be.

[R6_kid]

I blame the current government.

I blame KB. For removing winja, who would have otherwise told the modders to fuck off with their panzy decorations. Or Mikey who would have red repped them and made them cry.

[slowpoke]

If you have to ask, you'll never understand.

But for what it's worth I'll try and explain my perspective:

First up pick a bike that is within your budget that most closely approximates your ideal. Then over time add, modify, remove or replace parts to bring said bike closer to your ideal.

Basically there is no guy/gurl in a factory who is willing or able to build a bike that ticks all my boxes, so I take what appeals and make it even more appealing....to me.

[slofox]

[B] Is it looked upon as an investment or is it more self gratifying?


Total self gratification for me.....

[Muppet]

Personally, it's like an itch that I have to scratch, I've owned a number of bikes and have put mods on them all. And as far as mods go, you should see what's on offer for the GS I currently ride, trouble is you need lots of $$$$$$$$$$

[AllanB]

I'm considering offering Crasherfromwayback my left testicle in exhange for a Rocker. That way he gets a left testicle to replace the one he lost lending someone with a broken Buell another Buell.

Mind you the only mods I would consider would be the one WMCC does to the mufflers. Fruity but not ear bleeding loud.

There is a grey on grey on silver one at my local HD dealer and a blue sparkly one - the grey looks like a serious custom beast that someone has built (very nice) it makes the blue one look a bit of a poser IMO.
Grey beast is desirable. Problem is - what would I have to mod :shit:

[James Deuce]

That Black/grey one is the one that I like too. The Blue one is the Rocker C (for Custom) and is a bit of a tart's handbag if you ask me. The base model looks like a Motorcycle (tm), if you know what I mean.

I done rode (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=72907&highlight=Rocker) one a while back, as you well know. It has etched a mark upon my soul.

[Subike]

I bought just a plain old black jappa
For 5 years I rode, that old black jappa
it went fast enough for me, that old black jappa
It got me to ralleys, where everyone remembers having one of those, old black jappas
it sat in the shed during winter gathering dust, that old black jappa.
It had no soul, it was just, an old black jappa.
I could have rebuilt it to origi digi spot on standard!, but it would still be, an old black jappa.
I looked at my bank account and then at , that old black jappa
I could spend some money and buy a , New black jappa
Did I want a , New black jappa`?
Na I would still have a , Black jappa
Na , I love my, old black jappa.
So I pulled apart , my old black jappa
Polished and cleand and sanded and polished and painted and sweated over,
My Old Black Jappa.
Then one day I looked in the shed.........mmmmmmm.......yeah baby, MY BIKE!
So now I have a
Big Black Shinney Custom Jappa!
Why?
Because I could.
Money invested? $3000
Time invested? Many Many hours
Satisfaction of a job well done? Ohh Yeah!

Would I do it to a new bike if I bought one ? Yeap, it would then be my bike, an extention of my personality, maybe that is the secret to those of us who buy, alter and bling up our rides, its part of us inside, that thing that makes us different from the hum drum of normality

[Maha]

I bought just a plain old black jappa
For 5 years I rode, that old black jappa
it went fast enough for me, that old black jappa
It got me to ralleys, where everyone remembers having one of those, old black jappas
it sat in the shed during winter gathering dust, that old black jappa.
It had no soul, it was just, an old black jappa.
I could have rebuilt it to origi digi spot on standard!, but it would still be, an old black jappa.
I looked at my bank account and then at , that old black jappa
I could spend some money and buy a , New black jappa
Did I want a , New black jappa`?
Na I would still have a , Black jappa
Na , I love my, old black jappa.
So I pulled apart , my old black jappa
Polished and cleand and sanded and polished and painted and sweated over,
My Old Black Jappa.
Then one day I looked in the shed.........mmmmmmm.......yeah baby, MY BIKE!
So now I have a
Big Black Shinney Custom Jappa!
Why?
Because I could.
Money invested? $3000
Time invested? Many Many hours
Satisfaction of a job well done? Ohh Yeah!

Would I do it to a new bike if I bought one ? Yeap, it would then be my bike, an extention of my personality, maybe that is the secret to those of us who buy, alter and bling up our rides, its part of us inside, that thing that makes us different from the hum drum of normality

Dedication/commitment and the love an old black jappa.....fantastic!, bling sent.
There have been some awesome 'last' views on the subject and your last comment is brilliant.

[Maha]

If a mod makes it go faster either in a straight line or around a corner why the fuck not, it's akin to buying a 1300 when a 600 would suffice, and who would do that?

Oh that was just self gratifycation to the extreme.....:wari:

[Gremlin]

Every bike I have owned, with the exception of the zzr250 (first bike) has been modified, extras added... because I want to. You certainly don't make money from it, sometimes you take off the odd bits to sell individually, sometimes I just can't be arsed, and I'm impatient to move to the next bike.

Current bike rolled out of the dealer costing $23k, fitted with some extras like grips, hand guards and sliders and a couple of fitment kits.

At the first service, it almost cost $1k, as I also had the front forks rebuilt as I didn't like them from factory... and more accessories fitted. On top of the service, was pipes at $1600, GPS at $1200 and a few other odds and ends...

Fully kitted out with all accessories she is probably worth $27-28k, bit expensive, but then, I just completed a Grand Challenge on it, and I still luffs her, so its all been worth it.

Then there are the accessories I still want, that are either still in R&D or don't exist :oi-grr: I searched for a few months before buying the bike... there is nothing on the market that meets all my needs. Once modified, less than a handful of bikes meet my requirements.

Oh... and at least this one already came with top notch brembo and WP gear (there's one less bloody expense).

[Bass]

Oh that was just self gratifycation to the extreme.....:wari:

This touches on the other reason for bling that you didn't mention.

Like where you don't actually have a choice if the bike is to do its intended job.

I think the safari tank on the DR looks bloody awful and when it's full, the bike is a bit top heavy. But hey, it gives her a 700 km range and I needed all of that.

[sunhuntin]

I think its the kiwi way to personalise it a bit. Then theres the purely practical side of it - the lights need improving, and the brakes and suspension - how to do that without breaking the bank.

Other than that, I like a new bike to look factory standard. Hrm, maybe a few blue LEDs.. :yes:

Steve

i spent .50c at savemart when i bought my 06 ginny. i bought a couple of second hand mcdonalds tigger toys to hang off the fork reflectors. at times, it was the only way to tell mine apart from everyone elses, lmfao. now ive got the virago, i dont need to personalise it like that. only additions were for luggage.

i wouldnt spend too much on a brand new bike except for luggage.

[imdying]

Worrying about money is for poor cunts.

[MotoGirl]

TOTAL RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Cost $4,295.76
Services $1,028
Maintenance $2,637
Hot up parts $3,236
Dress up parts $1,309
Tires $2,890
Suspension $892

TOTAL RUNNING COSTS $16,287.81


Cost of Buying bike $16,349

TOTAL OUTLAY $32,636.81
--------------------------


Yes, and I'm at the other end of the spectrum where I paid a lot of money for a bike that came with a bunch of goodies, stock. It's interesting to see that we've spent about equal amounts on our bikes yet I've only got $3,000 in extras. And my Ohlins shock and wanky Pazzo levers were completely necessary! Suddenly it's convenient being short with small hands :whistle:

I'd be interested to see the price difference between buying a high-end bike and giving a stock bike the same type of components as what the other bike comes with.

[Gremlin]

I'd be interested to see the price difference between buying a high-end bike and giving a stock bike the same type of components as what the other bike comes with.
Probably couldn't quite compare apples with apples, but I went through that thought process myself.

Depending how much you mod the stock bike, it will probably be cheaper to get the more expensive one with the kit, with factors such as labour to swap componentry, however, modifying a stock one, you get exactly the kit you want (perhaps top of the line gear, full features, that perhaps the expensive one doesn't quite go as far on)

Some more expensive bikes have crap "nice" bits, if you know what I mean, ie, not top of the line branded gear, eg, the "ohlins" damper on the 06-07 zx10 wasn't really that great a unit. You also have the full factory support if the bike comes equipped with the gear.

Personally, I chose the more expensive bike up front, and have been very happy with the performance of the brembo and wp kit.

[imdying]

I'd be interested to see the price difference between buying a high-end bike and giving a stock bike the same type of components as what the other bike comes with.PB recently did a few articles on a bolt on equipped 04 GSXR600 vs an 08 GSXR600... not quite the same thing, but sounds like it might interest you none the less.