Optimistic sellers

[Crasherfromwayback]

No, they can be made to handle pretty well for what they are. They still have a huge, heavy, underpowered lump in the middle, with an antiquated gearbox. Delivering drive through a suspension binding, overtaught belt that sucks further power.

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You're actually a fucking dreamer Drew. And probably always will be.

[Drew]

You're actually a fucking dreamer Drew. And probably always will be.

How so?

The bikes handle ok, but there are loads of bikes that handle better. So "handle fucken well" is not accurate.

[Crasherfromwayback]

How so?

The bikes handle ok, but there are loads of bikes that handle better. So "handle fucken well" is not accurate.

Because if a bike's not a GSXR 1000, it's automatically a heap of shit and useless. Open your fucking eyes man. I've ridden many many Buells as you can imagine, and I've also ridden all sorts of other bikes. A properly set up Buell, handles fucking well. And if you think you know better than me what good handling is...good for you. But I somehow doubt it. I think that makes you a dreamer. The XB12R has a dry weight of around 180kgs, and although the sporty based lump is heavy, the concentration of that weight is very low and central. On a good twisty road, where it's 100 odd HP doesn't let it down, they're a fucking quick bike to ride. As good as just about any street bike I've ridden of that weight. So to me...that qualifies it as *they handle fucking well*. You ever ridden a proper 250 GP bike Drew? If you have, you'll know they make a GSXR1000 feel like a fat heap of shit. So therefore, by your standards, I could say a GSXR1000 handles like a piece of shit. Correct? And then I'd be talking shit and sound like a dreamer. Because a GSXR1000 handles really well.

[HenryDorsetCase]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-909244525.htm

speaking of good handling.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Because if a bike's not a GSXR 1000, it's automatically a heap of shit and useless. Open your fucking eyes man. I've ridden many many Buells as you can imagine, and I've also ridden all sorts of other bikes. A properly set up Buell, handles fucking well. And if you think you know better than me what good handling is...good for you. But I somehow doubt it. I think that makes you a dreamer. The XB12R has a dry weight of around 180kgs, and although the sporty based lump is heavy, the concentration of that weight is very low and central. On a good twisty road, where it's 100 odd HP doesn't let it down, they're a fucking quick bike to ride. As good as just about any street bike I've ridden of that weight. So to me...that qualifies it as *they handle fucking well*. You ever ridden a proper 250 GP bike Drew? If you have, you'll know they make a GSXR1000 feel like a fat heap of shit. So therefore, by your standards, I could say a GSXR1000 handles like a piece of shit. Correct? And then I'd be talking shit and sound like a dreamer. Because a GSXR1000 handles really well.

I was just looking at an XB9S parked out side the local suuuuuuper market. Tiny little thing. I remember somewhere reading that Erik based his dimensions for them on a 250GP bike..

[Crasherfromwayback]

I was just looking at an XB9S parked out side the local suuuuuuper market. Tiny little thing. I remember somewhere reading that Erik based his dimensions for them on a 250GP bike..

And if you do nasty things to the engine, like we did for one of our customers, 140hp is possible. Even a GSXR1000 would have trouble keeping you sight then. Long straights aside.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I've decided that handling isn't that important in a motorcycle. A road bike anyway. Too many other variables. Plus exploiting the nth degree of possibility on the road will end in tears.

Also, one of the most memorable and nicest rides on any bike Ive ever had was on a VT750 Honda. Not even the marginally cooler chain drive one. The 60hp shaft drive VT750C. Talk about handling, Bruce.... it didnt have any.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I've decided that handling isn't that important in a motorcycle. A road bike anyway. Too many other variables. Plus exploiting the nth degree of possibility on the road will end in tears.

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Exactly. I did a 5000km road trip in the States in 07 on an XB12SS. Fucked if I'd want to go any faster through the roads I travelled than I did on that thing.

[nzspokes]

I've decided that handling isn't that important in a motorcycle. A road bike anyway. Too many other variables. Plus exploiting the nth degree of possibility on the road will end in tears.

Also, one of the most memorable and nicest rides on any bike Ive ever had was on a VT750 Honda. Not even the marginally cooler chain drive one. The 60hp shaft drive VT750C. Talk about handling, Bruce.... it didnt have any.

Agreed. My good bike is by no means super fast or the best handling in the world. But I loves it.

Really anything above 250cc will keep up with traffic and or cost you your licence.

[Ocean1]

I was just looking at an XB9S parked out side the local suuuuuuper market. Tiny little thing. I remember somewhere reading that Erik based his dimensions for them on a 250GP bike..

Aye. Which is great for close quarters racing involving specially bred riders weighing bugger all.

As a road bike the collection of design foibles makes for a bike that changes direction very quickly, with enough feedback to do so fairly reliably. Even for big guys. There are downsides to that small chassis though.

Even so, if I came across my old XB12R I'd be awfully tempted to reacquire it, it was an absolute hoot, it's engine was particularly crisp and I doubt I've herded any bike of a similar nature as quickly through an apex.

[Banditbandit]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-909244525.htm

speaking of good handling.

No sorry - despite what else you've said here "good handling" and "goldwing" do not belong in the same sentence ...

I've ridden with some fast people on a Goldwing ... the riders can certainly toss them around, but in the corners they still get in the way of the trusty 1250 .. a true sports bike would be even more "all over them"

[Trouser]

No sorry - despite what else you've said here "good handling" and "goldwing" do not belong in the same sentence ...

I've ridden with some fast people on a Goldwing ... the riders can certainly toss them around, but in the corners they still get in the way of the trusty 1250 .. a true sports bike would be even more "all over them"

Detecting irony not your strong point?

[russd7]

No sorry - despite what else you've said here "good handling" and "goldwing" do not belong in the same sentence ...

I've ridden with some fast people on a Goldwing ... the riders can certainly toss them around, but in the corners they still get in the way of the trusty 1250 .. a true sports bike would be even more "all over them"

true that, but there still a lot of persons on sports bikes that don't know how to keep up with a goldwing, even in the corners, just sayin

[haydes55]

true that, but there still a lot of persons on sports bikes that don't know how to keep up with a goldwing, even in the corners, just sayin

Is that due to the ability and agility of the bikes or the pilots? Was the original comment about the bikes agility, rather than the rides ability to utilise the machine to it's best abilities?

[russd7]

Is that due to the ability and agility of the bikes or the pilots? Was the original comment about the bikes agility, rather than the rides ability to utilise the machine to it's best abilities?

cruise ships aren't known for fast cornering but some are more capable than what some would have you believe, on the other hand a speed boat can be prone to running wide if the pilot happens not to know how to use the throttle.
i cant keep up with a skilled rider on a sportsbike or sports tourer when im on my wing but i can certainly corner quicker on the wing than a lot can on their sports bikes.
in answer to your question, they are more agile than they appear.