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Thread: Ageing biker goes left field

  1. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by Moi View Post
    Does it reflect its owner?
    Only inasmuch that it's grey and has a short wheelbase

  2. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by Blackbird View Post
    Only inasmuch that it's grey and has a short wheelbase

  3. #18
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    28th October 2012 - 13:59
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    Quote Originally Posted by Blackbird View Post
    I started riding in 1964 and I guess you get a bit blasé about new bikes after all that time. However, I’ve just ridden a bike which was a complete eye-opener – a genuine thrill!

    I’m 72 this year and the second part of my strategy to keep riding for as long as I can is to get a light bike which suits my 5’ 7” height (bloody hell, I’m shrinking). Still want performance though. Without being long-winded about it, the two bikes which fit my criteria have both technical and emotional appeal. They are the 765 Street Triple R or RS and the Duke 790.

    If I can draw a non-PC analogy going back to my late teens or early 20’s, the Triple is equivalent to the smooth, sophisticated chick you meet at the pub. A touch expensive, reliable and predictable in many ways, but will deliver the goods - a "safe" option. Then there is the slightly dodgy chick, a bit rough and wild, maybe a tad unreliable but delivers a performance in spades. Not the sort that you’d take home to meet Mum but we’ve either fantasised about the latter type or experienced it at first hand. That’s the KTM. (Can’t believe I’ve just written that paragraph but you get the drift).

    The upshot was that I took a Duke 790 demonstrator out on the Waikato back roads this week and was taken completely by surprise with respect to how bloody fantastic it was. Absolutely fit for purpose with respect to what I need in a bike at this stage. The fact that dealer principal Greg Boyd had chucked on some Battlax RS 10’s made it even more impressive. Not really a suitable everyday road tyre but bloody brilliant on a hot, dry day. No wonder they call the bike “The Scalpel”

    The upshot is that the Suzuki GSX-S 1000 goes after 3 and a bit years of ownership and I pick up a brand new Duke 790 next week. 169 kg, 435 degree “big bang” motor, lean sensitive traction control and ABS, launch control, adjustable wheelie control, track, sport, road and wet weather modes, quick shifter, slipper clutch, steering damper – motorcycle porn for a techo. What’s not to like?

    A full review in due course……
    Welcome to the naughty corner Geoff.
    Political Correctness, the chief weapon of whiney arse bastards

  4. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by buggerit View Post
    Welcome to the naughty corner Geoff.
    Thank you! There comes a time.......

    Looking forward to getting out with you Steve 😁

  5. #20
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    28th May 2008 - 07:48
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    looking good Geoff & you just so happen to be living in the "RIGHT SPOT" to test it out
    I Used to jog but the ice cubes kept falling out of my glass

  6. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by insomnia01 View Post
    looking good Geoff & you just so happen to be living in the "RIGHT SPOT" to test it out
    Thanks Hami. Yep, just 5 minutes to the bottom of the Coro Hill from home . Just got to watch for tourists on the wrong side of the road!

  7. #22
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    9th May 2008 - 21:23
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    It's not even Wednesday yet, but the ageing hoon has changed the bike on his profile already that poor Suzuki never felt so, mmm what's the right word...vanilla?

  8. #23
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  9. #24
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    9th January 2005 - 22:12
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    I went and had a look at the 790 on Saturday. They've got a couple at least in stock. One is the grey one and one is the orange and black.

    I've been offered a test ride so will take them up on it. I wouldnt have looked twice if you hadnt mentioned it....
    I thought elections were decided by angry posts on social media. - F5 Dave

  10. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase View Post
    I went and had a look at the 790 on Saturday. They've got a couple at least in stock. One is the grey one and one is the orange and black.

    I've been offered a test ride so will take them up on it. I wouldnt have looked twice if you hadnt mentioned it....
    Excellent news! I'll be very interested in how your test ride goes and your impressions. I don't think it's as attractive-looking as the 765 Triple but the point of difference in how it went and handled was sufficient for me to make the choice. I was only out for a bit over an hour for the test ride. The ride home from the dealer tomorrow is closer to 2 1/4 so I'll have a bit more clarity afterwards, even with a bit of care on new tyres. Got a social outing on Sunday with IAM, so after that, I'll hopefully have some objective info.

    Enjoy your outing and give it plenty!

  11. #26
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    P.S, there are lots of YouTube videos on the 790, but this one is probably one of the best overviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYOPBQLZsvM

  12. #27
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    Well, picked her up today and rode 160km home in hot, dry conditions. The twisty coast road was utter magic and it's a long time since since I've laughed out loud in my helmet from sheer joy. Best fun ever with my trousers on :devil: . I've never named a bike before, but meet Bad Girl Lola - seems appropriate somehow

    It was a day for serendipity as at the dealership, I met a chap I sold my catamaran to when I stopped sailing competitively in 1988! He was on a Super Duke 1290 GT! Proves that old fellas can grow older disgracefully!
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  13. #28
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    There's a reason all the promo pix (I think its often Jeremy McWilliams) have bar end mirrors....
    I thought elections were decided by angry posts on social media. - F5 Dave

  14. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase View Post
    There's a reason all the promo pix (I think its often Jeremy McWilliams) have bar end mirrors....
    Hahaha - easier to scrape on the ground

  15. #30
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    30th January 2004 - 11:00
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    Congrats Blackbird on your new steed. Always exciting picking up a new bike. Looking forward to hearing your long term impressions.

    Also bloody well done that man still riding at 72 and by the sounds of it as immature as you must have been when you first started riding. I mean that as a compliment! Keep laughing in your helmet and stay safe.

    Cheers
    Mark
    Happiness is a means of travel, not a destination

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