Get a decent bike...

[Wolf]

I've had a mix of 2 and 4 stroke bikes over the years and they each have their good and bad points. I like the power-band that 2-strokes have but I also like the engine braking of a 4-stroke. The smell of a two-stroke I do not mind and I also love the simplicity of maintenance ("Overhead what? Nah, mate, you just undo four bolts and pull the head off.") but I'm not keen on the propensity of the engine to seize midway through a turn (only happened the once and it took a few miles to get my arse to unclench, didn't know what it was at the time but I didn't like it much.)

I've enjoyed riding 2-strokes and I've enjoyed riding 4-strokes - that's all that matters, really.

Would I get another 2-stroke? Possibly. If I found a bike I liked that was a 2-stroke I certainly would not reject it because it was a two-stroke.

As to the style and make prejudices, I just don't get it.

I prefer Enduros and classic tourers - but I'll admire the look of nearly any bike. I've had bad experiences with the two Kawasakis I've ridden and I'd be leery buying one for myself but I would not dis the make and I'm sure that there are plenty of people who have had nothing but reliable service from their Kawasakis. Hondas, Suzukis, Yamahas, Puch and Zundapp - owned them and been quite satisfied.

There are many types of bike that I would not buy because they do not suit the style of riding I like but that does not negate their suitability for other riders.

A decent bike is one that does what you personally want it to do - if you want to commute daily on the smell of an oily rag, then an old FA50 would be a "decent" bike so long as it was still running reliably.

[Colapop]

JUst having a bike would be pretty decent.

[merv]

I mentioned "fit" in my earlier post on this reminded me of something. Seat height is a big issue these days with us shorter people. My early days on dirt bikes they weren't so tall, but the WR I bought - seat height 998mm - I had to fit a shorter shock to lower it plus modify the forks because at my height - short 165cm - I'm fucked on anything taller than about 890mm in the dirt, comfy on about 850mm.

On the road with a slightly heavier bike and having to stop in traffic etc about 800mm is my limit which is what my VFR is.

What I see now is a few of the road bikes have crept up in height too.

Str8 you were talking about liking the ER-6F and 6N. Specs on the web say they are seat heights of 790 and 785mm.

Suzuki GSR600K6 is 785mm while SV650K6 and SK6 are both 800mm.

GSXR600 is 810, GSXR750 is 825 and GSXR1000 810.

Kawi Z750 is 815.

Yamaha R1 is 835.

So if we are talking about decent bikes whatever that is, where are the ones for shorties? VRod? Monster?

Or like I did with my WR and Blooveeteeah did with her GSXR thou you got to lower them.

[Jonty]

I like pretty colours........

[Bonez]

A decent bike is:
LEAVE A FOOKIN BIG SMILE ON YA FACE EVERY TIME YOU RETURN!!!!!!!

Agree with you on this point. The others are moot .
An unreliable, uncomfortable, slow bike can also be a hoot to blast around on............

[MattRSK]

After a day riding behind RG100 and Ldnz, and possibly you Str8 at one stage. Sniffing those exhaust fumes, I'm addicted. Love 'em. Just love my four stroke better thats all.

[Motu]

I don't think people should be allowd to ride two strokes,they bring out a side of their personality that should be locked away and never accessed.I'd probably be a manic depressive if I didn't have a two stroke....now I'm just manic...

[inlinefour]

I wonder if they are actually scared of 2-smokers...

[fozz rock]

JUst having a bike would be pretty decent.

yea mate
somethings better than nothings

[merv]

I'm still a member of Hawkes Bay Motorcycle Club and the newsletter was waiting for me in the mail when I got home. Interestingly the club president wrote an article on "watch what's happening you are going to see 2 strokes making a comeback" - being a dirt club mainly he is talking about MX bikes. Got me curious so thought I'd better do some web searching.

However, can't find much except old stuff about the Honda EXP2 from about 6 years back. Does any one know what the pres is talking about? Have you heard any rumours from the manufacturers?

The 2 strokes got killed basically by US emission laws and other articles tell me Honda won't be making any 2 strokes at all after 2008 so I don't know what to believe.

If the right model were produced I wouldn't mind going "Ringa ding ding" along with Str8 - as long as it was easy on gas and the engine lasted well.

[Edbear]

I have a very scientific formula to determins the decent-ness (I believe it's decency, but that has other connotations) of a bike...

(time available for riding / time UNavailable 4 riding) multiplied by
(No. of times you finish with a silly grin / No. of times you finish with the grill in your chin)

The higher, the more decent.

I like this formula! Can I borrow it?

[Jamezo]

How wude!

Somebody probably just recently got pwned by a two stroke in teh tight stuff.

[Str8 Jacket]

How wude!

Somebody probably just recently got pwned by a two stroke in teh tight stuff.

hehe, now thats very likely! I love my bike

[scumdog]

A decent bike is always polite, is willing to help you when needed, never dresses in an immodest way, behaves in a seemly manner and never uses profanity or vulgar language.

Hope this helps.

[Str8 Jacket]

A decent bike is always polite, is willing to help you when needed, never dresses in an immodest way, behaves in a seemly manner and never uses profanity or vulgar language.

Hope this helps.

Doh! Maybe my bike isnt so "decent" then! Ive heard her use profanities (sp?) on a few occasions now... And she definately is NOT polite