Ready for a bike now

**XTC** · 2nd February 2005, 11:29

Originally Posted by et al

FYI - we have an 400SS in the family (my son's), is a great little bike and in fact he is actually thinking about selling it at the moment. It is a 1998, full fairing with 23,000ks, he has owned it for just over 2 years. Let me know
if you are interested - even if you just want to have a look at it and take it for a test ride so that you can compare it with the one at MotoMart.

Can I take the 996 for a test ride???

**DebK** · 2nd February 2005, 11:30

Visiting RoadSafe site today to get next LTSA "shortcut to bigger balls" course dates

Will sit full license on the scoot then (hopefully) sell the scoot. Will be VERY hard to keep off the Ducati (if I get this one) until then though.

I'm all geared up to be safe on a bike so no money needed to spend here.

**DebK** · 2nd February 2005, 11:45

Originally Posted by Motu

That thing will be absolutly hopeless in the gravel Deb,you can't get dirt tyres for that size rim and there is no steering lock - if you try and back it into a corner you'll end up pointing the other way.Useless suspension too,too hard and no travel,dump the steering damper too,you need quick response on gravel,as you well know.

Actualy I reckon you'd be better off with a Gas Gas 400 Motard,nice little bike with a low seat height and an attitude.

Ah, now you're talking. Would actually like a 2 wheel quad for blatting around on the gravel. That may come next.

At 5'10" a low seat isn't too much of an issue. Sat on my brothers HD a week ago and disliked the "squat" kind of stance when static.

**Paul in NZ** · 2nd February 2005, 12:01

Originally Posted by DebK

Thanks also to Jim & Paul. I have just emailed a list of questions off to Motomart based on your advice guys.
.

Ah crap! Another bike shop I'm no longer welcome at...

Hang on... They never welcomed me... Especially when I went in with a Moto Guzzi tee shirt on.

Paul N

**merv** · 2nd February 2005, 12:17

Originally Posted by DebK

Many many thanks for the advice guys. I do want it, you only live once, we have no children, I think we may have sold the rally car, lifes all good.

Does this mean you are quitting rallying or is a new car on the horizon too? Or is that you see all the fun us bikers are having and realised its a better thing to be doing instead. Get a dirt bike too as Motu mentioned, after rallying you will love that.

**DebK** · 2nd February 2005, 13:14

Originally Posted by merv

Does this mean you are quitting rallying or is a new car on the horizon too? Or is that you see all the fun us bikers are having and realised its a better thing to be doing instead. Get a dirt bike too as Motu mentioned, after rallying you will love that.

Quiting National Level rallying. Now too bloody expensive for the average/medium income, even with sponsorship. Club level rallying is me from here on but not in a 4WD anymore. Will get a RWD sometime next year and go have more relaxed & cheaper fun with like-minded competitors. Like any form of sport, rallying at the top level can be very bureaucratic, bitchy and a blackhole $-wise. That's not to say I haven't enjoyed what we did, just not the sport it used to be to me.

Dirtbike or quadbike - either one really but like the idea of a 2-wheel drive quad.

**White trash** · 2nd February 2005, 13:35

Originally Posted by DebK

Quiting National Level rallying. Now too bloody expensive for the average/medium income, even with sponsorship. Club level rallying is me from here on but not in a 4WD anymore. Will get a RWD sometime next year and go have more relaxed & cheaper fun with like-minded competitors. Like any form of sport, rallying at the top level can be very bureaucratic, bitchy and a blackhole $-wise. That's not to say I haven't enjoyed what we did, just not the sport it used to be to me.

Dirtbike or quadbike - either one really but like the idea of a 2-wheel drive quad.

Ahh shit. Glad to hear you're sticking with it though.

Motorsport needs more women at all levels in my oppinion.

Ya know LTZ400s are only $10500 at the mo?

**Motu** · 2nd February 2005, 14:26

A 2WD quad will be good,so you can get that big tail out attitude you will have with a rear drive rally car,nothing better than that reeealy loose rear end on gravel,I guess you have experiance in them,I just used to love flying down a straight road sideways setting up the corner.Certainly not as fast as a 4WD rally car,but I bet you will have max fun in it.

As for the bike - go with your heart,it's what it's all about.

**merv** · 2nd February 2005, 18:51

Are many of those quads street legal other than in farmer exempt class mode or are you stuck with having to find closed roads to ride them on?

Hmmm approaching 37 eh Deb, you are so young compared to us old guys.

**Two Smoker** · 2nd February 2005, 22:39

Well, with the kind lending of a bike from Andrew, i was prevliged enough to thrash the shit out of the 400SS.... Great bike with very nice and neutral handling. Power is a little bit down, but is still quicker than a CBR250RR (because of the extra torque) Brakes aren't too bad, but i wouldnt call them great... Make sure you have some nice sticky tyres, as sport touring tyres just dont cut it...

They are good for 200kmh if you wait long enough (took me about 5 kms

) and get upto 100 pretty briskly...

You will have a blast on it Deb

and will also LOVE the sound (with aftermarket pipe) But you might get a bit bored with the power quickly... Maybe try a 600SS or a 750SS???

**DebK** · 8th February 2005, 11:13

Looked at FOZ's beautiful wee bike, chatted with Lynda, visited other bike shops, scanned the Net...

...but last Saturday I fell in love with a 2003 Kawasaki 636 in Sawyers. Thought about it overnight then realised that for another $2,500 I could have a brand new 2005 ZX-6R.

So today I put a $1,000 deposit on one in Magma Red and it arrives early April. Better to be over than under done, huh

Looking forward to 1/4 mile sprints, Manfield & Taupo circuit open days, cruising over the hill and getting to work in style.

**vifferman** · 8th February 2005, 11:21

Originally Posted by DebK

...but last Saturday I fell in love with a 2003 Kawasaki 636 in Sawyers. Thought about it overnight then realised that for another $2,500 I could have a brand new 2005 ZX-6R.

That's GORGEOUS (said in the best Boston accent).
Congratumalations, Debster!

Please don't kill yourself on it.