The obsession with big capacity bikes

[oldrider]

Bollocks, I went from a Blackbird to an ER6F and pillioned with a 45L Givi topbox and panniers, it was fine. There were points where it thought about going before it did going up hills, but never enough to make me think it would be far superior if I had my Blackbird still.

I've now found my rhythm in a Hornet 900, with the low, real world usable torque with adequate highway speed comfort.

This isn't America, there aren't any 500mile long straight roads.

/edit: I can't argue with having a Tiger, though. I'd have one too if my wallet wasn't chained to the ground by SWMBO. :P

"Bollocks" ? Not really, different age, different needs, in fact different worlds all together!

The Tigers not a sports bike, it's detuned to provide more low down grunt, thats what we like about it! It's an economical workhorse!

It may not be America but we have our share of long straight roads down here. (gravel or seal)

It's got nothing to do with feeling superior, don't recall even mentioning that!

[Brian d marge]

BSA Bantam ( with the 185 big bore kit )

Be quiet


Stephen

[Blackbird]

BSA Bantam ( with the 185 big bore kit )

Be quiet


Stephen

Don't spoil the fun by asking them to be quiet, it's called "spot the guys with little willies"

[grbaker]

Bring back the 750cc class. Out of all my bikes I thought the 750cc IL4 where the best balance of power and weight.

I really like a slightly heavier bike that trucks well through the bumps on the road and had the extra bit power when you want it.

My current 1200 can sit at 110kph all day and not break 4000 revs, pours it on when overtakling without having too much for this old man to handle... but it noticiable heavier than the 600, 650, 750, 900cc bikes I have riden (well maybe it weighs about the same as the RF900 I had for a while) which is only an issue if I cock up or want to stop really fast.

So the older 750cc class is for me... keep the weight below 190kg without a GSXR cramped ride and I'ld be happy.

Bring back the Kawasaki Spectre 750.

[Pwalo]

It's funny how times change. When I started riding the big bikes were the 750cc Brits, and 250cc was considered mid range.

Still I think one's stature is a limiting factor in the size of bike you can ride. With middle age spread I'm 5'6", and 70kg (after a big meal) so pretty well anything other than a mid range street/sports bike isn't an option.

[avgas]

I like small bikes - but i get to confident on them.
The ol' FZ1 was fantastic cos i if i opened up - warp9 would pull my arm tendons. Or she would kick out the rear. Either way scary - so i rode slower.
Where as my old ZXR4 was quite happy weaving at 180+????!!!!
Seems there is a scale for me - common sense diminishs as engine capacity decreases.
Even the bike i have right now - only 400cc's. No brakes, no suspension, oil all over the forks........and i can tell you its top speed is around the 130kph mark.
put me on a street magic and its a matter of time until i'm a puddle on the road ....with teeth.

[avgas]

BSA Bantam ( with the 185 big bore kit )

Be quiet


Stephen

Yeah all fun and games until a Bultaco passes ya

[grbaker]

I like small bikes - but i get to confident on them.
Seems there is a scale for me - common sense diminishs as engine capacity decreases.

Have to agree there... the old GPX250 (I did my learners on 20 years ago) got pushed way beyond its limit... but it was easy to do... the bike forgave stupidity.

Actually the SV650S I had for 4 years was similar... very forgiving. Maybe something I should think about in my old age. (It is a pity they turned the SV650S into that Gladius thing... another rant thread)... still prefer the ride of the biker bikes when touring tho.

[Pwalo]

Actually the SV650S I had for 4 years was similar... very forgiving. Maybe something I should think about in my old age. (It is a pity they turned the SV650S into that Gladius thing... another rant thread)... still prefer the ride of the biker bikes when touring tho.

No the Gladius only replaces the naked SV. The S is still in production. Still quite comfortable for the older gent as well.

[James Deuce]

Bring back the Kawasaki Spectre 750.

Ummmm - It never went away.

[pritch]

a W650 ? Whoever put one of those forward as the Holy Grail of biking, Jesus Wept - it was the rider not the bike

Years ago I read an article in a bike mag - it may have been KiwRider? They had a selection of high powered machinery at the office at the time but it became apparent that most riders selected the W650 for short or medium trips. This prompted a discussion among the staff as to what bikes had the highest "fun" factor. The joint winners were the W650 and the BMW Funduro.

Now the GSXR, CBR, YZF, ZX, owners might scoff at that, but those bikes while great on th open road, or better yet the track, are shit for a quick ride down to the shops.

Friend of mine managing a dealership was complaining to the factory reps that the bikes keep getting bigger but the average age of motorcyclist is getting older. He wanted a better selection of middleweight bikes. They used to look a bit startled at that but the idea sounded good to me.

[Big Dave]

that most riders selected the W650 for short or medium trips. .

Understand your point - I wasn't on the panel. I'd take a KLR over it any day.

[javawocky]

Now the GSXR, CBR, YZF, ZX, owners might scoff at that, but those bikes while great on th open road, or better yet the track, are shit for a quick ride down to the shops.

after a spirited twisty ride home via riverhead road the other day - which was exhilarating - but as I parked the bike I remembered I had forgotten to pickup supplies for dinner, so I hopped on the wifes Scorpio - which was fun

[Ixion]

I've owned everything from 50cc to 1000cc. I will state unequivocally that the funness of a bike is inversely proportional to engine size. Smaller the bike, more the fun. Practicality may be another matter

The funnest bike of all time was the 125cc BSA Bantam .

[Brian d marge]

that makes 2 for the bantam .....


in the cheap seats

Stephen