The General Motorbikers Discussion Thread

[BlaRo]

Originally Posted by Blind_Io

Ok, wise guy. Explain how the electric bicycle thingy is any better?

Because it looks like a good entry-level dirt bike for novices of off-road riding like me. And the fact that it manages to ford 2-foot high streams without electrocuting the rider seems fairly impressive. I never said I was an expert on dirt bikes, I just said it looked appealing to explore the wilderness without making assloads of noise.

And the fact that it's just as capable as most dirt bikes makes it equally impressive.

[Karoug]

^As capable as most dirtbikes?!? Do i really have to post the GGN vid again?

[Blind_Io]

Originally Posted by BlaRo

Because it looks like a good entry-level dirt bike for novices of off-road riding like me. And the fact that it manages to ford 2-foot high streams without electrocuting the rider seems fairly impressive. I never said I was an expert on dirt bikes, I just said it looked appealing to explore the wilderness without making assloads of noise.

And the fact that it's just as capable as most dirt bikes makes it equally impressive.

The point is that as a petrolhead, you are leaving out the vital ingredient!

Not killing the rider with the propulsion system does not earn it kudos in my book - especially since car batteries and electric motors already work under water.

And no, it's not as capable as most dirt bikes, it's not much more than the mountain bike equivalent of an e-bike

[tigger]

Originally Posted by BlaRo

I'd rather see nature in its serene silence than scare the shit out of every living creature within a 50-mile radius.

You know, that's always what I enjoyed most about dirtbikes .

Seriously, it's not that bad. There have been plenty ... a few ... OK, once or twice I would just put along or shut the bike off and enjoy the scenery. That's not really why I was out there though. If I wanted a little quieter experience I'd go ride BMX on some other trails.

Originally Posted by BlaRo

And the fact that it's just as capable as most dirt bikes makes it equally impressive.

I'm not sure about that either. How does it stack up in range, power, weight, reliability, price etc etc? Sure it looks neat, and I bet ninjas everywhere will love it, but I'd rather put the money towards a used 2-stroke MXer and a mountain bike. Then I've got something to suit whatever riding mood I'm in.

[shad_68]

Hmmm... Yamaha XT600 vs BMW F650

Well, I'll have a look at both tomorrow, so I'll have to see then... right now both seem tempting.

[BlaRo]

Originally Posted by tigger

I'm not sure about that either. How does it stack up in range, power, weight, reliability, price etc etc? Sure it looks neat, and I bet ninjas everywhere will love it, but I'd rather put the money towards a used 2-stroke MXer and a mountain bike. Then I've got something to suit whatever riding mood I'm in.

Can't be that bad...



I think it's pretty interesting as a way to explore the wilderness, but I was definitely skeptical when it was first announced and I definitely remain skeptical about electric street bikes. Maybe that video just really dazzled me.

[hansvonaxion]

Originally Posted by Redliner

Because of YOU I spent the last few days watching videos an drooling over photos of a CB400SF. Damn I want one! I always wanted an "old" CB400Four! Rumor has it that Honda will start selling them here in Brazil this year. I seriously doubt it, but really wish it is true. Our market is mostly small bikes, and there is a huge gap, because there is nothing we can buy between 250cc and 600c so the CB400 would fill it nicely.

It's the same in Oz. Used to be that new riders had to ride 250cc for a year, so there's heaps of 250's and then everything is over 600cc. They've just introduced a new system which is power-to-weight based, meaning the CB400 and a bunch of other bikes up to 600cc are learner legal in all but 2 states.

My first bike was a '72 CB350/4. Sweet little bike and wish I still had it. The new one doesn't quite have the looks, and the alternatives from Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki look almost identical, but I guess I like the fact that they aren't trying too hard. I still would have preferred the matte black Ducati with twin pipes I looked at though.

Originally Posted by BlaRo

I think it's pretty interesting as a way to explore the wilderness, but I was definitely skeptical when it was first announced and I definitely remain skeptical about electric street bikes. Maybe that video just really dazzled me.

It does look interesting, but like you first said it's more of a mountain bike alternative than a trail bike alternative (at least that's what it looks like in the first vid). If something like that could be classed as a bicycle I think it might be a cool idea for eco-tours.

Edit: Actually, just checked and it has similar power/torque figures to a KTM 625 SXC yet only weighs about 150lbs/70kg. Shame the battery only lasts 45min-1.5hrs.

[smib]

Originally Posted by British_Rover

Yes, I too found that add very ironic. It has been posted over and over now for a couple of months. I actually like the look of those bikes but I don't need another bike that doesn't run.

Another suggestion for cheap bikes in Central CT area is Pete's Cycle Parts in Wolcott.

They put up cheap bikes on Craigslist all the time and I am sure have more bikes that they never put up but just sell out of the front of their store.

Just do a Search for Pete's Cycle Parts on Craigslist or search for their phone number 203-879-4879.

They had a running 1983 CB750SC for 350 bucks a while back that I tried to look at but was gone before I got over there. It didn't have a title was the only problem.

I'll have to check that place out, it's just a few minutes from me.

[shad_68]

Originally Posted by shad_68

Hmmm... Yamaha XT600 vs BMW F650

Riiight:

XT =
It even had new wheels, brakes, chain etc., BUT, it wasn't actually in such good nick overall, body panels under the fuel tank were missing on both sides, and although it's claimed to have run only ~11.00km since '95, the whole thing seemed very shady. Four previous owners, no documentations or receipts of inspections, repairs or anything. Only the receits for the last two MOT checks... so for all I know, it could actually be 111.00km as well...
Oh, and it wasn't even registered, so you couldn't take a proper testride either.

The BMW doesn't have the sheer "omgdowant" factor of the XT, but it's quite nice as well. It belongs to friends of my parents, first owners, ~24.00km, and you know who you're dealing with and that you can believe what they say. It had some signs of use too, but nothing too bad, and overall I'd say better condition than the XT, although it hasn't been used for about a year now.
They don't know how much they want for it though, since selling it was more of a general idea until now, so they haven't looked around on the market to see how much they should ask.
Bonus point: it's already got the racks and mountings for cases installed (cases are for sale too obviously), which is quite nice too.

So I'll have to see what price they'll come up with for the BMW, and if I can maybe find an XT that's a bit newer and with a less dubious history in my area.

[British_Rover]

Originally Posted by smib

I'll have to check that place out, it's just a few minutes from me.

Cheap sport bike...
http://worcester.craigslist.org/mcy/1139519878.html

and that interceptor is back with the same pics from December.

http://hartford.craigslist.org/mcy/1139383089.html

[Blind_Io]

If it hasn't been ridden I would offer $750 because it's going to need work on the carbs.

On an unrelated note, I just got the rear cowl for my bike. It looks pretty damn good, but I don't understand the design. Why would you make it so you need a 5mm allen key to take your seat off to get to your tool kit? Now I have to go buy a handfull of keys to keep in my jacket pockets so if I need to get to the stuff under the seat (like registration and proof of insurance, tools, tire patch kit, etc) I can.

Dumb-ass design, but it sure looks nice!

[BlaRo]

My goal this summer: to get a job with a motorcycle shop/auto restoration business and learn everything there is to know about carburetors.

[British_Rover]

Originally Posted by Blind_Io

If it hasn't been ridden I would offer $750 because it's going to need work on the carbs.

On an unrelated note, I just got the rear cowl for my bike. It looks pretty damn good, but I don't understand the design. Why would you make it so you need a 5mm allen key to take your seat off to get to your tool kit? Now I have to go buy a handfull of keys to keep in my jacket pockets so if I need to get to the stuff under the seat (like registration and proof of insurance, tools, tire patch kit, etc) I can.

Dumb-ass design, but it sure looks nice!

In one of the previous ads he says he has ridden it a few times this season already. The fact that he leaves it out to this ad makes me think that he hasn't ridden as much as he implies.

Unusual for honda to make a design mistake like that. Is it a Honda accessory or aftermarket?

Originally Posted by BlaRo

My goal this summer: to get a job with a motorcycle shop/auto restoration business and learn everything there is to know about carburetors.

Sounds like a good idea. I never did much work with carbs as most of the cars I have ever worked on were fuel injected.

Side note. Sometime in the future I might need a copy of a Mass motorcycle registration in order to get my 750F registered in CT. Is your bike registered in Mass Blaro?

[Blind_Io]

Originally Posted by British_Rover

In one of the previous ads he says he has ridden it a few times this season already. The fact that he leaves it out to this ad makes me think that he hasn't ridden as much as he implies.

Unusual for honda to make a design mistake like that. Is it a Honda accessory or aftermarket?

Yes, it's an OEM part.

[British_Rover]

Originally Posted by Blind_Io

Yes, it's an OEM part.

Hmhh that is weird.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA...3A1|240%3A1318

Opinions on this bike. Not normally my style but it is calling to me for some reason.

[Blind_Io]

Interesting bike, I'm not sure I like the lights and the back tire doesn't look straight.

[British_Rover]

Originally Posted by Blind_Io

Interesting bike, I'm not sure I like the lights and the back tire doesn't look straight.

Yeah I noticed that too on the tire when I clicked the larger pictures. The back turn signals just look like they were tacked on to pass inspection. New York state has either an annual or semi-annual inspection for all motor vehicles.

I will ask him about the bike tire.

[hansvonaxion]

Went for a decent ride today. Won't feel 100% confident until I've had it serviced and checked over. Judging by the exterior condition (surface rust on bolts etc) I think it was parked out in the elements, also generally a little rough. I get the feeling it might not have been given the care it should have. I got it pretty cheap so I can't complain and it's a Honda so it should be fine.

Can feel the VTEC kick in (yo!) around the 7,000RPM mark. I think it opens all 4 valves (only 2 open under that) so it makes a decent difference. I've never cared about fuel economy on a bike though, so I see it as a gimmick really - give me all the performance all the time without the complication.

Anyway, here's a quick snap (forgot to take my phone out with me). As you can see, my parking is pretty tight (they gave me a mini-bike space) even though it costs me $80/mo.

[British_Rover]

Not sure if this link will work since it is from my custom Ebay search setup but it might work if you are logged into ebay.

All non-cruiser style/Harley bikes for 150 miles. There are a few really cheap bikes there for you Smib.

Also got a reply back from that guy with the honda bobber. He is going to check that back tire as it really only looks crooked in the one picture. He said he just had the tires put on so will make sure they are on right.

[tigger]

Originally Posted by BlaRo

Can't be that bad...

Originally Posted by hansvonaxion

Edit: Actually, just checked and it has similar power/torque figures to a KTM 625 SXC yet only weighs about 150lbs/70kg. Shame the battery only lasts 45min-1.5hrs.

It certainly is looking more and more appealing. I don't think I'd like an electric street bike (the short range and it being silent kill it for me) but I could better deal with those downsides off road. And it only weighing 150lbs is a bonus; I've had to push much heavier bikes over land after running out of gas and that is no fun.