RE: A question for the bikers.... (Full Version)

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mnottertail -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 11:38:35 AM)

You guys already call clothespins 'pegs'  so anything at all you say is gonna be suspicious.

[:D]



CRYPTICLXVI -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 11:41:16 AM)

Not meaning to hijack but just a question, wondering if there is any thoughts on the newer Bonnevilles?



RapierFugue -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 11:42:17 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: JstAnotherSub

Not that it matters, but I have always heard em called direct drives too. I must now Google and hope it does not ruin my daddy's rep as a mechanic in my eyes.


As I said, probably just a cross-pond terminology thing. But "shaft drive" is the only term I've ever heard for them ... when you think about it, they're not "direct" drive at all - the drive pulse gets turned on pinions twice, for a start, let alone the gearbox output gears ...

But a rose by any other name ... shaft drive bikes can also have handling issues, unless they utilise a BMW-style ParaLever layout, as the shaft tends to try and climb the pinion, leading to the handling changing dramatically under different throttle openings, when cornering.

Oh, and of course Guzzi use them, oddly to quite good effect.



RapierFugue -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 11:46:04 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: CRYPTICLXVI

Not meaning to hijack but just a question, wondering if there is any thoughts on the newer Bonnevilles?



You mean the "new" new ones? If they're your sort of thing then they're reliable and, amazingly, oil-tight, if a bit dull if you're used to 3 times the horsepower.

But well made ... at least, in comparison to the originals :)



CRYPTICLXVI -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 11:48:36 AM)

Those were the ones, with in the last few years, not looking for anything more exciting than commuting and reliability is very much an interest. Thank you, I now return you to your normal programming.



RapierFugue -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 11:53:12 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: CRYPTICLXVI

Those were the ones, with in the last few years, not looking for anything more exciting than commuting and reliability is very much an interest. Thank you, I now return you to your normal programming.


The Triumph company now bears no relation at all to the disaster of yesteryear ... they use modern design and production techniques, cribbed (oh the irony!) from the Japanese, and reliability is now excellent, across the range.

If you're looking for a nice "gentle" bike, with a bit of image and a good look, you could do a lot worse.

Very popular with post-DAS (larger capacity learner license) people here, so presumably a good bet in the States too. Not sure what the seat height is so no idea if it would suit the OP - thread back on track ;)

But, like all makes, make sure the dealership isn't 250 miles from your front door ...



GhitaAmati -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 1:32:06 PM)

Ok. The two options I'm looking at now are a 2005 honda rebel for $2200 and a 2001 honda VLX600 for $2600




-eta honda dealership is only a couple miles from my work



mnottertail -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 1:36:43 PM)

nada and kbb say they are heavy, check them out with options and mileage and whatnot there



RapierFugue -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 1:39:44 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: GhitaAmati

Ok. The two options I'm looking at now are a 2005 honda rebel for $2200 and a 2001 honda VLX600 for $2600


Wiggle that arse at someone with good mechanical skills and get them to look the bikes over for you.

The US still doesn't have an MOT test does it?



mnottertail -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 1:40:19 PM)

Not on bikes that I know of.



RapierFugue -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 1:41:50 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

nada and kbb say they are heavy


Weight is less of a problem than CoG. Some bikes are heavy, but carry it well. Others are lighter but carry it higher up.

Best bet is a short test drive, if possible.



RapierFugue -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 1:42:53 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

Not on bikes that I know of.


That's just wrong, IMHO at least. Bikes need them more than cars do.

So you've got them for cars now? Annually?



mnottertail -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 1:43:10 PM)

No I mean heavy in pricing, they are pricing guides.



RapierFugue -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 1:45:55 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

No I mean heavy in pricing, they are pricing guides.


Ooooh right, sorry.

And yes, but again, and this won't be news to you, the OP needs to compare like with like; in other words, if there's a bike with a comprehensive warranty from a known good dealer then it may be worth it.

Plus, of course, no-one pays sticker price :) The nice thing about bikes is there are always others, so if it's not a good deal then just walk away. Worth a few weeks or even months of effort now to save a load of hassle later.

But as I say, that advice isn't aimed at you :)



mnottertail -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 1:47:10 PM)

Some states.  You have annual inspection stickers in several states for cars.  I am saying I don't know any states that require bike inspections, don't mean there are not any. 



RapierFugue -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 1:50:38 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

Some states.  You have annual inspection stickers in several states for cars.  I am saying I don't know any states that require bike inspections, don't mean there are not any. 


In the UK, every car & bike over 3 years old has to have a fairly comprehensive test of the basics before being allowed a certificate. Each and every year. It's always staggered me that the US just allows people to drive or ride absolutely shagged out machinery. I used to watch some of the cars on those rebuild programs being torn down and sit there with my mouth open as to what state people would drive their cars.

They've even gone to the trouble of putting web cams into workshops now so that you can't pull the old trick of MOT'ing a bike or car that isn't even present :)



GhitaAmati -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 2:00:10 PM)

Already got a spiffy motorcycle and small engine repair dude coming with me. Unfortunately can't really test drive. I'm willing to wait until I get the right bike for the right deal, just been hunting as I can.

As it turns out part of my finance plans (mom) just went out the window too until next month. Sigh.



RapierFugue -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 2:02:54 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: GhitaAmati

Already got a spiffy motorcycle and small engine repair dude coming with me. Unfortunately can't really test drive. I'm willing to wait until I get the right bike for the right deal, just been hunting as I can.


Excellent attitude. If you can't test ride the bike, let your tame mechanic do it. There's nothing like a test ride for showing up basic faults that are tricky to spot stationary.

Wait for as long as it takes to get something that's right for you.



0ldhen -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 4:46:32 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: GreedyTop

not to mention, changing the seat to a non factory seat can help too.  on mine, I switched to a Corbin seat..not only did it drop the seat height by several inches, it felt like my ass was being cupped by gentle hands...



Oh yeah...those, or the seats with the silicone gel in them are sooo comfy.



ResidentSadist -> RE: A question for the bikers.... (6/6/2011 8:11:08 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: GhitaAmati
I'm not really the crotch rocket type . . .

I assume you are talking street bikes with a 4 cycle engine where oil & gas are in separate tanks.  A dirt bike usually has a 2 cycle engine and you add oil to the gas mixture. 

In general:

750cc crossover size, street sport & touring/cruisers begin. - 500lbs +  (I had a built 750 that did 140 mph)
500cc street/highway/commuters begin. - 400 lbs+
250cc street/town bikes begin.  - 300 lbs +





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