Motorcycle Dreaming

[Feltwell]

Useful, thank you.

 

[Angus Mac]

I used to tour Europe when I was in my 40's on an FJ1200 and before that a VFR 750 with my wife riding pillion and was thinking about my retirement coming up in another year. I made the mistake of going onto to gumtree to 'just have a look' at what bikes were for sale and surprise surprise I think I've caught the bug again. There's some fantastic BMW's around R1200 RT'S, K1200GT'S and R1150 RT'S for ridiculously small amounts. They're old but reading reviews they're built to last.
Anyway just day dreaming and it might not ever happen but using an easy lift trailer would my 4.5 tonne Hymer be able to tow one of these big tourers down to France and Spain and even over mountain passes?

Do it , you know you want to …..
Until recently I had a R1200RT towed on a collapsible trailer from MotoLug.

Fantastic bike and the trailer took up surprisingly little space when broken down

I Highly recommend both

 

[Oldrat]

Do it , you know you want to …..
Until recently I had a R1200RT towed on a collapsible trailer from MotoLug.

Fantastic bike and the trailer took up surprisingly little space when broken down

I Highly recommend both

My Motolug easily fits inside our Honda Jazz with the small back seat folded down. When not in use the trailer sits inside my small garden shed out of the way.

Motolug, worth its weight in gold.

 

[DaveJG]

Sorry to disagree but I think they are, it's common practise to pivot the entire weight of a bike on the sidestand to turn it around in a tight space........they dont break

I do that all the time after the dealer advised it!

 

[Gazuk]

Ah, 790 is a twin though isn't it? I am rather partial to a big single.

I do like the look of Supermotos as a totally impractical bike, I've had an enduro bike in the past and always thought they could be fun with some street rubber on. The KTM 690 SMCR could be a laugh.

Mrs F would divorce me!

Ironically, one of the reasons for getting my GS1200 was I thought it would be a good pillion bike - Mrs F doesn't like it, as I'm sat relatively upright she keeps nutting the back of my lid, even if I ride gently and smoothly. She prefers my old VFR. How does others find the GS for passengers?

Had a 1200 GSA and both my wife and daughter said it was very comfortable.

Swopped that in for a F900R which they both didn't like because of the position of the pillion pegs and it was quite cramped.

So, when a pillion is required we use my 1996 VFR which they both say is comfortable, but not as good as the GSA. I'm now looking into getting a new rear shock for the VFR as it looks like this bike will be kept and used for pillion duties.

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[Gazuk]

they look an interesting bike, but surely it will go faster than that? my Aprilia 300 scooter will do 70 2 up pretty easily ( if Swmbo isnt paying attention)

You're not the first to say that. I don't really thrash the bike and I don't think I have got anywhere near the 9500rpm where max bhp is, so it will definitely go quicker than 70. Bennet's guy did a review on the g310GS and apparently cruised over 70 on the motorway for hours.

I only use the G310R for two up gentle cruising, so 50mph is ample and short one up trips so. Will take it out for a 1 up blast soon and see what it can do.

 

[johnandi]

Listened to an interesting podcast last night about an (initially) concept electric bike that seems to have gone into production. Developed by a Jaguar/Rover spin-off company. I'm not a biker but found it interesting:

 

[Feltwell]

I was parked up on Mull a few years back next to a bloke in a Sprinter conversion, turns out he owned the bikeshop below. Ever such a nice chap - he had one of the electric bikes with him and was raving about it. It did look well worth a go, I would have done so if I'd had my kit with me.

https://notyouraveragebikes.com/zero-bikes/

 

[jongood]

Listened to an interesting podcast last night about an (initially) concept electric bike that seems to have gone into production. Developed by a Jaguar/Rover spin-off company. I'm not a biker but found it interesting:

I've not been on an electric motorcycle yet but struggling to see the point? Unless you just want something cheap to deliver pizzas or go to work on then isnt the point of a motorcycle to be a union of noise and freedom? They used to say that a Harley was an expensive way to turn petrol into noise!

 

[Sapper520]

I've not been on an electric motorcycle yet but struggling to see the point? Unless you just want something cheap to deliver pizzas or go to work on then isnt the point of a motorcycle to be a union of noise and freedom? They used to say that a Harley was an expensive way to turn petrol into noise!

Electric Motorcycles aren’t cheap.

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[johnandi]

Electric Motorcycles aren’t cheap.

This one in particular! Around £120,000 (I did say it came from a concept ). As a (retired) Engineer I found the ideas of using AI in the helmet and jacket to give the rider feedback was original although nothing of course will replace an engined bike or its tactic feeling/sensation. As I said, it was an interesting listen.

 

[jopparocks]

Do it , you know you want to …..
Until recently I had a R1200RT towed on a collapsible trailer from MotoLug.

Fantastic bike and the trailer took up surprisingly little space when broken down

I Highly recommend both

Yes I want to but need to prepare the ground or 'roll the pitch' as the politicians have been saying in the last couple of days. One of the arguments SWMBO used when I casually mentioned maybe buying a bike is that I am too old at 66 but I feel fit as a fiddle and can't see a problem. Kids are out the way and the future is one of enjoying myself after working pretty much non stop since I was 13 when I used to get up at 4 to deliver milk and then school.

 

[bigtwin]

Yes I want to but need to prepare the ground or 'roll the pitch' as the politicians have been saying in the last couple of days. One of the arguments SWMBO used when I casually mentioned maybe buying a bike is that I am too old at 66 but I feel fit as a fiddle and can't see a problem. Kids are out the way and the future is one of enjoying myself after working pretty much non stop since I was 13 when I used to get up at 4 to deliver milk and then school.

Right, here’s the strategy!

Start researching about e-motorbikes and, over a period of weeks, drop related info into the conversation with SWMBO. Promote the green credentials, say you’ll do a refresher course, maybe even do some ’advanced’ training, etc.
Sell the whole idea, as best you can, but express a little concern about the high cost.
At an appropriate point, say that you cant really justify that cost and it would be better to just get a cheaper, older ICE motorcycle.
SWMBO will be glad you’re not going to spend all that dosh and will think highly of you for compromising on your desires!

Job’s a goodun!

You’re welcome.

Ian

 

[Neckender]

Today I decided to fit a pair of Andover Norton gators to my Bonnie so I got started on the left leg which went quite easy,

completed the right leg ,

reassembled the front wheel ,

then gave the bike a quick polish and I think she looks real good.

Then I exchanged the standard idiot light bulbs for led replacements.

John.

 

[Oldrat]

That’s a cracker

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[maison]

I've not been on an electric motorcycle yet but struggling to see the point? Unless you just want something cheap to deliver pizzas or go to work on then isnt the point of a motorcycle to be a union of noise and freedom? They used to say that a Harley was an expensive way to turn petrol into noise!

Check out “Marc Travels” on YouTube. He is touring Europe on an electric motorbike and shows the advantages and disadvantages of trying to cover decent distances on them.

 

[jopparocks]

Now considering a pan st1300. Goldwing still there trying to get to the front.