Motorbikes

[timbo]

Anyone here own a motorbike? I'm getting one for the current obvious reasons, plus I've always wanted one. My dream vehicle combo is a defender 90 and a nice superbike.

Thought I should start a thread seeing as bike sales have gone through the roof since Katrina, especially oldies brushing the dust from their jackets and getting back into it. I am however a newbie, and would probably benefit from some tips.

[rangie5litre]

G'day Timbo,

I've just bought an old Suzuki GSX 250 to ride to work, 180km was costing
waaaay to much in the 5 litre Rangie! Had to sell the 'van to pay for the bike tho, easy come easy go!
Bikes were my first love, even before fourbies! I've lost count how many I've had in the last 30 odd years!

Cheers Scott 8)

[George130]

Never had a bike. Thoght I would end up as a greasy patch somewhere.

[MacMan]

I have a bike. Not been riding much after it tried to kill me in the desert last November, but can't bring myself to part with it. My first love too...

[Lucy]

Commuted between Nowra and Wollongong on a Kawasaki ZZR 600 followed by a ZX6R for 2 years. Covered nearly 80.00km in that time. I worked out later that it was cheaper to run a V8 disco over that distance than a bike 8O

Certainly used less fuel, but way more in servicing (every 6,000km), tyres (new set every 10,000km at approx $500 to $600 a set) chains sprockets, insurance etc.

I know which was more fun round Kiama bends through to Berry tho' style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Parted with the bikes when the kids were born, now my commute consists of 5 stairs down to work from my house. I occasiionally borrow mates bikes, and am counting down the days until I can get another one.

As for tips:
1. Buy the best safety gear you can afford, and wear it every time! The full kit - helmet, boots, leathers, and especially gloves.

2. Don't stint on maintenance, its even more important than that on a Landy.

3. Do a course or three on defensive riding, its about thinking, not riding skills as such.

[lewy110]

I have been riding for the past 13 years. And have owned a number of different bikes.

I agree with lucy about the running costs of big sportsbikes. My old vtr1000 used to chew through a rear tyre in about 4000kms. But they were a fun 4000kms style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Smaller bikes should be cheaper to run as the tyres are smaller and are usually a harder coumpound. Plus there is not as much horsepower to rip them to shreds.

My current bike I use as a weekend play to to run through the mountains on and it still chews tyres about every 5500km and its only got 50hp.

The servicing costs are also expensive when you need two oilfilters at about $40 and 2.2lts of oil every 2500km.

I wouldn't sell it though. Its way too much fun

http://www.bikepics.com/pics/pics/ktm-640lc4-04-bikepics-411860.jpg

[p38arover]

You don't say how old you are nor what kind of riding you want to do, e.g., road, dirt, a combination?

I'm not as flexible as I was in my youth so a sports bike is out of the question. My last bike was a Honda CBR1000F sports tourer (below) which I sold about 18 months ago. If I was buying again, I'd probably go for a naked bike, maybe something like a Yamaha XJR1300 (if I wanted a 4 pot) or perhaps BMW R1200GS (if I could afford it). The BMW could handle dirt roads a bit better than the CBR which was awful on dirt.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/thebecketts/bikes/ron_threequarter.jpg

Running costs for a big bike are quite high and fuel economy isn't brilliant. I used to get 7.2 litres/100km on the CBR when commuting to the city (120km each day) - 2/3rd of that on freeway.

Ron

[Redback]

OK yes me too, been riding bikes for over 30yrs, it's in the blood and can't get it out, i have two bikes at the moment an 05 WR250F and a 1973 H2 Kawasaki 750 2 stroke (project)

Me at Bathurst
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/bazzar/alf.sized.jpg

The whole family rides style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Baz.

[timbo]

Sorry, forgot to mention, I am in the market for a 250cc street bike atm, probably a ZZR. Further on down the track I'm thinking along the lines of a ZX-6R

At the current trend, I am spending almost $90 a week on fuel or maybe more (almost 5 big ones a year). Rego for the V8 isn't cheap, and even with only third party property, it all adds up. Then there's maintenance and services, oils and fluids etc.

You say bike maintenance is often, but can it beat a 5 grand fuel bill?

how much was maintenance for the 6R?
What sort of tyres were you using? normal, or the soft sticky stuff? (ooer)

Would self maintaining a 6R be out of the question, in terms of tools as well as skill? if so, would you be able to do some stuff yourself?

[Ace]

Originally posted by Redback
OK yes me too, been riding bikes for over 30yrs, it's in the blood and can't get it out, i have two bikes at the moment an 05 WR250F and a 1973 H2 Kawasaki 750 2 stroke (project)

Me at Bathurst
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/bazzar/alf.sized.jpg

The whole family rides style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Baz.

What year is that Baz? How long has it been since you raced at Bathurst? I can imagine how much fun and how scary that would be all at the same time.

I have always wanted to get into trail bikes, and will do when i can afford it, Landies are my fist love, bikes will come a distant second when the SII is up and running, and when marcos is old enought to ride with me. Matt

[Lucy]

You are asking about the 6r. I didn't have mine for long (12000km or 12 weeks), Prior to that had a zzr600 (2 years, 78,000km)

When commuting daily, was 160km round trip. filled up every second day, was getting average 5L/100km on fuel

Using touring tyres, averaged 10,000km a set, worst was 6,000km from a dunlop rear, best, well I've still got the pirelli dragon in my shed, 19,000km from the front. I used to change them as a set though. average cost was between $500 to $600 a set (5 sets a year = $3000 on tyres!). And I was good on tyres, as Lewy said, you can chew through rears in as short as 2,000km!

Servicing was every 6,000km on both bikes, approx $300-500 each time (averaged $3500 a year). I'm reasonably mechanical, but I wouldn't attempt it myself. Repairs etc added to the bill - plastic fairings, clutch cables, chains etc all get expensive. Brake pads etc are not cheap either.

Then insurance $2,000 a year with 60% no claim bonus, over 25, if they will cover you.

Adds up to $8,500 a year 8O (please note, this is based on 1999 prices, I doubt its got any cheaper!)

A V8 disco doesn't look so bad now does it style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[VladTepes]

Originally posted by p38arover
Running costs for a big bike are quite high and fuel economy isn't brilliant. I used to get 7.2 litres/100km on the CBR when commuting to the city (120km each day) - 2/3rd of that on freeway.

Ron

True, true BUT you get what you pay for.

Sure that fuel consumption figure is no better than many many small cars (and worse than some !) HOWEVER

a small car will not be fun.

the bike will be fun.

'nuff said.

[PeterM]

Tim,

Bear in mind that ownership costs can vary wildly for various bikes. As you're driving a v8 I would be more inclined to recommend that you have a look at twins. These are the v8s of the motorbike world, nice and torquey and you don't need to wring their necks to have fun.

As you're in QLD you can do the Q-ride program. This doesn't limit you to a 250 upon completion but commonsense needs to be applied. If you're looking at and in-line 4 like the ZX-6R then be prepared to get screwed over insurance. They are the highest risk category and you'll suffer for it.

Personally I love my SV-650S. It's a 650 v-twin and are commonly considered to be one of the most under-rated bikes out there and recently got 5 stars in the Australian Motorcylce Trader as a used bike. Economy is pretty good about 4.5l/100km is common and as they are a light bike they are pretty kind on tyres but it depends what type you get. Oh, and on isurance, mine costs about $300 a year for comprehensive with 60% ncb.

Servicing every 6000km is par for the course no matter what bike you get but again servicing costs vary according to make and model. My servicing is usually about $150-200.

If I sound biased I am as I have not had a trouble with the bike, it is cheap, fun and sounds awesome with a pipe.

Check out this forum for further info www.svdownunder.com (http://www.svdownunder.com)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

If you need to do the miles,,, buy a shaft bike,,
if you want to "go fast" It WILL NOT be cheaper than owning a WRX,,

an old cruiser XV 1100 yammy will give you 30mpg in comfort, no tyre shredding, no excessive maintenance costs ( only two of everything) and be relatively bulletproof,,,
yes there not 2005 space shuttles,, but remember what you are trying to do here,,,


8)

[rangie5litre]

Size does Matter!
I bought the 250 twin GSX to ride to work, cause it's cheap to run and maintain. Within 5 days of picking it up I fitted a matching set of Bridgestones to it, checked every nut and bolt, adjusted all the adjustable items to suit my taste and stuck a bag on the rack for work.
My last big bike that cost $$ to run was a ZZ-R1100 C2 model, ridden hard it was expensive fun! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Still, the old Zook is low on power so tyres, chain and brakes will last on my 30km round trip commute and in Sydney's peak hours being fast is no advantage at all, being small and easily managed is. And $7.00 a week in fuel is pretty good!

The GSX cost me $1500, + $245 for two tyres + $100 for the rack bag. I still need to buy a Dririder jacket or similar for chilly starts and when the drought breaks!, rego is due in January, $90 rego for the RTA + $160 for CTP in NSW. CTP for big bore sports bikes is as much as the Rangie at $500-$600. Not cheap! Once you go over the 300cc it cost $$ more. I would have liked a RGV 250 but they were way above my budget 8O

I even look forward to the trip to and from work.........



style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Cheers Scott. 8)

[loanrangie]

I sold my VFR750 just after xmas last year, i nearly cryed as it was trailered away. Sold it due to finances at the time - of course since then i have refinanced the mortgage, had 10k of pay rises and wife has bought a business! I am starting to eye off my mates Triumph Daytona 595 that doesnt get used now he has a Ducati monster.

[p38arover]

Originally posted by loanrangie
I am starting to eye off my mates Triumph Daytona 595 that doesnt get used now he has a Ducati monster.

Jeez, if my mate had a Daytona, I'd eye that off instead of eyeing his wife off.

Ron

[rangieman]

well i have 2 bikes one for the road and one for the dirt. the road bike is a yamaha fj1200 fantastic bike ive done 2 trips to QLD from vic one way i did straight thru .
never again your not meant to sit in one position for 16 hours and i know that was aquick time but my mate lived a hour over the qld boarder . ive also done 2 trips to swanhill about 6 hours riding 1 way .
i guess im saying is that the fj1200 is a reliable comfortable sports tourer
if you want to ride hard it responds not the best handling [corners] you can still push it if your good.
the other is a suzuki pe 175 great bike for off road.
if your going to do any more than 2 hours in the saddle dont go the sports bike .
cruisers arent any good for high speed touring or bends.
sports touer is the best all round .
not much of a choice in 250.s but . good luck and treat them car drivers as if their out to run you over its worked for me for 27 years stayupright
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Redback]

Timbo i noticed you said (I am in the market for a 250cc street bike atm, probably a ZZR) correct me if i'm wrong but i thought that there was a retriction on race replicas for learners.

My personal opinion would be to get a more upright style of bike similar to a GSX 250 or VT 250
http://images.bikesales.com.au/watermark/bikesales.do?id=72772
or
http://images.bikesales.com.au/watermark/bikesales.do?id=60108

This type of bike is more suited to a beginner.

Baz.

[VladTepes]

Originally posted by loanrangie
I am starting to eye off my mates Triumph Daytona 595 that doesnt get used now he has a Ducati monster.

I see your mate came to his senses. Ducati Monster... Mmmmm style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2005models/2005-Ducati-Monster-S4R-small.jpg
2005 model style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif



But if you want a bigger bike, with a comfortable riding position, but that can still go around corners, has longer maintenance periods (than a Duke etc) and is relatively inexpensive, and nimble in traffic...

I reckon its hard to go past a Suzuki Bandit.
http://www.motosecure.be/wallp/wallpapers/bandit_12.jpg

This image may be more appealing to some... :wink:
http://www.bikes.cz/fotosoutez/foto03/16/foto.jpg

[p38arover]

8O She's not wearing a helmet!

Ron

[VladTepes]

Tis OK - I have a helmet for her :wink:










Oh no - this is in the gutter already.

Back on the bike :!:




ahem, back TO the bikes :!:

[BigT]

Hi guys
not all big bikes are heavy on the fuel nor on rego & ctp
just transfered my rego from NT to NSW , my bike is a kwaka gpz 900r
rego $90 ctp $263(you get a discount if you have insurance even only legal liability) from the standed $5-600 premium. and fuel wise my 900 is doing 5ltr/100km (shocked the hell out of me!) if you ride to the speed limits, (too many blue lights & speed cams up here)

[timbo]

Originally posted by Redback
Timbo i noticed you said (I am in the market for a 250cc street bike atm, probably a ZZR) correct me if i'm wrong but i thought that there was a retriction on race replicas for learners.As far as I know, only thing is !>250cc

[lewy110]

I think you find its only the 250 two strokes that are banned for learners.

I wouldn't exactly call a zz-r 250 a race replica even though I know a guy who thinks his is

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lewy110/2005-09-11010.jpg

[Quiggers]

Lucy particularly, and others are right, running costs are nuts. Road bikes rip thru tyres, chains and cogs. But there are a few 'human' issues, occasionally you will get wet, very wet which is the pits, and one day you will fall off, probably taken out by a car that didn't see you.

If you've never ridden in traffic, it can be a very scary experience. There is much different spacially going on around you, than when driving a car. And if you're doing freeway, a 250 won't cut the mustard.

Also, your size is relative to bike size, a cafe racer 250 may fit someone who is 5ft high but if your say 6ft, your chin will be bumping your knees..

eg: Many moons ago I worked for Yamaha and had a choice of three bikes as 'company' vehicle (thanks George), the RZ 350 (cafe racer) was too small, the IT400 (offroader) was so tall I couldn't get over it, and I'm 5'10", but the XJ750 was perfect, a very comfy bike w/ driveshaft, monoshock and fairings, but it rained for six months while I had this and I resorted to a LINE7 sailing suit and gumboots to keep dry.

Love bikes, have had more than fifty (big and small) and still have several, but these days, just for fun.

Bikes are no cheaper than cars. Want to save money, commuting? Get a Charade.

GQ

[p38arover]

In the '70s, I used to ride my Yamaha AT1E (single cylinder 125cc trail bike) the 60km each way from Penrith to Paddington - on the freeway (in those days it was free). 70mph was pushing it though and it occasionally would start to seize. In traffic on Parramatta Rd, it was great. I'm 5' 11-1/2".

After a while I upgraded to a Honda CB250 road bike with a screen and fairing around the bars - similar to that used by cop bikes of the time.

Eventually I gave up and went back to driving. With changing clothes, boots, suiting up for inclement weather, etc., the time difference of riding vs driving was minimal (except on dayshifts).

Ron

[HSVRangie]

Triumph sprint ST

good value.
Nice performence.

Michael.

[VladTepes]

Originally posted by HSVRangie
Triumph sprint ST

good value.
Nice performence.

Michael.

a.k.a. "How to condense a 3 page road test into a single paragraph".

Nicely done mate, but you'd never make a bike journo :!: style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[PhilipA]

test for invalid session

[PhilipA]

OK here's my 2 c worth.
I have a Honda 900 Hornet which I have ridden from Mona Vale to the City of Sydney for 3 1/2 years and before that a GPZ750 for 2 years. I get free parking in my building in a nook or cranny.

My Honda uses 5.2L per 100Ks in city traffic.
I do not know about other cities but in Sydney you can use the bus lanes.
It takes me 45-50 minutes to do the 30K from Mona Vale , where a bus takes 1hr 15 and a car 1hr 30.

My chain is 35K old and still has 1/3 left as I look after it.

The tyres are about $450 for 2 Dunlop 208s ( sports tyres or similar for Michelins) and both first sets lasted 15K or about 1 1/2 years
I reckon in operating cost it costs $21 in petrol plus $15 tolls a week.
Biggest cost is depreciation of $6000 -6500 in 31/2 years ouch so the longer you hold it the better.
So total cost is $36+ tyres $6 + depreciation$40 = $82 plus servicing every 5000K say $3= $85 versus a bus at $45.

I have been knocked down once with about $800 damage to the bike and a skinned knee.

I agree that an upright bike is best as your wrists get old very quickly on a sports bike in traffic.
I recommend the Hornet. It has been totally reliable , except it did a rear wheel bearing last week. Total $30 for 2 bearings and seal. It will chug up Spit Hill at 1000RPM behind a bus or happily pull a wheelie from the lights. Try that on a DUKE or anything but a 4cylinder.
Regards Philip A[/img]

[VladTepes]

yeah the hornet is a good bike,

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>It will chug up Spit Hill at 1000RPM behind a bus or happily pull a wheelie from the lights. Try that on a DUKE or anything but a 4cylinder.
Regards Philip A[/b][/quote]

You can climb a hill behind a bus on a DUKE but it will
1. wear out the clutch, and
2. build up your wrists muscles, until it
3. wears out your wrists.


Once you get a bit of a gap though, open the throttle on that Duke and yee-ha :!:


(I agree a Duke is NOT the best choice for commuting. Much like a manual Defender ain't that flash for it either)

[crump]

Guzzi-shaft drive.
Guzzi-sensible tyres
Guzzi-fuel economy
Guzzi-do it yourself maintenance

But maybe im bias!

[lewy110]

Guzzi-electrics style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[HSVRangie]

if you drive a rover and cope with lucas prince of darkness, then I am sure guzzie elecs wont faze you to much.
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Michael.

[JamesH]

I can't be the only person on this list with a Triumph Bonneville, surely? Ok, I'd accept a Norton Commando but what are these weird brands you are all talking about? The late Hunter S Thompson said "I wouldn't ride a Honda to Richard Nixon's funeral".

My Trumpy is a 1981 model. Electronic ignition, 5 speed but just before they introduced the ugly looking electric start.

Alas it is waiting for me to get funds to replace the loom and sort out a fuel problem. Does not get ridden much the poor old thing but she sounds sweeeeeet and has been very reliable.

[VladTepes]

Originally posted by lewy110
Guzzi-electrics style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

That's been pretty well sorted on the new ones.

[crump]

Electrics? Are we sure we're not thinking Ducati? I own a 92 SP3 1000, never had a problem, my mate has a 82 Mk 3 and a 80 V50, never had a problem, but another mates 750 paso, well thats another story.

[crump]

Bikes I've owned.
1986 TT250 Yammy-Good honest chookchaser
86 SRX 250 Yammy- nice little entry level roadie
82 Kwaka GPZ 1100 B2- fuel injected unreliable pile of poo
86 Yammy FZ750N- Rocketship for its time but dont get it wet
90 Kwaka KLR 650- needed something to ride up the Cape
Various Katanas- still one of the toughest looking bikes eva.
Cagiva Mito 125-the best handling bike i ever rode, what can you say about a 180km/h 125 that you can pick up?
1982 CB1100RC-A classic but too top heavyfor serious cornering, wish I had it now though.
1992 Harley 1200 Sporty-Had to try it, and a bike to make you smile on every ride, as long as that ride was to the local shops and no further.
and then the inevitable break where you grow up for 5-10 years before you come back to your senses.

[CraigE]

I currently have a 1998 Ducati 900SS and a 2000 Yamaha YZF426 dirt bike.