motorbike Q

**Gold_TD5** · 25th February 2009, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by camel_landy

Depends how often you're using it and what you're using it for.

If you're the type of rider who takes the bike out for a ride on the weekend and then spends 2hrs cleaning it before putting it away again, the Jap bikes do represent good value.

However, if you want something that's a real workhorse and 'bombproof', the BMs are about the only ones which can stand up to the punishment. (My GS is used 2-4hrs a day, most days and only gets cleaned when it goes in for a service...) The only others that come close are the Fazer or the Pan.

My 2c.

Just curious, do treat your landy the same way, only clean it when it is due for a service?

Some of us take pride in our bikes, just because it is a work horse does not mean you can not keep it clean.
I seriously doubt if the BM is bombproof and the only bike to stand up to the punishment.
Been a long time since a BMW took out the prestigious Paris Dakar.

By the way it has not been a Japanese bike either.
So maybe it's the KTM which is Bombproof?? Chain drive as well.
Although some motor vehicles do have inherent faults, after 35 years of riding , racing, off road, on road and spending time in the trade.
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR MAINTENANCE?
Even then a 20c part can end it all.
The owner who takes the time to keep his ride clean on the outside is more likely to have taken the time to have kept the inside clean as well.
All said and done, take each bike on its merits, check tyre condition, brakes, loose/worn head stem, swingarm and wheel bearing's.
AND the big one I all always looked at when I was buyer.
Does the amount of K's on the clock reflect the condition of the bike.
Nothing ages a bike quicker than being left outside in the weather.
The sun fades and the rain causes corrosion.
Any of the Japanese 750's would be a good buy for the right money in good condition/well maintained.
Just not ones with R in the prefix and the greyhound rooting a bowling ball riding position.

**Jeff** · 26th February 2009, 12:09 PM

I agree with Gold_TD5, maintenance is the key in a second hand bike. Look also for rounded bolts and nuts, it may have maintained but not by an expert.

I think the GSX-F is a great bike and were great value for money and did everything well except look stylish. The Bandit looks better and the 1200 at least will put a smile on you face whenever you open the throttle. They are cheap for a bike with such horsepower.

You are too young for a BMW

. I don't believe they are more reliable, I have spent a lot of time on the side of the road helping friends with BMs, possibly also maintenance issues. My Bandit has done over 120,000km with nothing other than oil changes and a new battery every three years.

Jeff

**VladTepes** · 26th February 2009, 12:54 PM

Gioving up a dangerous habit to take up something safer, eh ?!
Sarcasm intended but don;t worry I reckon you're doing the right thing !

In my opnion the answer is BMW or Guzzi tourers / sports tourers however the price may not allow you get get one as good as you want.

Despite generally being an anti-jap crap snob (sound about right for a Landy forum?) I am impressed by the Suzuki Bandits.

The only way you will know whether it suits you, riding position wise, is to take them for test rides before you buy.

Enjoy.

**p38arover** · 26th February 2009, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

well,,
nothing with an R or SS in its name will be nice to your wrists and back,,,

[well maybe a BMW 1100/1200RS,,

but you need Looooong legs!

]

Maybe an old BMW R65 or R80? A colleague has an R65 and is most impressed with it. He's done 40,000km in the past year. He bought it last year with 50,000km on the clock.

See R65 Frequenty Asked Questions

**VladTepes** · 26th February 2009, 01:31 PM

Good FAQ Ron - any idea of similar resources for Guzzis ?

**p38arover** · 26th February 2009, 01:49 PM

Dunno, Vlad. Maybe here: Patrick Jordan's Motorcycle Page

I had Elisabeth looking at a very nice Guzzi (for her) whilst we were in Melbourne last.

There is also a good FAQ for Suzuki VX800 V-twin which I'd considered for myself a few years back. Suzuki VX800, The Dutch pages.

A nice pic here: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...a8/VX800_1.JPG

**VladTepes** · 26th February 2009, 02:46 PM

Thanks Ron - there's some good stuff on those pages !
Oh the ignominy beaten (just) by a scooter !

Gee that VX800 is a nice bike too !

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 26th February 2009, 03:27 PM

while in all other aspects the R65 would be a good choice,,
but having ridden one,,
their a bit slow,,,,

and come on Jeff!!

how many chains and sets of sprockets???

**p38arover** · 26th February 2009, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

while in all other aspects the R65 would be a good choice,,
but having ridden one,,
their a bit slow,,,,

and come on Jeff!!

how many chains and sets of sprockets???

I asked the owner about that last night at the Two Wheels Forum trivia table and he said he was riding at around 150 km/h on a ride on the weekend.

The R80 might be a better, though.

**Jeff** · 26th February 2009, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

and come on Jeff!!

how many chains and sets of sprockets???

I actually can't remember, maybe 3. I have owned shaft drive bikes in the past and found the handling annoying and the difficulty changing gearing means I would rather a chain and sprockets.

Jeff

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