The Bikeshite Thread

[strangeangel]

Lots of chat about the new Honda CT... FWIW I think it's aimed at beards rather than ride-to-work types and priced accordingly. They've done a decent job of making it look like the original 110 though, I think. Coincidentally I was working on my Trail 90 yesterday; I've been spurred on by the fact that it's now UK road legal and - like most other people it seems - I have time on my hands. Have a gratuitous picture:

 

 

It's a 1967 K0 model, the first one with the transfer box. The earlier bike, the CT200, had an second, massive rear sprocket and to get low range you had to splice in an extra bit of chain. Handy!

 

 

[Barry Cade]

Is everyone going out on their bikes as normal? I'm having withdrawals but can't be arsed with getting the 3rd degree from anyone.. Last time I was out it was rather chilly.

 

 

[andyberg]

My bike is just sat under the cover, bloody typical. For the first time in years I get a lovely bike, the weather has been pretty much glorious, but we are on lockdown. This virus has a lot to answer for....... 

 

There is no excuse to go out on the bike unless you have to go shopping for essentials. I know this weather is good today and tomorrow but its just not worth the risk in my opinion. 

[castros_bro]

I know what I'll be doings this afternoons............

 

 

[xtriple]

I 'want' a new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.

There, I've said it. I think they are a touch of allright.

[plasticvandan]

I got some out the garage,until last weds was still going to work so alternating between my mz and Ariel

[martc]

6 hours ago, Barry Cade said:

Is everyone going out on their bikes as normal? I'm having withdrawals but can't be arsed with getting the 3rd degree from anyone.. Last time I was out it was rather chilly.

I've just changed the oil and filter on the NC750S ready for the season. Fortunately* I'm a 'key worker' and due into work for 2 days next week - I shall be taking advantage of the improving weather and my 'legal' travelling status by going on the bike. Otherwise it'd have to stay in the garage.

[doug]

Built the ducati back up. I had stripped all the bodywork off it last year. Polished it to death. Painted the exhaust on the XT.

All dressed up and nowhere to go!

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[doug]

3 hours ago, xtriple said:

I 'want' a new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.

There, I've said it. I think they are a touch of allright.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Royal-Enfield-Interceptor-650-2019/333561461155?hash=item4da9cff9a3:g:3EgAAOSw3BBegIoC

Cheapest on ebay. Near me,free storage in my garage till safe to collect.

[hairnet]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2018-ROYAL-ENFIELD-HIMALAYAN-IN-FACTORY-BLACK/193390897514?hash=item2d06fee96a:g:Sz8AAOSwnqtedJlO

tempted

 

[pilninggas]

Just now, hairnet said:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2018-ROYAL-ENFIELD-HIMALAYAN-IN-FACTORY-BLACK/193390897514?hash=item2d06fee96a:g:Sz8AAOSwnqtedJlO

tempted

 

Damn that's excellent value

[strangeangel]

Chaps, especially the 2-stroke specialists... I need some advice. I think lockdown may provide me with enough time to start work on the Tula, and I think it'd be useful to know if the engine is capable of running before I get too far into it. However, it's obviously been stood for since the dinosaurs roamed the earth and, as such, the crank seals are almost certainly bolloxed.

 

Would it be a terrible idea to stick some fuel in and try and start it? Obviously I wouldn't plan on running it for very long.

 

 

[xtriple]

No go for it. Please film it for us...

To be honest, I know sweet fuck all about that bike but, if you kick it over and can hear air then it's probably a bad sign. When I had my IT465 the crank seals had gone on that and it ran like shit and was a twat and a half (they are ALWAYS a twat to start - they were known for breaking ankles or the kickstart gears when they were running properly!) to start.

Having said all that, I don't think you can do it any damage by trying to start it and if it does run, spray carb cleaner around the seals and see if it revs up - mine did! Obviously if the points are there on one end, steer clear as sparks and carb cleaner, not a good idea. It's the sort of thing I WOULD do so obviously a bad idea...

[Saabnut]

11 minutes ago, strangeangel said:

Chaps, especially the 2-stroke specialists... I need some advice. I think lockdown may provide me with enough time to start work on the Tula, and I think it'd be useful to know if the engine is capable of running before I get too far into it. However, it's obviously been stood for since the dinosaurs roamed the earth and, as such, the crank seals are almost certainly bolloxed.

 

Would it be a terrible idea to stick some fuel in and try and start it? Obviously I wouldn't plan on running it for very long.

 

 

Nothing to lose! Check for a spark. If OK, put a fresh mix in and give it a go. If the seals are dead, it won't go, if they are OK and it starts, it will do no harm

[They_all_do_that_sir]

This lack of riding is getting me down, especially with the great weather we've been having

Getting more garage time though, so Mrs bike got some love. New fork seals went on, painted the side stand and a few other wee fiddly jobs.



A new chain and sprocket kit went on as well, I went for gold for the bling factor and think it suits the bike



Its a great wee bike for a 125. It's a Honda but the build quality betrays the fact it's built in Thailand primarily for that market.

Obviously it was essential to take it a run around the block for testing purposes. Mrs might actually get to use it as she is frontline NHS staff and has reason to travel to work. Plus the bike is far handier for her, she can park right outside the building she works in......

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[andyberg]

Methinks come the end of lockdown there will be a few* very very clean bikes coming out, mine included, I'm just off to tinker and clean right now ?

[Jerzy Woking]

Go and try to start the Tula. My Monet hadn't run for (I was told) for about 20 years, but it was not seized.

Bit of petrol in the carb and it started, not very easily, and ran ok with no sign of leaky seals. Stuck it back in the garage to sort out properly. It was there another 18 months.

My brother has it at the moment, and has got it running well. Good chap!

[Jerzy Woking]

15 hours ago, hairnet said:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2018-ROYAL-ENFIELD-HIMALAYAN-IN-FACTORY-BLACK/193390897514?hash=item2d06fee96a:g:Sz8AAOSwnqtedJlO

tempted

That's a great price for one in standard condition. Great bikes if you ride on back lanes and tracks. OK on motorways if needed, but realistic cruising speed is 65mph. And I rarely use motorways in Spain.

The top box is useful for putting your helmet in when off the bike, but the rack only takes 5kgs, and many do break. I ride with mine empty 99% of the time because of that, but they can be strengthened, of Hitchcocks sell a more robust one.

Miss mine as that is over in Spain gathering dust until I can get out there.

[Cavcraft]

15 hours ago, strangeangel said:

Chaps, especially the 2-stroke specialists... I need some advice. I think lockdown may provide me with enough time to start work on the Tula, and I think it'd be useful to know if the engine is capable of running before I get too far into it. However, it's obviously been stood for since the dinosaurs roamed the earth and, as such, the crank seals are almost certainly bolloxed.

 

Would it be a terrible idea to stick some fuel in and try and start it? Obviously I wouldn't plan on running it for very long.

 

 

 

Go for it, be good to see a video when you do.

[LostnotFound]

On 4/4/2020 at 12:54 PM, Barry Cade said:

Is everyone going out on their bikes as normal? I'm having withdrawals but can't be arsed with getting the 3rd degree from anyone.. Last time I was out it was rather chilly.

 

 

 

 

I got a lead on somewhere with eggs and took the vfr rather than the rav 4. I'm used to being the slowest thing on the road but not by the 20mph or so I was the other day.

My experience was traffic was down but cunts were up enough to wipe most of the advantage out. Oh and dear crossing the road even on the middle of the day as they're enjoying empty roads as well!

[They_all_do_that_sir]

In the midst of lockdown there is someone local to me getting rid of an Aprilia Futura.

I love the firestorm, but the Futura seems to be more of the same but a bit more touring focused. It would definitely be better two up anyway.

Anyone know much about them?

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[hairnet]

wait till you need bits

the lockdown now will seem like a short interlude

vfr would be better - you can tour on anything

 

[Barry Cade]

22 hours ago, They_all_do_that_sir said:

In the midst of lockdown there is someone local to me getting rid of an Aprilia Futura.

I love the firestorm, but the Futura seems to be more of the same but a bit more touring focused. It would definitely be better two up anyway.

Anyone know much about them?

Sent from my TA-1012 using Tapatalk
 

I looked into these a while back as I really fancied one- other guy on my Bikesafe course was on one so I had a good look over it and a long chat about it. Still want one! They have a few well documented issues which seem to have all been sorted by now, and I've read so many times about how comfy they are. Looks are a bit take it or leave it depending on your view. Engines are brilliant, electrics can be a bit iffy but I'd take a chance on one anyday. Seriously hunted down a Caponord for a long time too- still on my list.

[They_all_do_that_sir]

I looked into these a while back as I really fancied one- other guy on my Bikesafe course was on one so I had a good look over it and a long chat about it. Still want one! They have a few well documented issues which seem to have all been sorted by now, and I've read so many times about how comfy they are. Looks are a bit take it or leave it depending on your view. Engines are brilliant, electrics can be a bit iffy but I'd take a chance on one anyday. Seriously hunted down a Caponord for a long time too- still on my list.

I got cold feet. It has 80k and a wobbly rear wheel. It also needs a battery and an MOT. Think he has over valued it at £1800 when not much extra will bag one ready to go on eBay

I read the rear wheels can give a bit of bother if they aren't refitted properly......

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[Barry Cade]

3 hours ago, They_all_do_that_sir said:

I got cold feet. It has 80k and a wobbly rear wheel. It also needs a battery and an MOT. Think he has over valued it at £1800 when not much extra will bag one ready to go on eBay

I read the rear wheels can give a bit of bother if they aren't refitted properly......

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Ooft, I missed a trick.. The one I was looking at and umming over was mint, and £1400. Had luggage too. I remember seeing a few for a grand. 

[castros_bro]

In case there's any here  who likes Honda 50/70/90 n Mopeds look at the Jan edition of Iceni Cam.

http://www.icenicam.org.uk/

[LostnotFound]

Just back from some food shopping, scored skimmed milk for tea, a dozen eggs and even bread flour!

Summer gloves on, warm air coming off the screen and empty country roads even for a short blast has done wonders for the soul. 

[AlsoMike]

My mod 2 test was supposed to be on the 20th of March, I had hoped to be passed and out riding by now, but NO!

Currently contenting myself by looking at bikes on Ebay that I cant ride. And my 125 is in a relatives garage 20 miles away with no MOT. Grr.

Ebay browsing is doubly shit because even if I do find something I want (but cant ride) I have nowhere to store it because my house purchase is going nowhere because of Covid. First world problems I guess.

[LostnotFound]

37 minutes ago, AlsoMike said:

My mod 2 test was supposed to be on the 20th of March, I had hoped to be passed and out riding by now, but NO!

Currently contenting myself by looking at bikes on Ebay that I cant ride. And my 125 is in a relatives garage 20 miles away with no MOT. Grr.

Ebay browsing is doubly shit because even if I do find something I want (but cant ride) I have nowhere to store it because my house purchase is going nowhere because of Covid. First world problems I guess.

 

They might be first world problems but day dreaming about bikes is a good coping mechanism I reckon. Anything you can think about / look at on the web to avoid COVID is a good mental break. I can't see bikes down at the bottom end dropping any further but I do wonder what impact this will all have on all the 15k plus bikes that seem to make up most of the big bike range. A few extra bhp and 12 new engine maps may seem less important / affordable so people might hold onto their five years - ten old litre bikes longer?

What sort of bike are you after for when it's all through?

[AlsoMike]

14 minutes ago, LostnotFound said:

What sort of bike are you after for when it's all through?

That changes regularly - though I reckon something older or older looking perhaps. I like the look of naked bikes.

 

Current ebay watchlist is quite varied:

 

Suzuki GS650GT https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/suzuki-gs650-gt-1982-project/114170726762?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

gs650gt

I like the style of this one and do quite fancy a bit of project

 

Honda VFR 750 because of the noise and general capability (so I've read)  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-vfr-750/324125700069?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

VFR750

 

Virago 500 - I like the style, plus v-twin noise is always good https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1983-XV-500-VIRAGO-CUSTOM-CRUISER-BOBBER-25028-MILES-12-MONTHS-MOT-DELIVERY/254555693666?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

virago 500

 

And a Suzuki SV650. Took my Mod 1 on one of these and was impressed by how easy it was to ride and how well it went.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUZUKI-SV650X-SV-650-X-NAKED-BIKE-12-MONTH-MOT-2002-02/293497613537?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

sv650