The Bikeshite Thread

[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?

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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

[Sir Chocolate Teapot]

2 hours ago, castros_bro said:

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/

Much thanks for that, never knew it existed.  That is this evening's reading sorted. 

[andyberg]

I had a 1994 vfr, the model to go for. I took it to the Isle of Mann TT and to the nurburgring. I'm not a racer by any means but the bike more than kept up with my mates on bikes including an R6 and a ZRX 600. I was comfy and the sound going through the tunnels near nurburgring was awesome!, much nicer than a straight 4 howl. IMHO a good choice of bike to get, will do monster miles, reliable, comfy, sound good, and look great, especially in red. 

[LostnotFound]

I'm smitten with my 97 it has an addictive sound, loads of flexibility in terms of letting you be in any gear which helps me as a new rider, but also chases up to the red line in a way that puts a smile on your face. 

It also has clip ons / looks like a 'proper' bike without needing to be a contortionist to get on it.

The only real downside is that as the model was only made for 3 years there isn't a cheap supply of Chinese vplastics as there are for cbrs etc... But you aren't a twat like me so won't need them.

For around a grand for an average one or slightly more for a very nice example it's a heck of a lot of engineering for your money. When I looked at things like sv650s for the same money they might have been newer but were still well used and were built down to a budget to start with.

I can't comment on the other two, although I can't help feeling any v twin cruiser that doesn't have 'the badge' would always feel like a stop gap to me. 

[castros_bro]

2 hours ago, Sir Chocolate Teapot said:

Much thanks for that, never knew it existed.  That is this evening's reading sorted. 

They have a lot of the articles of the  past 50ish Iceni Cam copies and an archive etc to take up a few months of lockdown.

And this magnificent picture "going coast to coast" 

not the Ducks Deluxe version..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6fegotswzs

 

[Jerzy Woking]

This was the GS650 that was parked up in the basement at work for years. Around 15 or 20 years, and after 2 or 3 years of asking around, I finally found out who owned it and bought it for £50

Mentioned it to my mate, and he said he had a GS650 when he first met his wife, and wanted it to fix up for their wedding anniversay. So for £50 it was his. It had 80,000 miles on the clock, and had numerous issues, but being in a dry basement all those years ot wasn't too bad.

Think it took him six months for a full nut and bolt restoration. It was like new when it was finished. He didnt keep it long as his wife preferred the pillion seat of his V-Strom.

[New POD]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-08/tvs-is-said-to-mull-bid-for-classic-u-k-motorcycle-brand-norton

 

Did someone mention Spondon? 

[They_all_do_that_sir]

If I had some actual money I think I'd like a V4 tuono. They seem like all the bike you would ever need

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[Barry Cade]

I seem to be the only one who isn't a vfr fan. I found my '96 a bit "meh" . Didn't particularly do anything well, didn't make me want to go for a ride, or want to clean and polish it. Never had a Honda yet that I've liked. Just me?

[andyberg]

I have had a few hondas, the VFR suited me at the time, yes it didn't excel in any one area but for a bike you could just get on and know it would get you somewhere in relative comfort, go like a whippit if you needed or potter it ticked my boxes. I had an Italian import nsr 125 about 12 years ago, bought cheap, should never have sold it, the most uncomfortable bike I have owned, but boy did it make me smile when it came on song. Now I have what most would describe as a ' boring' bike, a CB 250, bought from this forum. I love it, it does all I need in comfort, at a speed I am happy to potter along at.  I have had others too, and some Kawasakis and Yamahas and Suzukis. Personally I have never enjoyed a Suzuki. I guess different people have different tastes. My favorite bike I have owned? Kawasaki GPZ 500, I have had 3! I was going to say my RD350LC that was my first big bike, but its been 30+ years since I last rode one, would love another chance one day.