The Bikeshite Thread

[doug]

"Liked" for the sound.☺️

[hairnet]

On 1/11/2021 at 9:52 PM, hairnet said:

i want to buy one of these

 

the only thing i want is the cross brace on the bars and the rack thing above the headlight

when i found out how much the exhaust was 😮

when the big bore kit cost 1/3 that (and 50 quid to fit)

@Conan can you help

as an update

 he only thing i want is the cross brace on the bars and the rack thing above the headlight - bought

when i found out how much the exhaust was 😮

when the big bore kit cost 1/3 that (and 50 quid to fit) been looking and takegawa 143cc kit supplied here in england

£1200 !!!!!!!!! 😮

 https://www.takegawauk.co.uk/product-page/takegawa-e-stage-143cc-kit-inc-34mm-throttle-body-125-monkey-2018-2020

wtf is up with that!!!

also exhaust - there are yoshi and moriwaki and another ive not heard of

between 210 and 250 quid !!!!!!11!!!!!!!!!!!

eek - people in usa have been putting cbr 250 engines in groms if they fit those they fit ct also (frame is mostly the same) - it would be cheaper to buy a smashed 250

[Cavcraft]

Had to nip into town to go to the bank, so the Honda got it's first proper run out. It held back/bogged down a little under load in second, but also mostly top gear. I don't think it's anything too worrying, but there is definitely (drive) chain slap  when slowing down, so will have to try and adjust it and see about having a new chain or links removed if that doesn't work.

 

The choke is shit, but that's not too much of an issue as can hold it by hand for the few seconds it's needed when cold, but it's over-revving slightly at times, so if not left in gear there's the worry of it lurching forward when first is selected. Left a decent gap between the cars in front when stopped in traffic!

[pilninggas]

My NC failed the MOT earlier - both discs warped - which i knew.

Usually i sort this stuff myself, but the MOT bloke, who is fantastic, said he is very quiet, so i have given the work to him.

Only fair in these times, my job is secure, so seems reasonable to support local business.

[martc]

On 1/26/2021 at 10:03 PM, RED2stroke said:

s a rare old beast in the UK, IZH Springbok 350 single cylinder, ankle breaker to start and so tall that I have to stand on a milk crate to get on it........

A rare old thing indeed, and ace. I had an IZH Planeta combo, it had an earlier version of the same engine. It is indeed an ankle breaker, and in my case, ankle trapper as you needed to kick through the scaffolding attaching the sidecar - a problem with RHD fitted 'cars.

I found the only reliable way to start it was squirting some Easy Start down the air filter. If you got it wrong it would back firing spectacularly, sometimes so spectacularly that it would blow the baffles out. Good times.

[RED2stroke]

7 hours ago, martc said:

A rare old thing indeed, and ace. I had an IZH Planeta combo, it had an earlier version of the same engine. It is indeed an ankle breaker, and in my case, ankle trapper as you needed to kick through the scaffolding attaching the sidecar - a problem with RHD fitted 'cars.

I found the only reliable way to start it was squirting some Easy Start down the air filter. If you got it wrong it would back firing spectacularly, sometimes so spectacularly that it would blow the baffles out. Good times.

I  can't imagine how hard it must have been to try and fire up with a side car in the way, I also have a Planeta and a Jupiter 91 and 92 vintage respectively, I will see if I can drag them out and let you listen to the 2 stroke symphony. As you will know they aren't exactly lightweights and if they start to fall over it's best to let them go rather than being catapulted 10 feet into the air as you try and stop them.

[red5]

Thinking about the same with the Mts - just not using it and can't seem it changing much in the near or middle future. 

Shame, Remus pipe sounds glorious and the 1100 is a cracking engine. 

Sam..

[andyberg]

My bikes are pretty much laid up, have been all year really, the same as everyone else. And I miss riding them. Yes I know it seems a waste BUT I know I would instantly regret selling them if and when we are allowed out again. I had an ex that completely disapproved of bikes and I didn't realise how much I missed one until I got myself the CB250. Its not fast but you simply cannot beat the feeling of riding on a warm day. Gentlemen keep your bikes you will regret selling them. Whilst they are in the shed/garage life is good 😁

[Bradders59]

I havent ridden a bike since 2009. 😪

Will always miss them.

[andyberg]

On 26/01/2021 at 10:03 PM, RED2stroke said:

Hello chaps , thought I would share the rebirth of an amazing piece of soviet two stroke bike shite with you, spent a  fair bit of lockdown time, fitting a new loom, left and right switchgear, coil, voltage rectifier, indicator relay and repro rusky indicators. It is a rare old beast in the UK, IZH Springbok 350 single cylinder, ankle breaker to start and so tall that I have to stand on a milk crate to get on it........

Very nice, love a good ring ding ding 😂 As I have said before I have a strong urge for a Soviet 2 stroke, but they keep getting more and more pricy, ho hum...

[hairnet]

knackered shitta was dragging front brake so pulled caliper off and wazzed pistons with brake cleaner to free it off - back oddly was ok - couldnt find allen keys to get slider pin out for a clean and lube tho

took longer to get tools than to do it cleaned lubed chain also - bike needs a clean really but cba - might get one at work when the machine isnt used now its light in the afternoons

and no the bike isnt there at this moment

 

[martc]

18 hours ago, RED2stroke said:

I  can't imagine how hard it must have been to try and fire up with a side car in the way, I also have a Planeta and a Jupiter 91 and 92 vintage respectively, I will see if I can drag them out and let you listen to the 2 stroke symphony. As you will know they aren't exactly lightweights and if they start to fall over it's best to let them go rather than being catapulted 10 feet into the air as you try and stop them.

That's what mine looked like, but in maroon. I seem to remember it having a Hella headlight and a VDO speedo, don't know if that made it posh, or just compliant to UK regs. Would love to hear it run, but be careful...

[martc]

1 hour ago, hairnet said:

 - bike needs a clean really but cba - might get one at work when the machine isnt used now its light in the afternoons

DO NOT USE WASHING UP LIQUID.

[strangeangel]

Fancy something a bit different? Just add old pushbike!

 

1954 CYCLEMASTER “ENGINE IN WHEEL” CYCLEMOTOR

 

[LightBulbFun]

2 minutes ago, strangeangel said:

Fancy something a bit different? Just add old pushbike!

 

1954 CYCLEMASTER “ENGINE IN WHEEL” CYCLEMOTOR

 

has a Unicycle ever been registered with the DVLA before I wonder....

 

[strangeangel]

1 hour ago, LightBulbFun said:

has a Unicycle ever been registered with the DVLA before I wonder....

 

 

Now I thought that if anyone would know that...

[mat_the_cat]

Not sure if this fits here, but I'm back on a motorbike for the first time in 6 years! 

We've been left some trials bikes, so me and my wife are getting to grips with going as slowly as possible! It's surprisingly good fun, and the engineering which has gone into them is interesting to see. A tiny radiator and cooling fan - makes sense as they are next to stationary for most of the time. Everything tucked away to avoid damage when you drop it.

Pleased that it's a hobby we can do together, as that means no complaining

[doug]

Cant go to see it.

Cant go to pick it up.

Cant go out for a wee spin on it.

Still bought it though.

 

 

[Jazoli]

Very nice, always fancied one of these, but have never been brave enough due to my Dad's experiences with a V7 Classic

[hairnet]

On 1/31/2021 at 10:08 PM, mat_the_cat said:

Not sure if this fits here, but I'm back on a motorbike for the first time in 6 years! 

We've been left some trials bikes, so me and my wife are getting to grips with going as slowly as possible! It's surprisingly good fun, and the engineering which has gone into them is interesting to see. A tiny radiator and cooling fan - makes sense as they are next to stationary for most of the time. Everything tucked away to avoid damage when you drop it.

Pleased that it's a hobby we can do together, as that means no complaining

how much to hire one m9?

 

[mat_the_cat]

6 hours ago, hairnet said:

how much to hire one m9?

 

Wanna buy one?

[tom13]

On 2/6/2021 at 8:43 PM, mat_the_cat said:

Wanna buy one?

Genuinely interested if you are serious. If you want to fire me some details over via PM with prices.

[tom13]

I may have previously posted this but has anyone on here got a Grom?

I just love the appeal of them. I have watched quite a few reviews, saw people saying the quality was built to last but also cheap feeling at the same time. I'm around 95kg so would like to know how much that would effect performance. I have my full bike license and have had quite a range of bikes but this little 125 just looks like a lot of fun and ideal for most of the type of riding I have time for at the moment (Pre Covid) which is just shorter evening/weekend blasts.

If anyone has bought one from new did you manage to get a test ride? I enquired around Autumn last year and I was told by a couple of places that they didn't have Grom demo bikes. I really need to try one before I commit to one. Not set on new or used and I'm not fussed on year, I personally quite like the older style light as well.

[Jazoli]

18 minutes ago, tom13 said:

I may have previously posted this but has anyone on here got a Grom?

I just love the appeal of them. I have watched quite a few reviews, saw people saying the quality was built to last but also cheap feeling at the same time. I'm around 95kg so would like to know how much that would effect performance. I have my full bike license and have had quite a range of bikes but this little 125 just looks like a lot of fun and ideal for most of the type of riding I have time for at the moment (Pre Covid) which is just shorter evening/weekend blasts.

If anyone has bought one from new did you manage to get a test ride? I enquired around Autumn last year and I was told by a couple of places that they didn't have Grom demo bikes. I really need to try one before I commit to one. Not set on new or used and I'm not fussed on year, I personally quite like the older style light as well.

I've not owned one but ridden a couple, at 95kg they will be very slow indeed, I felt very vulnerable in and around traffic on one, they have zero road presence and traffic just bullies you into the gutter, they bounce from pothole to pothole, I'd say they are only really any good in town, they suffer the same problem as any other 125 on the open road that they can't get out of their own way, I also think they are silly money for what they are but each to their own, it was fun to ride in the right environment but would quickly become tiring (to me anyway).

[Dave_Q]

I think[mention=18231]UltraWomble[/mention] had one for a short time but sold it as he was worried about security.

A couple of guys I work with have them and love them, one of them has a garage full of "proper" bikes but only really rides the grom. He has spent a lot on it, big bore kit, some sort of gearbox upgrade, titanium exhaust, etc etc.

[tom13]

7 minutes ago, Jazoli said:

I've not owned one but ridden a couple, at 95kg they will be very slow indeed, I felt very vulnerable in and around traffic on one, they have zero road presence and traffic just bullies you into the gutter, they bounce from pothole to pothole, I'd say they are only really any good in town, they suffer the same problem as any other 125 on the open road that they can't get out of their own way, I also think they are silly money for what they are but each to their own, it was fun to ride in the right environment but would quickly become tiring (to me anyway).

Yeah I know what you mean. I had a very early CG125 years ago and it was fun but like I say tedious over longer journeys. I'm not hitting any big roads regularly and I was toying with a light bit of green lanes on it. If it would do a steady 50 it wouldn't be too much of a faff for me  to get it over to Elan or something. I could always take it in the van though.

Did you think the suspension was shite on it then? Too soft? No Control?

They are expensive used but they hold their money and I don't think brand new they seem too bad a price. 

[tom13]

13 minutes ago, Dave_Q said:

I think[mention=18231]UltraWomble[/mention] had one for a short time but sold it as he was worried about security.

A couple of guys I work with have them and love them, one of them has a garage full of "proper" bikes but only really rides the grom. He has spent a lot on it, big bore kit, some sort of gearbox upgrade, titanium exhaust, etc etc.
 

What were the security concerns? I imagine they are quite desirable for theft due to them appealing to the yoofs.

I can imagine just having it there, easy to start and maintain, don't have to worry about being too precious with it. Riding it flat out at its limit has its appeal as well I suppose.

The big bore look good, the turbo kits are becoming popular as well. I think I would leave it standard for a while though just for the easy life.

[UltraWomble]

1 hour ago, tom13 said:

I may have previously posted this but has anyone on here got a Grom?

 

I had one ( Im at work so cant find any photos just at the mo - but it was a first gen UK in Bumblebee yellow)

I weigh in at 150kg and at the time of owning probably was about 140kg The bike itself weighs less than 100kg and can be lifted by one average fat Northerner. 

Top whack was about 65mph - acceleration about normal for a 125cc.

Comfortable to ride for a small bike, nimble and with decent rubber fitted very sure footed and good for gentle green lane use.

Standard Honda Security was NONE EXISTANT - so you go everywhere with a couple of chains and locks and STILL come back to find that someone has fucked about with it. I bought a 125cc Burgman off someone on here to use for trips out to areas I knew the Grom would be tampered with/ a bit rough - and ended up using the Grom less and less for commuting as it was in the shed chained up to buggery.

In the end I sold it - not because I hated it, but because it seemed silly it sat in the shed and me being afraid to ride it anywhere other than for a bit of fun at the weekends. I regret selling it as I wont ever find another Mk1 as un fucked about with and in original condition, but there you go.  Buy one and enjoy it - but stock up on some beefy security devices.

TL:DR - fun, will be fine with your 95KG - but the best chain & lock you can and lock it to something solid.

 

[martc]

Grom chat - have you thought about a Benelli TnT 125? From the same mould, but cheaper by £1500, and less likely to attract scrotes (?).

https://www.benelli.co.uk/new-bikes/bike/2020-benelli-tnt-125cc-571

[tom13]

10 minutes ago, UltraWomble said:

I had one ( Im at work so cant find any photos just at the mo - but it was a first gen UK in Bumblebee yellow)

I weigh in at 150kg and at the time of owning probably was about 140kg The bike itself weighs less than 100kg and can be lifted by one average fat Northerner. 

Top whack was about 65mph - acceleration about normal for a 125cc.

Comfortable to ride for a small bike, nimble and with decent rubber fitted very sure footed and good for gentle green lane use.

Standard Honda Security was NONE EXISTANT - so you go everywhere with a couple of chains and locks and STILL come back to find that someone has fucked about with it. I bought a 125cc Burgman off someone on here to use for trips out to areas I knew the Grom would be tampered with/ a bit rough - and ended up using the Grom less and less for commuting as it was in the shed chained up to buggery.

In the end I sold it - not because I hated it, but because it seemed silly it sat in the shed and me being afraid to ride it anywhere other than for a bit of fun at the weekends. I regret selling it as I wont ever find another Mk1 as un fucked about with and in original condition, but there you go.  Buy one and enjoy it - but stock up on some beefy security devices.

TL:DR - fun, will be fine with your 95KG - but the best chain & lock you can and lock it to something solid.

 

Cheers dude,

I wont be using it for commuting but if I do I can leave it inside the building I work in and if I stop it will only be for a drink or food. I 100% get what you mean though. I suppose when they are that easy to lift, you could even throw it into an estate, it makes it very vunerable.

Was 65 on a flat or down hill. That's quite some pace really. I was thinking I would see 55 max on the flat. I had seen people get a bit more with a gearing adjustment.

What did you think of build quality?