Motorcycles
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I like either of the top two options. I'm not a big fan of the Avon fairing. Now time to check the Hedon website.
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Quick public service announcement: Get Geared have a pair of Doc Martens Garrick boots in stock, with a chunk off RRP. (£240, down from over £300) in a UK size 11 (US 12, EU 46).
Moto Legends have UK sizes 7, 9 and 10 in stock, and Sportsbike Shop have EU 43 and 45 at £170, which is a real steal.
They look rather like a pair of vintage Lewis Leathers boots, but with modern appointments (Sympatex lining, D3O armour), and seemed really nice. If they were my size, I'd have snagged them for myself.
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Those are pretty slick. It's not my size either, but I may have to keep my eye out.
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I'm currently organising a new set of motorcycle gear to deal with the Australian climate.
The standard recommendation for hot weather is to go for mesh gear, but according to this article from the Iron Butt magazine, that's a bad idea.
When the air gets warmer than skin temperature, around 34°C or 93°F, it'll start to heat the body, so you want to minimise airflow. That means keeping yourself covered, and avoiding mesh or perforated garments.
Mesh works well at slightly lower temperatures, but according to this thread at ADV Rider has a pretty narrow window where it's effective, somewhere between 29°C and 34°C, or 85°F and 93°F.
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Any of you have any advice for noobs looking to start riding? I'll be honest, motorcycles scare the crap outta me, but then again, I've always had an interest in riding. I really love the Triumph Thruxton and Bonneville models, but assume those are overkill for beginners. My one drawback is that it's cold 6 months out of the year and I have no place to store a motorcycle, so I always talk myself out of obtaining a license. Is it worth it?
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@gaseousclay I've been riding 20 years coming up in April,and I'm still a little bit scared of motorcycles,which I think is a good thing as it helps me from getting over confident/complacent when I'm riding. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I would suggest looking for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation near by where you live.They supply motorcycles and helmets. They offer a 3 day class at the end of which you can take your road test. First see if you can do that and you enjoy it. Some motorcycle dealers offer winter storage,which might help with the nowhere to keep it problem for at least half the year. For a first bike I'd recommend a Yamaha/Star 650 V-Star. Very rideable/comfortable handles well. Low to no maintenance. Good Luck.
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@gaseousclay, my first bike was a BMW R1200R, and I'm now running a Thruxton R. The Triumph is actually 10 bhp down on the Beemer, so it's not a fearsome, fire-breathing beast that will kill you.
However, if you want something a bit less powerful, Triumph have just announced the Street Cup. It's got the smaller engine from the Street Twin, which is the Bonneville's little brother.
There's also the Bonneville T100, which is a Street Twin with more of a vintage look. I posted a photo on this thread a couple of weeks ago.
The Triumphs have quite a lot of torque, but relatively little power for their capacity. The Thruxton has just under 100 bhp, and the Street Twins are around 55 bhp, but they've got a lot of torque, and are predictable in how they deliver it. Plus they've got ABS and traction control, which helps keep things a bit safer.
I agree with @Jett129 that taking a course is a good place to start. Also, remember to budget for some decent gear, as that can make a big difference in an off.
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Just finished washing my ride.
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Ducati have unveiled a bunch of new bikes today, and I'm liking the Scrambler Desert Sled.
The Superleggera is something else. But at around $80K, it'd better be… :o
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Ducati have unveiled a bunch of new bikes today, and I'm liking the Scrambler Desert Sled.
I recently came to the conclusion that I'm never going to get around to taking my full test, I just have too much else that grabs my attention and time. But shit, that bike has me asking myself questions….
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Ducati have unveiled a bunch of new bikes today, and I'm liking the Scrambler Desert Sled.
I recently came to the conclusion that I'm never going to get around to taking my full test, I just have too much else that grabs my attention and time. But shit, that bike has me asking myself questions….
The Scrambler Desert Sled is the perfect rebound of my ever beloved XT 500!!
I would sell my silver Vespa from 1985 and my KTM EXC 450 for it.
But I am sure, that is not enough! A great pity!
Yes G., this bike has my attention also, without any questions!
Thanks for posting Greame. -
I recently came to the conclusion that I'm never going to get around to taking my full test, I just have too much else that grabs my attention and time. But shit, that bike has me asking myself questions….
You can do a Direct Access in a matter of a few days then ride a motorcycle to some of the other attention grabbers whenever you feel like it. Surely give yourself the ability to go for the odd ride rather than never being able to at all.
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@Streetwise:
You can do a Direct Access in a matter of a few days
I know and it would only cost about £600 with the guy I did my "drive a 125" part of the test with. Simple fact is, I have had the 125 for a year, filled it up with petrol once. It has under 200 miles on the clock. It's a great shame as I longed to get back to hairing around the lanes like I did when I was younger, just have a million and one other things that have taken priority. I guess, if I had to drive/ride to work, that may have done the trick, but I can walk to the office quicker than it takes to put a helmet and gloves on….... Bottom line is - if I REALLY wanted this, it would have happened......
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Everyone is building Scramblers this year!
This is the new BMW R nineT Urban G/S. I wonder how capable it'll be offroad, or if it's just for visiting the local, artisanal coffee shop.
And the Triumph Street Scrambler, which is based on the Street Twin.
