Motorcycles
-
@BenBWH the Triumphs are a good shout, but so are the Enfields and the 883 you've mentioned above. Quick notes, and all just my opinions/experiences:
-
Triumph - I have owned a 1200 Thruxton R for 8 years and still love it. A 900 Bonny or Street Twin would be a great first bike, enough power but not too much. I've ridden a 900 Street Twin and really enjoyed it. Reliability and build quality are both top notch on current Triumphs
-
Royal Enfield - slower and cheaper than Triumph, and not as well made. Still a really good bike (I have an old Bullet). One of the 650s would make an excellent first bike
-
Harley 883. My father in law had an 883 for years. Viewed against Triumph the 883 is slow, heavy more difficult to ride and less reliable. However it's a Harley and has all the heritage and image that comes with that. I would love to have one, but not as my only bike. If you decide to go for one then I'd probably aim for one with mid controls rather than forward controls as a first bike
-
Kawasaki z650s - they are a completely modern bike with a retro look over the top. Competent, reliable, well built. I've never ridden one, but I know people who own them and really like them.
I hope that helps.
-
-
@NickD Hey mate thanks for the info! You've just described exactly how ive been feeling about it tbh. The Harley would be super cool but maybe once ive got the hang of riding a bit more, a RE 650, either interceptor, bullet, super meteor or maybe even bear seem like they'd be perfect for a beginner, plus they're budget friendly too so more in reach!
The Kawasaki was an outlier suggestion from my dear old dad. He was a biker for 40 years and swore by Japanese bikes, has a few kwaka's himself. When I looked up the z650rs I'm seeing similar to the RE but much better quality, reliability etc for not much more money. I think in order of preference right now, ill be looking for the z650rs, then an RE,Ill be leaving the Harley for now! -
-
@EvoChoppin holy shit bro those are good as fuck. where are you located, I'd rather pay you to paint for me lol
"The whole future lies in uncertainty: Live immediately."
-Seneca -
@Denimhead-0 That’s one that’s pretty high on my list dude! There’s a triumph dealership around 15 miles from me, my plan is to test ride as many as they’ll let me and go from there!
-
Dropped some pennies today but hopefully I’ll be warm, dry and safe for my first run out! Helmet, jacket and gloves secured. Anything absolutely imperative that I’m missing or do you guys reckon I’ll be ok to get going with the course?
-
-
@WhiskeySandwich thanks bro! I tried to turn it into a little business a couple years ago but I live in a fairly small city on the east coast of Canada so there isn’t a big market for custom paint jobs here haha
-
-
-
@BenBWH You’re off to a good start and should tie you over until the cooler weather arrives. I would also suggest some decent rain gear because you will get caught out eventually. Heated grips are a game changer when riding in colder temps and can be installed on any bike if they don’t come with the bike you decide upon. Where about are you located?
-
@EvoChoppin Nice build and tank paint jobs
-
@Denman-John hi mate, I’m on the south coast of England (10 mins drive from IHUK)
So it’s pleasantly warm most of the time tbh, even in “winter” it doesn’t really get that cold, just wetter. This heat today is just the first batch needed for my course next month. I bought the best helmet I could afford and then the wax jacket and gloves. Water proofs are on the list, along with armoured pants of some description but I hadn’t got as far as heated grips! Added to list! Thanks brother -
@Marc2706 thanks! The first picture (before I chopped it) makes the bike look better than it actually did. The whole thing was held together with rust, cheap spray paint and more rust haha.
-
Shit happened! I got front ended, the sucker stopped, I stopped about 1½ meters behind him. After about 30 sek. or so reverse lights went on, he dropped the clucth and hit the pedal. Down I went... the car didn't move properly so he decided to give it a bit more gas and I got pushed about 2 meters or so under my bike on asphalt. Then he probably heard me shouting like raped ape and stopped and came to see what's going on. Luckily there was eyewitnesses who called ambo and cops. This was a bit over 3 weeks ago leg still swollen and the cut is still open. (I was wearing my Mr. Lous, which are almost intact) I'm lucky I didn't brake any bones in my leg when my bike dropped on my foot, and that me and the bike were between the tires, si that car didn't climb on my bike. Then it would've hurt really... So folks, wear proper shoes, thick jeans/leathers, leather jacket, gloves, and helmet (I hit my head when I went down, but I realized that only later when checking my gear for damage)
-
@injunjack Sorry to hear about your encounter with the car. I hope you and the bike have a speedy recovery!
-
@injunjack Sorry to hear this man, at least you are still with us!
