View Full Version : Benelli - would you?
Gazza77
01-12-08, 02:48 PM
Well after writing his FZ6 Fazer off a few months ago, my Dad was eyeing up a new bike at the NEC on Saturday. After viewing a few fairly sensible options (another Fazer, BMW F800ST, GSXF650, etc) he spied the Benelli Tornado 900s that Benelli are trying to shift as they are now out of production, priced at £5995. Given we are talking about a 20 stone 62 year old who will want to be comfortable as he rides, but as someone who only rides about 3k a year in mainly fair weather, would you buy one as a toy?
Dangerous Dave
01-12-08, 02:53 PM
Get a test ride, only way to tell if a bike will suit you and your needs.
They are nice bikes....
Gazza77
01-12-08, 02:55 PM
Get a test ride, only way to tell if a bike will suit you and your needs.
They are nice bikes....
That's what I told him; and to take one out for a decent amount of time too, not just 30 mins or so...
Dangerous Dave
01-12-08, 02:57 PM
That's what I told him; and to take one out for a decent amount of time too, not just 30 mins or so...
Yeah, bets thing to do is blag one when you take a bike in for a service as you get the whole morning or afternoon then. Or in my case have a good mate who owns a dealership, get to play with them all then....
Personally I wouldn't buy a Benelli. I think they are gorgeous bikes and they go, stop and handle well... but the reliability record and dealer back up is sketchy to say the least. Benelli themselves have been bust a few times in living memory, and the UK importer changes as frequently as Neio gets moderated.
I'd look at buying something a little more mainstream, maybe a used Ducati or Aprilia if he really wants an Italian bike.
dirtydog
01-12-08, 03:11 PM
I would've bought new but my budget didn't quite stretch that far but i did buy a 2003 RS Tornado :cool:
TBH I don't find it exceptionally comfortable but I think mines is set up quite hard (I've been meaning to get round to looking at the suspension settings :rolleyes:)
dirtydog
01-12-08, 03:13 PM
Ah yeah there are few reliability issues as Lozzo says. If your dad is looking for something around that size but with decent build quality he should maybe consider a Daytona 955i
Biker Biggles
01-12-08, 03:14 PM
No way would I buy a new highly strung bit of Italian exotica.
Call be cynical but I reckon it will be unreliable expensive to run,difficult to get parts for(and you will need plenty of parts) and customer care from Benelli will be abysmal.
If you can live with that lot it will be great.
Gazza77
01-12-08, 03:21 PM
He doesn't know what he wants! It's not just the Italian thing, or the triple thing or the sportsbike thing, just to have something a little different. Every year since they (and MV for that matter) have been back at the NEC he's been eyeing one up, but realises they are not that comfortable and are expensive to run. Suddenly, cost is not so much of an issue, and is considering the comfort offset against the desire to own one. The chance to live the dream sort of thing.
I think he realises he is getting a bit older, and in two or three years time would perhaps prefer to be able to say "I had a Benelli" than "I had Bandit 650". Reliability in the main won't be too much of an issue for someone who mainly rides on sunny weekends for short blasts of a couple of hours at most.
yeah if he is only doing the fair weather riding and i imagine he is not going to be ragging the living spaghetti out of it - should be fine. like you said it would be good to look back and owned something a little bit different. so if a test ride goes super than no reason not to give it a go.
Ah yeah there are few reliability issues as Lozzo says. If your dad is looking for something around that size but with decent build quality he should maybe consider a Daytona 955i
Good call, I loved my Daytona 955i - after 28 years of owning some brilliant Jap bikes it was nice to own something home-built that was well made and reliable.
Hmmmmm lots of un-educated "i've read to many MCN paper" comments here.
Yes, Benelli are Italian, but nope, Benelli are now owned by a chinese corporation, have been for over a year.
Yes, Benelli DID have reliability issues on earlier models (what bike doesn't have teething issues, and deffo a smaller biking firm). Most issues are sorted now, and any outstanding are usually covered by warantee.
Parts backup - Again, not a Yamaha, or some jap backup. Smaller company, less parts, it'll take a little longer. If your worried about parts backup, all I can say is NEVER EVER buy an italian bike, and 100% make sure its not an MV Augusta as they are FAR FAR FAR worse than Benelli......... Its not a bike you ride every day, its a peice of art. If you want something faster, more reliable, more boring, less charm and passion, get something Jap and IL4. If you want the passion, art, charm etc, but without a Ducati or Bimota price tag, get a Nelli noooooeee.
DirtyD - Deffo get it checked out. TBH, its one of the most forgiving suspensions i've tried on the public road. Both my old mans ones ran lovley, deffo better feel than a GSXR1000, but without being as firm. Makes an R6 look like its riding on concrete tyres...
Maybe the Tornado isn't the bike for your old man. Look at the TNT (HUGE favourite, now being copied by like every other bike manufacture), or maybe the TreK. More upright, more like a Bandit position, but far superious ride, excellent brakes, plenty of low down umph, and again, great forgiving suspension. If i could afford a TreK for work, i'd have one...
DD. Daddy sold the normal Nelli, now got another one, same as yours, Red RS bought for pittance... Wanna buy another red one? :lol:
Still prefer the green/silver personnally...
PS, as far as im aware, the 900cc hasn't stopped production yet, so its not end of line, its jsut a case of dropping prices to match competitors.....
PS, Gazza, it wasn't Lloyd he got caught up chatting with was it? He'll go on for hours raving about them :lol:
dirtydog
01-12-08, 04:45 PM
Good call, I loved my Daytona 955i - after 28 years of owning some brilliant Jap bikes it was nice to own something home-built that was well made and reliable.
I would still have mine now if i hadn't lost my job and not been able to afford to keep it. Absolutely cracking bike
DirtyD - Deffo get it checked out. TBH, its one of the most forgiving suspensions i've tried on the public road. Both my old mans ones ran lovley, deffo better feel than a GSXR1000, but without being as firm. Makes an R6 look like its riding on concrete tyres...
DD. Daddy sold the normal Nelli, now got another one, same as yours, Red RS bought for pittance... Wanna buy another red one? :lol:
Still prefer the green/silver personnally...
I'm going to check that it's on original settings and go from there. At the moment it's like riding on a plank with concrete tyres :mad:
Yeah my RS was pretty cheap to, in fact it was cheaper than the standard one
Gazza77
01-12-08, 04:48 PM
Hmmmmm lots of un-educated "i've read to many MCN paper" comments here.
Yes, Benelli are Italian, but nope, Benelli are now owned by a chinese corporation, have been for over a year.
Yes, Benelli DID have reliability issues on earlier models (what bike doesn't have teething issues, and deffo a smaller biking firm). Most issues are sorted now, and any outstanding are usually covered by warantee.
Parts backup - Again, not a Yamaha, or some jap backup. Smaller company, less parts, it'll take a little longer. If your worried about parts backup, all I can say is NEVER EVER buy an italian bike, and 100% make sure its not an MV Augusta as they are FAR FAR FAR worse than Benelli......... Its not a bike you ride every day, its a peice of art. If you want something faster, more reliable, more boring, less charm and passion, get something Jap and IL4. If you want the passion, art, charm etc, but without a Ducati or Bimota price tag, get a Nelli noooooeee.
DirtyD - Deffo get it checked out. TBH, its one of the most forgiving suspensions i've tried on the public road. Both my old mans ones ran lovley, deffo better feel than a GSXR1000, but without being as firm. Makes an R6 look like its riding on concrete tyres...
Maybe the Tornado isn't the bike for your old man. Look at the TNT (HUGE favourite, now being copied by like every other bike manufacture), or maybe the TreK. More upright, more like a Bandit position, but far superious ride, excellent brakes, plenty of low down umph, and again, great forgiving suspension. If i could afford a TreK for work, i'd have one...
DD. Daddy sold the normal Nelli, now got another one, same as yours, Red RS bought for pittance... Wanna buy another red one? :lol:
Still prefer the green/silver personnally...
PS, as far as im aware, the 900cc hasn't stopped production yet, so its not end of line, its jsut a case of dropping prices to match competitors.....
PS, Gazza, it wasn't Lloyd he got caught up chatting with was it? He'll go on for hours raving about them :lol:
It was a guy from Bennet's in Barnsley he spoke to, handy as they are the local dealer. The 900 has stopped production for the Tornado, though I think it is still available in other models. We were discussing the availability of Green/Silver rather than Red, and it is somewhat limited. I know what you mean about the TNT or TreK perhaps being more suitable, but he wasn't looking to spend more than £6k, which is why they caught his eye being up at £5995. The 1130 was over £10k I seem to recall.
I can still get a brand new one??? And can do for quite a while yet?????
Bennetts actually quite a good dealer from what I hear. I know my old man speaks to (?Russell) quite often and gets on well. Maybe they have stopped on teh Tornado, but i've not heard anything of it. They've been at £6k for quite a few months now?
Ironically, I thought the 1130 Tornado HAD been taken off production due to lots of little warrenty issues they couldn't resolve on the 1130 engine.
Remember, the 900cc Tornado was £10k+ when new ;)
DOn't be put off though, if he loves the bike, he'll love the ride, and the feeling, and the noise. Search youtube, Benelli Tornado, Brands Hatch... Dribble.....
He had a 75 yo bloke come in a few weeks back talking about MV Augustas, never being able to get one but its his dream bike etc, but too fast etc...
Dad sold him a 750 model instead. The 75 still rides it and loves it :D
Age means nothing, if he loves it, tell him to get one. Its something to remember, and im biased I admit, im in love with them, but riding once really is forfilling....
But then in retrospect, my Bandit does everything I need, with more bounce, less braking, less power, but has started every time, 2+ years, 20,000+ miles, so its swings and roundabouts.
Head says jap stuff
Heart says italian exotic
If i was getting a little older, i'd like to think my heart would take over (as my head does the thinking still atm :( )
ThEGr33k
01-12-08, 05:00 PM
I know most people know what im going to say BUT semi comfortable cheap to run (as long as he doesnt want fairing replacing), reliable (only one thing that can be a little dodgy, a damn starter relay), very good build quality (it doesnt rust like a suzuki) powerful fairly comfortable, nice (in some people's opinion) looking bike for cheap then the Falco is a brilliant bike for him. The front wont be far off right with stock springs for his weight, spend a little money getting a better shock for rear with the right spring for him and he'll be laughing.
No doubt ill get flamed for mentioning it...
It did come 19th in Ride magazine this year, the highest Italian bike. I think it was 15th last year too. :mrgreen:
He doesn't know what he wants! It's not just the Italian thing, or the triple thing or the sportsbike thing, just to have something a little different. Every year since they (and MV for that matter) have been back at the NEC he's been eyeing one up, but realises they are not that comfortable and are expensive to run. Suddenly, cost is not so much of an issue, and is considering the comfort offset against the desire to own one. The chance to live the dream sort of thing.
I think he realises he is getting a bit older, and in two or three years time would perhaps prefer to be able to say "I had a Benelli" than "I had Bandit 650". Reliability in the main won't be too much of an issue for someone who mainly rides on sunny weekends for short blasts of a couple of hours at most.
ThEGr33k
01-12-08, 05:04 PM
Barnsley... Woo local dealer for me too. I keep meaning to pop in and have a look but never do. :rolleyes:
It was a guy from Bennet's in Barnsley he spoke to, handy as they are the local dealer. The 900 has stopped production for the Tornado, though I think it is still available in other models. We were discussing the availability of Green/Silver rather than Red, and it is somewhat limited. I know what you mean about the TNT or TreK perhaps being more suitable, but he wasn't looking to spend more than £6k, which is why they caught his eye being up at £5995. The 1130 was over £10k I seem to recall.
Biker Biggles
01-12-08, 05:07 PM
Do Prilla still take as long as they like to supply parts?
It does seem that Italian firms generally need to discover the concept of customer care that others learned decades ago.They cant go on forever arrogantly dismissing their customers as plebs to be fleeced when buying and fobbed off when it all goes bang.Yes and I love Italian bikes too,but Id think long and hard about actually owning one again.
Gazza77
01-12-08, 05:09 PM
I know most people know what im going to say BUT semi comfortable cheap to run (as long as he doesnt want fairing replacing), reliable (only one thing that can be a little dodgy, a damn starter relay), very good build quality (it doesnt rust like a suzuki) powerful fairly comfortable, nice (in some people's opinion) looking bike for cheap then the Falco is a brilliant bike for him. The front wont be far off right with stock springs for his weight, spend a little money getting a better shock for rear with the right spring for him and he'll be laughing.
No doubt ill get flamed for mentioning it...
It did come 19th in Ride magazine this year, the highest Italian bike. I think it was 15th last year too. :mrgreen:
Thing is though, he has never dreamed of owning a Falco. A Benelli, an MV, or (for the older ones out there) a BSA Rocket 3 maybe. He certainly wouldn't want to be out there changing things like the springs etc, that's not the sort of person he is.
ThEGr33k
01-12-08, 05:44 PM
Thing is though, he has never dreamed of owning a Falco. A Benelli, an MV, or (for the older ones out there) a BSA Rocket 3 maybe. He certainly wouldn't want to be out there changing things like the springs etc, that's not the sort of person he is.
Id hate to ride any bike without setting it up for my weight... because im so light :-?. With him being a big lad it should be the same. Most bikes will be WAY too lightly sprung for him and so wont handle well at all.
Fair enough if he hasnt dreamed of owning a Falco...
ThEGr33k
01-12-08, 05:49 PM
Do Prilla still take as long as they like to supply parts?
It does seem that Italian firms generally need to discover the concept of customer care that others learned decades ago.They cant go on forever arrogantly dismissing their customers as plebs to be fleeced when buying and fobbed off when it all goes bang.Yes and I love Italian bikes too,but Id think long and hard about actually owning one again.
For parts they are great. For fairing not so great, or at least with the older models (RSV Mille, Falco etc etc). The modern models I would imagine will be very good now. They have had a good kick up the **** since they got bought out.
He doesn't know what he wants! It's not just the Italian thing, or the triple thing or the sportsbike thing, just to have something a little different. Every year since they (and MV for that matter) have been back at the NEC he's been eyeing one up, but realises they are not that comfortable and are expensive to run. Suddenly, cost is not so much of an issue, and is considering the comfort offset against the desire to own one. The chance to live the dream sort of thing.
I think he realises he is getting a bit older, and in two or three years time would perhaps prefer to be able to say "I had a Benelli" than "I had Bandit 650". Reliability in the main won't be too much of an issue for someone who mainly rides on sunny weekends for short blasts of a couple of hours at most.
That says it all 8) Has he bought it yet?
I'll ask again in another 10 minutes.
northwind
01-12-08, 09:48 PM
At that price he could buy two and use one for spares :mrgreen: They're lovely bikes... There's a feller at my work that commutes on his quite often, in all sorts of weather, he says it's been pretty reliable but if I remember right the dealer did a load of recall/rectification work before he got it so that might be why.
If buying a Tornado, the question that should be asked is does he value his jewels? With a tank like that, it aint going to tickle WHEN you crack your nuts into it! :D
http://foto.autozone.be/fotosmoto/BENEL/web450x300/5059834.jpg
Actually thats wrong, the tank does not pertrude your male organs at all when riding. The tanks also so small its very nice to wrap yourself into.
However, if being thrown over the handle bars due ot some foreign tw4t jumping red lights, you might find yourself with a black n blue ol boy for a little while :lol:
Looks far worse than it actually is though.
I'll speak to the old man, but im sure its the 1130 Tornado thats been pulled from production, not the 900cc Tornado.
Also, at worst, he can keep it for 2-3 years, have his fun, and still sell it for £4000-£4500 so won't loose that much money. But its worth it, it really is. The detail is stunning when you get close.
At his age - I think he's entitled to get what he wants - if he fancies it, can afford it and accepts the parts and service side of things, why not? He can always part-ex it for something more main stream in a year or two's time if he wants...
Servicing isn't as bad as u'd think. But is more expensive than a jap bike.
http://foto.autozone.be/fotosmoto/BENEL/web450x300/5059834.jpg
I know that everyone has different tastes and not everybody thinks the latest GSX ZX CBRRRRRRRRR is the most beautiful thing - but I just can't get past the ugliness of these bikes! :confused: It looks like a Burgman scooter to me?! So much flat plastic, massive exhaust, ugly tank. Maybe it would be different in the flesh and I'm sure they're great to ride but I couldn't ever open the garage and drool at one of those :(
Dangerous Dave
02-12-08, 01:55 PM
I know that everyone has different tastes and not everybody thinks the latest GSX ZX CBRRRRRRRRR is the most beautiful thing - but I just can't get past the ugliness of these bikes!
I would agree it isn't the most beautiful bike out there, but is better looking than all the current Japanese 1000cc bikes in my opinion.
As for the comfort issue only your dad will be able to answer that, I may or may not find it comfortable but that doesn't mean someone else will experience the same.
fizzwheel
02-12-08, 01:59 PM
I think the Benelli is very nice looking, but the photos dont do it justice, you have to see one in the flesh to appreciate it. I really like the underseat fans they look very cool.
Mind you I have come around to think that the 749S in our garage is a nice looking bike to, but its taken some time for me to appreciate it though.
Theres just so many small little details, the quality of the welds and fasteners, its the little touches that you dont spot on your first look that really make the difference on an italian bike.
Dangerous Dave
02-12-08, 02:05 PM
Theres just so many small little details, the quality of the welds and fasteners, its the little touches that you dont spot on your first look that really make the difference on an italian bike.
+ 1, I loved looking about on the old RSV SP it was well finished compared to the ordinary RSV. Even though many of the parts were interchangeable between the RSV's, the SP's just had a little more attention put into them.
dirtydog
02-12-08, 02:08 PM
I'll speak to the old man, but im sure its the 1130 Tornado thats been pulled from production, not the 900cc Tornado.
I thought it was the 1130 that's been pulled for now due the engine reliabiltiy issues they've had with them
Dangerous Dave
02-12-08, 02:09 PM
I thought it was the 1130 that's been pulled for now due the engine reliabiltiy issues they've had with them
It is.
Fizzy is right.
Whether someone like the bike is down to their tastes. I think its stunning though, the angles, everything is triangulated, mirrors, footpegs, fairing gaps, resets etc.
Thats a standard can, theres a lot more becoming available, but for me personnally, the Standard "race titanium" exhaust looks the best.
Get onto
http://images45.fotki.com/v1200/photos/4/48802/3972631/Image002-vi.jpg
And a closer shot showing some of the finer details, you just dont get this passion and art on a jap bike.
http://images19.fotki.com/v353/photos/4/48802/3972631/Image004-vi.jpg
Some more shots of some of his Nellis.... Worth a nosey....
http://public.fotki.com/DaimoB/general_me_-_pastti/dads_bike_-_benelli/
Put it this way, his nelli was written off, before he could walk he'd already bought a brand new MV. Rode the MV, insane power, but top heavy and no-where near as flickable. Sold the MV with 700 miles on it :lol: Bought another Nelli, then bought an LE model, then sold his standard one, now has got an RS, but will probably sell that, and get another standard model to ride.
I just need to save, I CAN afford one, but it would leave me tight for cash, and as a ride it couple of times to work, and summer only bike (for me), i can't justify it yet :( But it'll come :D
Theres just so many small little details, the quality of the welds and fasteners, its the little touches that you dont spot on your first look that really make the difference on an italian bike.
I get what you're saying but the 'quality of the welds and fasteners' doesn't make the impartial onlooker think 'that's a pretty bike'. It may have a nice fit and finish but you can't polish a turd!
Again, I know this is subjective, but I reckon if the Benelli had the same looks as the outgoing R1, and was priced as it is, (<£6k), there'd be none left in the dealerships.
fizzwheel
02-12-08, 02:52 PM
Actually the out going R1 is the only one of the current crop of litre sports bikes I like.
I know what you mean, if theres no instant attraction then you're not going to get it. But I was like that about the 749 / 999 when they first came out. Even when Liz bought hers I didnt like it. We've had it nearly 18 months and now I really like the shape and the styling of it, its definately grown on me and I prefer it now the 916 shape.
Some more shots of some of his Nellis.... Worth a nosey....
Now that MV does look beautiful :cool: But as you say, your Dad found it didn't ride as well as the Benelli so it's understandable that he changed it back - after all, how it rides is the most important thing for most of us.
Having said that, if I could afford one, I'd do my best to enjoy riding that MV purely for its looks :twisted:
I think that MV is what Bruce Wayne rides in the new Batman film?
Actually the out going R1 is the only one of the current crop of litre sports bikes I like.
TBH I like them all but the R1 is definitely my favourite for looks. I said the outgoing one because the new one's looks seems to divide opinions, personally, again, I like it.
It seems bikes that are bulbous in certain areas (new R1, Benelli Tornado, Kawasaki ZX-10R, even the curvy SV!) divide opinions more than sleek, pointy bikes. Just an observation :D
I get what you're saying but the 'quality of the welds and fasteners' doesn't make the impartial onlooker think 'that's a pretty bike'. It may have a nice fit and finish but you can't polish a turd!
Turn up anywhere on a Nelli, everyones heads turn, its just that kinda bike.
You can polish a turds, its just the stuck up people who are ignorent to what can be achieved if you want to.. (not saying you are, but from the thousands of poeple who said to me that line, were always the same types).
My/girlfriends modified cars are prime examples. Yes they are corsas, but what standard corsas thrash M3's???? The turd has been polished ;)
The benelli between 3000-8000rpm sound like a V6 car engine at full chat, but they get a little whiney top revs.
The 'can't polish a turd' phrase was a bit unfortunate and not quite what I meant. I didn't actually mean that the bike is a turd / rubbish, I was just trying to get across that a few nice bolts aren't going to swing the majority towards a bike that has an unusual basic outline (IMO).
Can't polish a turd would probably be more apt to someone putting blue anodised bolts on a Honda C90 :p
Don't admit your car was a turd mate. Personally I'm not in to modified cars but even if I was I wouldn't say 'this was rubbish til I modified it' :D
Dangerous Dave
02-12-08, 04:54 PM
Can't polish a turd would probably be more apt to someone putting blue anodised bolts on a Honda C90 :p
Or any bike....
kwak zzr
02-12-08, 05:25 PM
i think they look loverly but the reliability issues scare the tits off me.
northwind
02-12-08, 07:26 PM
Whether someone like the bike is down to their tastes. I think its stunning though, the angles, everything is triangulated, mirrors, footpegs, fairing gaps, resets etc.
Your argument would be much more convincing if not for the MV in the background reminding is what stunning actually looks like :mrgreen:
ThEGr33k
02-12-08, 07:30 PM
Your argument would be much more convincing if not for the MV in the background reminding is what stunning actually looks like :mrgreen:
LOL... Shame they sound so pants. :( :smt019
that tank doesnt look too friendly no harsh braking on that bike if you value the family jewels ouch.
dirtydog
02-12-08, 08:03 PM
The tank doesn't cause any issues when riding or braking hard
The tank doesn't cause any issues when riding or braking hard
yeah right you dont shove angles like that in front of the rider without affecting summat :rolleyes:
dirtydog
02-12-08, 08:08 PM
I have a tornado and it really doesn't have an affect.
If you're sliding into your tank when you brake then you should try gripping the tank with your knees
how do you move about on the bike with that in the way.
Dangerous Dave
02-12-08, 08:12 PM
how do you move about on the bike with that in the way.
It ain't in the way, try siting on one or even blagging a test ride, honestly mate it causes no issues at all.
dirtydog
02-12-08, 08:13 PM
I find there's plenty of room to move about on it,as easy as it is on the sv as for damaging family jewels...
the baby is due in 3 weeks time!
I find there's plenty of room to move about on it,as easy as it is on the sv as for damaging family jewels...
the baby is due in 3 weeks time! i'll have to blag a go on one and congrats on the baby mate :D
dirtydog
02-12-08, 08:20 PM
i'll have to blag a go on one and congrats on the baby mate :D
Definitely try and get a go on one, then you'll see what we mean about the tank
if it becomes my favourite bike over the trumpet i'll not be pleased :mrgreen:
dirtydog
02-12-08, 08:47 PM
any particular trumpet
955i daytona my dream bike what spurred me on to do my test and it'll be my fourth bike after the sv.
dirtydog
02-12-08, 08:54 PM
I've had both bikes now ;-)
I've had both bikes now ;-)
you havnt have you awesome it just seems to float my boat perhaps cause it's a triple or it being a proper brit battler :mrgreen:
dirtydog
02-12-08, 08:58 PM
Yeah I had a 2004 daytona 955i SE for a little while then went back to just the SV now got a tornado RS
i really want either the centennial or as late a model as i can get a yellow one with the brit flag on the front would be awesome but the racing green one is the goal for me should really start saving up.
dirtydog
02-12-08, 10:15 PM
Mine was the SE so it was all black, wheels, frame everything!
yeah right you dont shove angles like that in front of the rider without affecting summat :rolleyes:
Honestly, listen to the people that have/ride them opposed to what it looks like :p The tank is fine.
If your sliding into the tank under braking then your allowing your body to slide forwards whilst braking, this could also upset the bikes balance, so you should be relaxed, but firm, transferring your weight between your knees and wrists.
You won't slide forwards at all then.
Gazza77
03-12-08, 12:23 PM
Well hopefully a test ride on Saturday, subject to weather. Wait and see how he gets on.
Coolio, enjoy it, tis a very nice bike to ride.
Let us know how you get on with it. Obviously different bikes, different people, you might absolutly hate it :lol:
But I don't think you will ;)
I find there's plenty of room to move about on it,as easy as it is on the sv as for damaging family jewels...
the baby is due in 3 weeks time!
Own up! how long have you owned that tank? And are you planning to get anymore babies since you've owned that tank? :lol:
Admit it, KitKat made you buy that bike as punishment ;)
Honestly, listen to the people that have/ride them opposed to what it looks like :p The tank is fine.
If your sliding into the tank under braking then your allowing your body to slide forwards whilst braking, this could also upset the bikes balance, so you should be relaxed, but firm, transferring your weight between your knees and wrists.
You won't slide forwards at all then.
i do tend to move around a lot on the bike though just the way i find comfortable to ride :)
Mine was the SE so it was all black, wheels, frame everything!
nice :cool:
yorkie_chris
06-12-08, 03:49 PM
Nope. I wouldn't buy a new bike it's just throwing money on a fire.
Nope. I wouldn't buy a new bike it's just throwing money on a fire.
but mind you if it's a suzuki like a bandit which are pennies and your gonna keep it then i would buy new.:D
yorkie_chris
06-12-08, 03:57 PM
Why? A used one will last almost as long for half the price.
all sorts of reasons for and against but if it's a budget bike like that and i was keeping it for peice of mind id buy a new un you dont lose masses on sorta 5k machinery anyway unless it's trashed take the sv's you pay 4.5k new then lose sorta 500-600 pound a year but if your keeping it then new you know it's sound and run in properly and servicing has been done properly just peace of mind things i wouldnt buy a new premium bike though that is just throwing money away.
Gazza77
20-02-09, 04:17 PM
Well after months of dithering around, and a lot of bad weather, I've just had the call. He's been out and test ridden a Benelli today.
The outcome: not getting one.
Plus points (other than the obvious looks), the bike is beautiful to ride at speed and has an intoxicating sound. He said he would have one tomorrow if he only intended listening to it rather than riding it. Sadly, he found it just too uncomfortable at lower speeds, and significantly, found his visability restricted due to an inability to move round on the bike at round town speeds. The bike clearly wasn't designed for the "larger framed" 60+ year old gentleman. Shame, that means I can't borrow it. :( I guess if I want a go, I'll just have to go and test ride one myself....
So back to the drawing board now. I've just been pointing him in the direction of a Speed or Street Triple, so will wait and see the outcome of that....
Ahhh bummer. Shame.
Some bikes just don't fit certain frames unfortunatly.
Least he got out and enjoyed the experience of one :) And that sound is boooming great :lol:
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