View Full Version : Less like “born again” more like “resurrected”
Platinum Blues
28-09-10, 10:38 AM
Hi
I thought I'd just say hello, you may see me lurking around for a while.
No bike at present, been away from bikes for twenty five years.
Past history
Honda's CB250G, CM250T, CB750 F2 Supersport (the SOHC one). The 750 was stolen in 1985 and when the insurance cheque arrived the bank manager said "Ooh, that'll pay off your student overdraft nicely" so I've been off two wheels ever since.
My leather jacket shrunk (it must have, I couldn't fasten it up any more) my wax cotton Belstaff just disintegrated, my boots were condemned as a biological safety hazard by one of my daughters and a family of field mice took up residence in my crash helmet, I left them there - they seemed to need it more than I did.
I'm looking to get back into biking next year (for pootling around and the odd bit of commuting in summer). The temptation of the Durham Bikewise Easter Egg run passing my house every year has finally got to me.
So, what am I looking for - possibly a Gladius. Maybe an SV – but I need to check for adequate clearance in the tank to midriff area on the sportier models. The Versys is also a possibility (does that count as blasphemy in this forum?) but it’s most likely to be a v-twin, I’ve had a soft spot for v-twins ever since I used to get lifts home from work on the back of a Vincent Rapide.
So I’ll be lurking around for a while, picking up information on prices, dealerships, buying guides, what to look out for etc. I’m in no real hurry, I'll see you around.
Cheers
Platinum Blues
Geodude
28-09-10, 10:41 AM
Howdoo to another Durham bloke :D get a naked sv, comfy and midriff accommodating.
timwilky
28-09-10, 11:11 AM
It is true biking is a bug that never truely leaves. for me it was also 25 years. But be warned, things are not as you remember them. Before my resurrection, my previous proper bikes had been a kettle and a motor Martin CBX, so I thought a little bandit would be puttle, Wrong, so much power/acceleration than I remembered, I only lasted 6 days on that. (not my fault) then got an SV. Again power was so much more than my youth.
but the other issue is the numpties on the road, see my not my fault above. Hit from behind whilst stopped at a red light. Because most motorists have never been on a bike. They just don't see you.
Anyway get what floats your boat and enjoy
Welcome back...you've been missed.
Wot Tim sez, bikes are far more powerful than your CB750 F2 days - did you have that horrible choc brown one?
Platinum Blues
28-09-10, 03:50 PM
I'd gathered that technology had moved on a bit, I did think about summat a bit smaller, but they all seem to be four cylinder "pocket rockets". I did think about the Enfield Bullet, and then I thought about it again............
My F2 was blue, somewhat similar to this one
http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/honda_cb750f2.jpg
Platinum Blues
You could try a three cylinder plastic rocket:smt026
missyburd
28-09-10, 04:19 PM
Welcome to the madhouse, have a look over in the Pennine Massive regional section of the forum if ya get a chance :-D
davepreston
28-09-10, 05:59 PM
welcome
for as old and senile as tim and bri are they do speak the truth (inbetwen wiping the droole from thier chin)
i agree you'll probably find a naked of versy comfortable
enjoy
dave
welcome
for as old and senile as tim and bri are they do speak the truth (inbetwen wiping the droole from thier chin)
i agree you'll probably find a naked of versy comfortable
enjoy
dave
better than nappy rash baby Dave
martin15s
28-09-10, 06:31 PM
another welcome - my personal favourite is the curvy - several good ones at very reasonable prices come through the forum - enjoy and keep safe - remember the lifesaver...
Platinum Blues
29-09-10, 07:26 AM
You could try a three cylinder plastic rocket:smt026
I assume you mean a Triumph, last I looked they were all built in Meriden and leaked oil profusely. I assume things have changed a bit
Platinum Blues
Platinum Blues
29-09-10, 07:32 AM
welcome
for as old and senile as tim and bri are they do speak the truth (inbetwen wiping the droole from thier chin)
i agree you'll probably find a naked of versy comfortable
enjoy
dave
Well, I'm working on the basis that the F2 had about 55hp. Now the SV / Gladius has a few more hp and is a lot lighter, but I'm quite a bit heavier than I was back then, so that even's it out a bit.
Note that it's not drool, it is a slight leakage of brain cooling fluid, quite normal for that model considering average mileage, wear and tear etc.
Platinum Blues
Platinum Blues
29-09-10, 07:45 AM
another welcome - my personal favourite is the curvy - several good ones at very reasonable prices come through the forum - enjoy and keep safe - remember the lifesaver...
Ah, the lifesaver... drilled into me by my RAC/ACU instructor.
I still do them when driving the car............
Platinum Blues
Platinum Blues
29-09-10, 07:55 AM
Welcome to the madhouse, have a look over in the Pennine Massive regional section of the forum if ya get a chance :-D
Will do
I'm a Lancashire Lad by birth, but I don't get back that way as often as I should.
Platinum Blues
kaivalagi
29-09-10, 08:21 AM
Hi and welcome
You mentioned the Kawa Versys, so what about the Suzuki V-Strom 650? It has the same V-Twin engine as the SV although tuned different and is a taller/more upright bike like the Versys...
Just thought it was worth a mention, my old instructor has one and swears by it, very comfy etc...
Geodude
29-09-10, 08:26 AM
Where abouts you based so i can keep an eye out, im fram/newton hall area.
Platinum Blues
29-09-10, 10:29 AM
Hi and welcome
You mentioned the Kawa Versys, so what about the Suzuki V-Strom 650? It has the same V-Twin engine as the SV although tuned different and is a taller/more upright bike like the Versys...
Just thought it was worth a mention, my old instructor has one and swears by it, very comfy etc...
It's a possibility - not as easy to find V-strom as it is an SV though
Platinum Blues
Robchester is on Teesside, and is selling his Versys... I think. Looks immaculate.
Platinum Blues
29-09-10, 10:31 AM
Where abouts you based so i can keep an eye out, im fram/newton hall area.
Croxdale
A167
If you go south past the Honest Lawyer, you'll pass my house on the way back uphill again
Platinum Blues
Robchester is on Teesside, and is selling his Versys... I think. Looks immaculate.
is in the for sale section
Geodude
29-09-10, 10:40 AM
Croxdale
A167
If you go south past the Honest Lawyer, you'll pass my house on the way back uphill again
Platinum Blues
Nice one mate one of my regular routes as mates live in tudhoe (his ma used to run a care home there), spennymoor and chilton. i shall keep em peeled for a waving hand as i ride through. :)
mister c
29-09-10, 10:47 AM
Howdo & welcome.
I have had 2 SVs now, both naked Curveys (mk1) & love them to bits. They are comfortable, will do most things with ease & are very forgiving. I used mine every day, whatever the weather (except snow) plus the V Twin sound is very addictive :)
I have just bought a T955i Triumph, but am keeping my SV as a back up because it has been such a reliable bike (I seem to be using it more at the mo as I'm having problems with the Triumph).
The SV is a lovely bike & the people on this forum are a great bunch of people :)
Platinum Blues
29-09-10, 11:08 AM
Nice one mate one of my regular routes as mates live in tudhoe (his ma used to run a care home there), spennymoor and chilton. i shall keep em peeled for a waving hand as i ride through. :)
I was having a peruse in the dealers at Neville's Cross the other day. Looking at a few SV's / Gladii. The saleman seemed friendly and quite knowledgeable but seemed to be trying to lead me to a couple of GS500E's - nowt wrong with that, I hadn't stated a strong preference and both were tidy bikes, but just out of interest, do you have any insights / comments about the local dealers, mechanics etc, who to trust, who to stay away from, that sort of thing.
Ah, Whatever happened to "Good deal Dave" of Robinsons in Rochdale
PM me if you don't think this info should be posted to the whole internet.
Cheers
Platinum Blues
Geodude
29-09-10, 11:39 AM
Havent really had to use any local places for work yet as ive done most work myself with the help of this forum (thanks guys). I get mots and work i cant do done at ace motorcycles up near the arnison centre and there mechanics are good blokes. My brother has had work done at tom conways at langley moor with no hastle and durham bikes at esh winning. I like to pop into north east motorcycles when im passing for a look and a chat and i get most of my parts etc i need from them never had any hastle. They have a black gladis in there which looks tidy, well better than the white one IMO and a really nice gsx1400 that i cant stop looking at =P~. I think Richie on here will have some good local knowledge and im sure he will be along soon to add some insight.
Platinum Blues
29-09-10, 03:23 PM
. They have a black gladis in there which looks tidy, well better than the white one IMO and a really nice gsx1400 that i cant stop looking at =P~.
Is the black one the pre-registered one? I think I had a look at that. I wasn't sure I liked the look of the Gladius at first, but it's growing on me, much like the katana did.
The other one I had a good look at was the silvery blue SV650S (2007).
Platinum Blues
Platinum Blues
29-09-10, 03:32 PM
Just out of curiosity.
I've read on several threads that the suspension and brakes on the SV aren't cutting edge.
However, compared to a thirty year old 750 F2, with handling that would make your average shopping trolley look good, a swinging arm made of a substance that flexed like liquorice and brakes that would bring you to a stop............ well............. eventually, I suspect that the stock suspension and brakes are a bit of a non-issue.
Platinum Blues
Welcome Welcome.
You'll not go wrong with a Curvy SV.
:)
Geodude
30-09-10, 09:19 AM
I find the brakes ok but im not a hooner and suspension does its job but could be better. i might sort mine out in the winter and see how it compares.
Welcome from another Durham area type Bloke :0)
I'm in Houghton for my sins :0)
Catch you soon, when you get two wheels
Geodude
30-09-10, 09:25 AM
Welcome from another Durham area type Bloke :0)
I'm in Houghton for my sins :0)
Catch you soon, when you get two wheels
Spooky, i just pm'ed you about this thread :shock:
Give DavesSykes Superbikes (http://www.davidsykes-superbikes.com/usedbikes.asp) over Peterlee way :0)
even spookier, I just got your Pm ref this thread :0)
Platinum Blues
30-09-10, 10:13 AM
Give DavesSykes Superbikes (http://www.davidsykes-superbikes.com/usedbikes.asp) over Peterlee way :0)
So there is a reason to go to Peterlee more than once <grin>
PB
Just out of curiosity.
I've read on several threads that the suspension and brakes on the SV aren't cutting edge.
They are perfectly adequate for commuting and for rediscovering your bike mojo again. As you get a bit more adventurous the suspension deficiencies will come to light, but it's an easy thing to fix and is the only real weak spot of the bike. The brakes are not the eyeball popping monsters you find on modern superbikes, but once the fork springs/damping have been sorted out they are more than up to the job for most people, and will be many orders of magnitude better than the bikes of your (and my) youth.
I came back to biking after a ~17 year break (with the very occasional ride on friends bikes etc. in that time), and I think I made the perfect choice with the SV.
Forget the suspension and brakes upgrades, don't think about the massive increase in BHP, nor even about fairings that actually do something to keep the wind away from you.
The magic that a break from biking brings is...
ELECTRIC STARTERS!!!!!
No more freezing cold mornings trying over and over again to start my little BC250, full choke kick kick, floooding, kick, wait kick no choke, wait, kick. I got muscles in my right leg that that famous big arm,little arm cartoon character!
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