Biking benchmarks ?

[rictus01]

Was chatting the other day with a relatively novice bikeR, and was asked what were the biking benchmark, one thing lead to another and we came out with four distinct areas.

1. bike to own, realistically speaking, not pie in the sky stuff, but what you'd aim at one day getting and what you'll probably own on the way there.

2. Kit, from a novice stand point what would be the amount/type you'd spend on and have available.

3. things to see & do, from watching a Motogp/WSB event, to visiting NW200/IOM TT/ Nurburgring, tour (to where/ both this country or abroad).

4. Expanding the passion, adding skills, like Rospa/IAM, off road, branching out to other bike sports, ACU license, trials, grasstrack even, learning spannering, spraying any other practical bike care skills.


I suppose what any of us wants from biking is different to a degree, I'd be interested in you own thoughts and aspirations along the above lines.


Cheers Mark.

[daveyrach]

Was chatting the other day with a relatively novice bike,

You can speak to machines?

[hindle8907]

You can speak to machines?

lol

[rictus01]

Honestly... there is an empathy, but that's a different thing, now back to the topic please.

[Mark_h]

My thoughts on all those things change from day-to-day and ride-to-ride. Pretty much the only thing I can be sure of is that the answer to all of those things is now completely different to any answer I would have given when I was new to biking.

Early on I was thinking I wanted fast and impressive and to cover huge distances on amazing adventures. Now I increasingly want comfy and predictable and if it coincidently goes impressively fast or a long way then so be it.

How I've ended up sticking with an agriculturally basic naked SV1000 with mis-matched luggage, battered leathers and boots that give me blisters if I have to walk further than the return trip from the pump to the till I'll never know but was almost certainly not my original plan.

[daveyrach]

Honestly... there is an empathy, but that's a different thing, now back to the topic please.

Sorry :)

[rictus01]

My thoughts on all those things change from day-to-day and ride-to-ride. Pretty much the only thing I can be sure of is that the answer to all of those things is now completely different to any answer I would have given when I was new to biking.

Early on I was thinking I wanted fast and impressive and to cover huge distances on amazing adventures. Now I increasingly want comfy and predictable and if it coincidently goes impressively fast or a long way then so be it.

How I've ended up sticking with an agriculturally basic naked SV1000 with mis-matched luggage, battered leathers and boots that give me blisters if I have to walk further than the return trip from the pump to the till I'll never know but was almost certainly not my original plan.

point taken Mark and my own perspective has changed not only from an age/ experience stand point but aims as well ,so lets say "Currently" then and an idea of how long you've been "in the game" so to speak.

[Popy Fresco]

1. I don't know, I like them all; difficult to chose, guess It will depend on the money avaiable and what do i want it for on the moment of buying it.

2. I've done this: Cheap textile suit --> nor expensive or cheap textile suit --> nor expensive or cheap textile suit + leather suit

3. I usually go to at least one race of BSB and Catalunya Moto GP every year; off road and track day are already planned; IOM is on my sight and hopefully next year. Trips, long trips, done a couple of them and can't wait to do more

4. Not really; i'm just happy riding and doing basic maintenance for now. Some day i'd like to buy a piece of junk and build my own cafe racer

[yorkie_chris]

Was chatting the other day with a relatively novice bikeR, and was asked what were the biking benchmark, one thing lead to another and we came out with four distinct areas.

1. bike to own, realistically speaking, not pie in the sky stuff, but what you'd aim at one day getting and what you'll probably own on the way there.

2. Kit, from a novice stand point what would be the amount/type you'd spend on and have available.

3. things to see & do, from watching a Motogp/WSB event, to visiting NW200/IOM TT/ Nurburgring, tour (to where/ both this country or abroad).

4. Expanding the passion, adding skills, like Rospa/IAM, off road, branching out to other bike sports, ACU license, trials, grasstrack even, learning spannering, spraying any other practical bike care skills.


I suppose what any of us wants from biking is different to a degree, I'd be interested in you own thoughts and aspirations along the above lines.


Cheers Mark.

Bike to own... interesting one because even most of the pie in the sky bikes are relatively affordable, not like cars where the serious stuff is silly money.
Personally I reet fancy a KTM 990 ADV. Probably going to be some time before I'm inclined to spend that sort of dosh though, and with the considerable appetite for fuel and consumables of a monstrous V twin thou I think that might somewhat kill the enjoyment of it for me.

Things to see and do... fancy doing some adventure touring type stuff. Too much watching mondo enduro :mrgreen:


when I was new to it I suppose it went something like

1 daytona 675, 955i speed triple, gsxr 750 slingshot

2 kit meh never bothered so long as it kept me dry and safe ish

3 trackdays, road riding. touring wise road based hotel-hopping has never appealed to me abroad.

4 expanding... yeah had it in my head to do rospa/iam... went to meet iams people and while I got on with them ok I didn't think it was for me. as for the "bike care" stuff I've always been a mad tinkerer with everything so learning every vehicle inside out is great. Definitely a good call buying an SV650 because they're so f*ckaboutable, either that or the slingshot 750 I very nearly bought instead.

[andrewsmith]

Read this a good few hours ago and its a tough one to define. Even I don't know my own benchmarks

Going off the four posted:

1) Money no object, something exotic like a Bimota or a Spondon framed special (using some like a SV/ Hypermotard/ Dorso 750 engine)
Being realistic; a modern Sports Thou is a waste on all but the track, SS600's are the modern 250's (and I'd get nicked on one). I would say something like the Speed Triple, TBH the MV Brutale 675/800 seem to be the best of both worlds
But (this is a big but) the SV is the best of both worlds and does everything that I ask of it.

2) Kit; on my second set of textiles since passing, from the same manufacturer: Halvarrsons/ Jofama. Lid best that fits in the budget (I pay around the £200 mark)

3) Done the IoM for the Southern its the best of both worlds- less people there, world class racing (was only the Honda Legends missing last year). Short circuit at international level, possibly Assen, Le Mans (but for the Bol d'or)
Euro tour, possibly Northern Spain, the black country (thats a personal one if it happens) onto the Alps

4) Expanding; done the IAM (waiting to find out if I'm still a member, as they are a shambles at present and the local groups are saying the same), it didn't slow me but it controlled me (police assessor said to the group that I was faster than the average IAM type).
The bike to me is something that I ride and play about with. I will get a project to expand my skills

[DJ123]

1. bike to own, realistically speaking, not pie in the sky stuff, but what you'd aim at one day getting and what you'll probably own on the way there.

My next bike, will be an adventure tourer. Considering the Vstrom 1000 due in 2014 if it is any good.

2. Kit, from a novice stand point what would be the amount/type you'd spend on and have available.
Textiles. Always worn them and most likely always will. Except for when i eventually venture onto the track and ivnest in some leathers.

3. things to see & do, from watching a Motogp/WSB event, to visiting NW200/IOM TT/ Nurburgring, tour (to where/ both this country or abroad).
Been to see Moto GP twice, loved it. Planning to see more and at different venues. Would like to see more bike races.
Touring, i have set my sights on Europe and starting next year depending on if i have my touring bike by then.

4. Expanding the passion, adding skills, like Rospa/IAM, off road, branching out to other bike sports, ACU license, trials, grasstrack even, learning spannering, spraying any other practical bike care skills.

i do 'spannering' it's an enjoyable thing to do for me. Adds another dimension to it. Always considered advanced Rospa/IAM, done a few advanced courses in the mean time.

[ChrisCurvyS]

Funny isn't it - I've done things the other way round. I'd always wanted to do my bike test but thought I wouldn't want anything more than a 125 - 60mph was enough for me I thought. Slow = safe. A small 500cc cruiser was my ambition at the most - I never really saw the appeal of sportsbikes.

Less than three years after passing my test, the curvy feels slow and I've got a friend's Hayabusa lined up as my next bike. And even though I'm 30 (way old in orger terms), I can't see myself getting into adventure bikes or cruisers anytime soon.

[TheRuffellator]

Just for no.4 I would absolutely love to get an old wreck of an old school jap 400 sports bike and restore it back to former glory :D then take it on the track! That's the dream anyway...

[dizzyblonde]

Originally, many years ago upon passing my DAS, I said to myself and others I would never need to ride anything more than a 600. I kept reasonably close with the SV for several years. It became increasingly apparent in the latter years spending many hours riding with advanced riders that it was time to upgrade and I took the option of Italian litre vtwin. I can't really envisage what I would like as something new due to having the disposal of a ZZR14 belonging to my OH. You can't really aspire to anything more, once you've gotten to the top of what would be on most people's wish list. Keeping the SV was a great decision, as both of us quite like going back to basics every now and again.

I've always bought the very best gear I could afford at any given point in time. Even if that meant buying expensive and reliable kit, at a discounted price. We both wear Rukka, both bought heavily discounted, previously I've used Halvarssons.. Neither of us believe in buying cheap tat over and over, when decent gear can last year's more. I've learnt the hard way with cheap gear on very long tours. I won't allow that sort of failing again. I'd say to any novice, to seriously do research of anything you might have your eye, before purchase. Making sure it fits 'all' your needs saves you money in the long run.

I've been to all four corners of the UK on my bikes, apart from Ireland. I'd like to do that. I've gone over the pond and experienced European roads, but would love to go further, perhaps into Spain, Italy or most definitely Greece.

Having spent time riding with IAMs and RospA folk, I can see the appeal. I'm more than capable of performing to the required levels to ascertain their status, but neither have the time, nor see the need to outlay money to do it. So, I ride doing my own thing.

[Paul the 6th]

some of my mile stones & benchmarks:

- achieving kneedown is a milestone...
- foreseeing that the front wheel may lift or the whole bike may become airborne over certain bits of road *without* panicking when it happens is another one which comes with experience (or has done for me personally).
- People making remarks that you're a quick rider - I spent the first 3 years of riding trying to figure out how the older guys were so quick through corners, again, comes with experience of things like trackdays and following faster rides to see how they read the road..
- being fully self reliant with stuff like a compass and map and all your camping gear, rather than satnav and having someone else take your luggage to a meet (says the man who turned up at AR last year in a van! although have done about 4 or 5 self reliant camping trips to date)
- completing a proper touring holiday (did 6 days in scotland last year, want to do 10 days in Europe next)

[keith_d]

I've been riding for four or five years, so here goes...

1. bike to own,

If I could only own one it would be a comfy sports tourer. But I'm considering getting something a bit livelier as a fun bike.

2. Kit,

For me, comfy leathers are a winner. I wear mine all year round and just add extra layers (windproof jacket/waterproofs) to suit the weather.

3. things to see & do

If I didn't have to work for a living I'd love to spend a couple of months with a bike, a tent and a camera touring North Africa. Ideally in the company of a few like minded folks.

4. Expanding the passion,

I've done a few rides with the IAM. I've just signed up for a half day introduction to off road riding

[orose]

1. bike to own, realistically speaking, not pie in the sky stuff, but what you'd aim at one day getting and what you'll probably own on the way there.

I must admit, this is something I'm thinking about at the moment. I love my SM-T, but I do have an eye on the Multistrada and 1190 Adventure as potential replacements. I think I've done sportsbikes, and I didn't really see the appeal.

2. Kit, from a novice stand point what would be the amount/type you'd spend on and have available.

My first kit top to toe probably cost about £500. For that price, it was splashproof and lasted a few years, so I couldn't complain. I've upgraded everything a couple of times since, but I'm going to enjoy a ride today in Aldi kevlar jeans.

3. things to see & do, from watching a Motogp/WSB event, to visiting NW200/IOM TT/ Nurburgring, tour (to where/ both this country or abroad).

My thoughts here are that you should get a bike magazine and have a flick through the event pages. Lots of events happen which cross over boundaries or could be seen as a easy way to sample the thing, so you could do Olivers Mount at Scarborough as a cheaper alternative to an IoM trip for example.

4. Expanding the passion, adding skills, like Rospa/IAM, off road, branching out to other bike sports, ACU license, trials, grasstrack even, learning spannering, spraying any other practical bike care skills.

Similarly to the above, the best thing to do is to find a way of trying things out. When I went to the NEC this year, I tried out riding a trials bike (which was hard work) for free. I went on johnnyrods MX tryout day last year to try that aspect of riding, and I'm going to try Moto Gymkhana at the Bikesafe show in a couple of weeks. On the other hand, I'm a NABD supporter, a MAG member and local representative, and an IAM member and observer.

[Bibio]

1. well i pretty much own the bike i want, just need to add a few other bits but it's almost there.

2. i really really need a set of good and i mean good textiles but they cost megggggga money.

3. to be able to have no responsibility's so i can tour Europe for about 6 months.

4. pretty much got everything. would like a nice big shed to put all my shiny shiny stuff in and add lathe and milling to the list.

i'm working on the shed but need a good few more pennies.

[smudga]

I'd like a mv Augusta 800 brutalie
my gears ok
get back into a bit of scrambling
& some track days
wouldn't mind the tt
I could go on but
looking at reality
those things I can do

[stuR]

2. i really really need a set of good and i mean good textiles but they cost megggggga money.

Define good? I have a spada set that were about £200 i think 4 years back, never once got wet through any zip or seam. Still going just as strong as the day i bought them, only looking a bit grubby is all.

[Bibio]

my definition of good is ones you can crash in and as wear resistant as leather, they also have to be waterproof. the only ones i have seen that fit the bill are Rukka, HG top range and Halvarssons. out of the three i would like the Rukka. but the biggest problem i have is getting stuff to fit so has to be altered by someone who knows what they are doing which is even more money. would be nice to be able to buy stuff off the peg.

[Specialone]

And even though I'm 30 (way old in orger terms), I can't see myself getting into adventure bikes or cruisers anytime soon.

For the record, 30 is not old on here and you don't have to be 60 to own an adventure style bike, a lot of the bigger engine machines have very good performance and handling that would give a 600 sports bike a run for its money but in all day comfort.

In the right hands an adventure bike will keep up in the twistys easily with any bike IMO and i know a guy who was one of the fastest in the advanced group on a trackday on his BMW 1200GS and even had a pic of him knee downing it.

[Owenski]

1. bike to own: Already own it, the GSR750 is about the nicest bike I can think of available at the moment and I bought one so I can tick that box already.

2. Kit: Recently bought a £400 lid, thats far more than I ever wanted to spend normally I'd say something in the £200 region for a lid but what ever the weather with the rest of it tbh.

3. things to see & do: No interest in Nurburgring I'd watch a Motogp but I'd want to do it in somewhere like UAE and make a week of it, little sense going to a UK event IMO.
I'm yet to visit the IOM-TT but that is certainly on the bucket list.

4. Expanding the passion: Road riding is expanding the passion, I grew up scramble biking in common land so although I'd love to get in to the etc again there simply isnt enough of it around here to justify the costs involved, I'm quite enjoying the MX days johnny is organizing though.
Zero interest in been IAM.

Good Topic Mark :)

[mattSV]

For the record, 30 is not old on here and you don't have to be 60 to own an adventure style bike, a lot of the bigger engine machines have very good performance and handling that would give a 600 sports bike a run for its money but in all day comfort.

In the right hands an adventure bike will keep up in the twistys easily with any bike IMO and i know a guy who was one of the fastest in the advanced group on a trackday on his BMW 1200GS and even had a pic of him knee downing it.

Amarko is another old git with an adventure bike (like Specialone and I)' and **** me can he ride quick

[Griff-SV]

1. Bike to own would be an Aprillia Tuono V4R & a Jap 600 track bike.

2. My leathers were probably the most expensive bit of kit I have bought so far, next year I may upgrade my lid and I go by the sharp rating. I started with a textile jacket & hood jeans.

3. I'd like to visit the Ring one day, definitely the IOM TT & NW200. I watch MotoGP, BSB & WSB. More Track Days! I want to do at least one big trip, my current pipe dream is to ride to RAF Pegu in Burma where my Grandfather served during WW2.

4. So far I have done a couple of advanced riding courses which I feel have improved my riding, I may look to do some training with ROSPA too. If I could afford it I'd love to get my ACU license sorted and it's a long shot but I want to try and do the Manx GP even if it could only happen once!
I'm going to buy an old wreck/project bike this winter which I will strip down and rebuild so I can teach myself the fundamentals of maintenance & learn what components a bike is made up of.
Plus I just want to ride as much as I can to become more experienced .

[Jason H]

1. Bike to own: Love v-twins so probably a Ducati streetfighter or other large exotic twin. Although the GSR 750 and the FZ1n both seem like they could be fun.

2. Kit: Spent as much as I could afford on this and it was built up over a couple of months. AGV K4 Helmet, Dainese R-Pelle Twin Jacket, Draggin Jeans, Dainese short cuff gloves (can't remember the name), Spada Flage trousers (for the more wintery days)

3. Things to see & do: Not really into Racing so that's already off the table. Would quite like to take some trips into europe and up to scotland. Would love to do some touring across some slightly more exotic or remote places e.g. Africa, Himalayas.

4. Expanding the passion: I already get fairly hands on with a socket set and spanners. Would like to try some off-road riding at some point. I'm also a current MAG member.

[rictus01]

well I guess I should add my own.

Bikes - I done the big sports bike thing back in the late 80's with a new Gsxr750 followed by the Gsxr 1100; which at the time was to me the bike nivana, following a brief liaison with a new(well nearly so) TLS, I found my "soulmate" bike, the 97 T509, had seven of them and did well over half a million mile on them ( 5 x S3's/ one T595 and one Daytona 955i (the latter two getting the fronts stripped to S3 standard)), unfortunately after the accident I wasn't able to manage the weight anymore and a few years denial saw me dropping other big bikes, CB750/ thumderbird sport that kind of thing, until I was forced onto lighter machines, enter the CCM404DS (in supermoto form), brilliant little bike, but perhaps just to light, the Speed four filled the gap until a last fling on the KTM Superduke, and recently the Aprilia Pegaso has been giving me as much pleasure in miles covered, so whilst that's by no means a complete coverage, it's pretty much left me nothing I really want bikewise.

Bike kit - well I have literally a room full of the stuff and can take my pick, recently (having dropped some weight) I've fitted into some retro gear I had, so multi coloured combats/ Battle dress jacket over old motocross armour is my sunny day attire, I have three Arai Condors I rotate in use, and another two in boxes, and a full array of gloves to choose from, as well as 6 pairs of boots.

Things to see & do - now this is a hard one, I've been everywhere I want to go; from the sands of the Sahara to the frozon Arctic circle, all the way across Europe and in countries around the world, but realistically my days of grand touring are well behind me now, I guess the only one I can think of is to see the back of the brandenburg gate as last time I was there they had a wall across it.

club racing, drag/sprint racing, scrambling, grass track/speedway, classic trials, just about tried it all, even got to have a go at Ice speedway once so pretty much covered the sport side of things too.

Advanced training - was a member of the BMF for a few years and we had a sort of older/wiser guys access and help out newbies thing going on, bit like IAM, but a little less pretentious, did that, but the big one was the police riders course I did to become a bike paramedic, got my Rospa gold at the same time, of course no one is perfect, but at least I know how it's done....;), I don't see myself as having learnt everything and still actively practice what I know and observe other to see if there is a better way to do things, but it's rare I find it.

Adding skills - fortunately I came up in a time when people knew how their bikes worked, I've known (and still do) some amazing mechanics and general "wizards" that could do anything with a bike or part, they have been kind enough to put up with a nosey kid kicking around asking all sorts of questions and the phrase "can I have a go" must have been ringing in their ears, the result is I can do pretty much anything bikewise, although these I see more as borrowed skill and pss them on when I can, realistically these days I've forgotten more than I know, but do still enjoy teaching others when time allows.

I guess that's it, I enjoyed that walk down memory lane, bought back fav times.....

Cheers Mark.

[SvNewbie]

1. Too early to tell I guess. I got the SV thinking that one day I'd like to move onto a 600cc supersport, however I've quickly realised that even on a Sunday afternoon ride on quiet roads its very hard to take an SV to its limit. Currently I'm thinking something along the lines of a Triumph Sprint ST (although I don't like the front lights) or VFR800 (although they are getting a bit long in the tooth and VTEC servicing would make me cry) would probably suit me better.

2. Got a reasonable textile jacket and some bottom of the line trousers. That was a mistake because the thermal linings can't be removed from the trousers hence not great if the temperatures ever rise. Also have kevlar jeans for nice days, though these don't ever feel quite as safe.

3. Think my first motorbike experience will be something like the Ron Haslam race school. Possibly a couple of track days on the SV when I get hold of a set of leathers. I enjoy watching MotoGP for the skills on display but not interested enough to bother going. Would definitely like to do some touring, Germany is high on the list because I haven't been much and really enjoyed my last trip there.

4. Thinking about joining something like TVAM. I have been quite deliberately trying to increase my skills on my own but think I'm approaching the stage where having an observer would be helpful. Would really like to try a bit of off-road riding. Moto-gymkhana also looks like awesome fun.

[STRAMASHER]

Moto gymkannae is fun if you are partially retarded/autistic (I think im both so lip up holier than thou types). Save your cash from that pish.

Stick the cash in your tank and head north (or south across the water) the SV will serve you well, you might even give it a pat on the tank.( Yes, yes , see above) If you think the riding sucks take the next exit. You'll find some gems of a road. Don't book anywhere. Accom is plentiful. If its not, keep on moving.




MotoGp has always been a bit gash on the telly. I have always said to folk its the only racing I will travel big miles to go watch though. Its cos they were/are gnarly and feckin loud. That's go deaf in the one ear loud, if you are daft enough to be in a covered grandstand.
You also get a mahoosive party from the Thursday onward, with loads of illegal 2wheeled based shenanigans, completely ignored by local law enforcement. I'm saying Spain. I'm saying leave your end can in your tent/hotel for 4 days. Cheste/ Montmelo / Jerez. See how the other half live. Even the ultra conservative Germans do it 10X as wild.

Or go see some Real Road Racing. Hardcore as **** and will be burned into your noggin for the rest of your days. Upclose and personal and take your breathe away stuff. Ireland is not difficult or expensive to get to. Ultra hospitable folks north or south too. Check out the TT coverage on ITV4 now and in the next week. Look for the heads in the hedge for the spectating Ultras.

Sorry SV N if that is a rant. Good intentions. I'm away to draw the Taj Mahal. Again.;):)

[Ceri JC]

1. bike to own, realistically speaking, not pie in the sky stuff, but what you'd aim at one day getting and what you'll probably own on the way there.

There's nothing I really want that I couldn't buy now if I wanted to. There isn't a bike I "don't feel ready for"; they all only go as fast as you open the throttle. Don't get me wrong, I could easily fill an "if I won the lottery" dream garage of 100 bikes. It's just that there aren't any I want badly enough at the moment to warrant sacrificing other things I'd like to spend my money on.

2. Kit, from a novice stand point what would be the amount/type you'd spend on and have available.

Budget £500; £150 lid, £100 boots, leaving £250 for a cheap textile suit spine protector and gloves.

3. things to see & do, from watching a Motogp/WSB event, to visiting NW200/IOM TT/ Nurburgring, tour (to where/ both this country or abroad).

Wouldn't mind a stab at competing (Albeit not running "competitively" in the Tuareg Rally at some point. I will do the Primus Rally at some point in the next couple of years. I am hoping to finally be able to do the Dusk to Dawn next year.

4. Expanding the passion, adding skills, like Rospa/IAM, off road, branching out to other bike sports, ACU license, trials, grasstrack even, learning spannering, spraying any other practical bike care skills.

Wouldn't mind getting better at Trialsy stuff and Gymkhana.

[savage86]

1. Fancy a gsxr for the sunny days the sv for the everyday travel and a cb500 cafe racer for the hell of it.

2. Lid - whatever is comfy price doesn't matter, for me a good set of textiles that are waterproof not just showerproof, same for boots and gloves.

3. IOM TT going next year so after that a tour of europe is on the cards i think.

4. The dream here would be to do a road race maybe the likes of mid-antrim or armoy will never happen but a man can dream. More like just self teach a bit better on internals by stripping and rebuild junk.

[Jackie_Black]

Bike to own aprilia RS-250 for the 3 sundays a year you can use one

Kit - Already got gore text hein gericke leathers so it doesnt get any better than that imo

To do - Europe would be nice, but im lazy and just keep doing scotland

ALready done the IAM thing, essential imo but what do i know. Would love a crosser again but dont know anyone with any land.

[Ceri JC]

In the right hands an adventure bike will keep up in the twistys easily with any bike IMO and i know a guy who was one of the fastest in the advanced group on a trackday on his BMW 1200GS and even had a pic of him knee downing it.

I went to a (road race) hillclimb event. I was quicker on my F800GS on (non-knobbly) sports-touring tyres than three of the four people who came on S1000RRs. Two of whom, had brought their bikes in a van, had slicks fitted and were using tyre warmers. I have a large canvas print from that day of me riding it like a sportsbike hanging up in my hall.

They're only boring old man bikes if you want them to be. I use mine "as intended". Antics like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMtzZE58AEI
Are more thrilling to me than topping an SV out, or street racing a sportsbike at triple figure speeds against supercars. The sort of riding you tend to do on them is also considerably less likely to earn you a spell in jail (or traction).
:D

I know some of the people who ride adventure bikes can be a bit, well, dull. Please don't let the guy who incessantly polishes his GS1200 and has £5K's worth of Touratech stuff on it, yet never even takes it down fire roads, be your perception of a typical owner. When you are summitting a mountain on nothing more than sheep trails, in the snow, carrying 60 litres of luggage you cannot help but be bowled over by what these bikes are capable of.

[warrenhewitt10]

Hello,

1) I have wanted an R1 for as along as I knew what bikes where, it will be my next step. But that, and then I also fancy something like a DL1000 with all the boxes on it. Just for touring.

2) I have RST textiles and RST 2 peice leathers, which I have no intention of changing any time soon, they look good and work well. Have always fancied something like a white and black one peice Dainese leathers though. Maybe someday.

3) Been to a few GP races and Superbikes, and touring NI>Spain a few years ago, have another tour in the planning stages for next year though, that will keep me satisfied for a while :) Just need to make the decision of wether or not I want to try it on an 06 R6....

4)Would like to do the IAM course, as well has own/have a go on some of the offroad stuff. After graduating its now become much easier to own such offroad toys :)