Ideal bike

Looking at all the new 2005 tackle, I couldn't help thinking: "I don't
really fancy any of this lot, except maybe the new Triumph Sprint."

Which led on to: "What would I like....?"

Leaving aside the obvious, which is that any self-respecting motorcycle
fiend absolutely, positively has to have several bikes to cover all
eventualities (main bike, deputy main bike for a change, dirt bike for,
well, dirt, SOB or winter hack, and maybe also something small,
disposable and very economical for short journeys) I was sort of
thinking:

For sheer fun, one cylinder, 400cc at least, preferably 500cc minimum,
but preferably bigger.... 50bhp would be nice, but damn hard to achieve
from anything under 600cc. No balancer shafts, gear primary drive, and a
decent rubber mounting system to keep the vibes at bay.

A chassis that's minimalist. Something like the Honda GB500 or Yamaha
SDR200: skinny. Maybe a trellis affair like that fabulous Ducati
Supermono.

A riding position that approximates to a ShiteOldBMW of the 1970s in its
bar/seat/footpeg relationship (still about the best I've ever come
across for naked bikes). A tank that gives a 200 miles range. Small
cockpit fairing, if only for the looks.

All-up weight no more than 140kg.

Top speed - 120mph would be nice, but I've never come across a single
that would do that on the road for more than a few seconds before
something broke. Surely it's achievable these days?

Or a 900-1000cc four-stroke triple like a modern Trumf. Only in-line,
like the new Rocket, for narrowness. Get the frontal area as small as
possible for better speed (and economy).

Shaft drive, for sure. Dead easy with that engine layout. Either make it
a sports tourer, or give it more plastic and luggage and make it a pure
tourer.....

It's probably a sign of getting old that I can just look at the spec of
the latest water-cooled DOHC 16-valve four, in 600cc or 1000cc classes,
and yawn.

 

Sir wants one of these: http://makeashorterlink.com/?C2512223A Sir does...

Soy.

 

The Older Gentleman fumbled, fiddled and fingered:

Whilst not fulfilling many of your criteria, I find a lot fulfilled by
my little F650 ) It reminded me that whilst speed is fun, bikes can
still be fun without mega horsepower.

One of the great strengths ... and weakenss's of the UJM has been the
never ending search for power at the expense of torque and fun. Jap
bikes are great the only "but" here being at times they get to be a bit
too efficient and smooth. It's nice at times to feel "involved", which
is what many singles, v-twins and triples seem to do.


--
Steve Parry

http://www.gwynfryn.co.uk

http://www.arrivedeprived.org.uk/

K100RS SE
F650
(not forgetting the SK90PY)

 

The Older Gentleman emerged from their own little world to say

AOL

I used to read a lot of bike mags but get very bored nowadays.

I used to spend a lot of time tyre kicking and blagging test rides on the
latest CBR/YZF etc. Can't be arsed nowadays.

In a few months I will have owned the GS for 4 years. I've never owned any
other bike longer than 2 years before. Perhaps I have the nearest
approximation to the perfect bike. I can have a lot of fun in the twisties
of Wales or ride in reasonable comfort from Geneva to S.Wales in 14 hours.

 

What is it?

 

Pointless.

 

The Older Gentleman was seen penning the following ode to ... whatever:

Well, you give a fairly accurate description of what I'd like the
Husky to be. It doesn't quite meet the seating position requirements
but it's still comfy enough. Tank range is pants, if I'm going to keep
it after all I'd have to invest in the 17 litre tank.

But it's light, it's chuckable and with the mods I've got in mind it
may even make a decent mid-range bike if I can get it to the point
where I don't have to fill up every 60-70 miles.

You're looking at rather high states of tune for that. AFAIK the Rotax
650cc used in the BMW F series can get close but you're again looking
at a grenade.

I hesitate to think how long the Husky engine would last in that state
of tune.

Mind ewe, both bigger bore kits and naughtier cams are available for
the Husky, so it may be possible to get it close to 120mph
performance.

"We shaved three kilos off, but you won't notice it anyway, you lardy
fucker..."

 

That's cute, but a little too small.

 

The problem is, I *do* want one of those, just for the pose value!

 

I've recently cancelled my subscription to BiKE after nearly 15 years.

 

On Sun, 9 Jan 2005 11:58:31 +0000,

I'd be happy to see a Pan sans about 150 pounds, but I think I could
still suffer the weight. Other than that, I cannot really think of
anything new that is that much more than my Fazer to bother spending
money on. Marginal utility you know.

Or perhaps I'm just a philistine.

 

sweller emerged from their own little world to say

I took out their 6 issues for 2 quid offer. I found very little of interest
and have cancelled the direct debit for further issues.

I suppose when I used to read it cover to cover the alternative was a
conversation about page 3 types or golf with co-workers.

I still subscribe to the Daily Dilbert just to remind me what I am
fortunately missing.

 

You know, I think I *do* want one.
--
| ___ Salad Dodger
|/ \
_/_____\_ GL1500SEV/CBR1100XXX/KH500A8/TS250C
|_\_____/_| ..73066../..17485.../..3184./.19406
(>|_|_|<) TPPFATUICG#7 DIAABTCOD#9 YTC#4 PM#5
|__|_|__| BOTAFOT #70 BOTAFOF #09 two#11 WG*
\ |^| / IbW#0 & KotIbW# BotTOS#6 GP#4
\|^|/ ANORAK#17 IbB#4
'^'

 

Sir could carry in the top box of the Wing could he not?

 

Maybe Sir is ready for Motor Cycle Sport?

John

 

I'd want a lot more than £200 off. Secondhand, one previous owner...

The VAT alone is over £250 and with a previous that "can't use the
gears" I'd want IRO £400 off to even consider such madness.

 

As a rule I hate suggesting bikes that I own. But... I reckon the F650
is as ideal as it gets for the sort of riding that I do.

 

How about putting a big single in something like my FZR250 frame? That
would be fun, not comfortable for most people though, but under 140kg
I'd bet.

 

Muck says...

Yamaha already did just that with a TZR125R chassis and an XT660 engine.
They called it the SZR660 and it was so bad that Ginge bought one.

 

Only a single front disk, Hmm.. I prefer the Suzuki Goose, but that's
only a 350 isn't it?