tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post1337477490190024958..comments2024-03-28T20:30:35.448+13:00Comments on Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist: The "Old Firm" bikesGeoff Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-2559374735150376402013-03-21T12:33:14.460+13:002013-03-21T12:33:14.460+13:00Geoff:
for our roads here in Vancouver being torn...<b>Geoff:</b><br /><br />for our roads here in Vancouver being torn up with bad surface, the Vstrom is perfect. It was never the intent to gravel off road, or even gravel. I have no experience dual sporting. I just liked the idea of having a rugged sort of Jeep like bike capable of world travel on imperfect roads.<br /><br />Then I decided to follow your example and shed a few pounds due to fatiguing muscles. The R1200r is a road bike more capable of handling the Freeway and interstate highways of America. It has traction control, TPS: Tire Pressur Sensors, abs and a computer system with shaft drive. It is nearly 80 lbs lighter with much lower COG. I can push my R in the grass whilst on the VSTROM I have to use engine power.<br /><br />I have a fast car which I drive at the speed limit. I used to have Alfa Romeos and a Supra Turbo Targa. I have learned to drive/ride slower and it's not necessarily a bad thing. I also learned that I don't want anything where parts and dealers are not readily available. As much as I like the Striple I would be stuck with no dealers. Imagine that they all close early on weekdays and sometimes when you go on a Saturday, they are closed too. I would never be able to take it there for service. I like having something ordinary but throwing money at it to make it perform isn't cost effective.<br /><br />Imagine two cars traveling at the same speed. A Ferrari or a Miata both going 80 kmh on the Coromandel peninsula. I would have more enjoyment in the Miata as it feels better to rev a small engine fast, than a large engine slow.<br /><br />The only thing I did to my Vstrom was add a fork brace but that was for safety, not speed and I noticed the difference immediately. I have no interest in adding a power commander, mapping my ECU for the new slip on exhaust, and going for the PR3 tires. It just doesn't suit my slow riding style.<br /><br />Let me rephrase, Geoff may undoubtedly be the most handsome rider of the group, right Sonja ?<br /><br />bob<br /><a href="http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Riding the Wet Coast</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05258612401956399482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-35810371458996323962013-03-21T10:19:00.974+13:002013-03-21T10:19:00.974+13:00Bob,
You're by no means the only one who uses ...Bob,<br />You're by no means the only one who uses those criteria - it simply reinforces that you've chosen on the basis of what suits you....although I'm not entirely sure why you have two bikes with similar characteristics unless you intend to get rid of the Wee Strom :-)!<br /><br />It's true that if you push along a bit, then shortcomings of OEM componentry (like the suspension on many bikes)become more apparent and whilst by no means wasted if you just pootle along, the benefits aren't as great.<br /><br />And with that last sentence, you are merely trying to drop Sonja further in it, even if your observation is unquestionably correct ;-).Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-64555548951765462362013-03-21T08:42:08.479+13:002013-03-21T08:42:08.479+13:00Geoff:
I would imagine that I am the only one who...<b>Geoff:</b><br /><br />I would imagine that I am the only one who chooses a bike based upon price and value and learn to live with it's idiosyncrasies, whether it be top heavy or lack of finesse. I would not explore the limits of technology anyway so there's no use in having an exotic bike like a Ducati anyway, it would just be wasted on me to merely doddle around at a mere 5 kmh over the posted limit<br /><br />If it works and you get the riding sensation and thrill of changing gears then I am happy. It just has to be reliable with lots of parts availability. I have never tested or ridden any bike before purchase. I presume they all work as intended. I am not a mechanic and also not a fast rider. If my shocks are inferior then I just ride slower. I seldom ride "on the edge". I know the brakes on my Strom could be upgraded with the GSXR1000 triple caliper pistons, I was going to do it but then just decided to ride slower<br /><br />Perhaps all of you are more enthusiastic than me. I have no desire to install any performance upgrades either. I'm not sure how much different I would ride if I had Ohlins or not. I don't know. I have not ridden any other bikes, perhaps it would make a difference perhaps not. Slow and steady is the way of the turtle<br /><br />I can see lots of enthusiasm for the thrill of challenging your abilities and your machines but it's not me. I like to ride at scenic and picture taking speed <br /><br />and I think that Sonja meant that Geoff was the prettiest . . . with bike or not<br /><br />bob<br /><a href="http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Riding the Wet Coast</a><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05258612401956399482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-81502953679750747592013-03-19T19:23:02.439+13:002013-03-19T19:23:02.439+13:00Thanks Dar!
Since writing their pieces, the guys ...Thanks Dar!<br /><br />Since writing their pieces, the guys have thought of other things to add too, but I guess we have to stop somewhere. Yep, the guys have more or less got their bikes how they want them having chosen wisely in the first place. I was only thinking the other day that if we won Lotto and I had a serious amount of money to spend on a bike or two, what would I get? Andy talked about the "sameness" of many modern bikes and he's right. Of the modern machines, a Ducati Hailwood or a Benelli TNT might possibly appeal, or the iconic classic the BSA Gold Star. Would they give me more satisfaction to ride than what I have now? Highly debateable! Guess that speaks volumes in the satisfaction stakes!<br /><br />And the one thing that's irreplaceable? My mates, that's what!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-70497780455328958682013-03-19T18:36:25.195+13:002013-03-19T18:36:25.195+13:00Great post Geoff! I think the thing I like the mo...Great post Geoff! I think the thing I like the most is that all the gents love their bikes and aren't doing the trade & burn or newer flashier bikes. Tried and true and rides that suit their purpose sounds really what biking is about. Dar https://www.blogger.com/profile/14690180541358767168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-31487302909000201232013-03-19T10:32:39.875+13:002013-03-19T10:32:39.875+13:00Hi Richard,
Yep, some well-reasoned and interestin...Hi Richard,<br />Yep, some well-reasoned and interesting comments by the guys there - stuff I had no idea about. Andy also has a Suzuki trail bike and Rog a Beemer 650 adventure. Richard has his Gixxer 1000 track bike and Davey has a classic Yamaha trials bike as well as a turbocharged race car and a few other toys. Dave and I just have the one bike each (Didn't you notice the thumbprint on our foreheads?). I'd like to reacquire my old Suzuki X7 2 stroke screamer as a neighbour still owns it but I fear that Jennie would blow a gasket :-) Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-14059167389532041512013-03-19T10:18:54.241+13:002013-03-19T10:18:54.241+13:00That was a great collection of bike reviews and I ...That was a great collection of bike reviews and I like that they each gave their particular likes and dislikes. Very unlike many of the reviews of why such and such a bike is perfect for everything. I lost track, do you have multiple bikes?RichardMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04773834892715980735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-7058332022628564982013-03-19T09:01:19.342+13:002013-03-19T09:01:19.342+13:00Cheers Brandy,
Always interesting to listen to ot...Cheers Brandy,<br /><br />Always interesting to listen to other rider's reasons for the choices they've made.<br /><br />Ahhhh Sonja..... yep with both feet! I'd imagine that right this minute, Rog is talking to Immigration to have her next NZ working visa revoked. And if you want to stay onside with me, the Triple is NOT pretty, it's a mean SOB ;-).Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-5887110770155825632013-03-19T08:57:09.534+13:002013-03-19T08:57:09.534+13:00Hi Jules!
Glad you enjoyed all the thoughts. The...Hi Jules!<br /><br />Glad you enjoyed all the thoughts. The lads said they really enjoyed doing it as it was great to reflect on the choices they'd made and where it's brought them.<br /><br />Like you, we think that Honda San got it badly wrong dropping the 'bird. The've got it wrong with other recent models too. Two years since you've had the ZX14 - that's staggering!! I well remember all the thought processes when you were thinking of selling the VFR and don't doubt that you made the absolute right choice. And you've hung onto your license :-)Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-26061011891939600292013-03-19T08:52:24.890+13:002013-03-19T08:52:24.890+13:00Cheers Andrew,
Yep, they've all been around en...Cheers Andrew,<br />Yep, they've all been around enough to be able to make smart choices. Pleased you've kept your X11 - great machines.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-55209799626447075522013-03-19T08:50:52.640+13:002013-03-19T08:50:52.640+13:00Hey Anthony!
Yep, we've ridden together so lon...Hey Anthony!<br />Yep, we've ridden together so long it's like we're joined by an invisible piece of string when we ride.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-52733381586233930632013-03-19T08:49:38.337+13:002013-03-19T08:49:38.337+13:00Steve,
Yep, I loved all the different viewpoints t...Steve,<br />Yep, I loved all the different viewpoints too. Hahaha - contract being taken out on a well-known Sydneysider ;-).Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-67420880508038188012013-03-19T02:18:49.900+13:002013-03-19T02:18:49.900+13:00Great review of the bikes and/by their riders Geof...Great review of the bikes and/by their riders Geoff.<br /><br />It is interesting to note the reasons for liking and/or trading in a bike. I guess it is a good thing when there isn't anything out there you think you'd like better than your current ride.<br /><br />And Sonja - I think you stepped in it, Good luck getting out of the doghouse, lol. Can we say they are both handsome - aka pretty?Trobairitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03453398807198746434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-31850819277733673672013-03-19T00:28:53.126+13:002013-03-19T00:28:53.126+13:00Geoff, just the kind of info I was interested in r...Geoff, just the kind of info I was interested in reading about. Thanks to all for taking the trouble to do the write ups. I think that appraisals from owners who have plenty of miles on their bikes and are past the "honeymoon" period with a given motorcycle are really valuable, though probably more so the more current models. For the life of me, I don't understand why Honda dropped the Blackbird and didn't evolve it a bit more. The quality of build of that model is without equal among the Japanese offerings.<br /><br />When I decided that a Blackbird was a bit too top heavy for me (being only 5'7") the Kawasaki ZX14 was the only other comparable motorcycle. One ride an I was dreaming of one, the second ride a few months later and I had to have one - which I did within a month! April 2nd will mark 2 years ownership and I still love that bike.<br /><br />Cheers fellas - really appreciate the post.Tarsnakes Down Underhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04859439380216890525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-62529571764285186092013-03-18T23:43:46.046+13:002013-03-18T23:43:46.046+13:00Great report Geoff
Interesting to read folk who ...Great report Geoff <br /><br />Interesting to read folk who actually ride and keep their bikes ..instead of changing it for the latest model every year.<br /><br />A few wee modifications can make "your bike" , THE bike to own , ride...and enjoy !!!!<br /><br />Ride fast , ride safe<br /><br />Andrew<br /><br />Andrew<br /><br />Andrew X11https://www.blogger.com/profile/18088859021299645542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-82577109530044319372013-03-18T23:41:30.238+13:002013-03-18T23:41:30.238+13:00Hey Geoff, yet another great post. A great bunch o...Hey Geoff, yet another great post. A great bunch of bikes and an even greater bunch of mates to share two wheeled adventures with. Thanks for sharing, cheers mateAnthonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07158034455791059826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-73892949682146009302013-03-18T23:04:15.838+13:002013-03-18T23:04:15.838+13:00Hi Geoff
What a great article from all different v...Hi Geoff<br />What a great article from all different view points for each rider. I'm not sure about the handsome bit, more like some heads like smacked asses eh Rog.<br /><br />All nice looking bikes though.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10160712689280276620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-31315435374917038702013-03-18T19:54:19.061+13:002013-03-18T19:54:19.061+13:00Heck Rog,
I could have sworn that Sonja meant tha...Heck Rog,<br /><br />I could have sworn that Sonja meant that "I" was the prettiest, not my bike. All dejected now :-(Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-67549417147259656912013-03-18T19:18:56.409+13:002013-03-18T19:18:56.409+13:00Sonja.....I am gutted, you have insulted me, I op...Sonja.....I am gutted, you have insulted me, I opened up my home, fed you, let you ride my bikes..then you repay me by say GEOFFS IS THE PRETTIEST!..I am sooooooo going to de friend you.....Rogerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-77003327584676287412013-03-18T19:15:49.618+13:002013-03-18T19:15:49.618+13:00Hi Andrew,
Wickedly quick, made even more impress...Hi Andrew,<br /><br />Wickedly quick, made even more impressive because they're so quiet. My old one was on Trade Me recently.<br /><br />If he buys a Concours, he can move to Palmerston North ;-)Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-35878607796685025332013-03-18T18:38:40.062+13:002013-03-18T18:38:40.062+13:00Love the 'birds - rode one, nearly bought one....Love the 'birds - rode one, nearly bought one...<br /><br />Nice to see that Roger may be coming to his senses ;)Andrew Thomsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00716829007873864871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-41250126849937306542013-03-18T15:28:43.808+13:002013-03-18T15:28:43.808+13:00Oh Sonja, you should have been in the Diplomatic ...Oh Sonja, you should have been in the Diplomatic Corps :-)<br /><br />To be honest, I like them all albeit for different reasons. You're bound to like the Beemer, aren't you??? ;-)Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-50810012180060800512013-03-18T15:20:51.698+13:002013-03-18T15:20:51.698+13:00Indeed thanks to the bunch of handsome riders talk...Indeed thanks to the bunch of handsome riders talking about their even handsomer bikes ;-)<br /><br />Geoff, honestly, your's is still the prettiest of all although I dig Andy's Beemer for some reason, maybe because it's naked, too.SonjaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12389245948579828531noreply@blogger.com