What bike?

[Mrs Reject]

Once I've qualified I'm getting a decent bike, not new but newish. Thing is I don't really know what to go for, I would prefer a shaft drive if possible, something that is known to be reliable (or as near as possible for a bike), not a sportsbike 'cos i'm too short for them and end up lying across the tank :) .
It's also got to be at least a 750 cc or bigger.
Any ideas - bikes you have tried and loved?

[BlackPig]

How about an "Intruder" or something along those lines,"Virago",and I pass on the rest too many silly names.
They are supposed to be reasonable,have low seat hieght,and aparently they're comfortable t' boot !! ;)

Have I tried one ? :rolleyes:

Don't be so f'kin' stoopid,you wouldn't catch me with a "tarts handbag" !! :p

In all seriousness though, it could be worth lookig at the factory "customs",certainly if seat hieght is an issue . :D

[defarter]

How about a V-Max, Quite a low seat so there ok if you've got short legs, fuel tank is under the seat so they are not top heavey, 1200cc with bags of grunt, shaft drive, very reliable, once riden the grin factor goes from ear to ear. [promise yer] :D :D :p
I've had 2 Max'es and now have a Hardley but i must admit i really miss the max :(

[dracken1]

i have to agree with blackpig if it's the cruiser/chop look your after then any of the virago's or intruders will suit. both are very reliable, i am biased towards the intruder having had an 800 and still have the 1400 .
but i do know of a local 1100 virago 4 years old and in that time it has clocked up a whopping 1600 miles, yes that is sixteen hundred.
but the 750 is also a very good machine.
probs with virago's are usually limited to starters
in standard trim the 800-1400 intruders don't have any real known probs.
unless you count the fact that you will never bump start a 1400. i know :(

[DANNY]

the Mrs has a 750 virago she loves it handles well low seat and goes like sh£t off a shovel for a 750 v-twin.

[Mrs Reject]

I asked this question once before (when my bike broke down previously), but I'm always interested to see what folk come up with. The virago was a consideration.
I'd really like a swedish chop with outrageous apehangers but I don't think it would make a good winter bike especially round here with hills, valleys and ice, not to mention the ferocious wind that comes off the sea. Last winter I rode to the seafront and when I got there the wind was so bad I couldn't ride off because I thought I'd fall off!!! I ended up riding 5 mph until I could escape down a side road where it was protected by buildings.
The v-max is a new suggestion - sounds interesting. What tends to go wrong with them?

[dracken1]

the vmax is a big bike, in unrestricted form puts out 148bhp and has tremendous torque. it can literally take off from a stand still and leave you behind :D :D
it is a bit of a bugger to keep the engine clean.
some will disagree but it really is a point and squirt machine,you can make them handle ok but it does cost money.
on twisty roads a great many lesser bikes will leave a max behind.
i personally would'nt recomend one to anyone who is of slight build.
get into a wrestling match with a max and if you are small the result is often
v-max 1
rider 0.

[Yoda]

Once I've qualified I'm getting a decent bike, not new but newish. Thing is I don't really know what to go for, I would prefer a shaft drive if possible, something that is known to be reliable (or as near as possible for a bike), not a sportsbike 'cos i'm too short for them and end up lying across the tank :) .
It's also got to be at least a 750 cc or bigger.
Any ideas - bikes you have tried and loved?


Oh Oh you have to get a Kawasaki VN1500 Drifter - i love them bikes i do

Yoda

[Zeek]

Very much agree with Dracken on this 1.....good assesment of the VMax, & you wont go far wrong with a "Factory custom" of any make, ........depends what you want from a bike ? summat to blat around on & scuff ya knees up on bends....or just summat sorta laid back.............

[Rogue Monkey]

535 Yamaha Virago is an ideal bike for all your biking needs! I know a lad who used to take his girlfriend round Spain on one! Used to meself but I could only just manage with the 1100 version! They are shafties and they keep going and still manage to look pretty cool too! Theres a massive aftermarket for shiny bits and peices to bolt on if thats your thing! You cant go wrong with one of these! :)

[Rogue Monkey]

I asked this question once before (when my bike broke down previously), but I'm always interested to see what folk come up with. The virago was a consideration.
I'd really like a swedish chop with outrageous apehangers but I don't think it would make a good winter bike especially round here with hills, valleys and ice, not to mention the ferocious wind that comes off the sea. Last winter I rode to the seafront and when I got there the wind was so bad I couldn't ride off because I thought I'd fall off!!! I ended up riding 5 mph until I could escape down a side road where it was protected by buildings.
The v-max is a new suggestion - sounds interesting. What tends to go wrong with them?
You will die on one of those unless you are expierienced! Vmax is a monster machine! Straight on drag bike and very heavy round corners! :eek:

[Dougie]

Buy an old GS,sort the charging (not difficult),drop the seat rails,paint it matt black (Hello BlackPig!) and leave the cruisers for dead! :D

[defarter]

You will die on one of those unless you are expierienced! Vmax is a monster machine! Straight on drag bike and very heavy round corners! :eek:

Yep your right a Vmax is a monster, power house what ever you want it to be, it's also a kitten. same with any bike you ride, always ride with in your own capability. As for being left behind on twisting roads by lesser bikes or even better bikes "No offence guys but thats rubbish" and it's normaly said by people who have never riden a Max or have heard others say it, Uprated fork springs + a new fork brace is more than enough for the average rider and if your buying second hand this will probley have been done.

Your in control and any bike will only go as fast as you want it to ;)

[BlackPig]

[QUOTE=Dougie]Buy an old GS,sort the charging (not difficult),drop the seat rails,paint it matt black (Hello BlackPig!) and leave the cruisers for dead!/QUOTE]


Hiya Dougie ,your right but !! :D :D :D :D

[BlackPig]

Yep your right a Vmax is a monster, power house what ever you want it to be, it's also a kitten. same with any bike you ride, always ride with in your own capability. As for being left behind on twisting roads by lesser bikes or even better bikes "No offence guys but thats rubbish" and it's normaly said by people who have never riden a Max or have heard others say it, Uprated fork springs + a new fork brace is more than enough for the average rider and if your buying second hand this will probley have been done.

Your in control and any bike will only go as fast as you want it to ;)


Defarter,I don't want to "piss on your fireworks" so to speak,but I have a mate down in Zummerzet who spent over £20,000 on a 'max' and the friggin' thing still wouldn't do corners !! :eek: He sold his and bought a harley to,'nuff said.................... :D

[dracken1]

As for being left behind on twisting roads by lesser bikes or even better bikes "No offence guys but thats rubbish" and it's normaly said by people who have never riden a Max or have heard others say it, Uprated fork springs + a new fork brace is more than enough for the average rider

no offence taken
just my personal observations.
i get to ride most models at some time or other and have owned a vmax.
as for leaving it behind on lesser bikes, well i was relating a ride out on my 1400 intruder which itself is very torquey and carries more trail than a max and my mate could'nt keep up on my max which he has now bought off me and gave it to steve taylor. it now sports a wider swingarm 280mm rear tyre on one of steves wheels, tl1000 front end,
and now its a pig in the straights as well, but he loves it.

but i stand by what i say in that a slightly built rider can easily be caught out by a max and its power delivery

[defarter]

Defarter,I don't want to "piss on your fireworks" so to speak,but I have a mate down in Zummerzet who spent over £20,000 on a 'max' and the friggin' thing still wouldn't do corners !! :eek: He sold his and bought a harley to,'nuff said.................... :D

Must ave bought square wheels mate, I've had 2 of them and never had a problem also got one triked that was number 3 which er in dor's rode as a bike and now as a trike, and i never see anybody on a custom out ride her even round the lanes :D

Er in Dor's wieghs in at just under 9 stone :p

[Mrs Reject]

I am remarkably strong for a woman :) mainly because of manhandling patients for years, I can pick up my bike if it's dropped, but I do like something that corners well as it's all corners and bendy bits round here. I'd also say my riding ability is "middling" 'cos I only passed my test last year so maybe a monster power machine might not be the thing. I do like the drifter though! but that back mudguard is horrible and would have to be changed. Isn't it based losely on an Indian?

[BlackPig]

Must ave bought square wheels mate, I've had 2 of them and never had a problem also got one triked that was number 3 which er in dor's rode as a bike and now as a trike, and i never see anybody on a custom out ride her even round the lanes

Er in Dor's wieghs in at just under 9 stone

As you will,but you are one of very few people I have ever heard, not criticise the handling of said beast in the twisties................ :confused:

Hmmmm, and to think, I thought 'Superman' died last week............. :D :D :p

[BlackPig]

I am remarkably strong for a woman :) mainly because of manhandling patients for years, I can pick up my bike if it's dropped, but I do like something that corners well as it's all corners and bendy bits round here. I'd also say my riding ability is "middling" 'cos I only passed my test last year so maybe a monster power machine might not be the thing. I do like the drifter though! but that back mudguard is horrible and would have to be changed. Isn't it based losely on an Indian?



Loosely, being a very big word !!!!! :rolleyes:

[defarter]

no offence taken
just my personal observations.
i get to ride most models at some time or other and have owned a vmax.
as for leaving it behind on lesser bikes, well i was relating a ride out on my 1400 intruder which itself is very torquey and carries more trail than a max and my mate could'nt keep up on my max which he has now bought off me and gave it to steve taylor. it now sports a wider swingarm 280mm rear tyre on one of steves wheels, tl1000 front end,
and now its a pig in the straights as well, but he loves it.

but i stand by what i say in that a slightly built rider can easily be caught out by a max and its power delivery

Talking of Steve Taylor just got these of him :D :D :D

[davesatan]

corrrrrrrrrr

[Shudy]

Forget all that shaft driven, japanese ****e. With your mechanical nouse and electrical acumen, not to mention spanner wielding capabilities you want a.....


































1979 Triumph Bonneville. You'll miss breaking down!! trust me I do. :D

[Mrs Reject]

Forget all that shaft driven, japanese ****e. With your mechanical nouse and electrical acumen, not to mention spanner wielding capabilities you want a.....
1979 Triumph Bonneville. You'll miss breaking down!! trust me I do. :D

Errrr, no, I don't think I'll miss breaking down for one second. Picture if you will the scene, Mrs R having left the mobile phone at home again is standing on a rocky outcrop 5 miles from civilisation doing the f*ck off dance in the road whilst a force 10 gale and freezing rain lashes in from the sea, no hope of any rescue and a feckin' long walk home :D

[defarter]

I am remarkably strong for a woman :) mainly because of manhandling patients for years, I can pick up my bike if it's dropped, but I do like something that corners well as it's all corners and bendy bits round here. I'd also say my riding ability is "middling" 'cos I only passed my test last year so maybe a monster power machine might not be the thing. I do like the drifter though! but that back mudguard is horrible and would have to be changed. Isn't it based losely on an Indian?

How's about one of these, Honda VF750c, chain drive not shaft but they can be picked up at good prices on the s/hand market. :D ;) it's reliable as in "Honda"

[defarter]

Hmmmm, and to think, I thought 'Superman' died last week............. :D


BOO-LICKS. :D :D :D

[Mrs Reject]

I hear you can also get a shaftie version, but it is a bit of a bugger!

[Shudy]

Errrr, no, I don't think I'll miss breaking down for one second. Picture if you will the scene, Mrs R having left the mobile phone at home again is standing on a rocky outcrop 5 miles from civilisation doing the f*ck off dance in the road whilst a force 10 gale and freezing rain lashes in from the sea, no hope of any rescue and a feckin' long walk home :D

Don't be daft, you wont make the end of your road!

[defarter]

I hear you can also get a shaftie version, but it is a bit of a bugger!


Not that i know off mate, i bought one new in 94 and loved it sold in 95 to me mate with 4k on the clock to get a Max, he will be selling it next march When gets his Hardley with just over 8k, and it,s pure mint he even runs a heater in the garage in winter [honest] done less than 70 miles this year Pissed Indian and back from Dagenham. :D :D :D

I'll give a shout on here when he sells it ;)

[Mrs Reject]

Don't be daft, you wont make the end of your road!

Hahahahaha, bit like our current bikes then!!!

[Mrs Reject]

Not that i know off mate, i bought one new in 94 and loved it sold in 95 to me mate with 4k on the clock to get a Max, he will be selling it next march When gets his Hardley with just over 8k, and it,s pure mint he even runs a heater in the garage in winter [honest] done less than 70 miles this year Pissed Indian and back from Dagenham.

I'll give a shout on here when he sells it ;)

Sounds ideal! Make he doesn't sell it until 2006 tho' because I won't have any ready cash before then unless I win the lottery :)

[BikerGran]

What about a Kwak Zephyr 750? Not a shafty but not too high and handy round the bends - or maybe that's just my mate's riding?

Pretty bike too.

[Jonnyfp]

Tb's mate just bought a virago for 800 quid.
good for about 95mph 50ish to the gallon can't loose really.
bagsy you nickname it veruca. lol

And dragging a very old chestnut up.
Are V'max's true shaft drives?

[defarter]

Sounds ideal! Make he doesn't sell it until 2006 tho' because I won't have any ready cash before then unless I win the lottery :)


If yer win the lottery yer wont be buying second hand. :D

Take my word on that one :p ;)

[TaxiDave]

How about a Raleigh Chopper. Halfords are doing a good deal and you can put a tenner down now to reserve it and pick it up on Christmas Eve. :D

[Rogue Monkey]

Stifles a grin! I`ll get my coat! :o

[dracken1]

How about a Raleigh Chopper. Halfords are doing a good deal and you can put a tenner down now to reserve it and pick it up on Christmas Eve.
how do you know????????????????

i know of 2 cruisers for sale at the moment
a 2001 1100 virago with only 1600 miles on it

and an imported vt750 shadow which i have just fitted a new lens to. as it was dipping to the right instead of the left.

both very nice machines.
admittedly they won't keep you as fit as taxidave on his raleigh chopper.

[Rogue Monkey]

How much for the virago mate? :)

[Trikerbiker]

Oh Oh you have to get a Kawasaki VN1500 Drifter - i love them bikes i do

Yoda

Go Yoda Go!

I've got a 1500 Drifter and love it to bits... :D :D :D

[Trikerbiker]

I do like the drifter though! but that back mudguard is horrible and would have to be changed.

Mrs. Reject!!! this is sacrelige the Drifter is all about the mudguards - thats what sets them apart from other VN's.

If you don't like the big mudguards, the Classic is a nice bike, same engine chassis etc. but more like a HD than an Indian.

My own Drifter is a '99 model the '99 & '00 models have no chrome, black forks etc. so look more in keeping with the retro styling and easier to keep clean in all year round riding. I bought mine brand new in 2001 for £4,500!!! At that time a new Classic was about £8,000 though the prices seem to have dropped a bit since then.

These are big heavy bikes though, and can be awkward to handle in slow traffic.

They're also hard to pull back up if you try getting off without having put the sidestand down :o (Not that I'd know anything about that ;) )

If you want to have a look at my Drifter you can check out http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/apachedrifter Theres quite a few pics in the New Paint album and the Welsh National Show one.

Regards

Mick

[Mrs Reject]

A friend of ours has a real Indian, it's a total nightmare!!! Just imagine the scenario; approach roundabout, fumble for manual gears up on tank somewhere, forget how to ride bike, fall off :D
I think a VN1500 would be a bit big for me anyway, the classic would probably be ok.

[Mitch]

hahahaha!! That Honda VF looks a lot better than the old ones - camchain wobbles and all!! Isn't that something to do with the Magna or their ilk?

[Trikerbiker]

A friend of ours has a real Indian, it's a total nightmare!!! Just imagine the scenario; approach roundabout, fumble for manual gears up on tank somewhere, forget how to ride bike, fall off :D
I think a VN1500 would be a bit big for me anyway, the classic would probably be ok.

I hear you...

Left hand throttle, hand gearchange and foot operated clutch - Lets see now....Right foot on the back brake, left on the clutch, bring it to a stop.......FALL OVER!

This type of control setup might have been ok in the '30's and 40's, but can you just imagine trying to negotiate through a town centre at rush hour these days? - I bet the London Couriers would be fun to watch wrestling with that lot.

Anyhow, the VN Classic I referred to is also a 1500, but they also do an 800 which is less hefty, and looks pretty good - it is chain driven though.
The Yamaha Dragstar's a nice cruiser too and at 650cc not too heavy. I met a girl (woman to be PC) at the Welsh National a couple of years ago who had one of these in dark grey, with a solo seat fitted - it looked way cool and suited her size to a T. (She was from Brighton BTW and had ridden there with her brother I think it was her first long run after passing her test.)
Check out KJM Superbike for prices etc. they can usually do a good deal.

Regards

Mick

[defarter]

hahahaha!! That Honda VF looks a lot better than the old ones - camchain wobbles and all!! Isn't that something to do with the Magna or their ilk?

That was the early Magna wot had the camchain probs, the VF750c is a breed apart from the old model and will take you well over the 130 mark if you can hold on that is. :eek: Based on the VFR engine but detuned a little to give it the extra grunt, It was claimed to have a top speed of a tad under 140 mph, I think it was MCN that made the claim, probley still one of the fastest customs on the road. :D ;)

[Rogue Monkey]

I`ll say it again! Yamaha 535 Virago will suit you! Suits you! people will say! :D

[BlackPig]

That was the early Magna wot had the camchain probs, the VF750c is a breed apart from the old model and will take you well over the 130 mark if you can hold on that is. :eek: Based on the VFR engine but detuned a little to give it the extra grunt, It was claimed to have a top speed of a tad under 140 mph, I think it was MCN that made the claim, probley still one of the fastest customs on the road. :D ;)


This is true,The VFC is a very sought after bike in frogland.

[defarter]

This is true,The VFC is a very sought after bike in frogland.

There you go we can agree on sum-it :D :D ;)