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[Fallout-NL]

Meanwhile, it's lightly snowing in the Netherlands again. Not that is matters, can't get to my bike atm because it's at Fallout's and he's in the Alps.

The withdrawel symptoms are starting to hit.

Really? Bummer. Was hoping it would miraculously be spring upon my return.

 

[Dougald]

Really? Bummer. Was hoping it would miraculously be spring upon my return.

Unless you've moved away from Northern Europe... sorry!

If anything its colder today

 

[maxheadwound]

Was a bit lazy to ride in this morning. But its becoming lighter in the afternoons. So longer days is putting a smile on my face. I think for next winter I need to get a heated vest so I dont have to dress like the hulk to ride to work.

 

[Subpar Scrub]

Started pouring on my way to college this morning, so damn glad I grabbed a waterproof jacket... not that the kevlar jeans were waterproof, though Now I'm going to have to clean it all up when I get home. At least it's easier to polish and wash than my ute.

Friend of mine is really keen on the 1700cc Harley Softail Slims, not that he can afford one right now.

 

[maxheadwound]

Started pouring on my way to college this morning, so damn glad I grabbed a waterproof jacket... not that the kevlar jeans were waterproof, though Now I'm going to have to clean it all up when I get home. At least it's easier to polish and wash than my ute.

Friend of mine is really keen on the 1700cc Harley Softail Slims, not that he can afford one right now.

What colour is that UTE, I had one some time back. The best car to get the morning started

 

[maxheadwound]

No friggen riding this weekend, been snowing lightly here the whole day. Looks like all the same tomorrow.

Have a good weekend all

 

[BriareosGAF]

No friggen riding this weekend, been snowing lightly here the whole day. Looks like all the same tomorrow.

If it makes you feel any better we got 7.5" the other day, 3" or so today, and this is our forecast for the next few days:

Sunday
Snow, mainly after 11am. High near 32. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Sunday Night
Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Areas of blowing snow after 3am. Low around 23. Blustery, with an east wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 9 to 13 inches possible.
Monday
Snow, mainly before 4pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Areas of blowing snow. High near 30. Windy, with a north wind around 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

 

[Subpar Scrub]

What colour is that UTE, I had one some time back. The best car to get the morning started

White KUN26r

 

[Watevaman]

So tearing apart my front calipers has shown me how much it really messes them up when you don't clean them very often. I've cleaned them twice since I had the bike, thought I did a good job but I guess all the build up over its 17 year life has really taken a toll. I had hoped to have it all done and be riding today but that isn't happening. Good news is cleaning them finally made me realize how much I needed a dremel tool so I went and got one.

Word to the wise: clean your brakes often and you can avoid a lot of drama. Also change your brake fluid once a year to avoid gumming up the tight little passages.

 

[Dougald]

I stripped down the front calipers on the BMW a few months ago, absolutely filthy. Every year I try to pull the brakes, clean them up, and re-grease everything with rubber / copper grease as applicable. That brake dust gets EVERYWHERE

If you don't mind spending £50 or so, a cheap ultrasonic cleaner from China is awesome for brake jobs. Just shove all the retaining pins/etc in and go make a cup of tea, then come back to black water and shiny clean parts.

I also recommend speed bleeders for changing/bleeding brake fluid, makes the job much easier, and they only cost a few quid.

 

[maxheadwound]

oh the weather is so nice here in the UK today. I wish I rode in this morning. Its a faint smell of spring

 

[Fallout-NL]

44 Teeth just did a video with a guy who has a collection of ex Ducati superbike and GP bikes. It is absolutely insane:

https://youtu.be/bKEovEgodaA

 

[HellforLeather]

44 Teeth just did a video with a guy who has a collection of ex Ducati superbike and GP bikes. It is absolutely insane:

https://youtu.be/bKEovEgodaA

 

[HellforLeather]

just an FYI for the North Americans on here. Ride 2 finally came out today.

 

[Damaged]

44 Teeth just did a video with a guy who has a collection of ex Ducati superbike and GP bikes. It is absolutely insane:

https://youtu.be/bKEovEgodaA

Watched this the other day, lovely sounding but I was hoping they would fire up the old two stroke 500 gp suzuki as well

 

[Fallout-NL]

Haha, I have to admit, when they started it, I was thinking 'are you going to waste those revolutions on the precious few it has left before it needs to be overhauled, and who's going to be able to do it?'

Though with pockets that deep, I'm sure that man will be able to find someone who can help out.

Watched this the other day, lovely sounding but I was hoping they would fire up the old two stroke 500 gp suzuki as well

Definitely, though it would probably have choked them all to death in that enclosed space .

 

[Damaged]

Definitely, though it would probably have choked them all to death in that enclosed space .

Bah, If I survived my childhood messing about with 2 stroke trials bikes the least they could do was take the hit of blue smoke for my listening pleasure haha

 

[Fallout-NL]

Man, I want to ride real bad. The sun is out. But it hasn't rained .

 

[Dougald]

Here's what your bike will look like if you ride before that salt washes away

Real Talk: why are motorcycles so damn susceptible to rust? My car doesn't fall to pieces if I drive it in the winter, and it's a bloody Dacia.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Part of the reason might be that you just don't see it that well as most of the sensitive bits are hidden away behind a bunch of plastic and bodywork.

 

[Dougald]

True, but rust on things like wheels would be unacceptable on a car

I should never look under my Dacia with a torch in that case. It's probably 100% orange

 

[maxheadwound]

True, but rust on things like wheels would be unacceptable on a car

I should never look under my Dacia with a torch in that case. It's probably 100% orange

lol, if it passed the mot it should still be good.

 

[OraleeWey]

So I just got my 600 mile service done. All is good. No issues.


Advice time. Should I get a center stand first or should I get some auxiliary lighting first? I can manage without em both but more lighting will let me see much better at night time riding and a center stand will let me do maintenance work easier.

The auxiliary lighting would look something like this

 

[Dougald]

Get the centre stand first, they're indispensable

But get the auxiliary lights afterwards too! Every ADV bike should have those

 

[opticalmace]

Adventure bikes sound like so much fun. Maybe I should get a little one, like the CB500X.

 

[OraleeWey]

Damn, I was hoping you'd guys say get the aux lights first.

Adventure bikes sound like so much fun. Maybe I should get a little one, like the CB500X.

They're very fun bikes. I definitely recommend.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Centrestand, or maybe uh, a loud pipe? Haha. No sensible and practical first. Then the fun stuff.

Adventure bikes sound like so much fun. Maybe I should get a little one, like the CB500X.

Or a big one, like the XB12X.

 

[QualityPixel]

So I just got my 600 mile service done. All is good. No issues.


Advice time. Should I get a center stand first or should I get some auxiliary lighting first? I can manage without em both but more lighting will let me see much better at night time riding and a center stand will let me do maintenance work easier.

The auxiliary lighting would look something like this

http://i.imgur.com/fI0H7mWl.jpg[img][/QUOTE]

Metal supported handguards like Barkbusters if you don't already have them. Good for wind protection, collisions, and will save levers and your hand.

Edit: Also upgrade your "doohickey." Will make your engine bullet-proof [url]http://klrworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=144[/url]

 

[Dougald]

Damn, I was hoping you'd guys say get the aux lights first.

My last two bikes haven't been able to have centre stands and it's been a real pain. Trust me!

 

[QualityPixel]

After doing a little research the dohickey problem may have been fixed in 2008 and newer, but you'll still want to look into it. I can't seem to find solid information. Maybe ask on a KLR specific forum.

 

[OraleeWey]

After doing a little research the dohickey problem may have been fixed in 2008 and newer, but you'll still want to look into it. I can't seem to find solid information. Maybe ask on a KLR specific forum.

What you mentioned above is on the list.
What I want on the bike are engine guards (or crash bars), better handguards, aux lights, and a center stand. The doohickey will be done later, it should hold out until my warranty is up so I don't void it. The doohickey issue was fixed after 2008 but the spring that holds the doohickey in place is weak. I don't need much more past the center stand and the aux lights. I don't really take my bike "hardcore" off roading much for now. I think a lighter bike is needed for that kind of thing so I don't risk dropping it. For now, some light off roading is all I do.

Centrestand, or maybe uh, a loud pipe? Haha. No sensible and practical first. Then the fun stuff.

I wanted an exhaust but I'm very certain I don't anymore. The KLR's exhaust has a catalytic converter (or the equivalent?). I'm all for helping the environment. The problem with aftermarket exhausts is that either they require to be repacked (way too often) or they're downright too expensive. So I'd rather just keep the stock exhaust.

My last two bikes haven't been able to have centre stands and it's been a real pain. Trust me!

My solution for now is to use a 2x4 on the swingarm so I lift the rear tire with the 2x4 and kickstand. Not the best way to do things but it works!

 

[Dougald]

My solution for now is to use a 2x4 on the swingarm so I lift the rear tire with the 2x4 and kickstand. Not the best way to do things but it works!

Hah, that's actually pretty clever!

Your other option of course is a rear paddock stand, but it's less flexible and obviously you can't take it about with you

 

[Fallout-NL]

I wanted an exhaust but I'm very certain I don't anymore. The KLR's exhaust has a catalytic converter (or the equivalent?). I'm all for helping the environment. The problem with aftermarket exhausts is that either they require to be repacked (way too often) or they're downright too expensive. So I'd rather just keep the stock exhaust.

Good man.

 

[thesoapster]

44 Teeth just did a video with a guy who has a collection of ex Ducati superbike and GP bikes. It is absolutely insane:

https://youtu.be/bKEovEgodaA

Awesome. Thanks for sharing!

 

[maxheadwound]

So I just got my 600 mile service done. All is good. No issues.


Advice time. Should I get a center stand first or should I get some auxiliary lighting first? I can manage without em both but more lighting will let me see much better at night time riding and a center stand will let me do maintenance work easier.

The auxiliary lighting would look something like this

All depend if you going to be servicing the bike allot. If its still under warranty I would go with the lights first as that I would use much more than the stand. Seeing and be seen is first priority for me.

 

[Dougald]

Boring question but seeing as I am cleaning my bike up this weekend in prep... what do you guys use for your chains?

I was using Wurth dry chain lube, but the stuff doesn't seem to last more than 100 miles on the Ducati for some reason. Currently using S-Doc 100 white chain spray, which looks a lot messier but seems to be lasting better.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Speaking of exhausts, I did order this sweet dual outlet exhaust for my new Lightning. Not my picture:

Apparently there's a lot of demand, so it'll be a couple of weeks before it's ready to be delivered. The upside is maybe the weather will be better by then.

Should sound something like this: https://youtu.be/RO_6syDyEg4

I've also managed to make contact with the person who bought my old M2 Cyclone. With a bit of luck, he'll buy my old exhaust, because this new one wasn't cheap . I swear, this is the last time.

 

[blackprophesy]

44 Teeth just did a video with a guy who has a collection of ex Ducati superbike and GP bikes. It is absolutely insane:

https://youtu.be/bKEovEgodaA

I'm more jealous of the workshop/garage than the bikes that you can't ride. Pretty insane collection though.

 

[maxheadwound]

ooh that is such a nice sound. Thanks for sharing. Do you guys have to put your bikes through road worthy where they check db of the pipe?

 

[blackprophesy]

So I've decided it's time for a new bike. I'm looking for something relatively small with midrange power for a 26 mile commute (18 miles on "motorway" and 8 through town). Has to take a top box.

I'm looking at the moment at:

Kawasaki Z650 (looks great, lowest power)
Honda CB650F (most expensive, most power, heaviest)
Suzuki SV650 (cheapest, sweet v-twin, most torque)
Yamaha MT-07 (lightest, lots of aftermarket goodies, style)

Anyone ridden these/have any views?

More than likely to swap out the Harley for one of these for my commuter bike. Or any other £6-7k midsize that people would recommend?

 

[Dougald]

What about the Tracer 700? Definitely has that practical commuter vibe, while still being based on the incredibly popular MT-07

If you absolutely want a naked bike I'd get the MT-07 (or XSR700) or the SV650. I don't think you can really go wrong with the Yamaha MT range at the moment, but I have a soft sport for that new SV650, it just seems like a great no-nonsense bike.

 

[Fallout-NL]

ooh that is such a nice sound. Thanks for sharing. Do you guys have to put your bikes through road worthy where they check db of the pipe?

No, we don't have to do that luckily. It's possible to get a ticket, but the odds of that happening are very small. The only time they actively check for db levels is when the TT of Assen is on. Better to ride with stock exhaust or db killers if you plan to visit Assen by bike on that particular day.

 

[maxheadwound]

I am also with Dougald, the tracer and the MT-07. We have a MT-07 in the car park and man its a good looking machine and as you said loads of aftermarket parts.

Tracer

MT-07 with a screen for the motorways

Or a secondhand f800gs if you want to do a spot of greenlaning. Also the Street triple with a small screen.

If you want the weather protection then the tracer is going to be better for winter and summer.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Yeah, I vote Tracer as well. That thing looks excellent.

 

[Dougald]

The only problem with the Tracer in this case is it fits into a similar category as the R1200RS!

If you want a smaller engined bike for commuting and town work that'll keep up with almost any 4-wheeled vehicle, you can't go wrong with that platform though (MT, Tracer, XSR).

 

[Fallout-NL]

Which begs the question, why another commuter bike in addition to the RS1200RS?

Who am I kidding, that's not really a question.

 

[BillMurray]

Greetings thread! This is only my second Gaf post but this thread seems right up my alley. Just had my bike deep cleaned and waxed by a guy who I've used on a couple of occasions. Most impressed at how he managed to get rid of 2 winters worth of grease and other shite from certain spots. Cleans up well for an '04! Just a service and MOT to book for the end of the month and I'll be set for Spring/Summer!

Had the bike for a couple of years now(it was my first big bike after I started off on a Yamaha R125) and I still love it. Hoping to possibly upgrade to a litre bike with a bit more torque in the next year or so. I'd really like something like an early cross-plane R1 as my next bike, or a big twin.

 

[Dougald]

Greetings thread! This is only my second Gaf post but this thread seems right up my alley. Just had my bike deep cleaned and waxed by a guy who I've used on a couple of occasions. Most impressed at how he managed to get rid of 2 winters worth of grease and other shite from certain spots. Cleans up well for an '04! Just a service and MOT to book for the end of the month and I'll be set for Spring/Summer!

Had the bike for a couple of years now(it was my first big bike after I started off on a Yamaha R125) and I still love it. Hoping to possibly upgrade to a litre bike with a bit more torque in the next year or so. I'd really like something like an early cross-plane R1 as my next bike, or a big twin.

Beatiful condition GSXR you have there.. and looks bone stock too, which is great (except maybe the exhaust? Is that a stock one?)

Is that a British plate I spy?

Which begs the question, why another commuter bike in addition to the RS1200RS?

Who am I kidding, that's not really a question.

Optimum number of bikes is N+1... but we all know that!

This thread is a sacred place where we enable each other to spend vast amounts of money with absolutely no judgement. I could post that I just sold my house and am sleeping rough next to the brand new Superleggera I bought with the proceeds and you'd all say what an awesome bike I got.

 

[maxheadwound]

Welcome @BillMurray, yes that is a good looking bike and it looks like its ready for the summer.

 

[Fallout-NL]

That's a nice bike, Bill. Welcome! How much does a deep clean like that run you?

Optimum number of bikes is N+1... but we all know that!

This thread is a sacred place where we enable each other to spend vast amounts of money with absolutely no judgement. I could post that I just sold my house and am sleeping rough next to the brand new Superleggera I bought with the proceeds and you'd all say what an awesome bike I got.

True, we probably would. Plus, the heat coming off that bike would come in handy when you're sleeping outside.