Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Oh la di da seal drivers....I have used plastic tubing. But in this case we arent replacing the seals.

Ha!
Plastic tubing is an option. Seal drivers are just nice.

I usually use headset race setter, have 3 different sizes that normally do the trick. The business end is a machined nylon plastic, so doesn't rip or mark seals

I don't have one of those!

I don't mind buying the right tools for the job. Then when I do the job down the years, I'll have the right tools. Each time a new job needs new tools I get them. Building a nice collection.
It's nice to know I can take on most jobs with what I have now. I just like buying and having tools really!

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That's lovely, OG Dymag wheels are ace.

Continuing the theme of running updates on my gear purchases...

My new boots arrived, TCX S-Speed Gore-Tex.

I found a deal here, £193.05 for the Goretex version (with googlable discount code) which brought them within justifiable proximity of the non-Goretex waterproof version. Annoyingly they don't fit quite as well as the regular version I'd tried on before.

One thing that surprised me was how "proper*" bike boots feel. I expected something on par with the revelation of decent clipless cycling shoes. Actually they are fairly restrictive. Putting your feet down when commuting isn't as easy. The feel of the pedals is different - not necessarily good or bad but requires getting used to. The Bonneville range have a relaxed riding position, chunky pedals, longish gear shift, etc. so I think they might feel more natural on a slightly more sporty bike. I'm also thinking I could also adjust my body position or look into pedal changes (no idea where to start on that one though).

*ok, they're not full on racing boots.

Fit: True to size, with a bit of extra space. Fairly wide and roomy (as are my other TCX x-street trainers). The innersole is rubbish - a common theme with TCX. I wonder if they assume people will replace with decent ones designed for their feet. The fit around the heal was better than SiDI for my feet - slightly wider at the bottom.

Build: Decent. They're solid and look and feel like good kit with the right mix of materials. The only niggle is toe slider on this pair sits slightly proud in places, it might tighten up. Zips are a bit tough at the moment. The zip + Velcro is very secure - better than the other touring style TCX boots I tried and better than the equivalent Dianese and SiDi. I think you'd have to go buckles to find something better.

Looks: Good imo. They strike the right balance. Obviously they are technical, but fall on the "all-black SiDi" side of cool and discrete imo.

Value: Excellent. Goretex, loads of protection, nice use of materials.

Points to note: The shin pad is very big, so you'd need to check over-the-boot trousers will fit. Suit wide feet / run a little big. Bit squeaky so have added some bicycle dry silicon chain lube and will see how that helps (didn’t like the idea of WD40 on plastic).

Sold both of my bikes today. Im after something new. Not a sports bike, rather a dual sport adventure deal.
I very much like the KTM 990 adventure. Looking to garner the opinion of you, the more experienced bikers before I splash the cash.
A good or bad choice?

Friend has one and loves it. Maybe a nice multistrada?

I recognise that Katana.

Multistrada is big £'s KTM is £5kish more affordable for me.

I've got a 990smt.

So I'm biased, but great choice!
The engine is nuts, proper hooligan bike. Can shift on road still even, and take you wherever off road.

They're pretty reliable. Some know issues have a look of ktmforum, for Adv ones, but mainly relate to the carb 950 model rather than 990 efi, which had issues sorted. Mines been pretty reliable, given I've put 15,000 a year on it and ridden it hard.
Can be a bite more expensive than some bikes to service as labour intensive, but if you can do it yourself it's super easy bike to work on.

You won't regret it.

If you have any questions about a bike ask, I know the motor mostly inside out now.

Multi is cheaper.

Also the engine is really simple and they handle brilliantly.

Do it.

Stolen bike update -

The MT09 was deemed a Cat B Total Loss (RIP). Just waiting on the settlement figure...

At the moment, i'm assuming i'll be about £2.5k out of pocket and left with about £3k in cash to put back into a new bike.

I'm also waiting to hear if i get a discount on Triumphs as i'm looking at a Tiger 800xrt or a Thruxton R.

If not, i may just get another Mt09 Tracer - it was a really good bike.

That sucks. If it was a new bike, do you not get the replacement value less the excess?

On the next bike the Thruxton sounds like a odd addition to the shortlist if you're looking at a Tiger or Mt09 Tracer.

For longer miles naked bikes are very naked - but I guess it depends on the speeds you're planning.

I don't know - MCE aren't super clear in their Ts&Cs...

The maximum amount we will pay will be the Claim value of your motorcycle immediately prior to the loss, but not exceeding your estimate of value shown in your policy schedule.

Thruxton is in the mix pending discount from Triumph. It's almost 100% used as a commuting machine so low speeds and i've done 1,500 miles in two days, motorway speeds, in the pissing rain, on an MT07 before so not bothered by the odd bit of wind and rain on the commute.

If it's for commuting maybe a 1999 Bandit?

I'd go with something you'll enjoy and the Thrux does look like the fun choice. Did you think about another MT07?

Whatever i get, it will be a new lease - not going down the route of used bikes. Especially anything that could have been used on a commute in London. Need something reliable.

I had considered getting another MT07 but i much prefer the power band of the triple.

The Bandit wasn't a serious suggestion for you ;) Although I took a newer "s" for a test ride and can see why so many liked them.

Get the rational for finance when rates are so low, but I wouldn't write off used on reliability. I found three MT07 with really low miles for around £4.5-5k. One literally had under 500 miles another was a spotless garaged/sunny day ride.

XRS09?

the exact opposite of a Tiger

I'd considered the normal MT09 - especially now they've just released an updated one...

'just' used could be an option i guess.

Why not a used tracer from a dealer with a warranty.
Or a used BMW f800gs with a bmw warranty.

Edit: still silly money.

I'd just buy 2nd hand.

Finance looks to be c.£9k and a MT09 / Tracer seems to be c.£7k used low miles. Bit more work hunting though.

It'd be harder to negotiate using a credit card, but you could probably do a big chunk of that on a couple of 0% cards over 2yrs to free up the cash to put it to better use.

Like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-MT-09-Low-Mileage-Standard-Condition-ABS-/192154555808?hash=item2cbd4dd5a0:g:Z0oAAOSwAANY68ua
plus Brum is quick by train and who doesn't love the M40 :0

Or else the trendy summer option with just 65 miles for just over £6k:

(has a belt drive, and nothing is more practical than a belt drive)

Bit of a wild card but that virago looks great.

No doubt the 950 is good value but it only puts out 51hp. Not sure i could accept the cut from 115hp...

Only commuting but needs 115bhp. :)