Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

The V Strom is a lot of bike too. If you like travelling light it's probably way bigger than you need. You'll also need to think about singles, twins, v-twins, straight 4's etc. I've only really owned twins because I prefer the torque lower down and don't like to rev an engine hard.

Sounds like you've got a good fit with the GN already.

Knock the exhaust baffles out and put some termignoni stickers on too :)

Yea I can see why they have a reputation as a confidence-inspiring learner bike. Low to the ground and basic as hell.

Maybe it’s just the first bike/new bike thing. I’m loathe to try others and find out what I’m missing, especially when I haven’t eeked out the most from this one yet.

It seems silly to try upgrade and customise a 26 year old learner bike, but I’d happily invest in better tyres and maybe air/piggyback rear shocks and whatever else to keep it running under me for the longest time, if that’s what suits. If I was to grow out of its capability it would be nicer to strip into a cafe racer for running errands, than sell.

There’s so many variables like you say. I do like the sound of the GN at lower rpm, and the engine rumbling along at 6k. Not a big fan of the sound of high revs, but then I haven’t even hit 500 miles. Bet my needs change after a summer of riding, and certainly after a real tour. Might hate it. Can’t imagine myself on a Harley, but can’t see myself doing >100mph on a Ninja either.

I really want to stick a performance can on it, for shits and giggles. A neighbour across the way has a real bike and it sounds so smooth and angry.

Talking of piggybacks... frustrating that the affordable options seem to go the same way as the big bore kits I’d looked at - full on rebuild necessary.

https://www.caferacer.net/forum/tips-tricks/24204-rebuilding-rfy-cheap-shocks.html

Edit: maybe the ‘Endurance’ sealed Royal Enfield might be better for the same money...

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They still work!
Edit: nevermind can’t upload.

Got a baffle since and wrapped it in glass wool. It’s boring now

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-Total length: 132 mm
-Handle length: 125 mm
-Diameter L/R: 22/24 mm

Are those 7/8? My bars are 1”. I’d love something similar. Quirky, soft and thicc

Yes, they are for 7/8” 22 mm bars.

Trying to upload again. The old small block Guzzi collection is steadily growing.

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Thanks for the link. I've fitted these on my TU250GB but not ridden them yet as I've still to get the lessons and test knocked on the head. I must check the pressure out and see how they are.

Had long message. Somehow it all got lost. In short, no news on RFY quality then?

Trying again...

So at really low speed first gear engine-brake slowing to a stop there’s a horrible clutch-y scratchy noise from the bike? Otherwise it sounds as close to a 125 as I can tell. Sounds better and better as I thrash it more.

Did nearly 110 miles today, around 30-40 on horrid muddy narrow roads at barely 30mph, then the rest on nice 50mph/diagonal stripe (NSL). Not confident on the tyres so lots of reducing speed in corners and limited lean, but come summer I’ll be scraping my knee for sure.

Rear shocks are squeaky, front sus apparently has failed seals (mechanic noticed it yesterday). Fork service is £80 they said. Might see about getting help to DIY. Mechanics also said a set of Pirelli tyres £90-110.

Getting itchy to do the full test by end of January. Also conflicted about investing any more money into this bike, or dump it into a larger cc money-pit.

Got some pain in my coccyx. Need to re-form/recover the seat into a cafe racer shape. Might help shift weight backward. Had real issue over 50mph getting myself into an aero tuck, was pushing my ass backward and the pillion hump was keeping me in place.

Surprisingly though, it accelerated over 60mph, and kept running out of road to open it up beyond that. Pretty sure I hit 65, could probably scream it to to 70mph with two minutes of road to get up to speed.

Currently Puig screen, deflectors (really helping with wind), etc. Dream - the Ducati ripoff. Would love to get the cheapo smaller bubble fairing, clip-ons, piggyback shocks etc, and make this into something.

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For highway aero tuck sit on the pillion seat with your feet on the pillion pegs. I do that all the time.

Did consider that but had taken the pillion pegs off, they were rattling and annoying me. Might re-grip them and put back on after doing the cafe racer seat. Think car drivers were confused as I kept going all Harley stretching my legs out front to avoid cramp.

Clearly I need a big bike as well.

Spent yesterday cutting up the seat foam and bosching a soft-cowled cafe style, but with a larger flat back. Narrow bumps and somewhat lazy edging. Looks a bit lumpy, but comfy as hell.

Anyway, that was an incredibly fun 79 miles. Really forced the maximum speed out this little thing. Never get to the ton up club with it, barely hit 70mph when crying. 60-65 started to come easier than prior journeys.

Out from Swindon up Devizes road then out to Chippenham, toward Malmesbury to the Brinkworth road all the way back via Hook, Purton, Cricklade then along the A419 to Blunsdon and along town traffic home.

Hardly a classic cafe racer seat shape, but great to fidget and push further back on the bike and tuck way below the windshield. Really glad to have the space to push back.

Might look for new foam to do it properly, and then make the rear hump removable, or at least with a zip and hollow for storing tools/lock/rain gear.

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The credit card payments (0%) for the RSV are almost done, so has got me thinking about what to do next... I like the idea of trading up using another 0% credit card, essentially as the world's most exciting savings account.

Might not happen this year, but anyone have any experience on Ducati 1198s or Aprilia RSV4?

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That V7 is one long boi

It’s the original v7, I think it’s just the angle of the photo

Anyone after a low end disc lock?

LUMA ENDURO Ø5MM

Brand new in packaging. Came with my Monimoto tracker purchased from GhostBikes.com

Not need as I need Gold Standard stuff for insurance purposes.

Free to a good home.

Pick up from New Cross or The City

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Shame I won’t be in London any time soon or I’d dibs this for out and about. Wouldn’t be worth the postage cost or hassle I guess.

I can post if needed, not a problem

Great, well if nobody else wants it by the end of the weekend then yes please.

What's the word on financing a bike? Potential new job might mean I'll need something for the daily grind and pillion.
I've never financed anything and have no debt, so ok credit score. Might need something quick hence the question. It'll be nothing extravagant; approved used stuff.

Looking around, it seems to differ wildly. Hitachi finance seem to do some quite low rates. Going direct through Triumph seems to be low-sh (11%)
Is this a piss poor idea or feasible?