Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

this is the bike several of my mates and I started our careers on. Rat feels like too kind a term...

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That's badass, I wouldn't be the biggest fan of the angular coffin tank vibe but that one is done nicely!

@hugo7 I've always felt like the tank looked best when it's reflected in the tyres so if you've got an Electra Glide with the big front tyre the wide tank looks really well but the skinny tyre looks so far off with a big tank so peanut is the way to go!

If the styling leads to a horrible bike to ride what's the point? I had a few rats like @jackbepablo, at least they have functioning mudguards because they're usable motorcycles customised to their purpose.

Don't get me started on custom R80's.

hahah the guy who had that bike before me moved onto an R75 of some kind, had to be run with petrol additives. Knobblies, no guards, straight pipes you could hear for probably over a mile, and he took an angle grinder to the seat. Then rode it with a pillion to Belgium and back, for reasons we have been unable to explain.

same person is currently trying to talk me into riding to russia on cg125s

If the styling leads to a horrible bike to ride what's the point?

Maybe you weren't here when we all had brakless lo-pros with rear disc wheels, front arrospoks and 200mm riser handlebars?

same person is currently trying to talk me into riding to russia on cg125s

Honestly this sounds like a wonderful idea! I like this guys style!

Similarly...

Fair point.

For me, aesthetically, the peanut is just too extreme - a bit like the 70s chopper super extended fork legs. The 48 tank is probably as small as I think looks right.

I was laughing from the sidelines!

We're going to do something, though I have an aversion to heading into Russia. We've talked about touring the old Iron Curtain to check out the abandoned structures for years, so I think we'll just start heading east until we get tired of it.

My mates' parents did Brighton to Bulgaria on Supercubs a few years back which was pretty impressive

Easy rider, the dennis hopper on drugs version isn't for you then....

FREEBIRD

Excellent film though

In other news I now own a 2000 CBR1100XX Blackbird.

Seriously need to shift the XJ to make space.

Ooh pics!

Exciting, you didn't hang about!

Speaking of Harleys, I nearly bought an XR1200 with the Harris race bits. I thought it would make a fun road bike, even for London. A bike for thrashing without getting into trouble. This Michael Neeves video review sold it to me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjncBPOpROM
I still wish I had one. But I bought a Dorsoduro 1200 instead. If only I was rich...I'd have at least six bikes.

If only I was rich...I'd have at least six bikes.

This is the trouble isn’t it. I have at least 4 bikes off of the top of my head I want right now.

Sweet! Love those. Big comfy missile.

Errr, currently 9. Two basket cases though.

Oh boy fun.

@Nahguavkire only a couple so far. It’s still in the previous owner’s garage while I sort out my own storage issues.

Obligatory shot of the XJ because PLEASE!!! SOMEONE HELP ME! BUY IT!!!

@jambon I was offered it yesterday at a price I couldn’t refuse. Initially it was swap the XJ + cash, and then the friend just offered me the bike outright for a steal. The XJ’s previous owner actually owned it too, before the current person.

Anyway, it’s happened three months before I planned. I was gonna wait until springtime when I could sell easier and more bikes are available to test. Then, somehow, I bought a rocket-ship.

@Jung I only tested it for five minutes or so and around 90mph, but aside from the slippery seat it was hella comfortable.

Big jump in power and a bit in weight, but hopefully I can survive it!

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@skinny gotta put on my big-boy pants now, yep.

I put some tank grips on, helped a lot.
I had fuel exhausts, sounded great.

Had lots of other mods too, springs. Miss it.

Blackbird looks stunning! Tell us what you paid. G'wan.

is that a leather tank...cozey?

It looks remarkably clean, bet it will feel nice riding a fully faired bike. I seem to always end up buying bikes in the winter, but just means you're all ready to go when spring finally rolls around. Nice connection too with the previous owner also owning the XJ.