Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

mv augusta f4 ( original version )

One of the best looking bikes ever made in my eyes.

I think there are some good looking modern bikes but they're hidden in the pack. Probably always been the same, it's pretty easy to look back and name a dozen great bikes but there were plenty from the same era we're happy to forget.

I do agree with you there are lots of jelly mould looking modern bikes though.

Surely the Hayabusa should be top of your list if you want a big fast bike.

Fuck all those heavy things. Get a tuono

I want a tuono.

Look at a zx1000 though. Quick and upright ISH.

Having owned a blackbird, I can confirm it's boring. Deadly, but boring.

Dude. Had a go on a Tuono the other day. This is a problem for me..

Similar to me last year, 20 years of pushbikes with the odd scooter or lightweight holiday hire. I settled on a Moto Guzzi v7, low centre of gravity and shaft drive. It might be a little low for you so if your looking at adventure bikes and want a shaft, take a look at the v85tt. Italian made on the shores of lake como so you still get to be a pretentious prick slagging off all the mass produced Far Eastern built stuff (which includes Triumph these days).

My neighbour recently sold an FJR1300, I nearly bought it but it was just too heavy for the commute.

So my insurance has agreed a payout and I'm going shopping. Think it will be a Husqvarna 401 with the wide bars as opposed to clip ons. Torn between new (great deals at the moment and I got a first service thrown in) or nearly new (with less warranty left on the bike and someone else has run it in).

Do I get the £250 grinder proof Hiplock or the £150 grinder proof Litelok?

With the list of bikes you’ve had stolen I’d get both.

More seriously if you can afford it I would always go for two locks at home.

Ha - fair. I've got an proper Almax chain and Squire lock plus a Luma Solida 'deterrent' chain and lock for home. This is more for out & about.

My top anti-theft tip is to park next to a more desirable, lighter, easier to steal bike.

(I have a 7year old, 260kg tourer that isn't a BMW)

I have the £250 grinder proof litelock on order (x3), the £150 Litelock (x1) is not as good.

Here’s a side by side of the hiplock and the litelock x3 (watch at double speed) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A1RFPlAAohw
Swings and roundabouts in the results.

Full review of the x3 here https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/litelok-x3-lock-review with obligatory destruction vid at the end.

I use an abus granit alarm disc lock in bright orange, not the loudest but adds extra hassle for any thief. The new d-lock will probably replace the travel chain as I rarely find anything to secure the bike to when stopping for coffee, then the chain will only travel for overnight stops. https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/scooter-security-and-disc-locks/abus-granit-detecto-xplus-8077-review

Also what deathbeard said, always park next to a KTM, GS or trendy Scandinavian bike.

Haha - the bike i'm buying is a KTM 390 with a different dress on and it's literally half the price to insure (but it is a trendy Scandinavian bike) - watch me singlehandedly raise the insurance premiums.

Super chilly on the bike this morning. Was -5 deg when I left the house.

Keis heated jacked took the majority of the chill off on the 50 miles in but my hands were getting cold by the time I got to the end of the motorway stretch (about 35 miles).

Ordered a pair of heated gloves as I've got 700 miles to do on Friday.

Heated grips and heated seat FTW.

When I used to commute properly, I had no such luxuries and would resort to a hot water bottle up my jumper for the chilly mornings.
And a pair of thin gloves inside the riding gloves.
And a MBUK free beanie under the lid (SAINT branded iirc)

A silk balaclava under ones helmet is surprisingly nice in cold weather

Cheeky edit, I led with my chin for golf club purposes on that one!!! For clarification, silk causes fewer pressure points under your crash helmet being so thin but still insulates;

https://www.jasminesilk.com/pure-silk-thermal-balaclava-black-p71?gclid=Cj0KCQiAq5meBhCyARIsAJrtdr5ZNOdsqliC78tLWpj0sf4HkV1EzddxNdf_L5Q4TIx_Q3xi9lrjqXsaApNHEALw_wcB

Seven-oh-one.

Nope - 701 just too big for what I need - I shouldn't technically be going over 20 mph for most of my commute. My old 690 wouldn't really do less than 20 and invited me to attack speed bumps. I suspect a 701 would be even more so.

Sounds like you need a Honda Cub
Bonus points if you mod it with a For Sale sign fairing

20 limits are the pits....

I bet the 401s are cracking little bikes.

Anyone want this helmet? HJC, go-pro mount, some rubbery scuff marks - not really scratches. Free to anyone who can collect from SE London.

2 Attachments

Going to find out on Saturday!

Test ride or purchase?

Purchase. Was a cracking deal - I've ridden 390 KTMs of duke and RC flavour - both are fun. This with quickshifter and high bars should be more fun.

What size is it?

Post pics when you have it, they look great.