Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Still say that a buell (harley davison engine) wheelies amazingly easily.

Maybe a wheelie school day so that you can practice in safe conditions till you feel comfortable.

Never said I felt uncomfortable with the wheelies… my concern is just how comfortable I feel trying it.

It’s just no currently viable. The capacity for anything the resembles how much you can get out of a charge just isn’t comparable to ICE.

Add mass to the thing and it depreciates even more. Motorbikes are essentially flying bricks. On the aero side of things, they’re awful.

Zero quotes 200+ miles, but real world tests have shown it to be far less. Price is also a killer.

Also, price. You want

.

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I wouldn't expect or need huge range but I understand why that's one of the headline metrics.

I do get the engineering side, we need better battery tech or more efficient motors. On the other hand manufacturers only seem to want to make speed and range to attract customers.

I'm probably just at the cargo bike end of the market right now but don't like the way those designs are looking and of course I could carry a heavy battery where a lot of people couldn't or wouldn't

I always wondered why cargo mopeds or motorbikes weren't a thing. Seems a brilliant idea for cities

What annoys me is there's very little showing up that's designed to carry some luggage.

Bit like the car EV market, where are the estates?

But this is the design principle that annoys me. Long and thin. Can't I have a normal wheelbase with panniers and loading behind my seat.

I should probably ride one of these alternatives before complaining but parking becomes and issue and there are issues around junctions if you have a massive front end.

Not glamorous enough in the form the could currently deliver them I guess. Plenty of vans arriving now though.

I'll probably end up converting the R80 once it gets to a bolt onto the gearbox stage. I understand that's on the horizon as long as it doesn't undermine new sales I guess.

For sure. That would be good for consumers but I'm surprised that the full cargo long thin bois haven't made an appearance for last mile delivery and couriers

I've not ridden any but they don't look great for town. It's a lot of length to manoeuver. I get the thin part but once it's much thinner than your hips and shoulders what's the point.

I think we are seeing a revolution at the moped end of the market with guys riding pedelec suspension bikes to courier a big bag of stuff. That I'm really pleased to see because it seems like it works for everyone. Reduced costs and taxes for the courier, quiet and no engine smoke.

I'm considering a trailer for my Electric Brompton to extend the quantity of tools/materials I can carry for work.

Get an omnium man, I love mine

They look good but I'm thinking more like a battery powered SH300 with panniers. On the pedelec or bike frame side I like the foldability of the Brompton. If I had somewhere safe to park an omnium both at job sites and at home it would be on the short list though.

Back onto ICE for a moment… guy’s coming to pay for and collect the Blackbird today. This evening I will go and view this babe.

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Thats amazing! is it an import or was a UK colour option?

Fingers crossed the blackbird leaves the nest smoothly. You don't hang about, the CBR feels like an obvious choice considering what you're after. I can hear the pipe from here :)

@n3il I think it might have been an import, yea.

@jambon well if the bird didn’t sell I’d just continue with it, it is a really amazing fun bike. But yea, to be honest it’s not the right bike for my riding style.

Because it’s the DR350 colours, feel inclined to shout…

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I saw the pic and instantly thought "Ash would love that" and then saw you posted it!

Looks great, not sure on the can, bet it makes a right noise.

You always seem to find a good one in the end. I hope it's in good mechanical condition because in that livery you're very likely to buy it anyway!

@DethBeard even the bird's twin Delkevic missing baffles is on the edge of too obnoxious. I went on a couple short rides this week in town without earplugs and anything over 4k, you have no excuse if you didn't hear it over Radio 3. Not sure I'd keep a stubby can on a bike that I'll be rinsing the whole clock.

@Airhead that's my fear as well. It has the colour scheme I'm after, I hope the bike's 17k miles isn't so low because of persistent mechanical issues. The alternative is a similar era Ninja, but haven't seen enough gash liveries come up for sale.

Quality! That’s a good bit of old school cool. They’re incredibly versatile, quick bikes and bulletproof. Hope it is as good in the flesh. Try and keep some dough back for suspension and new tyres.

That is a steel framed isn't it? Isn't this bike used in a race series still?

Carbs maybe be full of gunk, cost a strip and clean.

Valve clearances might be worth a check at the same time.

Rear shock, if standard, will be dead. Look at a rebuild and respring. Or ex racer fully adjustable rebuildable shock.

Front suspension will benefit from a service.

Oh watch the reg/rec if replaced with a finned one.

Thanks!

Isn't this bike used in a race series still?

Thundersport GB Steelsport, was the first thing I thought of. Really should get to a Golden Era race this year, love seeing the SRADs, ZX7Rs, YZF750s etc battling it out.