Probably something like an older SV650 or GPZ500 - cheap and relatively easy to handle, good enough on the motorway. She'll be going directly for the direct A license (now that you can't auto upgrade, if you're old enough it makes the most sense). Insurance isn't too bad if you're over 25, if you're under 25 it's awful.
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Probably something like an older SV650 or GPZ500 - cheap and relatively easy to handle, good enough on the motorway. She'll be going directly for the direct A license (now that you can't auto upgrade, if you're old enough it makes the most sense). Insurance isn't too bad if you're over 25, if you're under 25 it's awful.
Fallout-NL
Member
Haha, well my 1100 has a little gauge thingy. It has a couple of bars that fill up, when it's 3 bars I consider it warmed up.
I'm perpetually worried that I push an engine too much before it's properly warmed up, so I really appreciate whatever the bike offers in terms of telling whether it's ready or not. I think I saw that the new EBR has this warning 'engine cold' that disappears once it's good and ready. Really nice.
NaturalHigh
Member
Thanks for all your help guys!
He ended up going with Pirelli Diablo Super Sport.
He ended up going with Pirelli Diablo Super Sport.
It's not substantially more mechanically complex than any modern dual cam bike engine, and there could be an argument made that it is a less complex arrangement, it certainly has fewer 'parts' than a DOHC set up. Though that is probably cheating though, just because you can make one part two two tasks doesn't really make things less complex.
It is way more complex than the SOHC designs it was competing against way way back, but compared to any other modern motorcycle, there is not a substantial difference.
Ducati's valve maintenance period has gone up substantially with modern machining tools, to the point where they are basically on par with any other sportbike. Any sportbike is going to require valve adjustments are around 15k(it is just physics when you have a valvetrain that is operating at that kind of RPM, no matter how well designed, it is going to wear down over time), and valve adjustments all seem to cost roughly the same, with in a +/- 25% range.
Also all bikes (with overhead cams anyway) will have cam belts or chains that need to be maintained or bad shit will happen.
It's certainly true that desmodromic systems add cost and complexity and have long outlived their main benefit, but machining technology and better materials have also greatly reduced the drawbacks as well.
thesoapster
Member
Crossplane R1 valve check is at 26k...mine was in spec. Almost 30k miles on it now. Even I'm amazed I haven't completely killed it yet.
I don't think Ducatis require a crazy amount of maintenance or anything, but the fact that you cannot change the oil on current models within the warranty period and actually retain said warranty is horrible. A lot of the maintenance intervals end up being oil/filter and "checks"...for like $300. Come on.
I've done just about all my maintenance sans valve check, and I will have a shop do the fork fluid either later this season or early next season (don't have the tools and am not particularly interested in acquiring them at this stage).
I don't think Ducatis require a crazy amount of maintenance or anything, but the fact that you cannot change the oil on current models within the warranty period and actually retain said warranty is horrible. A lot of the maintenance intervals end up being oil/filter and "checks"...for like $300. Come on.
I've done just about all my maintenance sans valve check, and I will have a shop do the fork fluid either later this season or early next season (don't have the tools and am not particularly interested in acquiring them at this stage).
monchi-kun
Member
CBR250R is finally paid off after a year! Time to move on to something that could potentially be the last bike i'll ever own.
If you had to pick your last bike purchase what would it be?
If you had to pick your last bike purchase what would it be?
monchi-kun
Member
I would have these two bikes as my "last" bikes i'll ever own.
monchi-kun
Member
Yep. Was originally looking at a Harley Switchback but the Triumph Thunderbird LT looks more refined. I can see myself on that bike for decades.
The Grom is for those days when I'll miss the nimble CBR250r.
The Grom is for those days when I'll miss the nimble CBR250r.
Fallout-NL
Member
Very nice. Does the next check come sooner or is that it, another 26k miles?
Yeah, though if they have to take half the bike apart (and replace a bunch of affected gaskets) to do the actual check, I understand why I have to pay a certain amount in labor.
maxheadwound
Member
I would have these two bikes as my "last" bikes i'll ever own.
As long as there is finance and I can swing my leg over the bike I am going to try and ride as much as possible. Good choice mate
Fallout-NL
Member
It is a sign from the heavens.
maxheadwound
Member
BMW gave the NineT to some Japanese designer and this is what they came up with.
Fallout-NL
Member
Yeah, I saw them over on Bike-exif. I really like that last one:
The other half quite wants an old CBR600F (early 90s). What say you guys to that as a first "real" bike?
Seems like it might be a little big, but the training for the A license takes place on 600cc+ with 55+ horsepower these days, so she'll have to pass 2 tests on something at least fairly powerful (I think the school uses something like a Suzuki Gladius, which seems to be the modern A-license training bike). I think something like the V-twinned SV650 is a more "sensible" choice though.
Actually she wants a CBR1000RR but we have to set realistic expectations here.
Seems like it might be a little big, but the training for the A license takes place on 600cc+ with 55+ horsepower these days, so she'll have to pass 2 tests on something at least fairly powerful (I think the school uses something like a Suzuki Gladius, which seems to be the modern A-license training bike). I think something like the V-twinned SV650 is a more "sensible" choice though.
Actually she wants a CBR1000RR but we have to set realistic expectations here.
Fallout-NL
Member
I think the SV would be quite a bit lighter (30 pounds less, good for confidence) and more fun because it's a twin. Better looking than the early CBR600F too...
*I* think its better looking (and so does everyone else). And the V-Twin has got to be more forgiving, right?
But apparently boxy, early 90s plastic tubs are what she's into..
^to give you an idea, this is apparently an awesome colour scheme. I might be able to steer her towards a Yellow SV..
But apparently boxy, early 90s plastic tubs are what she's into..
^to give you an idea, this is apparently an awesome colour scheme. I might be able to steer her towards a Yellow SV..
Didn't you guys get the CBR250RR back in the early 90s? The one with the crazy revving engine? I think those had like 40hp or something, why not try to get her into one of those?
edit: Probably just me, but I think going from a little 125 to something that puts out 80-odd horsepower will be a big jump, but I'm also looking into the ZRX from my GS500, so I'm a hypocrite.
edit: Probably just me, but I think going from a little 125 to something that puts out 80-odd horsepower will be a big jump, but I'm also looking into the ZRX from my GS500, so I'm a hypocrite.
Nah that was too small for our mighty British hands, or something... I've never seen one
Actually 250 sportbikes seem to be relatively new over here, they seem to be taking off more with the new license categories. But "old, affordable sportbikes" in the UK really seem to start at the 600 level, unless you can find an affordable old VFR400.. and she hates that!
"under a grand and looks like it fell off the set of fresh prince" isn't a huge category
Actually 250 sportbikes seem to be relatively new over here, they seem to be taking off more with the new license categories. But "old, affordable sportbikes" in the UK really seem to start at the 600 level, unless you can find an affordable old VFR400.. and she hates that!
"under a grand and looks like it fell off the set of fresh prince" isn't a huge category
That would be PERFECT.. but looks like anything remotely approaching decent condition is now a "modern classic" and priced appropriately - anything in reasonable condition is starting at £1500
I bet two years ago I could have had one for £500
Maybe I'll push the GS500 angle again, it would be great for her... though it doesn't have enough plastic on it for her taste
I bet two years ago I could have had one for £500
Maybe I'll push the GS500 angle again, it would be great for her... though it doesn't have enough plastic on it for her taste
Fallout-NL
Member
Too bad she's not into the VFR400, those can be really damn pretty.
You know, I have to admit, I did always have a soft spot for at least some of those outrageously colored 90's sports bikes. So I definitely see the appeal there, especially if she's into pink and purple, hehe.
But yeah, the difference in weight might be your best ally and argument in this case.
Another thing with those sporty 400 is that it's difficult to find one that someone didn't crash somewhere in the last 20 years. I test drove a CBR400 once and that thing was way too damn fast for how suspiciously crappy handling it had become.
You know, I have to admit, I did always have a soft spot for at least some of those outrageously colored 90's sports bikes. So I definitely see the appeal there, especially if she's into pink and purple, hehe.
But yeah, the difference in weight might be your best ally and argument in this case.
Another thing with those sporty 400 is that it's difficult to find one that someone didn't crash somewhere in the last 20 years. I test drove a CBR400 once and that thing was way too damn fast for how suspiciously crappy handling it had become.
thesoapster
Member
Every 26, so next is at 52. And yes, I understand that if a lot of shop time is required to do the check then the money is warranted. I think my valve check took about a few hours of shop time and was a couple hundred bucks. That's not overly horrible. I'm saying that the dealers I've been to around here (and I suspect all Ducati dealers in North America operate this way) don't charge by hourly time per se. The maintenance point is $300 flat for oil/filter plus checking tire pressure, lubricating/adjusting cables if necessary, assuring chain slack is in check, checking brakes, and cleaning/lubing the chain if necessary. Most of that is just shit you have to do, anyway (or at least I do it). $300 plus additional if any parts/accessories/fluids/whatever are deemed extra (most are). Bigger service points cost more. I think shops here charge anywhere from $90-$120/hour for service. An oil change takes maybe 45 minutes if you really let it drain out. A lot of that stuff can be checked while it's draining. They're charging much more per hour for a lot of items you as a rider should be keeping an eye on every time you swing a leg over.
Fallout-NL
Member
Damn, that's basically maintenance free then.
True. I guess they just count on the majority that doesn't for money.
It has a temp gauge, but doesn't say what's optimal. Normal range is 175F (on highway going 80MPH to 220F (idling at a stoplight).
Also... Does anyone know why super bikes don't have fuel gauges?! Lol... Just a fuel low warning. Weight? It's so weird and seemingly arbitrary.
Fallout-NL
Member
Eh, they probably figure you're going to need a break long before that fuel light ever comes on 
It's my understanding that it's because of the shape of the tank and the fact that it isn't always right side up, so to speak, and having a gauge that is almost always off by a quarter tank or more can be worse than not having a gauge.
Fallout-NL
Member
Welcome to the club. Post some pics once you've gotten your hands on it.
So I just put a hold on a CRF250L...
I'll be picking it up on Saturday.
Will use it for practice and for my roadtest.
Once the next riding Season comes,
I've sorta been leaning towards the Ninja 650.
Any of you guys have a opinion on that bike?
(I like the styling and the roadster style positioning)
I'll be picking it up on Saturday.
Will use it for practice and for my roadtest.
Once the next riding Season comes,
I've sorta been leaning towards the Ninja 650.
Any of you guys have a opinion on that bike?
(I like the styling and the roadster style positioning)
opticalmace
Member
I test rode one a couple times. I didn't like the ergonomics much. People tend to say it's pretty buzzy/vibey, which I think is fair. Good power for around town.
I'd look into something like the FZ-07 first.
Also, congrats on the 250L. I covet those bikes!
thesoapster
Member
They're reliable and easy to ride. The engine is a well-known design, so no surprises there. Pretty normal, easy bike all around. Look at Suzuki's SFV650/Gladius as well. If interested in a bit more kick, the Yamaha triple standards (as mentioned above) or Triumph Street Triple might be worth a look. Everyone will have a different feel on the bikes, so you have to sit on/test (if you can) them.
opticalmace
Member
Only nitpick, the FZ-09 is a triple but the FZ-07 is a twin.
maxheadwound
Member
Saw a guy on one of these today... looks like a nice and comfortable bike to ride and it does look good.
Thanks for the info!
I looked at the Gladius, but wasn't a huge fan of the fairing...
Really like the classic bike look for fairings,
that's why I also have the Star Bolt on my list...
(Completely different bike I know... ;D)
Recently saw the Honda 599 Hornet/CB600F.
Like most of the styling, but the rear looks a bit awkward.
I don't have to make the final choice until about April.
So I'm just gonna check as many bikes and reviews as possible,
then test ride all the ones that make that list.
Still, I really like this bike:
Such a hard choice... :|
opticalmace
Member
LeroyPantwether
Member
Low speed rear ended a mini van today in front of my entire uni's campus. Bike is ok but i crashed in spectacular fashion, locked up the front wheel and went face first into the van's bicycle rack ( thankful I was wearing a helmet) . Sadly, part of the reason I crashed is because I saw someone riding one of those honda postie bikes I've been lusting after, and I took my eyes off the road to oogle for two seconds. Interestingly enough, the driver I hit, took fault and apologized for slamming on her brakes. Also, my foot may or may not be broken, despite wearing boots.
Lessons learned:
- don't follow so close in congested traffic
- don't oogle other motorcycles whilst operating a motorcycle of your own
Lessons learned:
- don't follow so close in congested traffic
- don't oogle other motorcycles whilst operating a motorcycle of your own
thesoapster
Member
Oh really? Hah. Given that they are only 1k apart I'd take that triple FZ-09, then
Thanks for the info!
I looked at the Gladius, but wasn't a huge fan of the fairing...
Really like the classic bike look for fairings,
that's why I also have the Star Bolt on my list...
(Completely different bike I know... ;D)
Recently saw the Honda 599 Hornet/CB600F.
Like most of the styling, but the rear looks a bit awkward.
I don't have to make the final choice until about April.
So I'm just gonna check as many bikes and reviews as possible,
then test ride all the ones that make that list.
Still, I really like this bike:
Such a hard choice... :|
If you live in a country where you can get a test ride then do it. The Ninja 650 is a very friendly bike, and to me is quite comfortable. Although I have different expectations out of a bike, if anything I'd say it could be maybe a little bit boring. A triple naked/standard is going to be a bit more zesty
Get plenty of riding in until then!
monchi-kun
Member
Test rode a Triumph Thunderbird today...my god DAT LOW END TORQUE! Cruising along on 5th / 6th gear w/o having to downshift is such a contrast to my year riding the old CBR250R. Kida like the rumble of the parallel twin vs the v-twin of the Harley Switchback I tried last week.
Now it's time to run this up the chain of command (aka wifey) to see the garage will see a new bike this weekend
Now it's time to run this up the chain of command (aka wifey) to see the garage will see a new bike this weekend
opticalmace
Member
Test rode a Triumph Thunderbird today...my god DAT LOW END TORQUE! Cruising along on 5th / 6th gear w/o having to downshift is such a contrast to my year riding the old CBR250R. Kida like the rumble of the parallel twin vs the v-twin of the Harley Switchback I tried last week.
Now it's time to run this up the chain of command (aka wifey) to see the garage will see a new bike this weekend
Holy crap, 110 lb-ft of torque?! Sounds awesome, I'm jealous.
Good luck on the executive decision.
monchi-kun
Member
Dealer was tempting me to also try the Rocket 3 Touring. I'm afraid of that bike.
opticalmace
Member
870 lbs?? I would be too, damn.
I have my eye on a 2007 SV650n in the classifieds. If my bike sells soon I think I might pick it up.
Good video, will watch the rest of it later...
Got to the ace cafe bit. All the burnouts/wheelies/etc at night are why the police have recently threatened to shut the whole place down. Where will I get a sausage and egg sandwich while looking at bikes if that happens!
Conversely, these lads are really the only youngsters getting into 2-wheels in the UK, so we need them for the survival of the hobby really, given the age of the average British biker.
thesoapster
Member
A Rocket with aftermarket pipes remains one of (if not the) meanest sounding machines I've heard in person. It sounds like a Daytona...that wants to eat you.