NTV650. Don't get too excited.

[pwntifex]

Hi

Thought id chip into the sudden outburst of bike threads. Hold on to your hats.
Looking for a v. cheap (we're talking student cheap here, not ordinary cheap), low-maintenance commuter that's not gonna cost a bomb re: insurance, but isn't scared to crunch some distance. Not that bothered about style or speed but expect to put a few miles on it.

So any info on the NTVs from previous owners? I like the idea of a shaftie because I'm lazy as hell, MCN review is glowing and it's a courier favourite which says something, I suppose.
I'd really prefer to do most of the work myself, learn a few things--but haven't heard whether it's easy to service or not. Is it the sort of bike that's likely to go horribly wrong for some undiagnosable reason?

So, good people of BCF.
Share your wisdom.
Cookies await ye.
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the warped one: This is a follow up from the thread 'my willy hurts'

[Itchy]

its an ok bike low mile reveres can be had for £500 or less, my NTV has served me quite well if only it didn't have this mystery problem (I'm going to video it misfiring in the morning) but mine does have 64K on the clocks now. (34 of those are mine and I suspect it has been clocked so its running around 100K+ probably)

The fire problems were also caused by somebody trying to steal it (it caught fire a couple times) and having a go at the loom. Rather than a bike issue , but Kenny says the wires need to be resealed in plastic every 10 years but this is normal for most bikes.

everything else is just standard bike fayre, fork seals + bushes every 25-35k , (gators are highly recommended) which again is normal for bikes

brake discs sometimes seize and warp if locking compound is used on the disc bolts (normal)

headstock bearings are murder to change sickpup a very good mechanic complains about them , I had a look and asked Kenny to do it for me he didn't like it (normal for modernish bikes need special tools etc)

it is v hard on oil though turns the stuff black in 1000 miles, (abnormal)

Carbs don't need looking at for ages (abnormal)

Sparks last absolutely forever (abnormal)

pipes are stainless headers which attach to the cylinders are not! (bloody stupid!)

I managed 30 odd K just throwing tyres and oil at it , and it didn't complain,

the weakness is the gear box , rev it to 6-8K red line in 1st and 2nd if it jumps out = bad , if it doesn't good,

also you can test how good the engine is by wheelying it on power a good engine will lift the front very slightly under power,

electrics are the issue for me , namely as its been the target of numberous thefts and has corroded wires and stuff but to be fair its a 14 year old bike.

Just look at some other NTV threads one to Jack_cheese , I've explained it lots of times,



EDIT

Its plenty fast enough with me on it I can waste many super sports rookies , with gaz on it , it wastes everything
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[map]

[sickpup]

GT550 carbs are notorious for wearing out by 40-60k and very expensive to replace.

[pwntifex]

Cheers guys, much appreciated!
Map, got any info?
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the warped one: This is a follow up from the thread 'my willy hurts'

[Itchy]

just go buy Sickpup's bros , before he rips it apart ,pretty much the same 'cept its got a chain instead of the shaft drive and is alot lighter.
____________________
Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[stinkwheel]

[pwntifex]