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Poignant_dribbler
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 23 Jun 2008
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PostPosted: 00:53 - 24 Jun 2008    Post subject: Advice requested Reply with quote

Hi All,
I was recommended to this place by a friend who considers it the fount of all motorcycle knowledge, from what I've read so far he's not far off the mark Smile

I've got a R1150 RT, love the bike overall but I go riding with a group who like to "make progress" through the twisties, the bike will keep up if pressed but the gearbox does not respond well to the quick changes that are sometimes needed, smooth shifting IS possible but not when flicked up and down, last sunday I went round one bend in false neutral between 3rd & 4th - a little worrying.

I previously had a GSX14 that I loved but had to go because the other half was terrified of it and I'm of a mind to go back there since the above is no longer applicable.

However, I do commuting, fairly long distance touring, fast weekend riding with a bunch that includes a couple of trackday nutters, and the occasional gentle -(ish) ride out with another bunch of mates that have cruisers, I'm trying hard to think of a bike that will cope with all these needs, and so far the '14 is the only one I can think of.

Does anyone have any other suggestions ?
All ideas gratefully received

Thanks

Dave
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chris-red
Have you considered a TDM?



Joined: 21 Sep 2005
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PostPosted: 04:00 - 24 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

An oil change can help but other than that I doubt there is much you can to do to you bike to improve it, not having a dig but maybe your riding style needs to change regarding gear changes. Make sure you shift hard enough and allow the lever to return fully.

Also this should really be in "The workshop" forum, for future refence.


and welcome BTW
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pa_broon74
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PostPosted: 08:15 - 24 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Welcome.

I'm in a similar position, I use my bike for the daily commute but want to tour also. Not much of a speed junky but I'd like the facility just in case.

Of the bikes I've looked at two seemed to filter to the top; either a Yamaha TDM or a Vstrom 1000. I'd ruled out GSX's, VFR's etc as I'm not keen on the styling. An other that has come to the fore is the new BMW F800 GS if you like that style. Lower centre of gravity, lighter on its feet so good for the commute but sprightly enough to keep up with 98HP...

I'd say this was the correct section for your post since you were asking for opinions on types of bikes... Wink

Let me know what you decide to get, I've been looking at a KTM Adventure, quite fancy one...

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Kickstart
The Oracle



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 08:32 - 24 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi

Normally the first thing that screws up gear changes is the chain tension. Not really going to be the problem here. However worth checking that the oil level is OK and the oil clean, clutch adjusted, etc. Also double check the oil in the shaft drive bevel housing, and for play in the final drive.

Other bike wise there are plenty of similar bikes to the GSX14, but if you are commuting all year round not sure how well the finish would hold up on them. You could also consider the 1250 Bandit (less retro styled and so should be easier to keep clean).

All the best

Keith
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Rowey
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Joined: 07 Oct 2007
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PostPosted: 10:16 - 24 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

I like the look of the cb1000 hornet, they do a CB1300 as well, although don't know much about it.
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Kris
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PostPosted: 10:49 - 24 Jun 2008    Post subject: Re: Advice requested Reply with quote

Poignant_dribbler wrote:

Does anyone have any other suggestions ?


Honda Blackbird, Triumph Sprint ST, Ducati ST4, Suzuki SV1000s et al?

Wouldn't a sports tourer suit your needs betther than a large capacity naked?
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Poignant_dribbler
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 23 Jun 2008
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PostPosted: 09:09 - 25 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

pa_broon74 wrote:
Welcome.

Of the bikes I've looked at two seemed to filter to the top; either a Yamaha TDM or a Vstrom 1000. I'd ruled out GSX's, VFR's etc as I'm not keen on the styling. An other that has come to the fore is the new BMW F800 GS if you like that style. Lower centre of gravity, lighter on its feet so good for the commute but sprightly enough to keep up with 98HP...

Thumbs Up


I'd be cautious with the VStrom, I had a "near death" experience with one coming back from Spain on the M5, undertook a line of slow traffic blocking the fast lane quite rapidly then throttled back when I got into some clear space. Major weave ! 1 1/2 lanes of motorway type weave. It took all my bottle to accelerate out of it. No harm done (apart from my underwear) but apparently they are noted for it when loaded. Having said that, it was the only prob I had with it - but once was enough.
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Poignant_dribbler
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 23 Jun 2008
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PostPosted: 09:17 - 25 Jun 2008    Post subject: Re: Advice requested Reply with quote

Kris wrote:
Poignant_dribbler wrote:

Does anyone have any other suggestions ?


Honda Blackbird, Triumph Sprint ST, Ducati ST4, Suzuki SV1000s et al?

Wouldn't a sports tourer suit your needs betther than a large capacity naked?


Absolutely - but I'm 6'3" and not small build, I can't get comfortable on any of the above, also I broke my right wrist years ago and any bike where my weight is forward causes problems on a long run.

Thanks for the input though.

Dave
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Poignant_dribbler
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 23 Jun 2008
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PostPosted: 09:28 - 25 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

chris-red wrote:
An oil change can help but other than that I doubt there is much you can to do to you bike to improve it, not having a dig but maybe your riding style needs to change regarding gear changes. Make sure you shift hard enough and allow the lever to return fully.

Also this should really be in "The workshop" forum, for future refence.

and welcome BTW


You are spot on about riding style, the prob with the RT is that you have to preload the lever in order to get smooth changes, this takes rather more time than a "normal" bike to change up or down, When the bends are coming thick and fast and you are trying to keep up with ZX10R's and Fireblades there just isn't time unless you know the road well, so you end up doing conventional changes which the RT doesn't like. Hence the problem and the question.
Simple answer is don't go riding with my friends I suppose.
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Poignant_dribbler
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 23 Jun 2008
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PostPosted: 09:36 - 25 Jun 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kickstart wrote:
Hi

Normally the first thing that screws up gear changes is the chain tension. Not really going to be the problem here. However worth checking that the oil level is OK and the oil clean, clutch adjusted, etc. Also double check the oil in the shaft drive bevel housing, and for play in the final drive.

Keith


Checked the all the oils about a fortnight ago, clutch is hydraulic, worth checking the final drive play, and I will, but it seems to just be a characteristic of the RT gearbox, it don't do quick changes.

Good advice though - thanks.

Dave
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Visitor Q
$25 whore



Joined: 30 Apr 2004
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PostPosted: 22:10 - 06 Jul 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Haha, this /is/ the fount of all motorcycle knowledge my friend.

Oh and Chris, you're a tit.

Dave (P_D) is well up on the bike maintenance, but I suggested he came here to get a few different ideas for bikes along a similar vein to the GSX 1400 / CB1300.

So, any other ideas?

As a thought, have you tried an MT-01 ? I've had a sit on one and it fitted my quite well. Or a Fazer Thou?
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chris-red
Have you considered a TDM?



Joined: 21 Sep 2005
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PostPosted: 22:20 - 06 Jul 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a short attention span, I must have drifted off towards the end Laughing Oh a bee!













Huh oh yeah, PA broon I have a TDM 900 and love it to bits if you are tall they are great, I'm 6'5" and have never been on a bike that fits me like this. I wouldn't reconmend it if you are below 5'10. It is quick and agile and really light for it's size (190kg). With some decent cans on it it sounds the tits too. I have no problems getting the pegs down on it and it and it feels stable doing it.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
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mark83
World Chat Champion



Joined: 19 Sep 2006
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PostPosted: 15:20 - 08 Jul 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ducati Multistrada 1100s.

Fast on the twisties, comfortable, light on the wrists and most of all.....original.

Stick some Termis on it and you've also got the roar of thunder under your arse!

One point though: I sat on it and, as I've been warned before, it needs the optional gel (comfy) seat if you're going on long distance tours.

Plus you can get them quite cheap second hand and the average owner tends not to abuse them or do too many miles....

Might be worth a look.
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st3v3
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PostPosted: 15:48 - 08 Jul 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

bonny_ricardo wrote:


Oh and Chris, you're a tit.
+1.

Welcome, I was thinking of something like a Varadero but tbh, Don't know if they do a thou..
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