BCF Bike ownership roll call...

[Kris]

Rightio, what with several new members since last time I'm interested in hearing what bikes you 'orrible lot have.

Also, to keep things interesting (and slightly different to normal) lets hear what you use the bike/s for, and how suitable they are for your needs. You can kind of give them a 'mini-review' and remember to mention if you're looking to replace it etc..



So no one line answers purrrlease

I'll begin just to get things rolling...


'99 Suzuki Bandit 600S
Used for commuting 70 miles a day plus general transport duties and back-lane fun.

The Bandit is an ideal commuter tool, especially with the bikini fairing which allows relaxed cruising at 80. The only downside is that the revs sit the wrong side of 6K so it tends to feel a bit stressed (not that it is - it revs to 12K) but the vibes do sometimes make themselves noticed. Fuel consumption is 45.1mpg and lets me fill up every other day (or 140 miles) with a fair bit left in the 20 litre tank. It handles bad weather and traffic well, the upright position allowing forward planning through traffic - and the aftermarket wide bars allow huge leverage.
As far as scratching goes it can certainly hustle if asked, although above 8K revs it gets flustered. The unadjustable forks are on the soft side for real progress but the brakes are very good for such a budget machine, shame though that the rear suspension is usually the limiting factor on sunny rides. On fast sweepers the whole bike weaves and feels uneasy.

So all in all, very suitable for what I do, although firming up the forks and getting a better shock may help. I'd definately recommend one
____________________
NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
www.prisonplanet.com

[JonB]

Suzuki Bandit 600s K4
Used for general social, domestic and pleasure purposes, but it is my main mode of transport. I don't have access to the car. It is currently restricted to 33BHP, but right now this is enough. First gear is very erratic and changing into second can be a bit hit and miss with it getting caught in neutral quite often, however this is probably more my fault.

The bike looks good and I have a faired version. Although a true Bandit wouldn't have a fairing I just find it makes life hell of a lot easier at the higher speeds without such vicious wind blast. The back end of the bike looks really good and there are plenty of mods you can do too the bike. I can get 200+ miles out of the 18L tank, but this is with motorway and fast road riding, otherwise it is about 150miles.

The seat is really comfy, but can hurt your back after long periods of riding, however I have a well known back problem anyway so this obviously could be why I experience back pain. At above 6,000 revs the bike can get very vibrational, but this could be because it is still running in. With the standard can installed the bike sounds more on the quiet side without removable baffles. But a new exhaust can be bought at a cost. The Front brakes are more than sharp enough, with dual front discs and a rear disc brake.

Overall in it's 33BHP state, the top speed I have gotten is an indicated 103MPH. I give this bike a 7.5/10.
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[Aikman666]

BSA Bantam 175cc *for sale in mart section*

My field bike for the year before i get my license. When she first came to me she was a rusting bucket o' bolts, it took me about 4 months to get her looking good and running again. She's the first bike ive hit 50mph on and the first bike ive ever wheelied. I'll miss her when shes gone, she's on sale in the exchange and mart section if anyone is interested. Im selling her in the hope of finding a Derbi Senda 50cc to replace her with for my 1st road bike

She starts on a few kicks when she's cold, but never when she's warm, i think its a problem with the mixture. The seat is pretty much just there for show, its ok to sit on, but the vibrations from the frame will kill you.

She's not the lightest of bikes, i can lift her off the ground (being a reasonably strong person) but not very far. The huge back sprocket on her gives her great acceleration and torque, but a crap top speed (tops out round about 60mph).

She's painted a mixture of Black and Chrome, but some parts need re doing. Really she does the job i needed her for, shes a reliable old girl, and according to the engine numbers she's been running well over 30 years!

Thats it from me, peace out
____________________
Will work for petrol
My Design Blog

[EDBANGER]

Kawasaki ZZR600

Recently aquired as a part exchange for a Yamaha Thunderace. Needs new back tyre, brake pads, MOT & tax. Ran well for the 12 miles I rode it home. Looks disgusting due to a paint job designed by Stevie Wonder. As my only mode of transport it will be used constantly & probably till death at which time it will be braoken and sold for spares.

[feef]

Yamaha Thunderace, on an S plate.

Since I can walk to work in 10 mins, and I have the car for doing my weekly shop. I can keep the bike for fun... I use it to go visit the gf midweek, a 50 mile ride each way, and if I use the A603, a FUN ride

am out most weekends on it, with the gf pillion and usually do between 150 and 200 miles each outing. Just back from a weekend in wales, where I clocked up about 800 miles throughout the weekend.

The bike's stock engine wise, but has a custom rear shock, the forks have been fettled, it has PMF fully floating front disks, and braided hoses, and some nice rearsets, and a remus Ti endcan (although the yamaha can is in the shed for MOT porpoises). I've got a tinted double-bubble screen on order for it, as I find the windblast a little in-my-face, and I've fitted a rentec grabrail to keep the gf happy.

other tweaks to be made soon, are...

Scotoiler, and heated grips, and I'll be servicing the brakes soon, as the rear caliper is sticking, and one of the pistons in the front is a little sticky too, but considering it was sat for 6 months before I got it, that's not surprising. Will prolly replace the chain and sprockets too, as there's a stiff link, and at least then I'll be starting from a known state of play with them.

Both find the thunderace very comfy, and will easily go for an hour and a half between stops...

I get about 160 miles to a tankful, but it will, like all Thunderaces, use about a litre of oil every 1000 miles (don't use Synth as it causes a litle clutch-slip). It's on it's second engine, as the fist one had a gear problem, combined with an unusual thirst for oil, meant the previous owner just swapped in a newer engine, rather that repairing, so plenty of life left, despite it almost having 50k on the clock (3k of them are mine)

Got the bike in March, and have replaced the tyres this week, sticking to Metzeler Sportecs as they are very nice on this bike.

There's some slight damage to the bodywork, which I've started repairing (crack on the side panel under the seat and some holes scarped in the bellypan when the previous owner had a mishap at cadwell aren't crash bobbins great! ) once the bodywork's been repaired, I'm planning a respray, and maybe some cosmetic mods (I'm thinking mirror indicators a-la the new gixer)

it is, of course, in the best colour scheme for an 'ace... the executive express Blue and Black

Hopefully doing a trackday in July, where I intend ridding myself of the last few mm of chickenstrips
____________________
Mudskipper wrote: feef, that is such a beautiful post that it gave me a lady tingle
Windchill calculator - London Bike parking
Blog and stuff - PlentyMoreFish dating

[Kirmit]

Suzuki Bandit 600 Y (Naked)
I use mine for commuting, going to the shops and weekend fun.
I've done about 6k since buying it in Feb. Had a bad time over 80mph until I fitted a fly screen and can now cruise in comfort.
I ridden everyday since I bought it, rain, wind, snow, fog and last week sun
Decided today that I need to replace very soon, as it's now on 26K.
I can get about 150miles to reserve.
Until recently I always felt it was bit unstable on the bends, but after it was serviced runs fine, turned out when I adjusted the chain, I didn't get the wheel alignment right
____________________
When riding fast, think fast. When riding slow.. speed up.
Grey Honda Cityfly 125 || Red Suzuki Bandit 600 & Blue Suzuki SV650SK5|| Red Honda VTR 1000-F2

[Frazla]

99 Honda CBR600 FX

Used for commuting when its not really crappy weather, trips through Europe, blasts around the Dorset countryside and one wheeled lunacy.

Picked it up for a bargain around a year ago, but thought it looked to sports touring for me. Bought the 2002 sport subframe, rear cowl, two seats and lights. Being not really mechanical it was a bit of a mish but actually found the CBR easy to work on and with a lot of patients its now all done, and i reckon looks loads better plus learnt a lot about the rear part of my bike.
Everything i buy for it comes off ebay including an ART race pipe. Theres always parts and ive saved loads doing it that way.

Only problems are im trying to get hold of the front cowl. Seems they all have a week point around the indicator mount and all i come across on eBay or breakers have cracks at that point. And Honda want £250 for a new one . Also there’s the CCT ticking noise, drives me nuts when im not warring the ear plugs.

I found my previous bike CBR400RR more fun on the twisties, but overall the 600 is amazing. I can do 300 miles + in a day effortlessly. I can keep it up on one for however long a road is, or i can commute to work, without ever getting bored.


____________________
https://photobucket.com/albums/y1/Frazladazla

[Method]

Suzuki GS500E 1994

Used for getting to college every day, and back again (2 miles)
Also used for the random 30mile rideouts during the week and the sometimes longer weekend rideout with the girlfreind on the back.

The riding position gives great road views, which allows for pretty good forward planning, which is very usefull when trying to navigate the work traffic in the mornings. The clip on handlebards allow you to be able to tuck in those elbows to filter between lorry's and closely clad cars without much trouble. The seat is in a very odd shape with the front end of it starting to run up the tank... this actually comes in rather handy when sitting forward on the bike to get those sharp turns in (moto-x style) when wobbling through traffic, as you dont slide directly into the tank... thus keeping your manhood in its correct shape! Which is always a good thing

Performance wise... being restricted to 33bhp it doesnt half shift, when its warm you can actually get some pretty nifty wheelies from it aswell, if you position yourself correctly! The most i have ever had out of it was around 115mph indicated. It takes most standard cars from the lights, and also supprises quite a few nancy nova's and the like.

Street-Cred is where it lacks most i feel, you dont get the same look from people as you ride down the street, and it doesnt exactly make my legs turn to jelly every time i see it in the garage. But with a bikini - twin headlight fairing i had fitted to it, its appearance was greatly improved briefly... (untill the damn thing melted 'cos of stupid under-rated bulbs ).

Over-all i would say 7/10. Great Learner Bike!
____________________
CBT Aug '03 ... Gilera GSM 50 ... Honda NSR 125 Aug '04 ...
Full Test Dec 04... Suzuki GS500 Jan 05... Suzuki SV650 Mar 07... Gixxer 6 K5 May 08... Oh and my 'Rado
My Bikepics.com - No Brakes, No Gears... No Fear.

[Mister James]

Yamaha Fazer 600 2004

My first big bike, purchased the day I passed my DAS, and what a step up from a 100cc 'ped! Mostly used for commuting and the occasional blast, but as my main transport, it also gets taken out on long runs as well.

The gearbox is a little clunky between 1st and 2nd, but improves rapidly from there on. There are complaints in reviews about it's lacklustre mid-range, but I suspect that this is only from more experienced riders than myself. I personally think it's perfect for the commuting I do, which is mostly in 40 and 50 zones. It pulls away from everything at the lights, then settles down into a nice smooth ride at 55mph, with a comfy seat and relaxed riding position.

If I'm out for a proper blast down out into the country, it's absolutely ideal, especially now that I've perked up the pre-load to account for my 16 stone bulk. Although the riding position is relaxed, there is plenty of scope for hunching behind the fairing if it takes your fancy, for that authentic power-rangers look! Suspension is good, handling is superb, brakes are excellent, and the engine is fantastic for blatting along the bendies, goes in smooth in the mid range, then all you need to do for ferocious acceleration out of them is to blat the throttle a little!

Looks-wise, it's gorgeous from behind, with the underseat pipes and aggressive posture. I'd like to get a cowling/under-tray to cover the down pipes and tart up the front a little.

Had The Beast since september, still not tired of it, and still haven't used it to it's full potential. At present, I'd give it 8.5 out of 10
____________________
>Soultrader Mister James, I bet you are a copper
>Bazza Wow. Eyes like a shithouse rat, you...

[MonkReadusuk]

95' Suzuki Bandit, Un-faired, Red

Was recommended this bike to start on after passing my full test. Have had great fun on it so far. Still restricted to Bhp tho but isn't causing me a problem. Came with fly-screen already fitted, and I must admit, its a great help on those motorways. I can still hit 90mph with it restricted, does 110miles maybe 120 to a tank of 8 quid Handles really well, the upright position means that even with log legs like me, you hardly ever get cramped on it. I did my first long ride on the May bank holiday with some guys from here, 300 maybe 400 miles in one day, not a sore joint at all. Has Renthal bars fitted to adjust sitting position slighlty, and the foot pegs are lifted backwards slightly. All in all, i love the bike, the only problem i have with it, is the cleaning underneath and getting in between the 4 pipes that leave from engine backwards, sucks big time, can never keep them clean. Oh and has 7k on the clock, and still going, been told i should be able to get 100k tops out of it
____________________
-Monk-

[Tarmacsurfer]

ZZR1100 C, '91
Bikes are my only form of transport, this one gets used for everything. Owned it for a couple of years now, still going relatively strong (as evidenced by a rather suprising dyno run, I would have sworn the bloody thing is restricted ). Great for me, they're not small bikes but then again I'm not exactly a small person, plenty of legroom and space for longer runs. Handles quite well for it's size as long as you have the bodymass and knack of throwing it, tendency to wallow on the power leaving a corner though. Petrol consumption is OK, getting a consistent 140-170 miles from £13 of fuel depending on hoon levels.
All in all, love it.
Got a few other bits in the garage, but that's the main and generally abused hack.
____________________
I'm immortal. Well, so far.

[killa]

Honda VFR NC30 1998 Red/Black

Passed my test, bought a child hood dream.
Love the bike, quick, reliable, sounds nice with the carbon can Co on the rear.
Probably the most perfect Bike in the world for me and my size.
Not many as well kept as mine, thinking of keeping it for a year or two.
____________________
Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult.
Bike:- Yamaha TRX850 | Killas Biking History | Killas Gaming History | Killas autmotive history

[Akiraprise]

Derbi GPR K4

Brought for my first bike - it's only a 50cc and used to get to college and socialise as it's my only form of transport. I ride it in all weathers however it's very unstable in the wet.

In heinsite i would've brought a second hand 50cc at a cheaper price, my bike's in at the garage 24/7 for fork seals, rear brake switches, starter motor, full electrics, stand, exhaust melting farings etc the list goes on.

I spent £2500 on it and had everything repaired under warentee (thank god!)

For a 50 it's quite quick (I'll prob sound like a ped boi) but it seriously does outrun most other 50's, including rs' etc. The bike has a full Metrakit system which i got for free .

Overall it's a fun bike to ride, however I can't wait to get a 125.

will be selling in november

[Kris]

Nice reviews people

Let's keep 'em coming huh?


____________________
NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
www.prisonplanet.com

[Bendy]

Honda CBR600 FY

Used to be my only form of transport, is now just a toy and occasional commuter.

12 trackdays under her belt, about 24,000 miles on the clock and still burbling along like a good 'un. The main changes I've made are the offensively loud Johnson can, footrest jackup plates to improve ground clearance and downgearing one down and four up to improve fun factor.

So having got a good handle on the 'sports' bit, I'm now looking to work on the 'tourer' bit with a mission to the Highlands later this summer. This is where the 'a bit more comfy than some of the opposition' factor will sway hugely into the CBR's favour.

Get about 130 to the reserve light in normal riding, it's as happy to pootle around town at low revs as it is to go like a banshee out in the boonies and the perceived 'pipe and slippers' image is always good when kicking the ass of someone on something more 'extreme'.

No plans to change bike at the moment - I quite fancy a big naked musclebike but that wouldn't suit my trackday habit so for now I'm sticking with what I've got.

[Method]

[Milo]

Honda CB600fs faired Hornet 2001

cost me £2450 yesterday from a dealer with 23k on the clock.

First impressions - bloody lovely bike to drive, great brakes and very smooth engine. Has a suprising amount of low down power for a 600 and takes off once the revs rise. Suspension makes for a smooth ride but I haven't properly tested her yet.

Suzuki GP100 1987
Great winter or backup bike...and that's about it.
It gets me to 70mph after the rebuild and starts fine but be very wary of the brakes!

old bikes:

[b]Yamaha XJ900f pre-diversion 1987[b]
Very solid comfortable bike which can sit on the motorway all day. A good commuter too despite it's size and can surprise power rangers on their 600's.

[b]Kawasaki GPz550 1989[b]
Good solid engine though mine was generally a bit rickety after a few knocks when I was young. A leather belt is a good workaround for holding the exhaust up after the rearset broke.

[b]Honda NSR125 2001[b]
Very good learner bike but I soon got bored and fed up with it's oil consumption after 6 months and had to get a bigger 4-stroke.
Did 200 mile motorway trips without much discomfort.
____________________
Shaft drives rule.

[Kickstart]

Hi

1997 Yamaha 1200 Bandit. Bought new and used for general use. Mainly commuting. Has been to the South of France and got taken to Belgium when I was working there. Not bad on petrol with a decent size fuel tank (although the fuel gauge regularly decides that accuracy is not relevant). Decided to do a few changes and it is now putting out around 150hp, bored out to 1216cc, skimmed and ported head, reprofiled cams, Barnett clutch, larger oil cooler, lid chopped off the airbox, K&N filter, Dynojet kit and an Akrapovic exhaust. Strangely it now seems slightly better on fuel. It now has too much power for the handling really but is quite fun in a lazy way. Now up to about 52000 miles, mainly gets used for fun these days but is also used as a backup commuter bike. Currently fitted with a pair of Avons which work well enough for normal use. At one time I had the old Hi Sports from the Bimota on it and they were brilliant, but wore out quite rapidly. Now I am doing less miles on the Bandit I will probably go back to some stickier tyres on it.

1991 Bimota YB10 Dieci. Bought a few years ago for fun as I always wanted a Bimota. Quicker than me. Set up way too stiff for someone of my weight so I need to have it all set up for someone of my weight as it is currently a touch worrying in the wet. Now up to 11500 miles (bought with 4500 on the clocks). Not the most comfortable bike to ride, nor the smoothest (motorways are a nightmare, but the fuel tank is a pathetic size as well). Nice for occasional fun. Currently fitted with some Dunlop D207RR tyres which do not suit the combination of my weight, the suspension and the wet weather, being worse than the Michelin Hi Sports that used to be fitted.

1992 Yamaha FZR600. Bought last year for commuting and to do the odd track day. Got diddled a bit when buying it as I found some damage to the cylinder head. £25 for a replacement head from Ebay sorted that out. Nice to ride and I enjoy riding it. Pretty good on petrol and with a decent tank range I can get away with only filling up every 3 days when commuting (55 miles a day). Spare parts are cheap. Being a bit of a pain to start so this summer I will take the head off and sort the valves out properly (I slung it together in a hurry last year to get it running in time for a track day at Silverstone). Not that comfy for long journies, but not really a problem for what I use it for. Currently fitted with some Bridgestone BT010 tyres which work well, but I have some old stock Dunlop Sportmax tyres to fit to the spare wheels some time, and save the softer (but expensive) Bridgestones for fun.

1985 Yamaha FZ750. Bought in 1990 as a main form of transport. Used it a lot until 1994 when it got taken off the road (electrical niggle). Back on the road in 1986 and I used it for a month then leant it to a friend while I was in Aus. Got it back but did not put it back on the road. Sorted it out again a few years ago (a friend did the valve adjustment for me). Nice enough to ride. Decent tank range. Comfy riding position, although the seat is nasty. When I got it there was a Micron 4-1 fitted that caused a very nasty flat spot between 3000 and 4000. Now has a Laser exhaust fitted that works very well. Put an Ohlins shock on the back last year (to replace a useless EMC shock that was fitted) but have not used it since.

1988 Kawasaki GPZ500. This is Charlottes bike and used mainly for commuting. Fairly low, decent tank range. Handling is OK, but not the sharpest handling bike around. Has a habit of getting water into the fuel tank which makes reserve a pain. Has heated grips fitted which work well.

1993 Aprilia RS125. Bought new in 1993 for some fun. Doesn't get used much (only 17000km in 12 years), but does get used occasionally. Handles great, but does not seem to like the front tyre currently fitted so I will probably have to sort out a decent matched pair again (might also put on the light wheels from the SP version that I have floating around). Speedo is in cloud cuckoo land, having had 115mph on the clocks (and 97 with a pillion).

1988 Aprilia AF1 Sintesi. Bought because I fancied one. New piston fitted but still not run in. Nice bikes to ride, just don't really get a chance to ride it.

1987 Aprilia AF1. Bought in 1989 sold to a friend a few years later who eventually decided he could not afford it so I had it back. Now just for occasional fun. Comfy bike to ride, good on petrol, mid 90s top speed, large petrol tank, massive 2 stroke oil tank, carries a pillion comfortably, space for a chinese take away under the seat.

1987 Aprilia AF1. Charlottes one of the above. Much the same, but needs stripping down and rebuilding.

1987 Aprilia AF1. Another of the above. Bought for spares or repair. Does run and really just needs some fiddling with the forks to go on the road (copper crush washer than seals the bottom of one of the forks is not doing its job).

1988 Cagiva Freccia C12R. Charlottes bike, which is the ex road test bike. Used to go like the clappers until we blew the engine up (and found the porting marks on the original barrel). With a new barrel it never went as well. Currently in pieces in the garage having had the frame powder coated, but really need to pull my finger out and finish putting it together. Great handling bike, but really pathetic on fuel.

1988 Cagiva Freccia C12R. Another one of above. Bought for spares but I decided it was too good to break so put it on the road instead. Nice enough to ride, but could do with a new piston to restore performance.

1991 Gilera CX125. Another of Charlottes bikes. Bought new in Milan in 1991, but totally unreliable. Fun when it goes, it just for the looks people give it (first time Charlotte took it on the road a guy almost rode into the back of a car trying to look at it). When I try it, it does start and run, but I have just given up trying with it.

1991 Gilera CX125. Another one of the above, but currently a rolling chassis and a pile of parts. Not sure what to do with this one. Might restore it to standard, might have a play and try and put on some more conventional bodywork.

1951 Vincent Comet, series C. My fathers old bike. He dropped it off at a Vincent specialist in 1981. I started chasing up my father to chase it up. The result is that I now technically own the bike, along with the restoration bills. Have the newly rebuilt wheels with tyres in the garage, and the magneto and dynamo are off being rebuilt. Petrol tank has been repainted. Give it another year or 2 and it will be together. Not sure how I will cope with 50 year old brakes and gear changes in the wrong place.

1987 Honda NS125. Been given this but have not yet gone round to pick it up.

There are a few other bits floating around. I have the frames to another 2 1987 Aprilia AF1 and the rolling chassis with bodywork for yet another. I have another Gilera CX125 but which has been crashed, and some more parts from yet another one (from a guy who bought one intending to stick a 600cc single cylinder 4 stroke engine into it). Also have the frames for another 2 Cagiva Freccia C12Rs and from a pair of Aprilia AF1 Sintesis. Very much doubt any of these frames will ever go back on the road.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[c058y]

Kawasaki ZX-6R F1

Had this bike since mid February and all I can say is awesome. I use the bike everyday for commuting a 50mile round trip. The bike is stock apart from a Scorpion race pipe, just so the traffic around me can hear I'm coming of course!
I can get around 120-140 miles on a tank of petrol @ £12, which isn't too bad considering I used to do the journey on an NSR125. I could get around 180km from a tank @ £9 plus I also had to get some oil every other full tank at around £10.

No problems as yet considering it is 10 years old. I find the riding position really comfortable, which is strange when others may say different.

Suzuki GS500e

Basically this bike is a pile of bits at the moment! It was a whole machine at one point which I rode quite happily. I took inspiration from www.gs500e.co.uk with a plan of rejuvenating the bike. Unfortunately the work has ceased since moving house and getting the Ninja.
Top bike though! Gets you from A to B at a fraction of the cost of the Ninja. People would say not as fast though, but there are only certain times that you can use that extra power and when commuting these come very rarely.

[steveh]

Suzuki Gz marauder

Used for pleasure and getting me from to and from work/college, got it in november for 1300 pound, very comfy bike and extreamly easy to ride with a low C'of G it makes it very easy on the twisties.
doesnt eat petrol too much, getting me aprox 95-100 mpg if i ride it soft, but that hardly ever happens


Steve.
____________________
Current : 06 Zx10r, 07 Wr450f SM, 74 850 norton commando, 63 bsa b40, 1962 Triton 650, 67 Triumph Tr6r, 1955 Triton 750, 1978 TY250E.

[LustyLew]

Kawasaki ER5

Used to be used for commuting 100 miles a day. Now just a 'toy'. Currently sitting in a mates garage after I threw it down the road a few weeks ago! Should be back on the road (in a sorry state) on Sunday!

ROLL ON BANDIT BUYING!
____________________
Like a Yorkie - I'm not for the girls

[Craggles]

Kawasaki GPZ500S 1996

Used for transport mainly, but also pleasure. Probably more pleasure once the summer gets started . Riding on a 33bhp licence, but is plenty of power for now. Happily do Southampton -> Coventry on it in about two hours.

I feel its the most ideal bike for me at this time, however that'll change as soon as my restriction's up. Will probably change bike in 3 or so years when I'm out of University.

Am going to Newquay on it this summer with a pillion - that'll be interesting both for me and him I guess.

Bike runs well, no major complains with it - aside from a low-speed wobble when the top-box is loaded. Tend to try and avoid using the box when I can use a tankpack. Will hit 100, and cruise at 90 happily. Take 10mph off with a pillion. Lots of low-down power which is nice.

Craig
____________________
If this signature is blue, you're riding too fast

[McJamweasel]

Bloody hell, this place is turning into Bandit Chat Forums!

Betty - the 2001 Kawasaki ZX-6R J2
Used for commuting, about 15 miles a day through town and the occaisional blast.

She's dented, she's dirty, she's rough, but she's still great!
Maybe not the best commuter (well, OK she can be shit) but I don't care. She's fast, good enough on petrol (180-ish miles to reserve) and so far hasn't let me down at all, despite my abuse and winter salting.

I got her just over a year ago, straight after my DAS and after riding an NSR125. It's so easy to ride, I've had no problems with it at all. One trackday down, with me coming nowhere close to the limits of the bike. One 1200 mile two-up french excursion with the only complaint being the crap pillion perch.

I would like to change, I want midrange. Either a Z1000 or maybe a big V-twin, we'll see.
____________________
BCF: Be yourself, just don't be an arse.

[Suzuki]

To dilute the bandit mayhem...

'99 Suzuki GSXR600 (yellow/black)
Used for commuting (2 miles, or about 15 when it's sunny ).

Also used for pleasure when the weather's good.

Recently had a new clutch, oil change, new chain, new sprockets, new fork seals, and new tyres. Running really well at the moment, but definitely far too dirty.
A little scratched around the edges, but she's my baby and I love her to bits.

18L tank, so about £12 to fill usually. Probably average about 130 miles to a tank, but she's capable of 170+ miles if I'm careful.

Not looking to change at the moment, but will probably look at selling her for a GSXR1000 next summer. Just depends on the finances
____________________
<Simple> no I'm shaven Jon
<Simple> it is a big enough hole.. I'll leave it now
Ride: 1999 Suzuki GSXR600 (yellow/black) IRC: Stats - Relationship Map

[MikeyC]

1999 Suzuki GSX-R600 Custom paint job

Bought the bike last summer from a bike enthusiast, my first 'big' bike. Bought initially as a summer toy to compliment my car, but now regulalry use the bike to commute a 36 mile round trip into town, filtering 99% of the way.

Great performance bike, though i'm still a while away from reaching anything like its limits. Great riding position also. Thoguh saying that, i've not ridden another big bike yet, so not got much to compare it too!

Reliability issues are second to none. Never had any big problems with it. Had a service recently, got loads replaced, its like buying a new bike all over again