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Post by mekon on Sept 15, 2019 19:52:15 GMT
Went to the biker cafe today to look at various bikes for inspiration. Some bloke had a Royal Enfield which not quite my cup of tea (the interceptor) seemed to attract a large number of Julian Ryder types who were constantly gathered around it poking and prodding it and taking about various mm exact changes each model had. I was impressed by the response it garnered.
Having never really paid close attention to them I was also quite impressed by the CBR600RR. I could never come close to affording one when they launched and then I quit for 8 years so never really noticed how tiny modern 600s are. Obviously I used to be around track versions all the time but most of the riders are midgets so they looked big. By the time I left I sort of thought why do I want a 400 when the modern 600s are basically the same size and will out-handle and out-brake them.
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Post by neilf on Sept 17, 2019 14:15:16 GMT
By the time I left I sort of thought why do I want a 400 when the modern 600s are basically the same size and will out-handle and out-brake them. A mate of mine used to have an NC30 back in the day and he now rides a CBR600RR... he has pretty much said exactly the same thing! |
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Post by mekon on Sept 25, 2019 18:43:21 GMT
For some reason I decided I want to take my baffle out of the exhaust. Seemed easy. Allen bolt in end of the pipe holding in baffle, just removed bolt and pull out...Didn't move. Watched a vid on youtube, normally you have to take the can off and knock it out from other side.
Started into that, thought I'd just loosen the connector pipe and take off the end can. Initially on the first twist it sort of comes out a little bit then sticks, so I took it off a bit where it meets the main system. Tried to just twist off the connecting piece as it's curved so I couldn't ram something down to knock the baffle out but it wouldn't budge. The exhaust was just spinning between my legs so I found some old inner tubes and wrapped them around both parts to get some traction. Still not moving. WD40. Not moving
End up getting one of my really good screwdrivers with a hammer point on the end and hammer it into the joins to open the joins up. This eventually works but I feel like I've used hulk strength and probably strained something again. Finally knock baffle out.
Put exhaust without baffle on bike and FUCK IT'S LOUD. Awesome but sadly a bit 'who's that cunt' levels of loudness, pity really as it really had that motogp V4 bark.
Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly. Wonder why I wasted my time.
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Post by mekon on Oct 22, 2019 18:19:37 GMT
Having spent even more days browsing bikes another contender has arisen.
The RSV1000 mille. They are dirt cheap for what they are or seem to be. Are they hand grenades or good buys?
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Post by beefus on Oct 23, 2019 4:40:16 GMT
Having spent even more days browsing bikes another contender has arisen. The RSV1000 mille. They are dirt cheap for what they are or seem to be. Are they hand grenades or good buys? I owned a 2002 RSV Mille, I was unlucky in that during a routine service they found bits of metal in the oil, apparently the big end bearings were on their way out. They are very reliable in general though with lots of V twin grunt. One weak point is the clutch slave, its obviously a cheap as chips part and lets in dirt over time so the fluid turns black eventually rendering the clutch useless. I replaced mine and never had any more issues. I’d go for the facelift 2004 onwards “R” model.... |
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Post by elnoodle the reasonable on Nov 14, 2019 16:04:21 GMT
I still have an 02 Mille that I'll probably sell next year. 35k on the clock and had relatively little problem with it. If I was buying one I don't think I'd go for the later ones as they were (afaik) Aprilia's first attempt at building a 4 stroke engine (the 02 has a Rotax). The only real issues I've had are the starter solenoid needing regularly replaced and the battery being undersized giving you not that many spins of the crank when starting. This is a problem if it's been out in the rain for any length of time. Also the sidestand is a fucking afterthought. If it's not parked on a flat surface it will be on its side when you return.
On a positive note, the engine is a fucking belter. Don't let the (relatively) low bhp figure fool you, this has mega torque everywhere and will have you in the scenery if you don't respect it. It's a wheelie monster too. Top heavy, short wheel base and mega torque means you'll be working hard not to flip it in first. It handles like a proper race bike and will have you at insane lean angles. The brakes are still the best I've ever used on any bike. Even the radials on my 'Blade don't come close. And it still looks good even now.
So aye, it can be demanding to live with but if you can pick one up cheap with a checkable history then it's some of the best fun you can have on 2 wheels.
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Post by Droog on Mar 20, 2020 19:57:17 GMT
Came close to buying a KTM RC390 today. I really wanted to do it and bike was lovely but I really need to save cash at the minute and not buy anything non essential. To be honest, if it was summer and we gad no virus threatening our economy, I think I'd have done it. Can't help feeling that you are getting a lot of biking fun for the money with them. This was a 2018 model, in good condition with 5000 miles on it for £2750. Even had an Akrapovic pipe on it.
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Post by mekon on Mar 20, 2020 22:39:40 GMT
Been looking myself. They are fuck all money with really low mileage. 42hp and 144kg or whatever is enough for a laugh.
Thing is ive also been looking at husqvarna svartpilen and vitpilens, same ktm engine but even cheaper mile for mile. Nobody wants them and you can get ones with literally 100 miles on for 3000.
They are making the money people want for royal enfields look daft.
I reckon it will be a buyers market soon though so holding off
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