Motorbikes are brilliant

[dobbylcfc]

Must confess I've not heard of the Skyjets?

Any good?

Never had one before but the reviews seem pretty good Chinese manufacture. Based on the Honda cbr 125

[Rincewind]

[Daggers]

In my experience, people who post things like that on their timeline are the kind of riders I least want to be associated with.

[dobbylcfc]

Can tell its bloody autum now dropped my bike in Quorn this morning. No damage to the bike apart from a few scratches but buggerd my ankle. Love my bike and can't wait to get back on it ASAP 😊

[Nick]

Can tell its bloody autum now dropped my bike in Quorn this morning. No damage to the bike apart from a few scratches but buggerd my ankle. Love my bike and can't wait to get back on it ASAP 😊

Hard luck. Foot slippage on wet leaves / gravel during slow walk the bike manoeuvre? It tends to happen just once! When walking the bike slowly keep your head upright as much as possible as its a bit like cornering - your bike will go where you are looking.......

Or as you did your ankle were you cornering and lost it?

[dobbylcfc]

Hard luck. Foot slippage on wet leaves / gravel during slow walk the bike manoeuvre? It tends to happen just once! When walking the bike slowly keep your head upright as much as possible as its a bit like cornering - your bike will go where you are looking.......

Or as you did your ankle were you cornering and lost it?

Cornering and just hit some wet leaves and the bike just went I wasn't going fast either because there's quite a few speed bumps in quorn. I should of been more aware really. I've heard People say your not a biker until u drop ure first bike well at least I can say I've done that now

Edited 12 October 2012 by dobbylcfc

[Kyle_Le_Don]

Any updates... still saving to pull off having a car and a bike so the mrs cant say im being selfish!

[Deucalion]

I've not ridden a bike for around 20 years, apart from a KTM125 in a carpark.

 

Well, I don't know whether I'm having a midlife crisis or what, but I am looking at bikes with serious intent.  I often say I am going to buy a bike but I never do.  I've got a feeling this year is going to be different.  I neeeeeed one !!

 

My other half has only been pillion once when she was a teenager.  The rider of the bike, probably in an effort to impress her, drove like a complete lunatic and she is very nervous of bikes now.

 

Nethertheless, we have been looking and sitting on bikes.  I am quite taken with the GSX650f.  It seems competent at pretty much everything while being reasonably cheap to run.  It felt very comfortable and familiar when I sat on it.  I think I could recapture the bug very easily on this bike.

 

But...the other half said she didn't feel that safe on the back.  (Remember so far we have just sat on them in shops!)  She loves something we sat on yesterday in a shop just around the corner.  This was a GSF1250 Bandit.  She said the seat was far more comfortable and she felt safer on it.

 

Problem is, I didn't feel safe sitting on it.  My feet only just touched the ground and it felt so very heavy.  The thing intimidates the hell out of me.  There is part of me which loves the idea of jumping straight on a litre plus bike but then another part cannot get over the weight of the thing.  

 

I can't help but think it is a bad idea to not ride for 20 years and then jump on something that big.

 

Should I just man up to keep the missus happy?

[Col city fan]

I've not ridden a bike for around 20 years, apart from a KTM125 in a carpark.

Well, I don't know whether I'm having a midlife crisis or what, but I am looking at bikes with serious intent. I often say I am going to buy a bike but I never do. I've got a feeling this year is going to be different. I neeeeeed one !!

My other half has only been pillion once when she was a teenager. The rider of the bike, probably in an effort to impress her, drove like a complete lunatic and she is very nervous of bikes now.

Nethertheless, we have been looking and sitting on bikes. I am quite taken with the GSX650f. It seems competent at pretty much everything while being reasonably cheap to run. It felt very comfortable and familiar when I sat on it. I think I could recapture the bug very easily on this bike.

But...the other half said she didn't feel that safe on the back. (Remember so far we have just sat on them in shops!) She loves something we sat on yesterday in a shop just around the corner. This was a GSF1250 Bandit. She said the seat was far more comfortable and she felt safer on it.

Problem is, I didn't feel safe sitting on it. My feet only just touched the ground and it felt so very heavy. The thing intimidates the hell out of me. There is part of me which loves the idea of jumping straight on a litre plus bike but then another part cannot get over the weight of the thing.

I can't help but think it is a bad idea to not ride for 20 years and then jump on something that big.

Should I just man up to keep the missus happy?

I've got a 500cc Scooter mate.

I love it, it's got ample power and lets me zip into town in ten minutes. It's also good on the Motorway and will cruise at 70 no problem whatsoever.

These scooters are great to ride these days, just twist and go but handle like motorbikes.

The GSXf 650 is a nice machine. Piece of piss to ride, and built really as someone's first bigger bike.

To make the Missis feel safe, get one with a top box and padding so she can lean up against it.

Win-win situation really.. You get the nice bike you like, she gets the comfort and feeling of being safer.

I'd avoid the Bandit 1250 for a bit. Lovely bikes but they have LOTS of power. I'd go for the mid-range for the first year or two. The Bandit 650 is also a very nice bike.

Edited 5 May 2013 by Col city fan

[Deucalion]

I bet the Bandit 650 has the same kind of seat as the 1250 but I just like the GSX650.

 

Don't judge me, but when I was looning around on my old RD350YPVS I used to think I might get a GSX600 when I grew up.  

 

The old GSX600 used to be unfashionable because it was supposedly ugly, but I didn't think so.

[Julian Joachim Jr Shabadoo]

Get a bike! Something like the GSX650f is probably a better idea if you've been a long time without one, however the Bandit 1250 is supposed to be very manageable considering its size and engine. I'm not keen on weighty bikes having ridden my dad's old BMW K100, the weight isn't an issue at pace but wheeling it about and filtering it becomes much more effort. Some companies specialise in adjusted seats if height is an issue so that needn't be a factor unless it's really evident. (I'm currently riding a Honda CB-1 400, Japanese - it's tiny but excellent for whipping in and out of traffic). Last bike was a ZX-6R which I absolutely loved but I moved house and had nowhere to keep it. Thinking of getting a Foxeye Fireblade now.

 

My missus also hated the idea of me getting a bike, having not owned one when we first got together. She's fine with it now (course I don't tell her about the near misses and how I treat me commute home like a time trial)

 

You've got to weigh up the pros and cons. Most bikes are absolutely dirt cheap to run and if you already have a car in your household, then a bike is perfect for getting one or two people about. They're fun as hell and you never get bored of it. But jumping straight onto the wrong bike can quickly get you in trouble (TL1000s have known to kill even experienced riders from overwhelming engine-breaking going into corners). And would you use it often enough to justify the purchase?

 

...or go impulsive and just buy the damn thing! And put a noisy can on it

[Col city fan]

I bet the Bandit 650 has the same kind of seat as the 1250 but I just like the GSX650.

Don't judge me, but when I was looning around on my old RD350YPVS I used to think I might get a GSX600 when I grew up.

The old GSX600 used to be unfashionable because it was supposedly ugly, but I didn't think so.

I had a GSX 600 myself mate.. Very nice one in red.

If you're gonna get one, get it quickly. I went into Castledines the other day and was told they can't sell their used bikes quick enough!!

ie they are selling like hot cakes!

Edited 5 May 2013 by Col city fan

[Col city fan]

Get a bike! Something like the GSX650f is probably a better idea if you've been a long time without one, however the Bandit 1250 is supposed to be very manageable considering its size and engine. I'm not keen on weighty bikes having ridden my dad's old BMW K100, the weight isn't an issue at pace but wheeling it about and filtering it becomes much more effort. Some companies specialise in adjusted seats if height is an issue so that needn't be a factor unless it's really evident. (I'm currently riding a Honda CB-1 400, Japanese - it's tiny but excellent for whipping in and out of traffic). Last bike was a ZX-6R which I absolutely loved but I moved house and had nowhere to keep it. Thinking of getting a Foxeye Fireblade now.

My missus also hated the idea of me getting a bike, having not owned one when we first got together. She's fine with it now (course I don't tell her about the near misses and how I treat me commute home like a time trial)

You've got to weigh up the pros and cons. Most bikes are absolutely dirt cheap to run and if you already have a car in your household, then a bike is perfect for getting one or two people about. They're fun as hell and you never get bored of it. But jumping straight onto the wrong bike can quickly get you in trouble (TL1000s have known to kill even experienced riders from overwhelming engine-breaking going into corners). And would you use it often enough to justify the purchase?

...or go impulsive and just buy the damn thing! And put a noisy can on it

The Foxeye blade is still the best one mate.

I liked the white/orange one the best and cheap as chips now..

[Deucalion]

My wife's searching for Bandit 650s now.

 

Is the seat the same as on the 1250?  This is the sticking point with the GSX.  They GSX and GSF 650s are basically the same bike aren't they?

 

She might not like the 650 Bandit because the seat won't be any better than the GSX?

 

Do you know when you are looking at something and you get so much information and see so many of whatever it is you are looking at that you end up really confused with it?

 

Good luck with the Fireblade btw.

 

ps - the silencer on the GSX/GSF is a bit of an eyesore innit?

 

Oh feck me !  She's just admitted she doesn't like the GSX because it's blue and white and doesn't go with the purple butterfly helmet she wants !!

Edited 5 May 2013 by Deucalion

[Julian Joachim Jr Shabadoo]

Col - they've aged brilliantly haven't they! I've read MCN's retrospective reviews and they still give the original Blade 5 stars, apparently the model after (2000-2002 I think) supposedly feels a lot heavier without being much quicker.

I'm not sure about the seat on the Bandit 650 - try sitting on one. I imagine it's lower but they may share a similar frame so could still be quite high. I've only ever had the 250 Bandit (Japanese import) and that was miniscule. Great fun though, the limiter only kicked in at 17krpm : )

Definitely don't theme your purchase on a purple helmet... You'll look like a... Purple helmet.

Edited 6 May 2013 by Julian Joachim Jr Shabadoo

[Deucalion]

Col - they've aged brilliantly haven't they! I've read MCN's retrospective reviews and they still give the original Blade 5 stars, apparently the model after (2000-2002 I think) supposedly feels a lot heavier without being much quicker.

I'm not sure about the seat on the Bandit 650 - try sitting on one. I imagine it's lower but they may share a similar frame so could still be quite high. I've only ever had the 250 Bandit (Japanese import) and that was miniscule. Great fun though, the limiter only kicked in at 17krpm : )

Definitely don't theme your purchase on a purple helmet... You'll look like a... Purple helmet.

 

 

 

I now know why she liked a purple VFR800.    

 

A night's sleep and she has seen sense.  It will be a middleweight.  

Edited 6 May 2013 by Deucalion

[ozleicester]

To be fair, youve gotta love a girl who likes a purple helmet though.

[Col city fan]

I now know why she liked a purple VFR800.

A night's sleep and she has seen sense. It will be a middleweight.

Castledines are selling new GSXf's on a deal at the moment I think? Saw one the other day.

[Deucalion]

Castledines are selling new GSXf's on a deal at the moment I think? Saw one the other day.

 

Cheers for that.  He is in Wigston now where the Honda garage used to be?

 

Long way for me to go though, I'm based in the West Mids.  

[Col city fan]

Cheers for that. He is in Wigston now where the Honda garage used to be?

Long way for me to go though, I'm based in the West Mids.

Yes bud...

Drayton Croft in Hinckley is another good option, nearer to you..

[Deucalion]

Looking at these at the minute.

 

http://www.streetbike.co.uk/useddetail2.asp?STOCKNO=129034

 

http://www.streetbike.co.uk/useddetail2.asp?STOCKNO=129153

 

Can't afford new.  Are they a tad overpriced?

[Col city fan]

Looking at these at the minute.

http://www.streetbike.co.uk/useddetail2.asp?STOCKNO=129034

http://www.streetbike.co.uk/useddetail2.asp?STOCKNO=129153

Can't afford new. Are they a tad overpriced?

Personally I think the Suzuki GSXf represents better value. I'd say for that money you need to be looking at one or two 'extras' (top box, alarm, heated grips)

Download the free 'auto trader' app mate.

Then you can search to your hearts content.

Remember that the add ons I mentioned all cost silly money (eg new rack and top box... 250 quid plus, heated grips 100 quid fitted etc), so I'd always hunt around and get what you want (and need) already fitted..

Happy hunting buddy!

Edited 6 May 2013 by Col city fan

[Deucalion]

Personally I think the Suzuki represents better value. I'd say for that money you need to be looking at one or two 'extras' (top box, alarm, heated grips)

Download the free 'auto trader' app mate.

Then you can search to your hearts content.

Remember that the add ons I mentioned all cost silly money (eg new rack and top box... 250 quid plus, heated grips 100 quid fitted etc), so I'd always hunt around and get what you want (and need) already fitted..

Happy hunting buddy!

 

 

Cheers.

 

The Bandit includes ABS and Givi Panniers and rack.

 

It also has recently had new tires, new pads and the 14000 miles service done.

 

Maybe a good buy.

[Col city fan]

Cheers.

The Bandit includes ABS and Givi Panniers and rack.

It also has recently had new tires, new pads and the 14000 miles service done.

Maybe a good buy.

This is important mate.. When it was serviced at 14,000 ask if it's had what would be done at the 16,000 mile service. That's the biggy (valve clearances etc) are done at the 16,000 mile one and it's EXPENSIVE (300-400 quid).

If they've already done that at the 14,000 mile service you'll save yourself a nice few quid.

Many people swap their bikes just before the 16,000 miler is due for exactly this reason.

Finally, make sure the boxes come with the panniers. It might have the RACKS, but without the boxes to go with them you'd have to buy them too.

Hope this all helps...

Edited 6 May 2013 by Col city fan

[Deucalion]

This is important mate.. When it was serviced at 14,000 ask if it's had what would be done at the 16,000 mile service. That's the biggy (valve clearances etc) are done at the 16,000 mile one and it's EXPENSIVE (300-400 quid).

If they've already done that at the 14,000 mile service you'll save yourself a nice few quid.

Many people swap their bikes just before the 16,000 miler is due for exactly this reason.

Finally, make sure the boxes come with the panniers. It might have the RACKS, but without the boxes to go with them you'd have to buy them too.

Hope this all helps...

 

 

Yes on all counts.  It has a rack for a topbox but no topbox, but the panniers are included but not shown on the photos.  Givi is a good brand too I believe.  

 

I was asking loads of questions about the service so the bloke checked it out, showed me a receipt for an £800 odd service, which included tappets, new tires and brake pads, and assured me the next service due was just oil and filters.