The Motorbikerist Thread

[tim]

Job's a good un, definitely a DIY job I'd say.

[tim]

I've just looked through the MSV track day list and there isn't a single bloody one I can do this year. FML!!

[NotoriousREV]

I've just looked through the MSV track day list and there isn't a single bloody one I can do this year. FML!!

Well that sucks. Have you considered living nearer civilisation?

[tim]

Out of all the MSV tracks, not just snett!

[NotoriousREV]

Ah. That sucks more, then.

[tim]

There are other operators that use snetterton so I'll have a search but I was given a £50 MSV voucher for my birthday, and I like MSV days they are well run. Most of them are in August it seems, which I am <first world problem claxon> on holiday for the entirety of.

[NotoriousREV]

All that sympathy I had has just evaporated

[Zonda_]

Watch the Assen MotoGP from yesterday.

No questions - just watch it.

Just watched this H.o.l.y. F.u.c.k! They need to make the F1 rule makers and designers sit and watch that and explain that until F1 is doing the same they are doing it wrong.

[evostick]

Been staring at XJRs for months now and finally got around to doing something about it.

Now conventional wisdom dictates that Fi is shit and carbs is what you want but they stopped producing carb fed XJRs in 2007. I looked at a few of these older bikes and test rode the best kept example of those. The engine was indeed a lovely thing but the rest of the bike felt like it was disintegrating and the frame felt like it was hinged in the middle. It is after all a fairly cheap Japanese motorcycle and the years take their toll.

So I looked for the best pre 2015 model I could find. This is because in 2015 they stripped the XJR of all its integrity by making it look like a tarts handbag, robbing it of any luggage carrying capacity and changing the lovely metal 21 litre tank into a 14 litre plastic bowl. Presumably in an attempt to make it appeal to hipster cunts. I did briefly look at a 2016 model but I nearly puked all over it.


So I found this one in deepest, darkest Somerset last week, a 2013 model with 4.5k on the clock which is pretty much as new, and collected it this afternoon.

I always get a 'what the fuck have I done now' moment when I buy a bike in a private sale but this time it didn't last long. The thing is awesome. Massive torque from the 1251cc air cooled engine, really comfortable and great breaks. No untoward noises or bad manners at all. A bit hairy in tight corners was the only negative but it needs a new front tyre so I'm hoping that will be easily improved. It's still got the catalyst filled standard can on it but tbh it sounds alright and despite what conventional wisdom dictates, the fueling felt pretty much spot on to me. No flat spots or jerkiness to report on the 150 mile ride home.

It feels tiny and light compared to my GS even though it's 40 kilos heavier. It's nice to be able to get my feet on the ground at the lights too

Anyway, very much enjoying it so far.

[NotoriousREV]

Welcome to the 1.3 litre motorbike club.

[Marv]

Looks bloody lovely mate, great purchase

[evostick]

Cheers Marv and Dave. It feels good to have a proper motorcycle again tbh.

My GS is so good at isolating the rider from the experience that you don't really experience the experience. This thing gets a bit ragged every now and again but it feels so much more alive. Was up early this morning doing a quick lap of Gloucestershire. Haven't bothered doing that in a while . Great fun on the empty roads apart from being hit in the chest by a sleepy pigeon whilst making progress.

I was planning on keeping the BMW for longer trips as well but I'm getting the feeling it'll be up for sale soon. There's plenty of room for a tailpack on this one, fit a 12v socket, heated grips and it'll be fine for it. It's more comfortable than the GS for sure. I also like the absence of any information on the dash. Keeps your eyes on the road.

Anyway, still very much on honeymoon with this one

[IanF]

Once again, Evostick takes great photos!

[Jobbo]

You didn't wake me up so you probably need a louder exhaust.

[tim]

Noice. My Dad had one of the earlier carb models which I moved between houses for him in France a few years back. It was a nice ride, lovely engine, and they look spot on. A proper old-school motorbike.

[tim]

By contrast the current FJR1300 has an awful flat dull lifeless engine. I think you're right about the FI and especially current emissions regs I think are fecking over inline 4s.

When I monster open the throttle I want to be hurtled up the road, not drip-fed a bit of fuel for a bit and then ooh ease up a bit because some bunnies might live in this bit of the rev range, and then just a go a bit quicker.

[NotoriousREV]

By contrast the current FJR1300 has an awful flat dull lifeless engine. I think you're right about the FI and especially current emissions regs I think are fecking over inline 4s.

When I monster open the throttle I want to be hurtled up the road, not drip-fed a bit of fuel for a bit and then ooh ease up a bit because some bunnies might live in this bit of the rev range, and then just a go a bit quicker.

May I recommend a KTM 1290 of some sort? In second you barely get chance to get to full throttle before you need to start throwing gears at it.

[tim]

No, because there's nowhere to service the fucker. :p

[NotoriousREV]

No, because there's nowhere to service the fucker. :p

How far is Rackheath from you?

[tim]

Not massively - Dave Berkshire?