Is motorcycling allowed?

[Andymann]

10 hours ago, Spokey said:

So, after a few glasses of the Capes finest fermented grape juice,  I had decided to swop the big old Katoom for an R model with the big wheels, which was available at my friendly local bike shop.  With some sanity prevailing and a sensible determination of my biking requirements as I age, my Missus has treated me for my 60th!! Yes, she is a keeper……, the Missus and the bike!I shall only collect her at month end as I am out at work. In the meantime I am having her coated with the VPS film, and having a headlamp protecter and crash bars fitted together with a tougher bash plate, to replace this tooth paste tube original. This bike is now meant to be my last bike purchase. Crazy thing is, when she is as old as my big Katoom I will be 70! Anyways, the big Katoom will be cleaned up and used as my two up sports tourer.

 

So the only thing I have heard about the T7 is that he silencer bracket is a bit soft so if you unintentionally bump it, it moves the silencer inwards and then can wear a lovely mark on the swingarm......other than that, it's a winner that bike

[Andymann]

10 hours ago, Spokey said:

Really like your TRX, if you ever wish to sell……………

Haha.  But you can't buy it, because apparently you have now bought your last bike 😉

 

The funny thing is, I actually was considering selling it because it isn't that comfortable for my wife on the back, and it was very unpleasant in town due to what I thought was just the nature of the engine below 2000rpm.

But since I put the new system on, well wow.

I think I might just hang on to it for a bit

[RocknRolla]

Enjoying this thread. Thanks.

I have been invited to ride some karoo roads at the end of the month, and I am seriously looking forward. Not sure what I'll be riding, as the logistics of getting down and back up from JHB in limited amount of time means my bike stays home.

My bike riding is limited to commuting at this stage, ( I got excited as I had to go via pretoria this morning to pick up my fork from Cogent)

Will try an make an concerted effort to ride for leisure once my exam is done.

[Spokey]

14 hours ago, Andymann said:

Haha.  But you can't buy it, because apparently you have now bought your last bike 😉

 

The funny thing is, I actually was considering selling it because it isn't that comfortable for my wife on the back, and it was very unpleasant in town due to what I thought was just the nature of the engine below 2000rpm.

But since I put the new system on, well wow.

I think I might just hang on to it for a bit

Ha Ha, As you know the last bike is always N+1! Theory is my last bike for me to ride. I have a rather daft idea involving more older bikes in an attempt to make a few bob. If it works…..great, if not……I get more bikes than are really necessary…………….so, no difference then!!

Edited September 8, 2023 by Spokey
Detail

[Spokey]

14 hours ago, Andymann said:

So the only thing I have heard about the T7 is that he silencer bracket is a bit soft so if you unintentionally bump it, it moves the silencer inwards and then can wear a lovely mark on the swingarm......other than that, it's a winner that bike

Yeah, I believe that. I am looking at high pipe options, like an Akropovic or Remus end can with the high mount link. Means moving the indicators at the rear. Other option is to fit rear luggage racks. Good protection  but bulky looking……… I shall wait and see, not rush to get this off road.

[Spokey]

10 hours ago, RocknRolla said:

Enjoying this thread. Thanks.

I have been invited to ride some karoo roads at the end of the month, and I am seriously looking forward. Not sure what I'll be riding, as the logistics of getting down and back up from JHB in limited amount of time means my bike stays home.

My bike riding is limited to commuting at this stage, ( I got excited as I had to go via pretoria this morning to pick up my fork from Cogent)

Will try an make an concerted effort to ride for leisure once my exam is done.

Shout of you need some route recommendations. I am out of SA until month end but would be happy to help if your routes bring you to South Cape, Klein Karoo. 

[Spokey]

This looks like the way forward to mitigate the weak exhaust mount of the T7 whilst adding a gorgeous sounding end can for not terribly ridiculous money 

[RocknRolla]

7 hours ago, Spokey said:

Shout of you need some route recommendations. I am out of SA until month end but would be happy to help if your routes bring you to South Cape, Klein Karoo. 

Thanks, we’re a group of about 5, lots of route planning happening looks like its gonna be Tankwa. I have unfinished business in the form of Ouberg Pass. 

[Spokey]

2 hours ago, RocknRolla said:

Thanks, we’re a group of about 5, lots of route planning happening looks like its gonna be Tankwa. I have unfinished business in the form of Ouberg Pass. 

Awesome, Tankwa, on my bucket list. Enjoy!

[IceCreamMan]

At Barnstormers BMW in Alton to have my 800GT serviced and MOT’d. Amazing dealer. Coffee is good. Bikes are sexy AF.

when I was a young man BMW was for old ballies, now that I am a ballie BMW build for young dudes. 

[IceCreamMan]

Me on my ready to race Brad wannabe RC390. An incredible amount of fun is had on this wee bike. 

[Spokey]

17 hours ago, IceCreamMan said:

At Barnstormers BMW in Alton to have my 800GT serviced and MOT’d. Amazing dealer. Coffee is good. Bikes are sexy AF.

when I was a young man BMW was for old ballies, now that I am a ballie BMW build for young dudes. 

Well some are still for older dudes!

[Spokey]

14 hours ago, IceCreamMan said:

Me on my ready to race Brad wannabe RC390. An incredible amount of fun is had on this wee bike. 

This little bike must be a hoot. My old CB400F from 1975 has less power and is a gas to ride…………………..this is big fun!

[IceCreamMan]

7 hours ago, Spokey said:

This little bike must be a hoot. My old CB400F from 1975 has less power and is a gas to ride…………………..this is big fun!

I am 6ft 3 in old money. So I do dwarf it but I don’t care. It’s a great lil bike and has good performance while keeping me mostly on the right side of mr Plod. Best handling bike I have ever ridden I reckon.
 

and now other manufacturers are jumping into this market. Kawasaki launching a zx400rr, aprillia a 450 or something like that, triumphs new range. Exciting end of the market although us Europeans will just carry on buying the large GS range I suspect. These smaller bikes are seen as for the youth market. But they fun. And cheapish. . 

[Hairy]

1 hour ago, IceCreamMan said:

I am 6ft 3 in old money. So I do dwarf it but I don’t care. It’s a great lil bike and has good performance while keeping me mostly on the right side of mr Plod. Best handling bike I have ever ridden I reckon.
 

and now other manufacturers are jumping into this market. Kawasaki launching a zx400rr, aprillia a 450 or something like that, triumphs new range. Exciting end of the market although us Europeans will just carry on buying the large GS range I suspect. These smaller bikes are seen as for the youth market. But they fun. And cheapish. . 

The Duke 390 is still a bike I want to swing my leg over for a spin ......

[IceCreamMan]

5 minutes ago, Hairy said:

The Duke 390 is still a bike I want to swing my leg over for a spin ......

It’s a lekker ride. Engaging. The 2024 duke 390 is beautiful and looks more like the 1290. Also has a new 398 cc motor. (Current models use a 373cc). The 398 motor is the same as in the new Triumphs just tuned for a few more horses. All built in India which is a huge market. 
 

Moto 3 engines are all effectively KTM motors. KTM come a long long way from the dingy Butch Hirsch shop on top of commissioner in jozi all those years ago. Incredible success story.