Motorcycles
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Any of you have any advice for noobs looking to start riding? I'll be honest, motorcycles scare the crap outta me, but then again, I've always had an interest in riding. I really love the Triumph Thruxton and Bonneville models, but assume those are overkill for beginners. My one drawback is that it's cold 6 months out of the year and I have no place to store a motorcycle, so I always talk myself out of obtaining a license. Is it worth it?
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@gaseousclay I've been riding 20 years coming up in April,and I'm still a little bit scared of motorcycles,which I think is a good thing as it helps me from getting over confident/complacent when I'm riding. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I would suggest looking for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation near by where you live.They supply motorcycles and helmets. They offer a 3 day class at the end of which you can take your road test. First see if you can do that and you enjoy it. Some motorcycle dealers offer winter storage,which might help with the nowhere to keep it problem for at least half the year. For a first bike I'd recommend a Yamaha/Star 650 V-Star. Very rideable/comfortable handles well. Low to no maintenance. Good Luck.
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@gaseousclay, my first bike was a BMW R1200R, and I'm now running a Thruxton R. The Triumph is actually 10 bhp down on the Beemer, so it's not a fearsome, fire-breathing beast that will kill you.
However, if you want something a bit less powerful, Triumph have just announced the Street Cup. It's got the smaller engine from the Street Twin, which is the Bonneville's little brother.
There's also the Bonneville T100, which is a Street Twin with more of a vintage look. I posted a photo on this thread a couple of weeks ago.
The Triumphs have quite a lot of torque, but relatively little power for their capacity. The Thruxton has just under 100 bhp, and the Street Twins are around 55 bhp, but they've got a lot of torque, and are predictable in how they deliver it. Plus they've got ABS and traction control, which helps keep things a bit safer.
I agree with @Jett129 that taking a course is a good place to start. Also, remember to budget for some decent gear, as that can make a big difference in an off.
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Just finished washing my ride.
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Ducati have unveiled a bunch of new bikes today, and I'm liking the Scrambler Desert Sled.
The Superleggera is something else. But at around $80K, it'd better be… :o
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Ducati have unveiled a bunch of new bikes today, and I'm liking the Scrambler Desert Sled.
I recently came to the conclusion that I'm never going to get around to taking my full test, I just have too much else that grabs my attention and time. But shit, that bike has me asking myself questions….
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Ducati have unveiled a bunch of new bikes today, and I'm liking the Scrambler Desert Sled.
I recently came to the conclusion that I'm never going to get around to taking my full test, I just have too much else that grabs my attention and time. But shit, that bike has me asking myself questions….
The Scrambler Desert Sled is the perfect rebound of my ever beloved XT 500!!
I would sell my silver Vespa from 1985 and my KTM EXC 450 for it.
But I am sure, that is not enough! A great pity!
Yes G., this bike has my attention also, without any questions!
Thanks for posting Greame. -
I recently came to the conclusion that I'm never going to get around to taking my full test, I just have too much else that grabs my attention and time. But shit, that bike has me asking myself questions….
You can do a Direct Access in a matter of a few days then ride a motorcycle to some of the other attention grabbers whenever you feel like it. Surely give yourself the ability to go for the odd ride rather than never being able to at all.
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@Streetwise:
You can do a Direct Access in a matter of a few days
I know and it would only cost about £600 with the guy I did my "drive a 125" part of the test with. Simple fact is, I have had the 125 for a year, filled it up with petrol once. It has under 200 miles on the clock. It's a great shame as I longed to get back to hairing around the lanes like I did when I was younger, just have a million and one other things that have taken priority. I guess, if I had to drive/ride to work, that may have done the trick, but I can walk to the office quicker than it takes to put a helmet and gloves on….... Bottom line is - if I REALLY wanted this, it would have happened......
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Everyone is building Scramblers this year!
This is the new BMW R nineT Urban G/S. I wonder how capable it'll be offroad, or if it's just for visiting the local, artisanal coffee shop.
And the Triumph Street Scrambler, which is based on the Street Twin.
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@tmg:
@Giles It's an itch that you will need to scratch at some point, but this isn't the best time of year to learn, so why not plan it into your schedule for spring?
I've had the 125 for a year, I've had plenty of opportunity to take it out. Currently, I am consumed with GT fishing, it is so extreme, I am not sure how many more years I will be able to do it (seriously), so I am getting in as much as I can….This is the ONLY thing that has ever got me into a gym to get fitter.....
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Ducati have unveiled a bunch of new bikes today
The Superleggera is something else. But at around $80K, it'd better be… :o
now this, i like!
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now this, i like!
And you'll probably like this too @louisbosco…
It's the upcoming BMW HP4 Race, which is the Teutonic take on the Superleggera. Details are scarce, other than it's a limited edition due late next year, but expect it to be very, very quick, and even more expensive.
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damn. @Graeme you're definitely right. the carbon fibre bits are gorgeous. probably track only given the slicks. i recently saw the price for the H2R and couldn't believe how much it costs!!
on a side note, has anyone ordered from FCMOTO.de before? thinking about ordering my helmet from them as it's probably going to be way cheaper than local and probably going to get it earlier as well..
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The standard H2 is expensive enough… :o
I've not bought anything from FC-Moto. I think that they're generally good, though people have had problems with them in the past. I've been to their shop in Germany, so they've got a bricks and mortar operation.
Other people to consider are:
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Motostorm (Italy)
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Biker Outfit (Dutch)
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MotoIn (German)
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GetGeared (British)
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Firecrest (British)
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Urban Rider (British)
I don't know if motorcycle helmets attract VAT, which is the European equivalent of GST, but the rate is slightly higher in the Netherlands (21%) and Italy (22%) than it is in Germany (19%). This might save you a few dollars, if shipping is the same, as it should be deducted when you check out.
Note that some dealers will display the VAT free price before you get too hopeful.
I had a chat to Biker Outfit about buying some Rev'it gear. They're very helpful, and shipping was (I think) a bit cheaper than FC-Moto.
Also check prices at the UK dealers. With the recent collapse in the value of the pound, it might be cheaper to shop there than in Germany.
If you get partway through the checkout process at Firecrest, and tUhen don't pay, they'll email you a 10% off voucher. Shipping is a bit more expensive than some of the European outlets, so you need to figure out if the overall cost is better.
Urban Rider have a number of retro lids, so a good place to look if you want something different. (I like the Nexx XG100, but it doesn't fit me.)
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