TVR's and bikes

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Discussion

nubbin

Original Poster:

6,809 posts

278 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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Just like to say how much I enjoy those little races we have, from time to time. It's great to have a bit of fun in a quick roundabout - to - roundabout sprint with a decent bike. I surprised someone on Saturday on Mosborough bypass - tried to follow me up the hill but I pulled away in the Tamora. Wited at the next roundabout, expecting the usual friendly banter from the rider, and I could tell from his eyes that he was grinning as he shouted to me "****in' hell, that's fast!" I couldn't see what he was riding, and I'm no bike recognition expert - looked like a 750, but only a guess. It's so much better to keep it friendly, and I give big respect to all bikers for their always fun attitude - not like bloody hot hatch/ Vectra drivers who scowl and give you the finger when they can't catch you.

My point is, what is the common link between TVR drivers and bikers? And even, the link between TVR's and bikes. I know it's real, but what is it?

craigalsop

1,991 posts

268 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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quote:

My point is, what is the common link between TVR drivers and bikers? And even, the link between TVR's and bikes. I know it's real, but what is it?

It's not just about getting from A to B, but the journey. i.e. not about considering the trip as some wasted time that you need to do before you are where you want to be, but living the trip as well. Amplification rather than insulation from life!

cheers,
Craig

mel

10,168 posts

275 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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Passion.

My first TVR was directly attributable to the fun I had as a biker racing all the "players" to Le Mans and back. TVR's have many similar attributes to bikes, i.e. "huge bang for bucks" the facts are that on a £8K Superbike there is almost nothing on the road that can beat you, in a £20K TVR you are in a similar situation (but not quite )unless you are blessed with great wealth there is not alot better you can do to feed a "speed habit" than bikes and TVR's.

pedestrian

1,244 posts

266 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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Just about kept up with a CBR600 coming back from Chatsworth (had to catch him first!!) - then we played cat and mouse for a few miles, pulled into a service station and had a coffee [and before this starts sounding like Love Story!!..] left each other to it - but the conversation we had went along exactly the same lines as many of the chats [pun intended] I had earlier in the day with Tiv drivers.
Maybe it's the amount of endorphines produced by our choice of transport, maybe it's because we're all above average intelligence [..?], maybe it's the exclusivity which promotes a comradeship, maybe it's because I spent too long in the rain and my head got too damp!!
TVRs drivers and Motorcycle enthusiasts do seem to share the same respect, reverence and passions, - maybe it's an addiction to oil?
Sorry Nubbs, talked myself into a corner!

Dunno: whether it's driving the Griff or riding the Triumph, it makes me feel like i've 'arrived' (..and usually before everyone else!!)

Wet Hippy at Chatsworth.

gsxrblue

203 posts

266 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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quote:


It's not just about getting from A to B, but the journey. i.e. not about considering the trip as some wasted time that you need to do before you are where you want to be, but living the trip as well. Amplification rather than insulation from life!




Agree with that regarding my bike. Thats why quite often when i get back from work Ive done 50 miles instead of the 17 it should be.

Cant comment on a TVR as I cant justify/afford one yet. Its really sad but Ive not even sat in one yet.

Who will give me a spin at the next (hopefully dry) meet

pedestrian

1,244 posts

266 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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quote:
Cant comment on a TVR

It's a bike with a roof.

quote:

Who will give me a spin at the next (hopefully dry) meet



If no-one's queuing up to give you a spin, i'm the hippy with the dark green griff...

our pleasure..

johno

8,417 posts

282 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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Doing all the BSB rounds means I get to drive alongside a lot of bikers and must say that 95% of them enjoy seeing a roofless car that is prepared to overtake traffic and obviously enjoy the experience of getting from A to B.

There are some bikers though who do not appreciate being overtaken. I think it is born out of lack of confidence in most car drivers abilities and the fact that they are not overtaken very often. They do however always give you the room as I do for them when I can't get through and they can.

I know 2 people who have TVRs after having to give up bikes due to injuries. There was no other choice for them other than the TVR. They reckon it's the only thing close in terms of enjoyment. No traction control, ABS and all that other stuff. Just raw power and a lot of fun.

Any of you guys going to Brands Hatch at the weekend. Its the onlyraceday I'm missing as I can only go on Saturday.

GSRblue,

I've only got a lowly S2, not the most exotic but I'll happily take you for a spin.

Cheers

Mark


>> Edited by johno on Monday 10th June 13:09

philshort

8,293 posts

277 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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quote:
I know 2 people who have TVRs after having to give up bikes due to injuries
Not quite in that category, bit my knees are thankful I'm in TVR rather than on a bike these days. Thats not to say I won't have a bike again, but I don't feel the need so much when the Chimaera is there for the adrenaline fix with less of the pain.

Actually being able to feel the wind in your hair is nice too!

ATG

20,575 posts

272 months

Monday 10th June 2002
quotequote all
quote:

My point is, what is the common link between TVR drivers and bikers? And even, the link between TVR's and bikes. I know it's real, but what is it?

Servicing intervals

ZZR600

15,603 posts

268 months

Monday 10th June 2002
quotequote all
quote:

quote:

My point is, what is the common link between TVR drivers and bikers? And even, the link between TVR's and bikes. I know it's real, but what is it?

Servicing intervals


And it costs a fortune

cazzo

14,787 posts

267 months

Monday 10th June 2002
quotequote all
quote:

My point is, what is the common link between TVR drivers and bikers? And even, the link between TVR's and bikes.


I don't have a TVR but work next to a TVR dealer and when the "boys" rev 'em up they do sound similar to a bike (at least my bike) but not so loud!

Mind you they are a bit on the slow side

Joking aside, I'd love a TVR but can't really justify the expense.

I have heard them referred to as 4-wheel motorbikes.

I think it's something to do with the rawness - none of that nancy stuff like ABS, traction-control etc and of course the "fun factor"

AJLintern

4,202 posts

263 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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Wouldn't a Westfield SEight be more of a 4 wheeled bike? or one of those mad 4WD Dax cosworths?

ZZR600

15,603 posts

268 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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what about the FZR engined Rocket from about 1993 never seen one about did it make it into production ? also the something scorpion three wheeled bike engined tool , looks quite smart

AJLintern

4,202 posts

263 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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The Light Car Company Rocket is (or was, not sure if they're still there) made just down the road from me. Saw a few round the local roads a few years ago, but not lately.
www.racecar.co.uk/rocket/index.html

ZZR600

15,603 posts

268 months

Monday 10th June 2002
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Thats the one

caro

1,018 posts

284 months

Tuesday 11th June 2002
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On this subject, apologies to the biker somewhere on the M1 between the M69 and Sheffield last Saturday, if you're PHer, who followed me very closely for a couple of miles before zooming off. I realised you were just looking/listening and maybe wanting to play too late!

Being a female driving a Chimaera, I get a bit of hassle from time to time (not from bikers, i hasten to add), and was being cautious having just had my feathers ruffled by a numptie.

I always try to let bikes go where they have a better opportunity, and move early so they realise i know they are there. As someone else said, it's the shared love of controlled power and the road.

I have noticed bikers looking at the car when they're coming the other way sometimes, and they definitely like the Seven type cars - actually got a nod from a biker when i was out in the Caterham once - very honoured

elanturbo

565 posts

262 months

Tuesday 11th June 2002
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not sure about the tvr cos I've never driven one but when I got rid of my YZF I got the elan turbo. Although its a gas, I dont think it compares with a bike for pure exiliration. My lotus isnt slow and gets to 60 in 6.7 or so, but a bike is miles quicker. What does a tvr do o - 60 in? how much is a tvr?
What does an R1 do 0 - 60 in? how much is an R1?

mel

10,168 posts

275 months

Tuesday 11th June 2002
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How good is the radio/phone on an R1
How happy is the Mrs on the back for two hours
How easy is it to get your golf clubs on the back or tent for Le Mans
& how easy is it to safely turn up in shoes, trousers, shirt etc.

Sorry I've had two R1's in the past plus numerous other toys and the ideal word for me is a tvr and a bike (plus a TDI, a 4x4, a camper, and a van) then you pick whats appropriate for what your going to do. But yes they do have a certain raw appeal

apache

39,731 posts

284 months

Tuesday 11th June 2002
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elanturbo, go for a test drive, words don't do it justice

Stig

11,817 posts

284 months

Tuesday 11th June 2002
quotequote all
quote:

How good is the radio/phone on an R1
How happy is the Mrs on the back for two hours
How easy is it to get your golf clubs on the back or tent for Le Mans
& how easy is it to safely turn up in shoes, trousers, shirt etc.

Sorry I've had two R1's in the past plus numerous other toys and the ideal word for me is a tvr and a bike (plus a TDI, a 4x4, a camper, and a van) then you pick whats appropriate for what your going to do. But yes they do have a certain raw appeal



Hear, hear Mel!

I've got an R1, DT200WR, Isuzu Trooper, 460SE, race Locost & a track prepped Dutton to play with.

If only I could cover them all under 1 insurance policy!!!!