One bike to do it all--So which one then ?

[Dr Jekyll]

y2blade said:

Indeed, I read this book as a child....met Ted Simon (the Author) at the Ace Cafe a couple of years back too....he seemed to have a wry smile at all the "Adventure" bikes/bikers all kitted up with alu luggage and ttsuits to trundle around the North Circular to meet him.

I really don't understand the antipathy to adventure bikes. The features that make a bike suitable for off road adventures, good low speed handling, comfortable upright seating position, luggage capacity, also make them suitable for commuting. Or trundling around the North circular come to that.

Would it have been preferable for those meeting Ted Simon to have ridden to the Ace on sports bikes? What is ttsuit anyway? What should you wear on the A406?

Also, the apologists for chain drive are missing the point. They are rather like those who defend the wearing of neckties on the basis that in only takes a few seconds to put it on in the morning.

The point is that chains on a road bike are completely unnecessary, irrational and stupid. However little time it takes to deal with them, it is wasted time because these contraptions have no reason to exist. That's why I won't buy a chain drive bike on principle, just as I won't go to function that requires wearing a tie. It's the principle of the thing.

[RumpleFugly]

Dr Jekyll said:

y2blade said:

Indeed, I read this book as a child....met Ted Simon (the Author) at the Ace Cafe a couple of years back too....he seemed to have a wry smile at all the "Adventure" bikes/bikers all kitted up with alu luggage and ttsuits to trundle around the North Circular to meet him.

I really don't understand the antipathy to adventure bikes. The features that make a bike suitable for off road adventures, good low speed handling, comfortable upright seating position, luggage capacity, also make them suitable for commuting. Or trundling around the North circular come to that.

Would it have been preferable for those meeting Ted Simon to have ridden to the Ace on sports bikes? What is ttsuit anyway? What should you wear on the A406?

Also, the apologists for chain drive are missing the point. They are rather like those who defend the wearing of neckties on the basis that in only takes a few seconds to put it on in the morning.

The point is that chains on a road bike are completely unnecessary, irrational and stupid. However little time it takes to deal with them, it is wasted time because these contraptions have no reason to exist. That's why I won't buy a chain drive bike on principle, just as I won't go to function that requires wearing a tie. It's the principle of the thing.

True, it's a fair argument. However principles don't help much when the shaft drive on your GS craps out on you in Middleofnowherestan, meanwhile the locals zipping around on chain drive Hondas and MZs look on in amusement.

Chains have their place, just like conventional forks do. It's about compromise.

[Hooli]

Wedg1e said:

Hooli said:

I love this bullst about chains being a pain touring, I've never noticed it. But then I've never done more than 3k in six days.

IIRC the year you came with us we did 2300+ in what, 5 or 6 days, I forget?
It wasn't chains that were the issue, it was the wheel bearings
...and the navigation.
...and the Plod with guns and radar

Indeed it was, damn that cruise control eh?

Prof Prolapse said:

I think it's obvious from the book he's a cracking bloke, and the trip is inspiring, but I found it a pretty boring read for the most part.

I never could work out what he was trying to write about. I felt he offers no real insights into these places he visits, no unique perspective, his motorcycle ride is described with all the passion of a bus journey, and he offers only a handful of opinions about his philosophical views, all bar two or three are pretty low rent from such an obviously smart guy. I wonder if somewhere he lost his notes, or didn't write the book quick enough upon his return.

It seems to fit somewhere between motorcyle philosophy books (if such a thing exists) like "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance" and travel books like, Paul Theroux's "Dark star safari", but can't hold a candle to either of them. Although admittedly the former is weird.

Agreed. It's a ste, boring book & such a disappointment considering the subject matter.

Dr Jekyll said:

Also, the apologists for chain drive are missing the point. They are rather like those who defend the wearing of neckties on the basis that in only takes a few seconds to put it on in the morning.

The point is that chains on a road bike are completely unnecessary, irrational and stupid. However little time it takes to deal with them, it is wasted time because these contraptions have no reason to exist. That's why I won't buy a chain drive bike on principle, just as I won't go to function that requires wearing a tie. It's the principle of the thing.

Errrm, it takes about the same amount of time as changing final drive oil. Maybe a few mins more, but that time is offset by the lighter weight which improves the bike.

I think the chain hatests forget the fact that we've got O-ring chains these days.

[Dr Jekyll]

Hooli said:

Errrm, it takes about the same amount of time as changing final drive oil. Maybe a few mins more, but that time is offset by the lighter weight which improves the bike.

I think the chain hatests forget the fact that we've got O-ring chains these days.

On my bike I'm supposed to change the final drive oil every 24,000 miles or 2 years, and that's all the maintenance the shaft needs.

[crashley]

Sorry if i've missed loads of important bits... but i'd go with the new BMW S1000R (nekkid thingy). A smooth 168BHP, really comfy, has heated grips as standard, would be a right hoot on track and with the little BMW screen you can get i reckon it would tour well.

Yes, i realise it won't win any pretty-awards.

Is that the right answer?

[MoelyCrio]

I think the heated grips are only standard on the s1000r Sport, not the regular model, but yes it would make a great all rounder.

[MC Bodge]

Prof Prolapse said:

motorcyle philosophy books (if such a thing exists) like "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance"

The first 1/2 (or 2/3) is an interesting read. I gave up when it became a rambling mess about Phaedrus.

[Prof Prolapse]

MC Bodge said:

Prof Prolapse said:

motorcyle philosophy books (if such a thing exists) like "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance"

The first 1/2 (or 2/3) is an interesting read. I gave up when it became a rambling mess about Phaedrus.

Agree, although the rise of Phaedrus was about the only thing that gave the book any sort of story arch.

The stuff about "gumption", and how you build your feelings into your mechanics was very enlightening and influenced me a bit when I was younger. But I could never relate to being unable to define "quality", then fussing so much over it to the point of having a massive breakdown, pissing yourself, and then requiring electroshock therapy.

[Willy Nilly]

Jupiters Travels was boring.

Anyway, I like my CBR600, it's a bit tiring on motorways but good fun in the twisty mountain roads when it gets there and much better than me. Were someone to thrust £10,000 or so upon my person I'd buy a new VFR800. But they won't an I'm keeping my CBR

[Chipchap]

I think that I may have found my "Best Compromise Bike"

BMW S1000 F 1st pic is a render I think. 2nd is it spied testing complete with pannier mounts and rack etc.





Only downside is it still has a gearlever but will have the BMW shift assist.

[spareparts]

Chipchap said:

I think that I may have found my "Best Compromise Bike"

BMW S1000 F 1st pic is a render I think. 2nd is it spied testing complete with pannier mounts and rack etc.





Only downside is it still has a gearlever but will have the BMW shift assist.

Ahem

spareparts said:

I think we've already talked about this bike... I'm waiting for this.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=20&...

[Prof Prolapse]

Chipchap said:

Only downside is it still has a gearlever but will have the BMW shift assist.

Is that up and down the box?

Only I'm guessing the downshift assist will be the gadget they plug on this one, as per the magic suspension on the S1000R.

[bass gt3]

Al,


Have you looked at the power shifter from Translogic. Apparently a lot of disabled riders use it as it permits up and down changes at the press of a button. I have no idea how good it is but it might open up the field for your bike choice as this would make any bike practically automatic.

http://www.translogicuk.com/powershifters.php

Might be an option??????

Edited by bass gt3 on Friday 25th April 09:07

[RumpleFugly]

bass gt3 said:

Al,


Have you looked at the power shifter from Translogic. Apparently a lot of disabled riders use it as it permits up and down changes at the press of a button. I have no idea how good it is but it might open up the field for your bike choice as this would make any bike practically automatic.

http://www.translogicuk.com/powershifters.php

Might be an option??????

Edited by bass gt3 on Friday 25th April 09:07

Good bits of kit those, used it on a race car project at Uni.

[bass gt3]

RumpleFugly said:

Good bits of kit those, used it on a race car project at Uni.

So does it actually find neutral as well as they say?? Thats could be the only negative i could see, otherwise it looks a nice piece of kit and possibly perfect for Al's requirements insofar as it can be fitted to any bike and help alleviate his gammy foot issues.

[Andy XRV]

Chipchap said:

I think that I may have found my "Best Compromise Bike"

BMW S1000 F 1st pic is a render I think. 2nd is it spied testing complete with pannier mounts and rack etc.





Only downside is it still has a gearlever but will have the BMW shift assist.

I think I need to reserve a space in my garage.....just incase

[RumpleFugly]

bass gt3 said:

RumpleFugly said:

Good bits of kit those, used it on a race car project at Uni.

So does it actually find neutral as well as they say?? Thats could be the only negative i could see, otherwise it looks a nice piece of kit and possibly perfect for Al's requirements insofar as it can be fitted to any bike and help alleviate his gammy foot issues.

We had them linked up to paddles on the wheel and it was very easy to modulate and find neutral. I only used the buttons to fire the solenoid as a test before taking it apart, but can't see it being much more difficult.