New bike time

[PTF]

All this talk of 100bhp-but-with-character is striking a chord with me.

Had a 2014 blade for a couple of years. Blew my mind every time i rode it. Power, handling, easy speed. Trouble is, i found i was exploring the top of the rev range too often and risking a ban.

I bought a 1998 VFR800 on a whim off ebay. It was a p/x at a local dealer.

I found i preferred the VFR over the blade. Handling was old/baggy/soft/imprecise, brakes were nowhere near. It's dirty, scratched, there's a small hole in the seat. But the power is more accessible, it makes a wonderful noise even at low revs/speed, and it puts a smile on my face.

The blade was sold a year ago and i still have the VFR.

Seems character and charm wins over power, speed and newness.

(I do miss the brutal power of the blade though from time to time)

[Fleegle]

sprinter1050 said:

Been a bit busy raving plaster off a wall which is my excuse for missing this post Tony but interested to see you fancy that bike.
I'm still waiting for the MT09 demo ride but did consider the Abarth version. Was a bit put off by the extra dosh for the styling but iirc a bit less tune than the 09.

According to the spec sheets they have the same power as the MT09, but having said that, the Yam spec sheets show the same weight for the xsr900 as the Abarth version even though there will be weight savings over the exhaust system and bodywork

[Renn Sport]

CoolHands said:

I prefer the standard one



But anyway I'm tempted just cos I like the style, and I assume the cross-plane triple sounds great with an aftermarket baffleless exhaust. Can anyone confirm?

I saw the speed yellow 60th edition this morning. That was nice

[Bob_Defly]

Great choice, you'll love it!

CoolHands said:

I prefer the standard one



But anyway I'm tempted just cos I like the style, and I assume the cross-plane triple sounds great with an aftermarket baffleless exhaust. Can anyone confirm?

Yes. Yes it does. Sounds bloody amazing!

[sprinter1050]

Fleegle said:

sprinter1050 said:

Been a bit busy raving plaster off a wall which is my excuse for missing this post Tony but interested to see you fancy that bike.
I'm still waiting for the MT09 demo ride but did consider the Abarth version. Was a bit put off by the extra dosh for the styling but iirc a bit less tune than the 09.

According to the spec sheets they have the same power as the MT09, but having said that, the Yam spec sheets show the same weight for the xsr900 as the Abarth version even though there will be weight savings over the exhaust system and bodywork

Well that's put me right..do like the Abarth look though.

[sprinter1050]

Bob_Defly said:

Great choice, you'll love it!

CoolHands said:

I prefer the standard one



But anyway I'm tempted just cos I like the style, and I assume the cross-plane triple sounds great with an aftermarket baffleless exhaust. Can anyone confirm?

Yes. Yes it does. Sounds bloody amazing!

Look up MT09 with M4 exhaust on YouTube. It's v6iolent - maybe even too loud for me & I like a screamer...

[Bob_Defly]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqpV5WHNyUE

[sprinter1050]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-M4KXa0cmg8
The M4 is about 3m40 in but GPR twin pipe is about as loud at 5m 45.

[Jazoli]

Congrats Tony, they are great looking bikes.

[Andy XRV]

Fleegle said:

Andy XRV said:

Fleegle said:

Biker's Nemesis said:

Nice one tony are you gonna get your arse up this way on it?

Only if you can guarantee sunshine all weekend

@ Tony & BN. I think we should organise a long BB weekend to ride the borders... Us southerners could do a Friday run up the A1 followed by a few beers for the boys and prosecco for the ladies. A BN guided tour of the borders on Saturday followed by a few more beers and prosecco. Sunday would be a bimble home.

What do you think and who else would be up for it?

Its a good idea but its a bloody boring ride from London/South up to the Border via the A1. I've done it a few times up to my daughters and it aint much fun. Maybe sticking bikes in the back of a van for the boring bit?

Edited by Fleegle on Monday 27th February 20:06

That sounds like a plan and I can make that happen. I've got spare van that will take two, possibly three. I'll drop you a PM and then start a new post

[Fleegle]

Andy XRV said:

That sounds like a plan and I can make that happen. I've got spare van that will take two, possibly three. I'll drop you a PM and then start a new post

The old girl is up for it, so that's one van and 2 bikes sorted. We just need to look at dates/accomodation

[Berz]

Congrats on the new bike, it looks lovely!

sprinter1050 said:

Kawasaki missed a trick by not upgrading the er6 to 900 as a parallel twin.

If Kawasaki did that they would only have the ninja/er6 and versys left in the 650 class so no nakeds to compete with the MT07 and XSR700 'street' style machines.

[sprinter1050]

Berz said:

Congrats on the new bike, it looks lovely!

sprinter1050 said:

Kawasaki missed a trick by not upgrading the er6 to 900 as a parallel twin.

If Kawasaki did that they would only have the ninja/er6 and versys left in the 650 class so no nakeds to compete with the MT07 and XSR700 'street' style machines.

Didn't explain it very well. I meant as a next step up as another model not a replacement and both would remain as "street" style so don't quite get your point. Kawasaki still have the er6/Ninja/Versys to compete with the Yams??

[Loyly]

CoolHands said:

I prefer the standard one



But anyway I'm tempted just cos I like the style, and I assume the cross-plane triple sounds great with an aftermarket baffleless exhaust. Can anyone confirm?

I always thought these looked like a right laugh. Sort of a big boys Street Triple but not quite encroaching on the Speed Triple.

I can confirm though that they sound mint with a good exhaust. Most of the year, when I finish nightshift, I see a bloke commuting on an MT09 with a gold coloured aftermarket exhaust that sounds glorious. I would hope the XSR would sound similar.

[gareth_r]

Fleegle said:

3DP said:

LOL - They are certainly not as practical as your usual 1977 flares.

I can definitely see you as a Shoreditch Samurai. I see ankle swinging turnups are more their style now - easier to get on and off and let your cankles breathe.

Is the bar position the same as the XSR or have they lowered the bars?

They have Swallow style 'clip ons'......cafe racer style




So not really clip ons at all

They are more like weird ace bars (as popular with 1960s rockers who couldn't afford/be arsed to do the job properly).

These are swan-neck clipons, (as popular with stylish Italians):

[Berz]

sprinter1050 said:

Berz said:

Congrats on the new bike, it looks lovely!

sprinter1050 said:

Kawasaki missed a trick by not upgrading the er6 to 900 as a parallel twin.

If Kawasaki did that they would only have the ninja/er6 and versys left in the 650 class so no nakeds to compete with the MT07 and XSR700 'street' style machines.

Didn't explain it very well. I meant as a next step up as another model not a replacement and both would remain as "street" style so don't quite get your point. Kawasaki still have the er6/Ninja/Versys to compete with the Yams??

Sorry, I thought you meant making the ER6N/Z650 a 900 thus removing it from the 650 range. If you keep it, and add a 900 too, that'd be cool

I wasn't counting the ER6F/Ninja and Versys as competitors to the MT07 and XSR700 because they're not "street" style naked bikes but maybe that's too narrow. They would still be competitors if you are looking for an entry level big bike.

[Fleegle]

Just received a very nice e-mail from Yamaha..........



We congratulate you on your purchase of the XSR900 ABARTH, the exclusive new factory built Yamaha Café Racer - a lightweight high-performance retro special whose authentic design reflects the true spirit of the 1960s.

As you are one of the first 145 customers to place an online order, you are invited by Yamaha Motor Europe and Abarth to join us at the exclusive Yamaha Abarth VIP Experience taking place in summer 2017.

In due course you will receive full information on how to apply for your VIP Pass that will entitle you and a companion to join Yamaha and Abarth at one of these prestigious customer experience events being staged at various European race circuits.

As a VIP Pass holder you will be given the unique opportunity to test-drive a range of vehicles from the Abarth line up. And to ensure that everyone attending is able to get a real taste of the company's genuine racing spirit, you will be invited to join one of Abarth's professional racing drivers for an adrenaline fuelled Abarth race track experience!

As well as racetrack driving experiences, you will also be able to take a close look at the Abarth line up and immerse yourself in a range of other activities that reflect the true spirit of Abarth's race bred DNA.

To let you fully appreciate the Abarth philosophy we are happy to inform you that your VIP pass will give you the opportunity to book a dedicated factory visit at the Abarth Factory in Turin during 2017.

We look forward to meeting you at an Abarth Day and salute you on being the proud new owner of the very exclusive XSR900 ABARTH!

Best regards,
Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., branch UK


Thanks. I'll have some of that!

[Biker's Nemesis]

Result that Tony. If it's anything like the R1-M day then it'll be a corker.

[sprinter1050]

A bit of a tasty package that. Us lowly (potential) MT09 buyers will get nuffink.

[moto_traxport]

Biker's Nemesis said:

Result that Tony. If it's anything like the R1-M day then it'll be a corker.

Or way too flipping hot if I remember!