New (old) bike day, another born again returns..
New (old) bike day, another born again returns..
Author
Discussion

stevep944

Original Poster:

457 posts

249 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
quotequote all
Morning gents,
Last had a bike 17 years ago, sold it when i got married and all sensible etc, the usual story. In the last year or so have been getting the itch again, scanning Ebay regularly, reading loads on here which has been very helpful and interesting, and really pushed me on into going for it. Bikes have certainly moved on!
Finally took the plunge a couple of weeks ago and bought a lovely low miles 1998 Yam Thunderace; I know many will say modern bikes are better, easier to ride etc, but the reasons were partly nostalgia as it was the last bike I owned, cheap classic insurance, and I didn't want to spend a shed load of money in case I found I didn't have the nerve for it any more, not possible physically (I'm an oldie with a dodgy back) or dropped it etc., and I just loved the bike before.
First rides this weekend, a bit nervous at first, taking it easy, but after a couple of miles just felt like I'd never been away, bloody fantastic being out on a bike again! Clocked up a good few miles and loved every minute of it! I think I'm addicted again, especially in this great weather.
The bike itself runs beautifully, but will need a new back tyre reasonably soon. Currently has Michelin Pilot Power 2CT's, as the front has lots of life left I'm thinking just replace the rear with the same - any thoughts or recommendations? Riding will be summer/dry weather mainly.
Cheers guys this is a great forum!


chris4652009

1,572 posts

115 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
quotequote all
Massively underrated bikes, I bloody love Thunderaces

Stick with Michelin...either Power 2cts or Road (whatever the current version is)
I run Power 2CT front with a Road 2 rear, excellent combo imho

Edited by chris4652009 on Monday 23 July 09:31

Jazoli

9,695 posts

281 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
quotequote all
Nice bike mister.

cbmotorsport

3,065 posts

149 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
quotequote all
Power 2CT are a great tyre. For more mileage, and still great grip you could go for a Pilot Road 4 or 5.

If you want a pair of budget friendly different sports tyres try Avon 3D Ultra Sports - £150 a pair and highly regarded.

Biker's Nemesis

41,477 posts

239 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
quotequote all
They're great for wheelies.

podman

9,086 posts

271 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
quotequote all
Very nice indeed, looks a minter, enjoy.

dibblecorse

7,662 posts

223 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
quotequote all
First 1L bike I ever rode was my mates Thunderarse..... was great and those stoppers were fantastic compared to my VFR400 .....

Nice bike and have fun smile

chris4652009

1,572 posts

115 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
quotequote all
Biker's Nemesis said:
They're great for wheelies.
Oh yes

SAS Tom

3,755 posts

205 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
quotequote all
Loved my Thunderace, did loads on it. Always like M7RR’s on it from road to track days they were good for everything.


stevep944

Original Poster:

457 posts

249 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
quotequote all
^^^^ that's a great photo.
Thanks for the comments on tyres, it's good to know i have decent rubber on it!

tdm34

7,503 posts

241 months

Tuesday 24th July 2018
quotequote all
They like to drink a bit of oil as well, so keep an eye on the level

chris4652009

1,572 posts

115 months

Tuesday 24th July 2018
quotequote all
tdm34 said:
They like to drink a bit of oil as well, so keep an eye on the level
Yep all the old 5valve per pot Yamahas did, even from new
iirc anything up to 1litre per 1000miles was considered "normal" back when customers were concerned about them under warranty

SAS Tom

3,755 posts

205 months

Wednesday 25th July 2018
quotequote all
chris4652009 said:
tdm34 said:
They like to drink a bit of oil as well, so keep an eye on the level
Yep all the old 5valve per pot Yamahas did, even from new
iirc anything up to 1litre per 1000miles was considered "normal" back when customers were concerned about them under warranty
Mine would go through a litre every 4 or 5 sessions on track! Never worked out where it went as on the road it never used any and didn’t smoke as far as I knew either.

stevep944

Original Poster:

457 posts

249 months

Wednesday 25th July 2018
quotequote all
I had a new one from 1997 to 2001 and I don't remember it using much oil. Will keep an eye on it, going to be changing the oil and filter this weekend anyway.

stevep944

Original Poster:

457 posts

249 months

Sunday 19th August 2018
quotequote all
Well I've done several hundred miles now, the bike is brilliant, runs beautifully as if it were still new. And it looks great too, I always turn round for one more look before leaving it... if you know what I mean.
Me.. reluctantly I think I am going to have to acknowledge my age and bad back and go for something with a more upright position if I'm to really enjoy riding again, this just hurts my neck even after a fairly short ride. I can't imagine being out all day on it sadly.
So....
What next, any ideas?
I want to keep around the 1 litre mark, sporty if poss, but comfy. Can't stretch to a brand new bike but newish would be ok.
But then I also keep looking at the XSR900, really like the retro looks, and they seem to get good reviews. Had a quick sit on one but not rode it - yet. Are they good? Just not sure I could have a naked bike.
Help!

Maruchino

958 posts

215 months

Sunday 19th August 2018
quotequote all
stevep944 said:
Well I've done several hundred miles now, the bike is brilliant, runs beautifully as if it were still new. And it looks great too, I always turn round for one more look before leaving it... if you know what I mean.
Me.. reluctantly I think I am going to have to acknowledge my age and bad back and go for something with a more upright position if I'm to really enjoy riding again, this just hurts my neck even after a fairly short ride. I can't imagine being out all day on it sadly.
So....
What next, any ideas?
I want to keep around the 1 litre mark, sporty if poss, but comfy. Can't stretch to a brand new bike but newish would be ok.
But then I also keep looking at the XSR900, really like the retro looks, and they seem to get good reviews. Had a quick sit on one but not rode it - yet. Are they good? Just not sure I could have a naked bike.
Help!
I have an XSR900 for sale in the classifieds ( https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorbikes...) if you want one that's just run in smile


Edited by Maruchino on Sunday 19th August 20:24

tdm34

7,503 posts

241 months

Monday 20th August 2018
quotequote all
Look at the GSX-S1000 a belter of a bike, that’s relatively cheap new and available on some silly finance deals, (I’m in the trade and sell them new) pm me and I’ll look at what can be done wink

stevep944

Original Poster:

457 posts

249 months

Monday 20th August 2018
quotequote all
^^^^ thanks I'll have a look, not going to be buying a new one though.

dibblecorse

7,662 posts

223 months

Monday 20th August 2018
quotequote all
Ducati Monster ... loads about and sooooooo much fun ....... I'd want an S2R (1000cc) model not the 800 ..... I had the 800 but it needed the 996 brake kit fitted that the 1000 gets as standard ....

chris4652009

1,572 posts

115 months

Monday 20th August 2018
quotequote all
stevep944 said:
Well I've done several hundred miles now, the bike is brilliant, runs beautifully as if it were still new. And it looks great too, I always turn round for one more look before leaving it... if you know what I mean.
Me.. reluctantly I think I am going to have to acknowledge my age and bad back and go for something with a more upright position if I'm to really enjoy riding again, this just hurts my neck even after a fairly short ride. I can't imagine being out all day on it sadly.
So....
What next, any ideas?
I want to keep around the 1 litre mark, sporty if poss, but comfy. Can't stretch to a brand new bike but newish would be ok.
But then I also keep looking at the XSR900, really like the retro looks, and they seem to get good reviews. Had a quick sit on one but not rode it - yet. Are they good? Just not sure I could have a naked bike.
Help!
That's a real shame that you can't keep it, I hear you though some bikes just don't "fit"