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

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 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
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!
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!
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 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!

Edited by Maruchino on Sunday 19th August 20:24
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" 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!
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff




