MyBB Motorcycle Owners Thread

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Mike7 said:
I've looked into the ER6 but I don't see any being sold in CT. The bike also looks to big for me. I'm 5'6 - 5'7 so i'm quite short.
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Speak metric dammit.

The ER6 is not very tall at all.

I was actually meaning to say the NC700 would work well but only if you are tall enough.
 
One thing you must consider, is fair milage on these types of bikes. Smaller capacity bike usually spend their days as a mode of transport to and from work, so roughly around 10 000km a year, give or take. If you find a 6 year old bike for example, that has 15 000km on, chances are the bike was hardly used during it life. In some cases that's a great thing, but most cases it's not. So just be cautious with very low milage bikes for a certain year model...
 
SauRoNZA said:
Speak metric dammit.

The ER6 is not very tall at all.

I was actually meaning to say the NC700 would work well but only if you are tall enough.
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Mike7 , are you new to riding?

Wouldn't the ER6 be a little too powerful in that case? I would assume on the same level as a 400cc Honda? Sorry, don't know much about the ER6
 
memphis32 said:
Mike7 , are you new to riding?

Wouldn't the ER6 be a little too powerful in that case? I would assume on the same level as a 400cc Honda? Sorry, don't know much about the ER6
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It's the perfect bike for a beginner.

It's not powerful at all.

I know a number of people who started on them and also stayed on them for years trouble free.

A very short woman especially. Her only mishap being on some serious gravel where quite frankly the rest of us barely made it as well.

Look at the numbers. It's a torque bike, not a power bike.

The problem with all these "little" beginner bikes is that they are unsafe at highway speeds as they simply can't keep up.

The KTM 390 is the smallest beginner bike I would recommend to anyone.
 
Can anyone suggest a good commuting bike for Joburg. I'm coming from a BMW R1100S (Reserved for breakfast runs now) but want something small and nippy and not more than R100k. I've been looking at the new Yamaha R3 which is really stylish but 160km/h and small frame have me on the fence. I was also thinking looking at a pre-owned R6 but I'm not sure if that's overdoing it. My main goal is getting through traffic easily and just to have fun on.

Thoughts?
 
ChocolateBadger said:
Can anyone suggest a good commuting bike for Joburg. I'm coming from a BMW R1100S (Reserved for breakfast runs now) but want something small and nippy and not more than R100k. I've been looking at the new Yamaha R3 which is really stylish but 160km/h and small frame have me on the fence. I was also thinking looking at a pre-owned R6 but I'm not sure if that's overdoing it. My main goal is getting through traffic easily and just to have fun on.

Thoughts?
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Yamaha MT-07.
Small, light, easy to ride, but still a lot of fun when you want it to be. Zero wind protection tho ;)
 
copacetic said:
Solid advice, thanks guys.

And no fear, I would not in a million years try to wheelie the thing...

I can't wait to leave work and take it for a spin. Going to head up and over the hills in Tokai, and then around the back to Simon's Town...
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I'll PM you the number of a guy who runs classes and pre-test sessions

Dunno if his number is still active though.

Goes by the name of Billy
 
AfricanTech said:
I'll PM you the number of a guy who runs classes and pre-test sessions

Dunno if his number is still active though.

Goes by the name of Billy
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Why so cloak and dagger?

I recommended him three pages ago.

Personally I feel the best way to do motorcycling is...

1. Get some training. An introductory five hour course at least to confirm you actually really want to get into bikes.

2. Get your learners and your license.

3. Buy the gear.

4. Test ride.

5. Buy a bike.
 
SauRoNZA said:
Why so cloak and dagger?

I recommended him three pages ago.

Personally I feel the best way to do motorcycling is...

1. Get some training. An introductory five hour course at least to confirm you actually really want to get into bikes.

2. Get your learners and your license.

3. Buy the gear.

4. Test ride.

5. Buy a bike.
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Didn't see your recommendation :)

I just thought it's bad form to post someone's cell number in an open forum...
 
Any tips when buying a used bike? What do I need to look out for?
 
Mike7 said:
Any tips when buying a used bike? What do I need to look out for?
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From what I can remember(in no particular order):
1. check the bike for any leaks, around the front forks, under the frame, brake fluids and so forth. There may be oil leaks around the brake calipers
2. check tyres to make sure there is enough thread on them
3. check the chain condition, and tension. You should have about 25mm free play in the chain. if the chain is rusting in places, will need replacing soon. If very oily, sign of over lubrication, might say something about the owners maintenance of the bike
4. ask the owner not to start the bike before you get there. Then start the bike from cold, listen for any funny sounds or knocking. This could mean engine problems.
5. if you can, check engine oil level(sight glass on right side engine cover). There must of course be oil in the bike.
6. check body work for scratches or dents. Also check mirror ends, handlebar ends, front forks, mud guard on front, foot pegs and so forth. Any scratches could mean the bike had fallen, or brushed against something.
7. check license disk is valid, and license number matches chassis/engine number. If the bike comes with a road worthy certificate(it should, negotiate this if it doesn't), then these checks already done for you.
8. Also speak to the owner, check out why he is selling. Maybe upgrade, no time for riding anymore, financial reason, whichever. From this chat, you can find out what type of person he is, as this will give you an indication of what type of ride he is/was(just his behavior and how he answers should give you a good indication).
9. check if bike has service history(service book or log). If not, find out when last was the bike serviced, and what all was done. Ask what mileage he has on the chain and sprockets, brakes, tyres, etc.
10. check for loose panels on the bike.
11. get on and sit, check brake pressure on both front and back. check clutch lever pressure. See if you can select first gear, and back to neutral. This action should be smooth, and you should get a good clicking sound when doing this.

That's what I can think of on the top of my head. This all while standing by the bike. The road test, if possible is a different story. Generally, when you hear the bike running, sit on it, and give it a once over, and the owner is of the respectable kind, you can almost be sure the bike is in great condition. I bought mine without test driving(I didn't have my kit when I went to view the bike), and the owner was a great guy, bike was in great shape, and it's still in great shape after me putting 2000km on it already.

Just remember, it's a risk you take buying a used bike. Take someone with you that has some bike knowledge. They might see things you can't. They might ask the questions you forgot to because you're too excited for the bike. And take pictures, study them when you get home. Sometimes you may see something in the picture that you didn't see when you were there(scratches, marks, bent leavers, etc).

Oh, and make sure the bike is clean when you get there. If bike is dirty, and out of shape, walk away as that is a sign the owner never really looked after the bike.

Hope this helps
 
Just went for a bit of a [-]drive[/-] ride: Claremont to Simon's Town to Noordhoek, over Chapman's Peak Drive and then across the base of the mountains to Newlands.

I think the bug has thoroughly bitten, and now I want something that can travel across the country and on dirt roads, etc.
 
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I'm going out later with a buddy to do some yard practicing, out in Montague Gardens. Looking forward to it. I also can't wait to start using my bike for leisure instead if just up and down to work
 
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