-
Join the MyBroadband community
South Africa’s biggest forum. Discuss, discover, and connect with thousands of members.
-
Question of the Day: What is your preferred Chinese car brand?
MyBB Motorcycle Owners Thread
- Thread starter Archer
- Start date
- Status
Tickled_Tortise
Well-Known Member
I agree, I am new to riding I got my learners on 12 December 2017 and I was shocked that I was legally allowed to ride on the road after doing a simple test. I was hoping for some kind of lessons, or approval from someone to tell me I'm ready for the road.
I'm also new to this group, I've read back and the conversations are very informative and helpful, hoping to learn from the more experienced as I don't have any friends who ride.
I do a 20km round trip commute from Midrand mon-fri (no freeways, occasional dirt roads) on a Chinese 200cc which I suspect is more of a 50cc. I do plan on upgrading soon, hopefully to 390 Duke or BMW 310 Gs.
Progenix Oj101
Dealer
I can relate, I'm also new to this group. I grabbed a Bigboy Velocity 150 out of necessity for Midrand to Fourways every day. I've wracked up almost 2,000 km in the last five and a bit weeks and the bug has bitten HARD. I'm now eyeing an Intruder 1400.
Progenix Oj101
Dealer
Just a slight upgrade in power
Hahaha the Intruder isn't all that fast, but it's niiiiiice for cruising. I've been petrified of motorbikes most of my life because I know what I was like as a youngster on a bicycle, but now that I'm doing 60 km per day I've gotten quite comfortable with the bike. The idea of breakfast runs or weekend cruises with the lady on the back has really revved my motor a bit (pun intended).
I won't say the Bigboy is terrible - I needed something cheapish in a hurry and knowing nothing about bikes thought it best to get something brand new with warranty rather than trawling second hand adverts (which I did) and potentially ending up with an absolute lemon.
The worst things about it:
Vibration between 7-8.5k rpm is butt-numbing after a while, and being geared for only 95 at the red line means you don't really want to exceed about 75 km/h for extended periods.
It needs another gear. Unless on an incline, it's still pulling hard enough at the red line in 5th gear to warrant another gear.
The drum brakes suffer from massive fade after a few quick stops. If you want to ride it at the same speed as the surrounding traffic you have to use engine braking to slow down or you're rear ending something.
The tires it comes with are garbage. I need to replace them soon as they have no grip. A few times now I've locked the front wheel by accident at 80+. That followed by fading brakes means it's best to keep a large following distance, which other drivers take as an opportunity to pull in front of you.
Other than that I can't fault it for what it is, but it certainly isn't a long term bike. I'll sell it in a few months and get an Intruder or Mean Streak now that the bug has bitten.
Tickled_Tortise
Well-Known Member
I experience similar issues although I never managed to lock the front wheel. I picked up a second hand Gomoto Beyond, for 12k coz I didn't wana invest too heavily into something that might not work out.[XC] Oj101;21253093 said:
1400 is fast by nature of the 1400cc of displacement, you are a brave man. I'm still trying to convince the wife on getting a new bike, it was hard enough getting the first one.... Lol any tips from the elders?
Agent_Smith
Honorary Master
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2010
- Messages
- 22,907
- Reaction score
- 17,073
Y'all Qaeda
Username approved by US Airforce
I'd say go with the safety aspect in your case. Upgrading means more comfortable riding, less fatigue which automatically equates to a safer rider. In addition to that, both the KTM 390 and G310 comes with ABS which increases safety yet again.
Furthermore, I'm pretty sure you'll get better mileage on the better bikes, but that would be a guesstimate on my side.
Just make the plan and say you are upgrading because of safety. ABS etc.
I second the idea on a KTM 390 Duke or BMW 310GS or R
Tickled_Tortise
Well-Known Member
I enjoy the occasional dirt road routes when traffic on the Midrand roads gets really bad, which is why I'm glad the 310GS came along, but still got love for the naked and aggressive look of the KTM, I wonder if I put some 80/20 dual sport tires on the 390 Duke will the suspension handle 2km of light dirt roads a day. Or will that be asking for trouble.
Y'all Qaeda
Username approved by US Airforce
My understanding is, that it's better to use a road tyre on an offroad orientated bike, than it is to use a offroad tyre on a road orientated bike.
You'll get better handling cause the suspension handles it better and it won't rattle itself to pieces. There is plenty videos of people using GSXR's off road and the like, but if you'll be doing this regularly, go for the GS.
Tickled_Tortise
Well-Known Member
That's the truth I didn't want to hear. I just feel my hand is being forced, as the bmw 310GS is the only small displacement option on the market at the moment, there are no other bikes around the 300cc bracket that will be comfortable on tar and dirt. I'm nervous to to get anything bigger not sure how the power difference would feel. And big bikes I think will be too bulky (not good for tight traffic).
Archer
Honorary Master
Just about anything on 2 wheels except for large cruisers won't be too tight. G310GS is 880mm wide, the F800GS is 890mm for instance, R1200GSA is 945mm... It's more about how well you know your bike, where it starts and ends, power and braking available etc that will get you through traffic. Cause those 50mm less ain't going to help you jack if you're unaware of your bike.
And larger engines don't always make it a death machine. There are plenty of solid commuting options out there in the ±750cc range (the Honda NC being the king) that while they do have more power, are hardly what one would call exciting.
SauRoNZA
Honorary Master
1400 is not a 1400 is not a 1400.
Different engine types make for very different experience and then beyond that the weight changes everything.
A 750cc Parallel Twin is docile and almost beginner level compared to a 750cc Inline Four making twice or more then power fitted in a superbike.
There is also a case for being unsafe due to having something with too little power.
Y'all Qaeda
Username approved by US Airforce
Also look at the Versys 300X and possibly the Suzuki V-strom 250. Both small capacity "tourer" bikes.
I was set on getting a small 300cc machine initially as well, and was well advised that it's not neccesarily the capacity makes it scary. As mentioned, the NC750X is an option - currently on special at Cayenne for R90000 brand new - or you could always look at second hand options as well.
Possibly look at this article - it's not you first bike, but could do you in good stead.
https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/how-to-buy-your-first-motorcycle
I've ridden and owned a bunch of them. the 390 will be a sportier bike than the 310GS and makes a good value proposition with it's display and power figures but if you want to do gravel the 310GS is an excellent bike to start on...and even stay on imho. BMW Service is generally excellent and if you buy financed they offer a Prime-minus-2 deal guaranteed till end of March iirc. No strings.
There are 2 other options that you can consider.
Kawasaki Versys x300 or Honda CRF250 Rally.
imho the 310GS is better at gravel than the Versys and better than the CRF at commuting. The 250 Rally will be quite a bit better than the other two in pure offroad conditions.
If you want to get into the gravel riding and exploring -traveling - do it. You will never look back at road only bikes.
Weight is probably one of your main enemies when we are talking offroad. YEah a 1200GS can do fine on gravel roads..but when you hit a sand patch....or rough uphill/downhill then you start having to manipulate the bulk.
@Archer - those figures you are quoting. The 800GS is also 945 but that includes mirrors. i.e it's not the width of the bike. The 1200GS is a lot wider in traffic than the 800gs because of those Double D's With the 800GS you can put your handlebars over the bonnet and mirrors of the car but the rest of the bike is thin enough. Not the case necessarily with the 1200GS.
I would FAR rather take the 310GS on gravel, and more hardcore terrain perhaps, than I would a NC750X.
If we are making recommendations without knowing budget and to go a bigger cc. The new Suzuki Vstrom 650 would be my goto far ahead of the NC750X although R90K is a great deal if really new - i.e 2018 models. But the 2018 Vstrom 650 is R119000 and way better bike.
There are 2 other options that you can consider.
Kawasaki Versys x300 or Honda CRF250 Rally.
imho the 310GS is better at gravel than the Versys and better than the CRF at commuting. The 250 Rally will be quite a bit better than the other two in pure offroad conditions.
If you want to get into the gravel riding and exploring -traveling - do it. You will never look back at road only bikes.
Weight is probably one of your main enemies when we are talking offroad. YEah a 1200GS can do fine on gravel roads..but when you hit a sand patch....or rough uphill/downhill then you start having to manipulate the bulk.
@Archer - those figures you are quoting. The 800GS is also 945 but that includes mirrors. i.e it's not the width of the bike. The 1200GS is a lot wider in traffic than the 800gs because of those Double D's With the 800GS you can put your handlebars over the bonnet and mirrors of the car but the rest of the bike is thin enough. Not the case necessarily with the 1200GS.
I would FAR rather take the 310GS on gravel, and more hardcore terrain perhaps, than I would a NC750X.
If we are making recommendations without knowing budget and to go a bigger cc. The new Suzuki Vstrom 650 would be my goto far ahead of the NC750X although R90K is a great deal if really new - i.e 2018 models. But the 2018 Vstrom 650 is R119000 and way better bike.
Last edited:
Tickled_Tortise
Well-Known Member
Wow guys thank you for all the great feedback, I really appreciate the guidance.
@Archer I didn't realise the difference in width was so small, the work parking lot comprises mostly of the 1200GS variety, they look very intimidating and I'm not the shortest at 1.86m
@SauRoNZA I had no idea the layout of the engine would have such a big impact on performance, coming from a car background a straight six and V6 will provide similar performance given the same displacement and auxiliaries. I need to read more on this, it's peaked my interest from a mechanical pov.
@GhostSixFour thanks for the link I'll definitely have a look later, the nc750 has been on my radar, love the storage locker, the versys is like the ugly sibling of the z300. But the VStorm is definitely a competitor, iv always admired it but I did not know they came in 250 I need to check on this one.
Thanks again guys.
@Archer I didn't realise the difference in width was so small, the work parking lot comprises mostly of the 1200GS variety, they look very intimidating and I'm not the shortest at 1.86m
@SauRoNZA I had no idea the layout of the engine would have such a big impact on performance, coming from a car background a straight six and V6 will provide similar performance given the same displacement and auxiliaries. I need to read more on this, it's peaked my interest from a mechanical pov.
@GhostSixFour thanks for the link I'll definitely have a look later, the nc750 has been on my radar, love the storage locker, the versys is like the ugly sibling of the z300. But the VStorm is definitely a competitor, iv always admired it but I did not know they came in 250 I need to check on this one.
Thanks again guys.
SirFooK'nG
Executive Member
On the 310GS, I would have loved that as a starter bike. All the reviews I've read rate its off-road capabilities way better than I would have expected with mag rims. On road, the 310 happily gets to 140, and handles the corners very well! So a fine little bike that. I love my 1200GS, but sand and mud scare me to death, the thought of it on sand makes my nuts retract :crylaugh: even though I never even gave sand a second thought while scrambling on a Honda CRF250X. Way to much of your ride is in your head!
Tickled_Tortise
Well-Known Member
It looks like I will keep coming back to the 310GS, it seems to be the benchmark in this segment. I was hoping to not spend more that 70k since that's the price of the 310GS and the 2017 Duke 390 is only a couple grand cheaper, if I had to go Nc750 then it would probably be second hand.
Since I'm not going deep I the bush or climbing hills, just light gravel roads I'd prefer something more suited to the road but that won't fall apart on a dirt road.
I'll consider all the options do some research and come up with a shortlist in a few weeks.
BTW, how likely is a dealer to allow test rides on motorcycles keeping in mind I only have a learners. I'd like to get a feel for the bikes before I decide.
- Status