MyBB Motorcycle Owners Thread

[SauRoNZA]

@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.

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Even a V6 and Straight six will deliver power and torque in very different fashion or for very different fuel economy etc.

Even outright power figures will be quite different although not as massive a divide as bikes.

Howebee a V6 and Straight 6 are both same number of cylinders so you expect similar outputs.

But go look at same capacity S6 vs V6 vs V8 and even V12 and you'll find very different characters.

Same here. It's just more obvious but quite a different in engine types and cylinders at the same time.

 

[SauRoNZA]

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.

If you rock up on a bike shouldn't be a problem.

But a better solution would be to just get a license. Will also reduce insurance premium.

And buy some time so you can pic up a demo or slightly used on for 70k in a few months.

 

[Wasabee!]

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.

Just so you know many people fit the NC with off road type tyres and do tours which include dirt. Also by fitting things like crash bars, better pegs etc it does become more suited and capable but is not really needed. Check out YouTube, Instagram or other media for such conversions and reviews where people use the NC as a tourer as well.

I had a NC750 manual. It is Honda so quality is excellent with service intervals at 12 000km compared to 10 000km for most BMWs. Also if you want the NC is available in DCT which is an amazing dual clutch transmission.

I am not sure if you can even purchase a bike larger than 125 without your code A drivers licence from what I remember so I don't think you can test drive a bike bigger than that (if I remember correctly).

Only reason which I changed from a 2018 NC is to get a 2018 Africa Twin. Otherwise it an amazing bike. LED tail and headlights, modern instrument cluster, storage compartment, decent handling in the corners, amazing looks and more. I would rather go with a new NC750 at 91k at most Hondas than a GS310 at 70k. How long is that GS310 going to keep you happy for just R20k odd less?

 

[Archer]

@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.

Show me a beginner who is going to be comfortable splitting cars to the point where the body of the bike is the limit and not the mirrors and we can talk some more

 

[Tickled_Tortise]

Just so you know many people fit the NC with off road type tyres and do tours which include dirt. Also by fitting things like crash bars, better pegs etc it does become more suited and capable but is not really needed. Check out YouTube, Instagram or other media for such conversions and reviews where people use the NC as a tourer as well.

I had a NC750 manual. It is Honda so quality is excellent with service intervals at 12 000km compared to 10 000km for most BMWs. Also if you want the NC is available in DCT which is an amazing dual clutch transmission.

I am not sure if you can even purchase a bike larger than 125 without your code A drivers licence from what I remember so I don't think you can test drive a bike bigger than that (if I remember correctly).

Only reason which I changed from a 2018 NC is to get a 2018 Africa Twin. Otherwise it an amazing bike. LED tail and headlights, modern instrument cluster, storage compartment, decent handling in the corners, amazing looks and more. I would rather go with a new NC750 at 91k at most Hondas than a GS310 at 70k. How long is that GS310 going to keep you happy for just R20k odd less?

I do like the NC750 as well, it's a really great bike. In your experience would you disagree with those who say it's has a boring power delivery and the early changes due to red lining at 6500rpm takes the excitement out of riding. Iv never been on one, this is just what iv read which made me second guess the bike. What's your thoughts?

 

[Sinbad]

I do like the NC750 as well, it's a really great bike. In your experience would you disagree with those who say it's has a boring power delivery and the early changes due to red lining at 6500rpm takes the excitement out of riding. Iv never been on one, this is just what iv read which made me second guess the bike. What's your thoughts?

The NC is not exciting at all... But it's faster than most cars off the mark.
For a commuter/beginner it's perfect imho.

 

[Slapdash]

The NC is not exciting at all... But it's faster than most cars off the mark.
For a commuter/beginner it's perfect imho.

Tickled_Tortise did say he wants to do some gravel travel. An NC750 is not really good at that. I've had one.
I'd say 650gs/700gs twin perhaps then or the 310GS

 

[crysis]

I had a NC750 manual. It is Honda so quality is excellent with service intervals at 12 000km compared to 10 000km for most BMWs. Also if you want the NC is available in DCT which is an amazing dual clutch transmission.

When It comes to motorbikes, I tend to service at twice as much as the recommended intervals are. Even if it's just an oil and filter change. I ride my bikes hard, and don't want to cough up extra for engine repairs.

 

[KingMikel]

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.

Howzit Tortoise,

I would consider riding the G310GS for 6 months to a year, then getting on an R1200GS. That's what I did but I started on a KTM 390 Duke. While the step up in engine size and power is 4x that of the 310, the GS is a VERY forgiving bike and unless you're a complete idiot, you shouldn't get yourself into too much trouble.

The BMWs in general are cheaper to service than the Hondas, you get BMW service and warranty with a BMW (I've experienced no nonsense claims with our 116i and my R1200GS), and I've found BMW to give the best trade in prices on their bikes.

I'm also 1.86m tall, and I seriously considered handlebar raisers for my R1200GS because I was sitting slouched. Commuting was a non issue too, because on the telelever front end which allows for a tight turning circle.

This is however just my advice.

Get what your heart feels you should!!

 

[SauRoNZA]

But that Telelever also makes it feel like a boat to ride.

 

[Tickled_Tortise]

Howzit Tortoise,

I would consider riding the G310GS for 6 months to a year, then getting on an R1200GS. That's what I did but I started on a KTM 390 Duke. While the step up in engine size and power is 4x that of the 310, the GS is a VERY forgiving bike and unless you're a complete idiot, you shouldn't get yourself into too much trouble.

The BMWs in general are cheaper to service than the Hondas, you get BMW service and warranty with a BMW (I've experienced no nonsense claims with our 116i and my R1200GS), and I've found BMW to give the best trade in prices on their bikes.

I'm also 1.86m tall, and I seriously considered handlebar raisers for my R1200GS because I was sitting slouched. Commuting was a non issue too, because on the telelever front end which allows for a tight turning circle.

This is however just my advice.

Get what your heart feels you should!!

My heart tells me that a R1200GS is way to big, maybe if u was riding in the desert with no cars around, I'd be much more comfortable on something small and nimble.
I'm only doing 10km in the morning and 10km in the afternoon and no freeways, Midrand to Sunninghill. A full size, top pedigree adventure bike just feels like overkill for a daily commute.

Edit: no offense to the R1200GS fans, I might be signing a different tune after a few years riding experience under my handle bars

 

[Tickled_Tortise]

My heart tells me that a R1200GS is way to big, maybe if u was riding in the desert with no cars around, I'd be much more comfortable on something small and nimble.
I'm only doing 10km in the morning and 10km in the afternoon and no freeways, Midrand to Sunninghill. A full size, top pedigree adventure bike just feels like overkill for a daily commute.

Edit: no offense to the R1200GS fans, I might be signing a different tune after a few years riding experience under my handle bars

 

[Agent_Smith]

My heart tells me that a R1200GS is way to big, maybe if u was riding in the desert with no cars around, I'd be much more comfortable on something small and nimble.
I'm only doing 10km in the morning and 10km in the afternoon and no freeways, Midrand to Sunninghill. A full size, top pedigree adventure bike just feels like overkill for a daily commute.

I would've thought you'd get something that can handle a daily commute as well as something that you can use to enjoy a weekend breakfast run with. If you only going to use something for a 20km daily commute, why not just get a scooter

*just my humble non-biking 2c...

 

[Tickled_Tortise]

I would've thought you'd get something that can handle a daily commute as well as something that you can use to enjoy a weekend breakfast run with. If you only going to use something for a 20km daily commute, why not just get a scooter

*just my humble non-biking 2c...

Iv only been on two wheels for 3 months, my current bike doesn't allow for safe freeway travel since it can't go faster than 80km/h. So the idea of a breakfast run hasn't crossed my mind yet, considering ridding on the freeway still makes me think twice.

Maybe in time my priorities will change.

 

[Agent_Smith]

Iv only been on two wheels for 3 months, my current bike doesn't allow for safe freeway travel since it can't go faster than 80km/h. So the idea of a breakfast run hasn't crossed my mind yet, considering ridding on the freeway still makes me think twice.

Maybe in time my priorities will change.

I'm just following this with interest because I'm essentially in the same boat as you. I will be in the market soon for a bike and am wondering what to get. I have my heart set on a Yamaha R3. All the reviews I've read and watched rate it the best bike in that segment (against the likes of the BMW G310R, Kawasaki Ninja 300, Honda CBR300 and KTM RC 390). They say that it's a bike that will be perfect for a beginner, but can still be enjoyed many months down the line when you're more developed as a rider. This is what appeals to me. Plus it looks amazing!



It's a bike that can be used to meander through traffic in the morning, but that will comfortably sit at freeway cruising speeds without feeling like it's having its nuts revved off. The only downside is, no dirt riding. But that's never been a determining factor for me.

 

[Zuner]

I do like the NC750 as well, it's a really great bike. In your experience would you disagree with those who say it's has a boring power delivery and the early changes due to red lining at 6500rpm takes the excitement out of riding. Iv never been on one, this is just what iv read which made me second guess the bike. What's your thoughts?

The nc is a good bike. but it depends what you want. i'm an enthusiast, so i want power and torque. The nc delivers on torque but not on power so it gets bland fast FOR ME, nothing like revving over 10k rpm. My Ern6 keeps up and goes onto a higher top speed, whist being more enjoyable imo.

 

[Pox]

I'm just following this with interest because I'm essentially in the same boat as you. I will be in the market soon for a bike and am wondering what to get. I have my heart set on a Yamaha R3. All the reviews I've read and watched rate it the best bike in that segment (against the likes of the BMW G310R, Kawasaki Ninja 300, Honda CBR300 and KTM RC 390). They say that it's a bike that will be perfect for a beginner, but can still be enjoyed many months down the line when you're more developed as a rider. This is what appeals to me. Plus it looks amazing!

View attachment 506861

It's a bike that can be used to meander through traffic in the morning, but that will comfortably sit at freeway cruising speeds without feeling like it's having its nuts revved off. The only downside is, no dirt riding. But that's never been a determining factor for me.

Nice bike, unless you want comfort while riding it. Anyone over 5 ft tall is going to suffer on a ride more than 10 minutes.

 

[Agent_Smith]

Nice bike, unless you want comfort while riding it. Anyone over 5 ft tall is going to suffer on a ride more than 10 minutes.

Hmm, that's a good point. I can't recall any of the guys reviewing it complaining about the riding position. One guy did say that he found the fact that the fuel tank was quite narrow and high a bit disconcerting. Other than that, it was generally well received. That being said, I'm not the tallest bloke (about 5"10') but will take it into consideration when looking. Thanks!

 

[faniebraai]

Hmm, that's a good point. I can't recall any of the guys reviewing it complaining about the riding position. One guy did say that he found the fact that the fuel tank was quite narrow and high a bit disconcerting. Other than that, it was generally well received. That being said, I'm not the tallest bloke (about 5"10') but will take it into consideration when looking. Thanks!

Is there a specific reason you okes are look at something as small as 300-400cc?

 

[Pox]

Is there a specific reason you okes are look at something as small as 300-400cc?

Combination of cost and new-rider nerves I would guess.

As for me..... I'm now waiting for next-gen Suzuki Hayabusa, maybe early next year.

Rumour mill has it as either a 1440cc monster or a 1440cc forced-induction Uber-monster.

Mmmmmm