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DucatiTerminator wrote:
Saw this at EICMA last year. Yum

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That's quite a take on a Brough!

By co-incidense, in a Finnish motorcycle exhibition/trade show early this year two local, hand-made Brough Superior were presented. Two enthusiasts made them without sparing time or money, utilising many components from England - close to the oroginal spirit of these very rare "Rolls Royces of motorcycles".
The Finnish hand-made bike
The Finnish hand-made bike
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Beautiful!!

I would consider giving up one of my testicles/kidneys to have an original, lol. Still, the new SS100 (pic I posted) is a bit on the spendy side and would have to be ridden on a regular basis for me to someday justify one.
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robinm wrote:
I've been looking more and more at the new Royal Enfields that have come out. They seem fairly reliable but not exactly practical and also rather slow. The big advantage is they're absolutely gorgeous in the flesh. I really want one as a 2nd backup bike. Took one for a test ride on Saturday and rather liked it:
    * fun ride (in a 1950's sort of way)
    * fuel economy around 90mpg
    * OK in traffic
    * the looks
    * the price
    * it has a kick start!
but it wasn't all plain sailing:
    * no-one in the shop could kick start the bike but it was new so that probably affected things
    * it shakes a fair bit - this could be a positive though
    * neutral - hard to find and the warning lights impossible to read in bright sun lightlight
    * brakes - they have ABS but I don't think they're strong enough to lock the wheels
    * pegs - they don't fold and are placed exactly where I wanted to put my feet down
    * mirrors - they do shake about a fair bit
    * tubed tyres - might be "interesting" in a blow out
    * size - I suspect I'm a little big for the bike - I couldn't help but picture an image of a circus elephant on a tricycle
In fairness the bike was brand new so it might take a few thousand miles to bed in. I'll add a picture of me on the demo bike so you can offer opinions. I'll also attach a picture of the bike I'd like which is a limited edition model which looked stunning.
I subscribe to the Bike magazine (UK) and the latest number had a R.E. special issue. There was the story behind this Pegasus "tribute" model, quite interesting! I love the details like the yellow mark for the center of gravity point

Will you get the green or brown one?
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I just got the green one this afternoon. It's absolutely lovely. I haven't mastered the kick start yet but I will - or die trying. It's far more civilised to ride than I expected - light clutch, easy gear change, brakes worked. I didn't have much time today as I was working but managed to get in about 30 miles. Obviously I'm still very new to the bike but I think we're going to gel quite well. It's not fast by any means but it's faster than the cars around it. It also does around 80mpg (imperial). The new UCE engines are a lot better than the old cast iron engines both for power and reliability. Once the warranty is done then I'll probably do my own servicing. I'm looking at getting some engine bars wrapped in rope which is the Indian tradition and then putting a stem nut clock beside the speedo.

If you like these types of bikes (I guess you wouldn't be reading this thread otherwise) then a most sensible choice would be the Euro 4 classic 500 in a gloss paint. The bike I tested before was the model before the Euro 4 and the new version seems to have much better brakes, I could kick start it (after 3 attempts). The neutral was much easier to find on my bike rather than the new demo bike I tried (not sure why that is). It also seems smoother for some reason. The controls electrical all seemed quite modern to me.

I really do like the bike and came home with a big smile. Wife also like the bike a lot.
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Congrats for the new bike robinm!

I have to admit the Pegasus model caught my eye too, the paint scheme and all somehow fits the bike.

Sounds like the bike is all you hoped for, that's great to hear.

As we still don't have any official importers for R.E here in Finland, the latest models I've seen live are all with the old engine.

Now all we need is pictures....
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The new addition. I'm rather pleased with it.
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It's great. I bet you get loads of attention on that around town. I've considered the Himalayan and would love a look over the Interceptor when it arrives.
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robinm wrote:
The new addition. I'm rather pleased with it.
Niiiiiice! Poking around online it seems RE has realized that if they step up their quality control game there's a big old world that wants what they sell.
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Is your head in the pannier?
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[quote=" Yes, the kick-start works... but you'll get plenty of exercise if you use it. You have to put it up on the stand and jump on it.
Best,
-Slashy[/quote]

Standard kick-start protocol is to use the kick pedal to gently turn the engine until you feel the piston is just past top dead center, then give a serious kick. If all is right, it should start on the first kick. May take a little practice, but that practice is good for your right leg...
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robinm wrote:
The new addition. I'm rather pleased with it.
That's one cool looking bike, great!
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smeghead wrote:
Is your head in the pannier?
Yep. I was originally going to buy it for an arm and a leg but they accepted a head instead. Bargain!
smeghead wrote:
It's great. I bet you get loads of attention on that around town. I've considered the Himalayan and would love a look over the Interceptor when it arrives.
The Himalayan looks a great bike but I already have the NC which is similar. I'm sure the Interceptor is a better bike all round but I just prefer the Classic's styling. As a 2nd bike I think it's ideal.
tdrake wrote:
Niiiiiice! Poking around online it seems RE has realized that if they step up their quality control game there's a big old world that wants what they sell.
I couldn't find any issues on the Classic 500 with the exception of people letting the fuel get too low and then burning out the fuel pump motor. I believe they actually sell more bikes than Harley
GoSlash27 wrote:
Yes, the kick-start works... but you'll get plenty of exercise if you use it. You have to put it up on the stand and jump on it. Even though it's fuel injected, it will still fire up and run from the kick start, even with a dead battery... but your next stop may be the hospital for cardiac arrest instead of the auto parts store for a new battery.
I understand there's a bit of a technique to it. I haven't got it yet but I'm told it's:
    * with the key off and clutch in, give the engine 2 gentle kicks -> frees the clutch and spreads the oil
    * another 2 gentle kicks with the clutch out -> bit more oil?
    * get the engine to where it's fully compressed (TDC)
    * give it another fraction of a kick to move just past TDC
    * turn the key on - wait for the engine check to finish
    * one long steady kick to start
If this doesn't work then either kick away madly until the engine submits or quietly press the starter as if you never meant to kick start it. At this point you'll remember that you didn't unlock the separate lock that locks the steering and face the choice of riding round in circles or beginning again at step one.
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robinm wrote:
I understand there's a bit of a technique to it.
My technique is similar, but not nearly that precise. The key to it (at least for me) is to really *jump* on it when starting. Set it on the stand, walk the motor around to TDC, then stand on the left peg with the right on the kick starter. Jump up off of the left peg, keep your right leg straight, and fall through to a sitting position so you're putting all of your weight into the kick. 500cc is a lot of piston to move.

It can also be a PITA to get the bike down off of the stand after you start it. What I do is plant my left heel against the stand, rock the bike back on the rear wheel, then shove forward.

Pretty bike, BTW

Best,
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DucatiTerminator wrote:
The FZR1000B was the second generation, 1991-199x, right?
Yes, think it was second gen approx 1990-ish with twin circular headlights, after that they went to single headlight for a while.

Travelled around Australia on it.
DucatiTerminator wrote:
Considering what you've owned/ridden, I don't know if I would be content with having just a scooter.
True. That's why I also have a 2009 Daytona 675.
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Slow Loris wrote:
DucatiTerminator wrote:
The FZR1000B was the second generation, 1991-199x, right?
Yes, think it was second gen approx 1990-ish with twin circular headlights, after that they went to single headlight for a while.

Travelled around Australia on it.
DucatiTerminator wrote:
Considering what you've owned/ridden, I don't know if I would be content with having just a scooter.
True. That's why I also have a 2009 Daytona 675.
I'm not familiar with the Australia/New Zealand color schemes, but that looks just like the US 1989 model. I had the first generation 1987 model and sold it to get the 1989, which sits in my garage as my son restores it. I imagine yours would be the 1989-90 model like mine. I traveled the east coast and Canada on mine -- I did 4 iron butt days ~1100 miles/day on it in a week when I went through Canada to see the first US round of World Superbike in Brainerd, Minnesota. One of my favorite bikes of all time, which is why I couldn't sell it and gave it to my son.

Sweet Triumph! Almost picked up a 675R a few years back. Sublime bike!
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tdrake wrote:
robinm wrote:
The new addition. I'm rather pleased with it.
Niiiiiice! Poking around online it seems RE has realized that if they step up their quality control game there's a big old world that wants what they sell.
True. About a month ago I looked over and sat on a new RE Bullet. Nice looking bike but on close inspection it just looked cheap and of poor quality. Not saying it was, just saying that's what it looked like. I would imagine this would be a huge turn-off to the average buyer.
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I'd say a quarter of a century is fairly retro -- Ducati's most iconic bike, the Monster turns 25 this year. Yes, please:



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Can't believe it's 25 years since the Monster was introduced, it was just yesterday!

But yeah, if had "one bike for a day" situation, Monster would definitely get one slot Razz emoticon
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Time flies, no? Yamaha's VMAX is 33 years old this year -- I'd love to pick up the 2018 model. My favorite to date:

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DucatiTerminator wrote:
Time flies, no? Yamaha's VMAX is 33 years old this year -- I'd love to pick up the 2018 model. My favorite to date:

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
That may be the best looking motorcycle I've ever seen. Looks amazingly like the Vulcan S 650 but nicer.
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Jet Peddler wrote:
That may be the best looking motorcycle I've ever seen. Looks amazingly like the Vulcan S 650 but nicer.
And riding one after a Vulcan 650 would be akin to stepping off an ET2 onto your BV350, lol.
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Strictly speaking though, I find it hard picturing either the Monster or the VMax as retro. Great bikes but not retro.
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DucatiTerminator wrote:
Jet Peddler wrote:
That may be the best looking motorcycle I've ever seen. Looks amazingly like the Vulcan S 650 but nicer.
And riding one after a Vulcan 650 would be akin to stepping off an ET2 onto your BV350, lol.
Thank God I already own the 350. No need for the VMAX now.
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robinm wrote:
Strictly speaking though, I find it hard picturing either the Monster or the VMax as retro. Great bikes but not retro.
It's all relative. I ride a lot of new bikes (though I had the original V-Max and the still have the original Monster). Anything older than 20 years is retro in my book.

How's this? From your side of the pond, Levis are back:
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Jet Peddler wrote:
DucatiTerminator wrote:
Jet Peddler wrote:
That may be the best looking motorcycle I've ever seen. Looks amazingly like the Vulcan S 650 but nicer.
And riding one after a Vulcan 650 would be akin to stepping off an ET2 onto your BV350, lol.
Thank God I already own the 350. No need for the VMAX now.
Yamaha has been known to have them available on demo days. Try it, you might like it
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This is sort of interesting and cheep. Alright it must be Chinese, but still.

Someone should get one and report back.


http://www.saferwholesale.com/250cc-Motorcycle-RTG-5-Speed-Manual-Retro-Bike-p/dfm-df250rtg.htm
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Kevin Harrell wrote:
This is sort of interesting and cheep. Alright it must be Chinese, but still.

Someone should get one and report back.


http://www.saferwholesale.com/250cc-Motorcycle-RTG-5-Speed-Manual-Retro-Bike-p/dfm-df250rtg.htm
How about YOU take one for the team?

With the exception of Benelli, I have zero interest in a Chinese motorcycle at the moment.
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Honda CB1000R.

Retro? Well, in the same way as the new Husqvarnas are retro.

I just saw one live the first time recently, and....it actually looked quite good. And also not in the traditonal Honda way - this bike is honestly even a bit sexy, like in Italian style.

Nice sound too!
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^^^ Sharp looking bike! I have yet to see one on the road.
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Well, there it is. Meanwhile everyone has moved on.
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robinm wrote:
The new addition. I'm rather pleased with it.
I thought about you just yesterday - REs are quite rare around here, and what did I see when I took our dog for a walk: a RE Classic passing by!

The sound is pure magic - it must be the most relaxed "good mood" motorcycle sound I know.

How's life been with the new bike, eager to hear more
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I've been commuting on the bike since I had it. It's quite slow compared to ... well anything really. It's been utterly reliable but then I've only done a few hundred miles so far so it should be. I love kick starting it - I feel like Marlon Brando for just a few moments of each day. Actually I don't think I've used the electric since the day I bought it. It's quite easy to navigate London traffic but the lack of acceleration is "challenging". The engine did free up at around 200 miles and felt more lively. So far I'm getting 70mpg (imperial) and I suspect this will improve over time.

I currently have 4 bikes in the garage and, if it's not raining, I take the Enfield. I like the way it makes every journey into an occasion. I like the fact I have to relax and not try to race everything. The engine only has two modes - idle and fast idle - and you just change gears to go faster or slower. I ride it fairly gently but I like the sound and vibrations it makes - it feels like a proper retro motorbike (because it is).

Obviously it's not a sensible choice of bike if you only have one bike to depend on but as a 2nd bike it makes a lovely choice. How often do you come back to where you're parked and find people standing around chatting about your bike? I'm off on a trip to the coast next month with my wife and she's really looking forward to it (this is very unusual for her). Normally I'd just take the fastest route but with the Enfield I think it will be wiser to take slower country roads and just putter along at 50mph and wave at the cows as we go by - I'm really looking forward to the weekend away.

I was going to put engine bars on the bike and wrap rope round it like they do in India but I haven't yet. I put an analogue clock on the dash which I like. I considered a louder exhaust but it's wise to let these bikes warm up in the mornings for a minute - if it was a loud exhaust then I think it would just be unfair on my neighbours. I changed the canvas panniers that came with my model (Pegasus) because I just felt someone would just nick them in London. Overall though I've been very happy with the bike.

PS [shameless plug]if anyone's in London this Sunday then come along to the Streatham Kite festival (11am to 5pm). Depending on the weather we get up to about 10,000 people attending and I have the relaxing job of organising it this year! Ask for Mike[/shameless plug]
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Claude wrote:
Well, there it is. Meanwhile everyone has moved on.
After three freaking years. STILL only "coming".
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RRider wrote:
Honda CB1000R.

Retro? Well, in the same way as the new Husqvarnas are retro.

I just saw one live the first time recently, and....it actually looked quite good. And also not in the traditonal Honda way - this bike is honestly even a bit sexy, like in Italian style.

Nice sound too!
If Honda would come out with the DCT for those bikes, I can see a lot of new riders on the road. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy shifting on my Stella and Versys, but when I had the 150cc Honda Elite, it was just pure pleasure to twist the throttle and just ride away.
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RoaringTodd wrote:
RRider wrote:
Honda CB1000R.

Retro? Well, in the same way as the new Husqvarnas are retro.

I just saw one live the first time recently, and....it actually looked quite good. And also not in the traditonal Honda way - this bike is honestly even a bit sexy, like in Italian style.

Nice sound too!
If Honda would come out with the DCT for those bikes, I can see a lot of new riders on the road. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy shifting on my Stella and Versys, but when I had the 150cc Honda Elite, it was just pure pleasure to twist the throttle and just ride away.
That's a good point! They shoud also market their DCT much more aggressively - I rode a DCT Honda for the first time last Spring and the transmission was way better than I would have ever thought!

There may be a dilemma, that many of the professional bike review writers are seasoned bikers....and a DCT is something quite else than either a variator or manual gears. I read reviews, and was therefore positively surprised of how nice the DCT actually was. Mayby I've just got a flexible attitude, I like variators and manual gears too....
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robinm wrote:
I've been commuting on the bike since I had it. It's quite slow compared to ... well anything really. It's been utterly reliable but then I've only done a few hundred miles so far so it should be. I love kick starting it - I feel like Marlon Brando for just a few moments of each day. Actually I don't think I've used the electric since the day I bought it. It's quite easy to navigate London traffic but the lack of acceleration is "challenging". The engine did free up at around 200 miles and felt more lively. So far I'm getting 70mpg (imperial) and I suspect this will improve over time.

I currently have 4 bikes in the garage and, if it's not raining, I take the Enfield. I like the way it makes every journey into an occasion. I like the fact I have to relax and not try to race everything. The engine only has two modes - idle and fast idle - and you just change gears to go faster or slower. I ride it fairly gently but I like the sound and vibrations it makes - it feels like a proper retro motorbike (because it is).

Obviously it's not a sensible choice of bike if you only have one bike to depend on but as a 2nd bike it makes a lovely choice. How often do you come back to where you're parked and find people standing around chatting about your bike? I'm off on a trip to the coast next month with my wife and she's really looking forward to it (this is very unusual for her). Normally I'd just take the fastest route but with the Enfield I think it will be wiser to take slower country roads and just putter along at 50mph and wave at the cows as we go by - I'm really looking forward to the weekend away.

I was going to put engine bars on the bike and wrap rope round it like they do in India but I haven't yet. I put an analogue clock on the dash which I like. I considered a louder exhaust but it's wise to let these bikes warm up in the mornings for a minute - if it was a loud exhaust then I think it would just be unfair on my neighbours. I changed the canvas panniers that came with my model (Pegasus) because I just felt someone would just nick them in London. Overall though I've been very happy with the bike.

PS [shameless plug]if anyone's in London this Sunday then come along to the Streatham Kite festival (11am to 5pm). Depending on the weather we get up to about 10,000 people attending and I have the relaxing job of organising it this year! Ask for Mike[/shameless plug]
All in all, sounds very nice! As I like naked bikes, but don't like wind noise, I use 50 mph roads when ever possible - slower, but much more fun!

After buying my Triumph, I've actually noticed that Ive adjusted my riding style - a bit towards RE world As the 900cc engine has a low rev range but also an excellent low end torq, I purposefully use a bit long gears. This way the sound is at it's best, a low frequency, soft bass. Also, somehow this reminds me of riding a lower power, older bike - in a good way. I can fully see why a RE is an excellent second bike!
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RoaringTodd wrote:
RRider wrote:
Honda CB1000R.

Retro? Well, in the same way as the new Husqvarnas are retro.

I just saw one live the first time recently, and....it actually looked quite good. And also not in the traditonal Honda way - this bike is honestly even a bit sexy, like in Italian style.

Nice sound too!
If Honda would come out with the DCT for those bikes, I can see a lot of new riders on the road. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy shifting on my Stella and Versys, but when I had the 150cc Honda Elite, it was just pure pleasure to twist the throttle and just ride away.
I disagree. A new rider does not belong on a liter bike. And DCT on a beginner bike will add to their entry level cost.
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Swung a leg over the new CB1000R yesterday. Sits a little taller than I expected. It's a shame they aren't available for demo rides.

I'm wavering a bit, but I keep coming back to the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer:

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
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DucatiTerminator wrote:
Swung a leg over the new CB1000R yesterday. Sits a little taller than I expected. It's a shame they aren't available for demo rides.

I'm wavering a bit, but I keep coming back to the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer:

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
That's a good looking bike - genuily interesting combo of retro and modern elements!
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Reminds me a bit of one of these. Someday, God willing

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