General chat thread... Links, pictures, banter etc

Jimmy Bottlehead · 02-06-2020 1:30pm

lennymc wrote: »

2 - 3 should get you a nice machine - blackbird would be well able for that commute with lots of power and reliability, early litre bikes, 600s, bandits, cruisers, there really is a lot out there for that money.

Funny, mate of mine recommended a Blackbird to me only an hour ago. I'm still not well clued up on a fair number of bikes, particularly big engined ones.

Kinda shocked how many solid bikes there are for under €2500 though. Currently looking at Blackbirds, Varaderos and Firestorms. Might leave off the Triumph til I can afford the one I want.

blade1 · 02-06-2020 1:41pm

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Funny, mate of mine recommended a Blackbird to me only an hour ago. I'm still not well clued up on a fair number of bikes, particularly big engined ones.

Kinda shocked how many solid bikes there are for under €2500 though. Currently looking at Blackbirds, Varaderos and Firestorms. Might leave off the Triumph til I can afford the one I want.

Firestorms are thirsty just so u know.
Also they are prone to cracking where the headstock is welded to the frame.
So check for a hairline crack running down the weld.
They sound great.

I see my brother's old one for sale on donedeal for about 1k more than he sold it for around 5 years ago.

It does looked well cared for though.

Richard tea · 02-06-2020 2:02pm

what are your views on a Hyosung gv 650? ive read the old threads but recent online discussions seem to suggest their reliability and finish has improved alot from 2006 onwards. There are a few 2010 models for about 2.5k

I sold my blackbird so im on the lookout for something different.

The QuietMan · 02-06-2020 4:11pm

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Reading this book at the moment, seeing as I’m studying for the Theory Test and IBT I seen this book recommended, learn from the higher levels to learn best practices but thought I’d pop it up if anyone is interested.

Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0117081884/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Nx5cnMyCRm8XF

Bought it myself, it arrived this morning. Looking forward to reading it while the wife is doing bottle feeds :pac:

blade1 · 02-06-2020 4:24pm

LIGHTNING wrote: »

What are people wearing in this heat on the bike? I wore my textile jacket out today and I practically needed to cut it off me afterwards :pac:

Wife beaters, Camouflage Shorts and sandels.
I'm tough though :pac:

lennymc · 02-06-2020 4:28pm

i think for the commute, the blackbird would be the one to go for, it is also something you could grow into. The firestorm is thirsty, the varadero has the same motor and is thirsty too iirc.

lennymc · 02-06-2020 4:29pm

LIGHTNING wrote: »

What are people wearing in this heat on the bike? I wore my textile jacket out today and I practically needed to cut it off me afterwards :pac:

was wondering this myself at the weekend as I melted in full textile gear

listermint · 02-06-2020 4:50pm

Colour of the gear and number of vents can be key.

If your gear was sand or white coloured then you'd be amazed at the degrees it takes off.

Black literally sucks anything thrown at it into it. And then you. Your only saving grace is vents and speed.

The QuietMan · 02-06-2020 5:09pm

True story

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime · 02-06-2020 5:12pm

I have a very silly question which I don't think deserves its own thread.

If you were to head on holiday to do a trip on a motorbike and wanted to bring your own helmet

Is it safe enough to carry it in a suitcase for undercarriage on an airplane ? Or is that totally crazy ?

The QuietMan · 02-06-2020 5:40pm

Photo courtesy of Jeff Smith on Facebook. I have never seen such a setup like this, would it even be legal in Ireland or the UK?

Jimmy Bottlehead · 02-06-2020 6:41pm

The QuietMan wrote: »

Photo courtesy of Jeff Smith on Facebook. I have never seen such a setup like this, would it even be legal in Ireland or the UK?

Even if it was, would ya fancy a sharp brake?

The QuietMan · 02-06-2020 7:07pm

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Even if it was, would ya fancy a sharp brake?

Not a chance

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime · 02-06-2020 7:41pm

LIGHTNING wrote: »

I have always brought my racing lid as a carry on. Wouldnt trust those lads throwing bags into the hold. I have one of these:

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/demon-tweeks-helmet-bag-dtmdthb/

You can a slightly bigger one if you wanted a little more storage space.

Many thanks, carry on is a good idea actually.

Just happy to know there are options and no hassle with airport security etc

I May invest in that bag too

Blanchy90 · 04-06-2020 2:24pm

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

Many thanks, carry on is a good idea actually.

Just happy to know there are options and no hassle with airport security etc

I May invest in that bag too

I brought a helmet as a carry on from the uk a couple of years ago with no problem.

I was also wearing a padded hoodie and boots

H_Lime · 04-06-2020 2:41pm

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Even if it was, would ya fancy a sharp brake?

Gas, the trek is what, 9kg? maybe 3kg for the rack holding it, so 12kg levered off the back carrier with a cog 2 foot behind the bike:pac: yanks!

Hotblack Desiato · 04-06-2020 3:23pm

The QuietMan wrote: »

Photo courtesy of Jeff Smith on Facebook. I have never seen such a setup like this, would it even be legal in Ireland or the UK?

Jaysus. Remember that dreamer who didn't have a bike licence but wanted to get one to carry a surfboard...?

Breezin · 04-06-2020 3:41pm

The QuietMan wrote: »

Photo courtesy of Jeff Smith on Facebook. I have never seen such a setup like this, would it even be legal in Ireland or the UK?

Brilliant. Still have a pillion, and an extra seat for the sprog. Well tied on, of course! :P

The QuietMan · 04-06-2020 5:29pm

Got a good deal here from Sean Delaney & Son in Glanmire, Cork.

CJhaughey · 04-06-2020 5:58pm

In fairness they are good to deal with, I've dealt with them before for stuff and was very happy with their service and prices.

blade1 · 04-06-2020 6:01pm

The QuietMan wrote: »

Got a good deal here from Sean Delaney & Son in Glanmire, Cork.

How much are the 4L of oil Q Man?

The QuietMan · 04-06-2020 6:10pm

blade1 wrote: »

How much are the 4L of oil Q Man?

€28+vat

It’s the high spec stuff. Everything in the photo was bought for Just over €100

The QuietMan · 04-06-2020 6:11pm

CJhaughey wrote: »

In fairness they are good to deal with, I've dealt with them before for stuff and was very happy with their service and prices.

I will be returning. It was a housemate of a fellow Cork boardsie made me aware of them doing the products.

The QuietMan · 04-06-2020 6:30pm

Breezin wrote: »

Brilliant. Still have a pillion, and an extra seat for the sprog. Well tied on, of course! :P

You’d want some balls to try that :pac:

Jimmy Bottlehead · 04-06-2020 7:49pm

Took the Super Four out for a spin this morning. Barring unforeseen circumstances, I'll be putting her up for sale soon enough.

Will be heartbroken to see her go tbh, she's my first bike and has been an absolute star. Next to perfect reliability wise, allowed me to learn on a very forgiving bike while also being enough fun for the first few years.
Have also gotten a lot of nice comments about her too, complimented in how tight her engine still is, comments from nostalgic former Super Four owners, and also had it noted that there's so few of them around these days.

I must have blown some dust off the speedo, there's something in me eye :pac:

The QuietMan · 05-06-2020 12:09pm

Might as well have been

Sonics2k · 05-06-2020 8:01pm

Okay, someone help me figure this out.

A Batwing fairing for a Dragstar 650 costs anywhere between €140 and €190, for just the fairing, no screen or mounting bracket included.

Very few places that sell the fairing also sell the mounting bracket, and from what I can see only one place in the EU sells all 3 together for £597.80

Why on earth does it cost so much for the brackets?

NickNickleby · 05-06-2020 8:20pm

Greetings All,

Family member lives in US and has a collection of bikes. Two of them are HD RoadKings. Apparently they are to a Police specification, one of the things I remember is the extra electrical capacity eg higher output alternator.

Anyway, he's coming home and is wondering would he make a few shekels bringing them home to sell. So, I'm trying to ascertain if there might be any interest in these over here. They're both 10 years old and one has 33k the other has less. Apparently ex-cop bikes are not a sought after item over there - which strikes me as strange, surely they're better maintained. I've been promised pics, which I'll put up when I get them. Bear in mind, I'm not trying to sell them for him, just looking for opinions from people better informed than I am:).

All thoughts welcome.

Banana Republic. · 05-06-2020 11:54pm

NickNickleby wrote: »

Greetings All,

Family member lives in US and has a collection of bikes. Two of them are HD RoadKings. Apparently they are to a Police specification, one of the things I remember is the extra electrical capacity eg higher output alternator.

Anyway, he's coming home and is wondering would he make a few shekels bringing them home to sell. So, I'm trying to ascertain if there might be any interest in these over here. They're both 10 years old and one has 33k the other has less. Apparently ex-cop bikes are not a sought after item over there - which strikes me as strange, surely they're better maintained. I've been promised pics, which I'll put up when I get them. Bear in mind, I'm not trying to sell them for him, just looking for opinions from people better informed than I am:).

All thoughts welcome.

Looking forward to the pictures, sounds interesting. Dependent on parts and the accessibility to them. If easily attainable then he should be able to sell the bikes.

honda boi · 06-06-2020 5:10pm

Well guys,
Need to pick up a set of tyres for the gsx 1400.
Where is the best place to buy and fit? Rang cotters and they charge €22 a tyre to fit if I buy there tyres . Price sound right ?
Also any recommendations on tyres?
Right now have Bridgestone on it with about 11,000km on both tyres.

Nabidana · 06-06-2020 8:53pm

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Took the Super Four out for a spin this morning. Barring unforeseen circumstances, I'll be putting her up for sale soon enough.

Will be heartbroken to see her go tbh, she's my first bike and has been an absolute star. Next to perfect reliability wise, allowed me to learn on a very forgiving bike while also being enough fun for the first few years.
Have also gotten a lot of nice comments about her too, complimented in how tight her engine still is, comments from nostalgic former Super Four owners, and also had it noted that there's so few of them around these days.

I must have blown some dust off the speedo, there's something in me eye :pac:

Forgive my innocence, Jimmy.

What's a super four?

micknail · 06-06-2020 9:35pm

Nabidana wrote: »

Forgive my innocence, Jimmy.

What's a super four?

Honda, Inline 4 cylinder, 400cc
https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_cb400_super_four_10.htm

micknail · 06-06-2020 9:36pm

Only realised now the insurance quotes thread got robbed and sent to a forum far away!

Does the liberty insurance website quote calc actually work for anyone?
I used it about 2 years ago and it was perfect, now, just tells me to ring the office.

honda boi · 06-06-2020 9:42pm

micknail wrote: »

Only realised now the insurance quotes thread got robbed and sent to a forum far away!

Does the liberty insurance website quote calc actually work for anyone?
I used it about 2 years ago and it was perfect, now, just tells me to ring the office.

If I remember correctly, I think awhile ago they got alot stricter on quotes now. Especially for new riders.

micknail · 06-06-2020 10:04pm

honda boi wrote: »

If I remember correctly, I think awhile ago they got alot stricter on quotes now. Especially for new riders.

Well I have 3 years experience at this stage, and used it before, but I've heard it not working for a good few people at all now.

It was very handy to get a rough quick estimate on a bike for sale etc.
Very antiquated to only have the option of ringing in this day and age.

honda boi · 06-06-2020 10:31pm

micknail wrote: »

Well I have 3 years experience at this stage, and used it before, but I've heard it not working for a good few people at all now.

It was very handy to get a rough quick estimate on a bike for sale etc.
Very antiquated to only have the option of ringing in this day and age.

I actually just tried it there.
I had a provisional licence for about 8 /9 years and got my full licence last year so have that one year now.
I inputted my full licence for 1 year and my usual 6 years no claims. Nope the system won't give me a quote , but when I say I have my licence longer then a year it will give me a quote.
Used to be a very handy site for getting quotes for bikes you were going to look at

IrishGrimReaper · 06-06-2020 10:33pm

Wouldn't give me one this year either. Renewed in May. It worked last year.

It's so ****e compared to their online car quote system which is probably the best of all insurance companies.

blade1 · 07-06-2020 11:04am

Anyone ever buy a bike from U.S. and get it shipped to Ireland?
Too much hassle/cost???

NickNickleby · 07-06-2020 5:01pm

blade1 wrote: »

Anyone ever buy a bike from U.S. and get it shipped to Ireland?
Too much hassle/cost???

Funny you should ask: ...

NickNickleby wrote: »

Greetings All,

Family member lives in US and has a collection of bikes. Two of them are HD RoadKings. Apparently they are to a Police specification, one of the things I remember is the extra electrical capacity eg higher output alternator.

Anyway, he's coming home and is wondering would he make a few shekels bringing them home to sell. So, I'm trying to ascertain if there might be any interest in these over here. They're both 10 years old and one has 33k the other has less. Apparently ex-cop bikes are not a sought after item over there - which strikes me as strange, surely they're better maintained. I've been promised pics, which I'll put up when I get them. Bear in mind, I'm not trying to sell them for him, just looking for opinions from people better informed than I am:).

All thoughts welcome.

If and when we get an idea about this, I'll post it here. Still waiting for the photos. I know he's pricing a container -would you believe- for shipping stuff home. Without the bikes, there probably won't be a need for a container. So, watch this space :pac:.

blade1 · 07-06-2020 5:03pm

NickNickleby wrote: »

Funny you should ask: ...

If and when we get an idea about this, I'll post it here. Still waiting for the photos. I know he's pricing a container -would you believe- for shipping stuff home. Without the bikes, there probably won't be a need for a container. So, watch this space :pac:.

He's not in California by any chance?

NickNickleby · 07-06-2020 10:21pm

blade1 wrote: »

He's not in California by any chance?

No , sorry about that, Florida. any further and he'd be in Galway:pac::pac:

The QuietMan · 10-06-2020 2:12pm

Weather permitting I have a date with a peregrine falcon

LollipopJimmy · 10-06-2020 2:53pm

Can I ask what you paid for the ratchet spanners?

The QuietMan · 10-06-2020 4:07pm

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Can I ask what you paid for the ratchet spanners?

You can of course. €21.95 on motorcycleshop.ie

LollipopJimmy · 10-06-2020 4:33pm

The QuietMan wrote: »

You can of course. €21.95 on motorcycleshop.ie

Thanks, gonna order some now myself

Banana Republic. · 10-06-2020 4:51pm

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Thanks, gonna order some now myself

Check in Lidl I got a lovely ratchet set for 14.99 there two weeks ago. They are well worth looking into. Got some great tools there lately, these screwdrivers in the picture we’re around 14.99 too and a socket set for 19.99. My mates have used them on their bikes already, super handy and good quality.

The QuietMan · 10-06-2020 5:08pm

Back pads were nearly new, front were fairly old though.

LollipopJimmy · 10-06-2020 6:18pm

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Check in Lidl I got a lovely ratchet set for 14.99 there two weeks ago. They are well worth looking into. Got some great tools there lately, these screwdrivers in the picture we’re around 14.99 too and a socket set for 19.99. My mates have used them on their bikes already, super handy and good quality.

The one from motorcycleshop is a bigger set so I'll go for that. The Lidl socket set is fairly comprehensive for the price, bit of a bargain but I don't like the ratchet, too bulky and not enough teeth for me. My mate bought the set, grand for small jobs though. Certainly good to have and when the ratchet wears out you could replace with a better one while keeping all the sockets and bits

Banana Republic. · 10-06-2020 10:21pm

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

The one from motorcycleshop is a bigger set so I'll go for that. The Lidl socket set is fairly comprehensive for the price, bit of a bargain but I don't like the ratchet, too bulky and not enough teeth for me. My mate bought the set, grand for small jobs though. Certainly good to have and when the ratchet wears out you could replace with a better one while keeping all the sockets and bits

That’s it indeed, handy to have to build up a tool set. Good foundation to start from and work from there. Always worth a look out. I’ll post anything I see down there. Handy for the smaller jobs and DIY stuff in general.

Sonics2k · 11-06-2020 9:49am

The wheel I ordered was cleared by customs last Thursday evening. An Post still haven't delivered it and damned if I can find the phone number to get on to Customs.

General chat thread... Links, pictures, banter etc

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