Winter plans ?

[Supermofo]

Can't see anything happening over winter. Considering changing bikes in the spring, but will wait until then before doing any test rides.

What you thinking of Colin ? There's so much choice, choosing ain't easy, especially if it's single bike . Maybe up the horses, you looked a bit too comfortable on the triumph at Pembrey.

I'm sticking with what I've got. Reckon we may be riding year round the way it's going. Jan/ Feb can be shitty though.

At the moment, MT09 (maybe an SP) or a Street Triple. But I also wonder if I would like a sports tourer, like the Tracer for example. I'll definitely do a few test rides before deciding. Long term plan is to hopefully have a fun weekend bike and a touring bike but that is a few years off yet.

Definitely test some bikes. The GSXS 1000 was nowhere near the top of my list, in fact I'd written it off as OTT. Front runners were 790 Duke, Z9, MT09, Street Trip. I tested a MT09 and Tracer then I rode the GSXS 1000 as the shop had one rather than the 750 I was considering and Bugger me it was aces. By the time I got back to the shop it wasn't a contest anymore I was just looking at which GSXS was ending up in the garage. So get a go on different bikes as you might change your mind. For me the MT09 I rode had a fab engine but the bike felt odd/disjointed in a way and the throttle was really on/off which was a bit pants in the 3c damp conditions I tested it in, whereas the GSXS handled fab like it was on rails in comparison, just nice and neutral like a sportsbikes with flat comfy bars. Not sure if the MT09 I rode was odd or if they are all like that, the Tracer I rode was better as was Weeksy's XSR. Based on my test ride the XSR was nicer than the 09 but I think Weeksy's had a upgraded shock.

[weeksy]

The xsr was actually the best bike I've owned. I'd own another tomorrow.
It did need a bit of fettling to get it there with shock, re-spring and ECU flash.

[Skub]

It does all depend on intended usage, of course. If it was an all year round commuter bike it would be Japanese all the way. I used to live in Stafford and had to commute to Solihull every day (45 miles each way through gridlocked traffic) and did that for 6 years, only using 4 wheels when temps were below freezing. I put 80k miles on a VFR750 and it was faultless - can't imagine an Italian bike of the era would have done the same.

But if it's essentially a toy, g'wan - indulge yerself...

It's toys all the way with me now. No longer any commuting needs. I've put 16k on the Zed just having fun and going nowhere at all. I suppose some of the reluctance comes from never having to rely on dealers and with anything other than Japanese,that's probably unwise.

[Supermofo]

The xsr was actually the best bike I've owned. I'd own another tomorrow.
It did need a bit of fettling to get it there with shock, re-spring and ECU flash.

It was a cracking bike I really enjoyed riding it

[Bigyin]

Winter plans are basically to give the Fazer a coating of ACF50 and keep on using it for the instructing gig till it gets warm again. The Ducati sailed through its Mot today so that got a play for a couple of hours. It will probably be brought out to play through winter on decent weather days but no trips planned until it gets warmer

[Couchy]

If there's any time left for motorbikes after MTB riding the NC30 requires a few hours of finishing, all the parts are here I just need a clear day in the garage. The GS needs a gearing change and tyres. The R18 needs polishing and just maybe a bobber conversion

Is there an exhaust alternative, those big long hideous thing's let it down a bit. Needs some straight through noisy hookers.

I quite like them but then I also want something shorter to show off the exposed shaft drive, I can have made whatever I want as we have an exhaust maker in our yard. But what that is going to be I don’t know tbh

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

Doing a load of IT network projects and getting someone else to pay for me getting pissed is my current plan, doubt if I'll have much time for motorcycle projects

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

If there's any time left for motorbikes after MTB riding the NC30 requires a few hours of finishing, all the parts are here I just need a clear day in the garage. The GS needs a gearing change and tyres. The R18 needs polishing and just maybe a bobber conversion

Is there an exhaust alternative, those big long hideous thing's let it down a bit. Needs some straight through noisy hookers.

I quite like them but then I also want something shorter to show off the exposed shaft drive, I can have made whatever I want as we have an exhaust maker in our yard. But what that is going to be I don’t know tbh

Don't expose your shaft