First new big bike EVER!

[Taipan]

Fair play, twenty thousand miles in three years is proper, you're obviously in love

Have you tried any other bikes to compare it to since you got it?

Going by his weather reports, he'd be better off looking at Jet Skis!

[Skub]

Fair play, twenty thousand miles in three years is proper, you're obviously in love

Have you tried any other bikes to compare it to since you got it?

Yeah,it has definitely reignited my desire to ride,as those miles have been done going nowhere in particular,simply just to be on the bike. Compare this to my ZX10R which was 16 years old when I sold it,with just 34k on the clock. The few years previous to 2020 my milage was pitiful and I'd completely lost my mojo. Some of the change of heart was due to Covid. Being told not to make any unnecessary journeys suddenly fired up the contrary cnut in me and from being naughty I rediscovered my love of riding a bike. People are friggin weird.

I've looked at other bikes and idly mused about changing,but there have always been good reasons not to change. The Zed is probably the last fairly recent bike to have no rider aids,other than ABS and whilst I'm not anti electronics,I kind like the idea of keeping stuff as simple as possible. Less shit to go wrong as my old man was wont to opine.

A Yam MT10 is probably a better bike than my model of Kawasaki in many ways,but I don't know that I'd enjoy the Yam any better to validate a swop.

The Aprilia RSV4 Tuono is another one I'm drawn to,but the horrendous reliability issues and looong waiting time for parts,really cools my jets. It probably be a risk worth taking if I bought new and sacked it off before the warranty expired. From what I read,many owners don't even get a hassle free warranty period.

Kawa ZH2 is a monster of a bike in every way,but I sold my 10R to get away from what the ZH2 is good at,chasing big numbers. It throws you at a corner way faster than the brakes and very average suspension can deal with. That's before you add in what I personally can deal with. I see many 'moments' happening and I know myself well enough to understand I have scant self restraint at times.
Weight is a massive 40 kilos heavier than my bike and beyond what I'd be happy with. That's a real deal breaker.
The looks are subjective and don't repulse me,but I'm approaching 68 and I've decided I won't buy one. I still think everyone should blag a ride on one,though.

That's all that has caught my eye recently. The only other thing I may do is just keep the Zed and look for an old classic stroker,trouble is the eye watering prices on the ones which are nice....

[Supermofo]

I suspect like mine it's a bike that does most things very well. So if you just wanna bike to get on, ride and enjoy then it's probably hard to beat.

[Skub]

Wheels out for new rubber for the Zed,well overdue as it was steering like a lorry,all the fun had gone.

Mileage for the pair of Michelin Road 6 was pretty damn good. Usually I get crap miles from tyres,but the rear lasted 5257 just down to a little below the markers and the front was well gubbed at 9031.

I've never had 9k out of a tyre in my puff.

[Supermofo]

I think I have 3k odd on my road 5s, there's loads of tread left but suspect it'll be profile that I change them due to. There are OK at the moment but do have a little flat spot developing. The front looks almost new still.

I notice Neevsy in MCN was saying he got 7500 or something out of some Metzeler Roadtec 01SE on a H2SX which is pretty crazy

[mangocrazy]

I think the next sets of tyres on both the VFR and the Falco will be Metzeler.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I got 12000 miles out of the front Pirelli Angel GT on my Suzuki GSX750S, and about half that for the rears.

[Skub]

I got 12000 miles out of the front Pirelli Angel GT on my Suzuki GSX750S, and about half that for the rears.

Smooth cheese.

[Yorick]

I think I have 3k odd on my road 5s, there's loads of tread left but suspect it'll be profile that I change them due to. There are OK at the moment but do have a little flat spot developing. The front looks almost new still.

I notice Neevsy in MCN was saying he got 7500 or something out of some Metzeler Roadtec 01SE on a H2SX which is pretty crazy

He must ride like a girl.

[wull]

I think I have 3k odd on my road 5s, there's loads of tread left but suspect it'll be profile that I change them due to. There are OK at the moment but do have a little flat spot developing. The front looks almost new still.

I notice Neevsy in MCN was saying he got 7500 or something out of some Metzeler Roadtec 01SE on a H2SX which is pretty crazy

He must ride like a girl.

We’ve seen your tyres from road riding, so best pipe down and keep quiet

[Skub]

Got the wheels back and fitted tonight,ready to roll if the rain ever fucks off.

Captive spacers are the biz too btw,saves all that 3rd hand tooshery.

[Supermofo]

Yup, the weather is still crap. I've been off all week and showers every day so far

[Pirahna]

if the rain ever fucks off

I've been in sunny Roscommon for the last two months, it's like death by rain. A slow lingering death looking out the window at any and every type of rain imaginable. I'm sure it never used to be like this, climate change is a thing.

I seem to have every issue, bar about three from 1981, of Classic Motorcycle. Free to anyone that'll come and get them if you know of anybody.

[Skub]

I've been in sunny Roscommon for the last two months, it's like death by rain. A slow lingering death looking out the window at any and every type of rain imaginable. I'm sure it never used to be like this, climate change is a thing.

I seem to have every issue, bar about three from 1981, of Classic Motorcycle. Free to anyone that'll come and get them if you know of anybody.

Yeah,usually around this time of year it's dry and quite settled. Doesn't bode well for the 'Summer' months. Last year the rain started in the middle of June and it's still going,bar the odd day.

I'll ask in a local classic group to see if anyone's interested in the mags.

[Supermofo]

Now you mention it, you're right. Lots of rain right through since June. Currently waiting for my son to come out of school, looking through the car windscreen at sheets of rain and a forecast of more to come. Bollocks

[Skub]

Now you mention it, you're right. Lots of rain right through since June. Currently waiting for my son to come out of school, looking through the car windscreen at sheets of rain and a forecast of more to come. Bollocks

Maybe it'll be the best Summer ever. Live in hope,eh?

[Supermofo]

Now you mention it, you're right. Lots of rain right through since June. Currently waiting for my son to come out of school, looking through the car windscreen at sheets of rain and a forecast of more to come. Bollocks

Maybe it'll be the best Summer ever. Live in hope,eh?

I'll drink to that

[Skub]

The rear brake was getting even crappier than ever,so I changed the brake fluid in both the front and rear.

Probably due after 20k miles.

[Supermofo]

Any better?

Gotta say the brakes on the GSXS work but they are very wooden. Was going to change pads at somepoint but I'm a skinflint and other things have got in the way

[Skub]

Any better?

Gotta say the brakes on the GSXS work but they are very wooden. Was going to change pads at somepoint but I'm a skinflint and other things have got in the way

The Brembos on the front have always been very good. I like the feel and the power. The rear brake feels like it's a mismatch of master cylinder for the caliper,it's never been good,but it's been worse recently. I expected the old fluid to be dirty,but it was still pretty clear,though after 20k it probably was a good idea to change it anyway.

It's raining now,so I haven't been out to check them out.