Pilots opinion of the Yamaha TRX850

[Jabawocky]

Not exactly an aircraft specific matter, but as a very high percentage of pilots also ride bikes, I figure this might be a good way to get an honest opinion from those of us who love bikes.

My brother is looking at trading a TRX850 and these seemed to have been rare and not overly successful sales model, yet from what I read they were a great machine.

Have any of you owned or ridden one? He is thinking of trading it and keeping it for his wife to ride.

As you might recall I am a Suzuki guy, and know nothing of these Yammies.

[18-Wheeler]

Don't know anything about them sorry, but it's an excuse to post a photo of my bike. :D
I did the Q-Ride course a few years ago and that lets you go from no licence to a full licence so you can ride anything you like after that. I decided to get a litre bike as I wanted something that'd scare me a bit for my first bike, and I like the sound of a V-twin so I got a Honda VTR-1000F Firestorm.

http://www.billzilla.org/VTR1000-3.jpg

They're okay for short trips but I certainly wouldn't want to have to commute far on one. I also never ride in the rain. Aldi had a tank bag that works really well but I haven't seen it for sale for yonks.

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

Not exactly an aircraft specific matter, but as a very high percentage of pilots also ride bikes,http://www.fototime.com/E50D503D5322B39/standard.jpg

Yup!

Dr :8

[Jabawocky]

Thanks Forkie.......... now this thread has some aviation related content....your bike fits in the bake of a Bo.

Mine however does not.......GSX 1250FA :)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/jaba430/IMG_0080.jpg


And yes I still have the old GSXR for those that remember it......until someone offers me enough to part with it I guess and then Mrs Jaba will make me sell it :oh:

[SgtBundy]

Aviation related bike:

http://www.slipperybrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/b-2-bomber-themed-motorcycle_xjeu1_54.jpg

[Andy_RR]

I keep being tempted by one of these...

http://www.aprilia.com.au/pics/d1a.jpg

...but I remind myself I need to buy one of these shortly (aviation content)

http://www.chadandbrittne.com/images/Engines2/Aero-IO-360.jpg

(maybe not yellow though :rolleyes:)

[osmosis]

Forget the pax and wannabes, it doesn't work. I tried it years ago. My brother tried it with a Hyabusa more recently, his wife had one ride and never again. Bike and all gear sold, not before I wrung it's neck out though.

Re Aprilias: very comfortable machine, unsure why they're not more popular. Easy to lose a license on one I should expect.

With respect, if you're on here and asking, it means you're not ready to buy yet. Don't scoff, but take a look at a BMW, you might be surprised.

Best wishes.

[Tidbinbilla]

I came close to buying a VTR1000 once, until I realised you need to ride it at above 140 to avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Top hoon bike nonetheless!:}:ok:

[osmosis]

Whilst you are correct Tid, try sitting above 200 for any length of time, the wrists have it real good but the neck is straining to keep the head attached. Them little windscreens are mighty low.

3ty-7bTId5M&feature=related

[troppo]

and hence the term temporary citizen

[Hugh Jarse]

Osmosis, I have a Bavarian Money Waster R1200RT. A big twin with lots of torque. Switch off the ASC and it'll loft the front just like a sports bike, and handles pretty well to boot.

The main reason I bought one was because I have a pillion on about 70% of the time, and it's hard to find many bikes truly set up for pillion comfort. This one has it in spades.

Jabber, I'm sure the TRX850 is a good bike, but I reckon Yamaha spent too much research money trying to build a parallel twin to sound and vibrate like a Ducati V-twin, rather than a machine which stands on its own merits. And I wouldn't bother about taking a pillion. I think the TRX pioneered the pillion "pad" (less than 25mm thick). Having said that, Yamaha haven't built many dodgy bikes since the mid 70's (except the GTS1000A, which was a good concept, but failed miserably in the marketplace).

The VTR1000? - closest thing any Jap manufacturer got to a Duke. And a great bike. Did some awesome laps around Eastern Creek a few years ago. Capable of 240+, if you're game. Not too bad for a V-twin which originally went into production around 1997. The thing that killed it for me was a pizzly 16L tank.

[Ultralights]

if your going to go sports bike, dont fart arse around, get a sports bike!
The only Yammy worth owning.

http://pamuva1.smugmug.com/Cars/81-Mazda-RX-7-and-other-cars/IMG0013/1072689375_WK6kg-L.jpg

still have the Bavarian Meandering Wanderer
http://pamuva1.smugmug.com/Cars/81-Mazda-RX-7-and-other-cars/P5122856/540190460_pAhC5-L.jpg

and hence the term temporary citizen
isnt Everyone a temporary citizen? Havn't met any vampires yet..

[bushy]

Motorcycles are bad for you. They are also wonderful for you!...Billy Commelly.

[redsnail]

As my learned mate Jarse has said, the TRX is a parallel twin designed to sound and look like a Ducati 900SS from the mid 90's. It wasn't a bad bike but suffered because there was quite a few V-twins coming out from Honda and Suzuki that were their own bike as opposed to a blatant Ducati rip off.
The TRX is based on the old TDM and there were no real flaws on that bike. A bit bland if you're really looking for faults.

If it's the V thing you're after, get a Ducati :ok: (and those who know me will understand why I say that) or have a look at the SV series from Suzuki. But you didn't hear me say that.

Hey Jarse, I still remember what Jarsephine said after you suggested a Honda after riding my lil Ducati. :E

[remoak]

Come on now, a Monster isn't a real Ducati... :}

[redsnail]

:E I don't have a Monster.

[Josh Cox]

I'd recommend a british bike.

Restored this one last year:
Before:
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n229/Joshuacox_2006/BSA%20Golden%20Flash/Joshs1953Flash28.jpg
After:
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n229/Joshuacox_2006/BSA%20Golden%20Flash/18mar10015.jpg

Am presently restoring this one ( the Norton ):
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n229/Joshuacox_2006/Norton%20Commando/norton003.jpg
Fat old tatooed biker chicks think I'm cool, and that is all that matters.:}

[redsnail]

Josh Nice restoration job, I see you've included the obligatory oil drips on the ground. :ok:

Like the Guzzi in the background. :D

[Chimbu chuckles]

U'lights they misspelt BIKER - just in case you hadn't noticed:ok:

My old FJ1200 back when I was based CNS with PX - Chelsea about 8 or 9. Now she has a child of her own.

http://www.fototime.com/{D3840AA4-40FE-476F-99EB-C26342EAC1D4}/origpict/MOTORBIKE1.jpg

My Honda Valkyrie in Singapore. Used to ride it up the Malay Peninsular many weekends - shoulda shipped it back to Oz.:sad:

http://www.fototime.com/{D4C8585C-C690-4AFB-BC23-32C429C82088}/origpict/Honda1.jpg

What I ride now..Yamaha XJ900S...very nice bike.

http://www.fototime.com/{A9D74AC3-D34E-494B-94F8-7633EED623A3}/origpict/Bike%2520ride.jpg

Aviation content? I have been known to do the odd bit of low flying on the FJ1200 and lately the XJ900s:E

[Hugh Jarse]

I've been a "temporary citizen" for the 38 years I've been riding :}

Reddo, we still laugh about that one. Trying to talk her into getting her licence...

Nortons and Trumps. Cut my teeth on them in my first job out of school. The first thing my trainer told me: "British bikes don't leak oil... They mark their territory".:}:} Norton has to be my favourite POME bike.

By the way, where's the seat on the Snortin' ? Electrical problems?

Found this one among some old bike shop stuff:
Mr Lucas: "Prince of Darkness"
The Lucas motto: "Get home before dark".
Lucas denies having invented darkness. But they do still have a claim to "sudden, unexpected darkness."
Lucas -- inventor of the first intermittent wiper.
Lucas -- inventor of the self-dimming headlamp.
The three-position Lucas switch -- DIM, FLICKER and OFF
The other three switch settings -- SMOKE, SMOLDER and IGNITE.
The original anti-theft devices -- Lucas Electric products.
"I've had a Lucas pacemaker for years and have never experienced any prob...."
If Lucas made guns, wars would not start either.
Did you hear about the Lucas-powered torpedo? It sank.
It's not true that Lucas, in 1947, tried to get Parliament to repeal Ohm's Law. They withdrew their efforts when they met too much resistance.
Did you hear the one about the guy that peeked into a Land Rover and asked the owner, "How can you tell one switch from another at night, since they all look the same?" He replied, "It doesn't matter which one you use, nothing happens anyway!"
Back in the '60s Lucas decided to diversify its product line and began manufacturing vacuum cleaners. It was the only product they offered which didn't suck.
Quality Assurance phoned and advised the Engineering guy that they had trouble with his design shorting out. So he made the wires longer.
Why do the English drink warm beer? Lucas makes refrigerators, too.
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. Joseph Lucas invented the short circuit.
Recommended procedure before taking on a repair of Lucas equipment: check the position of the stars, kill a chicken and walk three times clockwise around your car chanting: "Oh mighty Prince of Darkness protect your unworthy servant."
Lucas systems actually uses AC current; it just has a random frequency.
When taking a comfort stop on the route always walk away from the vehicle down wind at least 100 metres before emptying bladder. This will help alleviate the ingress of moisture into the electrical system and allow you to maybe continue your journey.
Electrons flow through conventional wiring at the speed of light. In Lucas products, they travel at the speed of dark.

[Josh Cox]

Full resto:
Norton Commando pictures by Joshuacox_2006 - Photobucket (http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n229/Joshuacox_2006/Norton%20Commando/?start=all)

[Hugh Jarse]

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/4da3ee59.jpg
Somewhere in the VIC Alps. Near Mt. Beauty Airstrip :E
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/0a863ad3.jpg
Sorry 'bout flicking the bird.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/6a1588f5.jpg
"Jarsephine" a few years ago. Somewhere near YPMQ.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/d01a02d0.jpg
4 of the best. Somewhere near YMAY. Gixxer, Bandit 1200, R1200RT and K1200RS. All ridden by pilots. :E

[Trojan1981]

Good stuff Hugh.


Never ridden the TRX. I don't even know anyone who has owned one. After owning a ZZR-250, ZX-6 (which I spectacularly threw down the road) and ZX-9 I had to give up riding to pay for more flying.

But my wife promised me at the time she would buy my a brand new Aprilia RSVR 1000 in five years:) one year to go and the promise is still good! You can't beat the sound and raw torque of a big V-twin!

[Jack Ranga]

ZX-6 (which I spectacularly threw down the road)

Looks like we got our self a little club going then :cool:

Me: Twice! Although one was a ditch.

[Jabawocky]

Nice Pics Jarse :ok:

Based on what we know and the response here my brother has declined the offer of a trade in of the Yammie. He did however pick this one up recently (another trade in on a car) which is her new ride.....a Lil' ZZR
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/jaba430/m_ZZRphoto.jpg

And I think I have posted these before but what the heck.............
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/jaba430/m_14092008125.jpg

My old girls the black GSXR along with Bro's KAT and one of my employees (also pilot......for aviation content :E) newer Gixxer 600.
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/jaba430/m_25042008688-1.jpg

Bro stealing nephews Quad......
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/jaba430/m_IMG_1005.jpg


And start em young...........
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/jaba430/m_IMG_1010-1.jpg

And when the drought breaks a few years later...and a bigger bike!
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/jaba430/m_IMG_0087.jpg

and just for a bit of fun...........
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/jaba430/m_IMG_1030.jpg

[Jack Ranga]

Jaba........did you steal all your brothers food? :E

[Jabawocky]

..........Ranga ya smart ar$e..........NO. In fact he would hoover up anything off your plate even before you finished.

Its not fair is it..........yet he has the cholesterol problem.

[Mach E Avelli]

If you can find a nice TRX 850 at a sensible price go for it!
Great looks, great handling and a bullet-proof engine. I have seen guys do track days on them and give 1000cc sports bikes a run for the money.
If it hasn't already got Staintune pipes, worth the bucks to do it, otherwise leave it alone. Who knows, eventually it could become a collector's item.

[remoak]

Too many big road bikes! Here's my point-and-squirt weekend special... still needs a bit of blinging, but very, very quick...

http://www.blueskiesdesign.co.nz/ktm01.jpg

[Jabawocky]

............and where is Tailwheel and his Jaguar fettish......:confused:

It must be related to Hugh Jarse's Lucas story surely :}

And his aviation content would be????? The vast number of spare parts flown from the UK to keep it on the road :E

[ozaggie]

Triumph Speedmaster for mine. Picked it up xmas eve. Love it.

[Steve Zissou]

Ahh the perfect thread! I have a Suzuki TL1000R which sadly is tucked away in the garage while the next chapter in my aviation career is sorted out.

It pains me deeply but my wife has twisted my arm into selling the precious, something about needing the money to help feed the kids etc :{

So ... if anyone is interested in buying a classic v-twin (it's in NZ) PM me :ok:

[Jabawocky]

Tell her to get a job........Once its gone you will never get it back!:sad:

Same applies to Aeroplanes.........(for aviation content sake)

[Ultralights]

i think i figured out why so many pilots own and ride bikes! cheaper rego, and cheaper on the fuel burn, we all know professional pilots cant afford to register cars or keep them fuelled!:}

oh, and chimbo, you wouldnt see a Biker on an R1! every road vehicle i own is Black! :ok:

[Trojan1981]

Remoak, they are scary little machines!
One of the AVTECs from Richmond had one a few years ago. It was a Supermoto race bike that he fanged at the track on weekends. At the time I had the ZX-6 and was borrowing a mates TTR 600 so I thought I would be right. The acceleration and grip was incredible! Especially when cornering on such a tall bike. It scared the crap out of me! I did one lap and gave it back:cool:

[Hugh Jarse]

Remoak, those knobbies are a bit bald for a chook-chaser :}:}:}
Dirt bikes are for this: (Taken near the West Pymble Locator).
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/a683f597.jpg

Steve, I'd sell the wife.;)

Jabber, Taily's probably stuck out near a regional Queensland airport (aviation related), where his Shaguar has 'failed to proceed' - NOT broken down!

OOH... Katana. Couldn't afford one of those, but they're collector's items now. I had to settle for a GSX750 base model. Good solid donks, especially the 1100. Pulls like a 14 year old. :E

A mate of mine had a GS100G shaftie back in the 80's. Everyone said you can't wheelie them. I beg to differ:
1982 - Nowhere near Bankstown Airport.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/aa5cc898.jpg

As you can see, I don't spend much money on front tyres :E

Jarsephine had an early interest in bikes. 3 1/2 years old, this one:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/06bd1429.jpg
And I bought the R1100RT. Nice bike.

[The Chaser]

.... soooo ... how many of you have done the Putty Road at VNE :E

[Kulwin Park]

My brother is looking at trading a TRX850 and these seemed to have been rare and not overly successful sales model, yet from what I read they were a great machine.

Have any of you owned or ridden one? He is thinking of trading it and keeping it for his wife to ride.

As you might recall I am a Suzuki guy, and know nothing of these Yammies.

TRX850's are great machines !!!! Rare, and keep their value! KEEP IT - It'll be like an old Mustang or Spitfire soon :ok:

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

.... soooo ... how many of you have done the Putty Road at VNE

I have done the Putty Road in a 302 ci (180 kW) V8 Falcon Hardtop - I had big muscles back then!

I thought that car was a "beast" - but the current ride has 270 kW !!!

Dr :8

PS: I used to drive that car to the aerodrome [aviation content]

[The Chaser]

:E :ok:

4 boots = 351 XE ... last model of the production 351's .....

Low level flying endorsement (aviation related) :E

[Hugh Jarse]

The Putty? Have the scars to prove it :E My personal favourite is the Gillies Hwy in QLD. Drove it on the weekend, but it's just not quite the same.

[Sbaker]

I had a CBR250RR... great to get through peak hour without being late ;)

also no worries about parking :)


but I sold it to get a Mk3 supra :)

[Mr.Buzzy]

YouTube - top gun replacement BIKE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCqrEpLiwsA)

bbbbbbbbbbbbbbzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Chimbu chuckles]

Jarse...your last post on page one was VERY funny...VERY.:ok:

[Jamair]

Sorry to contradict you Reddo, but the only similarity between a TRX and a Ducati is the number of cylinders. The TRX started first time every time and the electrics worked, not something you could ever say about any 70’s Ducati.:ugh:

I tooled around on a TRX for a day when I was bike shopping. Nice unit, liked it a lot. :ok: Bought a Bandit in the end, but could have gone for the TRX. Watch for grey imports though, believe they are power restricted.

Nice ride Jaba.....:ok: Want a Ventura Rack for it?

My garage has been graced by
Suzukis: 90 (first road bike), GT750 Waterbottle, a Katana, a GSXR750 superbike, a 1200 Bandit and the current mount a 1250S Bandit;
Kawasakis Z500, Z900, Z1000, two GT750s, KR250 (first race bike), F2 250, two GPz900R proddie racebikes, and a ZXR750RR superbike (last race bike);
Yamahas XT 600 Tenere;
Hondas XL500 and XL360;
Ducatis 600 Pantah

Worst was the Ducati, owned it the shortest time of any of them. Would quite happily still have the rest in the shed…. except maybe the Hondas, never did really enjoy them. Wish I still had the Z9...pristine, unmolested..... GAWD:{

Very happy with the Bandit, very comfy ride which still has the capacity to stick it to the Dainese-clad whippersnappers on their latest digitally controlled fisher-price toys playing try-hard on the Mt Molloy road (followed by the obligatory burger at the Mexican café).

Will have to go for a fang Jarse :E


http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/jamair_photos/IMG_0089.jpg
Taken at an airport

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/jamair_photos/IMG_0395.jpg
One of the Jamettes

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/jamair_photos/DSC_81.jpg
Two other pilots bikes with the first Bandit on the Mt Molloy range road (although one of them, a well known ppruner, has since been emasculted and sold his bike.....:=)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/jamair_photos/IMG_0561.jpg
Best thing ever - Pro-Oiler. Look it up on the web.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/jamair_photos/IMG_1067.jpg
Second best investment for the Bandit - a single seat

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/jamair_photos/HisNHerbikes.jpg
Nuff said....:oh:

[The Chaser]

.... bwhahahaha ... ah gawd .... structural failure from gigglin'

Shewho just walked through and saw the last photo :ooh: ... :E

... I'm banned .... apparently .... for keepin' bad company :} :ok:

Ooh Roo

[redsnail]

Jamair, with the greatest of respect, the TRX wasn't around in the 70's so comparing it to a 70's Ducati is a bit far fetched..

You'll find modern Ducatis have jap electrics, even the Italians realise they can't do electrics.

[maverick22]

I too have no idea about the TRX850, but what the hell...

Here's the old "licence killer"

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd430/Bryn_Deasy/bundaberg019.jpg

[Hugh Jarse]

Reddo, don't forget the old Veglia instruments, referred to as "Vague Liar" by those in the bike industry.

You're 100% right about later model electrics. Having said that, I recently had to do major surgery on a mate's 1200 Bandit's electrics (the one in the photo). It had the old "Holden dancing tail light syndrome" caused by a bad earth resulting from a short in one of the bulb holders. That was an interesting fix!:8

Jamair, any time you're in SY, I'm up for a run. Notice you never owned any of the Flexi-Flyer 2 stroke Kwakka triples aka "the smokescreen". The cops couldn't catch you because they couldn't see you! :}:} That was the world's original stealth technology :ok:

Kind of reminds me when I got to ride Barry Sheene's RG500 down Wentworth Ave and Elizabeth St back in the 70's. That bought out the police and firies, because they thought a building was on fire..... Long story, but I got out of strife for a set of genuine Suzuki spokes for the copper's 900SS Ducati...:E

Mav, did you order it with the "special radar/LIDAR absorbing" matte black, or did you do it yourself? Have never seen one that colour.

BSA = Bloody Sore Arse. Fork, you sure it wasn't a BSA Bantam? (Now I'm showing my age).

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

BSA = Bloody Sore Arse. Fork, you sure it wasn't a BSA Bantam? (Now I'm showing my age).Oh dear! Silly me. Yes, it was a Bantam. Still - it was a heap of sh*t.

http://www.mistgreen.com/mistgreen/images/DSC00416%20%28Small%29.JPG

Dr :8

PS: Now I AM showing my age - but I was very young at the time.

[gileraguy]

I rode a TRX once, back in the 90's. i remember being underwhelmed with the performance and surprised at how high the headset was (to clear the cylinders).

As I rode a CBR 600 at the time, the performace of the TRX disappointed me.

TRX owners seem to prize their machines highly. Used advertisements show that retained values are high (but it depends on what they get for them at sale)

One point, Ducati riders HATE TRX's. Yamaha's advertising as a "Japanese Ducati" and their copy cat frame means that the boys in red aren't gonna speak to you at all. But that may not be a negative thing.

i hear they tour well and they should be comfortable.

The TRX is definitely not Japanese version of the Ducati, even if it sounds like one with it's 270 degree firing order.

As a tourer it'd be ok.

Here's MCN's review from the UK:

Yamaha TRX850 (1996-2000) - Yamaha Motorcycle Reviews (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Yamaha/Yamaha-TRX850-1996-2000-/)

[maverick22]

Jarse,

No it's a factory colour scheme from 2006/07. Must not have been too popular as you don't see a lot around. I tend to like it actually. They also fitted the stubby muffler on the back too, but then reverted to a longer one on the 08 model onwards. Still sounds alright though.

[Jabawocky]

Jamair

You need to get down here one day soon.

The new gsx1250fa in my garage is essentially a 1250 bandit with full fairings and ABS.

It's a really nice ride and bang for buck they are $5k under priced, but don't tell Suzuki

[Josh Cox]

Must say I am happy to see no Harleys on this topic, rumour has it only two types of people own Harleys :).

[Hugh Jarse]

Josh, why do they call Harley's "Cattle Dogs"?

Because they love to go out for a run in the morning. But they always come home in the back of the ute. :ok:

Yeah, I've worked on Harleys too. Can't talk about the new ones (post 2005), but otherwise they're designed to break down. But their owners seem to have plenty of dough to throw at them ;)

I remember doing a few trips with a group of Harley riders. They don't seem to have much confidence in their bikes, because they always bought a L a n d R o v e r towing a trailer as a sweep vehicle along on trips longer than a day.:}:} Panheads seemed to be the least reliable.... Next to L a n d R o v e r tow vehicles :8

Fork, I reckon that photo is from the 80's or early 90's. how did they get that Bavarian Money Waster onto the beach? Or were they doing an insurance jobbie? :8

Here's a thought. We should have a PPRuNe BBiKeRs BBaSh somewhere.
:ok:

Whaddya reckon?

[airdualbleedfault]

I have seen guys do track days on them and give 1000cc sports bikes a run

Funny, don't recall ever being passed by a Trex at the Island on my ZX10 :E Then again, don't recall getting passed too much at all ;)

Any Prooners going to WSBK next month ? maybe PM me

TRX was a good bike but there is one thing the Japs could never match WRT Ducati IMHO, the sex appeal :ok: MHR,851, 916, Desmosedici RR, 1098, 'nuff said.

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

Jarse, I pulled the pic off the web to illustrate the class of the BSA Bantam. Those look OK, if you are into classics, whereas mine was a wreck. I paid $25 for it in 1969, and thrashed it around the paddock until the big-end bearing melted. Couldn't afford to get it fixed at the time - and then I discovered girls, Minis, and drive-ins (all at about the same time!).

Dr :8

[Jabawocky]

Jarse... :ok: top idea.

Will be talking to chimbu chuck over breakkie mid bike ride in the morning, and if he has not seen this by now it will be in for discussion time.

Problem is from where you are and Jamair we need to meet about YBCV to make it fair.:eek:

[remoak]

hmmm... wonder if I could get the KTM across to Oz as excess baggage... :ok:

[Jabawocky]

Ask Beachking...... He gets Dort bikes in the Piper Tail Bonanza. Return trip to YBCV cost sharing would be almost as cheap as buying a new one here:}

[Prince of Dzun]

This is a super thread and jabawocky is to be congratulated for starting it. Lots of memories (and dreams ) here for an old time retired motorcycle loving airline pilot. However all you contributing gents have missed something because no one mentioned speedway. The very best of road riding can't quite come up to the sheer exhilaration of riding a 500cc JAP or GM or GODDEN with a straight out pipe and under lights. Magic from the time the tapes go up to the chequered flag and it does not matter if you come first or last as the adrenalin pump is always the winner. Believe me because that's how it is.

Prince of Dzun.

[osmosis]

Indeed prince...

And another 2 wheel dimension is the technicality of this style too, something I am interested in at the moment.

MY_bITpYNwA&feature=related

[redsnail]

all you contributing gents
Steady on now mate!
:E

[Jabawocky]

Reddo.... some gents have no manners do they.

You need to talk to Mrs Jaba about bike riding, mind you at 40 or so if you have not started by then its probably best not to!

Besides...its a boys day out :}

Ohhhhhh unless you were to grace us with your presence.;)

How are you getting your Duke down here for the party.....or do you have one in a hidden secret location?:suspect:

[redsnail]

True :ok:

No, no bike in Oz. I shipped Junior to the UK. He's joined by big brother ST3 in the garage now. There's also a Triumph Sprint ST 1050 there too but that's not red nor is it mine. It's Checkboard's. He tells his colleagues that his wife made him get a bike licence. (He was 40-ish)

Winter's returned to the Yoo Kay with a vengence so it'll be a couple more months before I brave the greasy icy pot holed things they call roads here. :ooh:
Still smoother than a Russian runway though (aviation content) ;)

[redsnail]

Since no one asked, here's some pics of my bikes.

Why Junior is called Junior.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d143/reddo1/bikes/Juniortailmod.jpg

The ST3. A xmas pressie from Checkboard.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d143/reddo1/bikes/ST3.jpg

They had to shove over when the Triumph Sprint ST arrived.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d143/reddo1/bikes/2dukesmod.jpg

Yep, that's the official size of the rego plates here. Ours are standard size, not many are...

[Jabawocky]

And they are all yellow squares? That must make speed cameras a breeze! :E

[HarleyD]

Just read this thread and larfed my arrrs of with Hugh Jarses's comments re Joseph Lucas, so so true.

I wanted a TRX in the early 90's when I had a shovel head (trouble head) Harley and thought that a TRX would be a nice addition to the stable as a sports bike. I swapped a ride on a round Victoria tour few of us were on and was very sadly disappointed. It sounded great but I found it very difficult to keep a high corner speed. The Ducati monster one of my other mates had was way more fun in the twisties and i felt very comfortable pushing it hard (and smoking the TRX off). All my mates hated my kick start only 4 speed Harley, but acknowledged that it was a weapon if ridden with no fear of death. I used to ride Speedway in Aus and the UK, so I do not rely on brakes too much, which is just as well as I have never owned a Harley with really effective brakes ever.

Grr, having trouble making picture of my bike go in here.......

One of the bloke here at work has had a TRX for yonks and loves it, he also has a track bike as well and swaps good parts (both ways).

I have just built an old school bobber out of an old XS 650 yammy and am really enjoying playing with that at the moment. Despite the 6 inches extra in the wheel base and the 'hardtail' and the loss of about 50 lbs it still handles just like an XS 650 with that funny shake of the head at 60kmh, just like the one that i had in the early 70's. not recommended as a sports bike, but way much fun on a sunny arvo.

HD

[Josh Cox]

Welcome HarleyD,

That's pretty good spelling and grammar for a Harley rider :).

[Prince of Dzun]

I'm predicting Rossi on his new Ducatti to clinch the world championship for 2011. Open to bets at even money, Any takers ?

Prince of Dzun.

[LewC]

Don't expect to be knocked down in the rush to get set Prince,Centrebet have Rossi at $4.50 to take the Championship in 2011.

[Prince of Dzun]

LewC and all others;

Here's the proposed bet for whoever wants to accept it----

(1) You and I have a gentlemans agreement.

(2) The bet is for US $100 (One hundred US dollars.)

(3) I bet Rossi wins the Moto GP world championship for 2011.

(4) You bet Rossi does not win it.

(5) The loser puts a US$100 note in an envelope and posts it by Airmail to the winner.

Nice and simple. I'll take the first person to come up on this board to say " Prince I accept the bet "

Prince of Dzun.

[airdualbleedfault]

which is just as well as I have never owned a Harley with really effective brakes ever

HD, have you ridden an XR1200 ? Jeremy McWilliams punts one around the BSB tracks within 5 secs of the BSB guys. ( OK, its not stock but actually closer to stock than the BSBs )

[Prince of Dzun]

No takers which is a little disappointing. As well as Rossi there are about five riders who could clinch the 2011 championship so it's not as if Rossi has a headlock on it. Actually this bet is not really in my favour when one considers every race is " on the edge " anyhow it's still open.
Prince of Dzun.

[Jack Ranga]

Prince, Probably because you could get better odds through a betting agency and you don't have to risk some thief pilfering the money :ok:

[airdualbleedfault]

No takers which is a little disappointing

I was going to be a coward and wait 'til Sepang testing had finished, but screw it, I have faith in Casey and I will take your bet, but only 50USD ( sorry, Mrs Air had a say in the matter ) ;)

[Prince of Dzun]

airdualbleedfauly;

I'm thinking about it. Actually I too am watching the Sepang practice times and Rossi's are not all that good but I guess that is understandable considering he has to come to grips with his new bike. Stay tuned.

Prince of Dzun.

[Jack Ranga]

I'm thinking about it


Can't pull out now and make a cock of yourself, it's on the board for all to see ;)

I actually typed c o c k not type of a dog

[Jabawocky]

...........Aviation content :}

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/jaba430/m_IMG_0276.jpg

[frigatebird]

Toys, Toys.. Where is the photo of the camera that took the photos.. :oh:

[Prince of Dzun]

Jack Ranga'

Hang on there my friend you are being a little hard on me because I actually said I am thinking about the reduce bet as suggested by airdualbleedfault. ie from US$100 to US$50. Would you care to put up US$50 so that the bet can be firmed up for for all to see. I'll carry US$100 and you and airdualbleedfault carry US$50 each.

Prince of Dzun.

PS. If Rossi fails to win I pay US$50 to each of you. If he wins each of you pay me US$50.

[HarleyD]

airdualbleedfault - Yes the XR has actually got good brakes and with the suspension mod kits and a re chip and pipes it is waay fun. my brother bought one about 6 months ago and one of the guys in our club has one as well. my brother had dukes and got the XR when he said that harley had finally built a bike that appealed to him enough to trade the duke off to my brother in law, who ironically had several Harleys.

HD brakes gota lot better in 2000 with the twin cam, I have a 99 evo so still only have single action single pot on a single disc on a 21"front wheel, and that is not flash for stopping 500kg of bike rider and gear. I had dual discs on an old ironhead sporty that i modded many moons ago, but only a single action single piston coliper on each side and standard master cyl. It was better than a single disc but no match for the sports bikes i ride with as far as stopping. with the harley you must keep the corner speed up, or get left behind. they will corner very hard when you fix the ground clearance issues. my tyres are chafed right to the edge of the tread.

HD

[Pedota]

What an interesting thread . . . I have no idea about the TRX850 either, but I am very happy with my Triumph Sprint ST 1050.

These photos were taken a few weeks when a bunch of us went on what we call Mountain Madness where about a dozen of us blast of to the Australian Alps for about a week in early January - something we have been doing for more than a decade.

Omeo – my bike is in the foreground
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g465/Pedota/07-Thebestbikeisintheforeground.jpg

Omeo
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g465/Pedota/031.jpg

I parked the bike on the footpath for a Parliament House shot and a policeman asked me and Mrs Pedota to move on . . . so I asked him to take my photo first so I could have bragging rights.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g465/Pedota/Canberra.jpg

Some of us are planning to ride on and off road to Perth and Darwin (from Melbourne) later this year or early next . . . they’ve all got BMW 1200GSs, but I find them a bit to0 big and bulky. I rode an F800GS the other and was quite impressed. Does anyone have any thoughts about them?

Mind you – I didn’t ride it like this!

YouTube - Chris "Teach" Mcneil aboard the Twisted Throttle equipped BMW F800GS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btRvVLA0KzM)

Aviation content – had I flown to Omeo (MHOT) it would have been an instrument departure the next day.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g465/Pedota/041.jpg

[remoak]

Jaba - nice bike. Shame about that ugly plane in the background, ruining the photo... :}

[Ultralights]

http://pamuva1.smugmug.com/Cars/81-Mazda-RX-7-and-other-cars/GOPR0315/1174993900_KyQ4k-L.jpg
Fun

http://pamuva1.smugmug.com/Cars/81-Mazda-RX-7-and-other-cars/GOPR0365/1174995062_3UPAb-L.jpg
Not fun, especially after riding from Omeo to Batemans Bay in non stop rain

[OBNO]

Best thread on PPRUNE!

Hey Perdota,

Have you had a look at the New Triumph Tiger 800 as an alternative to the Beemer, due in Aust show rooms in March - looks pretty interesting.

[Pedota]

OBNO asks . . . Have you had a look at the New Triumph Tiger 800 as an alternative to the Beemer, due in Aust show rooms in March - looks pretty interesting.

Yes - I've read all the specs and they do look interesting. There is apparently one going around the dealers in Victoria but I have missed it so far - but I can't wait to ride one sometime soon. I've had four of the 'new' Triumphs and am used to their ergonomics and style, but I am little wary about buying the first version of a new any model.

Cheers

[Jabawocky]

Thanks folks......:ok:

Now maybe Jarse and I could get our heads together and organise a bike gathering some time.........What do ya reckon Hugh? It was your idea after all! :}

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

Hmmp! Bloody bike riders! :mad:

I just drove out to the aerodrome in this - to check on the Bo (= aviation content - which is more than can be said for most of the posts in this thread!)

http://www.fototime.com/3F75B21F0FE76D2/standard.jpg

Dr :8

PS: Didn't see a single bike - geez do they go to ground when there is a bit of a breeze and some drizzle about.

[Chief galah]

"That's not a bike....." Apologies to Paul Hogan.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff213/martyp52/Radialbike.jpg

At least some aviation content.

CG

[Prince of Dzun]

I'm reluctantly calling off the US$100 bet. A lack of takers as per my original offer make it a no goer so I will just follow the fortunes of Rossi without the chance of picking up a little sweetener. Regards to all those two wheeled enthusiasts who helped make this a somewhat special thread. Something that only those in the know can understand.

Prince of Dzun.

[Pedota]

Jaba asks . . . Now maybe Jarse and I could get our heads together and organise a bike gathering some time.........What do ya reckon Hugh? It was your idea after all!

Great idea . . . what about you guys all ride to Melbourne and we'll show you some of the squiggly bits on our maps!:}

FTDK says . . . I just drove out to the aerodrome in this - to check on the Bo (= aviation content - which is more than can be said for most of the posts in this thread!)

Aviation content = we'll all talk about flying when we meet! And don't tell me that car isn't a 'mid-life crisis' about to happen - but please don't ask me for a picture of mine!! :oh:

[Flying Binghi]

they’ve all got BMW 1200GSs, but I find them a bit to0 big and bulky. I rode an F800GS the other and was quite impressed. Does anyone have any thoughts about them?



Not up with the F800. For a long trip the 1200's have handy roo guards just cook yer feet a bit up north.

Had a ride of the Yamy XT1200 the other day, seems nice enuf though could do with a non-buffeting wind deflecter. I'm told the XT1200 is probably in between the BMW1200 and the F800 in mission suitability..:)




.

[Pedota]

Flying Binghi wrote . . .

Had a ride of the Yamy XT1200 the other day, seems nice enuf though could do with a non-buffeting wind deflecter. I'm told the XT1200 is probably in between the BMW1200 and the F800 in mission suitability

Many thanks FB . . . and I really didn’t mean to hijack the TRX850 Jaba, but at least we are still talking about Yamahas!

In fact I did sit on a XT1200 the other day myself . . . and got myself quite excited about finding what seemed to be a better bike than the BMW 1200GS until I realised it is 40kg heavier than the GS! Still, I should take one for a ride.

Aviation content = in the late 1970s and early 1980s the Yamaha KT 100 engine was adapted for use on ultralight aircraft. The ultralights of that era were lighter and had much lower wing loadings than today, making flight practical on the KT100's 15 hp (11 kW) developed at 10,000 rpm. In aircraft use it was usually equipped with a recoil starter and a belt reduction drive. :\

[Jack Ranga]

Sorry Prince but you can get 5/2 before the season starts

[remoak]

OK... just sold the KTM supermotard thingy. Gonna miss it a bit, it's a fabulous bit of kit for getting your knee down, but not distance or pillion friendly... and Mrs Remoak wants to come for rides...

So what should I buy?

Thinking maybe Z1000... or Triumph Street Triple... in a weak moment, even thought Buell XB9S.

Suggestions please...

[jackjack]

no brainer, postie bike. feel the exhiliration of those 110cc's as wifey walks past faster than you :ok:

EDIT: aviation content, planes and postie bikes both deliver the mail. perfect

[airdualbleedfault]

I am a little confused as to why you are interested in no bet over a $50 bet Prince :confused:

However, may be good for you as the " Doctor " seems to be having a little trouble with his scalpel ;) 13th fastest after day 2 of testing and 2/10 behind his team mate. Yes I know its only testing and very early days, but me thinks he has his work cut out for him this year.

[Prince of Dzun]

airdualbleedfault;

No particular reason except I felt anything less than US$100 was not worth the effort. I'm not living in Australia so it will cost one of us at least US$10 to send the other his winnings ( by registered Air Mail ) so in reality it's a US$60 bet. As a positive interest for both of us if you would like to run with that say the word and we will go firm on a bet of US$50. Regards,

Prince of Dzun.

[maverick22]

Ok, so now I know what a TRX850 is. Got inadvertantly overtaken by one today in the grind on the way home. Sounded great, but went like a shower o sh*t against the gixxer when the game face was put on:E

avimcaviation content: was riding home from work...

[aussiefan]

Nice paint job on the taxi there Forkie!:}

[Pedota]

Remoak asks

OK... just sold the KTM supermotard thingy. Gonna miss it a bit, it's a fabulous bit of kit for getting your knee down, but not distance or pillion friendly... and Mrs Remoak wants to come for rides...

So what should I buy?

Thinking maybe Z1000... or Triumph Street Triple... in a weak moment, even thought Buell XB9S.

Suggestions please...

I really can’t recommend any specific bike, but a key criterion of me continuing to enjoy biking is the involvement and comfort of Mrs Pedota.

The pillion seat on my Sprint ST is sufficiently comfortable for her and it is also high enough for her to see ahead, the mirrors and instrument panel – so she feels part of the action.

It is also safer that way – she always gives me a light tap on the leg when she sees something I need to know (like a car likely to pull out from a side road, another bike about to overtake, a turn we need to take, or whatever). Even though 99% of the time I have already seen it, occasionally I miss something.

EDIT - and I also get a whack in kidneys when I am about to be a dcikhead - how does she know that???

When we rode the F800GS the other day she said she hated it because all she could see was the back of my helmet . . . and blamed this for me missing a turn!

Aviation content = I always keep Mrs Pedota’s involved in lots of ways when I am flying. And our absolute rule is whenever she sees a runway through the windscreen she ALWAYS says ‘check gear down’! And I do.

[Jack Ranga]

Talking postie bike, we put a straight through pipe on one (young & stupid) once, fair dinkum, sounded like a duke! Had a ball on that thing........ Memories :E

[Hugh Jarse]

Speaking of straight-through pipes:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/img030.jpg
A slightly modified XJ-650 with optional afterburner. Note the traditional method of displaying confirmed 'kills' on the sidecover. (Aviation content)

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/9a5c9811.jpg
Very impressive. Instantly vapourises tailgating cagers.

Jabber - I'll be in that!. A few of us PPRuNers meet up yearly for a run to the Kosciusko Rally at Geehi Hut in the Snowies. The aviation relativity is that we check out Albury, Mt. Hotham and Geehi airstrips. I'm keen to meet up just about anywhere, provided there is a pub with good food.

Pedota, that's spooky - We just rode the VIC high country in Oct (on the way to the Kosciukso) and ate at the same place you did in Omeo:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/a0d20c56.jpg
And stayed at the caravan park. The owner likes bikers, and drove us up to the pub for dinner. He offered to come and pick us up, too, but it would've been past his bedtime by the time we finished.


PS: Didn't see a single bike - geez do they go to ground when there is a bit of a breeze and some drizzle about.Might be because the old Clunkerdore broke down at the side of the road, and the boys and girls were up carving the Gillies :8 Or dashing through the snow :}
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/802f7a00.jpg
On the way home from the rally - 1989. Mine was the fastest, because it was a red one. The three other blokes reckoned their silver ones were more waterproof, but it wasn't ME who fell off and slid down the Elliott way on black ice :}

Pedota, we are planning the same trip this year. I didn't get leave in this ballot, but I'll try a little closer to the date. Two of the boys met up with us at Wodonga - not far from Albury AIRPORT :8 (Aviation content). One of the boys is ex VICPOL, so he had intimate knowledge of all the "special" roads in the area ;) Wouldn't mind doing "the Spurs" this time :)

Pedota, this bike will fit the bill for pillion comfort:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/HugeArse/ed30cb26.jpg
Notice the header colour matches the bike. That was from a fun-filled day in the mountains....Staintune without the baffle sounds like a C404 Titan (Aviation content).
The only thing Mrs. Jarse doesn't like is the top-box, coz she finds it hard to throw a leg over, if you know what I mean ;) The only thing I don't like is it's pretty tall, even with the seat all the way down.

[NOSIGN]

Just noticed that this thread had a thumbs down rating! So i thought i'd post... this thread is GREAT! A breath of fresh air for PPRUNE.

I'm about to get delivered a DR650 20 10. I thought this a good pilot bike. Let's face it... we're busy enough, who doesnt want an oil cooled reliable monster?

The relief comes from a Japanese Blade, bu thte DR will be a great bit of adventure and fun?

Anybody else have a DR650 on here?

[aussiefan]

Pretty sure there is some aviation related content in this?
MTT Y2K Turbine Superbike - Under The Hood - Jay Leno's Garage (http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/segment/under-the-hood/mtt-y2k-turbine-superbike-1/) :sad::sad:

Leno was apparently pulled up at some lights and a vette pulled up behind. Driver of the vette got closer and closer trying to work out what kind of bike it was. So close the exhaust gases melted the front of the car....

[frigatebird]

Now maybe Jarse and I could get our heads together and organise a bike gathering some time.........What do ya reckon Hugh? It was your idea after all! http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/badteeth.gif

If you guys with the Heavy Iron are looking for a place to go, why don't you take a run, or fly, up the Bruce Highway to Maryborough airport on the weekend of 14-15 May for our annual 'Wings, Warbirds and Wheels' weekend. You could check out a place you don't usually get to think about, or sample the delights of Hervey Bay and Fraser Island too at the same time, if you wanted. Perhaps you could help organise the motorcycle section and be the star exhibits.. Details are on the Australian Flying website, and will be in the May/June edition (which seems a little late notice). We are having a meeting at the Aero Club this evening to kick the organising along and hope to make it grow, year by year, to show our Council that we still want our aerodrome.
http://www.australianflying.com.au/events/maryborough-aero-club-wings-warbirds-and-wheels-weekend (http://www.australianflying.com.au/events/maryborough-aero-club-wings-warbirds-and-wheels-weekend)

[frigatebird]

Well, that was a good meeting, all 14 of us including new faces. Things will be moving along for progress reports to the Club normal monthly meeting next Thursday. There will be more information put on the Club website, and one thing that was mentioned was that a form should be made up that can be returned for potential attendees to notify if they will be camping under the wing, attending the dinner on Saturday night and paying up front for it, (at the moment we are working on 100, but that can be adjusted) driving, riding, or flying in, need Avgas or Avtur and how much , etc., so we have some idea how many to cater for.. Will need more helpers, so will have to approach the Air Cadets and any others interested to help as well. :)

[remoak]

To continue the fun... does anyone have any experience with either a Suzuki SV1000S or a Kawasaki Z1000?

[slackie]

Nope, but back in the day I had a CBX400 and a CBR1000... both fun machines in their own way!

[Pedota]

Remoak asks

To continue the fun... does anyone have any experience with either a Suzuki SV1000S or a Kawasaki Z1000?

A little . . . I rode my mate’s SV1000S around France, Spain and bits of Portugal a couple of years ago. It is a marvellous bike . . . big twin sound and nice handling. I really tried hard to buy something other than a Triumph when I bought my last bike and the SV1000S was in the frame - except for the pillion department for Mrs Pedota!!

Z1000 . . . they still remind me of the original Z900!! Marvellous components . . . great engine, stunning brakes (for their time), good gearbox . . . but not that well integrated IMHO. And handling . . . well that’s another story!

[Josh Cox]

Redsnail,

Have you had the chance to have a play on one of these ?, worth a look ?.

YouTube - 2010-2011 NEW Norton Commando 961 SE official video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZBkjT8N3VM)