V-Force
Part of things
I like Hondas.
Posts: 846
|
|
Aug 12, 2012 21:32:32 GMT
|
^ About work boots not being great, I think it's to do with them not supporting the ankle as well as actual bike boots, in the event of a crash. Might not be right but I have heard that. Also I guess they offer less sensitivity if they're designed for work, not riding a bike. I definitely find it harder to drive my car wearing Doc Martens than I do with DC's. Quick update, passed my theory yesterday so I'll be looking at getting my practical parts done soon
|
|
1999 Impreza WRX typeR STI Version 5 Limited 1999 Civic VTi-S Aerodeck 2005 Bora TDI daily
Several other 90s Hondas (shhh they're sleeping)
|
|
|
dungbug
Posted a lot
'Ooligan!
Posts: 2,852
|
|
Aug 12, 2012 23:20:10 GMT
|
At the risk of showing my age, you want some original alpinestar super victory boots, ideally suited to wandering round uni ;D mine are a bit moer battered than these.... Reminded me of this ;D
|
|
Past: 13 VW Beetles from 1967 - 1974 Bay Window Campers (1973 & 1974) Mini's (1992 Cooper lookalike & 1984 '25 Anniversary) MK2 Polo Coupe S (1984 & 1986) MK2 Polo Breadvan (1981 & 1984) MK4 Escort (1989) MK2 Granada Based Hearse (seriously) Fiat Uno 60S (1986) Punto 60S (1998) Cinq (1997) 1998 Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat 2003 Ford KA
Current: 2004 Ford Focus (barely alive)
|
|
dungbug
Posted a lot
'Ooligan!
Posts: 2,852
|
|
Aug 12, 2012 23:23:33 GMT
|
^ About work boots not being great, I think it's to do with them not supporting the ankle as well as actual bike boots, in the event of a crash. Might not be right but I have heard that. Also I guess they offer less sensitivity if they're designed for work, not riding a bike. I definitely find it harder to drive my car wearing Doc Martens than I do with DC's. Quick update, passed my theory yesterday so I'll be looking at getting my practical parts done soon You could opt for a pair of Army surplus boots, I brought a pair when I was 17 and only binned them last year (when I was 32). Used them for pretty much everything, inc. bike riding. They'll cover the ankles for sure and you can wear jeans/combats over them and won't look bad. Cheaper than proper 'bike boots' and will offer a reasonable level of protection if you go down the road.
|
|
Past: 13 VW Beetles from 1967 - 1974 Bay Window Campers (1973 & 1974) Mini's (1992 Cooper lookalike & 1984 '25 Anniversary) MK2 Polo Coupe S (1984 & 1986) MK2 Polo Breadvan (1981 & 1984) MK4 Escort (1989) MK2 Granada Based Hearse (seriously) Fiat Uno 60S (1986) Punto 60S (1998) Cinq (1997) 1998 Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat 2003 Ford KA
Current: 2004 Ford Focus (barely alive)
|
|
|
|
Aug 12, 2012 23:58:04 GMT
|
Oh yeah just remembered if the CBX is a development of the earlier CB250RS/ XL/ XR lumps but with the RFVC (radial four valve complexity) head and twin carbs like the mids 80's XR then sod whatever the manual says about service intervals, they 100% need 2000 mile oil changes unless you want to knacker the cam and head, you also need to pull one of the casings to clean the oil filter screen out at the same time, you used to be able to buy pattern gaskets for the casing in packs of 5. Hi dodgerover, those boots are epic! Real horrorshow boots for kicking! ;D The engine does have RFVC written on it, but now that I've got it I can see that it's the single carb version. I think the twin carb must have been the CBX250RS. Thanks for the advice on oil changes. I'm trying to get hold of a decent workshop manual for it, online or otherwise, to tell me what to do for service. I would have thought that these would have some kind of paper element in them? Is it just a mesh oil strainer like a Beetle then? As far as knackering cams and heads goes, my Dad has a great story about that. I'm not sure what model it was, but when he was at uni in Perth he had a Honda 250, which he used to ride across the Nullarbor back to Adelaide for holidays. That's 2500km of mostly desert. Apparently a previous owner had installed a valve spring upside-down or something, and it was overheating the oil, so he had to take the head off and rebuild it overnight inside a motel room. I think his was possibly a twin though rather than a single cylinder.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dungbug, a few months ago I bought a nice pair of full leather hiking boots, so if the steel caps prove too heavy and clumsy I will wear those. They're a lot nicer than Army boots. A lot of blokes in the army actually buy their own boots to wear in Afghanistan and other deployments. Inevitably, anything made for standard issue will be built to a certain price, but for the guys living in their boots overseas a bit of extra comfort is worth any amount of money.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I picked up the bike on Friday. A nice drive up into the Barossa to get to Angaston and load it up. It had a flat battery when I picked it up, but the seller jump-started it from his car and it fired up first time and idled like a brand new bike. I've since charged the battery and it does actually do this from cold. Beautiful. 27 years and 45000km plus a few months sitting idle and it runs like a dream. The only thing I've got to do is replace a tail-light globe and fix the wiring to the tacho, other than that I should be in business. I've got my course booked for this Thursday/Friday, can't wait!
|
|
|
|
dungbug
Posted a lot
'Ooligan!
Posts: 2,852
|
|
|
Looks like a bargain there gent, best of luck with the course!
|
|
Past: 13 VW Beetles from 1967 - 1974 Bay Window Campers (1973 & 1974) Mini's (1992 Cooper lookalike & 1984 '25 Anniversary) MK2 Polo Coupe S (1984 & 1986) MK2 Polo Breadvan (1981 & 1984) MK4 Escort (1989) MK2 Granada Based Hearse (seriously) Fiat Uno 60S (1986) Punto 60S (1998) Cinq (1997) 1998 Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat 2003 Ford KA
Current: 2004 Ford Focus (barely alive)
|
|
|
|
Aug 13, 2012 13:53:47 GMT
|
Bung up a picture of the side casings, if its the same as an XL/CB I've got a manual I can scan for the details on servicing,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jack, congratulations on the theory test! dodgerover, here's the side casings. I'm pretty sure it's the same engine as the XR250. I downloaded a factory manual for the modern XR250 but it's a bit different, as it has a dry sump with oil stored in the frame among other things. Left hand side, shows the RFVC on the head but not much else. Right hand side. It looks like the clutch is on this side under the big round cover. I assume that the little round finned housing with three bolts holds the paper oil filter element? I bought a new filter for it and some 10W40 motorbike oil already. Also, should the dipstick be checked on the centrestand, or with the bike on it's wheels? I'm assuming that the side-stand is no good for checking the oil. And does anyone know roughly what the tyre pressures should be? I've adjusted the rear brake light switch and cleaned out the contacts in the front one, so everything on the bike now officially works, except the tacho.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 14, 2012 11:08:15 GMT
|
That looks the same as an XR from about '85, but with electric start, so it does have a filter under that housing, they're only cheap, till will also need a bit more oil as thats a larger flywheel casing than the XR. Motorwise everything else should be similar and Clymer do a manual for the XR To check oil bike MUST be absolutely upright, on the Hondas I can remember you unscrew the dip stick wipe it then drop it back BUT DON'T screw it in to check the level. If in doubt drop out everything thats in there and refill with the amount specified in the manual and see where it comes to on the stick. Will grab my manual and get the valve clearances for you as its probably going to be the same
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 14, 2012 11:28:31 GMT
|
Ah, that's interesting about not screwing it back in! I was assuming that you needed to screw it all the way in.
1985 XR250 would be right, as my CBX is from 1985.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
So, I went to the Rider Safe Basic training course yesterday and today. Yesterday it rained heavily and we got a proper introduction to the world of motorcycling! Nothing like weaving around cat's eyes in the pouring rain wearing soaking wet jeans. Thankfully I did have my Dririder jacket and my gloves on, so the top half of me was nice and dry at least. Today we were very lucky not to have rain, as it rained in the morning on the way there and then a little shower on the way home too. I passed the test this afternoon and got my motorcycle learner's permit! So now I am ready to ride with a big yellow L plate on the back! ;D
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 19, 2012 10:47:12 GMT
|
I just thought that I would put a final post up here, since I have now officially passed my bike test. I went riding both days this weekend and absolutely loved it. I rode through the hills a bit today, which was great fun. Over the weekend I went through nearly a full tank of fuel. I refilled up at Meadows in the hills and was pleasantly surprised that it only costs $10 to fill up! Loving it. I took some pictures today, so I'm going to post them here: retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=othrmod&thread=125405&page=1
|
|
|
|
V-Force
Part of things
I like Hondas.
Posts: 846
|
|
Aug 31, 2012 14:32:02 GMT
|
Well done, can't wait to get a bike on the road myself now... Mod 1 is on Friday the 7th...
|
|
1999 Impreza WRX typeR STI Version 5 Limited 1999 Civic VTi-S Aerodeck 2005 Bora TDI daily
Several other 90s Hondas (shhh they're sleeping)
|
|
dungbug
Posted a lot
'Ooligan!
Posts: 2,852
|
|
Aug 31, 2012 20:18:09 GMT
|
Mod 1 is on Friday the 7th... Great news, best advice I can give is to relax (easier said han done, I know). Take each exercise at a time and focus on nothing else. You'll smash it.
|
|
Past: 13 VW Beetles from 1967 - 1974 Bay Window Campers (1973 & 1974) Mini's (1992 Cooper lookalike & 1984 '25 Anniversary) MK2 Polo Coupe S (1984 & 1986) MK2 Polo Breadvan (1981 & 1984) MK4 Escort (1989) MK2 Granada Based Hearse (seriously) Fiat Uno 60S (1986) Punto 60S (1998) Cinq (1997) 1998 Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat 2003 Ford KA
Current: 2004 Ford Focus (barely alive)
|
|
V-Force
Part of things
I like Hondas.
Posts: 846
|
|
|
1 minor for a dodgy lifesaver on the u turn, everything else was okay though, I was really happy with how the slow control stuff went, figure of 8 especially was perfect, so much smoother than I'd managed while practicing. I'm pencilled in for a lesson a week on Sunday and test 2 days later on the Tuesday for mod 2, might not end up being then though as I haven't left a deposit (get paid on the 14th) so hopefully if all goes well I'll have my full licence before the end of the month ;D
Starting to go off the idea of an RS125 now and looking at Japanese 4 cylinder bikes. Short list at the minute is VFR400 NC30, Bandit, or ZXR400. Love the look of the NC30 and would love one, but I don't know if I'd be better suited to the 400 Bandit's riding position as I'm over 6 foot and not exactly skinny. Any recommendations?
Gutted about the minor on my test, didn't get any on my car test so wanted to try and get no minors on any tests, and it was for something so simple. Oh well, still passed ;D
|
|
1999 Impreza WRX typeR STI Version 5 Limited 1999 Civic VTi-S Aerodeck 2005 Bora TDI daily
Several other 90s Hondas (shhh they're sleeping)
|
|
|
|
Sept 8, 2012 10:28:06 GMT
|
Congratulations mate! I couldn't get the hang of u-turns during my course either. Luckily, you don't have to do a u-turn to get your learner's, but I'm going to have to do it to get my 'license'. The confusing part is that doing the next test doesn't give me anything, I'm still restricted to riding the same bikes as a learner. The only thing that changes is that the clock starts on your 12 month waiting period, then after that you get the unlimited license.
|
|
|
|
Mr S
Posted a lot
10-4 Good buddy.
Posts: 2,654
|
|
Sept 8, 2012 13:56:50 GMT
|
Congratulations on the first part of the pass, and good luck for the next bit.
If you're 6 foot, stay away from the J Import 400s, they are pretty compact! What bike to get depends a lot on your budget and what you want from it really. The Honda CB500 or Suzuki GS500 are a great 'starter' bike, the Suzuki GSF600 Bandit is also good, but more powerful and a bit heavier. There's also the likes of the Suzuki GSX-F600 if you want something with a fairing.
Decide what you want from the bike, and choose one that suits!
|
|
Suzuki GSXR1000 K2 BMW R1150GS BMW K1200RS Chevy K5 Blazer Chevy Suburban LT Jaguar XKR
|
|
V-Force
Part of things
I like Hondas.
Posts: 846
|
|
Sept 23, 2012 13:35:30 GMT
|
Thanks guys Waveman it's kinda similar here, when you get the full licence you have to wait 2 years before you have free choice of bikes. I was okay with the actual u turn itself, just the observations that I seem to not be too good at :s About the J bikes, what I'll be using it for is 80% just for fun, when I'm out with my mates with their cars/bikes at night/weekends. Might use it for work now and again in the summer but not that often I don't think. The NC30 is what I really have my heart set on but like you say they're not ideal for taller/fatter guys would love a Bandit 600 but I want a sports bike ideally. Been looking at a few Honda Hornets on eBay and I quite like them, similar to a Bandit but quicker. They seem very good for the money but they are properly quick, a bit 'in at the deep end'.... Edit - Forgot to mention, had my Mod 2 training day yesterday, my test is on Tuesday. Not feeling too great about it tbh, my lifesavers were a bit sketchy as were a couple of roundabouts (Chester city centre, some weird roundabouts)
|
|
Last Edit: Sept 23, 2012 13:41:52 GMT by V-Force
1999 Impreza WRX typeR STI Version 5 Limited 1999 Civic VTi-S Aerodeck 2005 Bora TDI daily
Several other 90s Hondas (shhh they're sleeping)
|
|
dungbug
Posted a lot
'Ooligan!
Posts: 2,852
|
|
Sept 23, 2012 19:35:21 GMT
|
Edit - Forgot to mention, had my Mod 2 training day yesterday, my test is on Tuesday. Not feeling too great about it tbh, my lifesavers were a bit sketchy as were a couple of roundabouts (Chester city centre, some weird roundabouts) Again, relax, ride for yourself i.e you see a gap safe for you but not the instructor you take that gap (seriously!). Ignore the instructor on his smokey old 1100, think of him as a Sat Nav in your ear simply giving you directions. Keep an eye out for road signs, speed changes and so on. Above all else do a confident ride and you'll smash it. As you're looking at 400cc stuff I'm guessing you're on a 33BHP license when you pass(?). If so consider buying a 500/600 and restricting that instead, 400's are for the most part, imports. Insurance pricing is usually higher and parts availabilty can be hit & miss as well. Maybe a 500 twin (GS or ER) or if you want a 4 cyl then there's a Bandit, Fazer, CBR, ZZR. As you're over 6ft I'd say get a descent 600 and get it restricted (that's if you're on the 33BHP license), 2 years pass by and you pull the restriction off and gain the extra BHP. I'm just shy of 6ft and find my bike (Yamaha Thundercat) pretty much perfect and I always thought the sports tourer type bike would be too big. Best way forward is to visit any local bike shops and sit on as many as you can, chances are what you'll feel comfy on is something you haven't thought of. Best of luck for Tuesday gent.
|
|
Past: 13 VW Beetles from 1967 - 1974 Bay Window Campers (1973 & 1974) Mini's (1992 Cooper lookalike & 1984 '25 Anniversary) MK2 Polo Coupe S (1984 & 1986) MK2 Polo Breadvan (1981 & 1984) MK4 Escort (1989) MK2 Granada Based Hearse (seriously) Fiat Uno 60S (1986) Punto 60S (1998) Cinq (1997) 1998 Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat 2003 Ford KA
Current: 2004 Ford Focus (barely alive)
|
|
|