smilinjack

1000 mate. Only worry is the seat height. Certainly wouldn't want to be any higher. Far more powerful than any of the others and looks comfy too. All about the money though!

Actually, I have to say I was also underwhelmed by the gearchange. Not a patch on any of my current bikes, Honda included. To be fair though, it can take a few thousand miles to free up a gearbox. And another thing-got a great view of my elbows in the mirrors. Sat on a Versys the other day and I have to say it struck me as superior in all regards. I think I will take one out, it strikes me as the front runner for what I need.

Similarly, I don't see too many bikes that I really think I could own. Plenty I like, but ownership is a different animal. Tracer is a Yamaha triple, bit of a sit up tourer type thing. Very cheap for what it offers. Now I know why!

Mate, I've had a thing for Guzzi since the Le Mans and T3. But I need Japanese I reckon, as I plan hammering it up and down the country fully loaded. Probably trust a Triumph, but Italian might need too much faith. One of these followed me through Via Gellia a while back. Looked really good on the road

Yes, I'm sure the Tracer is a beter bike than it appeared. I checked the suspension, chain etc when I got back, which is more interest than the dealer showed. He knows they'll sell so I don't matter. But that seat is not a thing of beauty. I'll try Kawasaki and Triumph. One thing I will say, both dealers showed more interest than CMC could muster.

Probably no worse bike than my VFR for snatchiness at low throttle. I disconnected the PAIRS sensor and disconnected the snorkel tube from the airbox. Like a different bike.

Well, despite what I just said to Dave in another thread, I managed a test ride on Friday, thanks to getting a job finished off on Thursday and nothing I could rearrange for Friday. Went up to CMC for a new coat, and the Yamaha Tracer demo was available. Nice day, why not? So off I went up toards Owler Bar. First impression-nice riding position, snatchy throttle response at urban speeds, so despite the seating position not that nice to drive in town I reckon. By the time I hit the countryside, I realised that my bum was already wriggling about. Not that comfy then. Hitting the gas at speed, it goes nicely. Great exhaust note too. Brakes are good, powerful but progressive. Coming back I came down a couple of bumpy B roads towards Chesterfield, and realised that it felt like I was riding a pogo stick. Honestly, my Speed Triple is nicer to ride over bumpy roads. So TBH the last five miles or so to Clay Cross, all I wanted to do was get off. Massive disappointment, I really thought this bike was going to tick all the boxes. Getting back on a 13 year old VFR was bliss. What a bummer. Will try the Kawasaki Versys, also looked at the Triumph XRT, but they don't convince me. Rather have a Tiger Sport actually.

when was the last time we both got out together ? Too long ago frankly. I'm just really struggling to fit biking in at all. Since starting up on my own it's gone a bit mental, although I managed to go to all my jobs last week on the VFR better than not bothering I suppose. And one trip home was over Cat & Fiddle in glorious sunshine

Not for me mate, but I might stop by for a brew. Thinking of taking the Versys 1000 out on test from Clay Cross Kawasaki.

Couldn't last could it?

So funny. With some great lines. Apologies for the language and if you've already seen it.

Great bike in it's day, built to last, as you can see. Brother in law had an R75 I think, very similar. Not sure you'd enjoy riding it Dave, rather agricultural engine and the torque reaction can piss you off. Good collector's item though and it even comes with a top box to park it in!

Thought maybe you had a flood to pump out, but you actually rode it??

Won't be coming mate, but years ago I stayed a night in Hawick on an installation. The breakfast was the biggest I have ever had. Can't remember the hotel but the plate was like a car wheel have a good day

Wow, I just formed a soft spot for One Direction. A man after my own heart!! http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/34149177/harry-styles-proves-hes-a-stickler-for-good-grammar People take note-research to & too, there & their, your & you're. It's as easy to be right as wrong. Remember-it's your language

Dude, WTF happened to your medication?

You know my view of the S3 mate.

Did you chuck in a spare set of head bearings for him good lad, onwards & upwards!

My first day back in self employment. Maybe a few less weekends at work now

I looked at those when they first came out, with all the touring gear chucked in at some ridiculous price. I was thinking of it as a new "company car" to replace my Kawasaki. A lot of bike for the money actually.

Chad, does your van have those stupid plastic drop links like Peugeot which clonk like a bastard when they wear out? Otherwise, if it does it over bumps, I'd suspect the suspension arm, most likely the ball joint but possibly the bushes.

Knob jockey!!! Done mate

Working in the lsle of Man this week, passed this on Douglas seafront this morning

Know what you mean Dave-I struggle to see better bikes than I have, and to get lumbered with debt for so little puts me off every time.

Bet you know what I'm doing still not for much longer hopefully.