Thumper Club Forum
Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: squirrelciv on February 15, 2009, 09:25:40 AM
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.......but Sophia is a rather sexy replacement ;D ;D
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/squirrelciv/Image005.jpg)
The observant amongst you may notice the spare cylinder neatly attached behind the mian one. Well it never hurts to have a spare ;D
Do not fear fellow thumperists, this little purchase frees up Dolly's motor, electricals, switch gear and rear brake master cylinder for Abigail, so that little project gets a much needed boost in the arm.
Off to get the Autosol out. Ta Ta. ;D ;D ;D
(Oh, and the Vee twin through those pipes is pure music 8))
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Lol, enjoy ;D
btw, what colour does swmbo turn when you casually announce "I'm off to ride Sophie" or "I'm off to the garage to strip Dolly..." :o
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I may be missing something, but, what happened to Dolly???
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Old age I'm afraid :'( 62,000 miles and a very tired engine coupled with a need for more passenger comfort and greater cargo carrying capacity due to munchkins coming with me on a few camping trips.
I'm a bit sad, but that said, the engine will get a much needed sort out and get itself stuffed into Abigail where it will be used for play only. Not a bad way to retire. ;D
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I like that, always wondered why they weren't more popular. Shaft drive/narrow angle V twin makes a good combination.
What size is the fuel tank ? What is the performance like ?
Do you reckon it would pull a chair ?
Enjoy.
Richard
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Yes, reckon she could definately pull a chair, though this one never will. Performance is a stark change from dolly. Bucket loads of pull in every gear from next to no revs. Haven't screwed it yet as we are still at the courting stage, but 80-100mph in top still tugs the arms and is achieved in a wink. ;D
Really missed the home made screen I had on dolly as well as the plastic hand shields. I'd forgotten you get seriously buffeted at speed on a naked bike! (note to self.... Get a fly screen. QUICK!)
GC seemed to think these aren't the quickest turning bike, but it's OK as far as I'm conserned and feels more sure footed than the Dommie.
So basically I'm chuffed to bits ;D
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Nice looking bike.
I've got a V-twin in the fleet as well. Mine has a bit more plastic to it but it's also used for longer trips etc.
(http://www.pbase.com/niblue/image/107592888/original.jpg)
It was my first big-bike after doing my direct access and I've still got it 10 years later.
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Nice one Pat, Dolly may be dead, long live Abigail!
So pleased that you have moved on to something more practical for your commuting. Can't wait to see it in the flesh and I want a go!
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GC seemed to think these aren't the quickest turning bike, but it's OK as far as I'm conserned and feels more sure footed than the Dommie.
But I used to scratch on mine, which wasn't always the best way to ride it. On at least two occasions I actually took an earlier exit from a roundabout because I wasn't sure it was going to make it all the way around ::)
I'd have another VX tomorrow, that engine is a belter and it had no shaftie handling quirks... it's just sad that the wheelbase is so long, especially since Sachs used the same motor in a bike that looks to be much shorter.
GC
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Nice one Squirrel, I picked up a Moto Guzzi Quota last weekend as well.....to be used for touring, should be more flexible than a single.....
Dave
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Is that a Deaulville? (sp, sorry!)
I keep looking at those as a possible replacement for the Mastiff, they seem a bit boring (no offence meant :o) but I really ought to be looking at something reliable, practical, comfy for swmbo, with weather protection, load carrying ability and reasonable costs... and that bike keeps on ticking the boxes :-\
Nice looking bike.
I've got a V-twin in the fleet as well. Mine has a bit more plastic to it but it's also used for longer trips etc.
(http://www.pbase.com/niblue/image/107592888/original.jpg)
It was my first big-bike after doing my direct access and I've still got it 10 years later.
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Is that a Deaulville? (sp, sorry!)
I keep looking at those as a possible replacement for the Mastiff, they seem a bit boring (no offence meant :o) but I really ought to be looking at something reliable, practical, comfy for swmbo, with weather protection, load carrying ability and reasonable costs... and that bike keeps on ticking the boxes :-\
Nice looking bike.
I've got a V-twin in the fleet as well. Mine has a bit more plastic to it but it's also used for longer trips etc.
(http://www.pbase.com/niblue/image/107592888/original.jpg)
It was my first big-bike after doing my direct access and I've still got it 10 years later.
If i remember rightly these have short service intervals and they are a real nightmare to service,it takes fuckin ages to remove all that plastic,I've always found them dull and gutless,not sure if they are still made in Spain,although its a Honda the Spanish ones were shite,the finish was diabolical
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Is that a Deaulville? (sp, sorry!)
I keep looking at those as a possible replacement for the Mastiff, they seem a bit boring (no offence meant :o) but I really ought to be looking at something reliable, practical, comfy for swmbo, with weather protection, load carrying ability and reasonable costs... and that bike keeps on ticking the boxes :-\
It is a Deauville. I don't personally find it boring, but then bikes rarely bore me. It's reasonably fast, economical, comfortable, good handling and very practical. If I wanted something to blow the cobwebs off on 50 mile spins then it wouldn't be it, however for 500 miles days either alone or two-up it's been a great bike.
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If i remember rightly these have short service intervals and they are a real nightmare to service,
4000 mile service intervals same as most modern bikes and no more difficult to service than any other faired bike.
it takes f***in ages to remove all that plastic,I've always found them dull and gutless,
Dull and gutless compared to what? It has more power and torque than my XBR and is massively quicker point-to-point. Ok it's no-where near as quick as my CBR on a track or on dry roads but on group runs on wet days and/or twisty roads it's usually at or near the front as it handles well and is very confidence inspiring.
not sure if they are still made in Spain,although its a Honda the Spanish ones were s***e,the finish was diabolical
Not something I've heard in the owners club or owners forums.Mine is Spanish made and after 10 years as an all-weather/all-year commuter it's still in pretty good nick. Ok it's not quite as well made as mode Japanese Hondas but it's still much better than I've had from any other manufacturer. It's 11 this year and still looks pretty good:
(http://www.pbase.com/niblue/image/107700084/original.jpg)
Silencer needs replaced now and there are a few furry bolts but I've yet to see a bike survive even one winter without similar.
My bike was even involved in an accident where it was sandwiched between a bus and a transit van but ended up as the only undamaged vehicle (the crash-bars work well).
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Silencer needs replaced now and there are a few furry bolts but I've yet to see a bike survive even one winter without similar.
That's very true, Scottish winters (and the councils obsession with rock salt) destroy most bikes. My MuZ is a case in point, it's pretty damn solid on build quality and a few winters have cosmetically trashed it :-\
I think Mr Blue we need to meet up sometime for a chat once I'm back in God's country ( ;) ) I'd like a look/chat about your sensible bike!!
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I like Deuvilles, they are 'soft' in their power delivery, but they are comfy, quick enough and easy to live with. I guess it all comes down to what you use the bike for... I'd hate to scratch on one, but If I had to ride a bike long distances or for commuting then I'd choose one straight away.
A lot of people also say that the Diversion 600 is a 'flat' bike and not very exciting. I'd have to say that this may be true if you compare the bike with some of its direct rivals (Hornet, etc.) but my brother and I were quite impressed with the one he bought recently. It pulled a large sidecar at 70mph and returned 50mpg, I can't see that as being poor for a 600cc bike. We also rode it solo and it was very nice.
It's subjective this biking lark eh? ::)
Cheers
GC
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Dull and gutless compared to what? It has more power and torque than my XBR and is massively quicker point-to-point. Ok it's no-where near as quick as my CBR on a track or on dry roads but on group runs on wet days and/or twisty roads it's usually at or near the front as it handles well and is very confidence inspiring.
Must admit I would rather ride something like the Deauville smoothly and relatively quick, than blast around on something that has pin sharp handling and doesnt present me with any challenges. The SZR I had was great but rode itself, whereas the DR had to be hustled a bit and had to be ridden.
I'm not saying the Deauville handles badly just that it probably needs more input and thought than a CBR, and as such I would probabaly enjoy riding it.
I bet that seats comfortable as well. (I think I may have just shown my age ;-) )
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I bet that seats comfortable as well. (I think I may have just shown my age ;-) )
It is indeed very comfortable, however so is the CBR - possibly even marginally more comfortable. I've done 500 mile days on both bikes and both were very comfortable. I just wish the XBR seat was a bit more comfy! I did about 160 miles on it on Sunday and my backside was numb by the time I got home.
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I'm not the best person to comment on XBR seats, I've had an XBR since 1987 so I have probably moulded my arse to the seat's shape.
I have always found them to be a comfortable bike. When I first had one I set off on an extended euro jaunt and didn't find any problems with comfort (unlike trying to get me and the then girlfriend into a suitable position for 'sports' every night in a tiny one man tent, but I digress).
As for my DR350, I would like to meet (and punch) whoever designed that saddle.
GC
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I have always found them to be a comfortable bike. When I first had one I set off on an extended euro jaunt and didn't find any problems with comfort (unlike trying to get me and the then girlfriend into a suitable position for 'sports' every night in a tiny one man tent, but I digress).
Having done a couple of reasonable length rides on the bike now I did wonder how you chaps were able to do Euro trips on one. It could be that the foam is knackered on my one - the seat cover is also very slippery now so I may get the seat re-build and re-covered.
As for my DR350, I would like to meet (and punch) whoever designed that saddle
I used to have a DR350 but I doubt I even rode it any significant distance.
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I used to have a DR350 but I doubt I even rode it any significant distance.
I rode mine for the first ever TC ride-out, taking in Matlock Bath, the Cat and Fiddle and the Stafford show. The ride back to south Wales from Stafford was bloody awful.
GC
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As for my DR350, I would like to :'(meet (and punch) whoever designed that saddle.
GC
.. you should try the pillion 'seat' (Plank with 6inch nails) on a DR400!! :'(
Lincolnshire to Wales and I was in agony by Leicester!!..that seat was truely designed by a sadist!! >:(
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Nice bike mate! Don't worry about that extra cylinder because my latest acquisition has one too although its not as pretty as yours (yet !) its going to keep me occupied as the Pegaso is behaving itself at the moment (fingers crossed touchwood and all that!!!) ;D Piccies to follow on project page