Thumper Club Forum
Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: mthee on May 02, 2016, 03:05:20 PM
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So I'm googling around for a bar end mirror, when I come across this site where the author claims to have owned an XBR for 85k miles and describes the handling as "weird", with no explanation. Justified? Does the XBR have handling foibles, or was his set up badly? (he's promoting the 600 divvy as the ultimate all rounder)
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If it's set up right an XBR handles very well, better than a lot of other bikes. The only foible is the swingarm bushes which can wear as they are only plastic- best replaced with phospher bronze ones - that said I've never replaced mine. Even the original FVQ ( Fade Very Quickly) rear shocks seem to last forever. Could have been mismatched tyres or maybe a leaking fork oil seal has left one leg low on oil, maybe loose head or wheel bearings?
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Good info, thanks. We're into May at last and I'll be finding out for myself soon enough. You've reminded me that the first job will be to replace that Cougar on the front with a BT45 to match the rear. I also used wemoto for a motobatt AGM battery (as they were also cheapest) which should arrive Tuesday.
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The 600 Divvy is a good all rounder, but most multi`s are pretty good. The XBR`s I`ve had in the past handled lovely, very flickable, and great fun. I`m sure you`ll love it ;)
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So whilst I'm trying a big single for the first time, I thought I'd also give an open face helmet a go. Like this one;
http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/233565
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I must admit I've looked at open face helmets several times for summer riding but then I think flies in y'er teeth bees up y'er nose and think maayybee not.
(http://growabrain.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/02/24/biker_teeth.jpg)
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Maybe this one then? Reviewers are saying it gives an increased field of vision over full face.
http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/70673
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My XBR handled beautifully, light and easy to turn. Unlike my 1100 BMW which is a monster (and also ome of the main reasons I'm selling it). Small, lightweight frames with torquey motors get my vote every time.
As for open face helmets, grow a bushy beard and wear specs, sorted!
Ian
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but handling is a very subjective thing. one mans unrideable barge is another mans rapier racer. if youre used to old brits with plunger frames or rigids or undamped forks, then anything made after 1970 will have strange handling. ditto if your biking cv is jap sports bikes then the flickable skinny xbr will seem like a moped. his xbr might have been perfectly sound, but he may have been comparing it to something with completely different characteristics.
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I can't help thinking that 85k miles is an awful lot of "weird handling". Personally, I would have moved on ( but not to a divvy!)
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I'm a recent convert to open face helmets. Get that fresh air feeling ;) Plus cheap safety glasses from Screwfix, and a beard for a bit warmth, and to catch the flies :)
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Evening chaps, yes I like the open face lid thing and spent approx the first three years of my biking life wearing nothing but an orange stadium open face complete with small black peak, 365 days a year riding back then (before I passed my car test) oh that "fresh air feeling" ;) ;) I also now own a davida open face which is mega quality, however it have to say I'm pretty glad I was wearing my arai full face helmet when I had my accident, as once it was returned to me it is in a right state and most of the damage is across the frontal area. Visor gone, visor mounts smashed off and if I'd av been wearing. An open face , I seriously don't think I'd av much of a face left and if I did my handsome good looks :) :) :) certainly wouldn't be the same. Just food for thought really I'm certainly not trying to scare monger as I realise it's an odds thing as to wether you'll ever actually NEED a helmet.
Cheers...Michael
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Hey Matt. Just wondering how you got on looking for bar end mirrors, any luck? ;)
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I fully understand Michael, it makes total sense, but I still wear a pisspot :)
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Hey Matt. Just wondering how you got on looking for bar end mirrors, any luck? ;)
A selection here to view, but be sure to check for cheaper retailers if you see somerhing you like.
http://www.classicbikepartscheshire.com/mirrors-c127?gclid=CjwKEAjwu6a5BRC53sW0w9677RcSJABoFn4si3Jon71E8frBYZyoxFHzMaGSmkDiA7L1qSzyWhG8pxoCQ_jw_wcB#:page1
I'm also looking at replacement mirrors to screw in original mounts, but not have such a rise on them. I might try to live with the originals, as I have come to like parts I originally loathed (pea green T140V UK shape tank)
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Good selection of mirrors on the link Matt, good find. Thanks ;)
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How about this more modern style. To me it looks similar to the shape of the tank
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/0_zpskudivdmt.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/0_zpskudivdmt.jpg.html)
Also like the tiny flyscreen here, but it's probably a custom job?
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/69554934_zpsboq8eut5.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/69554934_zpsboq8eut5.jpg.html)
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Oh yes....I like 8) Lovely little fly screen too, as you say, is it an off the shelf item?? :-\
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Oh yes....I like 8) Lovely little fly screen too, as you say, is it an off the shelf item?? :-\
I've got a National Cycles flyscreen on mine which are nice but $&*@ing expensive :o ( mine cost me £1.23 but thats another story ;))
(https://www.powersportsfx.com/cartimages/m/21767.JPG)
Other similar screens are on ebay for around £50-60.
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Also very nice (& pricey) is this offering from Dart;
http://www.dartflyscreens.co.uk/products/honda-cb1100-classic
The XBR headlight bracket would need adapting to accept the screen mounts. Good close up pics on the website.
Looking again, their screen for the Guzzi V7 looks promising - single fixing point and bracing tab (?) and is cheaper! Hopefully, the headlights are same diameter. A quick enquiry would get you the relevant measurements.
Might be worth going through the screens, bike by bike.
http://www.dartflyscreens.co.uk/products/moto-guzzi-v7
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If you go on the 'products' page you can buy the Classic screen and brackets seperately at £40 & £30 respectively which works out slightly cheaper - £70.
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Well spotted, Steve. The force is strong with you! 😀 How about that giveaway screen story?
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Not sure how well this would work but it looks good? Home made from a dark visor and some bent bits of metal for brackets.....good idea ;)
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That's spot on! Just up to the top of the clocks to keep them clean and improve the lines. Secondhand dark visor and it's playtime in the garage, although angling the flat metal (aluminium?) might be beyond my skill set. Have you got a link to the site, so I can have a nose?
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If you go on the 'products' page you can buy the Classic screen and brackets seperately at £40 & £30 respectively which works out slightly cheaper - £70.
Screen available in "opaque grey".
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_2016-05-05-12-54-18_zpsh6drbokl.png) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_2016-05-05-12-54-18_zpsh6drbokl.png.html)
Might be an option for mine, if it's close enough to mudguards;
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/_57%2019_zpsov2qaioe.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/_57%2019_zpsov2qaioe.jpg.html)
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That looks very nice Matt. The "home madey" was just a search on images, the link sends you to a forum ......
http://www.triumphrat.net/air-cooled-twins-technical-talk/55859-my-5-flyscreen.html
Also, a bit of bent ally for the brackets would probably do, either polished or painted ;D
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Glad to see you got a really nice XBR Matt.
I have a Dart screen on my Guzzi Breva and it works well and looks even better.
Martin
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Thanks, Martin. Good to hear about the Dart screen from someone on here.
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Going back to the mirrors I intend to replace and with this XBR being my first big thumper, are there recommendations for mirrors or will vibes blur them all?
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Afternoon matt, I used "Oberon performance" bar end mirrors on both my XBR caf racer and triumph speed triple. Brilliant products, very well made and no vibe issues, even on the speedy when I wasn't hanging around. If you know what I mean. Not the cheapest bar end mirror out there and quite a few copies nowadays too but I would defo recommend them and I'll most definitely be getting anther one for the street tracker when finished.
Cheers..Michael
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Ta for the review, Michael. I've had a struggle picturing which way to go aesthetically, which is unusual for me as I can normally see what I want to change straight away. Maybe because this bike's already been done? Anyway, although I love the dart, I reckon no flyscreen. Those modern looking mirrors above are "aero" apparently, but I can only find cheap ones with unconvincing reviews.
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycle/mirrors/bike-it-aero-mirrors
Your Oberons look good, but I'm not sure about taking the plunge. If I had clipons, then maybe, but the bars on mine are upright, so I currently like the look of these;
http://kiwavmotors.com/en/mirrors/magazi-missie-cnc-aluminum-motorcycle-mirrors-black-universal-1-detail
An impressive range of movement should get me the position I want, somewhere close to horizontal.
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Evening Matt, yes they look like nice pieces of kit. Be interested to hear how you go on, keep us posted
Cheers..Michael