St Landrew Posted 18 October, 2009 Share Posted 18 October, 2009 I'm not really a fan of titles, so no I am not The Hamster, on any site anywhere. Just plain, simple old 'hamster', not even capitalised. Where pray is this otrher site SL? I like to join site's as 'hamster' but invariably that cipher is not ususally available. You may not like it matey. IIRC, you or yours had an accident on a motorbike several years back. Well this is a VFR forum. http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/ Have a wee look around and you'll see The Hamster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 18 October, 2009 Share Posted 18 October, 2009 You may not like it matey. IIRC, you or yours had an accident on a motorbike several years back. Well this is a VFR forum. http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/ Have a wee look around and you'll see The Hamster. Well remembered re my brother's close call SL, a scary time which put me right off them. It was in the early 80's on what I believe was the original 'widow-maker' RD350LC, a lot of nippers would shove a 350 pot in the 250 as they hadn't passed their test and to keep insurance down, but what a scary machine in the wrong hands. Simple and beautuiful mind and it's probably a good thing that I stuck to my funny little RD80LC bought new from Alec Bennett's. Unlike many I knew my limits. Incidentally, those LC's are still headturners aren' they? btw, I foung The Hamster and he is shorter and not quite as handsome as me, sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 19 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Well remembered re my brother's close call SL, a scary time which put me right off them. It was in the early 80's on what I believe was the original 'widow-maker' RD350LC, a lot of nippers would shove a 350 pot in the 250 as they hadn't passed their test and to keep insurance down, but what a scary machine in the wrong hands. Simple and beautuiful mind and it's probably a good thing that I stuck to my funny little RD80LC bought new from Alec Bennett's. Unlike many I knew my limits. Incidentally, those LC's are still headturners aren' they? btw, I foung The Hamster and he is shorter and not quite as handsome as me, sorry. They are indeed mate. LC's were very much bikes for the racerboy, and actually quite safe provided you didn't go over the limit, in that they had very good handling, for the time. Not my cup of tea though, as since I left my Lambretta GP125DL, many many years ago, I've been pretty much a 4-stroke bike rider, as I like the type of power. But I can still see the appeal of the RD350. One 2-stroke I did like, power wise, but definitely NOT handling, was a Suzuki GT750, a distant friend of mine had. I had a go on it back in the late 1970's. Power felt great, but it was a bloody awkward monster to get round corners. That thing weighs dry as much as my VFR800FiY when it is full up with oil and 5.5 gallons of petrol. And mine has fairings as well. You sit on that Suzuki like you're a 12 year old. The model is actually the detuned road going version of Barry Sheene's Grand Prix racing bike. NB: Glad to see you found The Hamster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 ........Not my cup of tea though.......... But I can still see the appeal of the RD350. One 2-stroke I did like, power wise, but definitely NOT handling, was a Suzuki GT750........ The model is actually the detuned road going version of Barry Sheene's Grand Prix racing bike. Being a short arse, and always looking up to my ig bruv, I always wanted his 400 Four, I borrowed his once and also the LC but the Honda was the one that made the juices flow, whereas I was scared riding LC. Like I say, I like to think I know my limits. Re Barry Sheene, starnge as it may sound I had a the full page x-ray from The Sun on my bedroom wall for a while, I was at the British GP at Silverstone when he crashed out in '82 (iirc). Barry Sheene - The Magnificent 7 I also seem to remember a duel he had with Kenny Roberts in the late seventies (i was still a schoolboy btw) when he flicked him the V's. I idolised the bloke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 19 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 19 October, 2009 ...Barry Sheene - The Magnificent 7 I also seem to remember a duel he had with Kenny Roberts in the late seventies (i was still a schoolboy btw) when he flicked him the V's. I idolised the bloke. You don't have to remember it matey, you can find it on Youtube. Very edited highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejel8lqB544 Around 3m36s - 3m53s. I know Murray Walker loved motorcycle racing more than cars [his father was a motorcycle racer], but I wish he'd stuck to 4 wheel commentaries. His shouting style is just so... well, annoying. NB: The Honda 400 Four was a nice bike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 NB: The Honda 400 Four was a nice bike. The 400Four is probably the first bike that I would want in my private collection should I ever win the lottery jackpot. Along with a FS1E, a Kwacker z900, a CX500 and for purely sentimental reasons as a yellow Honda Express (I really fancied Twiggy back then) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deppo Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 You two are welcome to this thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonManager Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 You two are welcome to this thread. This is a local thread for local people... There's nothing for us here, Tubbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Shouldn't this be in the motoring forum? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 I've got a big purple helmet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiltshire Saint Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Shouldn't this be in the motoring forum? Only in the absence of a gayboy forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Suzuki GT750 I hade amate who rode a GT550, his name was Tim and he hailed from Hayle in Cornwall, he had a messed up leg from a biking accident and would ride with is leg sticking out. Looked strange, but what a nice bloke and what a nice bike. Another mate, who I won't name as he is still around, rode another bike from my wanted list, an X7, which iirc was the pretender to the original RD250's throne. If I had had the balls to ride like a nutter I am 100% sure that I would not be sat here right now talking vermin on the forum. StL, name your top 10 bikes for me mate, accordingto engine size? It will be interesting to compare as, like I say, i never passed my test so was limited to dreaming (or SuperDreaming if you like - proper LOL) I'll work on mine later. Bagsy the CBX though, even if I would never be able to wrap my little legs around one, let alone keep one up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Shouldn't this be in the motoring forum? If you move this thread I will put you on my ignore list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint francis Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 (edited) I don't think Pankake takes bribes. Edited 19 October, 2009 by saint francis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Win win! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 (edited) Win win! Don't push me Pancakes I have abite like rabid Badger. Edited 19 October, 2009 by hamster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Don't push me Pont's I have abite like rabid Badger. Ponts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Ponts? My bad, I do that when I am in a rage sometimes. Sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 19 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Just came in and saw this. Can I just point out that it wasn't me who transferred this thread, but my pals from admin/moderation. Just trying to remember who used to call me St Landy. It's either Ponty or Pancake... Maybe Arizona or DSM. Baj and Steve would be dark horses. Exit2 and SOB wouldn't bother. Hmm. :cool: I'll be along with my 10 favourite bikes when I've had a good think about them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 19 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Of course, photos of bikes might have to be posted... with maybe a line or two of why I picked them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 (edited) I have an idea SL. It's OUR thread let's make the most of it eh? Let's do it one category at a time starting with a 50cc bike/moped. I was obviously joking about the Honda Express, but my first choice would have to be the one that me and all my mates wanted. The YAMAHA FS1E (Fizzy) I found that quite randomly from this site http://www.fs1e.co.uk/ and I am convinced that that was taken on Deal seafront,not 5 minutes from where i was born. Spooky eh? I'd ride it in standard form for a few weeks then do this to it: Nice 'cans' eh Baj? Over to you SL Edited 19 October, 2009 by hamster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 (edited) Just to demonstate my thinking it was taken at Deal, here's one of my own pics taken a while back: Sorry for 2 reasons 1 - I was playing with psp and forgot to save the original (hence funny hue). 2 - It's a scooter. Edited 19 October, 2009 by hamster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 19 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Well I never rode a 50cc moped. But I did ride a 50cc Motorcycle. A great little Gilera Touring from 1976. It would 60+mph and return about 90mpg. The acceleration was pretty impressive too. Sadly, this is the only picture I can find of one. No bewbs either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 19 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Having put up a picture of a Lambo you're forcing me to put up a pic of my GP125DL: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 (edited) /\ Oh my Gawd!!! I had one too SL, only for a few weeks but I sold it to a mate who worked at British rail and he stripped it down. When he'd finished, it looked just like the one you posted. What a cool bike and yes a proper motorbike, I note your pic has pedals so it can't be the same one, but when i saw it I was taken aback as i thought it was the same one. My dad used to ride it before me backward and forward from eastleigh to gillingham beofre we all moved down here in 1980. And that was before he M25 and M3, when it was a great little run, up through Twyford (around St Catherine's Hill), THROUGH Alresford, up the Hog's back, past Sleeping Pool in Surrey, through Riverhead and on to Aylesford, huff and puff up Bluebell Hill and then finally fly down Watling Street to Gillingham. I cycled it once a few years later, and apologies to the squeemish, but my testicles were so swollen after cycling the 112 miles, that I had to be fetched home by Mum and Dad, with my racing bike chucked in the back of hs Simca. We can do cars another time, as I may well hold the record for the most crappy cars owned by one person ever. Edited 19 October, 2009 by hamster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 Having put up a picture of a Lambo you're forcing me to put up a pic of my GP125DL: I can see at least 3 other 'machines' in that pic, do you live in Bealieu or something? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 19 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 19 October, 2009 (edited) No. That's not my actual bike. But an identical one - colour and condition. Haven't taken many photos of my bikes over the years. Yes, I have a few prints kicking around, but I can't be bothered to scan them and put them up. I'm sure you understand. EDIT: Notice it's LHD..? BTW, I thought you said favourite bikes..? These are bikes I've ridden or owned, but they aren't necessarily my favourites. Edited 19 October, 2009 by St Landrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 19 October, 2009 Share Posted 19 October, 2009 ....I thought you said favourite bikes..? These are bikes I've ridden or owned, but they aren't necessarily my favourites. Whatever takes your fancy, I would have considered the Gilera if I'd remembered, but would still rather have the Fizzy, which I have never ridden. My favourites are not going to surprise you SL, I am a simple man with simple tastes, for example the biggest bike I ever owned was a CB200, I thought it was brillaint at the time with it's 'customised' hand painted (Hammerite} tank, but if I owned one now I would give a mate 10 quid to set fire to it up by the lakes in Stoenham Lane and claim on the insurance. Whether you've owned, ridden or just drooled over it, what's your favourite (sub) 125 then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 20 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 20 October, 2009 Whatever takes your fancy, ...what's your favourite (sub) 125 then? Well, there's a few that I really like. One is the Gilera, and I must admit, I did like the FS1E too, but I was already looking for a bit more poke than they could offer. I was already owning 200cc and 250cc bikes by then. One day, I remember reading a plaque at some bike museum [maybe Sammy Miller's in the New Forest - must go again] and it referred to a 50cc Honda racing bike of the 1960's. I've put up a picture regarding this before of a man's hand holding the crankshaft and pistons. They're like toy models. But here's a plaque just like the one I read: The vast majority of 50cc racing bikes in history have always been 2-strokes. But Honda made 4-stroke racing bikes. Astonishing..! Look at the spec. That's of an engine over 40 years in history. Look at the RPM..! They don't do those engine speeds nowadays [granted because they are not allowed to]. 9 speed gearbox..! I would have loved to have had a go on one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 20 October, 2009 Share Posted 20 October, 2009 is this a game of top trumps?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonManager Posted 20 October, 2009 Share Posted 20 October, 2009 is this a game of top trumps?? 'ere, you'm not allowed on'ere, tis proyvit. Parky 'll get ya an throw y'out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 20 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 20 October, 2009 I rode a CD175 once. Close relative of the CB200, I think. Same engine type, i.e. bored out and tweaked..? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 20 October, 2009 Share Posted 20 October, 2009 I rode a CD175 once. Close relative of the CB200, I think. Same engine type, i.e. bored out and tweaked..? You bet, mine would touch 85 with a trailing wind. I donlt know why or from where I bought the beast, but my very first time on a motorway was on a trip back to Gillingham and the temptation to jump on that first section of the M25 in Kent (about 5 miles of it) got the better of me. Remember I was on L plates at the time (which I stuffed down my Belstaff), and opened her right up as the adrenalin kicked in. I had never experienced anything like it in my life before, the rush lasted about 30 seconds as I heard a massive Bang and oil ****ed out all over my leg. I managed to hobble to the end and dumped it in someones garden, who very kindly gave me a lift for the final 15 miles or so. What a pig of a bike. I managed to also cadge a lift from my sisters mate who owned a transit to collect it the next day and as payment I let him have the bike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 20 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 20 October, 2009 You bet, mine would touch 85 with a trailing wind. I donlt know why or from where I bought the beast, but my very first time on a motorway was on a trip back to Gillingham and the temptation to jump on that first section of the M25 in Kent (about 5 miles of it) got the better of me. Remember I was on L plates at the time (which I stuffed down my Belstaff), and opened her right up as the adrenalin kicked in. I had never experienced anything like it in my life before, the rush lasted about 30 seconds as I heard a massive Bang and oil ****ed out all over my leg. I managed to hobble to the end and dumped it in someones garden, who very kindly gave me a lift for the final 15 miles or so. What a pig of a bike. I managed to also cadge a lift from my sisters mate who owned a transit to collect it the next day and as payment I let him have the bike. That's a shame. Nice little bikes in my memory. Talking of 200cc bikes, here's one almost exactly like my Triumph Sports Tiger Cub. Mine had an Alpha Bearings racing big-end, which made it unburstable in normal use [something that ordinary Tiger Cubs were definitely not], and custom advance/retard springs which allowed the engine to rev like mad - beyond what was originally designed to do, and a 1inch Amal carb. It was good for perhaps 90-95mph, but the standard speedo only went to 80mph. I used to have motorcross and trials tyres on it, and road gearing. Totally oil tight too. Brilliant motor. Loved that bike to bits. Actually sold it to buy my first Honda 250. What a twerp..! Have a look at this example: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 22 October, 2009 Share Posted 22 October, 2009 'ere, you'm not allowed on'ere, tis proyvit. Parky 'll get ya an throw y'out.its like a dating site for anoraks.lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 22 October, 2009 Share Posted 22 October, 2009 (edited) Sub 200, I am going to plump for a nice safe DT. Another iconic bike from my younger days. Put simply, they look the part. As will become apparent, I did lack confidence on bikes. This is why I would not want to get anything too heavy on top of me when I fall off, which would be a given if I ever went off-road on a bike. Had a mate who owned a DT125, like this one: It had seen better days and he used to ride it through Home Wood every weekend so it looked 'proper', it looked a lot better plastered in mud than the highly polished majority of trials bikes that you would see around. A bit like the queue of 4WD's outside our schools at 3PM every day. It was built and used for 'purpose'. He let me have a go a few times. Popping wheelies down Chestnut Avenue was great fun, and I felt safe, which I probably was not. Okay StL, which 250 are you taking with us onto our desert island? Edited 22 October, 2009 by hamster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 22 October, 2009 Share Posted 22 October, 2009 its like a dating site for anoraks.lol No sorry nick, you appeared to have clicked on the wrong bookmark. hth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BadgerBadger Posted 23 October, 2009 Share Posted 23 October, 2009 (edited) Well remembered re my brother's close call SL, a scary time which put me right off them. It was in the early 80's on what I believe was the original 'widow-maker' RD350LC, a lot of nippers would shove a 350 pot in the 250 as they hadn't passed their test and to keep insurance down, but what a scary machine in the wrong hands. Simple and beautuiful mind and it's probably a good thing that I stuck to my funny little RD80LC bought new from Alec Bennett's. Unlike many I knew my limits. Incidentally, those LC's are still headturners aren' they? btw, I foung The Hamster and he is shorter and not quite as handsome as me, sorry. Oh yeah - them LC's still give me a tingle down the spine, what a fine example. Had a 250 LC, tuned to perfection, ported, jets tweaked, K and N's, goodridge hoses, fork brace, steering damper, drop bars and a nice set of Allspeed pipes (the ones with the small cans) that crackled pitch perfect A power band to die for - she was my first love, she sang, she pulled, she burnt a hole in the effing pistons as I struggled to keep the mixtures correct and then I slid her belly first into a tree - RIP my little beauty *sniff* Edited 23 October, 2009 by BadgerBadger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 23 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 23 October, 2009 (edited) Let me just make a comment on the DT series of Yamaha 2-strokes. They were excellent everyday on-off road bikes, and I wanted one [a DT250, as it happens]. But by their very 2-stroke nature, I didn't like them as much as my 4-stroke Sports Cub. I have told a story about stopping halfway up a muddy hill and watching a DT175 owner scream the nuts off his new[ish] bike trying to get it up the steep incline. He declined my help, and so I plodded on up on the Cub. I even popped a wheelie at the top, for good measure. He got my mud. Mmm... 250s eh..? Well there's mine from 1972. A Honda 250K3. Lovely twin cylinder revvy engine with 30bhp at 10,500rpm. That equated to 100mph. I had it once well into the redline at 11,500 in top gear [5th] That was the fastest I'd ever gone on a bike I'd owned until the Viffer. But it handled really badly, not helped by the old rubber it was wearing. Then there's BadgerX2's RD250LC, which was indeed almost an RD350LC. Personally, I preferred the straight RD250/350 air-cooled ones at the time. All that water cooling was a bit over-the-top for me back then. Have to say, my present favourite is one I badgered [sorry] my mate into buying as a second bike. He wanted a smaller bike to runaround on and a VT250 Spada Honda V-Twin from 1989 was going ultra cheap. This is a 40bhp 250cc motorcycle that was a grey import [or produced for the UK, I dunno] for 2 years before they tamed it to 34bhp after 1990. It's available even in a 2009 model, sporting a Ducati like trellis frame, but my mate's is in a cast aluminium perimeter frame like most sports bikes built today. It's ultra light and handles beautifully, and is very fast for a 250. If you can fall off it you're an idiot because it simply will not get you into trouble. Next would be the Honda 250 Hornet. An in-line 4 cylinder pocket rocket that simply doesn't look like a 250. Looks alone says YES..! Honourable mentions go to bikes of my youth. The very fast Kawasaki 250 Samurai twin [long in the tooth by then] and the 250 triple - a beauty and I wanted one, just a little bit. Both of the Kwackers were 2-strokes, and therefore [at the time] both very smokey. Why are they mostly Hondas..? I don't really know. Perhaps it's because when I left school my first job was in engineering, and I grew to know the difference between something mechanical that was well designed and made, and what was not. Hondas are generally extremely well made and well designed bikes, certainly in latter years. Plus, they are very reliable, unless badly abused, with very few specific issues [usually timing chain, if there is one]. Here's a line-up of all the 250s I've mentioned, minus the Yamahas as they are well represented above. Edited 23 October, 2009 by St Landrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 23 October, 2009 Share Posted 23 October, 2009 SL, didn't a company called Bennelli (sp) do a 4 pot 250 in the late seventies. I had a book of motorcycles that had a picture of it I am sure? I am torn here tbh. I really do think I would never have the balls or stupidity to get the best out of an old 250LC, and as for modern bikes, well I don't know enough to have a real opinion sorry. As a youngster I would have gone for a Suzuki X7, but now realise that they really were not that good neither in build quality, looks nor performance. I would go for the man's man's bike, an air-cooled RD250. Many owners had new paintjobs, alloys, exhausts and K&N's, I'd leave mine in standard getup and settle for 'doing a ton' and that tingly throb and engine note. . As a footnote, for the hundreds of thousands that were sold, I never got the 'SuperDream' I used to have thing for ugly bikes (see the first mrs h for confirmation of this), but they are just too ugly for words, yet sold so many. Why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 23 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 23 October, 2009 You're right. The Benelli company did produce a 250 inline-4 cylinder bike back then, called the Quattro. It was the first more than twin cylinder 250 made aside from racing machines [Honda once made a 250 SIX..!]. I've found a picture of it: A pretty thing, and quite unusual for way back then. I also think you're right about the Suzuki X7. I saw enough of them and felt that they were rather spindley and well... just not as good as some of the competition. I thought Suzuki's earlier effort, the GT250 [the one with RAM-AIR] was a better machine. I also agree on your thoughts about the Honda Superdream. Yeah they looked so-so, and were 4-stroke bikes, but they were far too sanitised, and more importantly, SLOW..! Your earlier CB200 was much more like the bike Honda made well. I believe the SuperDream sold so many because the bike was the way forward at the time. Simple 2-stroke engines are inherently dirty, [although there are expensive clean 2-stroke designs], and they were always going to be phased out. Honda knew this all along, which is why they are the biggest motorcycle manfacturer in the world. IMO, Honda's problem in the past was that they tried to make bikes that appealed to too many people, and end up missing some customers who thought they were a bit bland. Perhaps this was the case for you with the Superdream. Nowadays, Honda might build a couple of different 250 on-road models at the same time to appeal to different people. As for balls, I'm as chicken as the next person. What I have found is that over the years, I've ridden some f*****g awful bikes that have given me no confidence at all, and when I do ride one that has handled well I haven't had the inherent confidence to push it hard. And anyway, for many years I realise I was sh!te rider. I spent the first 6 weeks of riding my Viffer thinking what on earth this beast was. It was so heavy..! Why did they have to make them so heavy..? And it was so incredibly powerful..! I've ridden other big bikes in the past, but they weren't so powerful. Or if they were, I hadn't used it at all. But I own this bike, and I didn't need all that power. Well you soon get used to the power, because as long as you don't twist the throttle open, the power is contained. But I also realised that modern bikes have moved on. Jeez, does the Viffer handle. I mean, it's brilliant. And there are even better handling bikes out there, and more powerful. They actually are easy to ride, and you start to get rather confident. Thankfully I suppose, I always have a wee picture in the back of my mind of a mangled biker, so I never push it beyond my limit. But with modern bikes, you'll be surprised how far out there your limit can go. Perhaps you could give it a try..? Don't be like me and let the years pass before you get back on a bike. I left it for 10 years, and before that another 10. Now I wouldn't be without one. They're so cheap to run, after all and so much fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 25 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 25 October, 2009 So now we get into the realms of my youth, and total fantasy land for hamster. By now, I rode 250s but dreamt of these. Apart from the 350 versions of favourite 250cc bikes, like Yamaha RDs etc... there were bikes that were perfect at 350cc and didn't have smaller versions made. My two favourites were the Triumph Tiger 90: Which was the ideal smaller bike for lads who wanted a 500/650cc Triumph but either couldn't afford it, or couldn't handle the weight and grunt of the bigger bikes. But what they had in this bike was a little jewel fom the 1960's. It harked back to rockers, leathers and greasy hair. Bags of performance and reliability, good handling and economy. Normally, you got 2 out of 4 with British bikes, but with this one you got the lot, and 1960's good looks as well. To this day, I'd love one. Possibly the perfect engine size for the Triumph 360° parallel twin. And then the other 350 I'd love to ride. It was oh-so different from anything else. It had superb handling, grunt and speed. Pity it had sh!te electrics, but then it was 1970's italian. The Moto Morini 3½ Sport was just somehing else. Honda, Yamaha, Kwacker or Suzi just wouldn't have had the guts to produce a bike like this back then. It was poetry on two wheels: A little cracker. I'd love one but wouldn't be able to come up with the dosh. A good one must be worth a bloody mint. I gave a thumbs up to a bloke riding one of these just the other day, going past the The Stile Inn/University. He grinned a grin so wide back to me, I could see it through his full face helmet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 26 October, 2009 Share Posted 26 October, 2009 So now we get into the realms of my youth, and total fantasy land for hamster. Just one thing before I read the whole post SL, who are you talking to in that sentence? It's just you and me in here. Unless Derek Acorah just walked in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpbury Posted 26 October, 2009 Share Posted 26 October, 2009 Don't worry, your heavy petting is being witnessed from far and wide. I expect a vigorous climax soon as skip the 500cc bikes and move straight onto grunty, heavy, pokey superbikes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 26 October, 2009 Share Posted 26 October, 2009 That Triumph, I like it. I would have considered a Bonneville when we had got to the bigger bikes but don't need to now as you've nailed that one. I never knew they made a 350, looks and sounds great, I googled it actually and am I safe to assume that it was respected as a biker's bike? I read that the '90' referred to the top speed, sounds like just my kinda bike. The Moto Morini looks familiar as well, I live not far from the Uni so maybe that explains it. theer was an MV Augusta in the 70's too which had a small to mid engine in it. My memories aren't that clear but I dod remember geting a book about bikes one Christmas and used to drool over every page under my duvet night after night. There are two words I would like to throw at you at this point SL and I hope I'm not usurping one of your nominees for the later stages of this bike-fest. LAVERDA JOTA. An orange one for me please? I think we are at the sub 500cc area now? I had made up my mind on this years ago and nothing will change my mind. Honda CB400 FOUR Super Sport, a blue one (the colour is v important). can't find a decent pic atm though. Having peeked on Ebay, I am really shocked at how cheap you can get on 2 wheels on what appear to be pretty decent little bikes, many under £500, not that I can spare £500 right now. You never know SL, I may well be menacing car drivers again one day!! Over to you fella, what;s the next size? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint in Paradise Posted 26 October, 2009 Share Posted 26 October, 2009 Benelli also made a six cylinder 750cc, the original ones were green form memory and there used to be a Benelli dealer near the old gasworks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 26 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 26 October, 2009 Just one thing before I read the whole post SL, who are you talking to in that sentence? It's just you and me in here. Unless Derek Acorah just walked in. Oh yeah, sorry Hammy. Just assume I meant to put it as... "So now we get into the realms of my youth, and total fantasy land for you hamster." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 26 October, 2009 Share Posted 26 October, 2009 Forum abuse from a mod, please use the PM system Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 26 October, 2009 Author Share Posted 26 October, 2009 Forum abuse from a mod, please use the PM system You shouldn't be making comments here... apparently. Now to rummage through my bag of infractions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 26 October, 2009 Share Posted 26 October, 2009 You shouldn't be making comments here... apparently. Now to rummage through my bag of infractions. meh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now