Long before I started spending too much time and money on coffee, I started spending too much time and money on motorbikes. Specifically Harleys. It started as a fun way to avoid the tube for my commute for years living in London where I rode Hackney to Soho basically every day unless it was snowing! Any other riders here? Here’s some of my bikes past and present: 2004 XL1200 [IMG]https://i.imgur.com/FsxibWe.jpg[/IMG] 1994 FXDL [IMG]https://i.imgur.com/vk8PQ16.jpg[/IMG] 2020 FXLRS [IMG]https://i.imgur.com/LnWdGnU.jpg[/IMG]

Yeah man. Although I think chrome is better on a coffee machine hahaha! Had Vespas in my teens, (with a lot of chrome, which may account for my statement above, having spent too much riding time with a cloth and polish). Then finally after a break got a full licence mid 90s. Kwak GPz500s, FZR600R, ZX6R J2, two FZS1000s one after the other due to serious mileage, and now I have one of the earlier Street Triple 675Rs, twin round lights, twin underseat pipes, short 1st gear ('factory streetfighter'). I rode the FZR600R round Snetterton, all the twisties within a 100 mile radius, and to work in London every day except snow. Also rode it to Denmark, Czech Republic and most of western Europe before realising I ought to get a more practical bike! Did much the same on the Fazer Thousands. Took one round the Nürburgring Nordschleife which was the only time I ever maxed it out. An indicated 160mph which probably was more like 145 if you allow for speedo error. I have 2 mates with Harleys though. One has had a Road King, then a Breakout, and now some kind of Heritage Softail Deluxe or something like that. Warning: May contain traces of tassels. My other Harley riding mate has quite a cool but rare-ish thing called a Switchback. 1700cc, removable hard luggage, big frame (not Sportster based). Within minutes you can turn it from CHiPs bagger to 1950s Duoglide lookalike. It is surprisingly quick, it's the steering and slowing down that take the time! (especially when he got ACF50 on the brakes!) He's had it painted in the same grey they used on war planes (he's pretty geeky about that kind of thing and knows the exact colour). He did look slightly crestfallen when he showed me, and due to my lack of knowledge of WWII planes I described it as "filing cabinet grey" 🤣 🤣 [URL=https://i.imgur.com/BxDOTnE.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/BxDOTnE.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Fazer 1000 Nürburgring [URL=https://i.imgur.com/qaVgqsj.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/qaVgqsj.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Me and the guys just setting off on tour of Germany. Mine was the white and purple FZR [URL=https://i.imgur.com/498FNcM.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/498FNcM.jpg[/IMG][/URL] My 1st Gen 1 Fazer 1000 on the way home from Spain (this is obviously Mont St Michel in France, nearly home after almost 3000 miles in baking weather. [URL=https://i.imgur.com/iBHeEPR.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/iBHeEPR.jpg[/IMG][/URL] ZX6R J2 [URL=https://i.imgur.com/0CUVAKs.jpg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/0CUVAKs.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The Stripler

I had bikes a few years ago. First was a FSZ600 and that was unfortunately run over (fortunately with no one riding it) and I ended up with a 1250 Bandit for a while. I got fed up of refilling the tank on that so I got a Hornet 600 with the first bikes insurance moneys. Loved it but sadly the engine went bang in quite an expensive way so I ended up bikeless. I had been using it less and less with getting a work van so not needing to commute, and taking up running (a lot) so have not gotten one since. I miss it. My old commute was along a great Devon road that was about 2 miles through Plymouth and about 10 on a brilliant bit of road. Needless to say I could do the 10 almost as quickly as the 2 on a good day!

@"Hotmetal"#87 Nice! Love the ZX! Sounds like you’ve done some serious mileage! We do a fair few UK tours but yet to cross the channel. I have a long list of Europe rides I’d like to do. I had a very similar age Street Triple! 2010 model, red, under seat pipes and round lights. Always preferred that to the later fly-eye lights. Loved it, probably the best all round bike I’ve had. It was actually the last bike I had before Harleys. Living in Hackney when the Striple was just about the most stolen bike and a 20mph speed limit all the way to work meant a different bike was more appropriate. I know what you mean about the corners being the slow bit for Harley, that black one above is a 1900cc with engine work and remap. It’s an absolute rocket in a straight-line but a handful on twisties! I sold it after 6 months though, the new Harleys are comfy and smooth but for me they lack all the character of the older, carburetted models. I also like to be able to fix them without plugging them into a computer!

Street Triples were a "wunnnhunnndredandeiiiightyyy" for Triumph. A triumph one might say, 😂. Daytona chassis with class-leading handling, all day comfort (comparatively, for the rider at least), great riding position for road observation, streetfighter looks which hit the spot for their target market, and that fantastic 675 triple engine that delivers more torque than it has a right to, perfectly linearly and predictably, so that if you came from a 900 or 1 litre straight 4 you would miss nothing but the insane top end rush of a big 4IL, while being so linear that they were easy to ride for people getting their 'first big bike'. Instant power, loads of fun and it flatters the rider. They literally covered all bases with that bike which is why it sold so well, and also became a target for the scrotes who nick them. Certainly did a lot to boost the brand. I love mine even though its a bit long in the tooth. I don't mind that though, with only 36k on the clock it still feels almost new to me. About the only downside is the turning circle, because the frame is from the track focused Daytona and headstock is quite big and strong which limits the angle through which you can turn the bars (no issue for track bikes where stiffness is more important than turning circle). They improved it on the subsequent models 2013 on. That and the 'adequate' electrical system which is barely enough to run any accessories and can lead to burnt out stator. It's ironic, but I actually bought the Street Triple R because my commute was from Windsor to Kentish Town and I thought it would be easier to filter through central London rush hour on than the Thou. But then I discovered how desirable (to the wrong people) Streets were, so I never rode it to work until I moved jobs. I agree about the ability to do home servicing. My STR is the first fuel injected bike I've had, all the others in my bike history had carburettors (and the ZX6R used to get carb icing in winter!) Even so, the Street (as you know) didn't come with ABS until the later models, by which time it had lost its looks (IMO) and the short first gear. I like to be able to at least change oil, filters, brake pads and brake fluid without needing a computer, apparently you need to plug modern bikes in to disable or reset ABS if you change the brake fluid? I fancied a Ducati Supersport but they made it a 'dealer tools required' job just to tension the chain ffs! That's basic maintenance that you need to be able to do yourself, so it put me off. They obviously only want the sort of customer who can afford to have the shop do every stupid little thing, or who racks up 250 miles a year and trades in before first MoT. I have basically disregarded Ducati as a brand since then. But its inevitable. If I ever have spare cash I'll probably get a Triumph Tiger for more adventures and pillion comfort, or one of the Bonneville range, like a Speed Twin. No doubt that will need the dealer computer for loads of things too… sigh.

@"Hotmetal"#p10584 Exactly, I guess they’ve gone the same way as cars. These days what’s under the bonnet of most cars is barely recognisable as an engine. As you say, a way to get people back at the dealership spending service money. You’re right about the ABS. It’s another reason I got rid of the 2020 Harley. I wanted to put taller risers on as I’m quite tall. Half-hour job on previous bikes, maybe a couple of hours if I needed to do longer cables and internal wiring. But as soon as you change a cable or bleed brakes on the ABS system you have to plug it in to the dealer tool! With £85 of parts Harley wanted £750 to put new risers on… No thanks! Those Triumph 1200 Bonnie engines are really really good. Stacks of torque low-down and fun short wheelbase. I’ve had my eye on the Speed Twin too.

@"Ernie1"#p10585 £750 to fit a pair of bar risers? That's criminal. No wonder the accessory catalogue sells more than the actual bikes. Sheesh!

@"Hotmetal"#p10586 Indeed! Warr’s must’ve had a crystal ball when they opened their Harley dealership on the King’s Road in the 1920s!

My current 3 bikes [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/T7D3uyt.jpeg] [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/0ZfLWFQ.jpeg] [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/6YKsjiT.jpeg] ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Dep2omPINz3n7XrgGPY8CwKoo86Q9OWZ2O-QJuPSxenwye3BnWwIeA4ejhk9_UKPq8PpOmkJyiOUC15Rn3voqTNhNtvocXPXhijRnMijZBJO37lYl9tv87nD1PS4RU4_ASJzler3RMC-LCBg2hbIDKwDzaJl10BjKfin4yQmCgPUSE8vuev0sA1ziVyyzyY9EyQp-z-NHedTWpcnb9cBbyK_NPHHQBQBD3ILSrMGhtf87DoNawqZ-Aw753KumtDjIMPOJYAb2s2xVTu8tdMzor-Anp5JuoDMdQEQsQt6zwubPDrl0PgYe-y3RaB3l6QueZ48oiREFnlvXF8pYtX7BissmdVQyewovo7s7N5okTzd1P1qAZY3bV-zPuTwS3GIVNWn4R4UgNkXcPG9WPRgcXkPMgdQWAaCqblCzi0kbZNYG3oykYuoTIoPa2vBn0OXCDliwj1EqyKEcNNUyt7e5Fv7M74ngpAHI2OsCP1ecxf3RdKrWcMLc6EXAdojnqMdzIe05WC-5CSnkBCEoXBV-svPtdcATY6HDv-O6sdwX1yJ1AaaQSeBNEoEg8EsvffrbqVFMA0QjCq9wXgqXXd_IFASi2NspddtYPh90FW0-48fbxqC_si875sQWTDj-ozxDf_56gqQj5KtsADn2fYN7sFuw2eHv0qOvi9Xtl26c6CyrDHzfHmZugIHs5W7VPM3ANRKQZEjq-Ioi5dI9kDcicqA=w2027-h1263-no?authuser=0)

My Harley (Fatboy) back in 2003 and I had a Honda CBR1000 FJ as well. Noawadays I no longer ride a motorcycle. [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/djMBKlc.jpeg]

@"DavecUK"#p10614 Look at that! Such an iconic bike. I know everyone raves about the Evolution version from the 90s but I love the twin-cam engines, fantastic looking bike.

Any fellow motorbiking coffee fans?

Ernie1

The XE arrived. What an absolute treat! Loads of fun, loads of torque and feels incredibly planted. Great for two-up also, the other half approves.

Amberale

Looks lovely mate.
I don’t know why they don’t offer a low pipe option though, how often do you anticipate fording the Ouse?

IIRC the seat is pretty firm and an after market thicker touring seat might be the go for that trip to the Riviera.

-Mac

You need to work on your definition of ‘loads of torque’ ;) ;) ;)

Lovely bike :)

Ernie1

@Amberale

Thanks yeah I think the exhausts must just be a styling thing. The thing I don’t understand is Triumph keep referring their ‘scrambler’ inspiration back to Steve McQueen yet the two iconic scramblers he rode, the TR6 and the Husky Cross both had regular exhausts.

The plus side is it’s a nice leg warmer for the British weather 😂

Heading over to ride around Europe in a couple of months so will hopefully get to try some of the Trans Euro Trail.

@-Mac

Haha ‘loads’ compared to the 900 Scrambler!

I’ve never really understood torque figures, my old Harley Lowrider S had 115lb/ft which on paper was more than a Panigale, but we all know how that race would end…

DavecUK

Ernie1

Steve Mc Queen couldn’t have ridden through puddles I guess…although he would have outrun them easily on your machine!

I am amazed he drove a Ford Puma was it, years after he died?

Bicky

As someone in no way into bikes, I must say that is a cracking looking one! And I think that is in part due to the cool design of the exhaust 😃

-Mac

I always thought it was a shame they didn’t do a Cosworth version of the Puma.

DavecUK

-Mac Probs would have been dangerous…I seem to remember it was fairly quick already

Ernie1

@DavecUK

Indeed! He’s far cooler than I’ll ever be though, even in a Ford Puma!

On a related note, ‘On Any Sunday’ is a great little film/documentary about bike racing in the 60s. I hadn’t realised Steve McQueen was actually a pretty skilled racer!

DavecUK

Ernie1 He loved bikes. I think the bike scene in the great escape was specifically at his request.

Waitforme

@Ernie1

Nice looking bike , I’d need a disc lock reminder cable to remind me it’s on though !

Ernie1

Waitforme

Haha! Done it more than once.

Highlight was on my old Harley, met the Mrs in a packed Soho on a Summer Friday evening. Walk back to the bike in front of the crowds, both of us get on ready to ride into the sunset.

Disc lock smacks into the forks, dropped the bike, the mrs is on the floor, I’m there trying to lift a 350kg bike back up.

Needless to say I don’t often forget the lock is on anymore.

Ernie1

Took it off road today…

…at least 3 metres off the road to take some photos.

DavecUK

Looks fun even standing still….

Ernie1

1000 miles in and I can safely say this is the best bike I’ve owned in 20 years of riding. I’ve done a mix of lanes, motorway and city grocery trips and it’s just great fun.

CoyoteOldMan

Ernie1 Get thee behind me, Satan!

😀😁😂🤣😆😉

Penance

Been riding since ’86, got the bug so much that I never took up driving and only ride.

Many different bikes over those years. We started touring holidays around 6 years ago which changed what I want in a bike. Before that I was very much into 4cyl sports bikes.

Now I ride this, not the prettiest bike but has great performance and can carry is both with 2 weeks worth of camping luggage and still goes like stink.

Ernie1

Penance Nice! I do like the KTM orange.

Also envious of your luggage capacity!

Penance

Ernie1 luggage capacity was the main criteria when I got the bike.
I really can’t fault it, it’s comfy for mile munching, stable when fully loaded and still keeps up with the super sport toys.

Ernie1

Penance

How’s the weight? I’ve not ridden a KTM but tried Tigers and GS and find the top-heavy weight a bit of a struggle on cambered stops.

I’ve had 350kg Harleys but the weight is about 4 inches off the floor… different story when it’s around waist height!

Penance

Ernie1 Its no lightweight for sure, though the engine mass has low ish centre of gravity. Once moving it is fine but care is needed for off camber stops. I’m 5′11″ and have the seat at the low position.
fully loaded takes a bit more care at low speed as can feel top heavy. Bit of thought in to packing the panniers does help.
I went from the KTM 1290GT to this bike. The GT is much more lower. The learning curve was a little sharp but now i dont really notice it.

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