Dont Hate me / got a petrol bike

[coachgeo]

It appears it's going to be a long time before my Tiger is done and I got to practice riding. Took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. Did ok. Top third of class in final score it sounded like but still it was obvious I need to practice practice practice.

Bike is an old thumper dual sport/enduro (1983 Yamaha xt550). It is considered a vintage bike. Appears to only have sold in US for two years. Will be commuter and practice bike for now. Later might keep it as trail bike and Tiger for more Adventure riding.

If I wear it out... and a vintage Thumper enthusiast don't really want the bike, then I'm considering converting it to a diesel locomotive design bike (diesel 24v generator to capacitors that run 24v motors at wheel(s))

[Stuart]

I once had this conversation with Andrew & must admit his common sense outlook on what's available to us all made me feel less guilty about using petrol powered bikes (from time to time). It's 70/30 for me, spending most time on the Tiger & Ruggerfield & loving it.
Come midweek I will have 2 diesel motorcycles & 2 Petrol. I couldn't have turned down the Duke (purchased last year), not at the price it was offered & I must be the only person who enjoys the torque over the speed (which I can't do because of the overcrowded roads anyway).
If you read the following you will see why I've gone for a 2nd hand NC700S. Using half a car engine with a strong bottom end, well, it might just be a precursor to a diesel bike?
Who's going to want a bike that gives peek power at 4000 rpm & pulls & drives like a diesel? Er, well, me actually
PS: After looking & failing to see an NC700 in the various bike parks about here it shouldn't have been a surprise to see 2 turn up at this years Big Knock. Both riders over from Germany gave them the thumbs up.

http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/honda-nc700x-0

http://www.bikesandtravels.co.uk/biker. ... 280&info=1

[Dan J]

You're definitely not the only person who prefers torque Stuart... Having learnt to ride on a 2 pot CB500 I went and bought a 4 cylinder 600 Bandit as soon as I passed my test. I absolutely hated that the only way to accelerate or wring any power out of it was by thrashing it - it was useless at the kind of revs I wanted to ride it. A couple of years off biking there was no way I was repeating that mistake which is why I bought the 650 V-Strom. Loved that bike but got offered the FJR at a price I couldn't refuse - thankfully with the engine as large as it is 4 cylinders no longer matters and it pulls like a train almost from idle. It even averages 50mpg and will pull 65 odd sat at a constant 80 on the motorway - amazing. And unless I really want to be mad it doesn't need revving over 5,000rpm either...

So you enjoy the NC700 without guilt. I'll be really interested to hear how you get on with it and what it's like to ride.

[Stuart]

I was just talking to another guy who's booked a test ride on the NC. It's supposed to be the only bike that gives better MPG than the manufacturer claims? Time will tell I guess.
I think these frugal petrols were never gonna excite the press with their low revs so Honda just put them out there in the knowledge that they'll sell themselves.
I'll keep you all posted on how it performs.

[coachgeo]

.... supposed to be the only bike that gives better MPG than the manufacturer claims? Time will tell I guess.....

MPG is one reason I got this particular bike and cause it is said to be a real torque-y motor. It should get around 50mpg. Top speed is only in the 70's but I don't need or want more than that. Side road commute speeds to and fro from work the max is 55mph. Majority is Posted at 45mph. If I took the Interstate, (65mph) would only be on it about 10 min. In long run it ends up same amount of time to get home, by side roads or Interstate. This is cause with Interstate; though higher speeds, the first exit to get to the house is well below the home so I have to go back north again; where via side roads it's more direct shot.

[LocomotiveBreath]

Cool bike George, just becareful.

Your friend,
Dave

[coachgeo]

Good to hear from you Dave!!! (Locomotivebreath)

[Stuart]

The NC700 is proving to be a very enjoyable ride. I'm used to riding at 3000rpm & it's true what they say, this bike is down there! It's getting quite a bit of attention while I'm out on it too

[coachgeo]

Figured it didn't really happen w/out pics sooooo

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Added a 12v power plug. Bike is 6v. Will be used for Cellphone/GPS power. 12v plugs for this drop things to 5v 1amp so this should be fine w/6v source instead of 12v. Filled underside of socket with silicon. Hopefully keeps water out..... and NOT holds water in lol.

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