Bandit Alley

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: SteelD on June 10, 2007, 05:29:05 PM

Title: Took it for a quick spin tonight
Post by: SteelD on June 10, 2007, 05:29:05 PM
I installed the radiator guard and coated the bike with with ACF-50 anti-corrosion spray so thought I should take it out for a quick spin - I can't have a bike for 2 whole days and only have 5 miles on the clock!  :wink:

I went out for an hour - every time I stopped, smoke wafted up from the engine where it was getting hot and the ACF-50 was. I stopped after about 15 miles and there was a fair bit of smoke coming from the tailpipe as it cooled. Anyhow, a most enjoyable ride - much more nimble than my previous bike (the FJR) and a delight to corner without feeling that I was steering a heavy bike into the corners and the engine is very smooth and delightfully strong. I'm really pleased with it.

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.steel2/bike/1250-7.jpg)
Title: Took it for a quick spin tonight
Post by: LowRyter on June 10, 2007, 07:48:00 PM
really like lower fairing.....really dresses it up.  And you can still see the engine.
Title: Took it for a quick spin tonight
Post by: ZenMan on June 10, 2007, 11:29:45 PM
D, you really know how to take good pics of bikes. Getting down low and pointing the camera up at the motorcycle, plus choosing interesting backgrounds... that ivy-covered building is great! Is it a tavern?

That pic is easily good enough for any bike mag.  :wink:

That fairing is awesome. I'm definitely ordering one right after I get the tail-rack, as soon as they get here in the states.
Title: Took it for a quick spin tonight
Post by: SteelD on June 11, 2007, 01:52:14 AM
Zen

These are rushed photos taken with my compact - I've yet to get my serious camera out.  :wink:

Yes, the building is an English country public house or 'pub' - I just stopped outside for a pic. My other hobby is photography - see http://www.gallery.org.uk for other examples of my work.
Title: Took it for a quick spin tonight
Post by: smooth operator on June 11, 2007, 07:33:49 AM
:congrats:  The bike looks great,(+1 on the good pics) glad to here the good reviews. I'm thinking the smoke may go away as you get a few more miles on 'er. Is there a temp gage or just a light? Good idea on the radiator cover too. I hit a bird last Sunday on my SV, and I have to fix a hole in my radiator. I have a leak about dead center,about the size of a beak!    Dan
Title: Took it for a quick spin tonight
Post by: SteelD on June 11, 2007, 07:46:42 AM
Unfortunately, there is no temp gauge on the bike, just a warning light. It's a pity since I feel it could have been incorporated into the LCD display along with a digital gear indicator. Oh well, these things would only push the price up I suppose. I can't complain if the rest of the bike is so good.

After coming from a bike that was bigger and 35kg heavier, this bike feels so much more nimble (or 'chuckable' if you like) that it's really nit-picking to find faults with it. The instruments were one area I was willing to compromise on to get that much engine at that price.
Title: Took it for a quick spin tonight
Post by: SteelD on June 12, 2007, 05:56:57 AM
Quote from: "ZenMan"
D, you really know how to take good pics of bikes.

I've just tweaked the picture to get the colour of the bike more accurate. It's called Graphite Blue Metallic (Code: YLE).