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Author Topic: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years  (Read 2028 times)

Offline ShaunJ

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Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« on: March 05, 2014, 08:17:05 PM »
It has been 30 years since I last rode a motorcycle the wait is now over. Took the bike in for an MOT which it passed  :)

I have to admit being slightly apprehensive but it turns out that riding a bike is like ... well riding a bike, you never really forget. Only one slight panic when I got stuck in traffic, the visor started steaming up and I couldn't raise it  :( didn't spot the lifting tab for the visor was offset on the left. At least I didn't fall off which would have been embarrassing as the local school was just turning out.

The bike felt good. Not sure that the front brake is as efficient as it could be. I have changed the brake fluid and everything looks OK brake pads look to have a lot of wear left on them they could be new. It just seems to lack bite. Back brake is excellent. Got a bit of cam chain rattle but engine pulls really well.

I have spent a some time cleaning and fettling. Had some bits painted and powder coated replaced some worn parts. Replaced plugs, points, condensers and plug caps and it has been fun all the way.

Looking forward to a long hot and glorious summer.
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Offline Trigger

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #1 on: March 05, 2014, 08:21:51 PM »
Hope your riding is better than your loading of pictures  ;D
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Offline Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #2 on: March 05, 2014, 08:24:56 PM »
Shaun.
Nice looking bike albiet its upside down.Dont worry about the 30 odd years I too the same.Out today and throughly enjoyed it but the roads here are dead.Welcome and enjoy it and keep your eyes out for the braindeads.
Cheers
Bitsa
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #3 on: March 05, 2014, 08:26:58 PM »
Australian import?
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'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Set/sit. Bought/brought FFS. Bloody Americans.


Les Ross. Certified by a Professional

Offline Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #4 on: March 05, 2014, 08:28:19 PM »
Lester
Are you still on about spec savers?
Cheers
Bitsa
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Long Live Best Bitter.Status Quo and Sohc Bikes and common sense which you can not teach

Offline ShaunJ

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #5 on: March 05, 2014, 08:32:22 PM »
Oh do you ride a bike with the wheels on the floor! That explains why the front brake was ineffective  ;D

Don't know what went wrong there, only the thumbnail is upside down when you go full size it's the right way up.

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Offline Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #6 on: March 05, 2014, 08:40:15 PM »
Shaun
We are only jesting mate.
Cheers
Bitsa
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Long Live Best Bitter.Status Quo and Sohc Bikes and common sense which you can not teach

Offline JamesH

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #7 on: March 05, 2014, 08:48:56 PM »
Welcome Shaun - nice bike.
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Offline UK Pete

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #8 on: March 05, 2014, 09:05:15 PM »
Clean looking bike, the front brakes on these are certainly not the best but should be ok in the dry, try degreasing the disk with brake cleaner, and give the pads a rough up with some sandpaper
pete
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Offline mick

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #9 on: March 05, 2014, 09:11:20 PM »
Hello Shaun and welcome to the world of SOHC  ;) cheers Mick.
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Offline mickwinf

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #10 on: March 05, 2014, 09:18:47 PM »
I too had a 30 year break, first ride after all that time I was crapping myself!
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Love the 500 and 550 have a 500 called Lazarus under restoration

Offline Green1

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #11 on: March 05, 2014, 09:41:23 PM »
Nice bike
Totally agree with pete degrees the disk and rough up the pads I have heard of people scratching up the disc with fine sandpaper weather it makes any difference I don't know.
All I do is pull the lever as hard as poss and hope for the best.     

Mick
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Current bikes
Honda CB750k1 Valley Green Metallic
Honda CB750k1 Candy Gold
Honda CB550k Candy Jade Green
Honda CG125
Aprilia Pegaso 650
Moto guzzi 1200 sport
Kawasaki EX650R (Mine until dave pays for it)
Kawasaki ZXR400 J

Offline matthewmosse

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #12 on: March 05, 2014, 10:34:48 PM »
I could lock the front wheel on my 500 sidecar in the dry, get the technique right and the same could apply in even torential rain or snow (all too easy in snow)
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Got a 500/4 with rust and a sidecar and loadsa bits. nice and original and been round the clock

Offline Green1

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #13 on: March 05, 2014, 10:38:21 PM »
I don't think you will ever lock the front on the 750 but the rear is far to easy.
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Current bikes
Honda CB750k1 Valley Green Metallic
Honda CB750k1 Candy Gold
Honda CB550k Candy Jade Green
Honda CG125
Aprilia Pegaso 650
Moto guzzi 1200 sport
Kawasaki EX650R (Mine until dave pays for it)
Kawasaki ZXR400 J

59viperman

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Re: Back to Motorbikes after 30 Years
« Reply #14 on: March 08, 2014, 05:18:09 PM »
 :) ;D love the humour on here, particularly like the Australian import quip.
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