Motorcycles

[Stuwey]

So, who has what?

Given that I learnt to ride when I was 2 years old, it has always been the case that my parents never let me have my motorbike license.

Dad used to work at Rider Safe, the body who used to do the rider training when you got your license. Even if I did roll up to get mine, all the instructors knew me, and would tell my folks.

Keeping that in mind, when I moved out of home last year, I went along and got my Ls.

12 months later, and I have mt new toy, much to the dismay of my mother, and the quiet excitement of my old man.



It lives at home with me, but in the family there are three Gold Star BSAs, two Velocettes, a Tilbrook, a couple of Ariel Square Fours and a few other bits and bobs.

Dad's (home built and home painted) 21st present:



What have you got?

[URS]

Nice to see a motorcyclist here.

I started riding 4 years ago, brought my first bike, a 2001 VTR 250 - That bike brought me pure joy and lots of hard love. I had my first crash on her but never skipped a beat. Second bike was a 03-04 Kwak ZX6R and last bike was a 04-05 Kwak ZX10R.

All bikes I had, did track days. Below is a photo of me at Phillip Island on the track ZX10R.

No longer have any bikes Sad panda!

But now I'm getting the itch to get out there again. Right now I will have to stick with borrowing mates bikes!

[h100vw]

I rode bikes from being about 12. An old Suzuki TS125, early 70's thing. Got my bike license at 17 and 37 days, I had a moped from 16.

Had a 1983 RD350YVPS, mid 70s Honda 400/4 and a 1990 GSXR750M. Sold the GSXR in 96, I was going to move to Kuwait working. Never owned a bike or ridden one since. Sat on a couple since coming to Australia. Remember both occasions well. A mate in Perth's ZX9R and a ZX6R belonging to the dad of my daughters mate.

I'd last 5 minutes on one here, either done for speeding or killed by the scenery.

Go steady on the bike stuwey, remember everyone is out to put you in a wooden box!

Gavin

[Sharkie]

On my 4th bike now .... as a student in the 90s I had a Honda MTX50. In Australia had 2 Suzuki GS500s (1 old 1 new) as learners and commuters and now on a 2008 Suzuki GSR600. Bought it new in 2008. It is my daily commuter .... its got 88kw atw and weighs 180kgs, 0-100 in about 3s ..... much more fun than any car ....

Here with the VW garage at home.



and with the Tig my irregular daily driver atm.

[STV4SYT]

I'm currently riding a Honda VTR SP1

Bit of an old girl now, 2000 vintage, I have had more modern R1's and the like but for some reason i have always loved the SP's and have had this now for nearly 3 years. Doesnt get much road use these days, but have had a few recent track days on it which is good to finally use it for its real purpose.



Goes well, but for the island it just lacks the grunt of a modern 1000 down the straight, which makes it more challenging to ride fast.

[zbeasty]

My one and only bike was a ZXR250C. It was my toy with very little commuting done on it. Had it for 5 years and in the last 2 years of ownership it probably did more km's around Eastern Creek than on the road. It had some really soft compound tyres and it was a blast going around the outside of the bigger bikes in just about every corner. Sold it when my first child was born due to technical difficulties (was side swiped by a truck when my wife was 3 months pregnant). Would love to get another bike but I don't trust Sydney traffic so it would be a track only toy but with a wife and 2 kids now I'd get a chance to ride a couple of times a year if I was lucky.

[Water Boy]

I dont mind the od brraapppp on a dirt bike!

[GoLfMan]

Been riding motorbikes on and off for years, never really had the cash (or parents permission to get one) Moved out, had a higher paying job and bit the bullet. Bought a Honda VFR400 non complianced track bike (the parents have warmed to it now). Most fun you can have with your pants on and has re-ignited my passion for motorbikes. Next stop, get my P's, give the old girl a service, tune and touch up the race glass after a spill at Broadford. Then I'll have a crack at the Island. Can't wait

[GoLfMan]

It lives at home with me, but in the family there are three Gold Star BSAs, two Velocettes, a Tilbrook, a couple of Ariel Square Fours and a few other bits and bobs.

Dad's (home built and home painted) 21st present:

What have you got?

Sweet bikes, LOVE the 400SM, such a cool bike! Also love the Velocette. Classic.
I demand photos of the rest of your stable!!!

[Water Boy]

I want a cafe racer!

[Buller_Scott]

I want a cafe racer!

+1

the ducati paul smart (i think?) was one damn good looking bike imo.

i like the old monsters, too.

[sh|tbmxrider]

Had a 2008 Husqvarna TE510.



Rode it in this spec once.

Then fitted up my Motard Kit, and rode it a whole lot more... Road, Track Days...





Someone then decided they wanted it more than I did. And promptly stole it, in Feb 2010.

I spent most of last year bikeless, but when a particular bike came up on the market, I jumped at it....







2006 Husqvarna SMRR450. I figured, by the time the TE510 got stolen, I had stopped riding on the road, and this is perfect for trackdays and later, racing... It arrived just before christmas

And, first ride, I lowsided it, and allthough the bike is fine, my riding gear is ****ed after sliding down the road... So, I am waiting for a good month so I can buy some new gear hahah

[Buller_Scott]

man, you know how to make a good looking supermotard, that's for sure.

when you say "supermotard kit", is there much involved in the conversion?

if ever i were to get a bike, it'd be a supermotard... they just look so damn cool! (and comfy, and practical etc etc)

[kaanage]

Is that the kart/minibike track at South Morang?

[brad]

I learnt to ride when i was 8 (maybe earlier?) on a Honda 50 stepthru. Then got a Deltek Rockhopper with a 150cc Westbend engine; followed up with an ISO 150cc motorscooter that I salvaged out of a dam.

Got my licence at 19 and bought a Honda CB175 twin for commuting, followed that up with a Honda XL250 for a few years. Sold to buy get the deposit on some property.
Stayed away from bikes for 10 years then bought a BMW R80 for commuting after my wife appropriated my car while on maternity leave. Then bought an R80ST that I rebuilt the engine on. Got the car back & had to pick the kids up from childcare everyday so the bikes were only being used on the weekends - occasionally. Sold both to get another deposit together for property. Personally, I think Sydney roads are too dangerous now - I've taken up mountain biking to get my 2 wheeled thrills these days.

To the OP: Love the 21st present. A guy I work with restores pre-war Triumphs & also makes a few parts for them. They were still racing Pommie 350s & 500s when my Dad used to take me to Oran Park -the sound of an open mega was fantastic.