Welcome to our very first edition of "Fast Torque", where all the Bikesales Network readers get to have your say about everything in the two-wheeled world.
This the place where you can write in and tell us about your experiences or opinions and have them published. Perhaps there's a new naked bike that has caught your eye, or maybe you're concerned about the way road rules are being enforced? Do you think Valentino Rossi is still the king, you're a closet scooter loyalist and have to tell the world, or maybe you had a bad sandwich for lunch and need to vent?
Whatever's on your mind, let us know. We do a fair bit of gas-bagging here at the Bikesales Network, and now it's your turn to join in. Just scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the 'comment' link to send us some sage words.
The best letter every month will also receive a prize, with next month's giveaway a pair of Andy Strapz Rain-off Motorcycle Overgloves (second image). Here we go:
TEAM AMERICA
The Fischer motorcycle looks great but that's it. Rubbish power to weight (typical American engineering) and not even being LAMS. Wow, Ohlins and Brembos! Pity it's only the rear shock that has Ohlins, and the cheapo none-radial mounted Brembo brakes. And not to forget questionable Hyosung quality engine, front end, etc. All this for $13,000 plus? Spend a couple of grand more and buy a Jap 600. Although if they were smart and got it LAMS approved it would make most of my comment redundant.
- Brett
GREAT INNOVATION
The automatic gearbox in the VFR1200FA is fantastic idea. My left leg is badly damaged from bike accident and I have no ankle movement whatsoever but still have my leg, so this Honda bike is perfect for me to just sit and ride. Can't wait to try one.
- Mara
CONCEPT SHMONCEPT
Ugly rubbishing of good machines.
- Keith Cox
BANDIT BOON
Hi. Enjoyed the read on the new Bandit. Always to the point with no diatribe. Keep up the good work. Amazing when you think my 2001 Bandit(S) retailed for $12,990 back in early 2002.
- Laurie Krause
MONEY TALKS...
Okay, I love MotoGP and the three guys mentioned here, but I must point out something, you mentioned Tiger Woods as the highest paid with a salary of $9million - try looking at some of the other US sports stars. For starters, maybe Lebron James ($16+ million salary alone) or Tracey McGrady ($23million), the highest paid player in the NBA for 2009-2010.
- Tristan Callow
YAMAHA'S DULL STYLE
Nice bike the new FZ8 but way too boring. Same old same old four-cylinder engine and looks the same as the rest. The Triumph Street Triple at least looks different and has a three-cylinder engine for a change. We are all sick of inline four and twin engines -- bring back two-stroke or at least V3,4 or 5 engines. Google 2010 Yamaha RD350 to see dream bike of many. If Yamaha made this it would capture the entire world market.
- Tino
TIP-TOP REVIEW
Good informative article on the GSX1250FA. I wasnt sure about buying this bike before I read your article, but now I'm sure I will. Top stuff.
- Stephen
GUZZI GARBAGE
Interestingly, the first photo of the concept Moto Guzzi has the two-valve engine, whilst the second has the four-valve. Odd that they should apply the concept to both bikes. They're both ugly anyway.
- Mark
BMW K 1600 STINKS
RE the BMW K 1600 - yes it is as ugly as all recent BMW bikes so it must be a BMW! You must be dreaming if you think that thing is a rival for a Goldwing... Not even close. Someone considering a GL1800 wouldn't even look at that. The only thing that may rival is a Kawasaki GTR1400. BMW even stole the styling from the big K. My advice is that if you want a bike like that, save yourself about $15,000 and buy the Kawasaki. It will be more reliable and better built.- Peter Hickey
WE NEED MORE RIDER TRAINING
Well if the trend for road deaths for 40-59 year old's is set to increase, then why isn't there a training road course introduced like the recent one for probationary riders for this age group? There is probably a lot of returning riders involved in these statistics. When I did an advanced road course it was stated that even though it was a road training course, I could not get insurance to cover me as it was held on a race track. And as for the government helping older riders, well they need to look there. Maybe subsidise approved courses. I have consistently rode for 33 years without a break on all sorts of bikes and have just started doing courses and track days. This should be encouraged for all riders not just the new ones.- Malcolm
SECOND-HAND HELMETS
The price of helmets is a little high. Do any seconds exist for people on a pension?
- Barry Haynes
Ed: Thanks for the email Bazza. Second hand helmets are not considered safe, as they can develop microfractures which are undetectable to the eye. You might be able to find a new helmet from around $200 if you shop around.
HONDA V4 NAKEDBIKE?
The Honda VFR1200F looks like a brilliant bike. I want one. I'll have to save up. The red looks fantastic and the finish is neat. This is what bike riding is all about. I would love to see a naked version. Would Honda do that ?
- Leigh Harvey
Ed: Hello Leigh. With economies of scale, it makes sense for manufacturers to produce a number of models using the same engine platform. So yeah, I reckon we will see a naked version of the V4, but apparently the next cab off the rank is a dual-sport machine.
HONDA BLEW IT
No mention of the tiny 18.5lt tank in the VFR1200F. A tourer that will run dry after...say 250kms?? Honda has produced a heavier, smaller capacity bike, which was NOT what all the legion of VFR fans have been asking for. Not Happy Jan :(- Neil Hodgson
ANTI-BIKE NAZIS
Even one fatality is, of course, not a good thing but the downward trend is encouraging. However, being in the only age group that showed an increase (40-59 years), I am concerned that the media highlights this fact without deeper analysis. Recently, I participated in a survey of motorbike riders in Queensland. It was clear from some of the (leading) questions that they were trying to get respondents to agree that riders in the 50-year-old bracket are not as competent as other age groups. I speculate that, if they get sufficient agreement, this may be all that the anti-bike nazis need to introduce some draconian law that penalises riders in their 50s simply because of their age. Has anyone considered that riders in in this age group (baby boomers, empty nesters) have more leisure time and may ride further for longer? From what I've observed, I believe this is the case. I read somewhere that the over 35s are the biggest buyers of new bikes. I returned to motorbikes after a 30 year break. In the last three years, I have averaged 33,500km per year (this has included three trips to Phillip Island averaging 6000km per trip from Brisbane). One thing I did do before coming back to riding was attend the Q Ride training which helped me to regain my confidence, and taught me some useful things (like understanding counter steering). So I would like to encourage you and the rest of the media and government agencies to evaluate the facts, and not just the bare statistics. If there is more of one group riding more miles, maybe the fatalities, unfortunately, reflect this?- Mick C.
Ed: You make a good point Mike. I'm also in this age bracket and like you I also cover long distances, with a 150km round trip to work and back each day. The article on the motorcyclist road toll was simply to state the facts, but we'd certainly like to scratch below the surface to get a better understanding of, as you say, the bare statistics.
THE REAL MCCOY
Throw McCoy McCoy on Rossi's bike and then we'll all see a spectacle, plus the ratings will jump!
- Peter Pap
REEVU CONTROVERSY
Having owned a Reevu helmet for the past four years and ridden everywhere on my cruisers, I have found it extremely comfortable, and you only use the rear view vision as a glance, as it's just an added safety feature - you don't stop using the bike's normal mirrors. Evidently the reason it's taken so long to be certified in Australia, is because the .... Private company who does the certifications approvals for helmets wanted TOO MUCH MONEY from the manufacturers to certify it for use in Oz. It seems that there was a bit of a black mail/extortion by the company. If you look at some of the cheap plastic helmets that are certified safe by them, you would have to wonder who's interests the approving authority has... Certainly not the safety of riders, but perhaps the pocket book of the ... private company... How about an story by your investigative journalist into the requirements of how private companies become the approving authorities of our safety equipment...?- Gregory
Ed: Once I've sorted out my roof insulation woes, we might look into this one.
HARLEY GETS INTO V8 SUPERCARS
Great to see Harley-Davidson joining in! Pity it's with this pair of dickheads.
- Steve
CAN-DO CAN-AM
RE: The Can-Am Spyder R/T - Tee hee! The review was written like a true solo rider. I'd been riding sidecars for 30 years before I bought my Spyder. I found the steering light and responsive. The odd thing was that it was symmetrical. That took some getting used to. The feel of the steering was initially very weird, but as you say, you learn to trust it and then it becomes enjoyable. Lane splitting? Never entered my mind. I've got nearly 25000km up on mine now. It goes rallying roughly every second weekend. I love it!- Pogo
SUZUKI SUPERMOTO
I have had my DR-Z400S for 11 months and have clocked up 5000km of approx 70 per cent bitumen 30 per cent gravel roads riding. The longer I have it the more I love it. The seat is initially a bit uncomfortable but is now okay for four hours, 200km weekend rides. Fuel consumption using BP Ultimate 98 Octane gives over 200km on a tank. I would like to get feedback on any better tyres for my normal use. It would be nice to have a bit better gravel grip without sacrificing bitumen safety. The stock Bridgestones look as though I will get 6000km out of them. - John McKenzie
LEFT IS RIGHT?
Thanks for the 'Lefthanders' article Rob; it's informative, instructional, beautiful use of words and images. I'll print it and pass it on.
-
Peter Culpan
LEFT IS RIGHT? #2
Another important confidence factor is the amount of debris on the verges of most roads. On righthand bends there is often leaf litter, pot holes, and dirt on the outside of the road. Therefore the tendency is to drift away from this debris, thereby reducing the sightline through the corner and reducing both confidence and entry speed.- Charlie Robinson
* Some emails have been edited for length and content.
