Some of the bikes I've owned over the past 15 years .. usually have 2 or 3 at a time but currently the GSX & XJR :grin:
Love the XJR for its ease of riding and power delivery, it was my go to bike for a fun ride but I can see it getting sad watching me enjoy the GSX1400 :grin:
Honda Valkyrie was a very nice bike, handled surprisingly good and heaps of grunt from the big 6
Kawasaki GTR1400 was a comfortable rocket, sold it to a friend, servicing costs of checking the shims was a 10 hour affair I wasn't going to go along with, so it went.
Had a big soft place for the Yamaha Warriors, 1700cc of grunt and handled great for the style of bike. Harley riders were embarrassed a few times.
BMWR1200RT .. this bike was a superb long distance tourer and also handled the twisties good.
The Suzuki GSX1000R is mine but in my son's possession, it's not my style of bike for comfort, he collects, restores and races the early 80's late 70's bikes.
Cheers
Wow, some awesome machines you've had. :cheers: :onya:
What year & model was the Valkyrie? Reckon it looks superb & something like that would 'fit' me just nicely I reckon. (or a K1600 or Wing)
You've certainly had a variety of what I consider to be classic bikes. I've had a few myself over the years and my BMW R1200RT is my wife's favourite.
I've owned my 2001 GSX from new.
Nice collection Mate. Once was so close to buying XJR in exact same colour, they offered me 10g swapover for mine. End of that story.
Some of my bikes!
Quote from: KiwiCol on Sunday, 31 March 2024, 04:43 AMWow, some awesome machines you've had. :cheers: :onya:
What year & model was the Valkyrie? Reckon it looks superb & something like that would 'fit' me just nicely I reckon. (or a K1600 or Wing)
2015 model F6C around 45kg lighter than the F6B and 90kg lighter than the Wing. Only recently'sold' it, it's getting picked up today hopefully 🫰
So I've paid for another bike my son :whistling: He spotted it laid up in a shed looking rather sad. This one is a Triumph Speed Triple T509 .. 1998 model with 19k on the odometer.
It's a restore job but not back to brand new .. more a looks good from 20 paces away. Should be a good bike for some spirited riding but a fair way to go yet before that.
Huge cost of $500 which could be easily turned into $2/3k if sold as parts.
Missing a top front tank panel which could prove difficult trying to find one.
I hope it's a lot more fun than the 1050 I've owned. That was a Sprint but it was so disappointing, absolutely dull & the build quality made me think it was made of old cheese.
Hooli, if you get the chance, have a run out on the new generation 2.5L rockets, they've done an amazing job on them. :onya: :clapping: I'm 100% sure it'd put a fecken big smile on yer dial! (and some marks in yer undies). . .! :happy1: :cheers:
Quote from: KiwiCol on Saturday, 18 January 2025, 12:42 PMHooli, if you get the chance, have a run out on the new generation 2.5L rockets, they've done an amazing job on them. :onya: :clapping: I'm 100% sure it'd put a fecken big smile on yer dial! (and some marks in yer undies). . .! :happy1: :cheers:
They do look fun Col & they sure shift well from seeing a few ridden about. I couldn't own one though as I don't do single side swingarms, they look like part of the bike is missing. Yeah the Sprint was a single sider, but the huge ugly can hid it so I could just about ignore it.
For a 26 year old bike that hasn't had a lot of love and attention .. the plastics have come up 99.9% perfect ... the rest of the bike is getting a thorough clean, throttle bodies soaking in the Ultra Sonic Cleaner, ignition at the Locksmith getting a new key cut. Then we will see if it starts :rofl2: :rofl2:
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Nice history!
1400 is a magic number. I also like the Kwaka GTR1400 (and Guzzi Cali 1400) :)
GTR I'd lose my licence on immediately 💩💩💩
Guzzi of any kind 🥴🤢🤮🤮🤮
I rode with a GTR1400 once, he got to Switzerland & the rear wheel bearings failed. It went like stink up to that point though.
I had a dem on a GTR 1400 a few years ago, I only got a mile before I turned around and took it back, the dealer was still in the car park. It was bloody awful.
Quote from: Mick_J on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, 07:04 PMI had a dem on a GTR 1400 a few years ago, I only got a mile before I turned around and took it back, the dealer was still in the car park. It was bloody awful.
Anything in particular you didn't like ?
Quote from: Hooli on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, 07:43 PMI rode with a GTR1400 once, he got to Switzerland & the rear wheel bearings failed. It went like stink up to that point though.
Not just a Kawasaki 1400 problem though, shit happens.
I spent a weekend riding with one, it just cruised easily at any speed. Licence loss for speed, maintenance costs, never wanted one.
Yes, they are a quick bike, very good at what they do , low speed they want to drop in which catches some owners out. I liked it but not enough to keep it.
Quote from: MickyJB on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, 07:43 PMQuote from: Mick_J on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, 07:04 PMI had a dem on a GTR 1400 a few years ago, I only got a mile before I turned around and took it back, the dealer was still in the car park. It was bloody awful.
Anything in particular you didn't like ?
Nothing in particular, just everything, the ergonomics, the ride position, the noise, the buffeting you name it I hated it.
Quote from: Mick_J on Thursday, 23 January 2025, 07:34 PMQuote from: MickyJB on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, 07:43 PMQuote from: Mick_J on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, 07:04 PMI had a dem on a GTR 1400 a few years ago, I only got a mile before I turned around and took it back, the dealer was still in the car park. It was bloody awful.
Anything in particular you didn't like ?
Nothing in particular, just everything, the ergonomics, the ride position, the noise, the buffeting you name it I hated it.
😁 That's a definite No then 😂😂
Still "loving" my ZX14. Had it 8 months now.
Was gonna piss the 1402 off but just got it rego'd so will have it for at least another year. I plan to put Road 6's on it when the Pirelli Angles wear out. I reckon you get a better ride with the Road 6ers, softer sidewalls so easier on the bumps. Anyway, I still love my ZX14, everything about it n I'm almost 71, haven't been busted on it yet either.
I have Road 6 front and Rear put on the GSX and loving the way it handles. I have Pirelli Rossi's on the XJR and will change them to the Road 6 when the time comes.
I sat on a ZX14 and like the Hayabusa I can't get the angle of my head up so I can see down the road.
I can see why people like that sort of bike, but 20mins down the road my right hand and arm goes numb on anything with clipons which makes riding rather difficult & you need to be 'on it' more than I want to be a lot of the time to enjoy them.
May as :grin: well keep this thread going ..
Latest addition is a 2002 ZZR1200 .. goes well, handles well, and in VGC .. doubt it will ever be sold ... another for my son one day.
And a 1999 Kawasaki Zephyr 750 my son has just finished restoring, I get it because I get to pay the club licence 😁
I like the Zephyr :onya:
Mate of mine had GTR, in conjunction with a GSX.
After two years, the GTR went with only, a thousand miles on the clock.
Kept the GSX until he quit riding, due to ill health.
Think that says it all.
Quote from: Mick_J on Sunday, 28 December 2025, 08:06 PMI like the Zephyr :onya:
Zephyr 750 would be my pick.
I do like the ZZR12, but to me it's a bike that had better ones come after it, an idea that continued to evolve.
The ZR750, apart from being the only Zephyr to have proper Old Skool looks, it was the end of an era. Still heavily based around the classic Z650 it had a lot more in common with the older bikes than those around it. It was a retro bike before retro's just looked awkward and odd and are now just clutching at the past, the 750 Zephyr was the real deal.
All my bikes are Suzuki's but I'd make an exception for a 750 Zephyr.
I understand your thinking, what attracted me to the ZZR is the History of the models ... the 11 or the 14 would all have been in my sight had they been in the immaculate condition at the price I paid for the 12
It's a keeper and will end up in my son's collection eventually.
Ahh some catch up's
The Zephyr 750 that was never to be sold went to a new home. With 5 bikes licenced and the zephyr on a club concession and technically it was my sons even though it was in my name. He got an offer he couldn't refuse, so it's gone to a new home.
The ZZR1200 I have had a couple of OOPS moments within a week, 1st was a simple stall and fall over, scratched the fairings. The 2nd was a bit more scary as the road I was riding all of a sudden turned into a dead end with a heap of gravel built up around the edges ... no stopping quick enough and tyres just locked up on the ball bearings gravel and up and over I went ... damage is superficial, just the other side of the fairings .. Bugga. Thought about doing a fix repaint myself but thought Bugga I have insurance. The quote they got back was enough for the Ins Co to give me $4500 and keep the bike. Cool, so now I will strip the fairings off and attempt to give it a decent respray. If that's not up to standard I know a bloke who knows a bloke who will do it for some cash.
Oh and to keep me interested I bought an Ex Police 2019 FJR1300 in immaculate condition. And since buying it I've found out it had a complete new motor fitted instead of doing the 2nd gear recall that the models had. Cruise control and heated grips .. sublime performance and handles brilliantly. Prev owner spent the $$ and had the dual seat fitted which isn't a cheap exercise. Happy As !!!
Good on ya Mick. Maybe put some pin stripes or other colour on the FJR? :whatever:
I was thinking this 😁
Needs "Polite" stickers :lol:
Awesome MickyJB, I will be on the lookout for a police-esque FJR on our WA roads
Quote from: MickyJB on Saturday, 08 August 2026, 11:37 AMAhh some catch up's
The Zephyr 750 that was never to be sold went to a new home. With 5 bikes licenced and the zephyr on a club concession and technically it was my sons even though it was in my name. He got an offer he couldn't refuse, so it's gone to a new home.
The ZZR1200 I have had a couple of OOPS moments within a week, 1st was a simple stall and fall over, scratched the fairings. The 2nd was a bit more scary as the road I was riding all of a sudden turned into a dead end with a heap of gravel built up around the edges ... no stopping quick enough and tyres just locked up on the ball bearings gravel and up and over I went ... damage is superficial, just the other side of the fairings .. Bugga. Thought about doing a fix repaint myself but thought Bugga I have insurance. The quote they got back was enough for the Ins Co to give me $4500 and keep the bike. Cool, so now I will strip the fairings off and attempt to give it a decent respray. If that's not up to standard I know a bloke who knows a bloke who will do it for some cash.
Oh and to keep me interested I bought an Ex Police 2019 FJR1300 in immaculate condition. And since buying it I've found out it had a complete new motor fitted instead of doing the 2nd gear recall that the models had. Cruise control and heated grips .. sublime performance and handles brilliantly. Prev owner spent the $$ and had the dual seat fitted which isn't a cheap exercise. Happy As !!!
Have had a few friends buy ex Police bikes. In a few instances bikes were direct import, so not to Australian Standard (customer purchased from dealers are.) Both Yamaha FJ and BMW R1200RT.
Do your research and ensure your ABS etc are compliant.
Could affect your insurance.
No issues, Aust compliant vin number quoted to Insurance Co. Will soon get all the service history on the bike via a F.O.I application.
Quote from: GSXKING on Sunday, 09 August 2026, 12:16 PMQuote from: MickyJB on Saturday, 08 August 2026, 11:37 AMAhh some catch up's
The Zephyr 750 that was never to be sold went to a new home. With 5 bikes licenced and the zephyr on a club concession and technically it was my sons even though it was in my name. He got an offer he couldn't refuse, so it's gone to a new home.
The ZZR1200 I have had a couple of OOPS moments within a week, 1st was a simple stall and fall over, scratched the fairings. The 2nd was a bit more scary as the road I was riding all of a sudden turned into a dead end with a heap of gravel built up around the edges ... no stopping quick enough and tyres just locked up on the ball bearings gravel and up and over I went ... damage is superficial, just the other side of the fairings .. Bugga. Thought about doing a fix repaint myself but thought Bugga I have insurance. The quote they got back was enough for the Ins Co to give me $4500 and keep the bike. Cool, so now I will strip the fairings off and attempt to give it a decent respray. If that's not up to standard I know a bloke who knows a bloke who will do it for some cash.
Oh and to keep me interested I bought an Ex Police 2019 FJR1300 in immaculate condition. And since buying it I've found out it had a complete new motor fitted instead of doing the 2nd gear recall that the models had. Cruise control and heated grips .. sublime performance and handles brilliantly. Prev owner spent the $$ and had the dual seat fitted which isn't a cheap exercise. Happy As !!!
Have had a few friends buy ex Police bikes. In a few instances bikes were direct import, so not to Australian Standard (customer purchased from dealers are.) Both Yamaha FJ and BMW R1200RT.
Do your research and ensure your ABS etc are compliant.
Could affect your insurance.
Quote from: GSXKING on Sunday, 09 August 2026, 12:16 PMQuote from: MickyJB on Saturday, 08 August 2026, 11:37 AMAhh some catch up's
The Zephyr 750 that was never to be sold went to a new home. With 5 bikes licenced and the zephyr on a club concession and technically it was my sons even though it was in my name. He got an offer he couldn't refuse, so it's gone to a new home.
The ZZR1200 I have had a couple of OOPS moments within a week, 1st was a simple stall and fall over, scratched the fairings. The 2nd was a bit more scary as the road I was riding all of a sudden turned into a dead end with a heap of gravel built up around the edges ... no stopping quick enough and tyres just locked up on the ball bearings gravel and up and over I went ... damage is superficial, just the other side of the fairings .. Bugga. Thought about doing a fix repaint myself but thought Bugga I have insurance. The quote they got back was enough for the Ins Co to give me $4500 and keep the bike. Cool, so now I will strip the fairings off and attempt to give it a decent respray. If that's not up to standard I know a bloke who knows a bloke who will do it for some cash.
Oh and to keep me interested I bought an Ex Police 2019 FJR1300 in immaculate condition. And since buying it I've found out it had a complete new motor fitted instead of doing the 2nd gear recall that the models had. Cruise control and heated grips .. sublime performance and handles brilliantly. Prev owner spent the $$ and had the dual seat fitted which isn't a cheap exercise. Happy As !!!
Have had a few friends buy ex Police bikes. In a few instances bikes were direct import, so not to Australian Standard (customer purchased from dealers are.) Both Yamaha FJ and BMW R1200RT.
Do your research and ensure your ABS etc are compliant.
Could affect your insurance.
ain't that a kicker, as you usually get a defect notice from Mr.Plod when your vehicle is deemed non compliant to ADR, yet the very thing they use to pull you over potentially doesn't comply either....its like traffic cops getting speeding tickets or narcotics cops getting busted for selling drugs. Do as I say, not do as I do.