rapid

Thanks You wont be disappointed with one of these. Apparently Yamaha manufacture them on a 4 year turn around, meaning there will be a revised model every 4 years. So if you can wait until 2019 then it will be updated again. The new 'Blade does seem pretty awesome too, with more advanced suspension (and other trick bits) than the R1. If you want any more pictures or whatever then let me know! happy bike hunting

The 2016 Yamaha YZF-R1 in Race Blue. I purchased this in June 2016, new from my local dealer at £15135 including OTR charges. We have probably all read a fair bit about the latest incarnation of the R1 following its massive redevelopment for the 2015 release. The 2016 model is the more or less the same, but without the gearbox problem which was the subject of a recall for the 2015 model, and slightly updated paintwork. First Impressions: First off, the build quality feels, in my books, superb. I have never owned any Italian bikes which are said to have an excellent finish and attention to detail, so I can't compare however the first thing I noticed when picking the bike up is the feel of quality on every component. But then you would expect that, right? after all it is Yamaha's flagship bike. Prior to purchasing I test rode the BMW S1000RR and was left a bit disappointed. It didn't excite me in the same way the R1 does. The R1 feels like a complete package, all electronic systems working together in harmony. The BMW felt like several different systems cobbled together. Sure, the BMW has amazing brakes and oodles of power, but it feels like just another 1000cc standard inline 4. The R1 feels like a much more focused machine. What is it like to ride? Hard. And I don't mean my gentlemans sausage. I mean the ride comfort. The suspension is fantastic from a handling and feedback point of view, but of course, the whole bike is created for the track, not the bumpy backlanes of Somerset, so every ride is sure to include at least one nut-crushing jolt along the way. That said, after almost 4k miles I have got used to the hard ride and notice it a lot less than I used to. As for other aspects of riding - it is a dream. The electronics package is superb. Allow me to elaborate. On the dash you can choose between 4 pre-set riding modes. Each mode is made up of several factors, all of which are independantly customisable. This means you can change the 4 pre-sets (A, B, C and D) to whatever set up you like. Each pre-set consists of TCS (traction control), SCS (slide control), LIF (anti wheelie), LCS (launch control), PWR (power available from the engine), and QS (quick shifter on/off). Each of these sub-presets so to speak, have different levels they can be set to. For example, TCS can be set between 1 and 9 (of off), while PWR can only be set between 1-4. There is a huge difference between PWR1 and PWR4. PWR1 is all 200 horses available and sharp throttle response, while all the way down at PWR4 the bike feels more like a moped. Ok not that bad, but it feels more like my wifes Honda CB400F! (CB1). This is very useful however. It was handy in the wet on the day I collected the bike from the dealers. It is useful if you are feeling tired or really do genuinely fancy a slow pootle around. Back to the ride; this is my first cross plane crank engine I have ridden and I am impressed, but not quite as impressed as I thought I would be. I thought the bike would feel blisteringly quick, forcing my eyeballs into the back of my head. But it isnt. Don't get me wrong, it is quick as f**k, but it just doesnt feel quick as f**k. The R1 is so well designed, perfectly composed and stable, that it never really feels all that quick. You have to glance at the speedo regularly to remind yourself what speed you are actually doing, as even prison speeds do not feel particularly quick or dangerous. But that's the point of this R1 really isn't it, to be an absolute weapon, and that is how it feels. It feels like a very cold, calculating machine without much soul. But I still love it. The handling is dead easy for such a powerful bike and very forgiving, especially with the TCS and SCS turned up. Good Points -> Electronics are superb, all systems work together in perfect harmony. -> Looks in my opinion. I appreciate looks are a matter of taste, but I love the "Iron man" look -> Handling - very easy and forgiving -> More power than you could possibly want, but very easily tamed thanks to the electronics Bad Points -> Fuel consumption doesn't change regardless of riding style or PWR mode selected. I feel like I am forever filling this bike up, plus the tank is small and the reserve doesn't go far, so I am forever seeking out a petrol station. But you don't buy a bike like this for fuel economy do you! -> The headlights are super bright, to the point where it puts me off riding at night because so many other oncoming drivers flash me thinking I still have my high beam on. Some ***** even go as far as to put theirs on and blind me completely. Also, due to the shape of the headlights you get a black spot when leaning in a corner, right where you want to be looking at the corner exit! -> Pillion seat is really uncomfortable. The wife hates it. But you don't buy a bike like this for pillion riding do you?! When my written off FZ1 is replaced I will convert the R1 to single seater. -> Startup always sounds like its struggling. Not sure why. I think some people hear it and think the bike has a problem. Its normal on all of these R1's. Worst Bad Point: - the stock exhaust sound is pretty shit unless you are hooning it. On tickover it sounds like a family car. Thanks EURO4 you *****. http://imgur.com/d9nxbtw.jpg http://imgur.com/ei7RDCk.jpg http://imgur.com/W8tEQyH.jpg Summary: An absolute track weapon. Well a weapon in general, but its frustrating on the road because you run out of road (or talent) before you can truly appreciate what this bike can do. I almost feel guilty for riding it some times if I am not riding it to the best of my ability i.e just cruising. That said its very forgiving for such a powerful bike. But it is a lot of money, and you can have just as much fun on something a hell of a lot cheaper.

Hi all, Can anyone offer some guidance/advice on how to best go about becoming a motorcycle instructor? I am almost 30, have had my Cat A licence for 8 years and its clean (touch wood haha). In my day job I do a lot of coaching of my staff, so I think I have the skills and patience which would translate well as a motorcycle instructor. Are any of you out there already instructors? can you give me some insight into what the job is like? Many thanks

Anyone in the Taunton area fancy a ride out?

Hi all, I need to sell my Brand New, Never Used SW Motech Blaze Panniers. I bought them to fit to my now written off Yamaha FZ1N. They were never fitted. The mounting kit comes with them which is for the FZ1/FZ8. They are currently selling for almost £250. I have them listed on ebay for £199 but I am open to sensible offers. Please have a look at the ebay listing for full details. As I said, they are totally brand new. They are super quality, made of ballistic nylon and expand to 21 litres each. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351897070115?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

http://imgur.com/XRmBfe4.jpg

Hi all, sorry for the slow reply. The FZ1 is no more! Unfortunately it was written off on July 19th. While returning to sussex from somerset, where me and the wife were in the process of relocating to (and subsequently have), we were involved in an accident on the A303 in Hampshire. A dozy, selfy taking bitch decided it was ok to join the A303 dual carriageway from a slip road, and cross straight across lane 1 and into lane 2, immediately in front of me. I slammed on the anchors, shaved off some speed down to about 45/50 I reckon, but it was no good, slammed into the back of her. I headbutted the back of her car and slid along the road, the wife came off the back and slid along on her face for some time, before ending up on her back in the middle of lane 2. The wife was in hospital for two weeks with fluid on her heart and her brain. Unfortunately (and I appreciate I might get flamed for this) but it was a very hot day and she had all of her gear on, except her trousers. So to put it mildly, there isnt much skin left on her legs which isn't scarred now. Moral of the story: always wear your f**king gear and look out for stupid young bitches who don't know how a f**king dual carriageway works. The old bill found her totally in the wrong and have given her the option of a driver awareness course which she must pay for. If she fails to attend she will be prosecuted. Her insurer paid out the (almost) full value of the FZ1.

Awesome mate, Ill hit you up when I've moved down! Cheers

Find a missus that rides and then you can get all the bikes you want

2016 Yamaha R1 http://imgur.com/fEaywUi.jpg 2008 Yamaha FZ1N http://imgur.com/q3OI6lG.jpg 1989 Honda CB1 (CB400F) http://i.imgur.com/xvcQ33V.jpg Is there a previous bikes section on here?

Hi folks, I am moving down to Taunton area from Sussex in September this year. I have spent the last 8 years since getting my licence getting to know the roads Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey and Kent. The wife is from Somerset hence the move. But I don't know the roads of Somerset so well of course. Anyone fancy a meet up and showing me some of the best roads around Somerset?

Thank you very much for this onesea, very useful

The 1989 Honda CB1, NC27, also known as the CB400F or Honda Bros in some markets. This particular bike that I am reviewing is a Japanese import, first registered in 1991 in the UK. This model does not have a screen or any front fairing. There are some NC27s which have some limited front fairing. Specs: 399 cc liquid cooled DOHC four valves/cyl. inline-four Chain driven cams 55.2 bhp @ 10,000 rpm (when new, probably about 40~bhp now!) 29 lb.ft (39 N·m) @ 9,500 rpm (when new!) 6 Speed Transmission 179kg dry 12l fuel tank 1370mm wheelbase Showa front forks, non adjustable Electric start Appearance: By current standards the CB1 is a timeless style in my opinion. The single round headlight and overall naked appearance never really looks dated. The seat cowl does look a bit old fashioned but it is a 1989 model after all! This particular bike has some nasty carbon fibre effect indicators on it, but the original indicators are square, blocky looking things, typical of the late 80's. I am personally looking get a set of these and put them back on, as they suit the style of the bike perfectly. The stock exhaust is actually quite unobtrusive as of course, at the time of manufacture, there weren't the same regulations regarding emissions which impact the appearance of modern exhaust systems. The exhaust is one entire piece, so it doesn't have a removable end can. The metal finish is polished. The frame is a painted "gun-metal" grey finish. The dash consists of two simple dials for revs and speed, with lights indicating neutral, oil, high beam and side stand. There isn't any fuel gauge or fuel light, which is to be expected for a bike of this age. Engine: Well what can I say. I believe these bikes have a bit of a cult following just for the engine, as its a very revvy DOHC inline 4. For a bike of its age, the engine is still plodding along fantastically. It has been round the clock so I can't give you an accurate idea of the mileage, but that is a testament to the typical Honda build quality. With the stock can it is a quiet and refined engine to ride with. 1st gear only gives you about 25mph before you need to shift up. For such an old bike the gearbox still feels solid and clunks into gear with well defined feeling. It redlines at 15k, but doesn't feel like its being thrashed all the way up through the rev range. This makes the bike very enjoyable to ride. The power delivery certainly feels very linear and predictable, making for an easy but still enjoyable riding experience. Very little buzzing through the bars for a bike of its age and mileage. Handling: The suspension is pretty soft. Whether it was like this from new or its due to the age I am not sure (can anyone shed any light on this?), so this does make the ride a bit bouncy especially on small lanes. But I guess it is to be expected for a cheap bike that was ultimately aimed at commuters. Flat out it will reach about 110mph. Where the bike comes into its own is around town. The bike feels pretty light for an inline4, which is ideal round town. The overall size and shape is pretty small so ideal for squeezing through gaps when filtering. The bike has clip-ons, which do make it feel a bit more racy, and this brings the riding position down a bit. Perhaps some flat bars could be fitted for a more "filtering-friendly" riding position. However that said its not really a problem. I am quicker through town traffic on this than the R1! The pokey little engine, which still has plenty of top end to feel comfortable on the motorway, is a peach through traffic and round the back streets as it picks up pretty quick - you can pretty much just keep to 2nd and 3rd for all your town work. Overall, handling wise, it is fun to ride. Very fun. And that is what matters. Build Quality: What can I say. This bike is from 1989. When I got it it hadn't seen a service or even some dry storage for years. It was used every day in all weathers, and never cleaned by the previous owner. But it was still mechanically sound. Sure, the metal fairing panels on the front and sides were corroding, but being metal they were easily sanded and repainted to look like new. The only issue the previous owner had with it was the starter struggled a bit when wet. Apart from that, nothing. It hadn't been serviced for at least the last 6k miles and it was still plodding along no problem. However when I did change the fluids, it felt like a different bike! All the switches still work well, even after hundreds of thousands of operations. Again, this is testament to Honda's build quality. In fact everything on the bike has a quality feel to it, even though it wasn't a high end bike when new. The only criticism is the radiator. The rad had corroded quite heavily to the point where the fan mounting was completely rotten and almost falling off. Being a naked bike of its age I suppose this is to be expected as there isn't any fairing preventing road and salt from flicking up onto the rad and slowly destroying it. In the end I just cut the fan off, sanded the rust off the rad, resprayed with rad spray and then refitted it. I use some Silkolene pro cool in it and so far it hasn't over heated! Summary: Overall a very enjoyable bike to own and ride. Yes its basic, yes its low powered, but at least it can't get you into to much trouble. In fact because it is so basic I think it is that which makes it fun to ride. The inline 4 means you can easily travel at all road speeds without feeling like you are thrashing it. From a security point of view of course its an easy target. No immobilizer of course, it could probably be started with a flat head screw driver, and as its quite light and small it would probably lift into the back of a van quite quickly and easily. But this is a minor issue overall. If you see one of these going cheap and you fancy a project I highly recommend it. I have very little mechanics experience with bikes, so this was my first "project". It has been a joy to work on as its a simple bike which is well put together. I have learnt a lot through rebuilding it and I'll probably post some more details on the rebuild in the projects section. It would make a fantastic, reliable, low tech commuter for anyone. Pictures: Ok ok so I know its pink. I restored the bike for the wife and she chose the colour scheme, pink and matt black. Personally I think it looks great, but then I would! The wife on the finished bike: http://i.imgur.com/7sAuXDd.jpg Tank: http://i.imgur.com/ICPKevN.jpg Overall view: http://i.imgur.com/xvcQ33V.jpg

Here is a picture: http://imgur.com/CePmhfQ.jpg

Nice XT! I had an XT660X, loved it. That engine is bulletproof, you just can't kill them (trust me I inadvertently tried as this was my first "big" bike!) Excellent Yamaha build quality as usual, and you gotta love that thump!

I have recently bought an AGV GT Veloce in blue and white. Here are my thoughts. AGV GT Veloce Monterey Price: £329.99 Bought from: sportsbikeshop.co.uk Fitting: All my previous helmets are Shark helmets. I have a bit of an odd shaped head which means I struggle to find a helmet that fits perfectly. My Shark helmets have always either been a bit loose or a bit tight. This AGV is superb in terms of fitting. It fits like a glove, very comfortable. The lining inside feels like much better quality than all my previous Shark helmet - plush and comfortable on the skin for long periods of time. it has a Double D lock which is easy to use once you get used to it. I haven't noticed any issues with the chin strap, no chafing etc. Noise: Not as quiet as I had hoped in all honesty. While its very comfortable to wear, I was expecting it would be a bit quieter. However it doesn't get any more noisy the faster you go. I suppose I expected it to be a bit quieter than it is because it is marketed as a Sports Touring Helmet. Visor: Now the visor I do have a bit of an issue with. First of all, the first time I removed it I found it very difficult to re-fit. What makes this visor different to some other manufacturers is that the mechanism which makes the visor move is housed inside the helmet rather than on the visor itself. This means there is a little metal rectangle on each side where the visor detaches. The visor clips onto each of these rectangles. Initially I found this quite difficult to do, as there is a small tab that you pull down on the visor, slot it over the rectangle and then push the tab back up. The problem was that the tab was not pushing all the way back into place to start with. Additionally, fitting a tinted visor was made more difficult because you need to line up the holes on the underside of the visor with the rectangles and with a tinted visor you can't see the hole that you are trying to line up! After a few on/off's the visor did start fitting a lot easier. Once you are used to it you can do it quite quickly but personally I think I prefer the method Shark use. Another criticism of the visor is that it is either open or closed. If you open it a crack it will just drop down back to closed as soon as you ride off. I appreciate that the visor is probably designed with more track use in mind, as the helmet is derived from the AGV Corsa, and it is nice having a visor with a smooth motion instead of a notch-type design but at the end of the day if you are steaming up all the time because the visor wont stay open a crack then its a bit frustrating. However a big plus point is the quality of the visor(s). Superb optics, crystal clear and it cleans off very easily without any marks left. Finish: Superb quality paint finish. The blue and white sections have a nice metallic sparkle to them. Looks wicked especially on a bike of matching colour scheme on a nice sunny day. Weight & Stability: By far the lightest helmet I have ever owned. I know there are lighter ones out there, but this is pretty damn light! It is made from the same carbon fibre shell as the Corsa. It is very easy to wear and the low weight really reduces fatigue especially on high speed runs. The design and weight do a lot for the stability. My previous Shark helmets always get a bit unstable at 160+, but this just sits there, cool as a cucumber no matter how much you wind up the throttle. Summary: To summarise its a very impressive helmet. Comfortable, light, stable and it all has a very high quality feel. Only let down by the visor. To be honest it you want AGV Corsa tech for about half the price then this is for you. Due to the visor issue I don't feel it is a suited to touring as much as AGV make out, but it is excellent on the track. Highly recommended.