Interference Fit

Agreed - if I ever need it, the process and cost of inspection and recharge will be the least of my worries.

There isn't the room sadly as it's already meant to be a snug locator fit without the inner tube which is only about 1mm thick as it is. I'll see how it feels if the roads ever dry out enough.

I winced at the cost but stumped up for the Alpinestars Tech Air 5 and I must admit, it's great - not that I've used it in anger! Fits well, very comfortable, gives passive back protection even without inflation, don't know you're wearing it once out and about. I had a static inflation demo at the shop which whilst quite alarmed at the large degree it inflates, gives a tremendous feeling of security and peace of mind. The phone app it comes with is really good too (optional use) and stores your rides, averages and other data etc. Highly recommended.

Also fitted some Grip Puppies to further improve comfort.

Made a big difference after a short test ride. I removed the seat to see if there is any opportunity to add some rubber insulation to the seat mountings, but the seat is already fitted using heavily insulated rubber bobbins at the rear, so the only opportunity to enhance was at the front plastic seat frame 'tongue' that locates and secures under the frame cross bar that the rear of the tank mounts to, which I guess must transmit some vibes being a solid mechanical locator/fit. I taped some rubber inner tube around the seat frame tongue in the hope it make a small difference by insulating it from the frame a touch.

Got them fitted after a little trim in length. I used compressed air to fit them. It's cold, dark and wet out, so I'll test them another day but they appear to be just what I'm looking for - thanks for the suggestion.

Thanks both, given the low price, I'll try some puppies as reviews look ideal.

I find the grips on my CBR650R a little on the thin side and would like to see if there are any go-to brands to consider for high quality, thicker items? Any recommendations? (Not looking for heated grips)

I fitted some Evotech 'Touring' bar end weights to my CBR650R and they have dramatically reduced the 6k rpm tingle.

Thanks!

Thanks, I'll go for easi-grip. Evo or Pro? I prefer the look of the finer pattern on the pro, rather than the large bumps on the Evo. Either of you tried the Pro and do they offer decent 'grip'? Thanks!

My CBR650R could benefit from some of those grippy pads on the sides of the tank to help my knees/inner thighs to grip on to, but I'd prefer clear ones as my bike has graphics in that area which will look naff covered up half way through the tank with black ones. So far I've found R&G, Puig & EZGrip: https://puig.tv/en/tuning-motos/tank-pads/specific-side-tank-pads?&bike=28149&location_iso=GB https://freaklizard.com/product/rg-tank-traction-grips-clear-2-grip-kit-honda-cbr650r-2019-2023/ (only pictures the black) https://www.eazi-grip.com/shop/eazi-grip-honda-cb650r-cbr650r-clear-2019-2023/?attribute_style=PRO Looking for something with a soft, silicone type feel to it and not something akin to stake board grip tape. Any experiences or other recommendations?

I followed my heart, called into Honda and bought a new CBR650R in red and I'm over the moon - same as I've learned and passed on, just with the fairing (party frock) and slightly sportier riding position. I'm going to experience and enjoy the 4 cyl sports bike thing whilst I can. Will have it this month.

Yay, I passed! Thanks everyone

Thanks - any tips?

Thanks for the feedback, noted. Mod 2 in the morning... fingers crossed!

How have you found the 8S?

I hear you and have similar levels of determination when I REALLY want something. I spoke to three Honda dealers today who all said the same thing - sold out and on a factory allocation basis for the UK network for end of December delivery, no UK unsold stock showing on the Honda UK system at any dealer. The example posted I did spot, however it is a pre-reg '23 plate, for £500 more than I could pay for a new one on a new '73 plate as the first owner, as I get a £500 discount off a new one via the Honda riding school. I'd consider it if I was desperate or REALLY wanted a Hornet, but I don't want one THAT badly. I'd pay list for a new one for Sept or choose something else. The 8S felt a little roomier in the legs for me which might be helpful.

I really want a new bike, even if that costs me hundreds extra in depreciation - to me, the first owner, brand new, utterly spotless thing is worth that - to me at least. Re 2024, I'm thinking more along the lines of new colours, or, for example, maybe Suzuki bring out a GSX-8R, i.e a 8S with full fairing etc, or Triumph bring out a new Daytona kind of bike based on the Trident platform - that kind of thing.

Thanks all. Tried to like the Tiger 660 Sport, but just doesn't do anything for me, also the Transalp - I can't spend money on something I just don't like the look of. Went into Honda, credit card in hand ready to buy a Hornet based on value (I get a £500 discount from my Honda approved riding school) and 'how wrong can a Hornet be', but the only colour I like is the grey which is late December delivery, so that's out as I want a bike in September to get riding asap and don't want to pass my test (fingers crossed) then not ride for months. GSX-8S is next in line, although I have enquired on a SV650 to see if the advertised offer does or doesn't include the £500 test ride voucher from Suzuki UK - if it does, it'll bring a new SV650 in at circa £6,155 which based on what I see 3 year old examples for sale for, makes it a pretty safe bet for 6-12 months with not too much loss. I'm also aware that the 2024 model year updates will be announced soon that might bring other bikes into contention that I don't know about yet, hence looking at maybe a short term tenure to gain experience.

Thanks. At the start of my lessons, I always feel really under-confident with a few mistakes creeping in, but by the end of the last two 3 hr lessons, I've felt about ready - or as ready as I'll be without lots and lots more practice. In the last 45 mins today as lead rider, my only errors were a slightly wide left turn out of a junction ending up in position 3, and late move to the left lane whilst exiting a roundabout at the 3 o'clock position. Other than that, it went well, although the dynamics of traffic will always leave an element to 'on the day'.

I'm going to contradict myself here following my most recent riding lesson (Mod 2 test next week). I've come to realise, and hopefully in the nick of time, that I really ought to get something easy to live with, ride and learn on, even if that means not getting my forever bike on day one. I definitely feel it would be better to get something taller and am now considering options I'd previously dismissed. A big adventure bike will be too big, heavy and tricky for me as a first big bike, but a mid-sized sports tourer or small adventure bike might do it? I sat on the new Transalp this afternoon and it felt a good compromise between roomy, comfortable and approachable, albeit I still can't get my head round that headlight! Another option that is favourable might be the Triumph Tiger 660. Would this be an appropriate first big bike for a long person?

Thanks all. I'm a classic / sports car guy and have owned all sorts over the years. A recent experience taught me quite a good lesson which I feel might be prudent to apply to a bike. My most recent car was a light weight Caterham - bought to experience and enjoy all the pure, raw, un-filtered and razor sharp driving dynamics - yadda, yadda.... It was indeed great at all that..... however.... and here's the real life lesson I might need to apply to a bike..... It delivered it's USP at 10/10ths. Ripping through the gears between 6-8k and exploring the limits of traction exiting roundabouts etc - that's where it made sense. However..... I don't like driving like that these days - mainly from a speed limit, licence, safety to other road users, social responsibility perspective etc etc, not to mention I'm surrounded by urban roads and endless 20 mph speed limits. Therefore, for 95% of the miles I drove in it, I was being sensible and behaving myself, at which point there was zero fun or pleasure to be had. Track days, yes. My local roads, useless. Prior to that, I had an old Corvette Stingray - complete opposite and whist pretty awful dynamically, was a hoot at any speed, even standing still rocking from side to side at idle, everyone rejoicing at the sweet V8 tones. Therefore, I want a bike that I can enjoy riding at 20 mph, that delivered its fun and enjoyment and character at normal speeds, that doesn't have to be pushed to it's limits to do what it's good at. That's why bikes like a Harley Sportster etc appeal, because I can feel cool and special cruising about in 20mph zones without the feeling I'm wasting my time until I can find a decent road to blast down, of which they are a good long ride away from where I live. So the bike has to deliver its fun, appeal and specialness away from race track type riding. This is what steers me away from inline 4's that need to be rev'd out to make any sense. If a bike draws attention, looks a million dollars, turns heads and drips character when standing still, it's more likely to scratch the itch than a bike that needs to be ridden hard, fast or above my experience and abilities to enjoy. Hope that makes sense?

Thanks for the benefit of experience, appreciated. I'll focus my attention on having a ride on the SV650 and the GSX-8S and see how they feel. I must admit, the classic, analogue simplicity of the SV650 does appeal.

Re the mileage - is it enough for what? Not sure of the context? Looking to buy outright. A VERY large part of this is the emotional element of looking back at the bike and loving it - it looking and feeling special and making me feel special as I ride. I spent the first part of my learning journey exploring bikes such as the Hornet, GSX-8S, CB650R etc and whilst I fully appreciate they are far more appropriate and 'more than enough bike', they just don't give me the feeling of desirability and kind of leave me feeling a bit meh - failing to scratch the biggest of my itches.