Interference Fit

Worth a try - changing to 5k p/a increased by about £150 To be fair, I'll be amazed if I did 1,500 miles a year as it's only going to be a fine weather toy for short, local, weekend rides.

I have done that and it's quite interesting. Middle aged, garaged, SD&P only, 3k miles, no accidents or claims, reasonable area. SV650 - £320 KTM 890R - £661 Monster SP - £781 Hypermotard RVE - £631 Sportster S - £735 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce - £820 MV Brutale 800 Rosso - £1,835 Rocket 3R - £1,283

Thanks for your input, wise words appreciated. I did feel less intimidated and more 'at one' with the Monster.

To be fair, in the interests of preservation, as much as I love it, starting out on a R3 when my only experience has been on a CB650R is asking for trouble, and thankfully, I'm (just) about wise enough to realise that. At this stage, something lighter and more forgiving probably makes more sense. Not sure whether the Sportster S falls into that category or not? My gut tells me the Monster or Hyper are probably more appropriate, with maybe the KTM as a wild card?

Thanks for the feedback. The most comfortable out of them all is the Monster and Rocket. Head (and limited experience) says Monster SP, heart and ego says Rocket. I'll need to arrange a demo ride but lots of places won't demo riders with fresh licences, which I understand.

Yes, I have very long thighs - good observation! The choice was narrowed further down today with another three contenders (the Harley pic is an older one), worryingly I'm wearing almost the same clothes! Sportster S was more comfortable than I imagined, and a cool bike (to me). The Monster felt really nice and not too cramped at all - very manageable. I tried the Hyper again and this confirmed a very good fit, if the seat is a little uncomfortable. However the one that felt like it had been designed around me and fitted like a glove, all the controls just falling perfectly to hand, was sadly the least appropriate for my limited experience - the 3R. Absolutely fell in love!

I'm sure they do, I'm just talking from my own personal, subjective aesthetic appeal - nice, but not 'gorgeous'.

Interesting on the Honda bars, I'd not really noticed the arrow angle. Neither float my boat to be honest, the Honda is nice as I learned to ride on it so I have that bond, but just not 'special' enough for me. I only posted the pics to illustrate my issue of being taller than average. Here's me on a Hyper for comparison, and also a 890 Duke which felt good, if only I could get past the cheap and nasty 'child's toy' like stickers they use.

Not a bad shout at all. Keep them coming....

(Mature rider) Looking at getting my first big bike, having learned on a CB650R. My issue is that I'm 6'4" and so many bikes look and / or feel too small for me, as per the two examples below. People are saying I need an adventure bike, but I just can't feel the love for them, despite them feeling much more comfortable when I sit on them. This not for commuting or touring and is just a weekend toy to enjoy for fun, nothing more. I have no shame in admitting that having a bike that is a real eye full, not the run of the mill is important to me. The closest I've got to finding something in the ball park for 'wow' factor are the Ducati Hypermotard RVE, the Desert X and the Multistrada, but I just don't love any of them enough so I'm looking for inspiration for other bikes I might consider that are road / handling focused and real eye candy. I feel the Hyper is too hooligan for my mature years and the seat quite uncomfortable. The Multistada is just too boring and the Desert X not road biased enough - I'm not into knobbly tyres etc. I totally appreciate bikes like the Tiger 660 or BMW GS' etc are hugely capable machines, but totally miss the mark for me from a 'wow' factor. Any suggestions of other bikes suitable for taller riders that have that 'something special' look and feel to them? (looking to buy new).

Thanks - the MV website only lists a handful of dealers, the most northern one being Birmingham so that's good news about Doncaster.

Thanks. My head says go for the Street Triple, my heart takes one look at the Brutale and screams "Do it"!

I'm considering a new Brutale 800 but I'm concerned that following their UK dealer network shakeup, the closest dealer to me would be Birmingham, over 100 miles away. I could cope with that for an annual service, but fear that if the bike was unreliable or had niggles, taking it 100+ miles for attention each time would get very old, very quickly. Has anyone got or had a recent Brutale (or Dragster) who could share their reliability experience? Am I worrying unnecessarily or is this a reasonable concern that should see me looking at something else?

Now SOLD

My foot is just a bit too loose in the boot to take up the slack with a thick pair of socks. Just doesn't feel secure enough, even with the laces tight and zip secured - I'm a very slim and tall build so my feet are quite thin and slender with no meat on the bone. I bought the next size down, but then my toe pressed against the end. They just not quite right for my foot size and shape which only became apparent after wearing them out doors in the real world.

Worn once, gorgeous boots. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195883500332?mkevt=1&mkpid=0&emsid=e12000.m113256.l116967&mkcid=7&ch=osgood&euid=dcd759657fb84f0a9dd53f530c41f434&bu=43112027729&osub=-1~1&crd=20230716081528&segname=12000&mkevt=1&mkpid=0&emsid=e12000.m113256.l116967&mkcid=7&ch=osgood&euid=dcd759657fb84f0a9dd53f530c41f434&bu=43112027729&osub=-1~1&crd=20230716081528&segname=12000

Went to J&S Accessories today and tried on jackets from pretty much all the main brands and had the same problem - I've got the torso of a racing snake and shoulders like a glider. I had to go to 46-48 in most jackets to get it to sit on my shoulders correctly that just left the rest of the jacket bellowing around like I'd just had a successful parachute landing. All was not lost though, as I found what might very well be my saviour - the Knox armoured shirt/jacket which has L2 armour all over and AAA abrasion resistance, yet is a base layer to wear whatever I feel like on top. It is close fitting yet really stretchy where it needs to be and felt much more comfortable so I've gone in that direction.

I've just taken delivery of my first bike jacket, a GoldTop Cafe racer. I measure with a puffed out chest 42", so ordered a 44" to be safe, yet it feels too tight, especially across the shoulders and I've no frame of reference for how it is suppose to feel. I imagine you don't want it too loose as you wouldn't want the armour to slip around in a fall, but at the same time if I stand straight, I can feel sides of the shoulders pressing firmly against the me and as soon as I raise my arms forward about 30 degrees out from my waist, it becomes fully tight across the whole upper back and starts to 'stretch' and shift to accomadate. By the time I've got my arms out in front of my in a riding position, the jacket has been forced up enough for the collar to press against the under side of my chin. That can't be right can it? This is whilst wearing nothing but a thin T-shirt underneath - I can't imagine wearing a jumper or hoodie. I read that GoldTop are meant to fit true to size but I feel I'd need a 46 to feel comfortable across my shoulders, which just sounds weird. I'm 6'4" and pretty thin, although clearly have broad shoulders. Does that sound normal, should these things be highly restrictive - I'd struggle to put a seat belt on in a car for example. Thoughts?

Thanks all, makes sense. I was probably over thinking it.

How essential is it, i.e is it a waste of time seeking out level 2 armour and AAA ratings if the jacket and trousers aren't zipped together, or is it more of a 'nice to have'?

Newbie here about to buy my first set of clothing. Highest safety rating is my primary goal and I'd like to stay within the classic / vintage style, hence a leather jacket and denim jeans. Determined to get AAA and level 2 armour ratings for both items, I've 'added to basket' a Goldie 619 jacket with the upgraded level 2 armour and a par of Hood jeans which has AAA / L2 armour as standard. I'm lead to believe it's important to get a two piece suit that zips together, however I can't find a two piece with AAA / L2 both top and bottom. I can't get a two piece with level 1 or with AA rating but not the full shebang. I guess my question is which is best to compromise on, two piece with lower ratings or separates with higher ratings? Thanks!

Some of the reviews suggest the throttle is a little snatchy early on - any experience? Saw one of these in the flesh on Saturday and looks so much nicer in the flesh.

Thanks everyone. Re clothing, I'm going to need the lot, (although I already have a helmet for my Caterham) so will probably make a journey up to my nearest SportsBikeShop and 'add to cart'. Regarding bikes, following the last few weekends and a really good day out today sitting on all sorts, I'm narrowing down what I'll test ride to just a few now. Top of the charts now having done the rounds is the Honda Hornet. I was hoping to like the CBR650R, but I have finally accepted that other than looking pretty, a sports bike is of no use or comfort to me. The Hornet just felt great and is mega value for money right now. The crazy wild card that I looked at purely to satisfy myself they were just a toy and not to be taken seriously was the KTM Duke 890. How wrong was I, what a machine. Probably way too much for a novice but similar to the Hornet, felt like a bit of me. I did try the 390/790 but they did not feel premium at all and I can definitely see where the extra money goes on the 890. Whether it's worth the premium over the Hornet is debatable, despite being very different machines aimed at different audiences and budgets. Sat on a very fetching but used Ducati Monster 821, but could sense its age and older technology so not sure it would be a good stating point. Didn't feel it with any of the Kawasakis and sitting on the GSX 8S again directly after the Hornet cemented the Hornet as my preference. Worthy of note is just how much I liked the Suzuki SV650 in a honest and charming way, but the Hornet just looks and feels much better value. Can't wait to get cracking with the CBT and then DAS lessons.

Thanks all, appreciate the advice and guidance. One thing I will need from day one for the CBT is footwear that covers my ankles, which I don't have. I'm size 12.5 and I'm already blinded by choice. Any recommendations in terms of style or brand to look for?

I haven't - for some reason they just don't stir my soul and give off a very 'sensible' aura.