Retail Therapy

[Ferro]

Hi All,
got a bit of a dilemma. Looking at a second bike as something a little different that we can both ride.
BUT also good two up!! Have to have a good suspension for that!!
Started at Z750/1000 (my choice) then H*onda Transalp (Rob's Choice)

Finally both came around to agreeing on H*onda X11 work that one out?? I know it's a bit quirky looking but so was the ST and we both liked that too.
Anyway apart from, I like the Blue and he likes the red we are both in total agreement
Budget is £2500 not a penny more

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanx

Gail

[harry3014]

what about a yamaha TDM? they get good write ups, and can be picked up fairly cheap.

[timbox2]

Hi All,
got a bit of a dilemma. Looking at a second bike as something a little different that we can both ride.
BUT also good two up!! Have to have a good suspension for that!!
Started at Z750/1000 (my choice) then H*onda Transalp (Rob's Choice)

Finally both came around to agreeing on H*onda X11 work that one out?? I know it's a bit quirky looking but so was the ST and we both liked that too.
Anyway apart from, I like the Blue and he likes the red we are both in total agreement
Budget is £2500 not a penny more

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanx

Gail

Ive always liked the X11 too, bit quirky, mindyou its a Blackbird sans Plastic, so Arms out of sockets comes to mind. Never heard anything bad, think there was a Factory McVities carrier as well

Seriously Rob, Tranalp no good 2 up, also dives like a Stuka under braking.

[sussexgirl]

what about a yamaha TDM? they get good write ups, and can be picked up fairly cheap.

I second this idea. My officemate had one and I had a go on it- nice easy to ride bike and comfy two up.

[doghouse]

My two penny's worth. If your after a comfy biggish naked style bike how about a zrx1200. Ive just part ex'd my zrx1100 for my nice shiny r1100s but i had it for 7 years. It was comfortable solo or two up, i took it touring abroad with no probs. its easy and cheap to keep, never went wrong in all the time i had it. they're cheap to buy and fairly plentiful and have a bit of character. Not exactly slow either !!

[Gromit]

The XX is a great bike which got unfairly panned by the Press. The flipside though is that you can pick one up very cheaply indeed - take the plastic off a Blackbird, lose 6th gear, alter the frame slightly and you have quite a tool.

Big, comfy, low (so easy to handle), bulletproof mechanicals, well made and fookin' quick.

I even think they look good too...

[PBBoxer]

I had an X11 a couple of years ago and what a tool it was.
5 speed as previously mentioned and also detuned motor but with more low down punch and really quick to boot.
I loved teh handling, the smooth motor and the build quality and have to say its a supoerb bike and one of the favourites Ive owned out of over 40.
The only thing I'd change is get soem bar risers fitted for a bit more comfort but overall what a corking, underrated bike they are.

[f90x]

i'd like to try the following. i've always had a soft spot for the zrx and i realy like the look (and sound with nice cans) of the sv, especially the unfaired one.


kawasaki zrx1200
suzuki bandit 1200
suzuki sv1000

[Ferro]

Hi again,
Thank you all for your comments, we are swaying toward the X11 (H*nda build quality etc).

Have seen a V-reg (99) in blue on Biketrader with a recorded 8900 miles 3-owners but no history, however, the Dealer (Weatherleys mc's, Harleston, Norfolk) insists it's a good un

Are there any Trixters out there who could pop-in and have a butchers for us? (it's quite a round trip for us if it's a )

Thanx again

Gail

[herrman]

Gail,
Any idea if they open Sunday? Alan and myself will be in Norfolk this weekend but could only go and take a look on Sun morning. Glad to have a look at it if they are open.

Regards Peter.

[Ferro]

Hi Peter
thank you for that. Don't know if they are open sunday but will find out tomorrow.

Take care

Gail

[Gromit]

Gail - just had a look at the X11 on Bike Trader, certainly appears to be very clean indeed.

If it was a Blackbird (which it is apart from the aforementioned details) the only things which play up are the reg/rec (an uprated one is available) and the camchain tensioner which'll need replacing every 20000 miles or so. I recently did the CCT on the Blackbird - £40 for the part and 10 mins to fit.

The motor is as strong as they come with no known vices, just loads of wonderful oomph. I rode an X11 which belonged to a mate of Bailey's which went like stink. Feels quicker than the BB due to the lack of fairing. Of course it's also a big pussycat which'll pootle aswell.

If you go for it make sure you get some discount - the X11, as you know, was never a big seller so dealers will be keen to pass it on. The flipside for us punters is that it's one hell of a lot of bike for not a lot of £££.

By the way...don't worry about the linked brakes - I never give them a moment's thought on the Blackbird.

Reckon you'd have a lot of fun on this.

[Ferro]

Hi Peter,
unfortunately shop doesn't open on Sunday but thank you very much for your kind offer and I hope you both have a great weekend

Take care
Gail xx

[herrman]

Hi Rob/Gail,
Sorry we are unable to help but Sat is fully booked up!! Early start tomorrow to be in Dereham before 10-00am ready for a full day with friends. Hope you can get something sorted. See you in Hawes come September??

Regards Peter.