BIKE REVIEWS

When I first clapped eyes on the yellow dream machine, the Suzuki SV650, I thought, "Wow, that looks impressive," the next thing that crossed through my mind was, "it looks like it might be quite fast!"  As I gingerly edged out of Mitchell's I found it wasn't as scary as I first anticipated.  It is certainly much quicker off the mark than the Honda 400 I had last year, but, then that's to be expected.  The bike holds the road well - I don't seem to get buffeted about quite as much as with the Honda. Compared to four cylinder models, this V-twin all-rounder has much better torque - yeah, yeah, I don't know what that means, someone else told me!  All in all I'm delighted with the bike, its very eye-catching, I make an entrance with both its yellow hue and its piercing exhaust hum.  All in all, I give it the big thumbs up.

 Triumph Bonneville

From Ginno

Never judge a book by its cover.   Despite the Triumph looking as retro as it does that wont stop it keeping up with the more modern faired up sports bikes.   The Bonneville looks cool offering a nice straight sit up position, it handles well through turns and the 790cc engine give you a nice kick on the straights.  Its a more relaxed riding position, felt at best when youre just cruising along. The exhaust rumble is also very satisfying when you give the throttle a quick jerk.   Looking back on the heritage Ive found that it was built to rival the American offering of the Harley 883 Sportster, but just because its British that doesnt stop me feeling like The Fonz when Im on itEEEEEEEHHHHHH!! 

 

Honda VFR 800

From Duncan

After having the CBR600 for a full season, I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive moving onto the bigger bike. This is simply due to loving the CBR and its drive and not the VFR. But I have to admit the VFR has come up to all the reviews and reports I have read. Still being a novice, I am not going to try and get technical, but what I will say is that there is something comfortable with the VFR. Not only does it have the grunt and look you want, but it is also very understanding to the new rider and therefore it does not give you that nervous feeling on the back of a rocket..

It certainly has the presence both on and off the bike and I look forward to having a passenger and going off on long trips..

Heres to many miles with the VFR.. great bike..

X11Review

From Duncan

After having the CBR600 for a full season, I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive moving onto the bigger bike. This is simply due to loving the CBR and its drive and not the VFR. 

But I have to admit the VFR has come up to all the reviews and reports I have read. Still being a novice, I am not going to try and get technical, but what I will say is that there is something comfortable with the VFR. Not only does it have the grunt and look you want, but it is also very understanding to the new rider and therefore it does not give you that nervous feeling on the back of a rocket.. It certainly has the presence both on and off the bike and I look forward to having a passenger and going off on long trips.. Heres to many miles with the VFR.. great bike..

Kawasaki Z750

From Duncan

 

To start off, lets say a few things on the Kawasaki Z750.. The Z750 is stunningly simple to look at yet so smart, its agile, torky, yet nimble and light to handle while being very powerful. These are only a few things I can say about the Z750. I have to admit that when offered the machine, I was unsure how it would be stepping from the Honda X11 to this. I was even a little concerned about its reputation and its unforgiving nature. But I love it.. The engine sounds great with a high rev although I have looked for an additional gear when opening out. I am sure the next step of the Z1000 will cover that base.

It can not only be fun on the short journeys around town, but it is comfortable enough to stretch the open road. I have to admit, if I was the pillion that I would prefer the VFR or the X11 or if I was constantly on longer journey then it would take a back seat, but for what I do on the bike.. Its perfect!!

For the ones among us who are shorter in the leg, this bike is great. You feel part of the machine instead of sitting on it while its light enough to handle very easily.

This is definitely one for me to hint (beg) to Kevin and Heather at Mitchells to keep.

.. The Z750 is stunningly simple to look at yet so smart, its agile, torky, yet nimble and light to handle while being very powerful. These are only a few things I can say about the Z750. I have to admit that when offered the machine, I was unsure how it would be stepping from the Honda X11 to this. I was even a little concerned about its reputation and its unforgiving nature. But I love it.. The engine sounds great with a high rev although I have looked for an additional gear when opening out. I am sure the next step of the Z1000 will cover that base.

It can not only be fun on the short journeys around town, but it is comfortable enough to stretch the open road. I have to admit, if I was the pillion that I would prefer the VFR or the X11 or if I was constantly on longer journey then it would take a back seat, but for what I do on the bike.. Its perfect!!

For the ones among us who are shorter in the leg, this bike is great. You feel part of the machine instead of sitting on it while its light enough to handle very easily.

This is definitely one for me to hint (beg) to Kevin and Heather at Mitchells to keep.

 From Ginno

 

The Suzuki GSR 600 is a nice bike. It looks sharp with its subtle colouring and the hidden tail exhausts.   Its a high and quick revving machine which doesnt hold you back.  Smooth gear change all the way up and down with enough torque for you to manoeuvre without thinking about too much more than the road ahead.   Its a very light bike, which may catch you out a little if youve come from a slightly heavier beast, if theres a bit of wind about, youll be the first to know about it once youre on the Suzuki.   Another thing I found weird, was the rider position. Youre not quite hugged up feeling part of the bike; neither are you sitting up a-la Chips.  I find this a common discomfort as I constantly re-adjust my booty.

So, all in all.    Nice bike moves and handles well just a bit on the light side.

 Bike Safe Course

By Duncan

 

Year two on the bike and second time doing the Bike safe course with Northern Constabulary. I have to admit that I was a bit off about doing the course again. However, I have learnt even more than the first time. Not only do you remember the points in the class, but you definitely pick up a lot more.

Hopefully after a year, my riding has improved (Neil may disagree), but I am also sure that I have created and picked up many bad habits.

As you hopefully know, the course is divided up into two sections (well three if you include lunch). Section 1; the classroom. This is the bit of the course that not only knocks you back into reality, but is the part where all participants silently admit to themselves that they have been doing things wrong. It is also a great opportunity to discuss or argue points, issues or even laws/legislation. Section 2, The Ride out; this is the fun element, but the bit that really shows all the mistakes, habits, judgement errors you have created in the year. But, it also is the part of the course where you can improve your skills dramatically while enjoying the banter from your fellow bikers and Lumsden aka. Northern Constabularys/Scottish Police bike whizz kid.

The route we took was to Achnasheen then by Gairloch and back to Inverness via Braemore junction. A well know route that can not only be pleasing to the eye, but can really push your skills on various road elements and situations.

I for one will make sure that I use the opportunity of the Bike safe course every year. If nothing else, I will do it again and again to freshen up my skills but to enjoy the ride out with experienced biker.. oh and have a laugh..

Get yourself booked in now!!

Bike Safe Course

By Ginno

 The MFR Bike Safe Team attended Bike Safe with Northern Constabulary a week last Friday.   This was the second time wed gone on the course and I must say that it  was a nice refresher.   Last year I walked away with a lot more awareness and knowledge as a rider, this year it felt so much better to have another run through after clocking up so many miles.  

For the morning we sat through a presentation lead by Neil Lumsdane, one of the top road cops at Northern Constabulary.   Thing is, dont think hes there to preach as its a very open forum.   The presentation takes you through several key components when it comes to biking. Position, cornering, overtaking, hazards, etc. Both with an urban and rural perspective.   Once wed gone through all the particulars, we jumped on our machines.   Our ride took us from Inverness all the way to Gairloch and up round Ullapool, a good few hours riding.   Its an amazing experience going out on the road with Neil, hes very highly qualified and as you ride with him, he keeps you right.   After so many miles, we regroup and pull into a lay-by or stop somewhere appropriate, then a quick debrief from Neil on how you did on the last section.   Over the day we each got a shot at leading the group with Neil monitoring as we go.

All in all a top day. Ive improved on my riding from last year and learnt a few more tips for this season.  Roll on next year and another bikesafe course.

 

 

I have to admit that when I was presented with this machine I felt it was more Ginno than me. I can see him now cruising up and down the A9 as Eric Astrada from Chips.. If I could describe the Z750 as a bar stool then the VT 750 is a winged back chair.

I have managed to put in some miles on this machine and found it so comfy to ride. As you can see, it is a sit back position which lends itself to the style of the bike. The bike has enough grunt for what is required, but does take some pushing and planning for overtaking etc. The drum brakes are not my favourite and there were a few times where I even thought of throwing out an anchor to slow me down.

Carrying a passenger on the VT is so easy. You have a very low centre of gravity which allows great control with the additional weight, but at low speeds and manoeuvres can be somewhat tricky.

Again, this is not my kind of bike, but I have to say that I had a ball while having it. But, I am glad that Ginno Eric Estrada Conte is taking it over.

Power 6/10 Handling 7/10 but 3/10 at slow speed. Brakes 4/10. Fun and pose 7/10

 

This was a much bigger bike than Im used to, coming from the Honda CBR600 and the Suzuki 650GSR.  I found it quite bulky and struggled with it for the first few days.   However, after some miles, me and my bum both settled into the machine nicely.  It moves well through the gears, you maybe dont have the nippy element which youd expect from the CBR and GSR, but what you do have is a more mature and solid feel to a bike.   I must admit, I found it excellent through the bends and it was a machine which left me feeling more confident in my riding ability.

 

 For those of you that remember the biker gang from Every Which Way But Loose and Any which Way You Can then youll understand why this bikes makes me feel like a member of The Black Widows motorcycle gang.   To start with, the Shadow is a low, long, sleek, shiny black machine!!!!!   It grunts as you accelerate, theres a marvellous clunk as you shift gear, but most of all.its soooooooooo comfortable!!!!!   You can rack up mile, after mile, after mile on this without even feeling it.   One thing, it does take a bit of getting used to as your overall position as a rider is more or less a seated position.   It is also very low to the ground so you need to take extra care when slow riding or coming to a stop as the weight balance can be a bit wobbly at times.   Another thing, not only do you get the usual nod or wave from fellow bikers while on the road, you also turn quite a few heads by the even sight of the machine.  My tip is, make sure you dont have any bug splat on the visor..