Author Topic: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike  (Read 8449 times)

Offline StinkyPete

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StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« on: July 14, 2024, 08:14:29 AM »
With my Beemer now sold   :'(    I'm on a quest to identify a smaller lighter bike to scratch my motorcycling itch.    "Ghost" was almost a perfect big tourer, was what the ST1300 could have been, and I will certainly miss the long interstate rides.    However the weight got too much for me in close manoeuvring and in heavy traffic, and some limiting aches and pains have caught up with me, making the long rides challenging or impossible.   Getting older is certainly not for the feint of heart.

I do have something in mind, but  thought I'd throw the discussion open to see what suggestions pop up in case I missed something,  so here's my specs.....
*  Not much more than 200kg
*  Somewhere reasonable for a pillion to sit from time to time
*  Not too tall in the pillion seat, which makes mounting the bike difficult
*  The ability to fit some nice soft panniers to carry a few bits and bobs
*  I'm not too fussed about fuel range any more
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Offline ruSTynutz

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2024, 10:12:20 AM »
Not much more than 200kg....
Even the Versys 650 is 218kgs, 1000cc is 255kgs

Thought about 400cc to 650cc step through? Heaps of storage and good for pillions?
One day you will wake up and there won't be anymore time to do the things you've always wanted so do them NOW!!!
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Offline ruSTynutz

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #3 on: July 14, 2024, 10:17:27 AM »
There's this: https://royalenfield.com.au/model/interceptor-650/  :think1
Just a touch over 200kgs...

or, if you want a bit more go, there's this one: https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au/motorcycles/classic/bonneville-speed-twin-900/speed-twin-900-2023

216kgs wet...
« Last Edit: July 14, 2024, 10:26:14 AM by ruSTynutz »

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Online Bodø

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #4 on: July 14, 2024, 11:25:50 AM »
Not much more than 200kg....
Even the Versys 650 is 218kgs, 1000cc is 255kgs

Thought about 400cc to 650cc step through? Heaps of storage and good for pillions?

Cheers.  I've been asked a few times what mine weighs and never been albe to answer.
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Offline StinkyPete

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #5 on: July 14, 2024, 04:22:37 PM »
Thought about 400cc to 650cc step through? Heaps of storage and good for pillions?

No...   :fp
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StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #6 on: July 14, 2024, 05:18:07 PM »
So many options, so little money (for some of us), there just ain't enough time left (for many of us), to acquire or even ride the range of what's available, even within the parameters provided.

The thought of downsizing has crossed many a mind, some have acted, some are in the process, I dismissed it for now, but alas, will need to address this matter, probably sooner than later.

With that in mind I recall the little Honda VT250 Magna I purchased during early COVID at a garage sale.  Went to look at a stretcher tent (which I purchased), got chatting to the guy, talked about motorcycles, would you be interested in this? as he whipped the cover of a little Honda (in a few pieces, but obviously all there). 

Deal done, trailered home, assembled, carby kit fitted, plenty of spit, polish and elbow grease, RWC'd, re-registered and a few rides.

What a ball of fun.  Zipping to and from the shops, a ride with some mates - coulda, shoulda, woulda kept it, but alas that would have been a change of plans, taken up space in the garage needed for next COVID project.  Advertised on FB Market place at 3:30pm, sold by 6:00pm - coulda, shoulda asked more.

When my time comes, one of these will be on my list.





Best of all, it's a Honda, and it's black.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #7 on: July 14, 2024, 05:39:26 PM »
I asked myself the same question after my ST1100 burnt. Went with a CF Moto 650TK (200Kg) until I crashed it and now ride a Honda FT500 single (164Kg). If I were to buy a new bike I would be looking to a Royal Enfield scram 450 or Honda GB350. Both have low seat height and low weight and will fit your other requirements ok.
 
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Offline ruSTynutz

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Offline Gadget

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #9 on: July 21, 2024, 02:46:58 PM »
Hi Pete,

I can highly recommend a Can-am spyder.

Still comfortable for long rides, and all the power of the 1300 (plus some)

Sent from my SM-N986B using Tapatalk

Cheers,
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Offline West Aussie Glen

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #10 on: July 21, 2024, 03:42:03 PM »
No worries about weight with one of these and great fun to ride:-
https://www.imz-ural.com.au/new-gear-up

or weight util the new version of this:-
https://changjiang-australia.com/
which will have leading link front forks
Glen
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Offline Langers

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #11 on: July 21, 2024, 10:37:42 PM »
With the Urals dry weight of 331kg (I'm presuming that would be with the side car) and a sticker price of $34,350, I reckon I'd go the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S with a dry weight of 212kg and current discounted price at $29,890 and have a whole lot more fun (for as long as I kept my licence).
With the Chinese jobbie, I note it's weight is 365kg so I think we may be getting away from Pete's quest for a smaller, lighter bike (mind you the Guzzi fits the bill nicely  :beer)
« Last Edit: July 21, 2024, 10:44:59 PM by Langers »
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Offline West Aussie Glen

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #12 on: July 22, 2024, 01:47:49 AM »
They are both sidecars so they don't need to be held up so as I said weight isn't a problem. Mind you they do take a little effort if you want to keep them on 2 wheels, see photo. That is me learning to ride a Ural, I could do a figure of 8 on two wheels.
« Last Edit: July 22, 2024, 01:58:22 AM by West Aussie Glen »
Glen
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1948 James 98cc 2 Speed, 1969 Suzuki A100-2
1970 Suzuki T250 Hustler, Honda CL100
Yamaha RD250C, 1985 Kawasaki GPZ250
BMW K75S, 78 Yamaha XS11
Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe, 88 GL1500
99 SE GL1500
In the shed
85 Kawasaki LTD250
88 GL1500 Outfit
08 ST1300
2013 GL1800
2013 GL1800 Outfit
 

Offline StinkyPete

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #13 on: July 22, 2024, 06:51:32 AM »
I must admit that an Outfit was not something that I had considered.    Having a reverse gear would be good for getting in and out of my shed, but the width may present a difficulty getting past vehicles in my narrow driveway.   The same challenge would apply for a Can-Am Spyder.  Thanks for the suggestions which give me more to think about.    :thumbsup
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Offline ruSTynutz

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #14 on: July 22, 2024, 09:06:31 AM »
What about something like this: https://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/details/2015-honda-cb400-abs/OAG-AD-23447759/?Cr=8
I've always had a bit of a soft spot for the CB400 and it looks like a "real" bike... :popcorn

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Offline StinkyPete

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #15 on: July 22, 2024, 06:08:56 PM »
Thanks Rusty.   The CB400 is certainly on my short list.
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Offline ruSTynutz

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #16 on: July 23, 2024, 09:07:13 AM »
I really like that CB400, it's just a shame I don't have a spare $8,790 and space in my garage...  :'(

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Offline West Aussie Glen

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #17 on: July 23, 2024, 10:20:21 AM »
Pete, you can checkout the Urals performance here:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDG-ejHj2QY   :grin
Glen
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1948 James 98cc 2 Speed, 1969 Suzuki A100-2
1970 Suzuki T250 Hustler, Honda CL100
Yamaha RD250C, 1985 Kawasaki GPZ250
BMW K75S, 78 Yamaha XS11
Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe, 88 GL1500
99 SE GL1500
In the shed
85 Kawasaki LTD250
88 GL1500 Outfit
08 ST1300
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Online Brock

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #18 on: July 23, 2024, 10:28:00 AM »
We have a Ural shop not far from me. I think they even have the drive for the chair setup for the left side
Brock
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Offline West Aussie Glen

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #19 on: July 23, 2024, 11:39:31 AM »
Yes, the two wheel drive model is the "Gear Up" Has been around for a long time for the chair on the righthand side. Gear Up model for the chair on the lefthand side was only released about a year ago.
Glen
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1948 James 98cc 2 Speed, 1969 Suzuki A100-2
1970 Suzuki T250 Hustler, Honda CL100
Yamaha RD250C, 1985 Kawasaki GPZ250
BMW K75S, 78 Yamaha XS11
Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe, 88 GL1500
99 SE GL1500
In the shed
85 Kawasaki LTD250
88 GL1500 Outfit
08 ST1300
2013 GL1800
2013 GL1800 Outfit
 

Offline Langers

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #20 on: July 23, 2024, 01:34:33 PM »
Is the engine still based on the 83 year old M72 ex BMW engine?
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Offline West Aussie Glen

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #21 on: July 23, 2024, 04:57:41 PM »
Is the engine still based on the 83 year old M72 ex BMW engine?
Yes, just like the BMW and like the BMW with lots of upgrades.
Here are the recent ones for the Ural
https://www.imz-ural.com.au/whats-new
Glen
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1948 James 98cc 2 Speed, 1969 Suzuki A100-2
1970 Suzuki T250 Hustler, Honda CL100
Yamaha RD250C, 1985 Kawasaki GPZ250
BMW K75S, 78 Yamaha XS11
Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe, 88 GL1500
99 SE GL1500
In the shed
85 Kawasaki LTD250
88 GL1500 Outfit
08 ST1300
2013 GL1800
2013 GL1800 Outfit
 

Offline StinkyPete

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #22 on: July 23, 2024, 05:15:00 PM »
Back in about the 1970s, an old work colleague had one without the side car.   At that time they were called "Cossacks".
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Offline STroppy

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #23 on: July 30, 2024, 08:39:04 PM »
Will we see you in Border Village?
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Offline StinkyPete

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Re: StinkyPete's Quest for a Lighter Bike
« Reply #24 on: July 31, 2024, 06:10:19 AM »
Will we see you in Border Village?

No, but we are heading away with the new caravan for a few weeks.
IBA #59146   OzLapper 2012 & 2019

Yamaha AS1
BSA M21 600cc single (1948)
Yamaha XS650  (The Black Wobbler)
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Honda ST1300 (Beautiful Bike)
BMW R1200RT (Technically Perfect)
Currently Bikeless
 
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