Has the day finally come

[Centaur]

when the Blackbird is physically too big for me to manhandle. I have always said that much as I love her she is a big girl and I am getting older. Two incidents in the last week where I nearly dropped her whilst walking her backwards down my drive onto the road and an incident where I couldn't pull her back from the kerb on my own and the passerby I asked to help pulled her sideways away from me and only my terrified scream stopped the inevitable crunch means I seriously have to think about it. the little 400rr I have feels much safer but I could do with a bit more grunt. I was thinking of the attached. Dealer has offered a very good deal. "003 model and only 3000 miles on the clock. Will you hound me off the site? :cry:

 

[Smoothandquick]

sweet looking bike mate....

I bet that in most situations the RR would be just as quick as the BIRD...until it comes to long distance comfort or luggage.....

There was a Gixer 600 on FB's ride out Sat - in a straight line those things are damn quick never mind nimble around the corners.....but they do need to be ridden hard....

 

[derek kelly]

Bill, at the end of the day you do what you have to do, and if you are no longer comfortable with the BB then yes I would say time for a change. the Bird is an awesome machine, but she is also a heavy one, there are lots of wonderful bikes out there, and there will be one that is just what you are looking for.

good luck whatever you decide, but I think you have already made your mind up.

 

[Fat Bert]

Bill

Enjoy your wrists mate cos after 2 weeks of that new beast...you won't have any left

 

[Smoothandquick]

pot kettle black FB

so does this....:wank:

 

[stan the man]

bill........

have to agree with all the above sentiments mate...the bird is a heavy beast and none of us is getting any younger.whatever you decide to replace her with,make sure you test ride it for a good few hours or you may regret buying it.it'll be strange not seeing you pull in to the dove on your bird,but don't worry...i'm sure me and blu won't ignore you... ...














































provided you get the coffee's in :} :}

 

[Centaur]

Wrists FB

Enjoy your wrists mate cos after 2 weeks of that new beast...you won't have any left

Seriously,in spite of having 1200 Pete's risers fitted I always have sore wrists after a couple of hours riding but I have not had the slightest problem with the 400RR. I'm hoping 600RR will be just like the little one except with more clout. Yeah, S&Q. Luggage will be a problem. Maybe swap the 400RR for an old Deauville? Stan, Coffee....might be worth it. DK No def not made my mind up yet.

 

[Codbasher]

How come I only ever see old farts riding Gold Wings? Surely they are heavier than a Bird. :dunno:

 

[Smoothandquick]

good question Coddy

maybe ask FB as he rides like he is on a Goldwing.....

I can't remember the dry weight of a GW but it's a friggin lot, even if the lump is 6 pots sat on it's side.....

 

[Centaur]

Cap...fit etc Coddy

How come I only ever see old farts riding Gold Wings? Surely they are heavier than a Bird. :dunno:

They probably have drive through garages so they don't have to go backwards! My problem is having to walk it backwards down a steep drive every day,fast enough to get the back end up the hill on the main road....and I'm getting old. :violin:

 

[Fat Bert]

Centaur~~~

They probably have drive through garages so they don't have to go backwards! My problem is having to walk it backwards down a steep drive every day,fast enough to get the back end up the hill on the main road....and I'm getting old. :violin:

So reverse it into the garage then next time you want out..easy - just drive out!

Problem solved :beer:

 

[Centaur]

FB

:wank: :wank: :wank: :f

 

[chuffmeister]

or depending on your garage size, ride in turn it around using http://www.biketurner.co.uk/wizzc.html and then just ride out

Not on comission or owt but i know someone who has to use this with there fireblade as there driveway meets a road at a bad angle too

 

[derek kelly]

And just for you Bill

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MOTORBIKE-BIK...oryZ9946QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Jaws]

Chuff beat me to it !
If turning round is your only prob Bill, get a turn table .. or better still make one out of a couple of tea trays ! ( Gypsy will be able to help with all the required info I believe..
But I think it is more than that by the sound of it..

Bill, may I make a suggestion mate..I have always said that should I live long enough to no longer feel comfy on the Bird, I would go for an older BMW 1100GS boxer..

Excellent all rounder with mile munching ability.

 

[Centaur]

Thanks Guys

I should make clear I don't have a garage nor do I have a level bit where the bike is parked. Bike is parked on a hill,in gear on side stand until I get off and drop it back onto main stand. No room or level to turn on. John,I freakin hate boxers. Remind me of a Douglas Dragonfly I once had. Absolute piece of sh*t. The Douglas i mean!

 

[chuffmeister]

c7u8 oh well was worth a shot , cbr600rr it is then

 

[Coggy]

Have you tried turning it on the side stand? %$fan

 

[frenchuk]

I've always been crap at manoeuvering the bike while not sitting on it, so... I don't - I just sit on it, and take advantage of the weight of it when on a hill to move it around, much easier this way!

 

[derek kelly]

There is another solution bill. move to a house with a flatter drive and a garage. you might have to give up those stunning views though.