Saul

Shadow is the Hamster in this house. She always has several stashes of nice stuff in her room. I was looking for a Pot Noodle for my older daughters pack lunch, none in the cupboard, Shadow had 14 stashed in her hidy place. I was chatting to the Mrs to see if I should chide Shadow over it, she brought up the point that she was malnourished until she was around 5 and we decided to leave her be. It's not like I don't know where the stashes are, she is not greedy over stuff and will always share if asked.

Nice coat

Sounds bloody lovely, seriously

Dropped Shadow up the stables this morning, silly not to have a little bimble at the same time

What you doing? Quiet one for me, working Friday and Sunday night will watch a lot of rugby and may go for a bimble Sunday weather permitting.

Sort of explains where all the old Monsters went then. I remember them being pretty common in the early 2000's can't remember the last time I saw one.

Yep and if you want to feed a fire with pound notes buy a sailing boat. We did and learnt a lesson from it.

Just had a message from another mate on FB about the monster, apparently he and the seller put a borescope down the bores last year to diagnose low compression. Two big scores in the Nikasil liner on the front pot. Definitely a no from me then.

Has your account been hacked

Here we go I knew it couldn’t last.

I would imagine it’s a dog. Belonged to an ex teacher who lived across the road from me. He ran a Paso into the ground years ago and then bought this monster. I haven’t seen it for years but I’m in no doubt it rough in every way, knowing who owned it originally. Sounds like it maybe a pass then. I don’t need an ornament I can’t afford to fix. I might wait for an older CBR600 or a tatty Blade as at least I have more of a clue about them and can get parts.

I have been offered a 2000 ish Ducati 750 Monster as a project. It's running but needs the carbs sorting and is generally rough cosmetically. Has had new belts in the last 6 months. Guy only wants £300. Any of you in the know think of a reason or red flag that I shouldn't jump on this. Don't know very much about Ducatis, never owned one or had much interest in doing so before. Cosmetic stuff I can sort. Be nice to have a project for the dark months. Going to talk to the guy again tomorrow and see if I can have a good look. @boboneleg @Sir Fallsalot

Shadow had a bit of an off the last time we went out and managed to snap off a foot peg. Fixed it to day for her and added some SW Motech crash bars for her.

Off out to fix Shadows bike now. Show some pics later.

This looks nice and only done 7k miles. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335592279256?_skw=bmw+f650&itmmeta=01J98J9V8VNXSBDD8S0Q9A9AVM&hash=item4e22dbccd8:g:1w4AAOSwB~Jm2xDW&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAAwHoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKnblaFU7%2FXw2kkuONhRq7kWgH0IWIKaOZZXsFhWAf7ckyPdpH2BHJZYxb4sFWZUlafmRmLdBFqaGUAcPrX1PmJKGBpKl%2Bu5tTpvMXsUNxZoJNrID6HFUSofVxO3oo9cGVzSpqMm%2F5JHq1eQz1kc%2Fqu2%2FmkwsZ8C%2F8xtZQuRA9PyAXCKPrZgCqsJHF2d4YQJ6mjLVWfV9wGlBwX5YlKFKVDLawBMFugx5dkL%2FrGeUUlvMw%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8C0p5LKZA

I think you are way too far back to catch the front runners this year

Nah it is never going to last, you know that

Isn't it a pleasure when we all behave and actually talk about bikes Almost like a real bike forum.

I don't think Jim wants to spend Harley Money.

I do like a Hornet, mind you I do like a Honda ER6F, good bike, maybe a bit smallish but you won't know until you try. Bandit old but good, can be a bit thirsty and likes to rust but you can sus that if you have a look at the bike. The Suzuki v 650's are cracking bikes, some say a bit agricultural but I didn't think so. My workmate rides a 05 plate V-Strom 650 with 56k on it still sweet as a nut if a little scruffy. An Enfield 650 is a nice friendly bike, they look and sound lovely. Three months ago I bought a Honda 07 plate CBF600 with 31k miles to commute on for £1100. It's been a peach and it came with hot grips, panniers and topbox. Yes I have spent a few quid on it, tyres, service items and such but I think I got a real bargain. There are plenty of them out there if you look, nice bullet proof revvie 4 pot with a de tuned Hornet/CBR motor. It will still pick up its skirts and go. 50 to 60 mpg. I have done approaching 3k miles on it so far without a hitch. If you look for one go for the 07 or later model or later with fuel injection. Mine is a carb as it is an 06 model registered in 07. Left field option could be a Honda Deauville, rock solid 650/700 shafty with luggage, will do everything. People will take the piss though. I looked at a Benelli TRK 700 back along which was an absolute bargain with all the Boxes and extras for £6500 new, but I worried about how it would look after 6 months out in the weather. I know you can get the Benelli TRK500 in your price range, good bike apparently, depends how you feel about chinese stuff. I did commute 14 miles a day for 4 years on a Chinese CG125 clone (Sukida SK125-2) without much issue although I spent a lot on ACF 50 and the like and kept it pretty clean. I think it may have dissolved if I didn't Oh 125s I take your point completely I can't see me owning one again but in the CB125F's defence I have done 100's of miles two up with my daughter on hers. I reckon our combined weight is 24 stone (I'm a chunk she isn't) and it coped with that fine. Not fast of course but competent.

Thats a good price for one of them, normally much more spendy than that.

I reckon they were 2/3rds worn out so probably could have gone on for awhile yet. Thing is the new pads were only £5.95 delivered and I had it all to bits so thought I might as well change them as wished I had. You probably know I'm a worrier The reason I stripped them was the MoT tester advised they were low but to be honest I think he said it for something to say. He is one of those look at it and pass it types, he has a reputation for being a bit laid back. I have been going there for years as there are not that many places to get a bike MoT done near me. Plus I like the guy as I said I have been going there for years. I reckon the fronts are about half worn so didn't change them yet, I already have the pads for that. Thanks Fred

Finally got around to replacing my rear brake pads on the CBF600 today. Old and new Mucky Calliper All cleaned and back together

Hello Jim welcome to the forum. I quite like the Enfield 350's nice motor if a little bit slow. Good on Fuel for sure. I know very little about Benellis first had, our local dealer is a idiot so never looked to closely, I would worry about build quality being that they are chinese but I don't really know that much about them. I do have a mate that has a Hyosung Aqulia and he is always singing its praises. He is well into his 80's and manages it fine. Personally I would recommend a Honda CB500F, cracking commuter and no more thirsty than an Enfield. I loved mine. But anything Japanese will be the safest bet . My Daughter has a Honda CB125F and that is a cracking little bike, only £3K new,160 ish mpg and a hoot to ride, I really like it. First rate commuter as long as you don't do motorways/dual carriageways regularly. They will cruise all day at 50 to 60 mph but don't expect a lot more. Chap on YouTube called Richard Shepard rode his CB125F to Paris from Solihull and back again without a hitch.