Older Rider Back Again

Hi Steve here, I have come back to bikes after a few years off them. My eldest son wanted to get a bike and his license, which I helped him get of course. He found a good used bike which I had to test ride and bring back home for him ( a pleasant 350km trip on the coldest day of the month lol ) but that was it, I had the itch that would not go away. My long suffering wife gave the ok for another addition to the family. I located a bargain VFR800FiY
2000 model in a nearby town, the owners had it listed as unregistered but when I got there the next day I was informed they had found the rego papers and it had a good month to go and it was on my birthday that it was due for renewal (thanks for the birthday present) oh, I forgot to say the bonus is the personalised plates that came with the bike are....... VFR80
colour matched blue to the bike of course. It needs new tyres and the regulator rectifier was over charging at 17volts, which has been replaced already but the tyres will be next. This bike just does things so well compared to the machines I have had in the past, I am looking forward to when I can take it for a good run to scrub in the new tyres and settle it in to it's new home. Photo's to follow soon.

 

Glad to hear you've come back to the dark side. These bikes truly are an incredible bargain these days. What kind of tires are you getting for it?

 

Thanks for the welcome and the tyres I will be getting are Bridgestone BT015 to start off with, I want to build up confidence and have been talking to a mate who has had a 99 VFR for the past 115,000km, also he does rider training licensing. Partly on his recomendation and my mechanic I am starting off on these. I live in Hervey Bay, Queensland which is a warm place and coming into our spring, my son and I are getting ready for some clear the weeds our runs. I used to have BMW,s
and other touring oriented bikes so this bike will be a big change, my wife is waiting to give it a ride also, she is fully licensed also. Great days ahead.

 

How old is old if you don't mind me asking. I don't feel old at 52.

 

I will be 52 in a few more days on the 27th of this month, I only have six children aged from six up to twenty-two years old, the oldest one is the new bike rider. I don't feel that old either, but our number one son is lining up to get married sometime soon (he's just got to pop the question, she's willing lol) that's when I feel things are getting a bit surreal.

 

Welcome. 52 is still young. Turned 56 a couple weeks ago.

BTW. Presently on a tour of the UK with a few from Australia. Crazy buggas.

 

Yes we are known to be a bit bent, lol. I have a bit of family over in sunny Vancouver, an aunt, uncle and a few cousins and their families. I hear skunks are fun to run over.

 

Don't i feel weird now... my dad is around 52 and I'm currently 22 and have a girl I've been dating for 3 years who has given me hints as obvious as a pink elephant. Motorcycles are one of those things that cross all age boundaries.

 

Shooot, 52 years old ain't nothin. I'm 55 and just bought a 2002 VFR in March and the fun is just beginning . Had not owned a bike in 11 years and this bike keeps surprising me every time I throw a leg over her . UR2CLOSE , its awesome your going to have all those great memories with your son. Enjoy that VFR, oh Happy BD --------

 

Yeah mate, I am looking forward to the trips and on a side issue what tyres are favoured by the boys/girls in sunny California. The climate is probably a bit closer to what I have here compared to 34468Randy in Canada.

 

Duccmann send all BD gifts here

 

We here in Alabama like the round ones. But it's hawt here!

 

You mean you can get round ones, for real. lol

 

I am running Michelin PR3's this time around and I ride year round. Last two sets were the PR2's which didn;t workworth a shit in the snow. JK. I try not to ride in that crap but have been caught in it you know. I get rain similar to what Noah experienced a couple years ago. I was happy with the PR2's bit the PR3's are supposed to be better in the rain. his winter will tell. But they work well on the dry warmer roads too.

 

I have run the dunlop roadsmarts and liked them, but now have the Michelin Pilot Road 2's and think they are a better tire.

 

About to try the Dunlop Q2's and check them for mileage and grip. Mainly grip.. Running an M2 front and Pirelli Supercorsa rear now... I ride around the imperfections of a mismatch for now.

 

I talked to a guy the other day who had the Q2's on his speed triple. He says they have lots of grip and give reasonable mileage. It all depends on how/where you ride. Scorching hot pavement will eat tires. Not quite as bad as aggressive canyon carving but I have noticed that when I ride in the fall in PA I see very little tire wear.

 

Thanks. I'll let you know how they do for me.

 

I feel like I'm in the Candy shop of tyres, which one will I try first and are these the round ones.