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Post by robbieb on Mar 8, 2011 23:05:59 GMT
Thanks guys, i'm really pleased with it and i'm jealous of all you lot being able to ride! I did pay top dollar for it though, i wouldnt' say i was ripped off but certainly didn't try to knock them down from the £3995 that they were asking. Live and learn eh. I saw it on bike trader and phoned them up and put a deposit down over the phone without even seeing it. I reckon i broke every rule i use when buying a car, i guess that's what happens when the heart rules! Still, i'm the third owner and it does only have 7.5k on the clock backed up by the MOT certs so i'm not too upset. I'm looking forward to writing about my first ride on it, i can assure you that every word will be an expletive!
All the best, Rob.
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Post by brakeline on Mar 9, 2011 20:23:41 GMT
nice lookin bike Robbs,
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Post by robbieb on May 19, 2011 23:41:15 GMT
Hi Chaps,
Sorry i've been a bit quiet these last few months! I failed my MOD 2 at the end of April because of (IMO) an instructor who took an instant dislike to me, he reminded me of the teacher out of grange hill, Bronson i think?!?. I personally thought he was one of these people who loved the Hi-viz jacket and the power that it brought and when i dislike someone it tends to show. We bsaically didn't hit it off, not that it should make a difference! His reasons for failing me were entering a roundabout to take the first exit without stopping. I slowed down, saw a car approaching but i was on and off the roundabout before the car had entered it. The examiner said i should of stopped, i thought if i had i would of failed for hesitation. Hey ho. Anyway, on a brighter note i retook my MOD 2 earlier today and passed!!!! i'm chuffed to bits and have just bought insurance and road tax online so will be taking her out for the first time tomorrow (today). No doubt there'll be a flood of questions as i get used to her.
All the best and hope everyone's doing ok and making the most of this unusually mild weather!
Rob.
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Post by Burchy on May 20, 2011 13:07:55 GMT
Just take it easy until you've done a few hundred miles. It might look docile, but will bite if you let it.
Congratulations on passing BTW
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Post by lightspeed on May 20, 2011 16:04:19 GMT
Congrats on getting clearance to ride! As said, take it easy until you get used to the weight, balance, power and brakes. Go over the bike and make sure all the bolts are snugged up (brake calipers, swingarm etc. You might also want to pump some grease into the swingarm grease nipple as Mama Kaw has been known to skimp a bit on the grease there. If you haven't ridden for a while it might be good to sign up for some rider training. Even us old riding farts tend to learn something from a refresher like that and it can give you a lot more confidence when you hit the road.
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Post by brakeline on May 20, 2011 19:30:46 GMT
congrats Rob (wot does that mean ) anyway get out there an ride, and jus enjoy.
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Post by robbieb on May 21, 2011 22:39:46 GMT
Bearing in mind i'm a novice and havent ever ridden a motorbike in anger, so have little to compare the ZRX to i still want to say i absolutely bloody love this bike, although it can get a little blowy on the motorway!!!
All its weight just disappears as soon as im on the go, obviously it's the same with any bike but this thing just seems to lose 100kgs. The handling is fantastic, and i find myself hardly using the brakes because of the immense engine braking. It's docile, easy to ride, comfortable, sexy, powerful when needed and handles like a much lighter bike.
I went to the local Spar to get a few tinnies and took the bike. I parked it outside as you do, walked in, got the beers and when i stepped outside the shop and walked towards the bike i just found myself muttering expletives under my breath, the thing is just perfect! Obviously my idea of riding it in anger only extends to opening the throttle about half way on a straight, clear piece of road. My lack of experience limits me to anything more so just humour me until i get a few more miles under my belt (up to 83 now haha) After riding those dreadful 500cc suzukis at the test center i had had no idea that this machine could be so confidence inspiring, this is one hell of an underrated beast.
She seems to like the petrol though!
Rant over.
Rob.
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Post by lightspeed on May 22, 2011 0:25:18 GMT
Mileage ranges from as low as 35 to as high as 45 or 50 mpg (which end of that scale entirely dependant on how far and quickly you twist your wrist). Most only get about 130 - 140 miles before the gauge goes into the red zone - then you have about 5L left (+/- 45 miles).
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Post by firmhand on May 22, 2011 8:39:05 GMT
Hi robbieb congrats on the test and as they all say take it easy for a bit mate way to easy to find yourself going into a corner to hot!!!!!!
As lightspeed said its always worth doing a bit of extra training, you'll be surprised what you can pick up from the older and wiser, i still go to a quiet piece of road near me and practise low speed figure of 8's and hard breaking (40/65mph) even now and i passed my test in the 80's.
Keep between the hedges and hope to meet you someday
cheers
Pete
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Post by robbieb on May 24, 2011 19:24:13 GMT
Hi Guys, thanks for the tips!
I've enquired about the "Bike Safe" course at the local training centre and was advised to get used to my bike first before doing any training couses. Totally fair enough, so agreed to come back and see them in a couple of months.
I've managed 35mpg so far, 11 Litres at 86 miles and some of that was on crappy petrol (sat in the tank at the dealership for god knows how long) Let's hope that improves!
Definately looking for some days out but really need to build my confidence first.
I'm loving the looks i get on that bike ;-)
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Post by kevrex on May 24, 2011 23:05:37 GMT
Hi rob and first congrats on you're pass you must feel on top of the world, Same from me take it easy and get out on the Rex as much as you can she is a great bike but as has been said can bite back, i have been riding for years and i have just done the bikesafe course myself and have to say it is well worth doing don't forget no matter how old or how long you've been riding you are always learning BTW welcome to the site great intro and interesting to read dont be afraid of the rex treat it with respect and it will look after you
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