Honda XBR 500cc 1987 Review

Overall Rating: 

Review My very first XBR was a fantastic bike. I was delighted by its handling and on full chat it made a great head turner by te sound out of ....Read More Want to read more reviews? Or want to write a review yourself? Visit www.ukbike.com

Kawasaki ZL, 600cc User Review

 

Overall Rating: 

Lovely handling bike - especially for something that looks like a cruiser. Low (very low) seat gives a low centre of gravity and makes it a doddle to chuck around. Although its got cruiser style, and lots of it, it is slim (not lardy) and has an upright (not "feet first") riding position so on the go it feels like a "normal" road bike. The engine pulls well but......Read More

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UKBike now on Facebook and YouTube

Just a quick post to say that UKBike can now be found elsewhere on t'internet - namely our very own Facebook page, and a dedicated YouTube channel.



Our YouTube channel is full of roadtest videos from the last year or so, and will soon be updated with new video content that we hope to share with you in the new year.



The Facebook page is full of photos from previous Brightona events and roadtests, as well as all of our video content. Join us as a fan today!

  

Get your free UKBike.com t-shirt before it's too late

Fancy winning an exclusive UKBike.com t-shirt free of charge? Simply post a bike review to UKBike.com between now and 31 October 2008, and we will pop a t-shirt in the post to you.

Claiming your t-shirt is easy. Post a review to UKBike.com, then send a short e-mail to tom@ukbike.com including:
- the e-mail address that you use to log in
- your full name
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- your preferred t-shirt size (L, XL and XXL available)

If you posted a bike review recently and would like to claim your t-shirt, please send these details to tom@ukbike.com.

Please note that the free t-shirt offer expires on 31 October. From 1 November we will be offering a prize for the best bike review of the month, stay tuned for more details. T&C's apply, UK residents only.

UKBike.com review of the week - BMW R65 650cc (1981)

UKBike.com user Judith posted this review of an '81 BMW R65 650cc...

"I am very familiar with this bike as I have owned mine for 25 years (since 1983). It is one of very few BMW models which are comfortable for a short person (I am 5'1") without modification, as the seat is relatively narrow as well as being a reasonable height. Sadly, although light for its size, the bike is still a bit too heavy for me to wheel about easily.

The weight is not a problem once it is moving, and I have really enjoyed riding it. The riding position is comfortable but it only scores 4 out of 5 because it has no windscreen or fairing.

I did not like the soft BMW front suspension but am happy with a thicker grade of fork oil.

Braking is OK but there is no ABS (possibly not yet invented in 1980). The original stainless front discs warped and I replaced them with cast iron discs. Unfortunately these rust, so the wheel tends to stick if parked in the wet. Nothing that can't be fixed with a well-aimed kick!

Mpg varies from about 70 on a long trip down to about 50 for local use. My engine has not (yet) been converted to run on unleaded petrol but seems OK with high octane unleaded and a lead substitute additive. Top speed is about 105mph, with good acceleration all the way up. More than adequate for British roads in my opinion.

The bike used to be very reliable but is not quite so good now it is getting older. It has not yet needed any big repairs and routine servicing is an easy DIY task. Some parts of the frame have rusted quite noticeably. Stainless steel exhausts have lasted a very long time, and the original push-rod tubes rusted away and have been replaced with stainless steel ones.

There have been one or two problems with the electrics due to corrosion and/or fatigue. The rear stop light switch tends to corrode very quickly, but lasts about 10 times longer if you dismantle it (carefully drill out the rivets) and pack it with grease. Spare parts are easy to obtain by mail order from specialist dealers, or from your local BMW bike dealer if you have one. The only thing I have been unable to get is an exact match for the paint.

Overall, this bike has served me very well for commuting and the occasional longer trip, but I don't use it regularly any more so have decided to sell. Hopefully it will go to someone who will give it the attention it deserves."

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Welcome one and all

Hello and welcome to the UKBike.com blog.

Our plan is to keep you up-to-date with what's happening in the world of motorbikes, including the latest news, reviews, event info, new models, and the thoughts of a wide range of UK-based bike fanatics.

We already have a few friends on board who will be sharing their views on bike models old and new, restoration, rider safety, event reports, and their travels. We are looking for more contributors though - if you have a passion for bikes, and would like to write the odd article for publication here, or even if you have your own blog that you're happy to syndicate with us, then please get in touch at tom@ukbike.com.

Hopefully this blog will become a place for discussion and debate, so feel free to share your thoughts by commenting on the posts. Keep checking back for new stuff, sign up as a Follower or do whatever you feel like with the RSS feed...

Bike safe!
The UKBike.com team

Kawasaki ZX 800cc Apr '02 review

Spotted this review by JoJo on UKB...

Having owned a Bandit 250 for 2 years (and a CZ before that), I felt it was time for an upgrade. I'd ridden other larger bikes but there was something about the Ninja that appealed. Now I own it and I have to say it really is perfect for me. Almost. The handling is solid as a rock. The bike is so easy to control - if you want to ride slowly, it's easy. If you want to go fast... it's even easier.

Bottom end and mid range power is surprisingly strong, but the bike is an absolute blast 7k upwards. The power, coupled with the induction roar makes me smile everytime. Weight is barely more than my old 250, and the handling seems even quicker in the turn in. And it looks the nuts too.

Strengths: Performance, looks, parts availability, fuel economy.
Weaknesses: Some corrosion in annoying places, yellow Ninja decals on blue paintscheme.