I owned some classic 2 strokes and finding parts for them was a bit of a pain - power was fun then very on/ off.

 

I did try a 390 duke but it was just to small for me - seemed like a good bike though.

 

Now I am getting 'more mature' I would like a 300cc fuel injected modern bike. smooth power, get it serviced locally, easier life.

 

As I sold my lightly used biking gear I decided to get 2nd hand kevlar jeans and a nice sturdy fabric jacket, keep the cost down. Now insurance!!!

 

Being a light weight will give me some motivation to keep my weight down.

 

My day was 44bhp from a yam rd400 so the z300 puts out more power which is v good for a 4 stroke - you could almost double that for a 'stinker'.

2 hours ago, john2017 said:

you think that anti-drop software would be a must, well they can do anti wheelie etc etc.

 

Honda, the power of dreams

 

 

Wonder how does that work or is it an illusion

Kind of takes the enjoyment out of it. Also notice how long it is, that won't be any fun in the bends.

13 minutes ago, CWARD said:

Kind of takes the enjoyment out of it. Also notice how long it is, that won't be any fun in the bends.

Quite an engineering feat though.

 

The duke 390 is supposed to be a bit 'flighty' in the bends, something to do with either short wheelbase or front fork steering rake angle.

 

It’s good when Honda let their engineers get creative. The robot is great and when you see the way they keep evolving it you can’t help but be amazed. 

 

My bike is in for MOT tomorrow so I might take the 390 Duke out for a spin. The 1290 is more tempting but when it’s this cold probably a handful. If I take the 390 I’ll let you know what I think. 

1 hour ago, CWARD said:

It’s good when Honda let their engineers get creative. The robot is great and when you see the way they keep evolving it you can’t help but be amazed. 

 

My bike is in for MOT tomorrow so I might take the 390 Duke out for a spin. The 1290 is more tempting but when it’s this cold probably a handful. If I take the 390 I’ll let you know what I think. 

I am a follower of the missendon flyer's youtube channel - interesting guy. He has several reviews of the 1290 duke - for example:

 

 

 

 

 

be interested to hear your thoughts on the 390

I’ve been watching a few of his reviews after he was linked on another thread, I think by yourself. I like his straight forward style, a bit like Chris Moss. Only problem is there is just too much temptation. M&P are doing pre reg SuperDuke GT’s with a £5000 reduction, being good is hard work at the moment 

Totally agree regarding temptation - I am buying a new kitchen including all units, over, floor, 2 piece settee for the wife - if I have anything left, which I will, then z300 is on the way.

 

Have to decide if I wait till May when my 5 years is up on 3 points (still will have points remaining) - might not get a discount then.

 

Got some insurance quotes and the mt-03 is almost twice the price of the z300 which really surprises me.

Edited 24 November, 20178 yr by Guest
add info

Did the show today with my lad.

 

Rather disappointed with the H2SX as I'd hoped the riding position would be the same as the Z1000SX but it's a lot more leant forward. Not as much as the H2 but still too far for me. Pity.

 

Lots of shiny stuff there but nothing that screamed "buy me!" other than perhaps the Ariel Nomad and that's a car.

 

As I was there with the lad (who hasn't got his A2 licence yet) I was impressed that the Indian Scout, in both 1000cc and 1200cc forms, was available with an A2 map. They reckoned about 5 mins to swap maps over at the dealership.

 

The three-wheeled Yamaha MT-09 Niken looked amazing and I'd like to give it a try, though it does look like a lot could go wrong

No MOT or test rides today, the roads are covered in black ice 

Edited 25 November, 20178 yr by CWARD

On 24/11/2017 at 20:41, Gyp said:

Did the show today with my lad.

 

Rather disappointed with the H2SX as I'd hoped the riding position would be the same as the Z1000SX but it's a lot more leant forward. Not as much as the H2 but still too far for me. Pity.

 

Lots of shiny stuff there but nothing that screamed "buy me!" other than perhaps the Ariel Nomad and that's a car.

 

As I was there with the lad (who hasn't got his A2 licence yet) I was impressed that the Indian Scout, in both 1000cc and 1200cc forms, was available with an A2 map. They reckoned about 5 mins to swap maps over at the dealership.

 

The three-wheeled Yamaha MT-09 Niken looked amazing and I'd like to give it a try, though it does look like a lot could go wrong

 

I quite fancy a go on that niken thing too. 

 

Id imagine theres loads of front end grip. Could properly chuck it in the bends. 

 

apparently its got something different engine wise so it accelerates at the same pace as the 09/Tracer etc. 

On 25/11/2017 at 09:22, CWARD said:

No MOT or test rides today, the roads are covered in black ice 

 

Bummer. 

 

Not really much fun in those conditions anyway eh. Maybe another day...

2 minutes ago, fabiamk2SE said:

 

I quite fancy a go on that niken thing too. 

 

Id imagine theres loads of front end grip. Could properly chuck it in the bends. 

 

apparently its got something different engine wise so it accelerates at the same pace as the 09/Tracer etc. 

 

I reckon wheelies could be a bit tricky though

32 minutes ago, fabiamk2SE said:

 

Bummer. 

 

Not really much fun in those conditions anyway eh. Maybe another day...

 

Booked in for next Saturday now so hopefully better weather

35 minutes ago, fabiamk2SE said:

 

I quite fancy a go on that niken thing too. 

 

Id imagine theres loads of front end grip. Could properly chuck it in the bends. 

 

apparently its got something different engine wise so it accelerates at the same pace as the 09/Tracer etc. 

 

My wife had been looking at the Piaggio three wheel scooter but thought she wouldn’t be taken seriously. 

1 hour ago, Gyp said:

 

I reckon wheelies could be a bit tricky though

 

Yeah you’re not wrong there. No chance that fronts moving off the deck is there  

25 minutes ago, CWARD said:

 

My wife had been looking at the Piaggio three wheel scooter but thought she wouldn’t be taken seriously. 

 

My mate had one similar. It was a 300 i think. 

 

He loved it. Pestering big bikes on roads like the cat and fiddle (with the average cameras) because of all the front end grip. 

 

Hes abit nuts though.. 

Barking.........

 

 

On 24/11/2017 at 16:13, john2017 said:

Quite an engineering feat though.

 

The duke 390 is supposed to be a bit 'flighty' in the bends, something to do with either short wheelbase or front fork steering rake angle.

 

 

If you're still interested Premier Bikes are doing some big discounts

http://www.premierbikes.com/promotions/premier-bikes-current-offers/duke-390-prereg

3 hours ago, CWARD said:

 

If you're still interested Premier Bikes are doing some big discounts

http://www.premierbikes.com/promotions/premier-bikes-current-offers/duke-390-prereg

Hi, I sat on a duke 390 and it didn't fit me, my legs bashed into the tank 'cowling' - what a bargain though!

11 hours ago, john2017 said:

Hi, I sat on a duke 390 and it didn't fit me, my legs bashed into the tank 'cowling' - what a bargain though!

 

The Duke 390 is a bit diddy.  One of reason I went for the R3 it is more comfy for the 6 footers plus (and the R3 is faster)......

 

Bring on the Duke in the WSP 300 racing next year (bikes up to 500 cc welcome).

 

 

 

 

Edited 2 December, 20178 yr by lol-lol