50th anniversary Cafe Racer

BPHORSEGUY said:
Nigel I know you are the kind of guy who plans and makes lists. One thing we all have to do is adjust or have professionally adjusted the Ohlins suspension. At the minimum you must set static sag and dynamic sag. With the stock settings you will have very good suspension, Iwilson and others will agree with me that with some professional tuning you will have amazing suspension! It is the adjustability that gives Ohlins its deserved reputation!
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Lists, me? OK then, occasionally perhaps....!

Anyway, I here ya and will definitely take your advice regarding getting the suspension set up proffesionally. I’ve got a couple of choices near-ish to me.

BTW, it’s not just the adjustability that gives Ohlins it’s name, there are many other cheaper nastier brands that also have adjustment. Ohlins, like K-Tech and a handful of others, have fundamentally better function and better quality components.
 
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Fast Eddie said:
Lists, me? OK then, occasionally perhaps....!

Anyway, I here ya and will definitely take your advice regarding getting the suspension set up proffesionally. I’ve got a couple of choices near-ish to me.

BTW, it’s not just the adjustability that gives Ohlins it’s name, there are ma y others cheaper nastier brands that also have adjustment. Ohlins, like K-Tech and a ha drill of others, is has fundamentally better function and better quality components.
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I agree 100% that the components are top notch and that is a huge part of the equation, but the pros that I deal with also say that the adjustments do exactly what they are supposed to do unlike some other "fully adjustable" brands!
 
BPHORSEGUY said:
I agree 100% that the components are top notch and that is a huge part of the equation, but the pros that I deal with also say that the adjustments do exactly what they are supposed to do unlike some other "fully adjustable" brands!
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A lot of comments on other sites about the cost of these bikes, but they seem to not realize what we are paying for, like roughly 7 grand in premium brakes and suspension.
 
Cost and value are utterly subjective topics.

If you compare a 961 on performance, there are dozens of faster / cheaper options, mainly from Japan.

If you compare a 961 to other retro’s on cost, Enfield win hands down, and Triumph also.

But we live in a world of £20k off road ‘adventure bikes’ and £30k tourers and over £30k bobbers and ‘specials’. There are many bikes around from the likes of BMW and Ducati that are bang in the middle of the Norton price range.

If you think they’re too expensive for your needs, you’re probably right.

If you think they’re priced right for what you want, you’re probably right!
 
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My order confirmation has arrived which includes the VIN..... my dream is turning into reality :) Sorry guys and gals but you are going to have to put up with my excitement for a few more weeks still!
 
MxMartin said:
My order confirmation has arrived which includes the VIN..... my dream is turning into reality :) Sorry guys and gals but you are going to have to put up with my excitement for a few more weeks still!
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Congrats!.... I only waited 2 1/2 years for mine!
 
Enfield wins hands down, Nigel? Hows that? Maybe in India and the UK, but I've heard some horror stories here in New York. Very fashionable amongst the hipsters. The Endfields are dropping parts all over Brooklyn and its taking eons to get said dropped parts. As far as aesthetics, I'll give it to RE. As far as quality, its not that high on the list. Its a neat little bike with a neat little price tag for first time bikers. A glorified moped. However......that may change in the line up. Time will tell. Triumph retros IMHO are vanilla....fun bang for the buck...worth every penny...the triples, tourers and racers are excellent buys.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Cost and value are utterly subjective topics.

If you compare a 961 on performance, there are dozens of faster / cheaper options, mainly from Japan.

If you compare a 961 to other retro’s, Enfield win hands down, and Triumph also.



If you think they’re too expensive for your needs, you’re probably right.

If you think they’re priced right for what you want, you’re probably right!
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I do love my Custom Triumph BOBBER, couldn't get rid of my Thrux R fast enough! Royal Enfield? just a beginner bike as Curtis says or a novelty bike, certainly doesn't win anything!
 
Britfan60 said:
Enfield wins hands down, Nigel? Hows that? Maybe in India and the UK, but I've heard some horror stories here in New York. Very fashionable amongst the hipsters. The Endfields are dropping parts all over Brooklyn and its taking eons to get said dropped parts. As far as aesthetics, I'll give it to RE. As far as quality, its not that high on the list. Its a neat little bike with a neat little price tag for first time bikers. A glorified moped. However......that may change in the line up. Time will tell. Triumph retros IMHO are vanilla....fun bang for the buck...worth every penny...the triples, tourers and racers are excellent buys.
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Exactly... “dropping parts all over the place”... very authentic ‘retro’ experience!

Actually, I meant to say the Enfield wins if you compare it on COST (have now amended the post) because in all other respects. I fully agree with you!
 
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Fast Eddie said:
Why’s that?

Most folk seem to love ‘em.
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Please. Do tell. I really thought you enjoyed that bike. I'm with Richard7, I want to test ride the Bobber. I saw a few at the beach and along with your review of the handling, seem like a fun ride. I really do just want a proper two upper though. Probably going to go with a Fat Boy or a Road Glide and join the retirees in subdued riding. sigh
 
Hello BPHorseguy , I wonder too. I rode the 2017 T120 Bonnie and thought it was very smooth and nice . Very good torque and enough power. Was it riding position then ? Hard to believe that you didn't like the engine..
 
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Britfan60 said:
Please. Do tell. I really thought you enjoyed that bike. I'm with Richard7, I want to test ride the Bobber. I saw a few at the beach and along with your review of the handling, seem like a fun ride. I really do just want a proper two upper though. Probably going to go with a Fat Boy or a Road Glide and join the retirees in subdued riding. sigh
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You might wanna check out the 2018 Triumph Speedmaster. Based on the Bobber, but with a ‘normal’ mudguard and pillion seat arrangement.
 
BPHORSEGUY said:
... couldn't get rid of my Thrux R fast enough!
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Why? Were you one of the unlucky ones to have a lemon? I love mine, I still can't quite get over that it is a big twin!

I had a call today from Norton telling me my cafe is in 'build' and they would appreciate payment of the balance.... Clem says that build takes a week or so!!! I could be bringing her home before xmas :)
 
Since it seems at least temporarily OK to discuss the Thrux R here-
11,000 kms first season.
Best bike I've ever owned or ridden. Had quite a few in 50 years. There are 12 in the garage at the moment.
 
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