After looking at Aprilia forums on-line, this forum stands out as being really good (steering clear of Facebutt is the answer) and relevant - as well as entertaining. I still am getting another bike when I get motorycling, but going green with an electric bike doesn't work for me. There is mind-blowing expense and some argument over the materials we will end up mining (like lithium) and wrecking the world in a different way. My contribution to going green will be to not buy a brand new bike. I will go second-hand. It may be Aprilia, or BMW (unlikely), but more importantly I've decided to put my annoyance with Ducati aside and it could be something like this! £6k from Riders of Bridgwater Just sent off my NINTH letter to DVLA about the lack of progress in getting a driving license back. I no longer care about upsetting them as they don't care, anyway. One point was that they must be loving the pandemic as it give a brilliant excuse for giving crap service. This got me thinking. Who else must be loving the pandemic for excusing crap service? My vote is the DVLA. The DHSS as well, but they are excused as they pay me anyway!!!
Our forum is as good as the sum of its members A good used Ducati is a great choice DVLA is run by Pretty Vacant so what do you expect? Now where are you on your bike ride?
All true. The BMW thing was started by a mate who reckons on shaft drive and now runs a rubber band job. But from what I can see, BMW have pretty much gone back to chain drive themselves and so anything else couldn't be that great as BMW themselves now don't think so. I am a year off (roughly) getting something (and my driving license back). Aa I am getting better at standing then I'll concentrate on finishing the desmo valve checks on my Ducatis that will take me a while anyway but there is no rush. With the ST3 that is not on the workshop stand I plan to start practising getting it on an off the centre-stand and wheeling it on to the drive. I've got a new battery to fit and then I can try starting it although I am debating whether to take off the fairing lowers to remove the plugs and inject in some oil and then just spin on the started a few times before actually starting it. A few months ago, I was reluctant to move it about without a mate to help. I dislocated both my shoulders in the accident and they didn't feel that strong. Now, with all the exercises that I do, I think that I am strong enough. And with the lockdown stopping people from visiting, I have to become more self reliant.
So your shoulders and legs are starting to really come back with more strength - Perry thats great news! These damned bikes do seem to get heavier every year especially just after a winter of lazing on the couch. Maybe I should get one of these exercise bike machines like yours. I had to go into town yesterday to drop something off and as it was sunny and I would never be out of eyesight of the bike, I took my little Suzuki. Effortless to ride and still doing 70mph on the dual carriageway. I'd imagine a kick starter wouldn't work for you, but a light offroader with a push button start might get you back into things cheaply and easily? You mentioned it will be another year until you get your licence back from DVLA. At least they have finally replied! Can I ask what the reason for the additional year off riding is?
Warrington Borough Council springs to mind, I've been trying to buy the freehold on my parents house since September last year, after numerous excuses regarding Covid it's taken raising an official complaint they've suddenly woken up.
No, a year is just my guess. After playing the Pandemic dance, I am supposed to do a driving assessment in Bristol. The centre is shut with months of backlog to clear. I can't get a straight answer from DVLA on whether if I do car assessment, there will be any more tricks up their sleeve to stop me riding bikes. They really, really do not want to give me my licence hack. This all started because I informed them that I had a brain bleed in the accident. The lesson learnt is to never ever inform DVLA of anything. They do not give you credit for being honest. From now on, I will lie to them,or just not tell them anything.
I plan to get an electric bicycle for local exploring soon. At least the DVLA barstewards can't stop that!!!
You cannot make this up. Today, I get a letter from The Driving Centre.... Though, as you were, for I just read the letter again. It does conform that they are not testing but to return the form so that I get in the queue when they do restart. I just prefer going off in a rant. I must grew up! Nearly 60 and so tempted just to do a massive wheelspin and shit up the examiner when I do the assessment but no, Grow Up!
And let us see if I can not change my mind! Next bike will be an Aprilia or a Ducati. It will be second-hand at around 6k. I will confirm in a week's time that I have not changed my mind. I was looking dealer only (mainly Frasers, Fowlers, or Riders of Bristol or Bridgewater. As I am not part-exing anything or buying new, I can widen the search to private, as well as dealers. There is stuff in this forum that interests, but as I am not in a position to buy right now, I have not wasted anyone's time. Buying Aprilia or Ducati is the easiest option for me. And I need to get rid of the electric buggy, as I lack room in the garage. Seriously, if anyone wants an electric wheelchair, then it is free to collector. My brother fitted a new battery (at vast expense) just before I started with it. The rehab scheme paid my brother for the battery. Originally, it was my sister-in-law's Mother's. She went in a home and stopped using it.
Fast, easy maintenance, pretty loaded extras, am told very comfy (not had one but may be next touring bike), shaft drive, and for a BMW don't look too horrific! Think discerning hyabusa....but able to do long miles on
Ah, I thought that you did have one. I'll have a root about in my search on Autotrader plus I might go and have a nose in Lovett's when I get riding and there is a BMW place in Chelts that I will visit. I'm not really looking for a tourer though as I already have two Ducati tourers, bur more a fun bike for messing about on - with wheelie potential.
