Little bit of a keffufle this morning, called up to inform them I'd be on my way today, turned out they'd moved the bike to their secure warehouse (even though it hadn't been there the last time I'd gone in, 6 weeks after I'd placed the deposit.) A short discussion with the dealer, and he promised to do his level best to get it in that day. Half hour later I was informed the bike ould be ready and waiting at 2:30 pm. Wonderful Second hiccup when I went to buy my insurence online, the insurnce system errored. Called up, the operator mentioned they'd been having some issues, promised I'd still get the 25% online discount, insurence purchased. Thankfully that was the last hiccup! At 3 pm I rode out, complete with a brand new (and free) P plate on the back (handy because I'd forgotten mine :S) I have missed that feeling. SO MUCH. Took 10 km around the back streets of footscray getting to know the bike, and get just that little bit of release of the tires. Then embarked in my round-about freeway avoiding journey back home. 2 hours later, and aside from slightly sore shoulders (from the backpack containing the pillion helmet I also got free... never liked that one but the only one big enough to hold the helmet) I LOVED That ride. The bike was smooth and responsive (though I noticed a VERY slight grating sound at higher speeds which I think I've narrowed down to the brake callipers on the front draging slightly- tomorrow morning when it's light I'll have another look), light, but stayed centered in heavy gusts. After about 15 minutes the feel of the single cylander became unnoticable, ad the seat is insanely comfortable. Feels like I could ride all day on that bike. One annoying point: It seems that chaning the oil, at least for the first time, could invalidate the warrenty, and this coupled with the closest and most recommended approved service center is in brunswick (A 40 km ride for me, minimum), irks me slightly. Hopefully this will prove not to be the case, but we'll have to see. Sorry about the crappy pic, but it's overcast, getting dark and it was only with my phone :S So good to be riding again!
good stuff Al congarts on your new ride, everyone I have talked to who owns a VJF250 is super happy with it. Can you get some better pics in daylight , I havent seen that colour scheme before, looks smoking hot :Thumbs_up: Cheers Chris
Here's a pic of the bike in daylight hours Sorry about the camera shake :S Girlfriend wasn't leaving me alone, seems to think the bike's a replacement
Thanks nat! Ticked over the 100km mark today. And then the 200km mark earlier tonight. Oh, if people are looking for good advice to wear in a new engine (especially in varying the rpm and shifting lots), go ride in a city with 3 road closures, 2 accidents and a lot of confused drivers. Start change up change down change up up down up down down stop up down stop up up down down stop start... you get the idea. Also helps if you get very lost (like I did) and wind up doing this for close to an hour.
Hey Artemis Very carefull observation suggest that getting lost on the new machine was of little concern. Riding the Daelim was high on the agenda, with good reason. Glad your enjoying your new bike mate. Take care Phil
Oh you're absoloutly right. Hence the handy tip! I'm a little embaressed at getting lost in my own city so easily but, I wound up paying an early visit to my father, so it worked out very well The freezing cold on the way home was not so much fun. mental note: Clean visor. Get new neck snuggy. Definatly get new neck snuggy.
First service today, 250 bucks and a clean bill of health later, nice to not have to watch the rpm anymore Took the bike out onto the highway, and a thought: Potentially not a good bike for a female if you do highway speeds. Could get VERY distracting. Oh, pic in the sig is one my sister took of me yesterday. She's great with a camera + photoshop!
I've been a bit curious about these, How does the single cylinder go for power? They certainly have the looks,
Gets up to speed quick enough for my tastes, holds highway speeds easily, if a bit buzzy (that I am told will die down after 1000km or so), and I live in the dandenong ranges so it gets pleanty of time up and down hills- no complaints there. At the end of the day though, it IS still a 250. If you want raw amazing power, buy a turbocharged Hyobusa. Official specs I think put it at 21.3 HP, and the single makes it pretty toquey. first fuel-up puts consumption at 3.5 L/100km.
It opens up and changes dramatically at 1000k, well that was my experience. Up till then it was very tight/buzzy, my case everything settled down after that.
Yeah my bike hit the 1000k mark yesterday, and I have to say the feel has changed dramatically! A lot smoother, much less vibration, and more pull! Cannot wait for the weather to clear up so I can take it back out on a highway for a bit!
I've done 18,000k's on mine and it's still going strong, and my, does it recieve a flogging... Plenty of power. To keep myself interested I might buy the Screaming Demon exhaust to open it up somewhat. Artemis your black colour scheme looks VERY nice. They are a bit of a bargain really, especially if you could grab one secondhand.
