1 bike less, two cylinders more!

[Dogbad]

I realised I was in the brown stuff fiscally a week or two ago and couldn't afford to even look at doing the things I wanted to do with the XBR 500.  The KLR 650 was a good bike but a bit raw for me.  
I call in at the Local Bike dealers for a chat regularly, we know each other to just talk in general, and I saw he had got in a '54 plated Suzuki Bandit 600.  It is the cleanest example I have ever seen of a 6 year old bike and I gave it a quick appreciating glance.  Dave, bloke at the shop, is a Good salesman and is never "Off Duty" and he spotted me looking at it and dived in quick with an offer that I couldn't refuse!
I now have the 600 Bandit and the XBR and KLR are both awae!.
I have to say I like the 550 to 750 size bikes, because they fit me Physically as a Fat Dwarf. I also like the fact that I can ride them without feeling the need to pose or race
So I now have that and the "Final Thumper". Honda SLR 650 twin port single and I love the way it rides so I am now the proverbial "Happy Little Fatty"
On the subject of the SLR 650 does anybody know where I could find some sort of workshop manual as I can't find that model anywhere on t' web!

[el vencejo]

Hi, I have a paper workshop manual for the SLR, could scan and E the pages you need.

Now that "the season" is over, I can finish the wiring. My SLR now has ZXR400 rear suspension and CBR600f fork internals, changed the VFR clipons for CBR600's.... thinking about using the CBR sliders to bring the axle back another 40mm   ?

[Dogbad]

Thanks for the offer but I actually got a link to a full download from a different forum! and it's all there.

What are you looking at, end product wise, with the SLR changes?

[el vencejo]

It's on the Project page somewhere but:
17" wheels with supermoto tyres.
Cut down flat-track single seat. Battery mounted on top of shock.
Tank from a 1981 XL500S.Electrics relocated beneath.
All plastics gone including airbox etc.
Legal minimum E marked lights, mirror etc.
Rear subframe chopped.
Footrest hangers chopped to minimum. Spare set having footrests mounted 4cms up and back.
Heavy silencers dumped, replaced by lighter small ones from Gazelle.
Road suspension: ZXR400 rear shock. CBR600f front fork internals in SLR tubes, forks lifted 7cms through stripped down yokes, clip-ons mounted above the yokes (nice bit of up-down adjustment available to suit dodgy spine). Thinking of using CBR600 sliders to shorten wheelbase, reduce trail.
Instruments replaced with little digital thingy.
RamAir foam filter, carb rejetted.
All steel painted gloss black, all aluminium and stainless stripped and polished (engine covers to be polished next), all unwanted brackets etc. removed.
Lost over 35kgs so far, trying hard to get it under 140kgs. 
Its sort of a tarmac-hillclimber lowered-supermoto café racing streetfighter....
I'm not looking for a particular style, its just evolved into a machine for me to play on the mountain roads up here. If it looks pretty, then that's a bonus 

[Dogbad]

Bringing this topic back up for advice!

The Bandit 600 is a beautiful bike in mint condition with 7800 miles and a service history.
It is Not me and I regret losing the Thumpers for it, stands me at £2700-00.  I spoke to the dealer about reversing the deal and he shipped my XBR 500 down to London a day or so back so that isn't an option for me. Looking at a few other possibilities with him but don't hold out much hope of getting what I want.
QUESTION !/.  Do I try and sell it as is on the internet, take as low as £2,500-00 for it and use the wonga raised to get what I really want?
Question 2/.  Do I offer it up for swaps, take a px etc and look for a good Thumper or two at the same value?

I still have the SLR 650 and love it but miss the others and feel annoyed with myself for letting them go.

Anybody on here any interest in a deal of some sort?

Advice would be welcomed, Ta

[guest868]

Honestly? You seem to change bikes faster than my girlfriend changes handbags. Sit on it until Spring and you'll get more for it. It'll also give you time to work out what you really want. 

[squirrelciv]

Wise words Shedbrewed Ditto what he said

[Dogbad]

You're right I'm sure.  I did another bezz on it this evening and I do actually like it for what it is as opposed to not liking it for what it isn't!
Tax runs out in 20 minutes or so and I think I'll sit on my hands until I get my head round it all.

Thanks