This time I have bought an SLR650

[Smithy]

Well I didn't let my recent encounter with a crappy eBay seller put me off and have bought a '99 Honda SLR 650. This time I have spoken to the seller, who seems very nice and all is on for me to head to Huddersfield on Sunday to collect it.

This will keep me thumpering as it has an electric start which my SR400 lacks and which is now too painful to start due to my rubbish right knee. I love my BMW R1100 but it just doesn't have that thumper vibe.

Ian

[timbo]

Excellent, welcome to the SLR/Vigor club 

[iansoady]

Indeed. There are a few weak points but I really like mine (same year as yours). I think they're really underpriced for what they are which is good if you're buying - less so if selling.

It's worth looking on the XRV forums page for Dominators etc (http://www.xrv.org.uk/forums/dominator-fmx/) as there's some excellent stuff there. One common issue (I had it with mine) is the slide lifter in the carb - the shaft seizes in the body giving a huge flat spot just off idle as the slide doesn't drop down completely. You'll probably also find the idle screw head is chewed up and the screw seized in the carb body - I had to make a drill guide and drill mine out.

[Smithy]

Thanks for the welcome chaps. And thanks for the tip Ian it's always good to get inside info from owners who have experience. I will give the bike a good look over when I get it home.

I'm really looking forward to riding the lanes of Derbyshire on a big single with even more torque than my SR400.

[guest1247]

A good choice.... one of those often under rated, ( because they were overlooked ), machines.... Forget the fact that they "only" had a whisker under 40 hp.... you will soon find it has plenty of torque and power to put a smile on your face without guzzling fuel, stretching chains, and shredding tyres.... I will also wager that you soon appreciate the upright riding position.... My FX 650 Vigor, ( same machine really ), provided sterling service.... mostly on 200 mile outings around the Trough of Bowland.... I am sure you will love it, let us know how you get on Ian..... Regards, Tony

[Smithy]

Thanks Tony. I rode the bike home from Huddersfield to Nottingham yesterday in pouring rain, but loved every minute. It's like someone put my SR400 on steroids! First impressions are very good.

The previous owner was a good guy and has looked after the bike well. Ian, there's no flat spot and the idle screw isn't chewed so I guess I'm lucky, but I shall keep an eye on it anyway.

There's a few things to do on the bike, but hey it's 16 years old.

Ian

[timbo]

Sorry to bore everyone, as I've mentioned this a few times. Beware the mono Shock! What I mean is, if you get a chance, strip out the back end and check all the shock linkage bearings and rollers, as these are nearly always neglected 
If your shock blows, a cheap fix is one off an SV 650. Much cheaper and more readily available. I paid £35. However, if you plan to hold on to the bike, a new Hagon one will be £300 plus.

[Smithy]

THanks Timbo I will add that to my list of garage time activities.

[xbr500f]

Good luck with the new purchase. I'll be interested to hear how you get on with it.

[Smithy]

Well up to now my impressions are very good. Torque aplenty, more than enough power to handle modern traffic, economical to run and well built. I fitted new front brake pads yesterday and despite the bike obviously having been used in all weathers everything came apart easily and the pistons were lovely and free. Sadly this has not been the case with Kawasakis and Yamahas I've had in the past. For a 16 year old bike the finish and quality are both really good.

So first impressions are great and if this keeps up my BMW might find itself surplus to requirements!

Ian