MOTORBIKES - MY OTHER LIFE!
Including : SUZUKI GSF1200 BANDIT & GSX600F ROAD TESTS, WALES - A BIKERS' PARADISE & THE GOOD CAFE GUIDE
This page was updated 28/6/01
1999 SUZUKI GSX600F - The former love of my life.Now I belong to another!(Scroll down for road tests)
I have been riding bikes for over 35 years, a passion sparked off by being brought up in the wide open spaces of Zimbabwe (Rhodesia). My childhood hero was the great Rhodesian road racer Jim Redman, six time world champion, multiple T.T. winner and Honda works rider. He would visit Rhodesia once a year with his factory bikes - including the legendary six cylinder 250 - and race against the locals on their Manx Nortons, Matchless G50s, AJSs etc. The extraordinary howl of that six cylinder marvel made me a Japanese bike fan. Apart from a Norton 600SS and a 650 Triumph Tiger all my bikes have been Japanese - mainly Hondas.
SOME OF MY FAVOURITE BIKES
I have spent a small fortune on bikes over the years and owned some 20 machines :-
The best have been my 1973 Honda 250 K4, 1976 Honda 550 - 4, 1999 Suzuki GSX600F and my current Suzuki GSF1200S Bandit.
The worst was my 1997 Suzuki GS500E.
USEFUL STUFF (! ?)
SUZUKI GSX600F - ROAD TEST
I bought the GSX because after much thought and several test rides on a wide variety of machines, I am sure that this is the best bike (though not the most fashionable) in its class and that it was the most suitable bike for me - I was looking for good two-up capability, reliability and decent performance.
Choosing a bike is an emotional and very subjective thing. I tried several other machines : The Yamaha Fazer was very good indeed, but doesn't look or feel as substantial - a little more lively yes, but less well built. The Suzuki Bandit is essentially the same but not fully faired and the motor has less torque. The Yamaha Diversion and Honda Deauville were too boring (even for me!). The excellent Suzuki SV650 and Honda Hornet were both too small and toy like. The out and out sports bikes were similarly too small, less comfortable and much more expensive to buy and run, with little, real world, performance advantage. The Kawasaki ZZR 600 is a lovely machine but there is no dealership near to where I live. The Yamaha Thundercat also seems to be very good alternative, but is considerably more expensive.
RIDING IMPRESSIONS
Mileage when sold - 12,500 - nicely run in.
Problems - 1 bulb, 1 fuse.
Tyres (Michelin Macadams - brilliant!) - Front replaced at 8500 miles
Rear replaced due to a puncture at 4000 and replaced again at 11250 miles.
Fuel consumption - 53 mpg (highest - 59mpg, lowest - 49mpg)
Oil consumption - Nil
Build Quality - Excellent, after a salty and wet Welsh winter and some t.l.c.it still looks like new.
Looks - I love the look of it. Many (fashion victims?) think it's 'orrible.
Performance:
Engine - The GSX600F is a very rounded machine. It accelerates briskly without the need to rev the engine much beyond 6,500 rpm, it redlines at 11,000 rpm. Its very even spread of torque allows top gear work from as low as 2,500 rpm. It pulls smoothly from here and strongly from 4,000 rpm.(solo and two up). There are no flat-spots. 5,500 = 70 mph, 7,750 = 100 mph, in top gear. It will cruise comfortably at well over the legal limit and fastish overtaking is easy. I would imagine that 120 mph is comfortably available sitting upright, which for me (and most sane people), is plenty fast enough.
Gearbox - This is very average. It rewards skill with smooth changes, but can be a bit clunky if it is rushed. I have only engaged a false neutral once.
Comfort - "Horses for Courses." I find it very good, but some longer legged folk may find their legs a bit cramped. I am 5'10". Compared to a sports bike it is an armchair, compared to an armchair it is a sports bike. The screen is a bit too low.
Handling - Very stable in any conditions. It is no R1 or GSXR, but it can be hustled along without drama.
Brakes - Good but not amazing. They need a firm squeeze, which may be a good thing on our often slippery roads.
Lights - Fantastic.
Extras - Front mudguard extender was money well spent. A full set of excellent Givi hard luggage makes the bike a very practical tool and does not spoil the handling or stability.
Conclusion - The GSX600F is a fine, well built, reliable, simple (for this day and age) and ever so slightly sporty machine. Fast enough to get you out of trouble, but not so fast as to put you into trouble. It is an excellent touring bike with a good pillion seat and will do me fine until I can justify buying the £3000 more expensive Honda VFR. I want it but do I NEED it?!
SuperBike magazine was extremely rude ( and also rather funny) about the GSX600F in their July 2000 issue.
SUZUKI GSF1200S KI (BANDIT)
(Half Faired Model)
Last July I walked into David Jones Motorcycles in Newtown (Powys) and there it was the first new model 1200 Bandit I had seen. It was love at first sight. I bought it there and then. I really think that I have found the bike of my dreams and have had no feelings of lust towards any other bike since.
In my opinion this bike is the best all round motorcycle on the road today. It is fast, comfortable, stable, can carry pillions and luggage (Givi Boxes from my GSX 600) vast distances without any stress to rider on machine.
Mileage - 7,500.
Problems - None.
Consumption - 45 mpg, give or take a mile or two.
Tyres - The excellent Michelin Macadams. Rear replaced at 6000 miles, front at 7,500 miles.
Oil Consumption - A bit to begin with, but now the engine is run in : Nil.
Build Quality - After its first Welsh Winter (very wet), it is literally as good as new, with a little help from "Protect And Ride" an excellent heavy duty wax preparation.
Looks - I love it, much better than the old model in my opinion.
Performance:
Engine - One of the great engines! Fast or slow as you want. It can comfortably stay with virtually any other bike on the road. I have no idea how fast it will go, but I imagine 150 mph on the clock would be easily reached. It redlines at 11,000 rpm and 70 equates to 4,000 rpm, which says it all really.
Gearbox - fantastic.
Handling - Safe and predictable. This is no sports bike, but it is very easy to ride fast. NB This bike apparently wheelies with ease, but I have had no problems.
Brakes - 6 pot calipers are very, very good and progressive.
Comfort - 9 out of 10. The sharp looking half fairing is very good, but the screen could do with being a few cms. higher.
Extras - Front mudguard extender helps to keep the engine clean, rear hugger keeps the worst of the muck off the rear suspension and linkages, Baglux tank cover does what it says on the box and the Givi luggage and rack are brilliant.
Conclusion - This bike is just fantastic. In 7,500 miles I have yet to find anything that I can criticise. I am sure that it is a better all round package than even the Honda VFR 800 AND at a much lower price. It is better looking and is nearly as fast as the Yamaha Fazer 1000, and is a better built and more substantial machine. Its only rivals are the BMW R1150R and the new 1200 Kawasaki, which are both more expensive with more highly stressed motors. It is £2 - 3,000 less than Honda's Blackbird, BMW GS1150 and Yamaha's new FJR 1300 and very nearly as good at monster mileages.
Buying bikes is both an irrational and emotional activity, but I am confident that you will not find a more complete motorcycle experience than that offered by the new 1200 Bandit.
WALES
A BIKER'S PARADISE ( weather permitting!)
No matter where you go in Wales you are in biker heaven. The roads are winding and the cafes are evenly spread, as are the police.
GREAT ROADS
Every road north of Machynlleth, south of Bangor and west of Bala.
A44 from Cross Gates to Aberystwyth. The promenade at Aberystwyth hosts a weekly fashion parade on Sundays during the summer. Phiniki's does a very good sausage sandwich.
A483 Llandrindod Wells to Newtown. Newtown now has a MacDonald's and David Jones' motorbike shop.(This is a very popular road for maniacs. Stop in a layby, watching the would be Doohans and Dunlops giving their superbikes a Summer Sunday thrash is quite entertaining)
A493 Coast road from Dolgellau to Tywyn then onto the B4405 back towards Dolgellau.
B4518 from Llanidloes to Staylittle then onto the mountain road to Machynlleth.
A470 from Rhayader (good cafes) to Merthyr Tydfil. Stop off at the layby cafe in the Brecon Beacons for a snack and a chat
Tregaron to Beulah (to counselling if you are of a nervous disposition) to Garth to Brecon.
Mountain road from Rhayader through the Elan Valley to Devil's Bridge then onto the A4120 to Aberystwyth.
PLACES TO VISIT
The Elan Valley - near Rhayader
Lake Vyrnwy - between Welshpool and Bala.
Lake Clywedog - near Llanidloes
Lake Nantymoch - on the mountain road from Ponterwyd to Talybont.
Most of Cardigan Bay is worth exploring, particularly:
1) Cwmtydu - a smuggler's cove where I have seen dolphins and seals close to the beach.
2) Llangranog - very busy, very picturesque.
3) New Quay - busy little resort.
4) Mwnt Beach - spectacular.
5) Aberdovey - good beach.
6) Shell Island - good camping.
St.Davids - The most atmospheric cathedral in Britain?
Bangor Pier - restored to its former glory.
Bangor - My place of birth, wonderful - naturally!
Llandewi Brefi - see the lovely old church, then go over the top to Ffarmers. This route is part of the old Roman Road : Sarn Helen.
Rhayader - Stay the night and try a pub crawl. One pint per pub will get you up to 19 pints.
Snowdonia - Although very busy with tourists and holiday makers during the Summer, this is possibly the most spectacular and beautiful part of the United Kingdom.
The South Wales Valleys - Once an industrial heartland and powerhouse, now bypassed by dual carriageways : "out of site and out of mind". Take a detour and visit these historic towns and catch the atmosphere before it is turned into one big, sterile "heritage park".
Brecon - Has an annual Jazz festival.
BIKING EVENTS
National Welsh Motorcycle Show - Builth Wells in May. Great atmosphere, good camping.
Welsh National Rally - Held in May or June - All day and all night, can you take it?
Tonfanau motorcycle racing near Tywyn.(see MCN for details)
Pembrey motorcycle racing near Llanelli. (see MCN for details)
Ty-Groes motorcycle racing, Anglesey. (see MCN for details)
Motocross at Talsarn - This is a superb track. (See MCN for details)
Mid-week evening Motocross near Rhayader on the B4581. (Advertised around Rhayader).
GOOD CAFE GUIDE
I present this guide as my contribution to the betterment of mankind.
All of these cafes have been put under the severest personal scrutiny, with no thought being given to my health and long term well being. Each eatstablishment has been rated according to the following scale :-
* dire; ** edible; *** not bad at all; **** very good; ***** outstanding.
in the following categories :-
All Day Breakfast Quality (ADB-Q), All Day Breakfast Value (ADB-V), Sausage Sandwich Quality(SS-Q), Sausage Sandwich Value (SS-V), Tea Quality (T-Q), View (Can you keep an eye on your beloved) and Atmosphere.
MID-WALES 
(In no particular order)
ABERAERON
New Celtic Restuarant - ADB-Q *** / ADB-V *** / SS-Q ** / SS-V *** / T-Q ** / View ** / Atmosphere **
NEWTOWN
Lion Cafe - Near the Post Office - ADB-Q ****/ ADB-V *** / SS-Q **** / SS-V *** / T-Q ** / View - none / Atmosphere **
Station Cafe - Bus Station, Newtown, Powys - ADB-Q ** / ADB-V ***** / SS-Q ** / SS-V **** / T-Q *** / View *** / Atmosphere **
ABERYSTWYTH
Phinikki (seasonal) - The promenade, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion - ADB-Q - n/a / ADB-V - n/a / SS-Q ***** / SS-V *** / T-Q *** / View ***** / Atmosphere *****
Express Cafe - Near the station, Aberystwyth. ADB-Q **** / ADB-V *** / SS-Q *** / SS-V *** / T-Q *** / View - none / Atmosphere **
Caffi Morgan - Near Burger King, Aberystwyth. ADB-Q ** / ADB-V * / SS-Q ** / SS-V * / T-Q *** / View - none / Atmosphere **
Upper Limit Cafe - North Parade, Aberystwyth. ADB-Q ** / ADB-V **** / SS-Q ** / SS-Q *** / T-Q ** / View * / Atmosphere **
BORTH
Harlequin - Midway along the only road. ADB-Q *** /ADB-V *** / SS-Q *** / SS-V ** / T-Q **** / View ** / Atmosphere **
YNYSLAS
Holiday Park Shop - Just before the beach, past the golf course. ADB-Q *** / ADB-V ***** / SS-Q *** / SS-V ***** / T-Q **** / View ***** / Atmosphere *
RHAYADER
The Strand - Rhayader, Powys - ADB-Q **** / ADB-V *** / SS-Q *** / SS-V *** / T-Q ** / View ** / Atmosphere **
LLANIDLOES
Traveller's Rest - Llanidloes. ADB-Q *** / ADB-V *** / SS-Q *** / SS-V** / T-Q ** / View * / Atmosphere *
LAMPETER
Burger Van - Car Park, Pioneer Supermarket on the road south to Carmarthen. ADB-Q n/a / ADB-V n/a / SS-Q **** / SS-V **** / T-Q **** / View ***** / Atmosphere *
Contis Cafe - Middle of town. ADB-Q ** / ADB-V ** / SS-Q ** / SS-V ** / T-Q * / View - none / Atmosphere **
LLANDOVERY
West End Cafe - Middle of town, ADB-Q ***/ADB-V ***/SS-Q ** / SS-V *** / T-Q *** / View - ***** / Atmosphere *****
CENNARTH
Falls Cafe - Just out of town going towards Cardigan. ADB-Q **/ ADB-V **** / SS-Q * / SS-V *** / T-Q **/ View - *** / Atmosphere *
MACHYNLLETH
No Name Cafe - (Green frontage), opposite turning to the main car park on the A489 ADB-Q **** / ADB-V *** / SS-Q **** / SS-V *** / T-Q *** / View ** / Atmosphere ***
ON THE ROAD
The Vulcan Diner - Vulcan Arms Motel, Llanwrthwl, in between Builth Wells and Rhayader on the A470. ADB-Q ***** / ADB-V ***** / SS-Q ***** / SS-V ***** / T-Q **** / View *** / Atmosphere ***
Dolwen Cafe - (Dolwen Garage) near Llanidloes on the A470 - ADB-Q *****/ ADB-V *** / SS-Q **** / SS-V *** / T-Q *** / View *** / Atmosphere ***
Albo - Layby on the Ceredigion/Powys border on the A44 - ADB-Q - n/a / ADB V - n/a / SS-Q *** / SS-V ***** / T-Q ***** / View ***** / Atmosphere **
Dot's Diner - Layby on the A489 west of Machynlleth near Cemmaes Road - ADB-Q *** / ADB-V **** / SS-Q *** / SS-V - **** / T-Q * / View *** / Atmosphere ***
Dinkies Diner - Layby near Shrewsbury on the A458 - ADB-Q - n/a / ADB-V - n/a / SS-Q *** / SS-V - **** / T-Q *** / View ***** / Atmosphere ***
No Name Van - Sundays only. Graig Goch Dam, Elan Valley - ADB n/a / SS n/a / T-Q ** / View ***** / Atmosphere ****
Riverside Cafe - Layby on the A470 between Llanidloes and Caersws - ADB-Q *** / ADB-V ***** / SS-Q **** / SS-V ***** / T-Q **** / View **** / Atmosphere **
No Name - Layby on the A470 halfway between Brecon and Merthyr. ADB-Q n/a / ADB-V n/a / SS-Q ***** / SS-V **** / T-Q ***** / View ***** / Atmosphere *****
The Red Kite - A44 near Ponterwyd. ADB-Q *** / ADB-V ** / SS-Q ** / SS-V-** / T-Q ** / View **** / Atmosphere **
No Name Bus- Layby on the A487 a mile north of Aberaeron ADB-Q *** / ADB-V **** / SS-Q **** / SS-V **** / T-Q ** / View ***** / Atmosphere **
Marie's Cafe/Caravan (seasonal) - Layby on the AA470 midway between Llangurig and Rhayader. ADB-Q *** / ADB-V **** / SS-Q ** / SS-V **** / View ***** / Atmosphere **
The Woodlands (seasonal)- Devil's Bridge. ADB-Q *** / ADB-V *** / SS-Q *** / SS-V *** / T-Q *** / View **** / Atmosphere ****
Post Office Tearoom (when they are home)- Pontrhydygroes ADB n/a / SS n/a / T-Q **** / View ***** / Atmosphere ***
Clywedog Dam (seasonal)- Llyn Clywedog car park and picnic area, near Llanidloes. ADB-Q n/a /ADB-V n/a / SS-Q *** / SS-V *** / T-Q *** /View ***** / Atmosphere ***
Caffi Cletwr - Tre-r-ddol, midway between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth on the A487. ADB-Q **** / ADB-V ** / SS-Q *** SS-V *** / T-Q ***/ View *** / Atmosphere ***
FURTHER AFIELD
WARRINGTON
Cafe - Near Jewsons, Sankey Bridges. ADB-Q *** / ADB-V ***** / SS-Q *** / SS-V ***** / T-Q *** / View *** / Atmosphere ***
I will be doing my best during this summer (2001) to evaluate as many establishments as my stomach can handle.
My Current Weight :12 stone.
Estimated Weight come winter : ?
LONDON
Research is currently being done by a London Cabby called Bob.
Email me below if you have any additions which you would like me to include/sample.
CONCERNING : ALL DAY BREAKFASTS (a.k.a A FULL ENGLISH), TEA & SAUSAGE SANDWICHES
By
E. BYGUM RONNY
The All Day Breakfast (not to be confused with the Builder's Breakfast, which includes chips) is one of the last remaining fortresses of British (English) cuisine. When all else is lost or on the retreat, the All Day Breakfast stands alone! A symbol of our former glories and greatness. The devolved Scots, Welsh and Irish remain firmly wedded to its succulent charms, knowing that hagis, lava bread and soda bread, just do not "hit the spot".
ESSENTIAL ETIQUETTE
The breakfast should be eaten seated and at your leisure. (Breakfast Baps, while often tasty, stain your leathers.) It is traditional to have a copy of a tabloid (Sun recommended) to occupy ones mind at the same time as filling ones stomach.
The meal should be served on a plate which has a distinct lip, so as too minimise spillage. The table should be smooth - this allows the plate to be spun, thus allowing easy access to the diverse ingredients.
On no account should it be eaten with Tomato Sauce. Brown Sauce is compulsory!
Hash Browns are, on no account, to be eaten, they are alien to our meal. Furthermore, they lead to premature balding and a tendency to want to own a BMW.
INGREDIENTS & PREPARATION
A good All Day Breakfast will have the following ingredients : 2 Eggs, 2-4 Sausages, 2-4 rashers of thin bacon, 1 or 2 slices of Fried Bread, 2 slices of Toast, cooked Tomatoes (tinned preferably), Baked Beans (Heinz). Black Pudding and/or Mushrooms are optional. Hash Browns as previously mentioned are an abberation.
These should all be well cooked apart from the eggs which should be runny. The fried bread should be crispy and elastic. All grease and ingredient-associated juices should be edible, thus enabling the breakfast to slip easily down your throat with the minimum of chewing.
PRESENTATION
The meal should look irresistable, with good rich colouring. Paleness is almost always a bad sign. The cook's apron gives a good idea as to the quality you can expect. Likewise, a happy cook, who works fast and efficiently AND can talk at the same time is a very good sign.
TEA
One would think that anyone can make a good cuppa. Not so! First it should be freshly made in a stainless steel teapot with at least a couple of teabags being added to every new brew. Tea should be poured before the milk. It should be dark brown with no scum on the surface. It should retain a full flavour, even when cold. And, of course, it should start out hot! Sugar is optional but recommended.
SAUSAGE SANDWICHES
The sausages should be well cooked and the bread thick, firm and moderately buttered. Spreads should not be used. If a standard loaf is used, the sandwich should have two sausages split lengthways, inside facing down. In this position either Tomato or Brown Sauce can be poured into the resulting channel.
LINKS
[ Ronnie Cramer's Motorcycle Web ][ Motorcycle Online ][ UK Motorcycle Sport ] [ Motorbike Links ][ Aberystwyth Motorcycle Touring Club ]
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