Pleased to introduce Hooker

[Bixxer Bob]

Gentlemen, let me introduce Hooker; so named because she's kinda rough and she goes a bit.

I loved everything about this bike from the first moments of the test ride.  Except the clattery engine.  After a few days I still wasn't sure about it so decided a bit of bonding was needed. From Monday morning until teatime today I've done just under 1100 miles from home to visit friends and family in the north east, then on to see Sin via some very scenic Northumberland  and lowland Scotland roads and then home again.

It worked; I'm happy enough.  Yes, it's the noisiest bike I've ever owned but the handling and grunt far outway that.

Now, which new tyres to buy......

[nickjtc]

Now, which new tyres to buy......

. Hang on until I get a beverage du jour, too.

And congrats on the new bike.

[Chris Canning]

Bix

Do they have a reputation for engines being noisey?

[JayDub]

Maybe the noise was from that old trophy behind you BB 

[Sin_Tiger]

Maybe the noise was from that old trophy behind you BB 

[threepot]

There was an issue with the cam buckets on some engines,but I think all effected were either recalled to the factory,or 'kits' were sent out to the dealers to fix? Have you checked your engine was not effected Bob?

[Bixxer Bob]

Chris, yes they have.  The dealer's workshop manager even suggested ear plugs, I kid you not.  I'm kind of OK with it now having ridden Sin's Trophy although I'm pretty sure I have at least one valve on top limit because, in addition to the usual top end noise, it's hot a fairly heavy tap tap tap.

TP,  yes I checked,mine is after the recall.

[BONANZA]

I put a set of Michelin Annake 3 on mine a couple of months ago.Felt loads more grippy and confidence inspiring(especially in the wet) than the original Metzelers. Just got back yesterday from 1100 mls round Scotland and they were superb. Like a lot of things though it,s down to personal taste and feeling.Just ride it and enjoy it.

[Timbox2]

I put a set of Michelin Annake 3 on mine a couple of months ago.Felt loads more grippy and confidence inspiring(especially in the wet) than the original Metzelers. Just got back yesterday from 1100 mls round Scotland and they were superb. Like a lot of things though it,s down to personal taste and feeling.Just ride it and enjoy it.

Me too with Anakee 3's on the Girly,  had the front wheel lock on me in the dry a few times with Tourances without too much provacation, the Anakees have masses more mechanical grip wet or dry and feel almost like a full on road tyre.

[Bixxer Bob]

Today two different mechanics rode Hooker.  It seeems it's just normal noise; whcih is also what Sin said, and my Tiger Sport owning friend also.

So I'll shut up now and just ride it.   

[PeteH]

Me and a couple of mates are doing the charity ride thing on the 4th, ones on a 12 plate 1200, so maybe compare enging noise if your going....

[JoeDirt]

Today two different mechanics rode Hooker.  It seeems it's just normal noise; whcih is also what Sin said, and my Tiger Sport owning friend also.

So I'll shut up now and just ride it.   

The only sound you are hearing is pure jealousy. It's a high pitch sound just beyond human hearing... 

[Bixxer Bob]

After watching this on board footage from another Explorer I'm no longer worrying about mine.  If anything his is even noisier than mine 

http://youtu.be/NpU_0FnVGds

[Sin_Tiger]

   are you sure that wasn't the noise from my Trophy, I was two bikes in front of him.

[Nick Calne]

Noisy? That's quiet! The noise you could hear was probably me riding my steamer in Wiltshire.