Post by richierichl on Dec 4, 2014 17:20:53 GMT -5
Hi, I'm another NTV owner from Cornwall, owned one for the last 11 years (1996 NTV650T), following a bad crash that left me looking for a 'sensible' alternative to a sports bike. It is used in all weathers, has covered over 60,000 miles and had never let me down. Every time I think of replacing it, I realise that there is no other bike made which is so reliable, practical, easy to maintain and economical, so it stays! I now also have an SP-1 for occasional summer fun ( a grown up, sporty NTV!). Have just fitted Continental tkc80 knobblies, which handle fine, so am ready for the snow when it comes...
(Rode the NTV to work and back in snow on road tyres a few years back - the low down power delivery made it perfect for the 20 mile round trip, just two drops on icy tight turns. Made it up and down slopes where cars were stranded and abandoned)
Mods: Heated grips, handlebar muffs, ventura rack, rod tubes, Sandys exhaust, fork gaiters, centre stand, braided front brake hose and spare wheels (£20 from e-bay, can drop them off at the dealers, have new tyres fitted, then replace them when convenient for running in, rather than leaving the bike with the dealer, when I could be riding it!).
Only non-consumable faults have been 1 battery (probably due to lack of use by previous owner - not keeping full charge when cold, needed an occoasional bump start), several fork seals replaced (no problems since adding gaiters and leaving a 10mm bigger air gap than standard) and replacement fuel pump contacts at 53,000 miles.
(Rode the NTV to work and back in snow on road tyres a few years back - the low down power delivery made it perfect for the 20 mile round trip, just two drops on icy tight turns. Made it up and down slopes where cars were stranded and abandoned)
Mods: Heated grips, handlebar muffs, ventura rack, rod tubes, Sandys exhaust, fork gaiters, centre stand, braided front brake hose and spare wheels (£20 from e-bay, can drop them off at the dealers, have new tyres fitted, then replace them when convenient for running in, rather than leaving the bike with the dealer, when I could be riding it!).
Only non-consumable faults have been 1 battery (probably due to lack of use by previous owner - not keeping full charge when cold, needed an occoasional bump start), several fork seals replaced (no problems since adding gaiters and leaving a 10mm bigger air gap than standard) and replacement fuel pump contacts at 53,000 miles.