Hong Kong Phooey
Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 5:50 am
Hey everyone!
I'm originally from Bedfordshire in the UK and have always been drawn to bikes but never had the money. After graduating from uni I moved straight out to HK and struggled a bit to support myself and get through a part time masters degree.
Everything's settled down so finally registered for motorcycle lessons here in Hong Kong last September and by November had found a bright green kawasaki that was exactly what I was after- my ZXR400
Whilst learning I spent a lot of time reading these forums and did some basic work on the bike (oil, fuel filter, air filter, plugs) but she wasn't running quite right. I only paid £1,495 which is dirt cheap out here for a bike like this so was expecting some problems.
After I put her in a shop she came out running for 80 quid but still wasn't right.
Having passed my test last week I insured and licensed her but she wouldn't go
I've mentioned elsewhere on the forums that it took another £500 or so getting her fixed up and now she's good as new. Took her to work and back yesterday and today and am absolutely loving it! Everythings gone well so far- limited to 70 kmph maximum for a year so nothing silly but am not wearing my jacket/padded jeans because it's just too hot. Want to get the gear on but for now am making do with a good quality helmet, gloves and boots.
The taxi and minibus drivers out here are nutters but I'm putting into practice everything I've been reading, assume I'm invisible, always check before turning and concentrating on being as smooth as possible. The clutch on her is completely different to the 125's I learnt on but I'm getting the hang of it. Had a nightmare stall in the middle of a busy intersection during the first ride out (had to get off her and push it into a bus stop lane!) but am since stalling an average of once per trip with her starting straight up again thank god.
During the time I was learning and had oodles of time to just look at my bike I found this website a wealth of information. The manual and microfiches were in particular great to get my hands on. Props to everyone who contributes, the model is slowly getting older but it's great to see so much enthusiasm for a great bit of kit
I'm originally from Bedfordshire in the UK and have always been drawn to bikes but never had the money. After graduating from uni I moved straight out to HK and struggled a bit to support myself and get through a part time masters degree.
Everything's settled down so finally registered for motorcycle lessons here in Hong Kong last September and by November had found a bright green kawasaki that was exactly what I was after- my ZXR400
Whilst learning I spent a lot of time reading these forums and did some basic work on the bike (oil, fuel filter, air filter, plugs) but she wasn't running quite right. I only paid £1,495 which is dirt cheap out here for a bike like this so was expecting some problems.
After I put her in a shop she came out running for 80 quid but still wasn't right.
Having passed my test last week I insured and licensed her but she wouldn't go
I've mentioned elsewhere on the forums that it took another £500 or so getting her fixed up and now she's good as new. Took her to work and back yesterday and today and am absolutely loving it! Everythings gone well so far- limited to 70 kmph maximum for a year so nothing silly but am not wearing my jacket/padded jeans because it's just too hot. Want to get the gear on but for now am making do with a good quality helmet, gloves and boots.
The taxi and minibus drivers out here are nutters but I'm putting into practice everything I've been reading, assume I'm invisible, always check before turning and concentrating on being as smooth as possible. The clutch on her is completely different to the 125's I learnt on but I'm getting the hang of it. Had a nightmare stall in the middle of a busy intersection during the first ride out (had to get off her and push it into a bus stop lane!) but am since stalling an average of once per trip with her starting straight up again thank god.
During the time I was learning and had oodles of time to just look at my bike I found this website a wealth of information. The manual and microfiches were in particular great to get my hands on. Props to everyone who contributes, the model is slowly getting older but it's great to see so much enthusiasm for a great bit of kit