Talent Agency 411

After the production of the Jaguar XJS was halted, the spot and niche that it previously held was not left vacant. However, this was not for a long period of time because soon enough, Jaguar Cars introduced the Jaguar XKR to the public and the automobile manufacturer placed this new vehicle on the spot that the Jaguar XJS used to occupy. In fact, the Jaguar XKR was introduced to the public as a production vehicle in 1997. Up until the present, this vehicle is still continually being produced. It is classified as a GT car and it has been made available in two body styles which are the coupe that holds two doors and the convertible which holds two doors as well.

The Jaguar XKR is actually a part of the Jaguar XK series. This series comes manufactured in a couple of body styles which comprise of the Grand Touring style and the convertible style. Just like any Jaguar vehicle manufactured or simply shown to the public, the Jaguar XJR does not fail to stimulate emotions. After all, it is one vehicle that captures people’s attention because of its style and capacity to provide a superb performance.

This vehicle actually has gone though many upgrades and changes through time. Of course, these changes would have to be done so as to further improve not only the looks and style of the Jaguar XJR but also its performance and delivery as well. Although one could not see any significant changes done to its interior and exterior features, most of the changes done are underneath all the metal. In fact, the most notable modifications and upgrades were actually those that were done to the vehicle’s powertrain.

The Jaguar XJR is the kind of vehicle that would give the person looking at it, driving it, or plain riding in it the feeling that it is one of those sports cars that could and would change your driving preferences for it exudes an aura of confidence, exquisite performance, and perfect handling. Although it could be said that it would be quite impractical to buy this kind of vehicle if you need a vehicle that could and would do more things than just drive around and show off its features.

Meanwhile, Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts also stocks thousands of Jaguar XJR parts and Jaguar accessories for all enthusiasts.

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Michelle Crimson holds a degree in business administration. She is currently working as an editor in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 32 year old mother of two is also a car racing fanatic.

I purchased this bike as a second bike. I already had the SLR
650 that I love, but on those occasions it needs attention it
leaves me with no 2-wheeld transport. I’ve always liked the NTV
range of bikes because they are known for their reliability and
ease of maintenance. Initially I was looking at the much newer
Deauville but the few dealers with second hand machines would
not deal on the price. Searching through the biketrader I
spotted this bike for £1300.

I went to look at it in the shop and it immediately struck me as
a genuine bike. It had a large screen fitted, was clean but not
polished, had been dropped but no serious damage and did not
look like it had been “bodged” by some cowboy such as myself. A
deal was struck and a few days later I rode my purchase home.

First impressions were good. Acceleration is acceptable below
6000rpm then becomes quite brisk above, running out of steam
1000rpm short of the 9500rpm redline. Handling is not fast but
very solid after riding the twitchy SLR for so long. Comfort
remains to be seen but the riding position is very sporty for a
bike designed for hard-working long-distance couriers and other
mile eaters.

Let’s start with comfort. Before I tell you about this I ask you
to bear in mind I had a motorcycle accident 3 years ago which
left me with a stiff left knee and hip. I am 5 feet 9 inches
tall, which is considered about average for my country. The
riding position has the knees quite bent and a fair lean forward
across the long large tank is required. At town speed this makes
getting my feet on and off the pegs a chore and my wrists can
ache. The lean forward comes into its own at motorway speeds,
but then my backside goes numb.

This is not a comfy long distance bike, for myself. I suspect it
might be me and not the bike as countless couriers travelling
millions of miles cannot be wrong. I talked about this to
another biker once and he agreed, the seat is too low and the
pegs too high and the bars too far away. It may suit a smaller
rider. He suggested placing a cushion on the seat, I have tried
this and it is a great improvement. I am now trying to work out
how to lift the seat 1 inch without making the bike look silly.
If you plan to use the bike for long trips, try to get a long
ride in before you buy to see if the ergonomics suit you.

Handling. This is spot on for me. I don’t ride like a racer but
I do press on and the bike is solid, stable and reassuring
through the bends. I use Bridgestone BT45 tyres that provide
good grip in both wet and dry, and should last a long time. I’ve
used these tyres before on other bikes and did not like them,
but they are perfectly suited to the NTV. The whole chassis
inspires confidence.

Power. This comes in at 50 something bhp, not a great deal in
modern motorcycling, but more than the SLR I normally ride. It
is quick enough for myself, will beat general traffic and
surprises the sport bikes by keeping up with them. The power is
smooth but really comes in above 6000rpm. It will also run down
to 1800rpm, any lower than that and the shaft starts to rattle.
It’s and easy power and flexible.

Maintenance. Shaft drive, what more can I say. Use it, forget
it, change a tiny bit of oil whenever you remember that it’s
there then forget it again. As for the rest it’s difficult to
describe really, not had to do anything to it! Removing the back
wheel takes 2 minutes due to the single sided swingarm. Changing
the oil and filter is a doddle as everything is easy to reach.
Cleaning is easy. Even adjusting the shock is done with ease.
There is a preload adjusting knob behind one of the panels and
the damping adjuster screw is no problem. It’s so easy. I know
from previous ownership of an NT400 Bros that any carburettor
work will be a nightmare, changing the plugs will be fiddly and
getting to rocker covers is challenging. But hey, it’s not a
problem as they never need this kind of work…I hope. I’ll keep
on changing the oil every 3 to 4 thousand miles.

Loading the bike is easy, as you can see above. It takes load
like a lorry and I always worry about not having enough space,
with this bike I always have spare space. The bike takes it in
its stride. With this lot on the suspension was a bit soft but
it took 1 minute to stiffen the shock by clicking the knob.
Except at slow speeds I did not even notice a difference with
the load.

Costs. If ridden hard this bike returns 45mpg. The best I have
managed is 59mpg but I had to ride like an old lady. Normally
fuel runs at 50 to 53mpg being used for commuting. Most people
tell me this is good or at least acceptable, but I don’t like
spending money. I am looking for 150mpg, haven’t found it yet.
Tyres should last 8000 miles rear, god only knows how many at
the front. BT45’s are cheaper than super sport tyres. Parts will
be standard Honda prices, expensive. There is quite a good
aftermarket choice due to the bike being popular with the
couriers. No chain to replace.

Can I recommend this bike? Yes. Everyday use is a pleasure and
it should last forever, mine is already 14 years old with 35,000
miles and I’ve seen these with over 100,00 miles, looking tired
but still running strong. If you plan long distance riding then
either try one first or be prepared to alter the riding position
somehow. If you are looking for speed then look elsewhere or
look at the NTV650 Bros and all the American tuning companies.
Many of the tuning add-ons will fit the Revere too. It’s not a
sports bike but can be made to move and handle really well.

Your sports car represents a significant investment. For many
owners, their sports car ranks second only to their home in
terms of cost. When one has paid a substantial sum for an item,
it only makes sense to take proactive steps to insure its
protection.

There are many ways one can protect their sports car. A car can
be protected against theft with expensive alarm systems and
accessories such as locking lug nuts or a club-like steering
wheel lock.

A sports car can be protected from environmental damage via the
use of a car cover, parking in a garage, regular weather-related
maintenance, and other activities.

There is a burgeoning industry surrounding sports car
enthusiasts. There are literally hundreds of ways to protect
every component of your automobile, and aspiring entrepreneurs
will continue to find new must-have products to defend your
investment.

However, the sports car hobbyist does have means of protecting
their car that do not require any financial outlays. By
utilizing common sense and care, you can take many measures to
protect your sports car without spending a dime. Here are three
examples:

Parking

You can avoid door dings and other similar body-related problems
simply by parking wisely and carefully. Remind yourself of your
investment and seek out parking spaces that give you a wide
enough berth. Don’t try to crowd into a space next to another
car–doing so will almost guarantee a paint scratch or chip when
the driver in the next slot opens his or her door.

Don’t park under trees. Trees house birds and produce sap and
falling pieces. All of these can damage your sports car’s paint
or finish. Simply refuse to park under a branch. You may have to
seek out a spot a little farther from your destination, but you
can make the walk while feeling better about yourself and your
sports car’s well being.

Driving

There is a tendency to think of sports car driving as a
high-speed and reckless endeavor. This is not, of course, the
case. Although aficionados may seek out opportunities to test
their vehicles speed and acceleration, they do not do so
recklessly and are, in fact, among the safest drivers on the
road.

This commitment to safety and care needs to be carried into
regular traffic situations as well. Any sports car owner should
remember that the best way to protect their car while driving it
is to remain accident-free. Even stalwart drivers can benefit
from re-reading defensive driving guidelines and making a
concerted effort to drive as safely as possible.

Maintaining

Many sports cars are damaged while actually being repaired.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, the garage is a primary
source of scratches, dings and chips for many sports cars. Those
performing maintenance on their vehicle must handle tools
carefully and pay close attention to how they are working on
their car. For instance, tools should never be placed directly
on the car.

Additionally, repair situations create the possibility of
damaging the mechanical components for your sports car. Make
sure that before you embark on any repair work that you
understand exactly what is required and expected. Otherwise, you
may unintentionally damage your sports car.

These may seem like common sense actions. Truth be told, they
are. Common sense, however, is easily lost in many situations.
Sports car ownership presents many options and considerations in
terms of protecting your car, and the most simple and important
means of protecting your car can get lost in the shuffle unless
you are willing to make a strong commitment to parking, driving,
and maintaining your vehicle with great care.