Looking for new bike - comfy, good for pillion and fun.
Discussion
Pegscratch said:
Aside from the 1290 Super Adventure suggestion you seem to be avoiding, you mean?
I squeezed the KTM dealer inbetween the Ducatis and Hondas so only had time for one bike. The 1190 looked great value at £12k and the Super Adventure looked bigger again and was £16k. I've got a new job starting Monday hence this week off doing stuff - I'll see if I can get back in there and give it a chance. I am trying to work out what I actually want as I testride stuff. Coming from a sportsbike background I am drawn more to the road styled bikes with a bit of fairing and 17" cast wheels like the Multistrada and the S1000XR as opposed to the wire wheels, big front wheel, off road styling of the KTM's. I think I need a 1290 SuperDuke with a little half fairing thrown at it and a roomy pillion seat if I'm going to go orange. The wife's sat on the rear perch of that bike and declared it to be as comfy as my current R1 so sadly it's not a goer.
moto_traxport said:
I squeezed the KTM dealer inbetween the Ducatis and Hondas so only had time for one bike. The 1190 looked great value at £12k and the Super Adventure looked bigger again and was £16k. I've got a new job starting Monday hence this week off doing stuff - I'll see if I can get back in there and give it a chance.
I am trying to work out what I actually want as I testride stuff. Coming from a sportsbike background I am drawn more to the road styled bikes with a bit of fairing and 17" cast wheels like the Multistrada and the S1000XR as opposed to the wire wheels, big front wheel, off road styling of the KTM's. I think I need a 1290 SuperDuke with a little half fairing thrown at it and a roomy pillion seat if I'm going to go orange. The wife's sat on the rear perch of that bike and declared it to be as comfy as my current R1 so sadly it's not a goer.
Maybe the Triumph Explorer (non XC) with the cast wheels?? although it's a shaft drive and the suspension isn't as good as the 2015 Ducati MultiStradaI am trying to work out what I actually want as I testride stuff. Coming from a sportsbike background I am drawn more to the road styled bikes with a bit of fairing and 17" cast wheels like the Multistrada and the S1000XR as opposed to the wire wheels, big front wheel, off road styling of the KTM's. I think I need a 1290 SuperDuke with a little half fairing thrown at it and a roomy pillion seat if I'm going to go orange. The wife's sat on the rear perch of that bike and declared it to be as comfy as my current R1 so sadly it's not a goer.
or leftfield there's the Aprilia Caponord or the moto Guzzi Stelvio.....
or, what about a proper BMW Tourer rather than the GS??
bass gt3 said:
Maybe the Triumph Explorer (non XC) with the cast wheels?? although it's a shaft drive and the suspension isn't as good as the 2015 Ducati MultiStrada
or leftfield there's the Aprilia Caponord or the moto Guzzi Stelvio.....
or, what about a proper BMW Tourer rather than the GS??
How can I forget about Triumph and their 3 cylinder offerings? Explorer 1200 and 800 non XC's both look okay but a 1050 Tiger seems to tick all the boxes as an adventure size, road looking, pillion friendly thing. Will pop into the dealer I know in Wokingham. or leftfield there's the Aprilia Caponord or the moto Guzzi Stelvio.....
or, what about a proper BMW Tourer rather than the GS??
Between sessions on the various BMW's I did look at the other options in the shop - the K series 4 cylinder bikes don't really do it for me and the touring Boxers have way too much bodywork on them for 90% of what I would use it for.
Will look at the Guzzi and the Aprilia. Why don't they make a Caponord with the new V4 then? That would fun!
moto_traxport said:
How can I forget about Triumph and their 3 cylinder offerings? Explorer 1200 and 800 non XC's both look okay but a 1050 Tiger seems to tick all the boxes as an adventure size, road looking, pillion friendly thing. Will pop into the dealer I know in Wokingham.
Between sessions on the various BMW's I did look at the other options in the shop - the K series 4 cylinder bikes don't really do it for me and the touring Boxers have way too much bodywork on them for 90% of what I would use it for.
Will look at the Guzzi and the Aprilia. Why don't they make a Caponord with the new V4 then? That would fun!
I've ridden the Caponord and it's very well appointed. 125bhp, chain drive and a silky smooth drive train. really comfy with good extas like heated grips, active suspension cruise control etc. available in a normal 'street" version with road tyre sizes or the Rally with spoked wheels and appropriate sizes.Between sessions on the various BMW's I did look at the other options in the shop - the K series 4 cylinder bikes don't really do it for me and the touring Boxers have way too much bodywork on them for 90% of what I would use it for.
Will look at the Guzzi and the Aprilia. Why don't they make a Caponord with the new V4 then? That would fun!
Actually an interesting left field choice and the 1200 V twin goes nicely. Not like the Ducati or KTM but same as the BMW, given their identical outputs.
I think they even come with luggage as standard so could be worth a look.
As for the triumph XC800, it's quite a buzzy motor whereas the 1200 is far more relaxed and long legged.
Tried Bulldog Triumph and their 1050 Tiger Sport was out on service loan.
Went to ProBike Newbury and rode this:
Yamaha MT09 Tracer and I'm probably going to buy one!
Lovely, lovely motor, the whole bike seems light on its feet, easily fast enough, no problem with fuelling (A mode would be fine for solo use, STD for two up and rain, I presume B mode is to pretend you are running out of fuel!), awesome sound. Suspension is a bit soft, screen is a bit noisy - both sortable.
Not sure whether to do it now or wait until Spring next year.
Went to ProBike Newbury and rode this:
Yamaha MT09 Tracer and I'm probably going to buy one!
Lovely, lovely motor, the whole bike seems light on its feet, easily fast enough, no problem with fuelling (A mode would be fine for solo use, STD for two up and rain, I presume B mode is to pretend you are running out of fuel!), awesome sound. Suspension is a bit soft, screen is a bit noisy - both sortable.
Not sure whether to do it now or wait until Spring next year.
I know the Tracer has been very well received but I am impressed it stands up against the Multistrada. Is it the case that it is as good or even better or is more that it does say 80% of the job for a much lower price?
I dismissed it as I thought it would be similar to the MV Turismo Veloce, i.e. a smaller version of these adventure sports bikes, that weren't bad but just were not as good as the (more expensive) big boys in the sector. Maybe I need to get a test ride....
I dismissed it as I thought it would be similar to the MV Turismo Veloce, i.e. a smaller version of these adventure sports bikes, that weren't bad but just were not as good as the (more expensive) big boys in the sector. Maybe I need to get a test ride....
CQ8 said:
I know the Tracer has been very well received but I am impressed it stands up against the Multistrada. Is it the case that it is as good or even better or is more that it does say 80% of the job for a much lower price?
I dismissed it as I thought it would be similar to the MV Turismo Veloce, i.e. a smaller version of these adventure sports bikes, that weren't bad but just were not as good as the (more expensive) big boys in the sector. Maybe I need to get a test ride....
It does a hell of a lot for £8150 brand new, vs the £13000 of the multistrada base model. When I rode one I was impressed, it's light and flickable, dead comfy, bags of torque.I dismissed it as I thought it would be similar to the MV Turismo Veloce, i.e. a smaller version of these adventure sports bikes, that weren't bad but just were not as good as the (more expensive) big boys in the sector. Maybe I need to get a test ride....
The thing is, it is SO much cheaper, £5000 difference is a lot of money.
If you're comparing a new tracer and a 2011 multistrada 1200S however, I'd get the used multi any day.
Edited by Tall_Paul on Thursday 20th August 22:39
moto_traxport said:
I do prefer bikes with bodywork though and the GS looks a bit like a pile of parts to me rather than a nice bike.
moto_traxport said:
Between sessions on the various BMW's I did look at the other options in the shop - the K series 4 cylinder bikes don't really do it for me and the touring Boxers have way too much bodywork on them for 90% of what I would use it for.
Harder to please than my missus!! 
Tall_Paul said:
CQ8 said:
I know the Tracer has been very well received but I am impressed it stands up against the Multistrada. Is it the case that it is as good or even better or is more that it does say 80% of the job for a much lower price?
I dismissed it as I thought it would be similar to the MV Turismo Veloce, i.e. a smaller version of these adventure sports bikes, that weren't bad but just were not as good as the (more expensive) big boys in the sector. Maybe I need to get a test ride....
It does a hell of a lot for £8150 brand new, vs the £13000 of the multistrada base model. When I rode one I was impressed, it's light and flickable, dead comfy, bags of torque.I dismissed it as I thought it would be similar to the MV Turismo Veloce, i.e. a smaller version of these adventure sports bikes, that weren't bad but just were not as good as the (more expensive) big boys in the sector. Maybe I need to get a test ride....
The thing is, it is SO much cheaper, £5000 difference is a lot of money.
If you're comparing a new tracer and a 2011 multistrada 1200S however, I'd get the used multi any day.
Edited by Tall_Paul on Thursday 20th August 22:39
The 2015 Multi is a different beast and is a wonderful ride, it's also a wonderful price, wonderfully complicated with wonderful depreciation. It would be awesome over 3 years on PCP deal mainly under warranty and then hand it back. Not my idea of owning a bike.
It's always awkward comparing new stuff with secondhand but it's a brave choice running an old Multistrada out of warranty.
Only 2 bikes gave me a proper "I just have got to buy this" grin and it was the 2015 Multi and the Tracer. I loved the BMW S1000XR and R1200GS for different reasons as well.
PurpleTurtle said:
moto_traxport said:
I do prefer bikes with bodywork though and the GS looks a bit like a pile of parts to me rather than a nice bike.
moto_traxport said:
Between sessions on the various BMW's I did look at the other options in the shop - the K series 4 cylinder bikes don't really do it for me and the touring Boxers have way too much bodywork on them for 90% of what I would use it for.
Harder to please than my missus!! 
Just to clarify - don't like oldie type motorbikes styling with a 7" Bates type headlight but don't like Goldwings.
Have you seen a touring BMW? They barely need a side stand!
Something in the middle. Somewhere.
I normally hate shopping with an utter passion but have quite enjoyed the whole 'trying stuff on type' attitude of my test rides that normally drives me to distraction when shopping with my missus. Thrashing other people's motorbikes helps.
My mate just sold his RC8 after 6 months of ownership and for an extra £4 he got a 15 plate tracer with 1K on the clock delivered to his house for £6.7 and he absolutely loves it, got all the gadgets. That is amazing value, I have seen on Auto trader some great deals, how could anybody pay nearly double that price for a Multi?
I am tempted with the tracer but I just doesn't like some parts of the bike ( rear light and square box of a dashboard)
I am tempted with the tracer but I just doesn't like some parts of the bike ( rear light and square box of a dashboard)
I never got to ride the Tracer unfortunately as my nearest dealers were absolutely awful and didn't deserve my money. That said, it would have taken something special from the test ride for me to buy one as the bikes I saw at the show all felt and looked a bit cheap and I hate putting a pillion and aftermarket luggage on a bike which wasn't designed for it.
Still, it looks spot on in that picture and people love the ride so I'm sure it makes for a great bike.
Still, it looks spot on in that picture and people love the ride so I'm sure it makes for a great bike.
moto_traxport said:
PurpleTurtle said:
moto_traxport said:
I do prefer bikes with bodywork though and the GS looks a bit like a pile of parts to me rather than a nice bike.
moto_traxport said:
Between sessions on the various BMW's I did look at the other options in the shop - the K series 4 cylinder bikes don't really do it for me and the touring Boxers have way too much bodywork on them for 90% of what I would use it for.
Harder to please than my missus!! Just to clarify - don't like oldie type motorbikes styling with a 7" Bates type headlight but don't like Goldwings.
Have you seen a touring BMW? They barely need a side stand!
Something in the middle. Somewhere.
I normally hate shopping with an utter passion but have quite enjoyed the whole 'trying stuff on type' attitude of my test rides that normally drives me to distraction when shopping with my missus. Thrashing other people's motorbikes helps.
Another mate with a long-term KTM990 test rode the S1000XR and had 17 biggies in his pocket to go for the fully loaded one, but the buzzy-ness you describe put him off. He tested an MT-09 a week later and ordered one there and then, reckons it does most of the job for nearly half the money.
By way of feedback, three of those blokes who have Multistradas, all of them have been back to the dealers repeatedly with issues over clocks and/or electronic suspension woes. They are magnificent bikes when working, but I'd re reluctant to own one based on their experiences.
PurpleTurtle said:
Most of my riding crew have plumped for Multistradas or R1200RT's/K1300S's - nobody has gone GS.
Another mate with a long-term KTM990 test rode the S1000XR and had 17 biggies in his pocket to go for the fully loaded one, but the buzzy-ness you describe put him off. He tested an MT-09 a week later and ordered one there and then, reckons it does most of the job for nearly half the money.
By way of feedback, three of those blokes who have Multistradas, all of them have been back to the dealers repeatedly with issues over clocks and/or electronic suspension woes. They are magnificent bikes when working, but I'd re reluctant to own one based on their experiences.
Good to know it's just not me, testing stuff at both £8k and £15k and honestly saying the cheaper one was as good / better. Another mate with a long-term KTM990 test rode the S1000XR and had 17 biggies in his pocket to go for the fully loaded one, but the buzzy-ness you describe put him off. He tested an MT-09 a week later and ordered one there and then, reckons it does most of the job for nearly half the money.
By way of feedback, three of those blokes who have Multistradas, all of them have been back to the dealers repeatedly with issues over clocks and/or electronic suspension woes. They are magnificent bikes when working, but I'd re reluctant to own one based on their experiences.
Ironically the dealer had to excuse a broken fuel gauge on the 2014 Multistrada when I rode it. Their 2015 bike had only been on the road a week so it had yet to break anything.
One of my two issues with the Tracer was the suspension (the other being the noisy screen) and chatting to my suspension techie mate he did say they are made a bit cheap and therefore a bit pricey to upgrade - I think the left fork leg has a spring and fresh air in it with all the working bits in the right leg but hey ho, I friggin' loved the basic package. It's Yamaha's Firestorm and I love Firestorms for road use.
The Ducati sales bloke made a follow up call and when I mentioned a Yamaha Tracer being nicer he was a bit stuck on what to say! He had already sent me a link to a road test on a Multistrada vs S1000XR that was obviously favourable to the Ducati.
rat840771 said:
I have another mate who has just picked up the new Suzuki GSX1000s and it looks lovely and again great value with loads of grunt with the K5 motor. But you can see where that have saved some money. It has the same cheapo levers on it as my current K2 GSXR1000!
The dealer I borrowed the Tracer from are also a Suzuki dealer so had quick look over the new budget Suzuki. It's not for me due to inline 4 motor which doesn't interest me for this type of bike and poor pillion provision. It is interesting to look at the corners cut from the premium Superbikes. Side stands instead of being cast are bent bits of tube, switchgear with blanked out bits (get me cruise control on the 2016 Tracer - would be awesome) rear calipers are sliding piston nastiness, rear brake pedal on the Tracer must be stolen from a 1987 FZ600 or something and suspension is getting comically cheaper every year.
Thread update / revival.
Bought a new Yamaha Tracer yesterday. First new bike for me since 1997 and although it's no Desmoseidici it's a big deal in my little world. Thought I'd go for the full pipe & slippers old man route of panniers and heated grips.
Quite excited - I've already ran it out of petrol once, had the ABS chattering away a few times and had it weaving away like a drunk on some long sweeping corners.
I really like the Tracer, I test rode one while looking for a replacement for my VFR1200 that I could ride sensibly and still enjoy.
I eventually bought a year old Triumph Explorer as I do a fair bit of touring but the Tracer was a very close 2nd. I found the Triumph more comfortable and I like the hassle free shaft drive.
I loved the lightness of the Tracer though. Great fun to chuck about on back roads.
I eventually bought a year old Triumph Explorer as I do a fair bit of touring but the Tracer was a very close 2nd. I found the Triumph more comfortable and I like the hassle free shaft drive.
I loved the lightness of the Tracer though. Great fun to chuck about on back roads.
I own a 2011 Multistrada S and last week I swapped bikes with my uncle , who has a Tracer.
Very smooth and capable bike the Tracer, I found it to be travelling quicker than it felt, pretty effortless to cover ground quickly.
A couple of things I didn't like;
The throttle has a massive amount of travel, almost to the point of needing to re-adjust grip to get full throttle.
Suspension was very 'floaty' when pushing on, almost as if the damping was far too light for the spring rates.
The screen made a lot of buffeting around my lid (I also had this with the Standard Multi screen), this would be fixed with a smaller 'sport' screen, I'm sure.
For the money though, it is a great bike and with a grand thrown at the suspension, a quick throttle and a better screen it would be all the bike anyone would need for the road.
Very smooth and capable bike the Tracer, I found it to be travelling quicker than it felt, pretty effortless to cover ground quickly.
A couple of things I didn't like;
The throttle has a massive amount of travel, almost to the point of needing to re-adjust grip to get full throttle.
Suspension was very 'floaty' when pushing on, almost as if the damping was far too light for the spring rates.
The screen made a lot of buffeting around my lid (I also had this with the Standard Multi screen), this would be fixed with a smaller 'sport' screen, I'm sure.
For the money though, it is a great bike and with a grand thrown at the suspension, a quick throttle and a better screen it would be all the bike anyone would need for the road.
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