Looking for new bike - comfy, good for pillion and fun.
Discussion
I've been out thrashing test bikes today in an attempt to find a new road bike. I don't go as fast on the road anymore and my knees and pillion need a bit more cosseting these days than a 98 R1 can provide.
Got a couple of Multistradas out of Blade Motorcycles in Reading. I've previously been out on an early bike 2011 but was reliably informed the later twin spark bike was better so out on a 2014 bike we went. Within a few miles it came back to me why I wasn't keen on them - still not exactly smooth, handling was ho hum and it pitched backwards and forwards on its suspension (non SkyHook model).
Took it back and went out on the latest 2015 model and
officially in love. Awesome fuelling, lovely handling, great wind protection, fantastic cruise control, great fun on the back roads
Tootled over to Premier at Didcot and borrowed an 1190 Adventure. I expected to be bit rubbish as my mate's RC8 never fuelled properly so was surprised it was very nice - better than the 2014 Multistrada. Certainly fast enough, awesome value for money (this dealer is knocking these out for £12k) but after the 2015 Multistrada it didn't have the same attraction.
Nothing adventure style appealed from Honda so I took out the VFR800 and 1200 roadies. VFR800 had a nice quickshifter and steered nicely but found engine a bit bland and legs curiously scrunched up after the adventure bikes. Went out on the VFR1200 afterwards and Lordy what a motor! Awesome sweeping A road and Autobahn thing but fun in the UK for me now is on the smaller B roads.
So 2015 Ducati Multistrada winning so far!
BMW S1000XR and Yamaha Tracer tomorrow.
Got a couple of Multistradas out of Blade Motorcycles in Reading. I've previously been out on an early bike 2011 but was reliably informed the later twin spark bike was better so out on a 2014 bike we went. Within a few miles it came back to me why I wasn't keen on them - still not exactly smooth, handling was ho hum and it pitched backwards and forwards on its suspension (non SkyHook model).
Took it back and went out on the latest 2015 model and
officially in love. Awesome fuelling, lovely handling, great wind protection, fantastic cruise control, great fun on the back roadsTootled over to Premier at Didcot and borrowed an 1190 Adventure. I expected to be bit rubbish as my mate's RC8 never fuelled properly so was surprised it was very nice - better than the 2014 Multistrada. Certainly fast enough, awesome value for money (this dealer is knocking these out for £12k) but after the 2015 Multistrada it didn't have the same attraction.
Nothing adventure style appealed from Honda so I took out the VFR800 and 1200 roadies. VFR800 had a nice quickshifter and steered nicely but found engine a bit bland and legs curiously scrunched up after the adventure bikes. Went out on the VFR1200 afterwards and Lordy what a motor! Awesome sweeping A road and Autobahn thing but fun in the UK for me now is on the smaller B roads.
So 2015 Ducati Multistrada winning so far!
BMW S1000XR and Yamaha Tracer tomorrow.
I will see if I can get a go on a GS tomorrow. I'm not anti them or their riders! 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. I have no problem with the boxer motor - a mate's got the R9T which I think is lovely and for an age I was considering buying a R1200S.
I think for this type of bike an inline 4 isn't the right motor so I expect the XR to be too coarse and buzzy. Preconceptions and all that! If it's okay then I might stick the Versys on the list.
Obviously I want the Tracer to be good because it's so inexpensive (even if I have to chuck some money at the suspension) but I don't want it to feel cheap. I'm deliberately riding some £15k bikes fist to set the bar high for the £8k Tracer. All the bikes with the exception of the VFR800 have had more than enough power.
Both the Multistradas I rode had standard non active suspension but the 2015 model was just better damped.
I think for this type of bike an inline 4 isn't the right motor so I expect the XR to be too coarse and buzzy. Preconceptions and all that! If it's okay then I might stick the Versys on the list.
Obviously I want the Tracer to be good because it's so inexpensive (even if I have to chuck some money at the suspension) but I don't want it to feel cheap. I'm deliberately riding some £15k bikes fist to set the bar high for the £8k Tracer. All the bikes with the exception of the VFR800 have had more than enough power.
Both the Multistradas I rode had standard non active suspension but the 2015 model was just better damped.
BMW's today.
Went out first on the S1000XR. It's not an adventure bike, it's an S1000RR with a sit up riding position. Not quite as good looking as the Multistrada with a droopy exhaust angle and dodgy bars where the boxes go but otherwise good. Ironically I've been looking for a do everything bike (euro road trips, the odd trackday, UK back roads and two up blasts to watch the racing / go to the coast / weekend away) for absolutely years now and eventually given up and this it. If you're mainly a road rider and looking for a litre superbike this is a much better bet than the S1000RR. Super comfy seat, narrower handlebars than the adventure bikes (good), great quickshifter, fantastic grunt and awesome top end.
It's come slightly too late for me. The motor eggs you to ride it like an idiot with all it's popping, banging and mental acceleration and is far too buzzy for cruising on dual carriageways and motorways. A and B roads with revs moving up and down (even just a bit) and this isn't a problem.
Proper hooligan thing - what I need is a twin for cruising / flowing type riding so I took out an R1200RS. Liked the motor but the riding position of low seat and high-ish clip ons now feels wrong - I'm properly sold on the higher seats for comfort.
Finally went out on the R1200GS TE and ummmm lovely bike! Not normally my cup of tea but lots of lovely touches - two position pillion seat, many position riders seat (S1000XR was still comfier), sexy tyre valves in the wheel spokes and the side and top boxes are great - I defy you not to smile when they show you how they expand. Loved riding it, fast enough but happy to waft along as well, fantastic weight distribution and low c of g mean they feel planted and lean forever. 2nd best bike I've tested so far.
All 3 bikes had lovely easy to use cruise control (although on the S1000XR it just means horrible vibes).
Ran out of time to go and try the Yamaha Tracer - will try one on Thursday I hope.
I've learnt today I don't really want an across the frame inline 4 (too mad on full noise and too vibey on cruise), still like a bit of bodywork to look at and don't really want a shaft drive (feels like a chain with a tight spot or that needs oiling sometimes which was a surprise - now felt this on the VFR1200 and the two BMW twins).
2015 Multistrada still winning so far.
Went out first on the S1000XR. It's not an adventure bike, it's an S1000RR with a sit up riding position. Not quite as good looking as the Multistrada with a droopy exhaust angle and dodgy bars where the boxes go but otherwise good. Ironically I've been looking for a do everything bike (euro road trips, the odd trackday, UK back roads and two up blasts to watch the racing / go to the coast / weekend away) for absolutely years now and eventually given up and this it. If you're mainly a road rider and looking for a litre superbike this is a much better bet than the S1000RR. Super comfy seat, narrower handlebars than the adventure bikes (good), great quickshifter, fantastic grunt and awesome top end.
It's come slightly too late for me. The motor eggs you to ride it like an idiot with all it's popping, banging and mental acceleration and is far too buzzy for cruising on dual carriageways and motorways. A and B roads with revs moving up and down (even just a bit) and this isn't a problem.
Proper hooligan thing - what I need is a twin for cruising / flowing type riding so I took out an R1200RS. Liked the motor but the riding position of low seat and high-ish clip ons now feels wrong - I'm properly sold on the higher seats for comfort.
Finally went out on the R1200GS TE and ummmm lovely bike! Not normally my cup of tea but lots of lovely touches - two position pillion seat, many position riders seat (S1000XR was still comfier), sexy tyre valves in the wheel spokes and the side and top boxes are great - I defy you not to smile when they show you how they expand. Loved riding it, fast enough but happy to waft along as well, fantastic weight distribution and low c of g mean they feel planted and lean forever. 2nd best bike I've tested so far.
All 3 bikes had lovely easy to use cruise control (although on the S1000XR it just means horrible vibes).
Ran out of time to go and try the Yamaha Tracer - will try one on Thursday I hope.
I've learnt today I don't really want an across the frame inline 4 (too mad on full noise and too vibey on cruise), still like a bit of bodywork to look at and don't really want a shaft drive (feels like a chain with a tight spot or that needs oiling sometimes which was a surprise - now felt this on the VFR1200 and the two BMW twins).
2015 Multistrada still winning so far.
bass gt3 said:
moto_traxport said:
2015 Multistrada still winning so far.
So what's on the list still to try???A dealer near me (ProBike in Newbury) has got a Tracer but they do accompanied 15 minute demo runs whereas if I like a bike I'd want it longer - bit of time in town (looking for the snatchy throttle), bit of time on the motorway (people complain about wind noise and buffeting on these) and then a hoon down a wiggly road to see whether it's fun.
Ironically people have chucked me the keys to the £15k stuff and said have fun, see you in an hour. We'll see.
Anything else I should try? These sort of bikes aren't normally on my radar.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff