Bike suggestions please

[McClure]

Sorry, I was hoping to avoid a "what bike?" thread but while I can research and test new bikes, I don't know anything about older bikes, which is where you people come in please!

The bike will be used mainly as a toy; I might commute occasionally but that's not through town anyway, so I want something fun. The second requirement is that it can sit my better half on the back for a few shorter journies and occasional european tours. She's 5'6", skinny and is a hardy soul, bless her, and we're light travellers so we don't need a full on tourer that will be overkill for the usual weekend play. It thus seems that my ideal bike is the Z1000SX but that's a little more than I'm wanting to pay (up to £6k), and chatting to my DAS instructor he reckons while it's an incredibly competent bike, it's not that much fun (exactly why I recently sold a car).

The current new-ish shortlist is: ER6F (with upgraded rear shock); GSX650F; CBR600F and CBR650F.

However like a typical newbie biker I'd love either a Triumph or Ducati - the Speed Triple & Daytona have long been my dream bikes; and the 899 Panigale is delicious. It's just a shame none of those are suitable or can be adapted for two-up euro jaunts.

Are there any older bikes I should be looking at that will serve my purposes, even if minor mods are needed (eg slight bar risers, Corbin pillion seat etc) please?

Many thanks!

Edited by McClure on Thursday 31st July 13:06

[trickywoo]

Z1000SX is a cracking bike - what does your instructor ride?

You can get an ABS model with sub 10k miles for under £6k.

I think touring two up on a 600 won't be the best.

If you can get insurance on a Z1000SX do that.

A Versys might be worth a look.

[slevin911]

I would be looking at something like these given your requirements

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/mcn/bikes-for-sale/s...

if you want something maybe a bit less powerful and save money

http://www.motorcyclesupermarket.com/used-motorcyc...

if you want a brand new 600 thats a bit left field

http://www.benelli.co.uk/bikedetail.php?id=93

good luck with your search

[jackh707]

trickywoo said:

A Versys might be worth a look.

This, will get yourself a very tidy ABS with all the luggage and gear for 3-4k.

Don't look much on paper, but a cracking bike in the real world, more than enough fun.

[morebeanz]

What is it about a Speed Triple that you think is unsuitable?

Granted if you want to fly about ton-up on tour, then it won't be brilliant, but otherwise it can do the rest. Also, when you say Daytona, are you referring to the 955? If not, then you should look at that if Triples are your thing...

[McClure]

Great, thanks guys.

Trickywoo - I think he rides a Monster 1200S. I take it you think I should put the Z1000SX back on the list then?

Slevin911 - that Benelli looks great, thanks. It also fits the "unusual" category! Shame it doesn't have a fairing though otherwise I'd be all over it.

Jackh707 - I'm afraid the Versys just doesn't do "it" for me in the looks department. Yes, yes, I know

Morebeanz - no fairing, which I'm told for 2x2hr daily stints is a must. With the Daytona I was thinking of the 675 - utterly, utterly gorgeous machine - but the 955i looks fantastic, exactly what I was hoping this thread would unearth! Thanks! That's going on the list.

Hey, for £6k I could get a 955i AND an older Street Triple or Monster...

[morebeanz]

On the no screen bit, I ride a Street Triple with just the bikini fairing, and unless you are doing mega speeds or the weather is truly horrible then I don't find I have bad buffeting or anything.

In bad weather or over 90ish (on a private road) then it definitely does become an issue though!

The 955i though is a beaut, although it is now a bit old school in it's approach. You could also look at the Sprint, which I judge to be similar to the 955 but a bit more tourer.

[McClure]

morebeanz said:

On the no screen bit, I ride a Street Triple with just the bikini fairing, and unless you are doing mega speeds or the weather is truly horrible then I don't find I have bad buffeting or anything.

In bad weather or over 90ish (on a private road) then it definitely does become an issue though!

The 955i though is a beaut, although it is now a bit old school in it's approach. You could also look at the Sprint, which I judge to be similar to the 955 but a bit more tourer.

That's the concern about nakeds, we drove through France a couple of weeks ago and their m/ways were quiet enough to sit on cruise at indicated 87 (which my GPS said was actual 130kmh) literally for hours; so spending 2 hrs at indicated 87 I am told would be uncomfortable. It's not the thing I can really test either, unless anyone knows of a dealer that offers full weekend tests.

The ST was originally on the list but I had a look at the dealers and it's just too big & cumbersome for my liking. I'm hoping the 955i is a bit more agile.

[Mastodon2]

Personally I wouldn't want to tour on a naked bike, not that it can't be done, but I learned on a naked bike and it was pretty blowy over 70. Ok, so it's nothing you can't just grin and bear, but tbh faired bikes are just much nicer at speed. Only doing a two hour stint twice a day is hardly going to be that taxing on anything though, expect to spend much longer in the saddle, and that is when a fairing will do wonders.

I probably wouldn't go for any of the 600s you've listened in the first post either, they're not wildly powerful and might make lugging two of you and a bit of luggage feel like hard work. I'd have said the Kawasaki Z1000SX would have been ideal, it's not a snarling beast of a bike but has plenty of torque for lugging loads, a fairing and the ergonomics don't look too sporty.

In truth, from the way you are posting, I see you either buying a sports bike and cheap tourer for holidays, or your mrs admitting she is not that wowed by the bike holiday experience and you ending up with a sports bike.

[dwaind]

I have had a lot of bikes since I get back in to riding, I currently have a BMW R1200GS Adventure and a Ducati 848, I can assure you that given the choice I would take the BMW, it does everything well. So as BMW offer test rides on all models I would suggest you pop down and have a go on the F800GS. You get a great riding position, ABS, superb MPG and the residuals are pretty good as well.

BMW sales people get a bit upset when you buy a 1200GS or even 800 for that matter, just because they know they won't sell you another bike for a long time.

And please, please be careful, just because you have passed your DAS does not mean you are a competent rider yet, join the IAM, do a Bikesafe or even better a ROSPA course, it may well save your life one day.

Dwain

Edited by dwaind on Thursday 31st July 17:37

[scdan4]

bandit 12 with a fly screen?

cheap, but very cheerful.

[McClure]

Mastodon2 said:

Personally I wouldn't want to tour on a naked bike, not that it can't be done, but I learned on a naked bike and it was pretty blowy over 70. Ok, so it's nothing you can't just grin and bear, but tbh faired bikes are just much nicer at speed. Only doing a two hour stint twice a day is hardly going to be that taxing on anything though, expect to spend much longer in the saddle, and that is when a fairing will do wonders.

I probably wouldn't go for any of the 600s you've listened in the first post either, they're not wildly powerful and might make lugging two of you and a bit of luggage feel like hard work. I'd have said the Kawasaki Z1000SX would have been ideal, it's not a snarling beast of a bike but has plenty of torque for lugging loads, a fairing and the ergonomics don't look too sporty.

In truth, from the way you are posting, I see you either buying a sports bike and cheap tourer for holidays, or your mrs admitting she is not that wowed by the bike holiday experience and you ending up with a sports bike.

Thanks. So it looks like the Z1000SX or 955i are the best options then. Hmm, you guys have been very helpful. Tests rides will now be booked.

As for the final paragraph, this is all her idea! I've always loved being on two (pedalled) wheels, but have never bothered with motorbikes as I never had reason to spend money on it. However she loves them but gave up riding before I met her as she was always throwing herself at the Tarmac. We went to Catalunya for the GP and got swept away in the atmosphere so gone is the overpriced German dullsmobile for a cheap Swedish dullsmobile and some two-wheeled action. And it's the best thing I could've done as from the brief flits I've had so far I'm absolutely loving it!

[Vulgar LS2]

The Z1000SX is a fantastic looking machine, whatever you end up buying, do it with your heart and not your head or you'll be changing it very soon

[mike-r]

I really like my VFR 800, excellent all rounder. Light and nimble enough to have some fun on, comfy enough for long distances, and big enough to carry a pillion.

[McClure]

dwaind said:

And please, please be careful, just because you have passed your DAS does not mean you are a competent rider yet, join the IAM, do a Bikesafe or even better a ROSPA course, it may well save your life one day.

Dwain

Good advice, thanks, and I will be doing that. I'm old enough now to know better and after doing many, many miles on pedal bikes I'm well used to cars trying to kill me so won't be hooning around thinking I'm the new Foggy (not that I'm not averse to making progress when safe to do so ). I'll also eventually go on a few track days to get a better feel for the bike, and I also want to do an off-road trail bike course as I think that'll improve my slow-speed control a lot.

[slevin911]

Just a final note on the benelli bn600,there is also a GT model which would be better bet errr its an acquired taste!

[coupeboy]

Ducati st3 is a really nice sports tourer, had one for a year and went to the Alps on it, they handle really nice, they're a bit like a VFR with character! There's on 's' version on ebay which comes with ABS and ohlins suspension...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DUCATI-ST3S-ABS-1000-SPO...

[gareth h]

McClure said:

That's the concern about nakeds, we drove through France a couple of weeks ago and their m/ways were quiet enough to sit on cruise at indicated 87 (which my GPS said was actual 130kmh) literally for hours; so spending 2 hrs at indicated 87 I am told would be uncomfortable. It's not the thing I can really test either, unless anyone knows of a dealer that offers full weekend tests.

The ST was originally on the list but I had a look at the dealers and it's just too big & cumbersome for my liking. I'm hoping the 955i is a bit more agile.

I agree we did 2000 miles in france / spain on a speed trip and a superduke, mostly stayed off the motorways but 90 mph is perfectly comfortable and they were perfect for the tight stuff in the pyrenees.

[black-k1]

So much depends on what you consider fun, what you mean by travelling light, what your idea of a Euro jaunt is and just how hardy your wife is.
As any bike can be fun, and can handle runs into town, the greatest influence on your bike choice is likely to be your 2 up Euro jaunts. Just about any bike will do every you want and if you really do travel light (small tank bag and some small throw overs) then even the 899 Panigale is an option. However, if your idea of a Euro tour includes consecutive days of over 6 hours in the saddle, covering miles on all types of road from Alpine hairpins to Autobahns then your pillion may not appreciate the finer points of the Panigale.

You are probably best to look at either adventure bikes or sports tourers as the best compromise and there’s a good reason why most adventure bikes and sports tourers have larger engines. When it comes to touring, even at the sportier end of sports touring, torque is king. While the 600s/650s may have the same (or more) power than some of the bigger adventure bikes and sports tourers, they will be harder work and likely slower overall than the bigger bikes with much more torque.

For fun 2 up touring, even with light luggage I’d suggest that anything less than 750/800ccs is too small. Likewise, while heavier sports tourers and adventure bikes may appear less fun than a sports bike or smaller multi-purpose bikes, and when solo they aren’t quite as quick and nimble, adding an additional 200+kg of rider, pillion (with kit) and luggage will have less of an impact on suspension, performance, braking etc. of a slightly larger bike.

A lot of newbies are concerned about getting heavier bikes with larger engine capacities and feel that they need to progress up a capacity ladder. I would suggest that if you are an experienced road user who is just new to bikes then this is not the case and were you to select a smaller bike now then you’ll likely be looking for a larger bike this time next year.

Have a look at the bikes like the VFR800, the BMW GS, the Ducati ST3 etc. that are seen as market leaders in the ‘touring with fun potential’ market. Additionally, look at the hyper sports tourers like the Blackbird, the ZX12R, the ZZR1400 and the K1200S/K1300S, all of which are available (if sometimes only just) in your price range. They may be larger both in size and capacity than you have mentioned but they are the ‘bees knees’ when it comes to 2 up Euro jaunt fun.

ETA This has ABS and a quick shifter. If it also has ESA then it would be a superb buy.

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/291168401035?cmd=VIDESC

Edited by black-k1 on Friday 1st August 10:29

[McClure]

black-k1 said:

A lot of newbies are concerned about getting heavier bikes with larger engine capacities and feel that they need to progress up a capacity ladder. I would suggest that if you are an experienced road user who is just new to bikes then this is not the case and were you to select a smaller bike now then you’ll likely be looking for a larger bike this time next year.

Have a look at the bikes like the VFR800, the BMW GS, the Ducati ST3 etc. that are seen as market leaders in the ‘touring with fun potential’ market. Additionally, look at the hyper sports tourers like the Blackbird, the ZX12R, the ZZR1400 and the K1200S/K1300S, all of which are available (if sometimes only just) in your price range. They may be larger both in size and capacity than you have mentioned but they are the ‘bees knees’ when it comes to 2 up Euro jaunt fun.

ETA This has ABS and a quick shifter. If it also has ESA then it would be a superb buy.

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/291168401035?cmd=VIDESC

Edited by black-k1 on Friday 1st August 10:29

Thanks for all of that, much appreciated. TBH while I am confident in my road craft after 25+ years of road cycling and 18 years driving, the thought of having all the power from a 1300 etc under my right wrist terrifies me at the moment! I've already said to myself thar if I end up getting a Z1000SX I'm going to keep it in the low power mode for a few months. Having said that I think the touring is when I'll have most fun so perhaps the bike itself being "fun" is less important than the touring ability., so I should probably man up and try a larger capacity machine. That BM is also lovely so I might well go and have a look.