thinking of a change - your thoughts please
Discussion
Well, I'm thinking of a change in style of bike/riding.
I'm 42 and have always had sports bikes - currently have a lovely Aprilia Mille. I really enjoy it, but we (my friend with a later model, RSV-R factory) and I only seem to be getting out about 10x / yr (maybe 2000-3000 miles/yr). I know, I know, fair weather riders
- it's a valid point. I enjoy the handling and we go out to seek a set of twisties on a weekend, when the weather is good.
But I'm thinking of chopping it in on something like a BMW R1200 GS (or similar). The roads are getting busier, so it's harder, not to mention riskier to the licence etc, to really enjoy the corners to the bike's potential. So get to the track, I hear you say - possibly, but I'd also like to do a bit of touring. So I'm looking at something that will be comfortable to tour on (with space for some luggage etc), pokey enough to enjoy, while able to handle bends well (I know it won't be the same as the sports bike in this regard, and that's OK) and that will have a better range than 130-150 miles/tank
.
The Futura may be a good bet, as I like the engine in the Mille, but the mpg won't be much better than at present - that's not a deal breaker though.
Thanks for your thoughts.
I'm 42 and have always had sports bikes - currently have a lovely Aprilia Mille. I really enjoy it, but we (my friend with a later model, RSV-R factory) and I only seem to be getting out about 10x / yr (maybe 2000-3000 miles/yr). I know, I know, fair weather riders
- it's a valid point. I enjoy the handling and we go out to seek a set of twisties on a weekend, when the weather is good.But I'm thinking of chopping it in on something like a BMW R1200 GS (or similar). The roads are getting busier, so it's harder, not to mention riskier to the licence etc, to really enjoy the corners to the bike's potential. So get to the track, I hear you say - possibly, but I'd also like to do a bit of touring. So I'm looking at something that will be comfortable to tour on (with space for some luggage etc), pokey enough to enjoy, while able to handle bends well (I know it won't be the same as the sports bike in this regard, and that's OK) and that will have a better range than 130-150 miles/tank
.The Futura may be a good bet, as I like the engine in the Mille, but the mpg won't be much better than at present - that's not a deal breaker though.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Go for it, I spent years riding sportsbikes on the road, VFR400 / CBR 600 and my 996 that now has over 50k miles on it, I then changed jobs and bought a Ducati Monster to commute on, almost from that day the 996 never saw the road again, just got used for trackdays, I now run a 2005 Multistrada on the road and its easily as much fun as my 996 was and far more capable in some many more ways that I have never once thought 'wish I was on a sportsbike' whilst out on the roads.
sc0tt said:
Yeah a 1200 GS will definetley not go faster than 70. Like your thinking.
- let's just say I think the GS would be more comfortable and enjoyable to ride at legal speeds. the Mille is no fun about town - although, to be fair to it, that's not really what it's meant for (and it is a lot better than the Monster S4R I had before it 
I had a Futura and really liked it. That said my BMW K1200S and now BMW K1300S that followed it did everything the Futura did, only better. The K1200S/K1300S are very hard to beat. 50+mpg, 170mph but happy to pull 6th gear from 25mph. Comfort, easy fit/remove luggage, superb brakes and decent handling.
When you decide to go touring, pop along and see what we're up to at www.old-gits.org. Unfortunately there's no space this year but you'd be welcome next year.
When you decide to go touring, pop along and see what we're up to at www.old-gits.org. Unfortunately there's no space this year but you'd be welcome next year.
thanks for your thoughts guys - it's appreciated. i'll have a look at a few and think i'll go ahead and make the switch. i have to say i never really gelled with the Ducati Monster S4R i had - not sure what it was about the bike. will have a look at the old gits website too and think joining that in the next couple of years would be a lot of fun.
of course it'll mean getting some decent textiles, as the 2-piece leathers i have now aren't great for rain, and the plan for the new bike will be to get out on it more, in all weathers (not snow or ice
) and enjoy riding, do some touring etc.
thanks again
of course it'll mean getting some decent textiles, as the 2-piece leathers i have now aren't great for rain, and the plan for the new bike will be to get out on it more, in all weathers (not snow or ice
) and enjoy riding, do some touring etc.thanks again
SpydieNut said:
- let's just say I think the GS would be more comfortable and enjoyable to ride at legal speeds. Second vote for the Suzuki GSX1400.
I have owned a Speed triple (the original carb model) Harley Fatboy, BMW GS1150 Adventure then the Zook.
The 14 beats them all hands down (although i still love the trumpet). Its super comfy (I am 6ft 5in and have a lower back issue) and plenty fast enough on the straights (easily does a ton and who needs more than that?) and it handles well enough (i am 6ft 5in and a bit of a lardy too) to make the twisties interesting.
I want another bike but the Mrs is under no delusion. Its an "As well as the 14 NOT instead off!".
I have owned a Speed triple (the original carb model) Harley Fatboy, BMW GS1150 Adventure then the Zook.
The 14 beats them all hands down (although i still love the trumpet). Its super comfy (I am 6ft 5in and have a lower back issue) and plenty fast enough on the straights (easily does a ton and who needs more than that?) and it handles well enough (i am 6ft 5in and a bit of a lardy too) to make the twisties interesting.
I want another bike but the Mrs is under no delusion. Its an "As well as the 14 NOT instead off!".
richb77 said:
Second vote for the Suzuki GSX1400.
I have owned a Speed triple (the original carb model) Harley Fatboy, BMW GS1150 Adventure then the Zook.
The 14 beats them all hands down (although i still love the trumpet). Its super comfy (I am 6ft 5in and have a lower back issue) and plenty fast enough on the straights (easily does a ton and who needs more than that?) and it handles well enough (i am 6ft 5in and a bit of a lardy too) to make the twisties interesting.
I want another bike but the Mrs is under no delusion. Its an "As well as the 14 NOT instead off!".
They don't wear out either, 99k in a week or two so far....I have owned a Speed triple (the original carb model) Harley Fatboy, BMW GS1150 Adventure then the Zook.
The 14 beats them all hands down (although i still love the trumpet). Its super comfy (I am 6ft 5in and have a lower back issue) and plenty fast enough on the straights (easily does a ton and who needs more than that?) and it handles well enough (i am 6ft 5in and a bit of a lardy too) to make the twisties interesting.
I want another bike but the Mrs is under no delusion. Its an "As well as the 14 NOT instead off!".
OP I think your logic works, but I am thinking naked or semi naked roadster and keeping a sport bike for track only.
I have been mostly riding my super moto KTM 690 over my blade as it makes more sense and is just as fun 50% or more slower.
However please try the GS... you may find your thrashing the living daylights out of it.
I am thinking of KTM 1290, BMW 1000RX or Multistrada.
I have been mostly riding my super moto KTM 690 over my blade as it makes more sense and is just as fun 50% or more slower.
However please try the GS... you may find your thrashing the living daylights out of it.
I am thinking of KTM 1290, BMW 1000RX or Multistrada.
If you're not putting much money to it over your RSV, I'd hate to think how old/high miles the GS would be.
How about a FZ1 Fazer (the alloy framed model), these are bargains. My father has one, fancied a change for a while as owned it for 8 years now but can't find anything to beat it for all round usefullness - it's staying.
How about a FZ1 Fazer (the alloy framed model), these are bargains. My father has one, fancied a change for a while as owned it for 8 years now but can't find anything to beat it for all round usefullness - it's staying.
3rd time out since I have owned it( 4 months ), really hope I can enjoy this bike because it is tottaly different to my gsxr 1000 and all the sports bikes I have had before. Many reasons for a change but for me its the license that is important 
.
I cant bring myself to sell this just yet because I like looking at it
.I cant bring myself to sell this just yet because I like looking at it
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff