Another what bike..
Discussion
Time for me to get another runaround, but I have no clue what.. I have a bunch of potentially conflicting requirements, thought I'd see what you lot can come up with 
Main use is running around london surrounds, and getting dumped at heathrow for a few days at a time while I'm doing work trips. Therefore I'm (arbitrarily) setting the budget at 3000, don't want something I'm going to worry about.
For the airport runs it needs some lockable luggage.. I've made do with a decent size topbox, but would be nice to have enough room to leave all my gear with the bike rather than taking the jacket with me (i.e. paniers?).
Could (potentially) get used for 2-up touring, but most likely I'll just go off places on the R6 with a couple of drybags strapped to the pillion seat.
I have an (old) R6 for fast/track fun
I'm not really into IL4's. Quite fancy something vtwin or a big single.
Really fancy something supermoto-ish (but that probably rules out the luggage)
NOT a 1200GS
Reckon that about covers it... appreciate any suggestions.
Main use is running around london surrounds, and getting dumped at heathrow for a few days at a time while I'm doing work trips. Therefore I'm (arbitrarily) setting the budget at 3000, don't want something I'm going to worry about.
For the airport runs it needs some lockable luggage.. I've made do with a decent size topbox, but would be nice to have enough room to leave all my gear with the bike rather than taking the jacket with me (i.e. paniers?).
Could (potentially) get used for 2-up touring, but most likely I'll just go off places on the R6 with a couple of drybags strapped to the pillion seat.
I have an (old) R6 for fast/track fun
I'm not really into IL4's. Quite fancy something vtwin or a big single.
Really fancy something supermoto-ish (but that probably rules out the luggage)
NOT a 1200GS
Reckon that about covers it... appreciate any suggestions.
Something like my bike, 2007 Suzuki V-Strom 650 GT (GT means a few extras, notably factory fit lockable top box and panniers) would seem to fit what you have described perfectly.
Alternatively, I was actually looking for a Kawasaki Versys 650 when I bought it and one of these with panniers might just about be in budget.
Alternatively, I was actually looking for a Kawasaki Versys 650 when I bought it and one of these with panniers might just about be in budget.
Thanks all..
Heart wants something like a supermoto because hooligan blatting and great in traffic, and they just sound great/angry (was very taken by redback911's hypermotard)
Head says cheap bike with paniers for the airport run
Also fancy something quite retro like the triumph/cafe racer type thing, no idea where that fits into the requirements tho
Budget - totally advisory (but probably sensible) - the key is the 'heathrow airport test'..
E.g. SMT would be awesome, could easily afford, but fails the 'can I dump it at heathrow for a week and not worry' test, which therefore negates its practicality!
Interestingly the 1050 tiger seems cheaper than the 800.. bit concerned it's rather large/overkill, but definitely makes the shortlist, as does the sprint. TDM900 looks a good call, hard to get excited about. Ditto a versys/vstrom, probably the perfect answer, but.
Any thoughts on a F800S / ST with panniers - know little about them, but they seem cheap?
Heart wants something like a supermoto because hooligan blatting and great in traffic, and they just sound great/angry (was very taken by redback911's hypermotard)
Head says cheap bike with paniers for the airport run
Also fancy something quite retro like the triumph/cafe racer type thing, no idea where that fits into the requirements tho
Budget - totally advisory (but probably sensible) - the key is the 'heathrow airport test'..
E.g. SMT would be awesome, could easily afford, but fails the 'can I dump it at heathrow for a week and not worry' test, which therefore negates its practicality!
Interestingly the 1050 tiger seems cheaper than the 800.. bit concerned it's rather large/overkill, but definitely makes the shortlist, as does the sprint. TDM900 looks a good call, hard to get excited about. Ditto a versys/vstrom, probably the perfect answer, but.
Any thoughts on a F800S / ST with panniers - know little about them, but they seem cheap?
upsidedownmark said:
Any thoughts on a F800S / ST with panniers - know little about them, but they seem cheap?
I've just sold an 800ST after 2 years, very good bike, goes, handles and stops well. Even though they are a 10 year old design, with ABS and heated grips they feel completely modern. Also belt drive makes life very easy. Good airport bike as absolutely no street cred so no chance of it being lifted!!. You're right, fantastic value used especially if you can pick up the BMW luggage already on the bike. Most are completely standard and have been lightly used by mature owners, just a bit dull!
Edited by Gunk on Friday 29th July 18:20
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