In search of the 'perfect road bike'
Discussion
So, around 3 months ago I purchased a 2011 Multistrada S, however I feel like I may have been about 10 years premature with my purchase. It's an awesome machine, goes as fast as you'd ever need, is comfortable, handles well...it almost seems a shame to get rid of it but I feel like it's lacking a bit of excitement. I'm 25 and I think it's too mature for me.
I've been looking at the current range of sports bikes and have tested a few;
Ducati 959 - Looks great, sounds great, engine is slightly flat coming from the 1200. Immediate issue was a significant amount of heat coming from the exhaust under the seat which I don't think I could deal with.
Honda Fireblade SP - I really got on with this, I think it looks amazing in the HRC colours with the Ohlins and Marchesini wheels on it, however it's a fair chunk of money for a bike that essentially is the same as it came out in 2008, no traction control, rider modes etc. Super easy to ride fast on the road but didn't feel ballistic when you wound it all the way up.
2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R - If the 'blade didn't feel like a rocket ship at max chatters, this did. Insane top end but slightly flat down low. Very smooth engine that was happy to chug along at 2-3k rpm as well as bouncing off the limiter. The front end is incredibly good, the best of any bike I have ever ridden. Those SHOWA forks certainly do their job over braking bumps and potholes (dealer informed me they cost £2000 per leg if you need to replace them
). Mirrors were also very good, due to being positioned so far forward and low down. Quite an extreme riding position for >100 mile rides on the road.
2016 Aprilia Tuono Factory - Oh my god. This thing is crazy. Felt faster and more powerful than the ZX-10, the first 3 gears are mental, I imagine the front tyre would never need replacing due to spending most of it's time in the air. Induction and exhaust noise is the best of any bike I have ridden, even with the standard can. I had persuaded myself that I _have_ to have one, regardless of it costing nearly 15 grand, the most fun I have had on 2 wheels, I genuinely didn't want to give it back. Engine is strong right through the rev range, seating position is perfect for me (I'm fairly big at 6'1" and 16 stone), ride is firm but bearable. It looks smart in the Superpole graphics with the red wheels, perhaps some might find it OTT.
They guys I ride with own S1000R, SD1290R and MT-10 so I have had a chance to have a go on the competition but in my opinion none of them hold a candle to the Tuono, I've found my perfect road bike...Anyone want a Multistrada S?
If anyone owns a Tuono V4 (particularly the 1100) I would be interested to hear your experience of ownership, if it can't stretch 110-120 miles out of a tank it might be a deal breaker.
I've been looking at the current range of sports bikes and have tested a few;
Ducati 959 - Looks great, sounds great, engine is slightly flat coming from the 1200. Immediate issue was a significant amount of heat coming from the exhaust under the seat which I don't think I could deal with.
Honda Fireblade SP - I really got on with this, I think it looks amazing in the HRC colours with the Ohlins and Marchesini wheels on it, however it's a fair chunk of money for a bike that essentially is the same as it came out in 2008, no traction control, rider modes etc. Super easy to ride fast on the road but didn't feel ballistic when you wound it all the way up.
2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R - If the 'blade didn't feel like a rocket ship at max chatters, this did. Insane top end but slightly flat down low. Very smooth engine that was happy to chug along at 2-3k rpm as well as bouncing off the limiter. The front end is incredibly good, the best of any bike I have ever ridden. Those SHOWA forks certainly do their job over braking bumps and potholes (dealer informed me they cost £2000 per leg if you need to replace them
). Mirrors were also very good, due to being positioned so far forward and low down. Quite an extreme riding position for >100 mile rides on the road.2016 Aprilia Tuono Factory - Oh my god. This thing is crazy. Felt faster and more powerful than the ZX-10, the first 3 gears are mental, I imagine the front tyre would never need replacing due to spending most of it's time in the air. Induction and exhaust noise is the best of any bike I have ridden, even with the standard can. I had persuaded myself that I _have_ to have one, regardless of it costing nearly 15 grand, the most fun I have had on 2 wheels, I genuinely didn't want to give it back. Engine is strong right through the rev range, seating position is perfect for me (I'm fairly big at 6'1" and 16 stone), ride is firm but bearable. It looks smart in the Superpole graphics with the red wheels, perhaps some might find it OTT.
They guys I ride with own S1000R, SD1290R and MT-10 so I have had a chance to have a go on the competition but in my opinion none of them hold a candle to the Tuono, I've found my perfect road bike...Anyone want a Multistrada S?
If anyone owns a Tuono V4 (particularly the 1100) I would be interested to hear your experience of ownership, if it can't stretch 110-120 miles out of a tank it might be a deal breaker.
One of my riding mates has a 2015 Tuono with a full Austin Racing system on it, sounds absolutely mental and goes like the clappers as you'd expect for the power output, but he doesn't get close to 120 miles per tank. I had a go of an RSV4 RF last year and I think I problably got about 80 miles before the fuel light came on riding a fast route. The same route did the same thing to my friend's Tuono and he said it was pretty unpleasant on the fast bits with 150mph+ on the clock to boot. He is absolutely in love with it, despite it's flaws, which must stand for something.
Edited by Mastodon2 on Friday 26th August 20:03
I have actually put weight on since buying my multi 1200s. Its that comfy and capable its like elasticated joggers . Unless you go touring on the thing its wasted on a short run out. Incidentally i am a lot older than you :-)
I have a 2014 rsv4 factory being delivered tomorrow morning, never ridden one but it will hopefully stop me getting any fatter and stop me thinking i am to old before my time
The multi will be staying because i would just be kidding myself if I thought I could do any substantial mileage on the rsv4 but i am going to try .
I have a 2014 rsv4 factory being delivered tomorrow morning, never ridden one but it will hopefully stop me getting any fatter and stop me thinking i am to old before my time
The multi will be staying because i would just be kidding myself if I thought I could do any substantial mileage on the rsv4 but i am going to try .
To those suggesting a 600 sports bike, I've had a couple of them in the past. I think if I rode one now it would feel flat (the 959 was just about enough to still be exciting)
I still own a Street Triple R and that feels pretty pedestrian compared to what I have grown used to riding. I know in real terms a 600 is plenty for the road, they're just missing the 'FAAARK' factor.
Budget is probably 14k max max, I would prefer something lightly used, for less money though. Seating position on the RSV4 is too extreme for my build and the riding I do. Usually around 120 miles on a Sunday morning and a European trip once a year (1500-2000 miles in a week).
I still own a Street Triple R and that feels pretty pedestrian compared to what I have grown used to riding. I know in real terms a 600 is plenty for the road, they're just missing the 'FAAARK' factor.
Budget is probably 14k max max, I would prefer something lightly used, for less money though. Seating position on the RSV4 is too extreme for my build and the riding I do. Usually around 120 miles on a Sunday morning and a European trip once a year (1500-2000 miles in a week).
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