Owning a fast bike but riding sedately

[Janluke]

I have an urge for a KTM 1290 Superduke GT but I rarely go over 80 mph nowadays. I appreciate good brakes and suspension, like all the "toys" but wouldn't use all the performance

Seeing it written down it looks like a daft idea but anyone else got a high performance bike and just ride it normally?

[Ho Lee Kau]

Your (right) hand is your friend
just accept you will not be able to use full power of that engine in principle anywhere, buy the bike and ride it.
Sometimes that extra torque is helpful when you need to overtake quickly.

[foxsasha]

I've got a Superduke GT. Very, very rarely use anything like its full potential and dont ever cruise at more than 90mph. Doesn't stop it being huge fun.

[Jazoli]

Nope.

[Se7enheaven]

My current steed is an s1000 xr. It isn’t a slouch by any means ,but I enjoy riding “sedately”.
It can get a squirt on when you need it to.

[Lee540]

Try to.. but always end up failing..

ZZR1400.

[Hungrymc]

It has to be possible. But I can’t do it. Fast bikes, specially ones with attitude, just seem to draw me in to riding way too quick. I’ve decided to avoid them for a bit.

If you’ve got the appropriate self control, then I’m sure it will be fine. If you’re questioning your self control.....

[dern]

Go for it, stick it in rain mode have go for a wander and have a play with all the power when you're in the mood. Get what you like and ride it how you like.

[Triaguar]

Isn't there a bike that has all the bells and whistles without loads of power? As for having a fast bike and not going fast, pretty pointless if you think about it

[trickywoo]

I can’t do it either.

[Cylon2007]

If that's the bike you fancy, you've tested one and it's what you expected just get it. How you ride is irrelevant.

[Steve Bass]

You’ve just described 98% of bike riders.

Buy what you like
Ride how you like

Enjoy it for what it is rather than what it can do.

[Baldchap]

Let's be honest, in terms of most bikes' capabilities, everyone rides them slowly.

If you want it and you can afford it, get it bought. Let other people worry about what they think of you going steady. Leave the point and squirt merchants to it.

[Andybow]

Doesn’t seem to matter what bike I buy I generally ride them the same on the road, be it my speed triple or my africa twin. I want to get the new GT so will ride it the same.
Buy whatever you want, having big power actually makes pootling a lot easier as there’s so much power I reserve.
Get it bought man!

[Janluke]

Thanks gents

I'm due to change one of my bikes March 2020 so nothing happening anytime soon, although test ride happening soon !

I'll keep you posted

[Lukas239]

Echo as above; not sure a great deal of logic goes into biking full stop. It's dangerous, expensive, impractical and yet we all fking love it!

Buy whatever you want/makes you happy and don't listen to the others. As long as your aware of the alternative bikes around and your decision is informed.

Is a 790 too sensible an alternative?

[Janluke]

Lukas239 said:

Echo as above; not sure a great deal of logic goes into biking full stop. It's dangerous, expensive, impractical and yet we all fking love it!

Buy whatever you want/makes you happy and don't listen to the others. As long as your aware of the alternative bikes around and your decision is informed.

Is a 790 too sensible an alternative?

I like the 790 duke, not so keen on the 790 adv. If they did they 790GT that would work.

[Bungleaio]

I ride nowhere the near the limits of my street triple RS, most of the time someone who is wringing the neck of a 125 would probably be faster than I am. I don't care.

If you want a big bike to bimble about on then get one.

[Dr Jekyll]

When I first got my 1200GS (not fast by PH BB standards I know) after a Deauville I found it frustrating, like walking a dog and never being able to let it off it's lead. But now I like the feeling of having all the acceleration I need for the situation plus a little bit more while still having most of the engines potential in reserve. As with a powerful car, there is something relaxing, even therapeutic, about never having to work it hard.

[anonymous-user]

It’s no different to buying a fast car and then keeping (almost) within the limits. Sometimes it’s all the other things, such as handling, that you want it for, not the outright speed.

Just get what floats your boat.