Discussion
Been riding a bit more on the roads lately and fancy a change of daily bike.
Currently have an FZ1, which I could modify a little, but I’ve been looking at a variety of different bikes:
Superduke GT - seems perfect for what I want, just concerned over reliability, especially with winter commuting. Decent sized fuel tank. No centre stand though which is a bit crap for a ‘touring’ bike. Like the idea of having a reasonable sized V twin again.
MT10 Touring - bit of a munchkin bike (815 seat height), but then so is the FZ1 and they’re both more spacious than my other one. Engine appeals. Really poor tank size for a ‘tourer’.
Ninja 1000SX - I’m no spring chicken, but feel I’m too young for this. Tank size is better than the MT10 & seat height isn’t too bad. Might have been keener if it had a centre stand, seems like a pretty decent package overall though.
S1000XR - tried an early one some years back and loved it. Has a centre stand as an option. Not bad tank size. But wide for filtering in central London. Too many gadgets perhaps and for some reason leaves me a bit cold.
GSXS1000F - would love one as it’s awkward and ugly, but it’s also tiny and has a correspondingly miniature fuel tank.
Test rides are probably in order next.
Currently have an FZ1, which I could modify a little, but I’ve been looking at a variety of different bikes:
Superduke GT - seems perfect for what I want, just concerned over reliability, especially with winter commuting. Decent sized fuel tank. No centre stand though which is a bit crap for a ‘touring’ bike. Like the idea of having a reasonable sized V twin again.
MT10 Touring - bit of a munchkin bike (815 seat height), but then so is the FZ1 and they’re both more spacious than my other one. Engine appeals. Really poor tank size for a ‘tourer’.
Ninja 1000SX - I’m no spring chicken, but feel I’m too young for this. Tank size is better than the MT10 & seat height isn’t too bad. Might have been keener if it had a centre stand, seems like a pretty decent package overall though.
S1000XR - tried an early one some years back and loved it. Has a centre stand as an option. Not bad tank size. But wide for filtering in central London. Too many gadgets perhaps and for some reason leaves me a bit cold.
GSXS1000F - would love one as it’s awkward and ugly, but it’s also tiny and has a correspondingly miniature fuel tank.
Test rides are probably in order next.
They’re all decent bikes, but one that does a similar job that you’ve left out is an R1250GS.
Have you ever tried one? If not, I think you should. They are a bit different, and for a lot of people (me included) they feel just about right for everything that you might want a bike to do.
Have you ever tried one? If not, I think you should. They are a bit different, and for a lot of people (me included) they feel just about right for everything that you might want a bike to do.
Kent Border Kenny said:
They’re all decent bikes, but one that does a similar job that you’ve left out is an R1250GS.
Have you ever tried one? If not, I think you should. They are a bit different, and for a lot of people (me included) they feel just about right for everything that you might want a bike to do.
You’ve got a point there. I also tried a KTM Super Adventure some time ago and did enjoy it, but neither really appeal. Probably both worth further consideration though.Have you ever tried one? If not, I think you should. They are a bit different, and for a lot of people (me included) they feel just about right for everything that you might want a bike to do.
The thing that’s a little frustrating is none of the options provide everything that I want from an everyday bike. If only the MT10 had a decent tank I could compromise in other respects.
I VERY NEARLY bought one when I bought my H2 SX. A number of the Old Gits have had these and love them. There have been no significant reliability issues and no one has struggled with the lack of center stand. (I did 6 years on two different K1300Ss without a centre stand and never had an issue touring!) They are a great bike and I would suggest, definitely worth a try.
ETA: the Dolomites last year and my H2 SX is the only one with a centre stand!
ETA: the Dolomites last year and my H2 SX is the only one with a centre stand!
Edited by black-k1 on Thursday 24th September 13:13
Tribal Chestnut said:
You’ve got a point there. I also tried a KTM Super Adventure some time ago and did enjoy it, but neither really appeal. Probably both worth further consideration though.
The thing that’s a little frustrating is none of the options provide everything that I want from an everyday bike. If only the MT10 had a decent tank I could compromise in other respects.
They are different enough that it’s definitely worth a test ride. You could well walk away deciding it’s just too weird, or you may click.The thing that’s a little frustrating is none of the options provide everything that I want from an everyday bike. If only the MT10 had a decent tank I could compromise in other respects.
For some reason I’m faster on a track on my GS than I ever was on superbikes, as I feel confident riding it right up to when both ends are starting to slide. I’ve never been good enough or confident enough to do that on ostensibly far sportier bikes.
black-k1 said:
I VERY NEARLY bought one when I bought my H2 SX. A number of the Old Gits have had these and love them. There have been no significant reliability issues and no one has struggled with the lack of center stand. (I did 6 years on two different K1300Ss without a centre stand and never had an issue touring!) They are a great bike and I would suggest, definitely worth a try.
The SD GT?Edit: the pic answered my question. Cheers.
Do you have any key criteria or 'must have's'???
But bottom line, buy the one that you really like and accept and work around it's down sides...
Doing a score card may be the sensible thing to do but by and large, bikes aren't bought on their total score, more about how they make us feel.
But bottom line, buy the one that you really like and accept and work around it's down sides...
Doing a score card may be the sensible thing to do but by and large, bikes aren't bought on their total score, more about how they make us feel.
Steve Bass said:
Do you have any key criteria or 'must have's'???
But bottom line, buy the one that you really like and accept and work around it's down sides...
Doing a score card may be the sensible thing to do but by and large, bikes aren't bought on their total score, more about how they make us feel.
Not really! I’d never get a bike if I did. I suppose comfy enough for a day of riding, decent range, fun and ok for a pillion are probably about it. Unattractive to thieves would also be nice, but that’s perhaps unrealistic. Then it comes down to more subjective criteria, as you say.But bottom line, buy the one that you really like and accept and work around it's down sides...
Doing a score card may be the sensible thing to do but by and large, bikes aren't bought on their total score, more about how they make us feel.
On the subject of centre-stands, my longest ‘fun’ trip was a day trip to Ypres with some off here back in 2013 (IIRC), so I’ve assumed, perhaps wrongly..., that it would be beneficial for touring when it comes to chain maintenance - especially for longer trips and crap weather.
From a winter commuting perspective however it’s invaluable - I can clean and lube my chain at work, if that’s the only chance I get, & at home it makes things easier as I can clean it outside the garage on an awkwardly sloping driveway without having to f**k about with a paddock stand.
Andybow said:
SD GT is a great bike, I had a MT10 and it’s was a great road bike, well comfy and very good for touring apart from the crap range, the GT is just as fun but more practical, wait a month or so and they will slash the price of the new one as a all new one will be out for next March
Thanks for the tip. Once I’ve drawn up a shortlist and had a chance to get some test rides in I’ll start looking at numbers, deals, etc.FWIW I was looking at similar bikes and narrowed it down the SD GT and the 1250 GS, really down to dealer proximity.
Ended up with a new 1250 GS as there weren't any SD GT's available and the GS was in stock and ready to go. It also got the nod as I have hundreds of miles of sand roads around and the GS could sort of do a little off road duty whereas the SD GT and others, not so much.
I'd also had a MY16 1200GS in Vietnam and it kinda got under my skin doing some long tours up from Saigon to Hoi An and Hanoi, so getting the 1250 was a safe bet...
Ended up with a new 1250 GS as there weren't any SD GT's available and the GS was in stock and ready to go. It also got the nod as I have hundreds of miles of sand roads around and the GS could sort of do a little off road duty whereas the SD GT and others, not so much.
I'd also had a MY16 1200GS in Vietnam and it kinda got under my skin doing some long tours up from Saigon to Hoi An and Hanoi, so getting the 1250 was a safe bet...
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