4 years without a bike and money to spend
Discussion
I've been 4 years without a bike now, and realise that its about time I bought a new one
Personal circs have changed a lot since then, and as such I dont have the time that I used to put into it. I won't be touring or spending all day on one, I'll be looking to get out for 4/5 hrs max, mainly about 2 hrs out.
I'm fortunate that i've got the Moors and Dales on the doorstep, Northumberland or the Lakes if I get the rare all day out.
With that, I'm looking for something that'll put a big grin on my face on B and unclassified roads. I want upright bars, 1, 2 or 3 cylinders only. ABS would be nice but I know some from my list never had that option.
Budget is £5k or thereabouts.
So far i've come up with:
MT07/XSR700
MT09/XSR900
Mk2 Tuono
KTM 690
KTM 950
KTM 990 SM/SMT
Street Triple
Triumph Tiger.
Interested in peoples thoughts of those who have owned or used them, and for any other suggestions i've missed.
Personal circs have changed a lot since then, and as such I dont have the time that I used to put into it. I won't be touring or spending all day on one, I'll be looking to get out for 4/5 hrs max, mainly about 2 hrs out.
I'm fortunate that i've got the Moors and Dales on the doorstep, Northumberland or the Lakes if I get the rare all day out.
With that, I'm looking for something that'll put a big grin on my face on B and unclassified roads. I want upright bars, 1, 2 or 3 cylinders only. ABS would be nice but I know some from my list never had that option.
Budget is £5k or thereabouts.
So far i've come up with:
MT07/XSR700
MT09/XSR900
Mk2 Tuono
KTM 690
KTM 950
KTM 990 SM/SMT
Street Triple
Triumph Tiger.
Interested in peoples thoughts of those who have owned or used them, and for any other suggestions i've missed.
Chicken Chaser said:
Interested in peoples thoughts of those who have owned or used them, and for any other suggestions i've missed.
The lowest priced used Duke 790s with lean sensitive ABS are approaching £5K. I posted the video in case that's the type of roads you'll be using:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMhV-IXQOTo
I've ridden one 690 Duke and two or three 790 Dukes. I found both idiot proof.
Oddly enough, the Tuono along with the KTM 990 is the only bike on that list that I havent ridden some kind of variation of. My only concern is that its a sportsbike with big handlebars and a lot of power so may not be quite as good on the bumpy back roads as something with longer suspension.
I've briefly tried an MT07 but didnt get to test the engine, I've ridden a Tracer 900 and found the engine amazing but the suspension poor. I've had a 950SM, had a Street Triple R, ridden a Tiger, Tried a 690 Duke and loved it on those little roads (but very small and wondered if I could live with it longer term).
I think if I had a bigger budget, I'd buy the Tenere 700 or the KTM 790 Adv, both seem perfect for that kind of terrain with the right amount of power/weight.
I've had a couple of older Versys 650s too which were superb bikes but I always wanted just a bit more. I do like the look of the newer model but not sure if I'll just think the same about it once i've been out on it a few times.
Ducati Scrambler is just about in budget, and like them too but not sure how they stack up against the others.
I've briefly tried an MT07 but didnt get to test the engine, I've ridden a Tracer 900 and found the engine amazing but the suspension poor. I've had a 950SM, had a Street Triple R, ridden a Tiger, Tried a 690 Duke and loved it on those little roads (but very small and wondered if I could live with it longer term).
I think if I had a bigger budget, I'd buy the Tenere 700 or the KTM 790 Adv, both seem perfect for that kind of terrain with the right amount of power/weight.
I've had a couple of older Versys 650s too which were superb bikes but I always wanted just a bit more. I do like the look of the newer model but not sure if I'll just think the same about it once i've been out on it a few times.
Ducati Scrambler is just about in budget, and like them too but not sure how they stack up against the others.
I have a Ducati scrambler classic and it really is a lot off fun nipping round B roads and back roads. It’ squirts you up to 85 easy enough and the front brake is very good. The shock is terrible and this with the seat makes for a sore arse after 100 miles or so.
It suits my needs for a few hours ride round the back roads without risking licence losing speeds
It suits my needs for a few hours ride round the back roads without risking licence losing speeds
I have an XSR900 and used to have an SMT. Either are good for a couple of hours fun but both capable of longer distances.
The Ktm was more of an event from idle to mid speeds possibly due to akrapovic silencers and v twin vibrations where as the triple is more exciting further up the smooth and punchy rev range.
I never felt the need to adjust the SMT suspension though it was adjustable and got used to the soft setup /dive under braking. (there are thread's on ktmtwins and smt forum discussing options)
The XSR900 is suspension is compromised being soft until it runs out of travel but it isn't that bad but then I am relatively new to riding and don't know what I'm taking about.
I am about to fit a nitron shock to the yamaha which should improve things but may also make the forks seem worse until I do something with them. Both are apparently good at wheelies but I can't do that.
I found the SMT throttle a bit snatchy and fitted an rc8 progressive throttle which helped. The XSR900 is better as you expect being newer, only ripples coming from coming on and off the throttle mid corner.
The Ktm has a larger tank but slightly worse economy - 5mpg. The SMT has a bit more weather protection but XSR900 with a dart screen is pretty good forcomfort at road speeds.
The XSR900 tips in to corners quicker as you would expect being lower. I had the flickering dash issue with my SMT, helped by dismantling and sealing but I am not sure if you can still get new dash units.
The XSR900 dash is brighter then the light from the headlights which is distracting on a dark night.
The XSR900 has wet sump and sightglass rather than the more involved drysump warming routine. I got the false neutral between 4th and 5th on the SMT a few times, no issues with the XSR900.
I am tempted to get an 1190 adventure.
The Ktm was more of an event from idle to mid speeds possibly due to akrapovic silencers and v twin vibrations where as the triple is more exciting further up the smooth and punchy rev range.
I never felt the need to adjust the SMT suspension though it was adjustable and got used to the soft setup /dive under braking. (there are thread's on ktmtwins and smt forum discussing options)
The XSR900 is suspension is compromised being soft until it runs out of travel but it isn't that bad but then I am relatively new to riding and don't know what I'm taking about.
I am about to fit a nitron shock to the yamaha which should improve things but may also make the forks seem worse until I do something with them. Both are apparently good at wheelies but I can't do that.
I found the SMT throttle a bit snatchy and fitted an rc8 progressive throttle which helped. The XSR900 is better as you expect being newer, only ripples coming from coming on and off the throttle mid corner.
The Ktm has a larger tank but slightly worse economy - 5mpg. The SMT has a bit more weather protection but XSR900 with a dart screen is pretty good forcomfort at road speeds.
The XSR900 tips in to corners quicker as you would expect being lower. I had the flickering dash issue with my SMT, helped by dismantling and sealing but I am not sure if you can still get new dash units.
The XSR900 dash is brighter then the light from the headlights which is distracting on a dark night.
The XSR900 has wet sump and sightglass rather than the more involved drysump warming routine. I got the false neutral between 4th and 5th on the SMT a few times, no issues with the XSR900.
I am tempted to get an 1190 adventure.
Like yourself I have the Yorkshire Dales on my doorstep, so this is my usual go to for a short or a full day out.
Two of the bikes on your list I have had/have. I recently sold my KTM 950SMR and it was perfect for all the poorly surfaced roads, only let down by the poor fuel range. I p/x'd it in July for a MT-09 and with the the suspension sorted as previously mentioned it suits my riding in the Dales perfectly and offiers a better range and comfort. Either of these can be had within budget.
However if range and all day comfort is few and far between the Tuono is a good shout.
Two of the bikes on your list I have had/have. I recently sold my KTM 950SMR and it was perfect for all the poorly surfaced roads, only let down by the poor fuel range. I p/x'd it in July for a MT-09 and with the the suspension sorted as previously mentioned it suits my riding in the Dales perfectly and offiers a better range and comfort. Either of these can be had within budget.
However if range and all day comfort is few and far between the Tuono is a good shout.
KTM 690
KTM 950
KTM 990 SM/SMT
I've recently owned all these
The 690 Duke 08 is the most fun but also vibrates the most, to the extent it puts me off riding it, the later 2016 engine is considerably better in this regard and in hindsight I probably should have kept it.
I owned a 990 Superduke and it was a cracking bike but just wanted to go too fast, it's natural speed was 90+ everywhere
The 990 SMT (I test rode) was nothing like it which I don't understand as I'm told they are the same engine, I found it a bit meh, perhaps it was a bad one
I then bought a 950 SM and I love it - natural speed is 70ish but blips up to 100+ quick enough. It's great for longer trips and it's got a lovely noise with akras but for 1-2 hours the 2016 Duke 690 was more fun on tighter roads
I test rode the Tiger 800 - horrid, 1050 was nice if you want a heavy tourer and if you like the triple whine.
KTM 950
KTM 990 SM/SMT
I've recently owned all these
The 690 Duke 08 is the most fun but also vibrates the most, to the extent it puts me off riding it, the later 2016 engine is considerably better in this regard and in hindsight I probably should have kept it.
I owned a 990 Superduke and it was a cracking bike but just wanted to go too fast, it's natural speed was 90+ everywhere
The 990 SMT (I test rode) was nothing like it which I don't understand as I'm told they are the same engine, I found it a bit meh, perhaps it was a bad one
I then bought a 950 SM and I love it - natural speed is 70ish but blips up to 100+ quick enough. It's great for longer trips and it's got a lovely noise with akras but for 1-2 hours the 2016 Duke 690 was more fun on tighter roads
I test rode the Tiger 800 - horrid, 1050 was nice if you want a heavy tourer and if you like the triple whine.
Chicken Chaser said:
Ducati Scrambler is just about in budget, and like them too but not sure how they stack up against the others.
I used to have a Ducati Scrambler (Full Throttle) and being in County Durham, my usual riding routes are similar to yours, Hartside, Helmsley, Stanhope etc .. and they are cracking bikes for those kind of roads.I loved mine, and only really got rid of it because being 6'-2" it felt a little bit small underneath me.
They handle really well, stop well and have just enough power to be entertaining. Mine was utterly reliable as well and canny decent on fuel I think?
Well worth a test ride anyway.
V8RX7 said:
KTM 690
KTM 950
KTM 990 SM/SMT
I've recently owned all these
The 690 Duke 08 is the most fun but also vibrates the most, to the extent it puts me off riding it, the later 2016 engine is considerably better in this regard and in hindsight I probably should have kept it.
I owned a 990 Superduke and it was a cracking bike but just wanted to go too fast, it's natural speed was 90+ everywhere
The 990 SMT (I test rode) was nothing like it which I don't understand as I'm told they are the same engine, I found it a bit meh, perhaps it was a bad one
I then bought a 950 SM and I love it - natural speed is 70ish but blips up to 100+ quick enough. It's great for longer trips and it's got a lovely noise with akras but for 1-2 hours the 2016 Duke 690 was more fun on tighter roads
I test rode the Tiger 800 - horrid, 1050 was nice if you want a heavy tourer and if you like the triple whine.
This made me smile, probably more than it should’ve. I’m seriously considering a 990 superduke as my first bike when I pass KTM 950
KTM 990 SM/SMT
I've recently owned all these
The 690 Duke 08 is the most fun but also vibrates the most, to the extent it puts me off riding it, the later 2016 engine is considerably better in this regard and in hindsight I probably should have kept it.
I owned a 990 Superduke and it was a cracking bike but just wanted to go too fast, it's natural speed was 90+ everywhere
The 990 SMT (I test rode) was nothing like it which I don't understand as I'm told they are the same engine, I found it a bit meh, perhaps it was a bad one
I then bought a 950 SM and I love it - natural speed is 70ish but blips up to 100+ quick enough. It's great for longer trips and it's got a lovely noise with akras but for 1-2 hours the 2016 Duke 690 was more fun on tighter roads
I test rode the Tiger 800 - horrid, 1050 was nice if you want a heavy tourer and if you like the triple whine.
A Gen 2 Tuono Factory wouldn't be as bad as suggested.
The ohlins fork and shock are staggeringly good at soaking up bumps! In fact my RSVR (same chassis) is far better at soaking up bumpy roads than my street triple 675r was.
MT07 and MT09 aren't in the same class in my opinion but are good bikes but are lacking in style and good suspension when compared to others.
KTM engine is great but can't comment for the variants listed.
Not in your list but perhaps consider Ducati Hyoermtoards as they are probably in budget too?
The ohlins fork and shock are staggeringly good at soaking up bumps! In fact my RSVR (same chassis) is far better at soaking up bumpy roads than my street triple 675r was.
MT07 and MT09 aren't in the same class in my opinion but are good bikes but are lacking in style and good suspension when compared to others.
KTM engine is great but can't comment for the variants listed.
Not in your list but perhaps consider Ducati Hyoermtoards as they are probably in budget too?
Thanks for all the replies. Appreciate there is a gulf in quality with some of these bikes, but I don't think some of them are that far away from each other in terms of entertainment.
I did try the 796 Hypermotard years ago (probably 10 years ago if I'm honest) and found it underwhelming, as was the Shiver. At the time I'd just bought a Street Triple R and had owned a Versys 650 and preferred both over the Ducati and Aprilia.
I love the look of Ducatis but not sure if they quite add up for me.
I think I'll have to see if I can bag a test ride on a Yamaha 700 just to see how it feels. I'm sure there'll be a few bikes on the market with suspension upgrades already if it's an issue.
I did try the 796 Hypermotard years ago (probably 10 years ago if I'm honest) and found it underwhelming, as was the Shiver. At the time I'd just bought a Street Triple R and had owned a Versys 650 and preferred both over the Ducati and Aprilia.
I love the look of Ducatis but not sure if they quite add up for me.
I think I'll have to see if I can bag a test ride on a Yamaha 700 just to see how it feels. I'm sure there'll be a few bikes on the market with suspension upgrades already if it's an issue.
V8RX7 said:
I owned a 990 Superduke and it was a cracking bike but just wanted to go too fast, it's natural speed was 90+ everywhere
The 990 SMT (I test rode) was nothing like it which I don't understand as I'm told they are the same engine, I found it a bit meh, perhaps it was a bad one
100% a bad one. My SMT was very much the same as my Superduke I have now, but the SMT would leave the duke on nasty backroads. My SMT had a custom map and some work, but they need it. I miss it over the duke to be honest.The 990 SMT (I test rode) was nothing like it which I don't understand as I'm told they are the same engine, I found it a bit meh, perhaps it was a bad one
If you're not touring, go for the SM not SMT. Or just get the best condition/price of either. SMs are a bit rarer for sale now in nice condition and do go for more. 5k is plenty though, and less will get you something good and leave some money aside.
or there is a nice 690 for sale https://www.ktmforum.co.uk/threads/ktm-690-smc.137...
Edited by 2wheelsjimmy on Wednesday 7th October 08:03
2wheelsjimmy said:
100% a bad one. My SMT was very much the same as my Superduke I have now, but the SMT would leave the duke on nasty backroads. My SMT had a custom map and some work, but they need it. I miss it over the duke to be honest.
Are a the 990s plagued by a snatchy throttle or did they sort it in the later models? Might look for a 2013 model if so
If you're not touring, go for the SM not SMT. Or just get the best condition/price of either. SMs are a bit rarer for sale now in nice condition and do go for more. 5k is plenty though, and less will get you something good and leave some money aside.
or there is a nice 690 for sale https://www.ktmforum.co.uk/threads/ktm-690-smc.137...
Are a the 990s plagued by a snatchy throttle or did they sort it in the later models? Might look for a 2013 model if so
If you're not touring, go for the SM not SMT. Or just get the best condition/price of either. SMs are a bit rarer for sale now in nice condition and do go for more. 5k is plenty though, and less will get you something good and leave some money aside.
or there is a nice 690 for sale https://www.ktmforum.co.uk/threads/ktm-690-smc.137...
Edited by 2wheelsjimmy on Wednesday 7th October 08:03
Very happy 990SMT owner here. It’s a late one with ABS.
I won’t get rid of it, but will sell other bikes long before it leaves the garage.
Perfect suspension for British B/C roads and can handle some very light green landing on dual sport tyres.
Engine is a riot, and with short ratios more than enough power for the road, picks up the front over crests in the road, happy with bits of tyre movement at low speeds on gravel and poorly surfaced roads.
Had 2 Tiger 1050s, they are a boat with inherently flawed geometry and suspension IMHO unless it’s the later Tiger Sport.
Not a comparison for me.
Street triple however is the only comparison for me on your list. Amazing bikes that sell so well for a reason, very balanced and lovely linear engine.
I won’t get rid of it, but will sell other bikes long before it leaves the garage.
Perfect suspension for British B/C roads and can handle some very light green landing on dual sport tyres.
Engine is a riot, and with short ratios more than enough power for the road, picks up the front over crests in the road, happy with bits of tyre movement at low speeds on gravel and poorly surfaced roads.
Had 2 Tiger 1050s, they are a boat with inherently flawed geometry and suspension IMHO unless it’s the later Tiger Sport.
Not a comparison for me.
Street triple however is the only comparison for me on your list. Amazing bikes that sell so well for a reason, very balanced and lovely linear engine.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff