Does my perfect bike exist?!
Discussion
So I've just sold my 890 SMT, took a bit of a hit as I sold it to webuyanybike, but I wanted it gone and judging the market and what's happened with KTM and the knock on of used prices, I feel like i wasn't too bad off.
So I have two young kids and my time on the bike is limited. I want something that is a real occasion to look at and ride, and ideally something that has taken a hit and won't stand to lose too much more.
I initially had my heart set on a Gen 2 MT10 but I feel like it may be a bit plasticky. I want that turn back and look at bike.
It has to have a good turn of speed and handle, ideally not wristy also.
Previous bikes are
890 SMT - Great all round bike but plasticky
HD Sportster S 1250 - looked amazing but unreliable and didn't handle
BMW R9T - great bike again but couldn't get on with the boxer sound
Scrambler 1200 - Probably my favourite bike
And then various bike before.
So I've started looking at thruxton R's, diavels, monster 1200s etc. But I've noticed bikes on marketplace etc for months and people with unrealistic prices etc.
I have no real budget, anywhere really from say £6k-£12k.
This is the first time I've been stuck on what to buy next and I fear my perfect bike doesn't exist.
So I have two young kids and my time on the bike is limited. I want something that is a real occasion to look at and ride, and ideally something that has taken a hit and won't stand to lose too much more.
I initially had my heart set on a Gen 2 MT10 but I feel like it may be a bit plasticky. I want that turn back and look at bike.
It has to have a good turn of speed and handle, ideally not wristy also.
Previous bikes are
890 SMT - Great all round bike but plasticky
HD Sportster S 1250 - looked amazing but unreliable and didn't handle
BMW R9T - great bike again but couldn't get on with the boxer sound
Scrambler 1200 - Probably my favourite bike
And then various bike before.
So I've started looking at thruxton R's, diavels, monster 1200s etc. But I've noticed bikes on marketplace etc for months and people with unrealistic prices etc.
I have no real budget, anywhere really from say £6k-£12k.
This is the first time I've been stuck on what to buy next and I fear my perfect bike doesn't exist.
Shakob said:
So I've just sold my 890 SMT, took a bit of a hit as I sold it to webuyanybike, but I wanted it gone and judging the market and what's happened with KTM and the knock on of used prices, I feel like i wasn't too bad off.
So I have two young kids and my time on the bike is limited. I want something that is a real occasion to look at and ride, and ideally something that has taken a hit and won't stand to lose too much more.
I initially had my heart set on a Gen 2 MT10 but I feel like it may be a bit plasticky. I want that turn back and look at bike.
It has to have a good turn of speed and handle, ideally not wristy also.
Previous bikes are
890 SMT - Great all round bike but plasticky
HD Sportster S 1250 - looked amazing but unreliable and didn't handle
BMW R9T - great bike again but couldn't get on with the boxer sound
Scrambler 1200 - Probably my favourite bike
And then various bike before.
So I've started looking at thruxton R's, diavels, monster 1200s etc. But I've noticed bikes on marketplace etc for months and people with unrealistic prices etc.
I have no real budget, anywhere really from say £6k-£12k.
This is the first time I've been stuck on what to buy next and I fear my perfect bike doesn't exist.
Thruxton R's do look good imo. I wouldn't mind one when the Norton goes back. So I have two young kids and my time on the bike is limited. I want something that is a real occasion to look at and ride, and ideally something that has taken a hit and won't stand to lose too much more.
I initially had my heart set on a Gen 2 MT10 but I feel like it may be a bit plasticky. I want that turn back and look at bike.
It has to have a good turn of speed and handle, ideally not wristy also.
Previous bikes are
890 SMT - Great all round bike but plasticky
HD Sportster S 1250 - looked amazing but unreliable and didn't handle
BMW R9T - great bike again but couldn't get on with the boxer sound
Scrambler 1200 - Probably my favourite bike
And then various bike before.
So I've started looking at thruxton R's, diavels, monster 1200s etc. But I've noticed bikes on marketplace etc for months and people with unrealistic prices etc.
I have no real budget, anywhere really from say £6k-£12k.
This is the first time I've been stuck on what to buy next and I fear my perfect bike doesn't exist.
I'd also like the diavel. 1260s would be my choice. Can't go wrong with either imo. Both good to look at and both will be a occasion to ride.
There is no 'perfect bike'.
Looks like the OP's bikes cover a range of genres, so how are we supposed to guess what he's looking for?
My trail bike is perfect for lanes or nipping to Screwfix. It's not perfect for long trips, going fast or carrying a pillion.
My sports tourer is good for longer rides etc.
To be 'perfect' either would have to be lighter, lower maintenance, more powerful, more distinctive, newer and cheaper to tax.
If the only thing you don't like about Harley is reliability, get one (or a Buell) and learn to sort it out.
Most bikes can be reliable if properly understood, fettled and maintained.
The only bike I've owned which I couldn't rely on was a 1960s British bike and 99% of the problems with that were a) it was clapped out and b) I had a lot to learn about mechanic work in those days. Also c), my Dad was helping me...
Looks like the OP's bikes cover a range of genres, so how are we supposed to guess what he's looking for?
My trail bike is perfect for lanes or nipping to Screwfix. It's not perfect for long trips, going fast or carrying a pillion.
My sports tourer is good for longer rides etc.
To be 'perfect' either would have to be lighter, lower maintenance, more powerful, more distinctive, newer and cheaper to tax.
If the only thing you don't like about Harley is reliability, get one (or a Buell) and learn to sort it out.
Most bikes can be reliable if properly understood, fettled and maintained.
The only bike I've owned which I couldn't rely on was a 1960s British bike and 99% of the problems with that were a) it was clapped out and b) I had a lot to learn about mechanic work in those days. Also c), my Dad was helping me...
So to narrow it down a little bit, I'm not a fan of inline 4s or boxer engines, it has to be something for rides out but not for touring. I am a fan of triumphs but had a few of them now.
An Indian ftr has crossed my mind after riding one the other year, but it would have to be one of the newer ones with the 17 inch wheels and not sure what the support will be like now they've discontinued it.
Z900RS doesn't really float my boat. I don't have the nostalgia factor and being an inline isn't really for me.
Looking for something with character but must be reliable.
As mentioned, my time is limited, so tinkering with bikes is pretty much out of the question.
I've spoken to a few mates about my dilemma 😂 so thought I would put it out to the wider audience for ideas.
An Indian ftr has crossed my mind after riding one the other year, but it would have to be one of the newer ones with the 17 inch wheels and not sure what the support will be like now they've discontinued it.
Z900RS doesn't really float my boat. I don't have the nostalgia factor and being an inline isn't really for me.
Looking for something with character but must be reliable.
As mentioned, my time is limited, so tinkering with bikes is pretty much out of the question.
I've spoken to a few mates about my dilemma 😂 so thought I would put it out to the wider audience for ideas.
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