Choice of bike
Discussion
Time for a new bike. My supermoto is at the more extreme end of the type (converted motocross bike), and I need a more sensible bike again.
The thing is, it is five years since I have both been living in London, and wanted to commute, and I have no idea what bike to buy. I hoped to get some ideas from here.
Firts off, what I don't want. I don't want a supersports bike again (I loved my 'blade, but I did not enjoy riding it in stop-start traffic across town), and am not keen on an out and out big tourer (goldwing, pan-european etc.).
Other than that, it is hard to work out what I want. I will use it for some commuting, and to go into town shopping, as well as some fun. If I get a bike that will make it fun, I might start putting in some trips down to the continent..
So, some initial thoughs. I thought I could get an out and out commuter, like a cb500, or a bandit. I could get a bike like an SV650, or similar, with slightly sporting ability mixed in.
Then, I move onto "adventure" styled bikes, like a TDR900, V-Strom, or Varadero. Out of these, the one that seems to grab my attention is the R1200GS. More so even than the KTM adventure which seems to get a better write up.
So, what are people's thoughts? I am starting with what is the cleanest sheet I have had when it comes to a bike, and am pretty stuck. To some extent, what I do with the bike will be shaped by what I buy. I just want a bike again.
The thing is, it is five years since I have both been living in London, and wanted to commute, and I have no idea what bike to buy. I hoped to get some ideas from here.
Firts off, what I don't want. I don't want a supersports bike again (I loved my 'blade, but I did not enjoy riding it in stop-start traffic across town), and am not keen on an out and out big tourer (goldwing, pan-european etc.).
Other than that, it is hard to work out what I want. I will use it for some commuting, and to go into town shopping, as well as some fun. If I get a bike that will make it fun, I might start putting in some trips down to the continent..
So, some initial thoughs. I thought I could get an out and out commuter, like a cb500, or a bandit. I could get a bike like an SV650, or similar, with slightly sporting ability mixed in.
Then, I move onto "adventure" styled bikes, like a TDR900, V-Strom, or Varadero. Out of these, the one that seems to grab my attention is the R1200GS. More so even than the KTM adventure which seems to get a better write up.
So, what are people's thoughts? I am starting with what is the cleanest sheet I have had when it comes to a bike, and am pretty stuck. To some extent, what I do with the bike will be shaped by what I buy. I just want a bike again.
I think if I get a biggish bike, I would prefer something with a bit more weather protection. On a little bike (like the supermoto), I just use it for short trips, and playing, but a bike the size and weight of the bandit, I'd want to do longer trips, and it does not seem cut out for that.
I suppose I view it as like the supermoto, but bigger. Not enough different.
I suppose I view it as like the supermoto, but bigger. Not enough different.
hugoagogo said:
how about a big ugly ducati multistrada?
That was definitely on the list, but it really is very, very ugly, and I don't know what it offers over the BMW.
I am pretty tempted to just buy a new R1200GS. 2 year old ones are 2,00 pounds less, but will probably lose 2,000 in the next two years, so are not going to be any cheaper to run.
I've got a V-strom 1000. I love it. Loads of useable power, and very upright so a great view of the road. Wing mirrors are high enough to pass over most cage mirrors, only vans to worry about (not that I worry). Mine is very thirsty (30-35mpg) but this is not typical for the bike from what I've been told.
Wind buffetting is a problem if you're over 5'10" and many riders have tried screen after screen after screen until finding one that works for them. Headlamps are excellent (at least compared with the other bikes I've ridden).
It can be ridden sedately if desired, or like a total hooligan. I tend to opt for both depending on mood!
If you've not ridden one, try and find one to test. It's pretty ugly, but a surprisingly good bike.
Wind buffetting is a problem if you're over 5'10" and many riders have tried screen after screen after screen until finding one that works for them. Headlamps are excellent (at least compared with the other bikes I've ridden).
It can be ridden sedately if desired, or like a total hooligan. I tend to opt for both depending on mood!
If you've not ridden one, try and find one to test. It's pretty ugly, but a surprisingly good bike.
tone said:
I've got a V-strom 1000. I love it.
I've got the 650 version. A bit more user friendly and does about 45-50 mpg. Affectionately known as the wee-strom. Nearest thing to an all-rounder that I've seen - and about half the price of a GS!
I had a test ride on the 650 yesterday (so thanks for the suggestion), and really liked it. I'd probably get the 1000, rather than the 650, but I was really impressed.
I need another try on the GS, and then will decide.
You'll love the GS. New or second-hand? I've got a 5 year old 1150, and love it. But have a go on a Tuono as well. I've had mine for 3 years, and have tried trading it in several times. I've part-ex'ed it at least twice against S/S bikes (R1's), but have always relented and kept it as well as the R1's. The only thing that would induce me to sell is the new one. It'll do all you want; get a Ventura pack for the back and you can tour on it as well. Took mine to the 'Ring a couple of times. Stonking bike....
Adetuono said:
You'll love the GS. New or second-hand? I've got a 5 year old 1150, and love it. But have a go on a Tuono as well. I've had mine for 3 years, and have tried trading it in several times. I've part-ex'ed it at least twice against S/S bikes (R1's), but have always relented and kept it as well as the R1's. The only thing that would induce me to sell is the new one. It'll do all you want; get a Ventura pack for the back and you can tour on it as well. Took mine to the 'Ring a couple of times. Stonking bike....
Not sure whether to buy new or not if I get the GS. New, to my spec, it is £10,200. 2 years old they are £8,300. The secondhand one, though, will probably drop another £1,900 over the next two years, so there is not much in it.
The 650 V-Strom, I think, will just be a bit too underpowered for me (If I get a bike like this, I will likely want to do some longer trips, and I like the effortless feeling a 100hp+ bike gives at higher speeds).
It is a pity BMW produce engines with such small specific output. If their 1200 gave 120bhp, I would not be looking at anything else.
I think I will give the Tuono a try also.
Although, if I decided just to use it for commuting, there are brand new V-Strom 650s at £4,500 at the moment...
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