What Bike? Up to £6.5k??
Discussion
So I'm looking to get back in to biking after a ten year break. Previous bikes have been pretty sporty (although the first one was a little more sports-tourer-allrounder).
My biking history started with a Honda XLR125, but really started about twenty years ago woth a little Suzuki SV650s. I gave it a few choice mods,hagon rear shock, ohlins uprated front fork springs and oil, stainless lip on can, double bubble, 45 teeth rear sprocket. I did all sorts on that first proper bike, toured the Alps a couple of times, numerous track days and Nurburgring visits. Great fun, but lacking a little power in the end. I even imported it back to the UK after working a stint in Belgium.
From there I moved out to Holland for a bit, so bought a Suzuki GSXR750 K6, a great bike for weekends at the Nurburging, I did a fair few other track days on it (Spa, Zolder, Zandvoort) and toured the Alps, a great bike. I very briefly had an SRAD 750 which I failed to race in the No Budget Cup, and an XR600R which I did the engine in pretty quickly...
I then moved back to the UK, this time selling the K6. After a year bikeless I bought a Yamaha R1 and shipped it out to Nurburg, where it was registered for insurance reasons and used as a DRT (Dedicated Ring Tool). I found heading across to Germany for weekends and holidays soon started eating up a lot of cash, combined with meeting the future Mrs in Yorkshire (which was also a long distance relationship...) meant that after one season I sold it. The additional power over the 750 was useful on some of the long uphill drages at the R'ing
Basically for the last ten years I've ben bikeless but have a hankering for getting back in to it. However I don't want to get sucked back in to speed, the 'Ring and track days. I'm fortunate to live on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors, and I'd love to do a few more touring trips, some of which may head on slightly wilder roads/trails, and perhaps some local green lanes (plenty of nice gravel routes here). I'd also like to take the wife pillion occasionally.
First thoughts are getting a KTM 990 Adventure R for this, it seems pretty capable off road, enough power to be interesting on road and a bit more lithe than some of the other big adventure bikes, but still pillion friendly.
Second thoughts are get an Aprilia Mille RSV1000R, the first Gen as I think they've aged in a nice Retro way, but it really doesn't fit my brief above! May be I should get a KTM, then add to the stable after a year or two!
Any other ideas for bikes up to £6.5k? EDIT: Budget creep to £8k...
EDIT: go to later posts on latest thoughts around A KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.
My biking history started with a Honda XLR125, but really started about twenty years ago woth a little Suzuki SV650s. I gave it a few choice mods,hagon rear shock, ohlins uprated front fork springs and oil, stainless lip on can, double bubble, 45 teeth rear sprocket. I did all sorts on that first proper bike, toured the Alps a couple of times, numerous track days and Nurburgring visits. Great fun, but lacking a little power in the end. I even imported it back to the UK after working a stint in Belgium.
From there I moved out to Holland for a bit, so bought a Suzuki GSXR750 K6, a great bike for weekends at the Nurburging, I did a fair few other track days on it (Spa, Zolder, Zandvoort) and toured the Alps, a great bike. I very briefly had an SRAD 750 which I failed to race in the No Budget Cup, and an XR600R which I did the engine in pretty quickly...
I then moved back to the UK, this time selling the K6. After a year bikeless I bought a Yamaha R1 and shipped it out to Nurburg, where it was registered for insurance reasons and used as a DRT (Dedicated Ring Tool). I found heading across to Germany for weekends and holidays soon started eating up a lot of cash, combined with meeting the future Mrs in Yorkshire (which was also a long distance relationship...) meant that after one season I sold it. The additional power over the 750 was useful on some of the long uphill drages at the R'ing
Basically for the last ten years I've ben bikeless but have a hankering for getting back in to it. However I don't want to get sucked back in to speed, the 'Ring and track days. I'm fortunate to live on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors, and I'd love to do a few more touring trips, some of which may head on slightly wilder roads/trails, and perhaps some local green lanes (plenty of nice gravel routes here). I'd also like to take the wife pillion occasionally.
First thoughts are getting a KTM 990 Adventure R for this, it seems pretty capable off road, enough power to be interesting on road and a bit more lithe than some of the other big adventure bikes, but still pillion friendly.
Second thoughts are get an Aprilia Mille RSV1000R, the first Gen as I think they've aged in a nice Retro way, but it really doesn't fit my brief above! May be I should get a KTM, then add to the stable after a year or two!
Any other ideas for bikes up to £6.5k? EDIT: Budget creep to £8k...
EDIT: go to later posts on latest thoughts around A KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.
Edited by TiminYorkshire on Thursday 16th October 13:06
Edited by TiminYorkshire on Thursday 16th October 13:07
I’ve a 2013 990 Adventure I’m considering moving on if you’re interested. Not an R, but low mileage (about 17k I think) and in excellent condition. White one. PM me if you would like more info. Edited as I’m not actually sure PMing is a thing on here.
Edited by Lungauer on Saturday 7th December 22:10
KTM 1090r? Bit more modern than the 990, more than enough power and space for a pillion. Reportedly does the off road stuff well for a 210+kg bike but there's always going to be concessions for a bike that needs to do it all. I'm looking about for a 1090s as it's got the basics but not too much. The R has that tilt to the off road, and it's a taller bike. Seems to fit within the budget too.
The SV was a great bike, if you remember a lad who wrapped a blue one around a tree....that was me
The SV was a great bike, if you remember a lad who wrapped a blue one around a tree....that was me
trickywoo said:
2020 ish v strom 1000 is in budget or a newer 650.
Bromley Moto have a 2023 Suzuki DL 800 DE with 2,300 miles on it for £6600. The 800cc twin is supposedly a successor to the SV-650 powered bikes.Less go than the suggested KTMs and a 270 degree parallel twin not a V-Twin. I think I've seen a new one for not much above £7K
If it's to be used as a tool on green lanes and gravel tracks perhaps pre-loved rather than new is best.
carinaman said:
Bromley Moto have a 2023 Suzuki DL 800 DE with 2,300 miles on it for £6600. The 800cc twin is supposedly a successor to the SV-650 powered bikes.
Less go than the suggested KTMs and a 270 degree parallel twin not a V-Twin. I think I've seen a new one for not much above £7K
If it's to be used as a tool on green lanes and gravel tracks perhaps pre-loved rather than new is best.
Everything these guys said. Not as fun but won't ever go wrong. Less go than the suggested KTMs and a 270 degree parallel twin not a V-Twin. I think I've seen a new one for not much above £7K
If it's to be used as a tool on green lanes and gravel tracks perhaps pre-loved rather than new is best.
carinaman said:
trickywoo said:
2020 ish v strom 1000 is in budget or a newer 650.
Bromley Moto have a 2023 Suzuki DL 800 DE with 2,300 miles on it for £6600. The 800cc twin is supposedly a successor to the SV-650 powered bikes.Less go than the suggested KTMs and a 270 degree parallel twin not a V-Twin. I think I've seen a new one for not much above £7K
If it's to be used as a tool on green lanes and gravel tracks perhaps pre-loved rather than new is best.
KTM 990 SMR:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226486941469?_skw=ktm+9...
1090 Adventure:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/356212990179?_skw=ktm+1...
1190:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226358101443?_skw=ktm+1...
The bike I'd probably choose is the KTM least suited to your needs but they always impress me when I get on one & it's the RC8:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/365221284020?_skw=ktm+1...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226486941469?_skw=ktm+9...
1090 Adventure:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/356212990179?_skw=ktm+1...
1190:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226358101443?_skw=ktm+1...
The bike I'd probably choose is the KTM least suited to your needs but they always impress me when I get on one & it's the RC8:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/365221284020?_skw=ktm+1...
TiminYorkshire said:
Some food for thought, thanks.
What are the Caponard and the 1090 like off road? - I'm guessing they're probably a bit more civilised than the 990 Adventure is on the road.
If you're just doing gravel tracks they're fine but if you're doing proper off road the 990 is far better as a quick google will showWhat are the Caponard and the 1090 like off road? - I'm guessing they're probably a bit more civilised than the 990 Adventure is on the road.
Personally I find any twin is better on the road then a single but I haven't found a decent screen on any bike and I hate motorways so I don't find any of the twins significantly better than each other on the road
Resurrecting this thread from the past. Budget creep on an extension has greatly delayed purchasing, but Mrs In Yorkshire has granted permission to spend my own money on this now. In the meantime I have managed to stock up on bargain gear, brand new goretex Held jacket for £120 etc.
Having followed the market, YouTube videos and reserving the right to change my mind the following has added up in the grey matter:
I still want a bike that is not a sports/track bike.
If going for the opposite end of the spectrum some off-road ability (gravel tracks and roads) should be included.
Big tours would still be on the agenda (solo).
Pillion practical would be a bonus.
Any bike that can do all the above will be getting big, so I realise anything serious off road will need something else.
If getting a KTM 990 it would have to be the Adventure R. These are typically £6k for a lowish mileage example. They are getting on and some spares are getting trickier to source. Given road to off-road wil be 80:20 or 90:10 this got me thinking....
For some minor budget creep I could get a KTM1290 Super Adventure R, the earlier 2017 on version. This is a 2-3 generations later bike in reality, probably better for pillions, better on fuel, easier to source bits, more power for the road, ABS on road, power modes, but still not a sports bike. Obviously not quite as lithe as the 990R off-road, but for what I need is probably very capable.
Any input on the above thought process welcome.
And any real world pros and cons of the KTM1290SAR would be insightful.
Having followed the market, YouTube videos and reserving the right to change my mind the following has added up in the grey matter:
I still want a bike that is not a sports/track bike.
If going for the opposite end of the spectrum some off-road ability (gravel tracks and roads) should be included.
Big tours would still be on the agenda (solo).
Pillion practical would be a bonus.
Any bike that can do all the above will be getting big, so I realise anything serious off road will need something else.
If getting a KTM 990 it would have to be the Adventure R. These are typically £6k for a lowish mileage example. They are getting on and some spares are getting trickier to source. Given road to off-road wil be 80:20 or 90:10 this got me thinking....
For some minor budget creep I could get a KTM1290 Super Adventure R, the earlier 2017 on version. This is a 2-3 generations later bike in reality, probably better for pillions, better on fuel, easier to source bits, more power for the road, ABS on road, power modes, but still not a sports bike. Obviously not quite as lithe as the 990R off-road, but for what I need is probably very capable.
Any input on the above thought process welcome.
And any real world pros and cons of the KTM1290SAR would be insightful.
Edited by TiminYorkshire on Thursday 16th October 13:23
Edited by TiminYorkshire on Thursday 16th October 13:39
I cannot provide info on the 1290SAR, but a lot of the parts will be interchangeable across other models, the LC8 motor has been around in some form forever now so parts across the board shouldn't be an issue.
They'll be well documented issues available on-line, I'd have a look there maybe join a KTM SAR facebook group, FB groups seem to be where more conversation takes place these days.
I've got a Gen3 SDR (2020) which has been pretty reliable to date, some of the niggles happened early on, nothing that didn't stop me riding BTW, just daft stuff. Assuming an slightly older KTM went through the same process I'd imagine/hope that anything like that is well in the past.
The usual stuff applies though, service history, condition, mileage, they'll be some standard wear and tear for the age unless you land on a garage queen.
They'll be well documented issues available on-line, I'd have a look there maybe join a KTM SAR facebook group, FB groups seem to be where more conversation takes place these days.
I've got a Gen3 SDR (2020) which has been pretty reliable to date, some of the niggles happened early on, nothing that didn't stop me riding BTW, just daft stuff. Assuming an slightly older KTM went through the same process I'd imagine/hope that anything like that is well in the past.
The usual stuff applies though, service history, condition, mileage, they'll be some standard wear and tear for the age unless you land on a garage queen.
TiminYorkshire said:
Resurrecting this thread from the past. Budget creep on an extension has greatly delayed purchasing, but Mrs In Yorkshire has granted permission to spend my own money on this now. In the meantime I have managed to stock up on bargain gear, brand new goretex Held jacket for £120 etc.
Having followed the market, YouTube videos and reserving the right to change my mind the following has added up in the grey matter:
I still want a bike that is not a sports/track bike.
If going for the opposite end of the spectrum some off-road ability (gravel tracks and roads) should be included.
Big tours would still be on the agenda (solo).
Pillion practical would be a bonus.
Any bike that can do all the above will be getting big, so I realise anything serious off road will need something else.
If getting a KTM 990 it would have to be the Adventure R. These are typically £6k for a lowish mileage example. They are getting on and some spares are getting trickier to source. Given road to off-road wil be 80:20 or 90:10 this got me thinking....
For some minor budget creep I could get a KTM1290 Super Adventure R, the earlier 2017 on version. This is a 2-3 generations later bike in reality, probably better for pillions, better on fuel, easier to source bits, more power for the road, ABS on road, power modes, but still not a sports bike. Obviously not quite as lithe as the 990R off-road, but for what I need is probably very capable.
Any input on the above thought process welcome.
And any real world pros and cons of the KTM1290SAR would be insightful.
Long post incoming.Having followed the market, YouTube videos and reserving the right to change my mind the following has added up in the grey matter:
I still want a bike that is not a sports/track bike.
If going for the opposite end of the spectrum some off-road ability (gravel tracks and roads) should be included.
Big tours would still be on the agenda (solo).
Pillion practical would be a bonus.
Any bike that can do all the above will be getting big, so I realise anything serious off road will need something else.
If getting a KTM 990 it would have to be the Adventure R. These are typically £6k for a lowish mileage example. They are getting on and some spares are getting trickier to source. Given road to off-road wil be 80:20 or 90:10 this got me thinking....
For some minor budget creep I could get a KTM1290 Super Adventure R, the earlier 2017 on version. This is a 2-3 generations later bike in reality, probably better for pillions, better on fuel, easier to source bits, more power for the road, ABS on road, power modes, but still not a sports bike. Obviously not quite as lithe as the 990R off-road, but for what I need is probably very capable.
Any input on the above thought process welcome.
And any real world pros and cons of the KTM1290SAR would be insightful.
Edited by TiminYorkshire on Thursday 16th October 13:23
Edited by TiminYorkshire on Thursday 16th October 13:39
I have one. Mine is a 2021, but the very last of the 2017-on model, 1290 SA-R. Owned since pretty much new, I bought it with 800 miles on, full tech pack (or whatever they called it then) and a few powerparts bits and pieces, bashguard and sprocket. I have other bikes too, but it’s on about 9k miles. I am solely a road rider but a lot of my riding is on gravelly Welsh backroads.
Pros - Supremely comfortable, both seated and standing. Excellent fit and finish (albeit with a few niggles, will explain more later). Having ridden a 990, the 1290 will blow it away on all but the most technical off-road riding. Handling is sublime, even with the 21inch front wheel. Standard suspension is very, very good, miles better than the R1250GS. Pillion has been well tested, comfortable, albeit hard seat. Electronics non-intrusive.
Surprisingly light for what it is, weight is carried very well. 50-60mpg no matter what. Sport mode has a beautiful throttle response and fuelling. Relatively easy to work on, it’s fairly easy to get to what you need for oil changes and basic servicing. Home servicing easy. Incredibly versatile, you can be doing 15mph stood up on the pegs on gravel one minute, sitting comfortably at 70 in the motorway for mile after mile the next, then doing speeds that you probably shouldn’t on a twisty road.
It’s also (still, even in the days of 180-200hp supernakeds) astonishingly quick. It feels every bit of 160hp and the way the engine makes power is beautiful, a huge surge of torque that just doesn’t really stop even at the top of the rev range. I’ve never even got close to feeling like it was lacking, and it obliterates the rest of the adventure bike options in sheer hooligan-ery.
Cons - It’s a KTM, and they all have a few niggles. I’ve had a leaking alternator cover twice (although I’m convinced the first replacement gasket was fitted badly) and the standard fuel sensor replacement (they get hot, and soak up petrol). I’ve also replaced the clutch slave with an Oberon, as they all go eventually. Other weak points are the tyre pressure monitors, as they die eventually and are expensive to replace. Parts are overall fairly expensive, but easy enough to get and no dearer than BMW. The overall fit and finish is excellent, miles better than a modern Honda but nuts and bolts will corrode if not looked after. Stickers peel. Mine has on the whole been pretty good (touch wood) but I accept that I might have to spend some money on it at some point. I had some corrosion on the engine bars, but that was remedied by my local powders coaters. Chains can snap, and take out the engine, so chain maintenance is important. It’s a lot of power going through it.
Overall I would cautiously recommend, but you have to buy one that’s been genuinely looked after. Full service history and a degree of preventative maintenance is a must. Good quality oil, brakes and clutch bled, and don’t wait 8k miles between servicing. I do mine at 3/4k and you can notice the difference.
I looked at selling mine last year, and getting something newer but struggled to find anything I liked more. The newer 1290 SA-R doesn’t do anything that mine doesn’t, and I prefer the looks of the 2017-on model. The GS is too dull and the suspension is poor. Tiger Rally Pro the same. Multistrada V4 crazy expensive, and a 19 inch front wheel. Mine will stay, with the money I’d have spent on replacing it put to one side in case anything goes wrong.
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