Discussion
So having been back on a motorbike for 2 years now with a Tiger 800, I'm spending hours checking autotrader and reading reviews.
I've never got on with the Tiger and the wife is only ok with it on the back so its is definitely going. the trouble is what to replace it with.
Current thinking is get a full on tourer like an ST1300/GSF1000 for 2 up and a bit of touring, then I've got an itch to scratch with sports bikes so maybe a K4 GSXR 1000 for fun. This would be for a year or so to see how my back likes sports bikes and how the wife likes touring.
Budget will be £10k -£12k for both bikes and the tourer would be first with the sports bike in Spring. I may add a third bike later in the shape of a classic or a 400cc scrambler but that's for another day when I've cleared the garage out a bit
Any thoughts about bikes or running multiple bikes. Can you have too many
I've never got on with the Tiger and the wife is only ok with it on the back so its is definitely going. the trouble is what to replace it with.
Current thinking is get a full on tourer like an ST1300/GSF1000 for 2 up and a bit of touring, then I've got an itch to scratch with sports bikes so maybe a K4 GSXR 1000 for fun. This would be for a year or so to see how my back likes sports bikes and how the wife likes touring.
Budget will be £10k -£12k for both bikes and the tourer would be first with the sports bike in Spring. I may add a third bike later in the shape of a classic or a 400cc scrambler but that's for another day when I've cleared the garage out a bit
Any thoughts about bikes or running multiple bikes. Can you have too many
I run my H2 SX as a "sports bike" for the road and for solo touring and a R1250RT for longer distance pillion touring. That said, Mrs K1 does do pillion rides on the H2 SX and I also do solo trips on the BMW so it's not a clear cut distinction.
I think multiple bikes give the best of all worlds though there are times when riding one bike that I wish I was on the other. Insurance is cheap on the second bike although I live in a cheap insurance postcode. I started with no no-claims on the second bike and it was still in the same ball park as the first bike.
Running costs increase (obviously) as servicing is time related and you need two lots to tax etc.
I'd recommend being clear in your own head what you think is important for each bike to deliver and what is not important. It's easy to get pulled in to buying a bike because it does something will but if that thing is not on the "important" list for the task at hand, then you could be making compromises with little benefit.
I think multiple bikes give the best of all worlds though there are times when riding one bike that I wish I was on the other. Insurance is cheap on the second bike although I live in a cheap insurance postcode. I started with no no-claims on the second bike and it was still in the same ball park as the first bike.
Running costs increase (obviously) as servicing is time related and you need two lots to tax etc.
I'd recommend being clear in your own head what you think is important for each bike to deliver and what is not important. It's easy to get pulled in to buying a bike because it does something will but if that thing is not on the "important" list for the task at hand, then you could be making compromises with little benefit.
Lots of people say a GSX1400 is great for a pillion. Ticks a few boxes in one.
It’s worth considering an early S1000RR for a sportsbike option. I think you’ll find the insurance cheaper than contemporary bikes because of the traction control. They are also comfortable and probably the best 1000 of the era.
It’s worth considering an early S1000RR for a sportsbike option. I think you’ll find the insurance cheaper than contemporary bikes because of the traction control. They are also comfortable and probably the best 1000 of the era.
BMW R1200/1250RT for the touring - a 2016 1200 is available for under £6k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20250721...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20250721...
There are loads of bikes we could all suggest. I think for the pillion touring bike its best to take your OH with you. See what see likes, buy one.
Your OH might like something like a Triumph Sprint 1050 ST or maybe a Yamaha FJR. My OH prefers a more custom/cruiser style bike with a sissy bar as its what she grew up riding pillion on for example.
All comes down to personal preference and and relaxed happy pillion makes a much better companion on a long ride
Then spend the rest on either a K5/6 GSXR 1000 or BMW S1000RR.
Your OH might like something like a Triumph Sprint 1050 ST or maybe a Yamaha FJR. My OH prefers a more custom/cruiser style bike with a sissy bar as its what she grew up riding pillion on for example.
All comes down to personal preference and and relaxed happy pillion makes a much better companion on a long ride
Then spend the rest on either a K5/6 GSXR 1000 or BMW S1000RR.
Wolfie87 said:
All comes down to personal preference and and relaxed happy pillion makes a much better companion on a long ride
Then spend the rest on either a K5/6 GSXR 1000 or BMW S1000RR.
Think that's the current plan, going to look at a 16 plate GSF1000 with full luggage at the weekend. Then spend the rest on either a K5/6 GSXR 1000 or BMW S1000RR.
Then look for a gsxr1000 or maybe a 750 later
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