Why did you choose the bike you have?
Discussion
Most recent purchase a new GSXR 750. I needed a bike as just moved to NZ. Wanted a good handling, light bike with enough power for good overtaking but nothing silly (more interested in using all the tyre than all the throttle). Was looking at Street Triple and KTM Duke 790 too but the GSXR was on very special offer and I got it for only £7500 (the other two were close to £10k). I’m very interested in the new Aprilia RS660 but that wasn’t available.
2002 VFR800 VTEC ... because of its 'do anything' ability.
I've put 30,000 of its 42,000 miles on it and apart from a recent poor MPG issue (seemed to be a malfunction in the Power Commander I've had on it for years, now removed) it has hardly missed a beat. It just keeps on going, has taken me on several European tours and I commute on it all year round and barely clean it, it still just takes the miles.
It has only needed consumables: tyres, pads, discs, a chain & sprocket kit, a couple of batteries and new cam chain followers, all of which I have been able to DIY maintain on the drive at home.
One MOT reckoned it needed head race bearings as they were supposedly shot, but a) I couldn't notice it and b) couldn't tell any difference whatsoever after paying 170 quid to have them replaced, but had to swallow that bill as I needed it back on the road quickly. Still think I was conned so haven't taken it or either of my other two bikes back to that garage since.
It's 18yrs old now, fairing looks a bit scabby in places, I plan to just run it into the ground.
I've put 30,000 of its 42,000 miles on it and apart from a recent poor MPG issue (seemed to be a malfunction in the Power Commander I've had on it for years, now removed) it has hardly missed a beat. It just keeps on going, has taken me on several European tours and I commute on it all year round and barely clean it, it still just takes the miles.
It has only needed consumables: tyres, pads, discs, a chain & sprocket kit, a couple of batteries and new cam chain followers, all of which I have been able to DIY maintain on the drive at home.
One MOT reckoned it needed head race bearings as they were supposedly shot, but a) I couldn't notice it and b) couldn't tell any difference whatsoever after paying 170 quid to have them replaced, but had to swallow that bill as I needed it back on the road quickly. Still think I was conned so haven't taken it or either of my other two bikes back to that garage since.
It's 18yrs old now, fairing looks a bit scabby in places, I plan to just run it into the ground.
GSXR 750. Had a 600 Hornet for 18 months after getting my bike licence and wanted to upgrade to a sports bike. I really wanted a 954 Fireblade but couldn’t find a nice one, spotted the the GSXR and fell in love with the colour and the reviews were all good. No regrets glad I didn’t find a Blade now!
2019 Tracer 900 GT: Value for money. I bought an ex demo at circa 2k under list price. It's a great all rounder. Discounted Triumps due to build quality (possibly just poor care one the ones I looked at) GS850 was nice but felt a bit peculiar coming from an early Hornet.
When you look at the standard kit - panniers, heated grips, cruise, rider modes, selectable TC, TFT screen, 20 months warranty etc at around 8.5k it was hard to walk past.
Versys 1000 was a very close second but
When you look at the standard kit - panniers, heated grips, cruise, rider modes, selectable TC, TFT screen, 20 months warranty etc at around 8.5k it was hard to walk past.
Versys 1000 was a very close second but
Triaguar said:
Great build quality, fast, good handling, reliable, loads of aftermarket goodies, large dealer network with immediate parts supply.
Of course it's a Fireblade.
Ditto. Can't beat Honda build quality. That said, at the price of the 2020 blade, I'd be tempted by the BMW if I were to change. That and having a bad time with a dealer that rhymes with lady garden. Of course it's a Fireblade.
A surprising test ride.
I had a buy back/trade-in offer from the dealer because my previous bike had turned out to be a bit of a nightmare.
The dealer was handling KTM, BMW, Honda and Ducati at the time, which rather limited my choices.
Test rode a Ducati Scrambler somewhat under protest since I didn't really like the looks or hipster vibe it had. But it was brilliant fun to ride. Everything I wanted, in fact. Deal was done there and then.
In truth though, if the 797 Monster had been available at the time I'd probably have gone for that instead.
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