New bike thoughts
Discussion
I came to the realisation at the NEC that I just don't fit on new sportsbikes. I've got a bit of a dodgy right knee and just don't find them comfortable.
My original plan was to move up (from SV650S) to something like an R6/CBR600RR/749 next summer, but I've decided to try to find something I'll actually enjoy riding.
Tell me if I'm mad, but I really fancy a Ducati Multistrada 1000DS S. Am I stupid? Has anyone got any experience of these? Would I be better off going for a sports tourer such as a ST3/ST4 or VFR? I was also quite interested in the new Triumph Sprint ST, any opinions on these? I know this is a pretty varied bunch, but I quite like them all without anything being an obvious choice.
Use will be very occasional sunny commuting and playing around at the weekends with a week or so around Europe each summer.
Decisions, decisions.
My original plan was to move up (from SV650S) to something like an R6/CBR600RR/749 next summer, but I've decided to try to find something I'll actually enjoy riding.
Tell me if I'm mad, but I really fancy a Ducati Multistrada 1000DS S. Am I stupid? Has anyone got any experience of these? Would I be better off going for a sports tourer such as a ST3/ST4 or VFR? I was also quite interested in the new Triumph Sprint ST, any opinions on these? I know this is a pretty varied bunch, but I quite like them all without anything being an obvious choice.
Use will be very occasional sunny commuting and playing around at the weekends with a week or so around Europe each summer.
Decisions, decisions.
clarkey said:
I came to the realisation at the NEC that I just don't fit on new sportsbikes. I've got a bit of a dodgy right knee and just don't find them comfortable.
My original plan was to move up (from SV650S) to something like an R6/CBR600RR/749 next summer, but I've decided to try to find something I'll actually enjoy riding.
Tell me if I'm mad, but I really fancy a Ducati Multistrada 1000DS S. Am I stupid? Has anyone got any experience of these? Would I be better off going for a sports tourer such as a ST3/ST4 or VFR? I was also quite interested in the new Triumph Sprint ST, any opinions on these? I know this is a pretty varied bunch, but I quite like them all without anything being an obvious choice.
Use will be very occasional sunny commuting and playing around at the weekends with a week or so around Europe each summer.
Decisions, decisions.
I'm in the same position - knackered knees from years of rugby - and I just can't ride a sportsbike for more than ten minutes.
My ZZR1200, and the various 1100s I had before, suit my needs (and my knees!) perfectly. They are big old buses, but they handle very well for their size and are bastard quick! They are also comfy enough to ride two up, all day, should the need take you.
My advice, as ever, is get out to as many shops as you can and ride as many bikes as possible. You may find that you fall in love with something that you otherwise wouldn't even have considered.
I fancy the new Sprint ST, and have the same issue with Football knee after it split a few years back.
My CBR 600 fx is comfy ( i am 6'1" )but the new bikes are too much, an R6 was painful and thats now bigger than the others inculding the ZX10r.
I have been looking at the VFR ( not quite enough go )
The Blackbird ( not test riden it yet )
The ST - waiting for the dealer to get a 2005 spec bike
ZX9r - ace bike, but havent found a really great deal
Looked at the ZZR12, but not really for me yet, i still like the idea of throwing a bike around. ( i am told the blackbird is more nimble ? )
My CBR 600 fx is comfy ( i am 6'1" )but the new bikes are too much, an R6 was painful and thats now bigger than the others inculding the ZX10r.
I have been looking at the VFR ( not quite enough go )
The Blackbird ( not test riden it yet )
The ST - waiting for the dealer to get a 2005 spec bike
ZX9r - ace bike, but havent found a really great deal
Looked at the ZZR12, but not really for me yet, i still like the idea of throwing a bike around. ( i am told the blackbird is more nimble ? )
Robbo SPS said:
Looked at the ZZR12, but not really for me yet, i still like the idea of throwing a bike around. ( i am told the blackbird is more nimble ? )
Having ridden both I'd say this is absolute rubbish. The ZZR1200 has a fantastic front end and is surprisingly able in the twisties, certainly at least as good as a Blackbird.
Mon Ami Mate said:
Looked at the ZZR12, but not really for me yet, i still like the idea of throwing a bike around. ( i am told the blackbird is more nimble ? )
Having ridden both I'd say this is absolute rubbish. The ZZR1200 has a fantastic front end and is surprisingly able in the twisties, certainly at least as good as a Blackbird.
I am open to feedback, i am simply re-gurgatating what the bike dealer said.
I spoke to a man at the ferry port a few months back, he wanted to swop his ZZR12 for my CBR6, as he wanted to throw a bike around a bit !!
Robbo SPS said:
Robbo SPS said:
Looked at the ZZR12, but not really for me yet, i still like the idea of throwing a bike around. ( i am told the blackbird is more nimble ? )
Having ridden both I'd say this is absolute rubbish. The ZZR1200 has a fantastic front end and is surprisingly able in the twisties, certainly at least as good as a Blackbird.
I am open to feedback, i am simply re-gurgatating what the bike dealer said.
I spoke to a man at the ferry port a few months back, he wanted to swop his ZZR12 for my CBR6, as he wanted to throw a bike around a bit !!
Hey, don't get me wrong, the ZZR1200 is no sportsbike and would be left for dead in the twisties by a CBR600. But so would a Blackbird. It all depends on what you want a bike for. Sunday scratches and track days = sports bike. Cross continental blasts = ZZR1200/Blackbird.
Go and test ride a KTM 950 Adventure. Very comfortable, with the gel seat, nice and big and you will be amazed at just how quick and nimble it is! I have just moved up from a SV650S and no regrets at all! It also has a tonne of presence and I have lost count of how many people just come up and ask questions / talk about it!
Fantastic bike!
Fantastic bike!
What about a BMW K1200RS? I suffer from dodgy knees from rugby & rowing years ago. I find it extremely comfy, I can ride it all day no probs, very quick (155mph ++) and fun round the twisties. Also ideal for "continent munching" as you can carry loads of luggage if required.
Parts are relatively cheap if you know where to look and they basically go on & on & on.......forever.
The only problem I find it's very heavy @600lbs so you have to be careful you don't drop it! You get used to it though.
I also think you will find the insurance a lot cheaper than a Blackbird or a ZR1200, I've already been down that route.
Cheers
Outrider
Parts are relatively cheap if you know where to look and they basically go on & on & on.......forever.
The only problem I find it's very heavy @600lbs so you have to be careful you don't drop it! You get used to it though.
I also think you will find the insurance a lot cheaper than a Blackbird or a ZR1200, I've already been down that route.
Cheers
Outrider
BADAPPLE said:
Has anyone here ridden the Z1000?
What's it like?
I've ridden one - it's a grinfest. Encourages silly behaviour, it's a sort of out-of-the-crate streetfighter. Wouldn't want to do serious miles on it, but in the right hands it could casue serious embarrassment to sports bike riders.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff