Characterful bike for £5000

[Normodog]

Hi all,

I'm currently in the process of selling my street triple 675r and am contemplating it's replacement.

I'm looking for a change of pace and something with a bit of character as per title, it doesn't need to be fast necessarily, but enough torque to be enjoyable.

I've been looking at things from a Moto Guzzi 1200 sport to a Royal Enfield Interceptor. Some air cooled Ducati monsters have also made the list.

My brother recently suffered some pretty serious injuries after an accident and it's made me reassess my riding. Having a bike that doesn't encourage me to ride like a pillock will help.

Looking forward to any suggestions.

Cheers.

[Motorsport3]

I got into biking because I liked the Italian Ducatis, Aprilias and MRS but like you looked a bit for something more user friendly and docile.
Got a couple of weeks ago my Honda CB1100 which is air cooled, unstresed machine, well built and easy to use.
I think you can probably source a 5yr old example for that money.

[Ilikemotorbikes]

I think for characterful bikes then twins always feature high up the list.

Consider things like a Bonneville, triumph scrambler (the earlier 800s) or ducati scrambler if you fancy a bit of retro styling.


Bit of an odd one but maybe an XJR1300 if you don't fancy a twin. Air Cooled and have such a classic feel to them. 5k will get you a fuel injected model too I believe.

[Normodog]

Cheers guys, I'll list my bike history for reference.

Yamaha Thundercat 600
Ducati Multistrada 1100s
Suzuki DRZ 400
BMW F800s
Suzuki GSR600
Aprilia Falco 1000
Yamaha FZ6 Fazer
Yamaha Ttr 250
2000 Suzuki Sv650s
2005 Honda CB1300s
2004 Honda CBR1000RR fireblade
2002 Ducati 748 Biposto
2013 Triumph Street Triple R 675 (Currently Owned)

I think I would like a twin, they seem most suited to the character I'm after.

Edited by Normodog on Sunday 16th May 17:24

[outnumbered]

What sort of riding do you do?

[Fitz666]

Just remember, what some people call character other people call faults.

Possibly the most characterful bike is mine, a VMax.

Will happily past most things on the road, apart from petrol stations.

[Krikkit]

Ducati Scrambler 800 or 1100 maybe? Monster 696 maybe. The 796 and 1100 won't be far off your 675R anyway.

What about a Triumph Speed Twin?

[AceOfHearts]

Having owned an Interceptor 650 I would look elsewhere for real character. I had mine around 6 months but to be honest felt quite 'normal' and I might go as far to say a tad boring which is the main reason I sold it.

Although it was a much better bike in most respects, I have still kept my Royal Enfield Classic 500 as I get a lot more enjoyment riding that than I ever did the Interceptor

[Normodog]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Hit the nail on the head, that's what I'm after.

[Normodog]

outnumbered said:

What sort of riding do you do?

Just weekend rides out when I get the time really, might commute to work 15 miles away if the weather is nice.

I don't particularly ride too quickly anymore, having a son has added a sensible side to me.

Edited by Normodog on Monday 10th May 10:48

[Normodog]

Krikkit said:

Ducati Scrambler 800 or 1100 maybe? Monster 696 maybe. The 796 and 1100 won't be far off your 675R anyway.

What about a Triumph Speed Twin?

The monsters do appeal, the air cooled 2 valve engine is nice. Not too many 796 about, the 1100s seem to be a bit over budget.

I have seen a few of the old s2r 1000s and 800s that look good too.

The bike I enjoyed the most was possibly my multistrada 1100s, just a shame the looks were somewhat challenging.

I should also add that I'm 6ft 1in so tiny bikes might not work, might be a issue on the older monsters, they don't seem to have much seat to peg room.

Edited by Normodog on Monday 10th May 10:55

[WhisperingWasp]

Part-ex with my well-used 620 Monster...

[ThreadKiller]

I reckon Guzzi.

[baxb]

How about an air cooled Supersport? nice 900SS in the classifieds...

[conkerman]

Ducati Scrambler?

I think the BMW R9T is still over budget. Might be worth considering if you can find another couple of grand down the back of the sofa.

MV Agusta?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20210417...

[LFB531]

I've got a Guzzi 1200 Sport OP.

A very easy ride, masses of torque, plenty quick enough for most situations and generally a nice place to be.

I'm using it probably the same as you would, fair day commuting and longer day trips when time/weather allows.

Mine's a 2 valve, I've heard that the later 4 valve needed some mods to stay healthy but sure someone better informed can elaborate on that.

It's also nice to ride something a bit different from the norm.

[boyse7en]

WhisperingWasp said:

Part-ex with my well-used 620 Monster...

Damn, beat me to it. I've got a Monster 600 that's sat in the garage doing nothing much and i've been hankering after a Street Triple for ages

[kingb]

I have a Moto Morini Corsaro 1200

Like a monster with a big V-twin and trellis frame but rarer and certainly full of character. its worth around £5k

Worth considering?

[airsafari87]

Sorry to hear about your brother. I hope he's on the mend?

If road riding has lost its appeal would you not consider a trials bike or similar doing a bit off road stuff instead? If you still wanted a bike for the occasional fair weather jaunt to work you could also pick up a cheap 125cc hack with the remainder of your budget.

[Normodog]

boyse7en said:

Damn, beat me to it. I've got a Monster 600 that's sat in the garage doing nothing much and i've been hankering after a Street Triple for ages

Send me some details if you'd like, I have a friend that may be interested in a 600 monster.