Which of these bikes would you rent?

[shirt]

the TL:DR option is simply that. list is here:

https://www.moto-plaisir.fr/en/



i will have a pillion. it's actually her idea she misses our trips out on the bike. not sure yet if we will just bimble/day trip or stay overnight somewhere. i have rented from these guys before [the 1250RT] and they are flexible with top boxes and panniers. had a great experience with them previously and they are ok to rent to me this time even without an IDP as they still have my lapsed one on file.

i was a bit disappointed that they no longer have a v100 mandello as that's what i would have rented. so not sure what to go for.

the 1250 was fine for the purpose. pillion comfort was good but i can't say that i enjoyed riding it and at one point had to enlist the restaurant waiter to help me back it out of their car park - heavy bugger it was. i'd like something i can have a bit of fun on riding solo yet have the pillion comfort and touring manners for a long day trip or 2.

i've ridden gs's before, 1250 and 1300, do like them and they take a pillion well, i guess the gs1300 is the default option. part of me wants to get a bagger just to experience one, the other parts are horrified at the thought.

i am leaning towards:

mv turismo veloce r - mainly as i the f3 800 is on my radar as a potential purchase and an extended test ride with that engine would be handy.

multistrada v4 - because v4, and it seems to be the ideal all rounder.

triumph tiger 900 gt pro - seems very well reviewed including in preference to the 1200. could be the safe but dependable choice.

[AKjr]

Those are all great bikes and if I were solo touring I'd try the Moto Guzzi or MV Augusta, for something different. But if I were two up plus luggage I'd go for the one with the most grunt, IE the Ducati.

Enjoy your trip

[T6 vanman]

I rented one of these and was mighty impressed,

[KTMsm]

On holiday, pootling about - I'd go for one of the Guzzis

[Altitude]

The MV for me.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Multistrada. Loads of power and likely lighter than the GS

[airsafari87]

The one that my Mrs would be comfiest and happiest on.

For me, I’m happy riding any bike, if I have a pillion I want them to enjoy the ride as much as I am. If they are uncomfortable and not enjoying the ride then I wouldn’t enjoy it knowing that.

If they are happy and enjoying it then it only adds to my enjoyment too and we are both likely to travel farther and for longer as a result.

Not the typical PH Alpha answer, but let your Mrs choose which bike she prefers.

[shirt]

already factored in, hence looking at this particular provider as they're happy to do last minute changes if she doesn't like it.

that said, if i gave her the choice she's say none of them, she would want the speed twin they have at their other location. it's me that is thinking i don't want to have to deal with the consequences of such a decision at the end of a long day and still miles from home.


glad to see the lack of consensus so far!

[swanseaboydan]

For me - all day in the saddle with a pillion, I’d have to go for one of the big Harleys !

[swanseaboydan]

Great website, look like a professional outfit.

[Michael_B]

I’ve toured with Mrs B and luggage for the past 5 years on a 140hp Tiger 1200, and it’s a big step up in power and convenience terms compared to the 99hp KTM 950 Adv we used for 15 years before that. But not necessarily more fun.

I wouldn’t exclude the V85TT for a characterful bike if you’re not in too much of a hurry. I have a V7 850 for solo pootling, which is a detuned version of the same engine. If not, a mate has a Stelvio and loves it.

What’s your proposed route?

[shirt]

swanseaboydan said:

Great website, look like a professional outfit.

i would recommend them. they're in annemasse which is in france, but 2 stops on the train from GVA. the bikes are in top condition and they are very easy to deal with. as said i don't have my international drivers permit but as they've seen a previous one are happy that at some point they verified i do have a bike licence.

Michael_B said:

I ve toured with Mrs B and luggage for the past 5 years on a 140hp Tiger 1200, and it s a big step up in power and convenience terms compared to the 99hp KTM 950 Adv we used for 15 years before that. But not necessarily more fun.

I wouldn t exclude the V85TT for a characterful bike if you re not in too much of a hurry. I have a V7 850 for solo pootling, which is a detuned version of the same engine. If not, a mate has a Stelvio and loves it.

What s your proposed route?

my mate has a v85 and seems a decent bike. stelvio is based on the v100 which is what i was hoping to rent at the outset. i'm deffo leaning to adv type even if its at the sportier end, they seem a better proposition than a tourer and a good deal lighter.

no route planned as yet. she lives in lausanne, i haven't made the move yet. tbh i usually end up doing the same routes on 2 or 4 wheels. haute savoie, gruyere parc naturel or grimsel/furka way. not that i'd ever tire of those routes but new ones would be welcome. if we overnight it'll likely involve italy.

i'm on week 7 of a rotation in african monsoon conditions, i'm just happy to be getting to the mountains and made up at her suggestion to rent a bike!

[Krikkit]

MV for the sonorous engine, V4 multi for the speed and silliness

[carinaman]

airsafari87 said:

<snip>

Not the typical PH Alpha answer, but let your Mrs choose which bike she prefers.

It's a great answer.