New Bike Ponderings

[LeCreusetFiend]

Hi all!

So ... the sun seems to be beginning to peek out from behind the clouds, and a young man's thoughts turn to buying motorbikes that will go faster, sound better, make him more attractive, and probably reverse hair loss.

After passing my DAS back in October, I'm ashamed to say that my riding has been painfully thin on the ground - I've only managed to put about 500 miles on the R3 over winter. It hasn't even had its first service, yet.

Everyone - literally everyone - told me back when I bought it that I'd soon want something bigger. "Nope!", thought I. "I know best. I always know best. I'm special and different and 42bhp will definitely be all I need."

It wasn't. I've got the yearnings....

Anyway, I've been looking at stuff that might be suitable. I'm quite the short-arse at about 5'8", but I seem to have ridiculously little legs, with about a 29/30" inseam, so most bikes are just too tall for me at the moment. I still like the security of being able to plonk both my feet on the deck. I also have to wheel the bike backwards out of the garage, up a small incline, while turning it through 90 degrees in order to get on. I therefore really want something not too much heavier than my R3.

Most of my riding is just for enjoyment. I've given up commuting to work (yay!), so I'd like to do weekend and evening country blasts, with the odd weekend trip further afield - Scotland, Wales, that sort of thing.

The other day, I realised that Triumph do a low seat version of the Street Triple R. The first time I saw a Street Triple, I have to say I really didn't like the styling, but they're really growing on me. It seems to tick all the boxes. Also, apparently Triumph are offering a free quickshifter with them at the moment. These things can sway a man.

I'd love some sort of small pannier system which doesn't have to stay on the bike all the time, but I can just pop it on relatively easily the three or four times a year I need it, and not ruin the styling the rest of the time. There doesn't seem to be anything mentioned on the Triumph accessories page. Does anyone know anything that might be suitable?

Anyway ... I just thought I'd pop my thoughts down. I'd really like to get this sorted for the good weather! If anyone has any advice, guidance, or thoughts I promise this time I'll listen!



,

[Cav]

I used to think it was all about the sport bike life - how wrong was I.

With all I've learned I realise the best road bikes are the bike you can be lazy on if you want to but are still great handling machines. I can vouch for the speed of the 765RS after being on circuit with them, they'll easily do supersport accleration!

If it was me looking for an enjoyable weekend bike on the twisty roads it would be a 765RS or any other the heavyweight naked bikes. Get yourself to a dealer and sit on a few.

FWIW, I'm 5ft9 with a 29 inseam, my ZX6R has an 835mm seat height as standard, I also have race tyres (larger diameter) and an additional 5mm shim in the back so the seat height is significantly higher - I have no problem holding the bike up but I definitely can't flat foot both side. I may be able to tip toe both sides

[Kwacky]

There are lots of soft pannier options for bikes. Oxford, Givi, Kriega, SW Motech

https://sw-motech.com/en/products/lugga ... ags/BLAZE/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... rod/281847" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... t_cat/938/(8;product_rating;DESC;0-0;all;242;239" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

Those links should give you some ideas. Don't forget, a lot of this stuff does not have to be make and model specific to your bike.

You can add on tank bags and tail packs as well.

[Kwacky]

And on the bike front, I find it's easiest to park my bike on the driveway, open the garage then wheel it in backwards so it's facing the right way when I need it. There's more room outside to turn the bike around so I find it easier that way.

[R1ckster]

+1 on that it's not all about sportsbikes. Easy to say having done that for years though. Anyway I'm 5ft 6 with a 29 inseam and ride a tiger 800XC.

I too am looking at a new bike soon. I have not decided yet as am torn between another Adventure bike or a sport tourer.

I think Kwaky will agree a perfect all rounder particularly for the money is the z1000sx tourer edition. Comfortable position, race bike styling and plenty power. And has detachable colour coded panniers. Which look fab. And the bike isn't tall at all.. In fact I told my mate I was considering buying one then he looked into it and bloody bought one himself !!

The other one is the MT10 tourer edition. This is a beast of naked bike. Again 1000cc and is a detuned R1 engine.. and has funky panniers and screen.

However I'm still torn but these are good options.. depends on budget also. As the KTM 1290 Suoerduke GT I'd have tomorrow!



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[Kwacky]

The Z1000SX is probably the best all rounder out there, like you say, certainly for the money. It's a bloody bargain. Solid engines and very easy to ride. I commuted on mine, did a tour of France on it and it never embarrassed itself on the spirited ride outs.

[Itchy]

And on the bike front, I find it's easiest to park my bike on the driveway, open the garage then wheel it in backwards so it's facing the right way when I need it. There's more room outside to turn the bike around so I find it easier that way.

I do that too.

[Cav]

There's also something nice about having the front of the bike greet you when you open the door... but maybe that's just me!

[Kwacky]

Yeah, you're weird.

Mine are covered anyway.

[Cav]

Fair point clearly made!

[duke63]

I would be looking at an MT07 if I was in your position. Lots of fun but not intimidating at all.

I have never been keen on panniers. They make filtering very difficult. Have s look at the Kriega or Oxford roll bag tailpacks. Easier to use anytime.

[R1ckster]

I would be looking at an MT07 if I was in your position. Lots of fun but not intimidating at all.

I have never been keen on panniers. They make filtering very difficult. Have s look at the Kriega or Oxford roll bag tailpacks. Easier to use anytime.

Nice bike.. but my mate who passed his test and had one for 12 months.. he then bought the z1000sx. He said he loved it . But was like an on..off.. switch regarding throttle. And still felt like a toy..rather than a bike. His words not mine.

I had a go.. felt light. Like a BMX with a 600cc engine. Fun... And a screamer if that's what your after

The z1000sx he said was a bike he could keep for a very long time.

As for the panniers thing. Yeah agree me too. Hate them. I use topbox on the tiger and kriega bags on the R1 when I had it . Sold off the tiger panniers.

However not everyone is in a rush or keen on filtering. If I was going on a long bike trip camping. I'd consider them if fully loaded. Up.

But definitely no fkg way to commute with

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[Stonesie]

It sounds like a good spring of test rides awates you.

The one that sticks in my head is the Duke 790, just a fun little bike at sub 3 figure speeds. Another is the 675 version of the street triple, the round headlight version is a little nutcase of a bike if you give it a fist-full or a friendly and comfy bike if you're just cruising around.


Unrelated, but i have a couple of Krieger bags which i don't use anymore...

[Monty]

For me it is all about the sports bikes. I've always used them for commuting, touring, scratching and part of the appeal for me is using them for things they aren't meant to be used for.

Plus another one for the Kriega tail packs, hard and soft panniers tend to limit the size and shape of the stuff you can carry.

[C00kiemonster]

I'll be honest, reading your post says to me you just need to get out there and ride your current bike. 500 miles isn't enough to learn and make your hopefully minor mistakes.

I'm not sure why you want more power when you have only passed your test recently .

Sorry to be a bit negative, but doesn't feel right to me.

[R1ckster]

I'll be honest, reading your post says to me you just need to get out there and ride your current bike. 500 miles isn't enough to learn and make your hopefully minor mistakes.

I'm not sure why you want more power when you have only passed your test recently .

Sorry to be a bit negative, but doesn't feel right to me.

Possibly like he said . Was a mistake and should have listened to his mates to begin with. My first bike was a Daytona 600 which is a race bike. Any bike if your silly with the throttle can be disastrous to be fair

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[D41]

500 miles isn't really enough to familiarize yourself with a bike, let alone become tired of it. The more you get out riding on it, the better position you'll be in to know what your next bike should be.

[Blade]

Don't listen to any of them, stay with the Yamaha brand and trade in for a R1M.

And dont worry its not actually a sportsbike, it's a piece of automotive engineering pornography that stirs the soul and makes your life decidedly more happy

[Kwacky]

In defence of my friend:

1) It's his money
2) we all own or have owned bikes which are beyond our abilities
3) If you've made your mind up you don't like our bike, you won't enjoy riding it
4) everyone loves shopping for new bikes
5) new bike say is better than Christmas and your birthday

[Blade]

In defence of my friend:

1) It's his money
2) we all own or have owned bikes which are beyond our abilities
3) If you've made your mind up you don't like our bike, you won't enjoy riding it
4) everyone loves shopping for new bikes
5) new bike say is better than Christmas and your birthday

So are you saying bikes are like woman