View Full Version : New bike considered - thoughts?
sloppy joe
30-08-10, 08:01 PM
Moving offices in a month, so commute will double, with about 10 miles of motorway.
As much as I have enjoyed the SV for the past year, I am starting to think that something a bit more upright with some more weather protection since I ride year round may be a good idea, and most of my miles are commute miles where practicality counts. My (few and uneducated) thoughts are:
DL650
Versys
F800GS
Prob looking for pre-reg or year old job.
Anyone have any experience of running these year round, how do they hold up? Any other suggestions to consider?
The GS is defo more, but after 3 years (prob how long I will keep) and 30,000+ miles would I get the difference back on trade in? Seen a few pre-reg '10 plate versys for around £4,999, that a good price?
And finally, better to buy before xmas or after price wise?
Loads of questions, look forward to all your thoughts.
DL is a nice bike, but heavy compared to the SV (or so it seemed).
How about a Ktm or Aprilia Dorsoduro??
Or a Gladius????
Jackie_Black
30-08-10, 08:13 PM
I have the big v-strom. If you're tall you're gonna love the riding position. It's made of pure cheese though. So if you use one all year round keep it bloody clean and acf50'd or whatever. The baby one (the Wee strom) is very economical and 250 miles per tank is not unheard of (I get 180 Max). It's the same size physically and has the SV motor in it, albeit detuned slightly. I would commute on mine daily if it was far enough but 4 miles each way really just calls for a nice warm cage as it takes longer to get ready to ride the bike!
punyXpress
30-08-10, 10:19 PM
If buying new, do it this year before VAT goes up.
Sid Squid
30-08-10, 10:46 PM
Of the three you list the Versys is the best one.
Jackie_Black
30-08-10, 10:50 PM
is the versys a vee or a parallel twin
is the versys a vee or a parallel twin
Parallel twin, same motor as in the ER6 but tweaked for more torque but less top end.
Top speed: 128mph
1/4-mile acceleration: 13.6 secs
Power: 60bhp
Torque: 43ftlb
Weight: 181kg
Seat height: 840mm
Fuel capacity: 19 litres
Average fuel consumption: 48mpg
Tank range: 152 miles
Insurance group: 9
Jackie_Black
30-08-10, 11:51 PM
Very similar spec then. Wee is gonna sound better with a can though ;)
Also has a 22 litre fuel tank.
Both very ugly.
rictus01
31-08-10, 12:56 AM
if you are looking at the 800GS bmw, then the f650gs makes more sense for the road, the post 2009 is the same engine as the 800GS, but the prior one a single 650cc is a competent commuter; as is the Aprilia pegaso, or if you want a V twin what about the Trans Alp, currently in 700cc form, but the previous 650cc is a proven reliable engine.
Cheers Mark.
Amplimator
31-08-10, 08:29 AM
If you can push to new theres a new v-strom 650 called the Xpedition model. Comes with aluminium luggage, crash bars and bash-plate amongst other stuff.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4629/vstrom650xpsideon.jpg
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/653/vstrom650xpengine.jpg
Note the size of the front fender, no extender needed !
Mr Speirs
31-08-10, 09:05 AM
They seem to have made a wee plate that hangs from the rad that covers the front plug too!!
Versys is the more sensible choice. It doesn't sound half bad either. Ask Lozzo.
bengrrr
31-08-10, 01:41 PM
What about the VFR?
sloppy joe
31-08-10, 06:57 PM
DL is a nice bike, but heavy compared to the SV (or so it seemed).
How about a Ktm or Aprilia Dorsoduro??
Big KTM out of my budget, and I have heard issues about months to get spares for some Aprilias (although that may have changed now)
I have the big v-strom. If you're tall you're gonna love the riding position. It's made of pure cheese though. /QUOTE]
I'd heard that a good amount of fromage was emplyed in their construction. I am 6'2", however, so it remains a possibility, and I managed to keep a 10 yr old SV going through last winter.
[QUOTE=Sid Squid;2357059]Of the three you list the Versys is the best one.
Starting to look that way. But as someone has already said, they are all damn fugly.
If you can push to new theres a new v-strom 650 called the Xpedition model. Comes with aluminium luggage, crash bars and bash-plate amongst other stuff.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4629/vstrom650xpsideon.jpg
Note the size of the front fender, no extender needed !
That actually looks quite nice, dig the spark plug protector. However, fitting a bash plate to a bike that will never go off road? But then I guess most GS' never see any dirt beyond a slightly rough car park.
Thanks for all your comments so far. I actually want a striple, but I know that it is not the bike for the job I need it to do. Sigh.
Specialone
31-08-10, 07:06 PM
Isnt the versys a little underpowered? Dont they have something like 60hp?
Not a lot is it.
Id go with street triple, albeit wouldnt that be a bit small for you?
I test rode one and it seemed a small bike.
rictus01
31-08-10, 07:08 PM
if you want looks
KTM 690 duke
http://www.cars-bikes.info/d/4700-2/2008-ktm-690-duke-002.jpg
KTM 640 duke 2 (earlier version and cheaper)
http://www.motoplanete.com/ktm/640Duke2.jpg
KTM duke (original 620 version)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h270/killboy_2006/KTM/motard_3.jpg
I also think the last of the pegaso's look quite smart to.
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/Aprilia%20Pegaso%20650%20Factory%2007.jpg
sloppy joe
31-08-10, 07:19 PM
Isnt the versys a little underpowered? Dont they have something like 60hp?
Not a lot is it.
Id go with street triple, albeit wouldnt that be a bit small for you?
I test rode one and it seemed a small bike.
60 does sound low, however I think a test ride is necessary before deciding it is too puny. I love the looks of the striple, the reviews are all A*, it sounds mint, but I have heard it might be a bit cramped. And tronking down the motorway in February I know I will wish I had a big screen in front. Oh well.
Just checked the price on the DL650A XP - £7,300! Jebus, when a SV650s is £4,874? Surely a bit of extra screen, longer travel suspension and a couple of suitcases strapped to the back cannot cost nearly £2,500?
Specialone
31-08-10, 07:27 PM
60 does sound low, however I think a test ride is necessary before deciding it is too puny. I love the looks of the striple, the reviews are all A*, it sounds mint, but I have heard it might be a bit cramped. And tronking down the motorway in February I know I will wish I had a big screen in front. Oh well.
Just checked the price on the DL650A XP - £7,300! Jebus, when a SV650s is £4,874? Surely a bit of extra screen, longer travel suspension and a couple of suitcases strapped to the back cannot cost nearly £2,500?
TBh the only time a naked bike becomes a problem is above 100 mph imo, below that i found them fine.
sloppy joe
31-08-10, 07:54 PM
TBh the only time a naked bike becomes a problem is above 100 mph imo, below that i found them fine.
So how come an ST and not a Speed Triple? Most of your riding at 100+? ;)
I kind of disagree though, sure its ok up to around 60 or 70, but when it is cold and I am around or above those speeds, I find the givi screen I have takes the edge off, both in terms of cold and pressure. The flip side is that it directs all the turbulence at my head and it is bloody annoying, noisy and bumpy. Hence my thoughts that a bike actually designed to protect the rider a little might do better than my aftermarket bodging. Or maybe I should just buy a huge 'Chips' style screen.
davepreston
31-08-10, 08:00 PM
when i can ride again im looking at a duke 2 and im 6"8 but been told its bang on for us lanky gits
Specialone
31-08-10, 08:01 PM
So how come an ST and not a Speed Triple? Most of your riding at 100+? ;)
I kind of disagree though, sure its ok up to around 60 or 70, but when it is cold and I am around or above those speeds, I find the givi screen I have takes the edge off, both in terms of cold and pressure. The flip side is that it directs all the turbulence at my head and it is bloody annoying, noisy and bumpy. Hence my thoughts that a bike actually designed to protect the rider a little might do better than my aftermarket bodging. Or maybe I should just buy a huge 'Chips' style screen.
LOL, my riding is defo below 100 most of the time ;)
I wanted a sprint, but when i can afford my ten bike garage i will have a street cos they are great fun.
I havent lived with a naked bike so dont know what they are like all year round.
I ride my DRZ on the mway and thats fine in the wind but doesnt go above 90mph.
Specialone
31-08-10, 08:10 PM
when i can ride again im looking at a duke 2 and im 6"8 but been told its bang on for us lanky gits
You leaving the sportsbikes alone now dave?
Versys is ugly, but its a fine bike. If you search on here, you will find us owners with many glowing reports.
I am thinking of changing mine soonish, but still deciding on what to buy.
davepreston
01-09-10, 10:35 PM
You leaving the sportsbikes alone now dave?
yep sick of getting binned so hoping (probably wrongly) that a more sadate bike may assist in staying rubberside down
AndyBrad
02-09-10, 07:08 AM
HAHAHAHAHA, sorry dave... :( i wouldnt call the duke sedate!
svtho would be a good choice but for what your after i would get a cbr600f. plenty of poke and easy riding+ decent suspension for your weight compared to the sv. Then save your pennies as i would have expected putting a new stripple through winter commutes isnt a great idea?
Amplimator
02-09-10, 08:11 AM
Versys is ugly, but its a fine bike. If you search on here, you will find us owners with many glowing reports.
I am thinking of changing mine soonish, but still deciding on what to buy.
A street triple? ;)
I do love my street but i wouldnt want to commute on it. But it can be done if fitted with larger screen/handguards top-box etc , but then i reckon the bike would lose its character.
I was also considering a versys myself just a few weeks ago. they are a cracking machine for mile munching at a great price. My only quibble was power. Felt great on me tod but was left wondering if it would cope fully loaded with a pillion.
After seeing the price on the wee-strom (soz i had no idea they were that much!) i would go for the versys providing your not overloading 2-up and heading for timbuctoo.
My DL650 has done 26k in around 4 years mainly a commuter tool. All weathers even works in snow. Mine rarely gets washed and is still in one piece. Worth a test ride :thumbsup:
hardhat_harry
02-09-10, 10:45 AM
What about the new Triumph Adventure bike that's coming out, don't know the release date though.
Dicky Ticker
02-09-10, 11:07 AM
My ST has the touring screen and you could have a cup of tea and a sandwich behind it.
Hardhat-----possibly could be my next and last bike but I will reserve judgement till I've had a test ride
sloppy joe
02-09-10, 08:31 PM
Cheers for your thoughts guys, will try and get some test rides in soonish, versys looks like it is on list among others. Part of me still kind of thinks that my SV owes me nothing, so I should stick with it until it gives up, but another part is itching for a newer, roomier bike. Maybe a couple test rides will settle things.
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