View Full Version : Your favourite bike for munching the miles?
Fallout
25-02-13, 09:54 AM
I'm in a situation where I need to get a new bike that can easily munch through a lot of miles but retain the fun factor, so would love to get some opinions. We're talking a large amount of motorway and A roads with some B roads you want to enjoy at either end. It could be brand new or a few years old.
I test rode a Sprint GT last week and while it was a decent bike, the lack of a tall screen let it down on the motorway, plus I don't actually fit on it since I'm super lanky and the fairings slice my knees off. So bikes for the taller rider preferred! I'm testing riding a Tiger 1050 on Wednesday, and also looking at KTM 990 SMTs as not only do they look awesome, but you can get tall screen and luggage options to make them practical.
Anyway, I've been looking at loads of bikes and asking people their opinions, but thought it'd be good to get the opinion of the ORG to see if I can refine my short list. All thoughts appreciated. :)
yorkie_chris
25-02-13, 10:03 AM
Fjr1300
Luckypants
25-02-13, 10:24 AM
I know everyone is gonna go with their current bike, but I will say the Honda VFR 800 VTEC. I am on my second and have covered about 40K miles on my two machines. I have done 4 European tours and 500 mile days are a breeze, yet when you get to where you are going you can still chuck it it about. The VTEC air-box roar is addictive and with a set of cans on it sounds awesome.
Evidence of fun fully loaded below :D
kBydUbbRzN4
Pros: All day comfy, fast, stable, reliable, well built, sounds great, lots of pampered ones out there.
Cons: it is a bit heavy, rear tyre only lasts 6k miles, 16K valve service expensive, needs a taller screen.
Fuel economy is 55+mpg at motorway speeds and 45-50mpg in mixed riding. Cane it and enjoy the VTEC, expect low 30s mpg :p
Dicky Ticker
25-02-13, 10:48 AM
Remember that Triumphs have an alternative touring screen. I am 6'2'' and even that is not high enough.I have yet to find an upright sitting bike with a screen that gives my helmet area decent protection,they all seem to have buffeting.
The sports tourers,VFR,Ducati, 1050Sprint and such still all depend on forward lean for protection--------------what about BMW.
Had a BMW R1100RT for a while commuting up and down the A3. Very comfy like sitting in a big arm chair, hot air heating blown onto your hands, radio, easy to adjust seat height. Electric adjustable screen to play with whilst riding and a nice big tank reducing fuel stops. Later 1150RT has link ABS so only fingers to apply both brakes. Running costs including tires suprisingly cheap although nothing big went wrong and no chain to faff around with.
Did a couple of ride outs with BMW Owners, those guys can really hustle a bike through the twisties which was quite a shock, me I just hid at the back of the pack trying not to fall behind too much.
Pete
Fallout
25-02-13, 11:44 AM
I like the FJR and the VFR. They both look really solid, though like the extra horses in the FJR. :) It's just the screen situation that would be the biggest issue. Since test riding the Sprint GT I'm definitely convinced I need a larger screen for the motorway (doesn't matter on any other roads really), even if that lets down the styling. That's one reason why I like the Tiger 1050 and 950 SMT as they seem to be able to pull it off pretty well.
BMW are definitely the first choice of most people after the multistada, but we're talking big bucks for the multistrada and everyone bangs on about the GS etc. I sat on a r1300rt yesterday and it was comfy, but it's pretty huge (even though apparently handles really well). Still leaning towards something which keeps a bit of nimbleness about it.
yorkie_chris
25-02-13, 11:46 AM
I like the FJR and the VFR. They both look really solid, though like the extra horses in the FJR. :) It's just the screen situation that would be the biggest issue. Since test riding the Sprint GT I'm definitely convinced I need a larger screen for the motorway (doesn't matter on any other roads really), even if that lets down the styling. That's one reason why I like the Tiger 1050 and 950 SMT as they seem to be able to pull it off pretty well.
Not much difference in real world speed. The FJR is a lovely lazy motor though, pulls from about 3rpm.
JamesMio
25-02-13, 11:58 AM
Can't imagine what this might be for... ;)
I suspect you've already been subjected to the RT1200 hard sell, so I'll spare you from that!
I'll run you through the ones that've made it onto my short list (albeit I'm too skint/tight to be able to afford most of them) - in no particular order:
Sprint ST (1050)
Tiger 1050
Explorer 1200
FJR1300
GS / GS Adventure
VFR800
ZZR1100 / ZZR600 (600 was surprisingly nippier & comfier than I'd expected)
Bandit 1250
Fazer (600/1000)
No doubt something else will jump out at me when I'm out looking, but that lot might give you a starting point?
Littlepeahead
25-02-13, 12:20 PM
Stu has the KTM 990 Adventure S which is super tall as he's lanky too, has a tall screen option, luggage and you can get a lowered seat which is more comfortable than the standard orange plank. He hasn't done loads of miles on it yet as he hasn't had it that long but the previous owner only used it for long treks - 25k of miles to places like Monaco, Tunisia and the like.
But it is a disgusting orange colour - oh hang on, you like that sort of thing don't you.
Stu also has the XJR1300, another super comfy bike for the long distances. Also has touring screen option. Doesn't come with hard pannier options but depends how much you need to carry as Rentec do a dedicated rack and tail pack.
Fallout
25-02-13, 12:21 PM
Can't imagine what this might be for... ;)
I suspect you've already been subjected to the RT1200 hard sell, so I'll spare you from that!
I was made to sit on one. ;) Can definitely see the merits but it didn't feel like 'me'. Felt like it was missing that subtle touch of hooligan that I feel all bikes need to have. Practicality tops the list and it needs to be sensible, but I want to get off it and think it's looking at me funny, like it's hatching a devious plan. :D My gixxer does that brilliant by threatening to fall apart at any moment, hence why I can't have the tight/skint attitude and need another bike. :rolleyes:
Cheers for the list mate. More food for thought. :)
Fallout
25-02-13, 12:23 PM
Stu has the KTM 990 Adventure S which is super tall as he's lanky too, has a tall screen option, luggage and you can get a lowered seat which is more comfortable than the standard orange plank. He hasn't done loads of miles on it yet as he hasn't had it that long but the previous owner only used it for long treks - 25k of miles to places like Monaco, Tunisia and the like.
These adventure bikes all have a 2k odd premium on top, and hybrid wheels/tyres which I definitely don't want. I don't plan on taking it off road at any point, so seems a bit pointless for me, even if they are nice bikes. :) As for the KTM orange ... it's awesome! Shut it!!! :p
Littlepeahead
25-02-13, 12:26 PM
Not sure Stu will ever be taking the KTM off road. Unless you count the car park at McDonald's. He hates cleaning the bike far too much to get it muddy.
Sir Trev
25-02-13, 12:38 PM
What's your budget? Makes quite a difference to the suggestions.
Fallout
25-02-13, 12:47 PM
Let's say it'd have to be absolutely mega to go over £10k, and really I'd be happier with a 2nd hand bike around £6k-£8k. A finance deal will be abusing me in a very dirty fashion.
My dad had an fjr1300. Absolutely loves it. Come to mine on weds morning and you can have a play.
Fallout
25-02-13, 01:24 PM
Bloody hell. 3 new bikes in 1 day. I am being spoiled! teehehehehehe.
This is just down the road from you and well within budget. Take it for a spin and see what you think. If I had £4k we wouldn't be having this conversation and I would have a second bike to polish.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201302155352901/sort/recpriceascdefault/usedbikes/model/r1150/make/bmw/page/3/radius/1500/postcode/po121fe/quicksearch/true?logcode=p
Fallout
25-02-13, 01:28 PM
Hah. That's at Bulldog Triumph. I'm there testing the 1050 on Wednesday so I'll take a look. :)
What about a speed triple they look like a full on hooligans machine.
Ceri JC
25-02-13, 01:37 PM
Big Adventure bikes are what I like for this. I prefer the riding position to 'proper tourers' like the Goldwing, Pan, BMW K-bikes, etc. All day comfy and they lap up the miles. Sports Tourers are only really comfy compared to Sportsbikes. Although, if that's what you're used to (read, already have the muscles for developed) you may find them initially more comfortable, even if that wouldn't be the case after 3 weeks on a Tourer. My F800GS has about 50K on the clock. Some of that has been in the dirt, but a lot has been hacking along motorways at just under three figure speeds, for hours at a time. I have only experienced any sort of cramp on it once and that was on a long ride in sub-zero temperatures, after a weekend trail riding, whilst sick.
Littlepeahead
25-02-13, 02:13 PM
I was too scared to suggest the F800GS for fear of being torn apart by Fallout. I have the F650GS lowered low seat option, which is comedy when you see Si sitting on it, but the 800GS is much the same but taller. There is a tall screen option, I have the Vario panniers and top box which give plenty of luggage space, it's very comfy on the motorway, and you don't have to fit it with the nobbly tyres, like the Battlewing, the Avon Distanzia are meant to be 90% road use. Plus that very useful socket means you just plug in the sat nav and off you go.
Ceri JC
25-02-13, 02:51 PM
I was too scared to suggest the F800GS for fear of being torn apart by Fallout. I have the F650GS lowered low seat option, which is comedy when you see Si sitting on it, but the 800GS is much the same but taller. There is a tall screen option, I have the Vario panniers and top box which give plenty of luggage space, it's very comfy on the motorway, and you don't have to fit it with the nobbly tyres, like the Battlewing, the Avon Distanzia are meant to be 90% road use. Plus that very useful socket means you just plug in the sat nav and off you go.
Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention; no matter what the real Adventure riding purists may claim about anything other than aluminium boxes being unsuitable to crossing the Sahara, the Varios are the best hard panniers for road riding, ever. Thin for filtering, then expand them when you need the additional carrying capacity.
Contrary to popular opinion, they won't "shake themselves to bits" either: Mine spent a couple of years being ridden along tracks you wouldn't be able to get a 4x4 down, with a week's worth of shopping in them with no ill effects. They've also smashed up against cars, clipped bins, fence posts and been in a crash that wrote the bike off. They are still waterproof and open and close just fine.
Littlepeahead
25-02-13, 03:04 PM
Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention; no matter what the real Adventure riding purists may claim about anything other than aluminium boxes being unsuitable to crossing the Sahara, the Varios are the best hard panniers for road riding, ever. Thin for filtering, then expand them when you need the additional carrying capacity.
Contrary to popular opinion, they won't "shake themselves to bits" either: Mine spent a couple of years being ridden along tracks you wouldn't be able to get a 4x4 down, with a week's worth of shopping in them with no ill effects. They've also smashed up against cars, clipped bins, fence posts and been in a crash that wrote the bike off. They are still waterproof and open and close just fine.
And you don't have to pay a fortune for the Vario liners either. This set of 2 cool bags from Argos for £9.99 fit in either side perfectly, are waterproof, not that you need them to be as the panniers are already waterproof but good for when you are loading up in the rain.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3402708.htm
chris8886
25-02-13, 05:02 PM
This set of 2 cool bags from Argos for £9.99 fit in either side perfectly, are waterproof, not that you need them to be as the panniers are already waterproof but good for when you are loading up in the rain.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3402708.htm
why on earth would you want coolbags in your panniers?!
jonpe69
25-02-13, 05:12 PM
For mile munching it had to be my Hayabusa, but my ZZR1200 came a close second and was always an underrated bike IMHO. If doing a lot of miles I like a big seat to keep the old rear aching.
jonpe69
25-02-13, 05:14 PM
^^^^^^ should be from aching before I get some funny replys :-)
Ceri JC
25-02-13, 06:22 PM
why on earth would you want coolbags in your panniers?!
Have you never been to a bike rally or festival in summer?!
Hint: The answer to your question rhymes with "cheer". :joker:
Littlepeahead
25-02-13, 06:23 PM
why on earth would you want coolbags in your panniers?!
As I said Chris, instead of the waterproof liners which cost loads. Have you never used hard luggage?
Yeah you could use them for beer I guess, but the main point of liners (Vario or Argos version) is that you don't want to have to unclip the panniers and carry them to your tent/B&B or whatever. With these you load up all your stuff in the house, carry them out to the bike then unload them again at your destination. Coolbags may have been designed to keep spilled drinks inside but that means they work well at keeping the rain outside.
We used these when we went to York Chris, but you won't remember.
Multistrada, under 10k - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Ducati/MULTISTRADA-1200S/2010/_/R-NXGN-3045016
yorkie_chris
25-02-13, 08:16 PM
I've not ridden one but the service costs add significantly to the price of using one for regular long distance work compared to a more mainstream bike.
The same could be said to a lesser extent for the VFR, BMW and katoooom options.
From customers in the shop, a lot of them have said it is a pain in the rse to adjust the chain, most of them get the dealer to do it! Maybe not so good for lots of high mileage
Fallout
25-02-13, 09:29 PM
Multistrada, under 10k - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Ducati/MULTISTRADA-1200S/2010/_/R-NXGN-3045016
That is the holy grail, but also potentially a servicing money pit. Might pop in and look at it though .... :)
From customers in the shop, a lot of them have said it is a pain in the rse to adjust the chain, most of them get the dealer to do it! Maybe not so good for lots of high mileage
This may be a stereotype, but I'd suspect the sort of person who can afford a nice new Multistrada is the sort of person who doesn't know a spanner from a cabbage. How hard can it be? At the end of the day it's nuts and bolts and moving stuff around. Maybe it's a faff, but it must be reasonably doable. It's an adventure bike, so it must (you'd hope!) be designed so that someone half way through Africa can adjust their chain without a whole work shop.
Worth asking about if I pop into the Winch store.
yorkie_chris
25-02-13, 09:53 PM
It's an adventure bike,
It's really not.
It's an "adventure styled" bike or even just a "motard styled" bike.
Like anything ducati, form was higher up the list of design aims than function.
Paul the 6th
25-02-13, 10:53 PM
Had CBF600 - the 1000 would probably make for a good long distance touring bike but would bore you to suicide.
Had a KTM adventure 950 S (2003, reputedly teh tallest seat height of all the adventures with the s being 50mm taller than the same year non-S).. Really quirky fun looking bike, really easy to fling from side to side for such a big bike, but after the top end buzz of sports bikes it was boring once the torque ran out and you truly were thrashing it much past 110mph, far more so than an sv650.
Had an sv1000, tower of power but sluggish handling and not 'all day' comfy. Read a lot of positive reviews for the v-strom 1000 (same engine albeit tuned down).
Just had an email today inviting me to test ride the 1190 ktm adventure. Brand new: couldn't afford one right now but tempted to go for the test ride after reading they're about 150bhp and many times better than the 950/990 variants.
If it was me, I'd be tempted by a sprint st 1050 - but not the GT. :D
half way through Africa can adjust their chain without a whole work shop.
Probably the last thing you would be doing on that bike! There is a Ducati at Alton train station, Snells.
Specialone
26-02-13, 07:23 AM
I fitted a double bubble screen to my sprint and never had a problem on the mway or at speed, they do even taller screens, a barn door of a touring screen.
The 1050 triple engine is a perfect touring motor, tons of torque and smooth.
I'm selling my sprint btw...:)
Littlepeahead
26-02-13, 07:44 AM
KTM are a bunch of losers. They design all their bikes for lanky giants. What about the little people?
Anyway the point of this post is that the KTM is reviewed in Ride this month.
Wildkid
26-02-13, 07:54 AM
I fitted a double bubble screen to my sprint and never had a problem on the mway or at speed, they do even taller screens, a barn door of a touring screen.
The 1050 triple engine is a perfect touring motor, tons of torque and smooth.
I'm selling my sprint btw...:)
Talk about plushing it up!
Fallout
26-02-13, 07:57 AM
Probably the last thing you would be doing on that bike!
Yeah, being my normal exaggerative (feck me, that's an actual word!) self. I'm sure it's doable. Let's go to Winch ducati with some spanners and have a go.
I fitted a double bubble screen to my sprint and never had a problem on the mway or at speed, they do even taller screens, a barn door of a touring screen.
The 1050 triple engine is a perfect touring motor, tons of torque and smooth.
I'm selling my sprint btw...:)
I've seen it. It does look nice. :) I'm gonna sit on one tomorrow at the Triumph garage to see if the ergonomics are different to the GT. Maybe I'll fit on a Sprint. :)
Anyway the point of this post is that the KTM is reviewed in Ride this month.
Which one?
Yeah, being my normal exaggerative (feck me, that's an actual word!) self. I'm sure it's doable. Let's go to Winch ducati with some spanners and have a go.
No lets go to Alton. Much closer and I get I see all my bits of plastic on the side of the road on the way down :)
Which one?
1190 adventure. 148bhp :)
Fallout
26-02-13, 09:26 AM
If I actually bought something that expensive it'd get nicked the first time I turned my back on it ... probably by you!
Ceri JC
26-02-13, 09:35 AM
A
Yeah you could use them for beer I guess, but the main point of liners (Vario or Argos version) is that you don't want to have to unclip the panniers and carry them to your tent/B&B or whatever. With these you load up all your stuff in the house, carry them out to the bike then unload them again at your destination. Coolbags may have been designed to keep spilled drinks inside but that means they work well at keeping the rain outside.
Yep; for anything other than protracted camping trips (where you'll be setting up 'off the bike'), pannier liners are a godsend. I have spent years of business travel off bikes and it is vastly preferable taking a soft bag out of your luggage onto a client site than carrying a whole top box/hard pannier with you. :)
Littlepeahead
26-02-13, 09:48 AM
I have done a bit of research and I have found you the perfect bike.
Comes with luggage, cheap to run, low insurance costs etc. I've booked you a test ride for tomorrow.
http://www.newcombes.co.uk/newcombe-used.aspx
http://31.222.134.33/imagestream/31720/842875x640x480_FFFFFF_H.jpg
Paul the 6th
26-02-13, 09:52 AM
The 950/990's are easily as chuckable as this pic makes out :D
http://www.omnimoto.it/mwpImages/photogallery/2012/5839/photos1280/ktm-1190-adventure-base-e-r-2013_24.jpg
Looks slick
http://blog.motorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/100412-2013-ktm-1190-adventure-r-intermot-01.jpg
Goes like the clappers
http://www.masmoto.net/novedades/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/gallery/ktm-1190-adventure-2013/ktm-1190-adventure-2013_11.jpg
Gives you wings
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydAT0nS5--0/UG9Niu_pfbI/AAAAAAAAMT4/zk7-7TXUtBg/s1600/2013_ktm_adventure_1190_04.jpg
Deluxe as feck. :D
KTM are a bunch of losers. They design all their bikes for lanky giants. What about the little people?
The biker midgets have every supersport bike made in the last 10 years, most commuter bikes, and plenty of other genres nicely sewn up.
2 manufacturers (BMW & KTM) make about one bike each for actual adults and you get stroppy ;)
Buy a KTM Adventure, I liked it. And then LPH can't steal it.
Then give me a go, because I liked it.
Jambo
Spank86
26-02-13, 12:16 PM
It doesn't matter how big the bike is if you don't slow down.
Fallout
26-02-13, 12:53 PM
Good job there were some nice serious replies in this thread before the children came out of the woodwork. I'll be off to look at KTMs tomorrow too, so will see if the adventure excites me in a groinal direction.
Now who wants a game of conkers? No vinegar or oven shananigans.
_Stretchie_
26-02-13, 12:54 PM
For me, either the Blackbird or the FireBlade 929,
The BlackBird is just awesome, plenty of torque for bimbling around town or lazy cornering and plenty of poke above 7k if you want to be a hooligan, it's a long bike so you have to prepare for the corners a bit sooner but once you are used to it, it'll happily tip in and feel completley planted around a corner.
The Blade has more room under the seat than the Blackbird by miles, Grunty said the 929 was comfier for the pillion than the BlackBird regardless of whether you are doing 40 miles or 250 miles.
Also the 929 was the last good looking Blade as it came just before the phenomenon where seemingly every sports bike designer in the world died, as all sports bikes regardless of make and engine size morphed in to the same small, pointy, uninspiring shape (except for the 954 with the Spock ear headlight. I mean REALLY?????)
Squirrel Hunter and I took a few Suzuki's out from H cafe last year, have a butchers at our reviews, I warn you though, neither of us have a decent grasp of the Englush linguage yet
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=127939&page=31
Littlepeahead
26-02-13, 01:00 PM
If you buy an orange bike I'm never speaking to you again.
Fallout
26-02-13, 01:04 PM
Interesting that you liked the 1250 in that. I assumed they'd be a bit bland but may go take a look at one now. :)
Fallout
26-02-13, 01:05 PM
If you buy an orange bike I'm never speaking to you again.
Right ... off to KTM.
JamesMio
26-02-13, 01:05 PM
Also the 929 was the last good looking blade as it came just before the phenomenon where seemingly every sports bike designer in the world died, as all sports bikes regardless of make and engine size morphed in to the same small, pointy, uninspiring shape (except for the 954 with the Spock ear headlight. I mean REALLY?????)
How very rude indeed...
http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207609_10150239509900097_4661582_n.jpg
;)
Blackbird is a very good shout though
Littlepeahead
26-02-13, 01:10 PM
Another reason for not getting a KTM is that Hong will keep trying to borrow it.
http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=983&pictureid=6635
Ceri JC
26-02-13, 01:28 PM
The biker midgets have every supersport bike made in the last 10 years, most commuter bikes, and plenty of other genres nicely sewn up.
2 manufacturers (BMW & KTM) make about one bike each for actual adults and you get stroppy ;)
Buy a KTM Adventure, I liked it. And then LPH can't steal it.
Then give me a go, because I liked it.
Jambo
This is my attitude too. Bikers are statistically taller than their peers (one inch taller than average, which sounds tiny, but is hugely significant). The big four's (Japan's) dominance and the desire of 90% of the bike buying public to fantasize that they're racers and buy bikes "the same as the ones on the track" has led to bikes that are far too small to be comfortable for western adults of an average height.
I do not complain about this fact, as despite at 6'2" not being a "comedy giant", I am reasonably tall and realistic about the demand for sensibly proportioned bikes.
What I do take umbrage to, however is when someone gripes about an F800GS or 990R being too tall and BMW and KTM somehow being prejudiced towards short people and how these bikes need to be shrunk down. Please, we only have two models on the market that weren't built for anaemic hobbits, please don't take that away from us.
On a more serious note, for those of a diminutive stature looking at taller bikes, but put off.
http://www.dhpmoto.com/Trips/Baja%20Dec%202000/touratech/rahier.jpg
The above URL is a real picture, not a photoshop. The rider in the middle won the Dakar (twice) on bikes that size. Riding bikes you cannot flat foot is not impossible (or even that hard) offroad, much less on the road where there's a reasonable expectation you won't be on the edge of a 2ft drop.
I've also struggled to keep a female Dakar rider in sight when riding offroad. I was on a G450X (a proper dirtbike) whilst she (at 5'5") was on a GSA!
Jayneflakes
27-02-13, 10:16 AM
I had a hire bike a little while ago in the shape of a Honda CBF600. I noticed that some one had already mentioned this machine and thought that maybe the 1000 would be a better machine. My experience of the Honda was that it was arm chair comfortable, even with the wife on the back. Handling was OK and the suspension was compliant. There was however a large but in the equation.
Riding the CBF felt totally uninvolving. I could ride for miles, but when I got there I did not feel like I had been anywhere or had enjoyed it. The bike was restricted which clearly had an impact on power delivery, but even so the bike was so neutral as to be bland. Some of the people I have spoken to who own them, do love them. But to find out if you would like one, you would have to try one.
A couple of friends of mine have Fazers and swear by them. I have never ridden one, so cannot comment, but my friend Jon said his was lovely and served him well for many long rides.
Spank86
27-02-13, 10:42 AM
even with the wife on the back. Handling was OK and the suspension was compliant. There was however a large butt in the equation.
Thats no way to talk about a lady. :wink:
chris8886
27-02-13, 04:40 PM
Have you never been to a bike rally or festival in summer?!
Hint: The answer to your question rhymes with "cheer". :joker:
i do get it now, but no i've never been to a festival on my bike.
As I said Chris, instead of the waterproof liners which cost loads. Have you never used hard luggage?
Yeah you could use them for beer I guess, but the main point of liners (Vario or Argos version) is that you don't want to have to unclip the panniers and carry them to your tent/B&B or whatever. With these you load up all your stuff in the house, carry them out to the bike then unload them again at your destination. Coolbags may have been designed to keep spilled drinks inside but that means they work well at keeping the rain outside.
We used these when we went to York Chris, but you won't remember.
no, i've never used hard luggage, never had the need to. even when i did my trip on the sv to monaco and back a few years ago, all i had was a rucksack (kriegga), tankbang (oxford, with the extension bit on it) and a tail pack (kriegga) and i managed absolutely fine.
and no i don't remember york :(
The biker midgets have every supersport bike made in the last 10 years, most commuter bikes, and plenty of other genres nicely sewn up.
2 manufacturers (BMW & KTM) make about one bike each for actual adults and you get stroppy ;)
Buy a KTM Adventure, I liked it. And then LPH can't steal it.
Then give me a go, because I liked it.
Jambo
ROFL! :laughat::smt044
For me, either the Blackbird or the FireBlade 929,
The BlackBird is just awesome, plenty of torque for bimbling around town or lazy cornering and plenty of poke above 7k if you want to be a hooligan, it's a long bike so you have to prepare for the corners a bit sooner but once you are used to it, it'll happily tip in and feel completley planted around a corner.
The Blade has more room under the seat than the Blackbird by miles, Grunty said the 929 was comfier for the pillion than the BlackBird regardless of whether you are doing 40 miles or 250 miles.
Also the 929 was the last good looking Blade as it came just before the phenomenon where seemingly every sports bike designer in the world died, as all sports bikes regardless of make and engine size morphed in to the same small, pointy, uninspiring shape (except for the 954 with the Spock ear headlight. I mean REALLY?????)
Squirrel Hunter and I took a few Suzuki's out from H cafe last year, have a butchers at our reviews, I warn you though, neither of us have a decent grasp of the Englush linguage yet
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=127939&page=31
can agree with you on the blade being very comfortable even if i did only use mine on trackdays and boy did it have plenty of go as well! :smt040
Fallout
27-02-13, 04:50 PM
Just got back from testing the Tiger 1050. Didn't like it much at the start but it grew on me and by the end I could tell it would be excellent fun. However, at motorway speeds it does like to tear your legs off due to its shape, so can't see it being that relaxed on the motorway. Plus the throttle is leathally sensitive in 1st. Literally, every little bump at low speed has you bunny hopping around.
Triumph offered me a deal on the demo bike with all the stuff I'd need, but the demo had a properly clunky shift until it warmed up. 2nd was a struggle to get into a few times. I can't really see that improving with age. Suspect it's been caned and the gear has been missed on a few demo rides. £8k is a lot to spend on something that doesn't feel just right.
I have to discount the KTM. Sat on one and wanted to ride it so bad, but I could tell it wouldn't suit the motorway miles I'll have to do, even if the bits before and after would be properly giggly.
Sitting on Tomors dad's FJR felt like a sensible bike. Comfy and still looked decent, plus he's looked after it. The child in me wants something like the Tiger or the KTM, though I know sitting on a motorway in the rain one day I will be wishing I'd got a more comfy bike with a few more mod cons and better fairing/screen.
Why is bike hunting so hard? Where is the middle bike which ticks all the boxes?
Luckypants
27-02-13, 05:12 PM
Why is bike hunting so hard? Where is the middle bike which ticks all the boxes?
Seriously, have you tried a VFR?
Fallout
27-02-13, 05:56 PM
Nope. Not been anywhere near a honda so far! I wanted to exhaust the adventure/supermoto/hybrid style bikes first as they are the ones I really want, probably because they're so different to the gixxer. However it seems increasingly like a sports tourer style bike is probably the sensible choice for my tick list.
Specialone
27-02-13, 06:21 PM
Did you sit on the sprint st?
Off to Farnham Honda next week then? or Hatfields in Crowthorne.
Fallout
27-02-13, 06:30 PM
Did you sit on the sprint st?
Booo! Forgot. Was so pushed for time.
Off to Farnham Honda next week then? or Hatfields in Crowthorne.
Can't hurt to have a look. :) Test Ride Wednesdays. :mrgreen:
Littlepeahead
27-02-13, 06:32 PM
Hey Si, Chris can remember every bit of luggage he took to Monaco but can't remember York. So we can Alarmcock and Wakeupball him again and he won't see it coming. :-)
Fallout
27-02-13, 06:34 PM
You certainly can't alarm **** or wake-up ball, unless you're hiding some secret from Thailand from us.
Jayneflakes
27-02-13, 06:59 PM
Thats no way to talk about a lady. :wink:
Hell, have you heard the way my wife swears? She aint no lady! :smt083
*Runs away!* :smt040
Littlepeahead
27-02-13, 07:03 PM
I was thinking more along the lines of me nicking his duvet while one of the boys did it.
Bordtea
27-02-13, 08:48 PM
Blackbird?
Bluefish
02-03-13, 08:32 PM
vfr or sprint, both good bikes, you any closer to choosing something yet?
Fallout
02-03-13, 08:39 PM
I think I'm going with the Tiger 1050, but will likely keep my eyes peeled for a bargain elsewhere. With the amount of miles I'm putting on the bike, it seems sensible to change fairly regularly to avoid killing the value too much. Or at least, that'll be the excuse I'll use to justify trying something else in 6 months time. :D
yorkie_chris
02-03-13, 09:40 PM
I reckon with any bike you're actually going to use you're better off hammering the miles, looking after it proper and don't worry about the resale value. Get your money's worth :)
Fallout
02-03-13, 09:53 PM
Sensible advice?! Money's worth?! *fingers in ears* nahaha nahh nahh nahhh not listening! :D
Truth is, if I see a touring ready 990 SMT at a good price, I will sell my left testicle for one, and the left one is the most potent too.
Littlepeahead
02-03-13, 09:59 PM
The seat on those is so hard you may as well sell both.
Fallout
02-03-13, 10:35 PM
They do gel seats. Trust me. I've read the whole brochure. :D
Airhawk for serious miles?
kaivalagi
02-03-13, 10:47 PM
The seat on those is so hard you may as well sell both.
They do gel seats. Trust me. I've read the whole brochure. :D
Nah, seat is fine, better than the average sports bike at least IMHO...the SMR is the one with a plank for a seat...
BTW, it's definitely worth losing your best testicle for :) I don't care how much it cost, I test rode one amongst a lot of other similar-ish bikes and had to have one....**** MPG, servicing more frequent than I'd like but f' it, it's worth it for the grin factor!
Littlepeahead
02-03-13, 11:09 PM
Airhawk are great. Even if they do look like a whoopee cushion and my one is now held on with half a bra after I lost the straps.
Teejayexc
02-03-13, 11:24 PM
I reckon with any bike you're actually going to use you're better off hammering the miles, looking after it proper and don't worry about the resale value. Get your money's worth :)
+100's.
Have a Diversion 900 '98 plate coming up to 75,000 miles. Still runs like clockwork, shaftie, all day long comfortable and, if I do say so myself, still in rather good nick.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w58/tj900/My%20Bike%20Pics/Image000.jpg
'incoming YC post with how many miles his 900 is on ;) '
Teejayexc
02-03-13, 11:26 PM
'incoming YC post with how many miles his 900 is on ;) '
Doesn't count, he hasn't put the miles on it. ;)
Plus he said " looking after it proper" :-)
yorkie_chris
03-03-13, 10:30 AM
Actually my 900 hasn't even been round the clock yet, I got it with few miles on just with many, many years of neglect. Like the fuel tank being full of water.
The yams like that do make good mile munchers but they're not too good in the twisties if you want some fun. The FJR has much much better suspension so you can actually throw them about a bit.
Teejayexc
03-03-13, 01:08 PM
The yams like that do make good mile munchers but they're not too good in the twisties if you want some fun.
Come over here and say that!
I've seen many an XJ 900 show *sports* bikes up around twisties ;)
Fallout
04-03-13, 05:44 PM
Tiger 1050 purchased. Picking it up Wednesday. Will report back with any regrets! :)
Spank86
04-03-13, 05:50 PM
You regret mocking my choice of manufacturer?
You regret not wising up sooner?
Specialone
04-03-13, 05:53 PM
Tiger 1050 purchased. Picking it up Wednesday. Will report back with any regrets! :)
Top work :)
I also purchased my explorer today too, well, left a deposit until Saturday :)
Fallout
04-03-13, 07:37 PM
You regret mocking my choice of manufacturer?
You regret not wising up sooner?
No. When you do it, it deserve mocking. When I do it, it becomes cool.
Top work :)
I also purchased my explorer today too, well, left a deposit until Saturday :)
Congrats! I may not actually get to ride mine though. Tomor is taking me pillion up there Wednesday, and since he's never taken a pillion before, there's a 92% chance of death en route. :smt120
Spank86
04-03-13, 07:40 PM
You'll be fine.
In fact it'll be perfect since you can't ride and he can't see deer.
Combined you stand half a chance of a safe journey.
Fallout
04-03-13, 07:52 PM
I intend to tickle him all the way.
I can't wait. atleast it will be on the strom so you wont fall off the back or be too cramped :) (imagine doing it on the sv!)
Fallout
04-03-13, 09:12 PM
It would be funny! We should go the back way there from my place. Really nice route. I went up there on the A34 then thought I'd just wing it back the back way as I knew some of the roads towards the end. Found a lovely road that would be top draw fodder for a rideout some day.
Main roads there for first time with a pillion. We can play on the way back.
Fallout
04-03-13, 09:36 PM
Okie doke! Also I found an old intercom set in the gixxer when I bought it. Two ear pieces/mics wired into battery powered box. I'll dig it out and see if it works.
Paul the 6th
04-03-13, 09:54 PM
needs moar pix.
Fallout
04-03-13, 09:58 PM
Look in the GM forum homeboy.
dig it out and send us a picture
Fallout
04-03-13, 10:11 PM
Will do tomorrow. It's in the garage and I canee be arsed to go find it.
Paul the 6th
05-03-13, 12:17 AM
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=12269&stc=1&d=1362428582
andreis
05-03-13, 08:14 AM
@Fallout: I have a tiger too. You should join www.tiger1050.com for lots of useful info on the bike.
Here's some of the stuff I feel is most important about the bike:
1. Lights. They're appalling. They should not have passed any standardized tests. You can fix them with HID & aux projectors. You can also fix'em with just good aux projectors, such as those from komy: ebay linky (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-LED-Lighting-1600LM-12V-Cree-x2-Farkle-My-Ride-Advrider-Tiger-1050-/181013047194?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a2537e79a)
You can get a lower price (~15%) by sending him a mail directly to komy63 at yahoo dot com dot hk
2. Screen. There's a good chance the screen will be buffeting you plenty. If it does, the best solution is a madstad screen (looks sh*te), a palmer setup (also sh*te looking) or a mra x-creen (looks good and is the cheapest, but you'll still feel like you're getting ripped off).
3. You should know that you can easily get direct access to the ECU of the bike with TuneBoy. You should definitely read more on this matter before diving in. It will allow you to do a lot of stuff on your own (balance throttle bodies, diagnose faults and change engine mapping). Access to ECU means you can easily get one of the maps on the tiger forum which have been tested & will give you 130hp (with new can & filter) (this power comes at the price of mpg, obviously).
4. The clunky shifting. A cause for this is the poor design by triumph of the gear selector mechanism. You can get a new gear lever from palmer which will improve shifting. Here's a linky : http://www.palmerproducts.co.uk/
Also, you can get a lot from adapting your technique to the bike (pre-tensioning the gear lever before trying to shift, for example). This problem is also alleviated by adjusting your chain in the way indicated on the tiger forum.
Other than that, you can get yourself a low level exhaust (shark or remus powercone) in order to be able to fit proper sized panniers on both sides.
Happy riding and hope this helps :P
Fallout
05-03-13, 08:43 AM
Cheers for the info Andreis. :) I hoped for more from Triumph's lighting, but that doesn't surprise me. I'll probably be used to it since the SV was like riding by candle light and the gixxer isn't much better. However the bike does have some extra lights on it already, though I don't know if they're just bling or if they actually help illuminate the road. You can see them in the pic Paul posted above connected to the radiator/oil cooler.
As for the ECU that could be good to know. 1st gear throttle response is incredibly snatchy. It was the same on the demonstrator so I suspect they're all like that. When you're exiting a very low speed bend and you want to roll back on the throttle, the tiniest movement is like being kicked up the **** by a kangaroo. I suspect I'll get used to it but if that can be smoothed off with some mapping, that could be a plan.
The bike already has a tall screen on it. I got it up to 90 once with no buffeting around that I noticed. When I tried out the demonstrator (standard screen), it was a bit windy, so hopefully the screen on it will do the job.
As for the clunky shifting I'll see how I get on. It took about 20 attempts to find neutral on this and the demo bike, and neither liked 1st to 2nd, sometimes completely failing to shift meaning I had to let the clutch out, get hit by huge engine braking and then try again. I suspect I'll get used to that too and learn to positively shift (i.e. fecking bang it into gear!). :) Getting back on the gixxer afterwards felt like the gearbox was made out of tissue paper. Smoother than a babies bum.
It says a lot for the bike though that I bought it despite it's faults. There's something about them, and I suspect it's a lot to do with the engine. :)
Spank86
05-03-13, 09:07 AM
He means TuneECU, it's free and I already have the cable so all it'll need is a windows laptop which you actually have.
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.