View Full Version : The next step (perhaps?)..(bike choice)
rictus01
28-03-07, 01:22 PM
OK following on from my plan to get back on a bike, I tried Dan's speed triple and although I manager to get my foot onto the foot peg, it was painful, Alright it was only a couple of days after surgry and I've stil got swelling to go down, but I'm looking at other options if I can't get back on mine, so what I'm after is options, what bike(s) could I go for with the longest leg length (least amount of leg bend angle), Already though about the new Tiger and asked Busasean for his imput (just picked up his new one), but anything else you can think of ?
(already tried a Rocket 3, I fit but it's a real monster of a bike).
Money isn't so much of a problem so new old, fire away.
Cheers Mark.
gettin2dizzy
28-03-07, 01:35 PM
http://steevven1.com/images/big%20bike.jpg
i love the rocket 3! go for it :batman:
rictus01
28-03-07, 02:00 PM
Not really much help.
chazzyb
28-03-07, 02:04 PM
They don't make Quasars (http://www.realclassic.co.uk/quasar06062000.html) any more do they? Feet forward, legs straight :scratch: ; hmm... I know, a Harley!:p
rictus01
28-03-07, 02:15 PM
Come on Guys, I don't ask for info much, but want some real world feedback,
as I say looked at the New Tiger, seem to remember the old TDM had a fairly long leg length, not really interested in the curser thing or Bm's, perhaps a Vstrom (anyone got one?) or didn't Kawasaki make a re-badged version ?
Maybe one of the bigger KTM's, but I've no experiance with those?
c an't really remember how much leg room the big retros have, anyone with an XJR,ZRX, GSX14 OR CB1/CB13 ?
Make it simple for you,
750cc plus
no cursers
Minimal leg bend angle
not to old (max 5 years approx)
Bikes in the mix so far
Tiger (new one)
TDM
V strom
KTM?
Cheers Mark.
Flamin_Squirrel
28-03-07, 02:18 PM
Turn some jack up plates upside down to lower the pegs? Or would the reduced ground clearance anoy you?
rictus01
28-03-07, 02:20 PM
Anyone tried the new Triumph Scrambler, what's the leg room like on that ?
gettin2dizzy
28-03-07, 02:22 PM
new tigers pretty big, also although you said no bmws, the k1200 series is ace! and seriously roomy. Sticking to the twins ktms 990 adventure gets a really good write up, and ducatis multistrada would suit. Along the tall bike route the honda varadero has a huge fan club, a bit underrated i think
Sid Squid
28-03-07, 02:23 PM
Thunderbird Sport perhaps?
SoulKiss
28-03-07, 02:30 PM
Was about to go off topic with various trike bits but then thats not really you (tho I DO want a go on one of these at some point - http://spyder.brp.com/)
How about modifying the bike to have the gears on the right and link the brakes from the handlebars?
Or move the gearchange to the bars?
Both options allowing you to then have a modified footpeg/rest on the left side of the bike?
Could probably do that easily enough I would have thought and to most bikes.
David
Kwak re-badged the V-strom as the KLV 1000, painting it orange, giving it an adjustable screen and litlerally using a permenant marker to black out the VIN plate on the frame showing it was built in a suzuki factory...
One of the comfiest bikes I've sat on would be a VFR, but not to everyone's taste, and I didn't ride it so probably not that helpful.
I guess these might be a similar leg bend angle to the Speed Triple but it might be wirth considering the Naked bandits, they are certainly less than a sport position than some. Cheap as chips so would be OK maybe for a short termer till you get more movement? I don't have one but next time I'm in the dealers I'll see how it compares.
Just a thought also with the kwak zeds. Same thing applies really.
rictus01
28-03-07, 02:34 PM
Thunderbird Sport perhaps?
790mm seat height so pretty low, be a bit cramped on the knee I think, shame.
Cheers Mark.
chazzyb
28-03-07, 02:36 PM
It's a problem, where the footrests are on so many bikes. I've got short, fat legs and my naked SV gets to me after a while. I'd guess it's not just 'long leg room' you need, but also how far back/forward they are. Modern 'sports' style bikes all seem to have pegs set back a lot further than in days of old. This seems to affect the big traily-style machines too. Modern 'retros' all seem to be a compromise and heavy to boot. But I suppose compromise is what you need for a while.
The Kawasaki-badged V-Strom was the KL1000, I think. Didn't last in their price list too long. Personally, I fancy a DL1000 V-Strom (Tiger doesn't do it for), but like all the traily-style bikes, the seat's too bloody high.
BMW, on the other hand, are the only manufacturer I've seen so far who seem to quote leg room in their specs.
rictus01
28-03-07, 02:37 PM
Thunderbird Sport perhaps?
790mm seat height so pretty low, be a bit cramped on the knee I think, shame.
where as the scrambler is 825mm so more likely to have a bit more room.
Cheers Mark.
SoulKiss
28-03-07, 02:42 PM
Another thought - Varadero Thou?
David
Filipe M.
28-03-07, 02:44 PM
Aprilia Caponord?
STRAMASHER
28-03-07, 02:52 PM
New bike time , nice........:)
My GSX14 is a bloody sofa. 6'2" 34in leg. Good for big miles in comfort (got a dicky knee). Good seat to peg distance. Ground clearance only a possible problem if you hoon about on std. settings.
Ktm SM and adventure plenty of room too but killer seats, especially SM.:(
BMW also really good, even the R1200S.
Would not bother about seat height stats as they mean very little in reality in respect to seat to peg.
Good luck:)
Ceri JC
28-03-07, 03:14 PM
I've tried the new Tiger and really liked it. It was good for being able to keep your leg straight, but I've ridden an Aprilia off road bike that had more space for your legs. Might be worth looking at supermotos?
rictus01
28-03-07, 03:24 PM
I guess these might be a similar leg bend angle to the Speed Triple but it might be wirth considering the Naked bandits, they are certainly less than a sport position than some. Cheap as chips so would be OK maybe for a short termer till you get more movement? I don't have one but next time I'm in the dealers I'll see how it compares.
Just a thought also with the kwak zeds. Same thing applies really.
Brothers got a Z1000, tried it this morning, even worse than the speed triple:smt019
Have to try a bandit, ridden one before but as with most bikes this wasn't an issue so can't remember the leg room?
Although as I said getting back on the Speedtriple will be my first option and then after that what modifications I can do to it (turst me I'm not short of an Idea or two), I just want other bikes to compare, perhaps I'll end up with the triple as a short hop bike and something else (more comfortable) for the longer rides.
Guess I need a bike show so I can sit on a load of them.
Cheers Mark.
kwak zzr
28-03-07, 03:26 PM
i was thinking of maybe the gsx1400 or new bandit 1250? what about the buell lightening?
Biker Biggles
28-03-07, 03:32 PM
DON'T mention anything Harley.
I mentioned it once but I think I got away with it.;)
Cloggsy
28-03-07, 03:39 PM
what about the buell lightening?
DON'T mention anything Harley.
I mentioned it once but I think I got away with it.;)
Cracking bike... I test-rode the XB12Ss (long,) it was superb, but again, you might have an issue with tucking your legs up on the pegs...
The KTM I had, you'd be the same on that too - Sorry :cry:
kwak zzr
28-03-07, 04:18 PM
whatever floats your boat.
What about an semi-automatic gear changer? Then you could put your leg up on a crash bung! ;)
Sorry not helping. TDMs have a rep for being boring. Only other tall bikes I have sat on would be a GS...
not sure what you had done to your leg but perhaps your just rushing a bit, i had a bike accident had my knee cap removed my femur pinned and it took about a year of physio and hard work but now i have run a marathon and got full movement back, then you can choose a bike you want not one that you have to have.any way all the best
Guess I need a bike show so I can sit on a load of them.
Err... Frith on a Friday?
Jelster
28-03-07, 05:37 PM
Any of the KTM's have to be worth a look - I can't even get on most of them ! :(
From what I remember, the peg/set relationship on the Falco was pretty good, it was just the lean to the bars that some people found a bit much.
With you're ability to modify just about anything, can you "reverse" a set of rear sets so the drop the begs down & forwards to give you the room you need (I know you'll lose ground clearance, but it does get you back on the bike.)
.
rictus01
28-03-07, 06:28 PM
DON'T mention anything Harley.
I mentioned it once but I think I got away with it.;)
I let that firstone slide, don't do it again.
Cracking bike... I test-rode the XB12Ss (long,) it was superb, but again, you might have an issue with tucking your legs up on the pegs...
The KTM I had, you'd be the same on that too - Sorry :cry:
Tried the lightning, nope, no good.
zx9r?
Had one that wouldn't work either.
whatever floats your boat.
that's the point, it's not it's whatever I can ride with any degree of comfort.
not sure what you had done to your leg but perhaps your just rushing a bit, i had a bike accident had my knee cap removed my femur pinned and it took about a year of physio and hard work but now i have run a marathon and got full movement back, then you can choose a bike you want not one that you have to have.any way all the best
Not really following are we ?
Err... Frith on a Friday?
If Frith st on any day were a bit more accessable then that might be an option, but haven't worked out how to get there and probably won't uuntilI get a bike again.
Cheers Mark.
Good luck with your search.
eviltwin
28-03-07, 06:54 PM
I've ridden the Scrambler and seem to remember the seating position was ok apart from the pegs being in an odd position for when your feet are down - they seemed to be just where my calves wanted to be...but thinking about it that would be great for you - hardly any leg bending - an armchair position!
(I'm 5'6" so probably be better for you)
Only thing I would say is that the ride is 'wonderfully sedate'. If you're considering things like a gsx1400 and, having had the Speed Triple, you might find the engine just a little too sedate. You have to fight to get it to 85 (and then fight to stop it again) whereas the Speed Triple you fight to keep below 85!!!
It does look cracking though. I'd have one if there was room in the collection/bank balance for a retro.
scorpion
28-03-07, 07:30 PM
Cracking bike... I test-rode the XB12Ss (long,) it was superb, but again, you might have an issue with tucking your legs up on the pegs...
The KTM I had, you'd be the same on that too - Sorry :cry:
I tried the Buell firebolt and that was cracking. I then got on the lightening and I thought I was sitting over the front wheel, very un-nerving so I went round the block scared myself and got backn the firebolt. Is the lightening long alot different from the standard then?
K1200R - that looks like a big fast comfy sofa - but maybe a bit heavy. GS isnt bad and carries a lot of weight down low so maybe easier to manage.
For a striaght legged ride - HD Night Rod does it for me.
rictus01
29-03-07, 02:31 PM
not really interested in the curser thing or Bm's, Cheers Mark.
K1200R - that looks like a big fast comfy sofa - but maybe a bit heavy. GS isnt bad and carries a lot of weight down low so maybe easier to manage.
For a striaght legged ride - HD Night Rod does it for me.
Missed that one then ?
Just had a thought, th CB was fairly relaxed asI remember, might give that a try ?
Cheers Mark.
take it my raptor is out for you then
Flamin_Squirrel
29-03-07, 02:38 PM
As I said before, what's wrong with trying jack up plates?
rictus01
29-03-07, 02:50 PM
As I said before, what's wrong with trying jack up plates?
Mainly because I wasn't asking for modification, I'm more than capable of modifying anything and may well have to do some, even so it could still be a limiting factor on the duration of rides, given that the other party will end up paying for it, I may end up getting another bike for longer trips.
Mark.
Cloggsy
29-03-07, 02:54 PM
Is the lightening long alot different from the standard then?
No, the wheelbase is only 2" longer... I loved the riding position on the Buell 8)
Flamin_Squirrel
29-03-07, 02:58 PM
Mainly because I wasn't asking for modification, I'm more than capable of modifying anything and may well have to do some, even so it could still be a limiting factor on the duration of rides, given that the other party will end up paying for it, I may end up getting another bike for longer trips.
Mark.
Fair enough! Just seemed to me like mods should come first, another bike you don't really want second.
Ceri JC
29-03-07, 03:11 PM
Mainly because I wasn't asking for modification, I'm more than capable of modifying anything and may well have to do some, even so it could still be a limiting factor on the duration of rides, given that the other party will end up paying for it, I may end up getting another bike for longer trips.
Mark.
You need a Goldwing . Of course, after a while you might decide it's not for you, but fortunately those babies hold their resale value nicely. So, if it turns out not to be for you, you could at least sell it for a fair old whack. ;)
rictus01
29-03-07, 03:19 PM
You need a Goldwing.
Need, Huuuumm perhaps, but don't want, Have though along the lines of one of the big scooter type things though (tmax, burgman sort of thing) not really great but they do have lot of leg room, and would be better than getting an automatic car ?
Cheers Mark.
oldjack
29-03-07, 03:33 PM
Like ralph said, you've only just had surgery. After my pushbike accident I couldn't bend my knee for weeks, but persevered with pedalling a static bike, gradually increasing the amount of knee bend until I could get back on my motorbike. Why compromise with a bike you don't really want just for the sake of a few weeks impatience, the weather is crap again anyway !
Hmmm, you already know my opinion of surgeon's mobility predictions vs sheer bloodymindedness ;)...
... however, that's not the point is it?
The point is that you are a complete addict (in the nicest possible way ;), have suffered long enough of an enforced break from bikes and basically, want to be out and about, doing as many comfortable miles as you can, whilst you work on your complete recovery.
The man needs his escape now guys. ;)
As for a constructive answer, unfortunately I have very little experience of the type of bike that would be appropriate as I'm only 5'3 3/4" and so leg room is rarely an issue. :twisted:
I'll second Soul Kiss on the Honda Varadero Thou as a possibility. Strangely it's often overlooked in that class of bike, but having taken one out once I remember it being surprisingly fun - espescially on the twisties.
Another Honda could be the FMX (though it's only a 650, so maybe not) but the knee bend doesn't look too bad:http://www.1000ps.at/magazin/honda/fmx_9.jpg
Ceri JC
29-03-07, 03:52 PM
Need, Huuuumm perhaps, but don't want, Have though along the lines of one of the big scooter type things though (tmax, burgman sort of thing) not really great but they do have lot of leg room, and would be better than getting an automatic car ?
Cheers Mark.
Mark, I know big tourers aren't your thing, I was hinting that they are a very pricey bike that hold their value really well. You could get them to buy you one then after a bit sell it and still buy 2 bikes you wanted with the money from it. One comfy workhorse for long trogs, one less comfy one for short pleasure rides. ;)
As to a Burgman, you might be pleasently suprised. As Mogs said in a different thread:
A friend of mine (and Ceri) commutes every day from Cardiff to Bristol, he has V-Strom for playtime, but for the workhorse he rides a Burgman 650, he says he gets great fuel economy, and tyres are cheaper. It’s shaft drive, with loads of luggage space.
A scoot, but the way he rides it there are lots of sports riders who would be hard pressed to cut much off his journey time.
It's true that for commuting I really don't think he loses more than about 2-5 minutes for that journey over if he took his normal bike. Some of the big scooters have a real foot forwards riding position that you might find suits your leg well. Got to be worth trying sitting on a few at least.
As you say, vastly better than an automatic car! :)
EDIT: Something else that just occured to me- have you looked at those off road knee-braces you wear under your leathers (designed to support the knee in crashes)? They might offer a bit of support to it/make it comfier while you rehabilitate? Also (and I'm loathe to mention it/tempt fate :() it would offer extra protection while you recover when even the most gentle off that involved your knee hitting the deck could be v. painful/set back recovery? Just a thought.
rictus01
29-03-07, 03:58 PM
take it my raptor is out for you then
Much as I lke them, my speed triplehas more leg room,so not really an option I'm afraid, sorry.
Like ralph said, you've only just had surgery. After my pushbike accident I couldn't bend my knee for weeks, but persevered with pedalling a static bike, gradually increasing the amount of knee bend until I could get back on my motorbike. Why compromise with a bike you don't really want just for the sake of a few weeks impatience, the weather is crap again anyway !
I'll take it you've not looked at my "busted knee" thread, it's not going to get any better, in fact the more times he goes in the greater the scar tissue build up will be, so I could very well loose flexability, I've had to except that this is it and get on with life, I'm not prepared to sit around and wait for some miricale that will make it all OK again, it's not going to happen, I've far exceeded the angle of bend I was expect to reach and the knee will not physically bend any further (because of the bone reconstruction), so waiting a month , year or 10 years isn't going to help.
If it was a case of will power or persistance, then I could understand you view point, however it's not, I've already pushed it as far as it'll go.
Cheers Mark.
rictus01
29-03-07, 04:06 PM
EDIT: Something else that just occured to me- have you looked at those off road knee-braces you wear under your leathers (designed to support the knee in crashes)? They might offer a bit of support to it/make it comfier while you rehabilitate? Also (and I'm loathe to mention it/tempt fate :() it would offer extra protection while you recover when even the most gentle off that involved your knee hitting the deck could be v. painful/set back recovery? Just a thought.
As you'll see in the mentioned thread, all that has been covered(knee braces), but I'm not looking to recover, that's the point, It's not going to get any better, At some time in the future I will have an ACL op which the surgeon has already said is more likely to fail than do any good, but when I don't know, the PCL is gone, and no replacement can be used as he bone it affixes to is so smashed up, although I have a walking brace coming, what that will allow me to do is still to be discovered, I started this thread to explore other options I may have to follow,not my first ones as I've already planned them out.
Cheers Mark.
Ceri JC
29-03-07, 04:17 PM
Ah sorry, hadn't seen that bit Mark.
Further to the "scooter being no slower for commuting" bit, I've just opened this month's Bike mag to find that one of the journos on a 500cc Gilera beat a TT winner on an R1 on a 600 mile trip across the alps (and it wasn't due to anything stupid like the R1 blowing up half way round from what I've read so far.) :shock:
Apparently the shorter (and less frequently needed) fuel stops were what gave it the edge.
CBF1000 perhaps? Same seat height as a TDM.
Bit of thread grave robbing here, but I don't know if you got a satisfactory answer.
I had a sit on a few bikes down at Fowlers today, including the KTM 950 supermoto and the new Triumph Tiger.
My leg bend was about 90 degrees on both bikes. There was a bit more room on the KTM but not much in it. For reference it's about 70 degrees on my Z1000.
What did strike me however was the weight. The KTM weighed bugger all just shaking it from side to side in the shop. The Triumph on the other hand felt pretty much as it looked like it would, you could feel the weight up around the tank.
Of course, the KTM is not really set up for long distance work, but worth considering I guess.
Cloggsy
09-04-07, 03:24 PM
Bit of thread grave robbing here, but I don't know if you got a satisfactory answer.
I had a sit on a few bikes down at Fowlers today, including the KTM 950 supermoto and the new Triumph Tiger.
My leg bend was about 90 degrees on both bikes. There was a bit more room on the KTM but not much in it. For reference it's about 70 degrees on my Z1000.
What did strike me however was the weight. The KTM weighed bugger all just shaking it from side to side in the shop. The Triumph on the other hand felt pretty much as it looked like it would, you could feel the weight up around the tank.
Of course, the KTM is not really set up for long distance work, but worth considering I guess.
I think you all know my viewpoint on the soddin' KTM :rambo:
rictus01
09-04-07, 04:01 PM
Having had 6 of the new triumphs. I'm more inclined that way, but until I get the beast out and try it I won't know, not ruled out anything apart from the obvious, so we'll see ?
Cheers Mark.
Quiff Wichard
09-04-07, 04:11 PM
Anyone tried the new Triumph Scrambler, what's the leg room like on that ?
there was a write up on that in RIDE or similar not long ago.. methinks the guy who had one was dinky-!.. so doesnt bode well..
I will look it up
the white rabbit
09-04-07, 04:18 PM
KTM 950S is tallest I think of that genre or 1150GSADV.....possibly with Fastway footpegs in low position, thats a popular one for the long / straight of leg. I dont suppose you would want a single LC4 660 Adv but they are flippin tall ang pegs fairly straight down. Cool machine tho.
Aprilia Caponard? Unusyal. Fairly tall, farily straight legged IIRC from trying one.
I was also going to say Varadero but think they may be plusher with more bend. Heavy brute tho?
Tiger is meant to be very nice and you like your Trumpets.
T-Max 500
Silverwing 650
Piaggio MP3
Yam MT-01?
northwind
10-04-07, 11:13 PM
It looked like I was going to lose a load of flex and strength in my knee after mine... It did eventually work out pretty well, rather to my surprise, but I spent a lot of time looking at the options, since the SV looked like not being a contender at all.
Mostly it was obvious stuff... TDM was almost certainly going to be the winner for me, I liked them anyway... but the weight was a real worry, as with most of the big trailies, and they carry it high. KTM Adventure was a contender too, though I've an irrational dislike of those. And all sorts of BMWs. Probably the new Kwak Versys would be up there now as well, refitted for road manners a bit, and maybe a nakedised DL650 or thou with the engine uncrippled.
The outside shot was a KTM Duke 2, which had huge advantages in weight even as stock, and a fair bit of kit available to improve that. I was almost disappointed to find I could keep the SV after spending some time looking into those. Better road manners than most supermotos and a not bad riding position at all. I think the MZ supermotos were probably on the list as well.
I did look at cruisers, too... Not your lardy oldschool cruiser, but your modern take that can corner. I started out feet forwards so I knew I could go back, and I've always liked them. Reduces the weight impact a lot obviously by lowering it. They're not all for 40-year-old accountants :thumbsup: .
You know about the NABD, yeah?
rictus01
10-04-07, 11:25 PM
You know about the NABD, yeah?
Yeah a friend has a below knee amputation, so I've delt with them before.
Sean was round with his new Tiger this afternoon, I fit and can get it on & off the side stand without to much effort, so if I have to go down that route It's a real prospect, haven't tried the scramble yet, may shoot down to Rosners (Triumph dealer) and sort out a test ride on both at some stage, but I'll see what the limits of modifications are to the beast first.
Cheers Mark.
northwind
10-04-07, 11:32 PM
I see this becoming a foregone conclusion :roll: ;) I thought the fit on the Tiger would be less good than some of the competition but it seems like it's the winner if you fit it and can handle it, seeing as how you're a known addict :thumbsup:
rictus01
10-04-07, 11:38 PM
I was prepared to get to like it, but it's actually better in the flesh, still some way to go,but as I say I'd need a dam good reason not to get one.
Even threw the stock can it sounded good, gorgeous looking in black as well.
http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/8524/seantigerrm9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Cheers Mark.
northwind
10-04-07, 11:44 PM
You're never going to convince me that it looks anything but ****-ugly :smt011
Actually, two I've not seen mentioned, the CBF1000 and old Fazer thous? CBF seems to be in a similiar mould to the Tiger, maybe they had the same dad. And the Fazer, well, would have been an obvious choice before the CBF and Tiger. New one looks a bit cramped though.
rictus01
10-04-07, 11:53 PM
the CBF1000 and old Fazer thous? .
CBF is no doubt a sensible choice but I find it hard to ride when asleep:smt120 , and never liked the Fazer, it just doesn't look finished to me, but I guess that's why they make more than one type of bike, the TDM is still on the list as is the VStrom.
Another thing going for the tiger is the forks, although the internals are different to the speed triple, you can fit them in for a couple of hundred quid, so you get a sharper front end, just my cup of tea, haven't really looked at older stuff, that's another day.
Cheers Mark.
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