New bike considered - thoughts?

[Mr Speirs]

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.

What about the VFR?

Originally Posted by Speedy

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)

[QUOTE=Jackie_Black;2356915]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.

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

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.

Originally Posted by Amplimator

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.






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.

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]

if you want looks

KTM 690 duke


KTM 640 duke 2 (earlier version and cheaper)


KTM duke (original 620 version)


I also think the last of the pegaso's look quite smart to.

Originally Posted by specialone

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?

Originally Posted by sloppy joe

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.

Originally Posted by specialone

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.

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