I'm stuck in two minds regarding owning two bikes versus one bike?

[Woody2]

Over winter my wife has been going on the back of the KTM690 (on the tar) and while she enjoys been on the back of a bike it's fair to say shes not quite enjoying the back of the 690 - :blink: Comfort etc. Along with this I'm happy to do more 2up touring of of NZ etc.

I took a buell Uly x12xt for a ride the other day and while she really enjoyed the comfort level I still want to tackle the odd gravel road 2up remote placings/camping eg like Molesworth, Rainbow. So my quandary is this:

Keep the 690 and buy something around the 10-12k mark or sell the 690 and go the whole hog - one bike and spend 20k or thereabouts?

I'm not mechanical so I don't want to buy too old, prefer to go newer and have less maintenance.

Pros and cons both ways I guess! Thoughts appreciated, particularly from people having faced the same dilemma.

Cheers Daryl.

[mattsdakar]

Sounds like you need to go up to a KTM950 for more room and power....cooneyr might be able to help you out there see:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-325939525.htm

[nooles]

I run the 2 bike theory , have the KTM for myself and the BMW for me and the mrs.It costs a shit tonne more but as long as she hasn't got a sore arse when you get to your destination the women folk appear to be alot happier.:yes:

[cooneyr]

I've clearly got an agenda (TM add) but I have two bikes. 950S for two up and touring (not that I'll be doing any of that for quite some time hence selling the 950) and a ligher single for the trail/dirt/one up.

Given you've already got pretty much the ultimate trail and adv riding single and the money doesnt seem too larger issue I'd be tempted to get a cheaper second KTM 950/990 adv (ooh look I have one for sale ;)). Other option is to get a 950 (adv 1up, 2up and touring) and a 450EXC (trail etc) which would be my ultimate garrage. Not going to happen though :violin:

Feel free to get in touch if you want to.

Cheers R

P.S. It will have a new chain and sprockets very soon too.

[That looks like fun]

Its a need versus want multiplied by money equation.
The way I look at this issue is "I want 2 bikes". I need 1 at least. Then "can I afford 2 bikes". :blink:
The Beemer I ride is totally unsuitable for single track, sand etc :shutup:. I watch the vids of the boys on the Waiouru ride and mentally see them all helping to pick the bike up and push it to the top of the sand dune. Let alone the effects of that bog hole on a Beemer :facepalm:
However on Gravel Roads she is sweet and tar seal :yes: (get out the way there is a Beemer coming through :woohoo: )
Smaller more off road orientated bikes tend to sacrifice long distance comfort, bigger more comfortable bikes tend to need to be picked up more often when the going gets rough :crybaby:
If my wife was keen on going on the back (which thankfully shes not :innocent: ) and my skill level was such that I could ride single track with her on the back plus wanted a bit of comfort on the road, couple with only being able to afford one bike (did ya follow all that?) My train of thought would be toward a Dakar 650.
So after all that, if you can afford 2 bikes, buy em :yes: if you can only afford one, look seriously at what type of use you expect from it. Your skill level as a rider. Your wifes participation level :drinkup:.


Then go buy a Harley :whocares:

[jafar]

Over winter my wife has been going on the back of the KTM690 (on the tar) and while she enjoys been on the back of a bike it's fair to say shes not quite enjoying the back of the 690 - :blink: Comfort etc. Along with this I'm happy to do more 2up touring of of NZ etc.

I took a buell Uly x12xt for a ride the other day and while she really enjoyed the comfort level I still want to tackle the odd gravel road 2up remote placings/camping eg like Molesworth, Rainbow. So my quandary is this:

Keep the 690 and buy something around the 10-12k mark or sell the 690 and go the whole hog - one bike and spend 20k or thereabouts?

I'm not mechanical so I don't want to buy too old, prefer to go newer and have less maintenance.

Pros and cons both ways I guess! Thoughts appreciated, particularly from people having faced the same dilemma.

Cheers Daryl.

I'd be inclined to keep the ktm & find a road bike that is a capable tourer 2 up & leave her behind when you want to go play in the mud & single track stuff.:scooter:

[Paul in NZ]

Well if youe ARE stuck in two minds, get each one of them a bike?

[Skinny_Birdman]

I've had a similar dilemma in recent times with respect to one bike or two, with the slight difference that my beloved has her own bike, but on the 'prillia I tended to, er, lack mantrol or whatever they call it, and disappeared off into the distance, and of course it wasn't much use offroad. The Transalp is a sweet adventure bike but when you want to have a bit of a play with guys on big road bikes it is pretty limp wristed, and the E07s aren't that flash under hard braking:shit:.

The 'prilla was draining my pocket of c$2k per annum in insurance, rego, maintenance and depreciation (for about 2500-3000km of riding) , as well as which the Tranny is getting on a bit. I wondered whether to sell the 'prillia and the Transalp and spend big bikkies on a KTM 950 or similar, but couldn't face not having a proper road bike.

So I have decided to make few adjustments to the line up, and I waved good by to the Tuono yesterday :weep: in exchange for a medium sized wad of cash, a Record wood vice and a CBR1000F (trust me, it was the best deal going - and I really wanted the vice). The aim is to swap/sell the 1000 and get an older 400/600 road bike, and use the wad of cash to get a newer Transalp. So if anyone wants a two wheeled couch, or has a 650 Tranny for sale, drop me a line.

[marks]

I'd be inclined to keep the ktm & find a road bike that is a capable tourer 2 up & leave her behind when you want to go play in the mud & single track stuff.:scooter:

wot he said

unless you are a very boring person one bike is never enough :yes:

[NinjaNanna]

Can anything be done to make that seat a bit more comfy? Surely spending a bit of coin on a second custom seat would be better than the ongoing running costs of 2 bikes?

[twisty]

"Plurimis cum ludibriis moriens victor"

[PeteJ]

Beware.

I started down this route in the late 1970s, ended up with 35 narrow-purpose machines.

Now back to 14 or 15, but it's difficult.

[marks]

"Plurimis cum ludibriis moriens victor"

or perhaps

"he who wears out the most toys wins"

[martybabe]

I have two bikes, one for my jollies and one for the Bride to come travelling. I don't wish to put you off because it's great having a couple of bikes in the GGE but the biggest down side to me is not the cost of buying them or buying older bikes(there are some Oldies but Goldies out there) it's the cost and constant hassle of keeping them in good nick (servicing), tyres etc, and keeping them legal. 2x insurance, 4x WOFs, 4x regos annually and on and on and on. There just always seems to be something to sort out or something to pay for.

To surmise then, every biker, in an ideal world, would have umpteen bikes at His/Her disposal but the reality is if your not awash with cash to pay Thieving Nick and every body else and if you don't have a fair bit of free time to look after them, then one bike that meets 'most' of your needs is the way to go.

Good luck.

[pampa]

a big beemer wouldn't make pass the first 2K of Waiouru ... the ruts would prevent it (there was a part that I standed on the top of the rut which was almost at same level of the seat :shit:)

I'm up for the 3 bike theory, full off-road, dual purpose, and aanother one cause I like it :facepalm:
maybe something like
* ktm 300
* g650x ch 650
* ktm 950

one day maybe

so my vote goes for +1 on
* ktm690 +
* ktm950

[dino3310]

another option would be to get her a bike

[twisty]

or perhaps

"he who wears out the most toys wins"

Your just picking on me cuz I was to scaredy to take my GS to Waiouru...

[clint640]

so my vote goes for +1 on
* ktm690 +
* ktm950

That combo also has the advantage of being doable on one rego with some creative stickering :yes:


another option would be to get her a bike

That also works really well. :love: A nice 250 adv machine would be cheaper than a 950 too. :yes:

Cheers
Clint

[bart]

When I first met my missus a decade ago, I scared the shit outa her on the back of my ZX9R. She hasn't been on a bike since. :innocent:

That's why I now only have 1 bike in the shed. It's a DR650. The bike that (almost) does everything. :yawn:

Whatever you do, don't sell the 690.

[Night Falcon]

keep the 690...buy a 950..... live long and prosper :ride:

[DR650gary]

another option would be to get her a bike

Wot he said.

We have a DR each, 650 and 200 plus I have the ZRX1200 and she gets to go on her 650 Raptor. Yes it's a pain in the arse insurance wise, rego wise, wof wise, but who cares. Gotta waste your money on something and the MP's have got the travel market and I'm too old for drugs :facepalm:

Other than tyres and oil and filters, no maintenance costs....They're not KTM's ,

[Oscar]

Other than tyres and oil and filters, no maintenance costs....They're not KTM's ,

Famous last words.
Have you listened carefully to third gear lately...

[Padmei]

Forget about getting another bike & just get me a new mig welder you spoilt prick.

Wait - and a record bench vice:drool:

[Woody2]

I've clearly got an agenda (TM add) but I have two bikes. 950S for two up and touring (not that I'll be doing any of that for quite some time hence selling the 950) and a ligher single for the trail/dirt/one up.

Given you've already got pretty much the ultimate trail and adv riding single and the money doesnt seem too larger issue I'd be tempted to get a cheaper second KTM 950/990 adv (ooh look I have one for sale ;)). Other option is to get a 950 (adv 1up, 2up and touring) and a 450EXC (trail etc) which would be my ultimate garrage. Not going to happen though :violin:

Feel free to get in touch if you want to.

Cheers R

P.S. It will have a new chain and sprockets very soon too.

Thanks Ryan, I have a feeling the S model might be a bit tall for me but worth thinking checking, cheers.


Its a need versus want multiplied by money equation.
The way I look at this issue is "I want 2 bikes". I need 1 at least. Then "can I afford 2 bikes". :blink:
The Beemer I ride is totally unsuitable for single track, sand etc :shutup:. I watch the vids of the boys on the Waiouru ride and mentally see them all helping to pick the bike up and push it to the top of the sand dune. Let alone the effects of that bog hole on a Beemer :facepalm:
However on Gravel Roads she is sweet and tar seal :yes: (get out the way there is a Beemer coming through :woohoo: )
Smaller more off road orientated bikes tend to sacrifice long distance comfort, bigger more comfortable bikes tend to need to be picked up more often when the going gets rough :crybaby:
If my wife was keen on going on the back (which thankfully shes not :innocent: ) and my skill level was such that I could ride single track with her on the back plus wanted a bit of comfort on the road, couple with only being able to afford one bike (did ya follow all that?) My train of thought would be toward a Dakar 650.
So after all that, if you can afford 2 bikes, buy em :yes: if you can only afford one, look seriously at what type of use you expect from it. Your skill level as a rider. Your wifes participation level :drinkup:.


Then go buy a Harley :whocares:


Cheers a lot of advice to go two bikes....


I'd be inclined to keep the ktm & find a road bike that is a capable tourer 2 up & leave her behind when you want to go play in the mud & single track stuff.:scooter:

Pondered getting just a road bike also - wouldn't mind doing the out of the way places at the end of the gravel road with the wife.


Well if youe ARE stuck in two minds, get each one of them a bike?

:killingme

[Woody2]

wot he said

unless you are a very boring person one bike is never enough :yes:

Nice - and yeah I do think I'm boring at times:yawn:


Can anything be done to make that seat a bit more comfy? Surely spending a bit of coin on a second custom seat would be better than the ongoing running costs of 2 bikes?

Personally I think loading up the 690 with 2 plus stuff would be one bridge too far. The seat could of course be sorted.


"Plurimis cum ludibriis moriens victor"

Nice quote, thank god for google!


Beware.

I started down this route in the late 1970s, ended up with 35 narrow-purpose machines.

Now back to 14 or 15, but it's difficult.

You're a rock star, how many are registered and warranted etc?


I have two bikes, one for my jollies and one for the Bride to come travelling. I don't wish to put you off because it's great having a couple of bikes in the GGE but the biggest down side to me is not the cost of buying them or buying older bikes(there are some Oldies but Goldies out there) it's the cost and constant hassle of keeping them in good nick (servicing), tyres etc, and keeping them legal. 2x insurance, 4x WOFs, 4x regos annually and on and on and on. There just always seems to be something to sort out or something to pay for.

To surmise then, every biker, in an ideal world, would have umpteen bikes at His/Her disposal but the reality is if your not awash with cash to pay Thieving Nick and every body else and if you don't have a fair bit of free time to look after them, then one bike that meets 'most' of your needs is the way to go.

Good luck.

Cheers, fair point


a big beemer wouldn't make pass the first 2K of Waiouru ... the ruts would prevent it (there was a part that I standed on the top of the rut which was almost at same level of the seat :shit:)

I'm up for the 3 bike theory, full off-road, dual purpose, and aanother one cause I like it :facepalm:
maybe something like
* ktm 300
* g650x ch 650
* ktm 950

one day maybe

so my vote goes for +1 on
* ktm690 +
* ktm950

Cheers Pampa

[Woody2]

another option would be to get her a bike

Not sure on that, her father used to call her bumble as a kid, with good reason too :yes:


That combo also has the advantage of being doable on one rego with some creative stickering :yes:


That also works really well. :love: A nice 250 adv machine would be cheaper than a 950 too. :yes:

Cheers
Clint


Mmmmnnn cheers Clint


When I first met my missus a decade ago, I scared the shit outa her on the back of my ZX9R. She hasn't been on a bike since. :innocent:

That's why I now only have 1 bike in the shed. It's a DR650. The bike that (almost) does everything. :yawn:
Whatever you do, don't sell the 690.

thanks Bart - I might have been a bit quick over the rimutakas a few weeks ago...


keep the 690...buy a 950..... live long and prosper :ride:

Cheers Night Falcon

[JellyBellyKelly]

i got sick of being pillon so got my own bike :love:

get two bikes. one road, one off road.

(been trying to get my man to get a dirt bike as well as his road bike. although we did test ride the dual purpose BMW years ago and that was nice being on the back)

[Woody2]

Forget about getting another bike & just get me a new mig welder you spoilt prick.

Wait - and a record bench vice:drool:

Padmei, jealously is such an ugly emotion. I'm sure your "business" will buy you a new mig welder. It's like your company van, sorry I mean bike.

[Padmei]

Padmei, jealously is such an ugly emotion. I'm sure your "business" will buy you a new mig welder. It's like your company van, sorry I mean bike.

Make sure you get the other bike before xmas as we're coming over after the bach & I'll need something to ride. Oh yeah & luv from us to the blond tart :innocent:

[tri boy]

another option would be to get her a bike

Works for kanny:yes:
Ya can carry more stuff on two bikes also.
Match the rim sizes, and tyre swapping is also an option.

[Woody2]

Make sure you get the other bike before xmas as we're coming over after the bach & I'll need something to ride. Oh yeah & luv from us to the blond tart :innocent:

Just speaking to her on the phone, shes in Palmy and she thinks you're funny. Say hi to the whanu!!! How long you over for, do you need a accommodation etc - we are pondering going south?

[Padmei]

PM sent so I won't clog your thread.

I'd try a 2ndhand nearly new ten 660 out. Those seats are nice - prob not the most powerful but shit have you seen how many cops are around lately?


Or a Vstrom - easy, noice & well proven.

Still if you're an orange man then that kinda seals the deal really

[Woodman]

This is why i got the klr. The plan was to have one bike to ride mostly on road with a bit of gravel occasionally. Was going to keep shiny tyres on it and take Mrs Woodman for the odd ride.

Well after a few practice rides by myself and Mrs woodman inspecting the damage afterwards she now won't go on the back for some strange reason.

There is no simple answer but my 2 cents is keep the 690 and get a road bike as well.

Or an airhead

[junkmanjoe]

i got a tenere 660 id sell if ya twist my arm........... wouldn't take much.....ouch that hurts....

JMJ

[warewolf]

I took a buell Uly x12xt for a ride the other day and while she really enjoyed the comfort level I still want to tackle the odd gravel road 2up remote placings/camping eg like Molesworth, Rainbow. So my quandary is this:

Keep the 690 and buy something around the 10-12k mark or sell the 690 and go the whole hog - one bike and spend 20k or thereabouts?Calling Big Dave to the black courtesy phone... Big Dave you have a call. :bleh:

My vote is two bikes. Unfortunately two-up touring comfort is the opposite end of the spectrum vs serious dirt kit. Adventure bikes straddle that range, but none can span end-to-end: hence the split to cover each end.

Although my wife would prefer only a 350km-ish half-day on the Triumph Trophy or Tiger, she'd do double that if we had to. Your 690E has less vibes but a worse seat than my 640A - and my wife will only do 90mins on it, tops.

Gravel roads can be done on a road bike, but a litre-class soft-roader will be better for two-up. eg TDM900, V-Strom, Varadear-o-dear-o-dear, BMW R1x00GS, Tiger - that sort of thing. They are often rated as tops for pillions, better than some more road-focussed sports-touring bikes - and with lower running costs with modest tyres. Almost all the mid-capacity bikes will be a squeeze in comparison, and too similar to your 690E to be worth it, IMHO.

[NordieBoy]

Not sure on that, her father used to call her bumble as a kid, with good reason too :yes:

Fat bum, wears yellow 'n black and it hurts when she smacks you in the teeth at 100kph?

[Woody2]

This is why i got the klr. The plan was to have one bike to ride mostly on road with a bit of gravel occasionally. Was going to keep shiny tyres on it and take Mrs Woodman for the odd ride.

Well after a few practice rides by myself and Mrs woodman inspecting the damage afterwards she now won't go on the back for some strange reason.

There is no simple answer but my 2 cents is keep the 690 and get a road bike as well.

Or an airhead

Thanks Woodman

[Woody2]

Calling Big Dave to the black courtesy phone... Big Dave you have a call. :bleh:

My vote is two bikes. Unfortunately two-up touring comfort is the opposite end of the spectrum vs serious dirt kit. Adventure bikes straddle that range, but none can span end-to-end: hence the split to cover each end.

Although my wife would prefer only a 350km-ish half-day on the Triumph Trophy or Tiger, she'd do double that if we had to. Your 690E has less vibes but a worse seat than my 640A - and my wife will only do 90mins on it, tops.

Gravel roads can be done on a road bike, but a litre-class soft-roader will be better for two-up. eg TDM900, V-Strom, Varadear-o-dear-o-dear, BMW R1x00GS, Tiger - that sort of thing. They are often rated as tops for pillions, better than some more road-focussed sports-touring bikes - and with lower running costs with modest tyres. Almost all the mid-capacity bikes will be a squeeze in comparison, and too similar to your 690E to be worth it, IMHO.

Thanks Colin - With all the excellent advice I've received I'm leaning towards two bikes and you are right re: the seat - on the 690 I'm lucky if my better half would go an hour. When you refer to the tiger do you mean the 955 or the 1050

Cheers Daryl.

[Woody2]

Fat bum, wears yellow 'n black and it hurts when she smacks you in the teeth at 100kph?

:killingme I'll show her this post, Cheers Daryl.

[jafar]

Pondered getting just a road bike also - wouldn't mind doing the out of the way places at the end of the gravel road with the wife.

I have a couple of big road bikes(one is for sale too) & have no problem with gravel roads on either of them. It is once you take them off a formed road that they become interesting.
Depends on how far off the beaten track you want to take the wife to get to the out of the way places:gob:

[LBD]

Well if youe ARE stuck in two minds, get each one of them a bike?

If you are stuck in two minds you are Tasmanian...

But hey I got two, both are for sale to be replaced with an MTS...why?

1.5 times the insurance
2 x rego
2 x depreciation
and for a similar reason to you...She I :love: wants to ride with me, but gets serious numbum after 1000km on the back of either the monster or 1098....

[DR650gary]

Famous last words.
Have you listened carefully to third gear lately...

Hell, you could rebuild 3rd gear twice and still spend less than the annual cost on an orange roughy:innocent:

You have to factor in initial outlay as well.

1 KTM http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-316940126.htm

or Decent road bike and a DR or KLR and still have a couple of years reg in the back pocket.

Does depend on your expectations though.

Factor in the number of times you want 2 up.

[NordieBoy]

She I :love: wants to ride with me, but gets serious numbum after 1000km on the back of either the monster or 1098....

Don't blame her really.

[XF650]

A couple of guys down here who have 990's also have 2nd bikes - one a 690, the other a XR650. They were both glad they were on the latter bikes when we hit snow through Dansey's.......

[Oscar]

I have a 950Adv and 625SXC - I love 'em both, but I'm thinking three is the perfect number...:yes:

[dino3310]

I have a 950Adv and 625SXC - I love 'em both, but I'm thinking three is the perfect number...:yes:

let me guess mmmmm a certain orange road rocket :scooter:

[Oscar]

let me guess mmmmm a certain orange road rocket :scooter:

Piss off - it took me ages to pry that thing outta the crack of me arse:facepalm:
Too small, too uncomfortable and far too powerful.
All and all, too sharp a tool for a broken down old trail rider...

[Oscar]

I was thinking about this:

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/33/149294133_full.jpg

[dino3310]

showing a bit of class there mate:yes:

[warewolf]

When you refer to the tiger do you mean the 955 or the 1050Bah! None of that newfangled stuff! :) The original Hinckley Tiger... 900. :yes:

AFAIK they are all reasonably comfortable. Engines got better with time, chassis/wheels etc varied a bit.

[JATZ]

I was thinking about this:

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/33/149294133_full.jpg

Oooo Eeeeerrr

nice :yes:

[warewolf]

I have a 950Adv and 625SXC - I love 'em both, but I'm thinking three is the perfect number...:yes:Agreed. You just need one of these:

http://www.amadirectlink.com/riding/reviews/2008/KTMXCW/lead_584.jpg

[marks]

problem with 3 bikes is at least one always needs fixing/maintaining

theoretically you do x amount of work on each of 3 bikes or 3 times as much on 1 bike - if total riding hours/use are the same - but it sure as heck doesn't feel like it.

I'd like to get rid of one - just never the one I'm riding today.....

[XF650]

A couple of guys down here who have 990's also have 2nd bikes - one a 690, the other a XR650. They were both glad they were on the latter bikes when we hit snow through Dansey's.......

Edit: the guy with the 990 & XR650 has just traded both on a 690........

[Padmei]

So Daz what's happening? I know with your tastes it'll be shiny & new - so what's tipping the scales at the mo?

[Woody2]

So Daz what's happening? I know with your tastes it'll be shiny & new - so what's tipping the scales at the mo?

Not sure yet - need to go test ride some bikes (with the war office). I have been spending a truckload of time reading owners opinions of various models on Adventure biker, unfortunately this can have a negative effect. I thought the GS1200 might be a contender but the more you read the more you wonder about reliability etc. If I didn't keep the 690 an S10 would be an option, but don't particularly want to buy new or fit it out with cases etc as that just equals $$$. Might go ride the demo in Lower Hutt tomorrow anyway and pop into Motomart for a nosy. KTM 950 is also an option - not sure on the comfort factor for the boss, until we test ride one. It's a buyers market as there doesn't seem to be much moving. the triumph sales guy reckoned I should wait until the new Tiger 800 arrives but who knows, no rush.

[junkmanjoe]

woody mate...........sell ya a touring bike mate..........:scooter:
come take it for a spin....


JMJ

[Padmei]

Not sure yet - need to go test ride some bikes (with the war office). I have been spending a truckload of time reading owners opinions of various models on Adventure biker, unfortunately this can have a negative effect. I thought the GS1200 might be a contender but the more you read the more you wonder about reliability etc. .

Yeah the more you read the less passionate you become about the bike. I suggest riding as many as they'll let you & decide from there. Every bike has it's problems.

[nuts]

Try out a KTM 990 SMT

[Box'a'bits]

Try out a KTM 990 SMT
Then he'd have a 'Woody Traveller'. :facepalm::laugh:

[Oscar]

Try out a KTM 990 SMT

Very nice.

Would be my choice for an old around road bike.