Ageing biker goes left field

[Blackbird]

I started riding in 1964 and I guess you get a bit blasé about new bikes after all that time. However, I’ve just ridden a bike which was a complete eye-opener – a genuine thrill!

I’m 72 this year and the second part of my strategy to keep riding for as long as I can is to get a light bike which suits my 5’ 7” height (bloody hell, I’m shrinking). Still want performance though. Without being long-winded about it, the two bikes which fit my criteria have both technical and emotional appeal. They are the 765 Street Triple R or RS and the Duke 790.

If I can draw a non-PC analogy going back to my late teens or early 20’s, the Triple is equivalent to the smooth, sophisticated chick you meet at the pub. A touch expensive, reliable and predictable in many ways, but will deliver the goods - a "safe" option. Then there is the slightly dodgy chick, a bit rough and wild, maybe a tad unreliable but delivers a performance in spades. Not the sort that you’d take home to meet Mum but we’ve either fantasised about the latter type or experienced it at first hand. That’s the KTM. (Can’t believe I’ve just written that paragraph but you get the drift).

The upshot was that I took a Duke 790 demonstrator out on the Waikato back roads this week and was taken completely by surprise with respect to how bloody fantastic it was. Absolutely fit for purpose with respect to what I need in a bike at this stage. The fact that dealer principal Greg Boyd had chucked on some Battlax RS 10’s made it even more impressive. Not really a suitable everyday road tyre but bloody brilliant on a hot, dry day. No wonder they call the bike “The Scalpel”

The upshot is that the Suzuki GSX-S 1000 goes after 3 and a bit years of ownership and I pick up a brand new Duke 790 next week. 169 kg, 435 degree “big bang” motor, lean sensitive traction control and ABS, launch control, adjustable wheelie control, track, sport, road and wet weather modes, quick shifter, slipper clutch, steering damper – motorcycle porn for a techo. What’s not to like?

A full review in due course……

[merv]

Nice one Geoff, and at least it is a new bike with some semblance of not having all its rear end missing :cool:

[Blackbird]

Nice one Geoff, and at least it is a new bike with some semblance of not having all its rear end missing :cool:

Thanks Merv! It's a fairly practical bike with great ergonomics and I can tour on it with reasonably minimalist luggage. In road mode, it's fairly docile in town traffic but in sport mode, it gets a bit sensitive and skittery. I can live with that. It's a really good example of power to weight ratio and not needing massive horsepower to "make progress"!

[Navy Boy]

Hi Geoff

I like your analogy there - Makes sense to me and reflects my thoughts on my MV Rivale 800. Although your machine has a touch more practicality about it. It's funny how bikes can still have such an effect on us isn't it? Your piece made me reflect on this too as you do tend to become jaded as the years go by. The joy you experience when something comes along which blows your mind is ruddy marvellous.

I look forward to making it up to your part of the world to catch up and have a look-see at the mighty scalpel mate.

Good on you for choosing the slightly more wacky option. As you say - It keeps you young and the aim is surely to die young after as long a time as possible.

:msn-wink:

[Blackbird]

Hi Geoff

I like your analogy there - Makes sense to me and reflects my thoughts on my MV Rivale 800. Although your machine has a touch more practicality about it. It's funny how bikes can still have such an effect on us isn't it? Your piece made me reflect on this too as you do tend to become jaded as the years go by. The joy you experience when something comes along which blows your mind is ruddy marvellous.

I look forward to making it up to your part of the world to catch up and have a look-see at the mighty scalpel mate.

Good on you for choosing the slightly more wacky option. As you say - It keeps you young and the aim is surely to die young after as long a time as possible.

:msn-wink:

Hi Lee,

Thanks mate - something a bit "edgy" can be quite a tonic eh? Modern bikes, excepting the odd lemon, are pretty much universally good and the risk is for them to be "same old, same old". The joy you mention is really tangible and as you say, it's ruddy marvellous. Didn't get that with the Suzuki, did get it with the 675 Triple.

Yep, stepping outside the box and not taking the "safe" option is a risk worth taking now and then, just as you did with your MV's. Your last sentence says it all :niceone: . Look forward to catching up before to long!

[HenryDorsetCase]

This is relevant to my interests. I have over the last year test ridden a bunch of bikes. Harleys, Triumphs, Yamahas and basically nothing has come close to the Street Triple in what I use a bike for, and the thrills it gives. Having said that if there is a demo 790 around I will take one for a hoon. I was kind of tempted by the Z900RS retro (in that green with the white stripe) but honestly if I am spending that much money I would likely buy an actual old bike (plus my CB750 is running again).

Anyway, thanks for pointing me in a direction I might not have looked.

[Blackbird]

This is relevant to my interests. I have over the last year test ridden a bunch of bikes. Harleys, Triumphs, Yamahas and basically nothing has come close to the Street Triple in what I use a bike for, and the thrills it gives. Having said that if there is a demo 790 around I will take one for a hoon. I was kind of tempted by the Z900RS retro (in that green with the white stripe) but honestly if I am spending that much money I would likely buy an actual old bike (plus my CB750 is running again).

Anyway, thanks for pointing me in a direction I might not have looked.

Absolutely no argument about the 675 and if you had asked me 6 months ago where I'd end up, it would have unequivocally been the 765 Triple. However, I've had time to think, gather evidence and figure out what really meets my needs and turns me on. BTW, I've just written up my impressions in a bit more detail here: https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2019/03/when-ageing-bikers-go-bad.html . Hope you get to test ride one!

Have been following your CB 750 rebuild. I'd like to do the same for my old Suzuki X7 which is owned by a chap just down the road from me and hasn't been on the road in 10 years. However, given that realistically, I've only got a limited amount of time before stopping riding, I'd sooner be riding than restoring!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Absolutely no argument about the 675 and if you had asked me 6 months ago where I'd end up, it would have unequivocally been the 765 Triple. However, I've had time to think, gather evidence and figure out what really meets my needs and turns me on. BTW, I've just written up my impressions in a bit more detail here: https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2019/03/when-ageing-bikers-go-bad.html . Hope you get to test ride one!

Have been following your CB 750 rebuild. I'd like to do the same for my old Suzuki X7 which is owned by a chap just down the road from me and hasn't been on the road in 10 years. However, given that realistically, I've only got a limited amount of time before stopping riding, I'd sooner be riding than restoring!

Christ, yes. Its actually a different hobby in fact. Playing about with stuff in the shed in winter has replaced snowboarding, and riding should have replaced tinkering in the summer. And now its autumn!

[Owl]

I'll look forward to reading your review on the 790 in the near future.:niceone:

I know you're no stranger to ordering stuff online, so here's an OEM parts link for you. https://www.babbittsonline.com

They're generally very well priced compared to others. Just make sure they ship everything together.

[Blackbird]

I'll look forward to reading your review on the 790 in the near future.:niceone:

I know you're no stranger to ordering stuff online, so here's an OEM parts link for you. https://www.babbittsonline.com

They're generally very well priced compared to others. Just make sure they ship everything together.

Thanks so much Owl, that's really useful :2thumbsup . Haven't come across them before. I've just ordered the same crash protectors that I had on the Suzuki and the same brand of fender extender. Both from the UK at reasonable shipping costs. However, when I came to order an Ermax flyscreen, the French suppliers wanted NZ$112 for freight. Thought it was only the Mafia who could extort like that! Currently looking at other freight options.

[caspernz]

May as well enjoy your biking days Geoff, on the surface it may seem like a mildly insane choice, but to those of us who know you...it's a good fit actually :bleh::laugh::devil2:

Had to chuckle when you made reference to bike choice being akin to choosing women, I suspect this 790 has got you going a touch :eek:

[Blackbird]

May as well enjoy your biking days Geoff, on the surface it may seem like a mildly insane choice, but to those of us who know you...it's a good fit actually :bleh::laugh::devil2:

Had to chuckle when you made reference to bike choice being akin to choosing women, I suspect this 790 has got you going a touch :eek:

Thanks Rob ( I think) :-) . I have no idea where that analogy came from, it just popped into my head! It's funny you know, because I don't think that the 790 is a particularly "pretty" bike in a conventional sense but once you ride it, bloody hell :drool: I suppose that brings us back to the analogy, sigh.........

[Moi]

You're a Hoon! No other way to describe the situation...

Knowing you, you'll love riding the bike as much as love riding something with the technology.

How many more sleeps to go?

[Blackbird]

You're a Hoon! No other way to describe the situation...

Knowing you, you'll love riding the bike as much as love riding something with the technology.

How many more sleeps to go?

Hahaha! Thanks Mark, an old hoon perhaps. I can certainly see how it got "The Scalpel" nickname! Pick it up at Boyds on Wednesday morning. Traded in the GSX-S 1000 so anyone wanting an immaculate muscle bike with extras.......

[Moi]

... Traded in the GSX-S 1000 so anyone wanting an immaculate muscle bike with extras.......

Does it reflect its owner? :facepalm:

[Blackbird]

Does it reflect its owner? :facepalm:

Only inasmuch that it's grey and has a short wheelbase :whistle:

[Moi]

Only inasmuch that it's grey and has a short wheelbase :whistle:

:laugh::laugh:

[buggerit]

I started riding in 1964 and I guess you get a bit blasé about new bikes after all that time. However, I’ve just ridden a bike which was a complete eye-opener – a genuine thrill!

I’m 72 this year and the second part of my strategy to keep riding for as long as I can is to get a light bike which suits my 5’ 7” height (bloody hell, I’m shrinking). Still want performance though. Without being long-winded about it, the two bikes which fit my criteria have both technical and emotional appeal. They are the 765 Street Triple R or RS and the Duke 790.

If I can draw a non-PC analogy going back to my late teens or early 20’s, the Triple is equivalent to the smooth, sophisticated chick you meet at the pub. A touch expensive, reliable and predictable in many ways, but will deliver the goods - a "safe" option. Then there is the slightly dodgy chick, a bit rough and wild, maybe a tad unreliable but delivers a performance in spades. Not the sort that you’d take home to meet Mum but we’ve either fantasised about the latter type or experienced it at first hand. That’s the KTM. (Can’t believe I’ve just written that paragraph but you get the drift).

The upshot was that I took a Duke 790 demonstrator out on the Waikato back roads this week and was taken completely by surprise with respect to how bloody fantastic it was. Absolutely fit for purpose with respect to what I need in a bike at this stage. The fact that dealer principal Greg Boyd had chucked on some Battlax RS 10’s made it even more impressive. Not really a suitable everyday road tyre but bloody brilliant on a hot, dry day. No wonder they call the bike “The Scalpel”

The upshot is that the Suzuki GSX-S 1000 goes after 3 and a bit years of ownership and I pick up a brand new Duke 790 next week. 169 kg, 435 degree “big bang” motor, lean sensitive traction control and ABS, launch control, adjustable wheelie control, track, sport, road and wet weather modes, quick shifter, slipper clutch, steering damper – motorcycle porn for a techo. What’s not to like?

A full review in due course……

Welcome to the naughty corner Geoff.:shifty::innocent:

[Blackbird]

Welcome to the naughty corner Geoff.:shifty::innocent:

Thank you! There comes a time....... :cool:

Looking forward to getting out with you Steve 😁

[insomnia01]

looking good Geoff & you just so happen to be living in the "RIGHT SPOT" to test it out :crazy::crazy::crazy:

[Blackbird]

looking good Geoff & you just so happen to be living in the "RIGHT SPOT" to test it out :crazy::crazy::crazy:

Thanks Hami. Yep, just 5 minutes to the bottom of the Coro Hill from home :2thumbsup . Just got to watch for tourists on the wrong side of the road!

[caspernz]

It's not even Wednesday yet, but the ageing hoon has changed the bike on his profile already :shutup::shit::innocent: that poor Suzuki never felt so, mmm what's the right word...vanilla? :devil2:

[Blackbird]

:facepalm:

[HenryDorsetCase]

I went and had a look at the 790 on Saturday. They've got a couple at least in stock. One is the grey one and one is the orange and black.

I've been offered a test ride so will take them up on it. I wouldnt have looked twice if you hadnt mentioned it....

[Blackbird]

I went and had a look at the 790 on Saturday. They've got a couple at least in stock. One is the grey one and one is the orange and black.

I've been offered a test ride so will take them up on it. I wouldnt have looked twice if you hadnt mentioned it....

Excellent news! I'll be very interested in how your test ride goes and your impressions. I don't think it's as attractive-looking as the 765 Triple but the point of difference in how it went and handled was sufficient for me to make the choice. I was only out for a bit over an hour for the test ride. The ride home from the dealer tomorrow is closer to 2 1/4 so I'll have a bit more clarity afterwards, even with a bit of care on new tyres. Got a social outing on Sunday with IAM, so after that, I'll hopefully have some objective info.

Enjoy your outing and give it plenty!

[Blackbird]

P.S, there are lots of YouTube videos on the 790, but this one is probably one of the best overviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYOPBQLZsvM

[Blackbird]

Well, picked her up today and rode 160km home in hot, dry conditions. The twisty coast road was utter magic and it's a long time since since I've laughed out loud in my helmet from sheer joy. Best fun ever with my trousers on :devil: . I've never named a bike before, but meet Bad Girl Lola - seems appropriate somehow :whistle:

It was a day for serendipity as at the dealership, I met a chap I sold my catamaran to when I stopped sailing competitively in 1988! He was on a Super Duke 1290 GT! Proves that old fellas can grow older disgracefully!

[HenryDorsetCase]

There's a reason all the promo pix (I think its often Jeremy McWilliams) have bar end mirrors....

[Blackbird]

There's a reason all the promo pix (I think its often Jeremy McWilliams) have bar end mirrors....

Hahaha - easier to scrape on the ground :eek5:

[MD]

Congrats Blackbird on your new steed. Always exciting picking up a new bike. Looking forward to hearing your long term impressions.

Also bloody well done that man still riding at 72 and by the sounds of it as immature as you must have been when you first started riding. I mean that as a compliment! Keep laughing in your helmet and stay safe.

Cheers
Mark

[Blackbird]

Congrats Blackbird on your new steed. Always exciting picking up a new bike. Looking forward to hearing your long term impressions.

Also bloody well done that man still riding at 72 and by the sounds of it as immature as you must have been when you first started riding. I mean that as a compliment! Keep laughing in your helmet and stay safe.

Cheers
Mark

Thanks Mark, can't wait to go for a run this weekend with some mates. That bike is bloody mental! In the meantime, I'm just strolling into the shed on a regular basis to sit on it (wife had a hip replacement a month ago, so I'm chief cook and house cleaner most of the time :not: ).

Taken in the spirit it was intended thanks! My wife says it's like living with a 5 year old. My riding mates (all younger) might add 10 years to that :cool:

[Navy Boy]

It sounds like Lola has passed the 'I give it a pat when I walk past it' test Geoff. Good stuff. Don't forget some photos of the first ride out this weekend. :niceone:

[Blackbird]

It sounds like Lola has passed the 'I give it a pat when I walk past it' test Geoff. Good stuff. Don't forget some photos of the first ride out this weekend. :niceone:

Yup, it gets a pat Lee! Forecast is good for the Sunday social ride. Tony called it an "antisocial ride" on the Duke :innocent:

[Blackbird]

Just thought I'd do a quick update on the Duke 790 ownership. Only covered 500 km so far due to visitors coming to stay but should be able to address that soon.

Since buying it, I've added the usual farkles - crash protectors, front guard extender, flyscreen with some more odds and ends yet to be delivered. Out on a social ride the weekend before last on Waikato back roads, the handling was exemplary. Very quick steering as you might expect from a bike which has a dry weight of 169 kg. Range will probably be 250-300 km when run in - handy enough. However, if one thing stands out, it's the instant torque from the 435 degree "big bang" motor. Coupled with the light weight, she really picks up her skirts and accelerates, even with a tight motor. If further proof was actually needed, it does go to show that we don't need to own willy-waving litre plus bikes to "make progress" on public highways. :whistle: The sound from the engine firing order is pretty cool. Sounds like a Ducati with Termignonis up the rev range but like a big single at other times. The whole LCD display flashes orange when approaching the max revs warning which is clearly reduced under 1000 km. Haven't even tried sport or track modes yet as street mode is just fine! The quick-shifter is really nice to use. Downshifts are a dream but upshifts need a reasonable amount of throttle for a seamless shift. Pretty much how you'd use it anyway. Lots more to discover yet and being a typical bloke, I haven't read all of the comprehensive manual yet.

Do I still think I've made the right choice? (over the 765 Street Triple R). Yes I do. Both would be perfectly fit for purpose but the Duke is a bit more lairy and different, the dodgy tart as opposed to the sophisticated chick. It encourages laughter, fun and immoderate behaviour - need to watch that! Go find a dealer with a demonstrator and have a good laugh!

[george formby]

Welcome to the world of P-twins!

Don't let that noise get you into trouble.:cool:

[Blackbird]

Welcome to the world of P-twins!

Don't let that noise get you into trouble.:cool:

Thanks GF! Funny how some bikes just wrap you round their finger!

[Owl]

Range will probably be 250-300 km when run in - handy enough.

Pretty good from a 14ltr tank.:yes:

[Blackbird]

Pretty good from a 14ltr tank.:yes:
Yep, I was impressed. I wasn't pinning the throttle for obvious reasons but was still allowing it to rev fairly freely. The twisty route we covered on our social ride didn't mean much constant throttle either. As I mentioned on my blog, 6th gear is a bit too high for it at present without making it lug at moderate revs so most of the riding has been in 4th and 5th. Given those circumstances, it did a lot better than I was expecting.

Cheers,

Geoff

[george formby]

Yep, I was impressed. I wasn't pinning the throttle for obvious reasons but was still allowing it to rev fairly freely. The twisty route we covered on our social ride didn't mean much constant throttle either. As I mentioned on my blog, 6th gear is a bit too high for it at present without making it lug at moderate revs so most of the riding has been in 4th and 5th. Given those circumstances, it did a lot better than I was expecting.

Cheers,

Geoff

I'm looking forward to your impressions after run in. The TDM is so tractable I'm usually in 3rd / 4th on our twisties. 3rd is good for 20kmh - 100kmh+. Roll on, roll off. Repeat.

Nowhere near that fuel economy, though.

[Blackbird]

I'm looking forward to your impressions after run in. The TDM is so tractable I'm usually in 3rd / 4th on our twisties. 3rd is good for 20kmh - 100kmh+. Roll on, roll off. Repeat.

Nowhere near that fuel economy, though.

I'll do another review when it's through its 1000 k service. The TDM never had anything less than outstanding reviews so I'm not really surprised with the tractability. Modern lightweight rotating components don't help in that respect but the "big bang" concept and supporting electronics must help enormously. Likewise with tyre grip due to the uneven power pulses. I'm sure that the light weight and torque of the Duke must assist with its economy and at 72kg in my socks, I'm hardly a lardarse either :laugh:

[Blackbird]

Well, I've racked up around 1500km on the Duke now and love it to bits - absolutely the right choice for me. Here's what is hopefully an objective look at how it's gone over that time: http://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-scalpel-one-month-and-1500-km-down.html .

[caspernz]

Good to see you grinning from ear to ear on Sunday Geoff. Hope the love affair with the new bike continues as time and mileage sneaks past.

We'll forgive the gushing report you've put together as new love :laugh:

Enjoy :devil2:

[Blackbird]

Good to see you grinning from ear to ear on Sunday Geoff. Hope the love affair with the new bike continues as time and mileage sneaks past.

We'll forgive the gushing report you've put together as new love :laugh:

Enjoy :devil2:


Hahaha - thanks Rob - you know how it is when your hormones runneth over :msn-wink: . Even in wet conditions on Sunday down the coast road, I was still grinning like a loon. Forget Viagra for this old fella..... :laugh:

[Scubbo]

great review/words on ownership --- does sound like a sweeeeet ride

[Blackbird]

great review/words on ownership --- does sound like a sweeeeet ride

Thanks Scubbo, it's going to be a heck of a lot of fun :niceone:

[buggerit]

Hahaha - thanks Rob - you know how it is when your hormones runneth over :msn-wink: . Even in wet conditions on Sunday down the coast road, I was still grinning like a loon. Forget Viagra for this old fella..... :laugh:

I hear you Geoff:yes: Done 26000km since July and still grinning:2thumbsup

[Blackbird]

I hear you Geoff:yes: Done 26000km since July and still grinning:2thumbsup

Hi Steve,
Your earlier comment of being in the naughty corner was spot on. Good job we can exercise restraint eh? :laugh::msn-wink: