Help choosing a bike

[Modestep15]

Hey guys, I’m on my restricted currently and will be getting my full early next year so I’m looking at some options for some bikes. I’m currently riding a 1990 cbr250rr (MC22) and a drz400 dual sport. The bikes I’m currently looking at is the, KTM 790 duke, Yamaha mt-09, and a Yamaha mt-07. I leaning towards the 790 because of the modernness, such as technology that it comes with, the only thing that I’m concerned about is reliability, I’m not experienced with euro bikes and I see many people saying they have issues and many say they have none. I’m not that interested in the mt-09 as it seems a bit outdated and not as refined but it seems to be the only competitor to the 790 in performance, price, and quantity for sale. I like the price of the mt-07 and obviously don’t expect it to be as refined and technically advanced as the other two but my concern is that it won’t have enough power and I will soon become bored of it.

Any feedback will be appreciated if anyone has experiences with these bikes.

Cheers 🙂

[Blackbird]

Hey guys, I’m on my restricted currently and will be getting my full early next year so I’m looking at some options for some bikes. I’m currently riding a 1990 cbr250rr (MC22) and a drz400 dual sport. The bikes I’m currently looking at is the, KTM 790 duke, Yamaha mt-09, and a Yamaha mt-07. I leaning towards the 790 because of the modernness, such as technology that it comes with, the only thing that I’m concerned about is reliability, I’m not experienced with euro bikes and I see many people saying they have issues and many say they have none. I’m not that interested in the mt-09 as it seems a bit outdated and not as refined but it seems to be the only competitor to the 790 in performance, price, and quantity for sale. I like the price of the mt-07 and obviously don’t expect it to be as refined and technically advanced as the other two but my concern is that it won’t have enough power and I will soon become bored of it.

Any feedback will be appreciated if anyone has experiences with these bikes.

Cheers ��

I've had my 790 since March 2019 and I absolutely love it. You can read my 1500 km write up here:
http://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-scalpel-one-month-and-1500-km-down.html . I've now covered 14000 km and it still makes me laugh every time I ride it. The only problem I've had is a slight oil misting from the cam cover. When I was looking to buy the Duke, I was aware that some of the early ones had a few problems (all fixable under warranty) but was willing to take the risk because of how much fun the test ride was. My second choice was the Street Triple R.

Buying a bike is as much an emotional experience as a technical one so go and ride a few bikes when you get your full then use both your head and heart to make your choice. Good luck! If you do choose the Duke, get rid of those awful Maxxis pure sport tyres they come equipped with!

[Modestep15]

I've had my 790 since March 2019 and I absolutely love it. You can read my 1500 km write up here:
http://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-scalpel-one-month-and-1500-km-down.html . I've now covered 14000 km and it still makes me laugh every time I ride it. The only problem I've had is a slight oil misting from the cam cover. When I was looking to buy the Duke, I was aware that some of the early ones had a few problems (all fixable under warranty) but was willing to take the risk because of how much fun the test ride was. My second choice was the Street Triple R.

Buying a bike is as much an emotional experience as a technical one so go and ride a few bikes when you get your full then use both your head and heart to make your choice. Good luck! If you do choose the Duke, get rid of those awful Maxxis pure sport tyres they come equipped with!

Awesome! I will be sure to read your review and thanks for you input, I will make sure to test ride the bikes I talked about when I get my full. Cheers

[Navy Boy]

As Blackbird says this is as much about the emotion as anything else. I should know as I'm quite good at the buying bikes bit. Where I don't do so well is the selling them... ;)

All the bikes you've mentioned are good choices. I'd also be tempted by Yammie's XSR900 which is an MT-09 in a retro/fancy dress suit and is, to my eyes at least, a lovely thing to behold. The KTM adheres to their 'Ready to race' moniker with all that that entails. Personally I'd be tempted by an MV Agusta Brutale 800 (I have slightly eclectic tastes - Can you tell?) as well as the Kawasaki Z900 and Z900 RS, both of which are fine machines that'll keep you happy for years to come. :yes:

[Modestep15]

As Blackbird says this is as much about the emotion as anything else. I should know as I'm quite good at the buying bikes bit. Where I don't do so well is the selling them... ;)

All the bikes you've mentioned are good choices. I'd also be tempted by Yammie's XSR900 which is an MT-09 in a retro/fancy dress suit and is, to my eyes at least, a lovely thing to behold. The KTM adheres to their 'Ready to race' moniker with all that that entails. Personally I'd be tempted by an MV Agusta Brutale 800 (I have slightly eclectic tastes - Can you tell?) as well as the Kawasaki Z900 and Z900 RS, both of which are fine machines that'll keep you happy for years to come. :yes:

Thanks for your reply, you've given me some good bikes to look into! There seems to be a lot of bikes to choose from, so I'll be sure to test ride the ones I'm looking at before purchase to make up my mind.

[Navy Boy]

Thanks for your reply, you've given me some good bikes to look into! There seems to be a lot of bikes to choose from, so I'll be sure to test ride the ones I'm looking at before purchase to make up my mind.

From the bikes you've mentioned you seem to be wanting a grunty naked machine which can do most things pretty well. The current crop of naked bikes have come in for some real development by the manufacturers over the past 10+ years and as such you are spoiled for choice. Being in AKL you have access to the European brands as well as the Japanese ones too so that's all good though be aware that the non-routine spares on the Euro brands are often expensive. Having said that the standard servicing costs are much of a muchness so you pays your money etc.

Another suggestion would be one of the Ducati Monster models (The air cooled 797 is a lovely machine) and don't discount the Scramblers either as they are great fun.

Let us know how your test rides go.

[Modestep15]

From the bikes you've mentioned you seem to be wanting a grunty naked machine which can do most things pretty well. The current crop of naked bikes have come in for some real development by the manufacturers over the past 10+ years and as such you are spoiled for choice. Being in AKL you have access to the European brands as well as the Japanese ones too so that's all good though be aware that the non-routine spares on the Euro brands are often expensive. Having said that the standard servicing costs are much of a muchness so you pays your money etc.

Another suggestion would be one of the Ducati Monster models (The air cooled 797 is a lovely machine) and don't discount the Scramblers either as they are great fun.

Let us know how your test rides go.

Will do! Cheers :yes:

[FJRider]

Will do! Cheers :yes:

Have you had a look around your local shops to see what looks good ... or even ... what is available ... ???

Have you priced any of the suggested models both to buy and insure .. ??? Is money for both of those things going to be and issue for you ???

Do you intend paying cash ... or the three years of easy monthly payments option ... ???

I'm curious ... do you have a realistic budget ... or is cash not an issue ... ???

Serious questions can (and should be) expected to be asked ... by people (including dealers) prior to allowing "Test rides" ... especially of those with newly minted full license. A full price "Deposit" might be required first before a test ride. And if you're under 25 ... insurance costs are astronomical anyway.

I. T. students are generally not known for their wealth.


Bike hunting is fun ... but reality can be a bitch. Dreams and good intentions are free though.

Remember ... purchase price is only the beginning of a large list on ongoing expenses. And that is even without including any REPAIR costs. (It does happen)

Are you up for it .. ??

[nzspokes]

I ride a MT09 as my daily. Its been flashed. Doubt much would beat it to 100kph.

Only go KTM if you are prepared for troubles and warranty claims.

[Modestep15]

Have you had a look around your local shops to see what looks good ... or even ... what is available ... ???

Have you priced any of the suggested models both to buy and insure .. ??? Is money for both of those things going to be and issue for you ???

Do you intend paying cash ... or the three years of easy monthly payments option ... ???

I'm curious ... do you have a realistic budget ... or is cash not an issue ... ???

Serious questions can (and should be) expected to be asked ... by people (including dealers) prior to allowing "Test rides" ... especially of those with newly minted full license. A full price "Deposit" might be required first before a test ride. And if you're under 25 ... insurance costs are astronomical anyway.

I. T. students are generally not known for their wealth.


Bike hunting is fun ... but reality can be a bitch. Dreams and good intentions are free though.

Remember ... purchase price is only the beginning of a large list on ongoing expenses. And that is even without including any REPAIR costs. (It does happen)

Are you up for it .. ??

Yup I've considered the cost and insurance, I will be willingly to pay up to 12-12.5k for a bike hence why the mt-07 is appealing to me as it seems to be a lot cheaper for a good bike (7-10k). I'm just skeptical that I will become bored of the mt-07 and will seek for more power/performance, I also know that power doesn't mean everything I'm just future proofing myself in a way. I will be paying in cash also, not getting a loan so if I can't afford the bike up front I don't think it will be wise to get a loan as I don't want to buy what I cant afford.

I've chosen those three bikes as they are in my budget, and they seem to be in great quantity. I'm also aware that there are ongoing expenses of owning a bike hence why I was worried about the reliability of a European bike as the parts are more expensive then a Japanese bike. :)

[Modestep15]

I ride a MT09 as my daily. Its been flashed. Doubt much would beat it to 100kph.

Only go KTM if you are prepared for troubles and warranty claims.

For some reason I'm not that drawn to the mt-09 however, I'm more drawn to the mt-07, I'm just skeptical about the power and if it will be enough in the future.

[ellipsis]

For some reason I'm not that drawn to the mt-09 however, I'm more drawn to the mt-07, I'm just skeptical about the power and if it will be enough in the future.


...the future is what happens after you do what you do next...fuck the future...far too much emphasis on the future means you miss out on today...the biggest future thought should be on, whose gonna be your handbrake and avoiding all forms of it...get a Honda, you meet the nicest people...

[Modestep15]

...the future is what happens after you do what you do next...fuck the future...far too much emphasis on the future means you miss out on today...the biggest future thought should be on, whose gonna be your handbrake and avoiding all forms of it...get a Honda, you meet the nicest people...

Very well said hahaha :2thumbsup

[FJRider]

Yup I've considered the cost and insurance, I will be willingly to pay up to 12-12.5k for a bike hence why the mt-07 is appealing to me as it seems to be a lot cheaper for a good bike (7-10k). I'm just skeptical that I will become bored of the mt-07 and will seek for more power/performance, I also know that power doesn't mean everything I'm just future proofing myself in a way. I will be paying in cash also, not getting a loan so if I can't afford the bike up front I don't think it will be wise to get a loan as I don't want to buy what I cant afford.

I've chosen those three bikes as they are in my budget, and they seem to be in great quantity. I'm also aware that there are ongoing expenses of owning a bike hence why I was worried about the reliability of a European bike as the parts are more expensive then a Japanese bike. :)

Thank you for replying ... I may sound a bit cynical ... but I'm old enough to have seen a few new fully licensed riders getting in deeper than was wise. The two (of three) resulting scenario's being ... either the bike parked up for some time awaiting money for repairs ... or repossessed and gone for good ... and still owing money on it.

Have you been on any of the other forum sites (and asked questions) ... relating to the same specific motorcycle brands and models ... ???

ps: The third scenario being ... ALL going as planned (most of the time).

A few Riding courses will help you ... even prior to Class 6 F. One or more (on here) will point you to some good ones.

I do hope it will go well with your new motorcycling status. And BIKE.


Whatever you're looking at ... ask plenty of pertinent questions. And LISTEN to the answers.

[nzspokes]

For some reason I'm not that drawn to the mt-09 however, I'm more drawn to the mt-07, I'm just skeptical about the power and if it will be enough in the future.

Fair enough.

[Modestep15]

Thank you for replying ... I may sound a bit cynical ... but I'm old enough to have seen a few new fully licensed riders getting in deeper than was wise. The two (of three) resulting scenario's being ... either the bike parked up for some time awaiting money for repairs ... or repossessed and gone for good ... and still owing money on it.

Have you been on any of the other forum sites (and asked questions) ... relating to the same specific motorcycle brands and models ... ???

ps: The third scenario being ... ALL going as planned (most of the time).

A few Riding courses will help you ... even prior to Class 6 F. One or more (on here) will point you to some good ones.

I do hope it will go well with your new motorcycling status. And BIKE.


Whatever you're looking at ... ask plenty of pertinent questions. And LISTEN to the answers.

Yup I’m in a few Facebook groups and currently waiting to join the mt group, the groups have great information. I really appreciate your reply and will listen to your advice greatly.

Cheers.

[Bonez]

All good advice in this thread. Forget the REFINED and more technology crap. Take as many m/cs for a test ride as you can, with mates or a mentor. KB use to have a good mentor prpgram. It rarely isn't until yoy on a machine until get a better idea of what it is like. You may find an nolder model that is still in product actually better than a new model hot of the assy line.

Is the goal to replace both current bikes orjust one?

Are you planning to do your own maintenance? Even just oil/filter and valve clearces adjustments.

Good luck.

[Modestep15]

All good advice in this thread. Forget the REFINED and more technology crap. Take as many m/cs for a test ride as you can, with mates or a mentor. KB use to have a good mentor prpgram. It rarely isn't until yoy on a machine until get a better idea of what it is like. You may find an nolder model that is still in product actually better than a new model hot of the assy line.

Is the goal to replace both current bikes orjust one?

Are you planning to do your own maintenance? Even just oil/filter and valve clearces adjustments.

Good luck.

Plan is to replace the DRZ and keep my CBR for fun/uniqueness, I will be planning to do my own maintenance such as oil and other simple things.

[Bonez]

Plan is to replace the DRZ and keep my CBR for fun/uniqueness, I will be planning to do my own maintenance such as oil and other simple things.

Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders.

You do have a fantastic selection of m/cs these days both older and newer models.

Joining up to AVDRider is probably a good idea. They have forums for a whole host of various makes and models. I just recently started a thread about Honda shoc four cylinder bikes 650-350 and had a very response wrt feedback. Just ignore the so called "NEWS" because that is just generally full of mindless drivel by most contributors who know absolutely no clue about the m/c they are going on about. It's more like a UK tabloid. .

[Gremlin]

Really your best knowledge comes from riding/owning a variety of bikes. Generally speaking, bikes today don't suffer flexi frames, rubbish brakes etc, they're pretty good. Do you like singles, twins (which sort), triples, inline 4? v4? 6 cylinder?

Bearing in mind it's potentially your third bike, take time to get to know the mid capacity bikes, lighter, less power to complicate things, but plenty enough to get you into trouble.

Yeup, having owned a KTM before, and now owning another, Euro are not cheap to run, if you want that, get something jap. However, once you've had/ridden a few, to me at least, there is something about them, something a bit extra/special that makes up for the increased maintenance, costs etc. I do say this re KTM/BMW/Aprilia/Ducati etc, and put MV/Moto Guzzi in a separate category of hell, reserved for those really looking for the full workshop experience. ;)

If I was looking for something to commute, it would be either Yammy (I've used a CB919 for commuting). For fun, without question, the Duke 790. Once you remember that Ducati's idea of a tourer was the Multistrada, you'll also understand KTMs "Ready to Race" philosophy. The Euros have passion baked in, but it's gonna cost ya! :sweatdrop

[Bonez]

Yeup, having owned a KTM before, and now owning another, Euro are not cheap to run, if you want that, get something jap. However, once you've had/ridden a few, to me at least, there is something about them, something a bit extra/special that makes up for the increased maintenance, costs etc. I do say this re KTM/BMW/Aprilia/Ducati etc, and put MV/Moto Guzzi in a separate category of hell, reserved for those really looking for the full workshop experience. ;)

pWe old folk just call that plain snobbery.

Had a few Beemers and they weren't the best choice of m/c for me at all.

Just saying.....

NEVER buy a m/c you think other riders/folk will like. ALWAYS by a m/c that YOU will like.

[Navy Boy]

Yup I’m in a few Facebook groups and currently waiting to join the mt group, the groups have great information. I really appreciate your reply and will listen to your advice greatly.

Cheers.

Those are all good things to do so it sounds as though you have gotten the right idea. As people have said there's no substitute for test riding and choosing what you like as opposed to what you think you should like/want. One of the bikes I mentioned, the Monster 797, falls into that category. All you read will say that they bigger 821/1200 models are bigger/better/sexier and so on. Plus the 797 only has 75Bhp - How on earth could that ever be enough???

However I can tell you from riding the mechanically similar Scrambler Urban Enduro that it is a cracking machine to ride, it looks good, sounds nice and keeps you entertained. Plus it's better looking than the liquid cooled 821 and 1200 IMHO.

I was in similar situation recently with the Street Triple RS I owned a year or two back. It was a cracking bike but too top-end biased in its power delivery and as such I just didn't get as much fun from riding it as I should have done. I moved it on and re-learned the lesson that its the seat of the pants feel that's usually the most accurate and important.

[Blackbird]

It's almost inevitable that buying a bike involves a degree of compromise unless you own a couple or more bikes (eh, Navy Boy :killingme ?) It's that old chestnut about "fitness for purpose". If you're predominantly commuting in traffic for example, a pure sport bike can be hard going. In my case, I'm retired and live in the countryside so a Duke 790 perfectly fits my needs (although it commutes just fine in traffic, especially if you stick it in rain mode). As others have said, service costs, insurance etc will all have a bearing but it sounds like you've got plenty of time to make a decision which suits your needs. Both Navy Boy and I mentioned the emotional aspect of owning a bike. Before the 790, I had a GSX-S 1000. Great performance but I found it bland and boring - no "character" and happy to see it gone. Whatever your choice, just make sure that the bike thrills you to be riding it. From personal experience, you find that out quite quickly when you do some test rides.

[tamarillo]

There are no bad bikes, just different bikes for different folks. All orders bikes like you mention are capable well engineered machines so buy what you fancy yourself on. The one you’ll look at in your garage and think, wow. Let’s ride.

[F5 Dave]

What? Are you a new age school teacher or something?

Every bike gets a Participation certificate.

Try a poll of ex Hyosung or flyby night Chinese clone owners .

Learners used to be attracted to GN250s but they were dreadful compared with, well just about anything. Some bikes like Yamaha Scorpios were built down to such a level they rusted in front of you.