New bike recommendation

[Jeeper]

Thinking about changing my bike. Bought the BMW G310GS about 3 years ago purely for commuting as it was really comfortable for my size. COVID took care of the commuting problem (mostly work from home now).

What I was looking at now is something that can actually do some out of city travelling occasionally. I am 187 cms and at an age where sports bikes are out of the equation (that addresses any Busa or H2 types). Bike does not have to be LAMS.

What would be a good candidate from the touring or dual purpose choices? Budget is not too small or too big, this would be for fun and mental destress.

I have no intention to take it off road, that's what the Jeep is for.

Appreciate the combined wisdom of the group in suggesting some good candidates.

[george formby]

If I wuz in your situation I would be looking at triples.

Purely because their are a number of choices and they all get good reviews. Summit different, too.

Sorry for not being more specific but you do have very wide briefs.

[Jeeper]

If I wuz in your situation I would be looking at triples.

Purely because their are a number of choices and they all get good reviews. Summit different, too.

Sorry for not being more specific but you do have very wide briefs.Triples (Yamaha and Triumph) are definitely a contender.

My "style" is more retro than transformer type things (MT09, actually the entire MT series). I have owned XSR700, liked the style and how it went but the factory suspension was basic at best.

Brief is wide because I have not fixed myself to any one particular brand at this stage.

[GrayWolf]

Well I would opt for something easy, comfortable, enough 'grunt' for fun, and able to do distances, with 'enough' power for overtaking?

I'd suggest a serious look at the Enfield Interceptor 650.

I've ridden a GT650 (same engine frame, just a cafe' racer type) was a good bit of fun, handles well, light, but same sort of performance as an old Bonneville (50bhp).

[Navy Boy]

Thinking about changing my bike. Bought the BMW G310GS about 3 years ago purely for commuting as it was really comfortable for my size. COVID took care of the commuting problem (mostly work from home now).

What I was looking at now is something that can actually do some out of city travelling occasionally. I am 187 cms and at an age where sports bikes are out of the equation (that addresses any Busa or H2 types). Bike does not have to be LAMS.

What would be a good candidate from the touring or dual purpose choices? Budget is not too small or too big, this would be for fun and mental destress.

I have no intention to take it off road, that's what the Jeep is for.

Appreciate the combined wisdom of the group in suggesting some good candidates.

How much do you have to spend?

What type of road riding are you looking at doing?

What characteristics do you want from your new bike?

Where are you located in relation to dealerships?

You need to be a bit more specific if KBers can give you any real help on this one.

:yes:

[F5 Dave]

I think you should be looking at 4s.
Specifically V4s.
Specifically 2 stroke V4s.

There I've narrowed it down to 1. Easy.

[release_the_bees]

How much do you have to spend?

What type of road riding are you looking at doing?

What characteristics do you want from your new bike?

Where are you located in relation to dealerships?

You need to be a bit more specific if KBers can give you any real help on this one.

:yes:Pretty much as above. My recommendations would be totally different to somebody who wants a bike comfortable enough to ride to the twisties with the intention of carving them up once getting there, than it would be for someone who wants to explore the gravel roads, someone getting into endurance riding, or someone that just wants to trundle down State Highway One. More information is definitely required.

Your current bike will handle long distance out of town rides totally fine (I once rode a CBR250 from Cromwell to Auckland with no issues at all). What is it you are specifically looking for in your next bike?



Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[BMW_BeMyWings]

I tell you straight away my comment is not helpful but ... questions like yours always sound to me like if someone says "My girlfriend left me. I am now looking for a new girlfriend. What do you suggest? Blond? Brunette, Dark hair? More the athletic type? Long legs? Big...?" you get the picture.

[Jeeper]

Appreciate everyone's telling me I need to provide a bit more clarity.

How much do you have to spend? - $15-20k (+/- depends on how much I like the bike).

What type of road riding are you looking at doing? - a bit of twisties, a bit of longer distance. Commuting occasionally if I have to but even then it's only a 10km ride each way to town. Cruiser or sport bike sitting position is uncomfortable for my back (past injuries). Mid-weight dual sport or touring type bikes are what fit my frame and posture better.

What characteristics do you want from your new bike? - straighter sitting position. I appreciate low end torque more than redline horsepower. One thing I don't like about the single cylinder bike I have at the moment is how buzzy it becomes at highway speeds. Anything more than 20 minutes at 100+ is uncomfortable. In around town, it's acceptable. I know people have taken this G310GS half way around the world, more power to them. It's not the bike for me long term.

Where are you located in relation to dealerships? - I'm in Auckland central. Takapuna, Manukau or CBD is easy reach.

As for the color of hair of my next girlfriend, my wife might have some issues with that. A tall brunette bike is what I'm looking for.

[Jeeper]

I tell you straight away my comment is not helpful but ... questions like yours always sound to me like if someone says "My girlfriend left me. I am now looking for a new girlfriend. What do you suggest? Blond? Brunette, Dark hair? More the athletic type? Long legs? Big...?" you get the picture.I am partial to a nice BMW, both cars and bikes. I have looked at a few but not seriously. Do you have any suggestions? Not looking at the biggest GSs, but something middle weight and power.

[Blackbird]

Well, as I've got older, my preference has been for lighter weight bikes and I find riding them more pleasurable. Having had bigger capacity bikes and also owned a Street Triple and the current Duke 790, the smaller bikes lose absolutely nothing to bigger bikes in normal road riding. Do a heap of window shopping and then a test ride or two on the favoured ones because you might be in for a pleasant surprise. The Street Triple wasn't tops on my list but after riding it, I just had to buy it. Ditto for my current ride, the Duke 790. The GSX-S 1000 which I had before the Duke was a disappointment, despite its performance. Simply didn't light my fire. Take your time until you find something which really hits the spot. You'll know when you find it.

[TheDemonLord]

I"My girlfriend left me. I am now looking for a new girlfriend. What do you suggest? Blond? Brunette, Dark hair? More the athletic type? Long legs? Big...?"

Obviously the right answer is One who has her own Girlfriend.

So if we relate this back to the question:

The Bike that allows you to get another Bike to ride at the weekends.

[nerrrd]

I'd recommend a later model of my bike, the Honda NC750X.

But probably nobody else would.

[Jeeper]

I'd recommend a later model of my bike, the Honda NC750X.

But probably nobody else would.New is $14k - [emoji3581]
More upright sitting position - [emoji3581]
Seat height 830mm - [emoji3581]

I'll do some more checking. Thanks.

Is this the one with half a Honda Jazz/Fit car engine though?

[Jeeper]

The Bike that allows you to get another Bike to ride at the weekends.

Got the permission without limitations.

[Jeeper]

Well, as I've got older, my preference has been for lighter weight bikes and I find riding them more pleasurable. Having had bigger capacity bikes and also owned a Street Triple and the current Duke 790, the smaller bikes lose absolutely nothing to bigger bikes in normal road riding. Do a heap of window shopping and then a test ride or two on the favoured ones because you might be in for a pleasant surprise. The Street Triple wasn't tops on my list but after riding it, I just had to buy it. Ditto for my current ride, the Duke 790. The GSX-S 1000 which I had before the Duke was a disappointment, despite its performance. Simply didn't light my fire. Take your time until you find something which really hits the spot. You'll know when you find it.Duke 790 and Street Triple.

Added to my list.

This weight and power class is what I'm looking for.

[Blackbird]

Duke 790 and Street Triple.

Added to my list.

This weight and power class is what I'm looking for.

I don't know whether it helps but: https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-ktm-790-at-18-months-progress-report.html and https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2010/08/triumph-street-triple-review-revisited.html . The Street Triple was a 675 but the sentiments would also apply to the 765, even more so. Leg room is a bit more generous on the Duke than the Triumph, Important for me with damaged knees, but might not be relevant to you. Good luck searching!

[Jeeper]

I don't know whether it helps but: https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-ktm-790-at-18-months-progress-report.html and https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2010/08/triumph-street-triple-review-revisited.html . The Street Triple was a 675 but the sentiments would also apply to the 765, even more so. Leg room is a bit more generous on the Duke than the Triumph, Important for me with damaged knees, but might not be relevant to you. Good luck searching!With a damaged wrist and back, I think Duke would be a better posture than Street Triple. Similarly priced though.

[pritch]

With your height and your budget there are lots of opportunities. There should be test rides should be available, have fun.

[F5 Dave]

Well you probably are a bit out of budget range for the RZ500 you just know you need. But if needs must I'd recommend you don't go too big. Not required these days and you will be blown away by what they call midrange bikes these days that make the old 1000cc chuffers we used to aspire to a bit wet.
And heavy.

I too have a 675 street triple. I've spent time to lower bars etc as it is a bit upright at my young age (53). Go ride the 765 or at least sit on one.

I tour, tootle, and sport ride mine. I don't need any more go on the road these days.

[Navy Boy]

Appreciate everyone's telling me I need to provide a bit more clarity.

How much do you have to spend? - $15-20k (+/- depends on how much I like the bike).

What type of road riding are you looking at doing? - a bit of twisties, a bit of longer distance. Commuting occasionally if I have to but even then it's only a 10km ride each way to town. Cruiser or sport bike sitting position is uncomfortable for my back (past injuries). Mid-weight dual sport or touring type bikes are what fit my frame and posture better.

What characteristics do you want from your new bike? - straighter sitting position. I appreciate low end torque more than redline horsepower. One thing I don't like about the single cylinder bike I have at the moment is how buzzy it becomes at highway speeds. Anything more than 20 minutes at 100+ is uncomfortable. In around town, it's acceptable. I know people have taken this G310GS half way around the world, more power to them. It's not the bike for me long term.

Where are you located in relation to dealerships? - I'm in Auckland central. Takapuna, Manukau or CBD is easy reach.

As for the color of hair of my next girlfriend, my wife might have some issues with that. A tall brunette bike is what I'm looking for.

Cool - In that case I'd highly recommend the Moto Guzzi V85TT. They are slightly over your price range brand new but a lightly used one will fall under $20k.

It fits all the criteria you've mentioned, is manageable, distinctive, has enough grunt for spirited road riding and they have a real sense of individuality about them.

I love mine and its even good for the odd pillion ride too should the need arise. What's not to like? :2thumbsup

[ellipsis]

...a Japanese one...a Honda to be more specific...

[F5 Dave]

I'm with this guy. No point buying something weird. Get an Asian bike. Like a Triumph.

[JATZ]

R nine T ?

[FJRider]

Get an Asian bike. Like a Triumph.

Or a Harley. Or a Benelli.



https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Harley-Davidsons-to-be-made-by-China-s-Geely-with-eye-on-Asia

[Jeeper]

I'm with this guy. No point buying something weird. Get an Asian bike. Like a Triumph.Triumph build quality out of Thailand is better than the BMW G310GS built out of India! I guess that makes this little GS Asian too.

Interestingly, Yamaha XSR700 that I had was made in France!

[Jeeper]

Or a Harley. Or a Benelli.



https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Harley-Davidsons-to-be-made-by-China-s-Geely-with-eye-on-AsiaAren't KTM moving manufacturing to China as well.

It all depends on the QA.

I have got some good suggestions so far. Too bad dealers aren't open on Sundays, I just have one day a week to do my rest rides (Saturday).

[F5 Dave]

The small KTooms are already made in India, so that will feel like home.

[pritch]

Aren't KTM moving manufacturing to China as well.



The small KTMs are made in India already. India sells a lot of bikes but they have high import tariffs, so a manufacturer wanting to sell there has to build there.

Ooops a double up there...

[Jeeper]

The small KTooms are already made in India, so that will feel like home.Bajaj, an Indian manufacturer, owns 48% shares of KTM. Not that it matters as long what's produced is of good quality (Jaguar is owned by India's Tata Group).

[Moi]

What about a V-Strom? Either a 650 or 1000...

and, if you feel you need to, spend a little on setting up the suspension to suit you.

[manxkiwi]

Jeeper, you ruled out the MTs earlier on. But a Tracer 7 or 9 should fit nicely. Maybe a test ride? I am biased..

[Hoonicorn]

If you want a dual sport tourer, something like a Tenere 700? Whatever speaks to you really, a weekend toy might look different to a tourer, maybe a Z900?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UARv051cLjw



"Clothes make the man. I believe that. You say to me you want to go shopping, you want to buy clothes, but you don't know what kind. You leave that hanging in the air, like I'm going to fill in the blank, that to me is like asking me who you are, and I don't know who you are." - Ossie Davis

[HenryDorsetCase]

Thinking about changing my bike. Bought the BMW G310GS about 3 years ago purely for commuting as it was really comfortable for my size. COVID took care of the commuting problem (mostly work from home now).

What I was looking at now is something that can actually do some out of city travelling occasionally. I am 187 cms and at an age where sports bikes are out of the equation (that addresses any Busa or H2 types). Bike does not have to be LAMS.

What would be a good candidate from the touring or dual purpose choices? Budget is not too small or too big, this would be for fun and mental destress.

I have no intention to take it off road, that's what the Jeep is for.

Appreciate the combined wisdom of the group in suggesting some good candidates.

All road: KTM mini ADV bike thingy - the 690 or 790.

On road - Triumph Street Triple - still the best road bike I've ever had. Cheaper is the Yamaha XSR thingy - 900cc and good reviews. I know someone who has one. You have to budget for a shock (Nitron) and fork rebuild (KSS) because the stock suspension is shit apparently.

Remember kids: gee gaws "improve" your bike for the credulous. Suspension upgrades actually improve it for use.

[Jeeper]

All road: KTM mini ADV bike thingy - the 690 or 790.

On road - Triumph Street Triple - still the best road bike I've ever had. Cheaper is the Yamaha XSR thingy - 900cc and good reviews. I know someone who has one. You have to budget for a shock (Nitron) and fork rebuild (KSS) because the stock suspension is shit apparently.

Remember kids: gee gaws "improve" your bike for the credulous. Suspension upgrades actually improve it for use.All good points. I had XSR700 at some point, suspension was budget.

[bert_is_evil]

How are your knees? I reckon a KTM Superduke would meet the criteria, although if that's a bit transformer-esk for you a Ducati monster might work if you're ok with something a bit more ropey.

[Ulsterkiwi]

I am partial to a nice BMW, both cars and bikes. I have looked at a few but not seriously. Do you have any suggestions? Not looking at the biggest GSs, but something middle weight and power.


Your budget may not allow it as these are new bikes, but the BMW F900R would tick most of the boxes you specified.

There are a few F800Rs about that would not break the bank, not sure the motors in them would compete with the Triumph triples or the KTM offerings.

The GS versions in that class are actually more off road orientated than the big ones, apart from the F700, again, might be a bit tame for you.

[Jeeper]

Ok, so far recommendations are:

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Triumph Street Triple
Honda NC750X
Suzuki V-Strom 650XA
Kawasaki Z900
Yamaha Tenere 700
Moto Guzzi V85TT
BMW F750GS
KTM 790 Adventure
Yamaha Tracer 900
BMW F900R

This past weekend I have managed to cross out a few suggestions. RE, didn't excite any part of my brain. Triumph Street Triple, mostly for the seating position as it was putting pressure on my wrist (uncomfortable due to existing damage). Honda might be the most durable, but it also didn't excite me.

As the dealers are closed on Sunday, I ran out of time. Bottom end of the list is at the upper limit of the budget (or even a little over). I am now left with:

Suzuki V-Strom 650XA
Kawasaki Z900
Yamaha Tenere 700
Moto Guzzi V85TT
BMW F750GS
KTM 790 Adventure
Yamaha Tracer 900
BMW F900R

[reasonable]

The Strom is a good choice for reliability & gravel roads with lots of options to customise if needed later .
As for power , I remember passing a milk tanker heading over to Napier , halfway thru the overtake thought the bike needed to go up a gear , glanced at the dash see I'm in top gear & doing 140 kms .
So bags of power in the full power model, the motor cruises easily but doesn't mind working hard .

[Bonez]

The Strom is a good choice for reliability & gravel roads with lots of options to customise if needed later .
As for power , I remember passing a milk tanker heading over to Napier , halfway thru the overtake thought the bike needed to go up a gear , glanced at the dash see I'm in top gear & doing 140 kms .
So bags of power in the full power model, the motor cruises easily but doesn't mind working hard .I said something similar to a chap looking at bikes in our local Suzuki shop. Anything with 50-75 HP will be fine.:msn-wink:

[Jeeper]

The Strom is a good choice for reliability & gravel roads with lots of options to customise if needed later .
As for power , I remember passing a milk tanker heading over to Napier , halfway thru the overtake thought the bike needed to go up a gear , glanced at the dash see I'm in top gear & doing 140 kms .
So bags of power in the full power model, the motor cruises easily but doesn't mind working hard .I can't find a 650 Strom in stock where I can get a feel for it, not in Auckland or even Hamilton. I can find 1050s though, but I'm not sure that is what I want.

[Moi]

I can't find a 650 Strom in stock where I can get a feel for it, not in Auckland or even Hamilton. I can find 1050s though, but I'm not sure that is what I want.

I am surprised that neither of the Auckland dealers have nothing available for you to sample.

[Jeeper]

I am surprised that neither of the Auckland dealers have nothing available for you to sample.Supply is really constrained at present. It's not just Suzuki, every brand is struggling. Yet, the demand is high. Have you seen the used bike prices lately?

[Navy Boy]

Having owned a 650 VStrom previously as well as having the V85 now I can confirm that they are similar in overall performance. The Guzzi has more horsepower but is a little heavier and has shaft drive compared to the chain of the Strom which saps a little more power.

No chain oiling or adjustment to worry about though.

Of the two I'd choose the Guzzi - Mainly because of the extra personality it has over the Strom. The Suzi is a cracking bike and you'll never go far wrong with one but the Guzzi just has that certain 'Something' that gets under your skin.

[F5 Dave]

Like Scabies?

[Jeeper]

Last two weekends and lots of test rides later, my list and budget is basically gone crazy.

Suzuki V-Strom 650XA - engine is so benign I felt I was on a smaller bike.

Kawasaki Z900 - no stock available any time soon.

Yamaha Tenere 700 - no stock available any time soon.

Moto Guzzi V85TT - can see but can't ride as no demos available.

BMW F750GS - too small for my size and engine felt under powered (it's detuned a bit much). Tried F850GS and the engine is much better, though 21" front wheel felt a little awkward for commuting.

KTM 790 Adventure - wife didn't like the styling. I have been vetoed.

Yamaha Tracer 900 - no stock available any time soon.

BMW F900R - too small for my size, but the engine is beautiful. So tried F900XR, more balanced by still felt a little cramped for my legs.

So now the list has evolved to:

Triumph Tiger 900

Ducati Multistrada 950

Both options are way north of the $20k budget. Time to renegotiate my budget.

[Jeff Sichoe]

wait, your WIFE didn't like the styling so she vetoed the 790 Adventure?

lmao

[F5 Dave]

So next time she is clothes shopping remind her of your power of veto.

Sorry love. I know peephole tops went out in the 90s but, well, I kinda like them, so. . . .

[Jeeper]

So next time she is clothes shopping remind her of your power of veto.

Sorry love. I know peephole tops went out in the 90s but, well, I kinda like them, so. . . .A healthy relationship works with give and take. We both carry veto powers for things we absolutely don't like.

[Berries]

Would agree for a new settee, some curtains or whiteware but this is your bike man.

KTM 690 Enduro?

Not sure whether that question is aimed at you or your wife to be honest.

[Jeeper]

Would agree for a new settee, some curtains or whiteware but this is your bike man.

KTM 690 Enduro?

Not sure whether that question is aimed at you or your wife to be honest.Enduro? For road use? I have no intention of taking the bike off-road (that's what I use my Jeep for).

[F5 Dave]

A healthy relationship works with give and take. We both carry veto powers for things we absolutely don't like.

A healthy relationship works with some respect. I mean unless she is intending on riding it as well?, or perhaps you are parking it in the lounge?

[Jeeper]

A healthy relationship works with some respect. I mean unless she is intending on riding it as well?, or perhaps you are parking it in the lounge?She does intend to be a pillion initially, but possibly a rider herself in the future. I respect her opinions and she respects mine. I'm not a fan of the KTM headlights and orange myself as well, but sometimes looks can be ignored for functionality.

There are no 890s available anywhere yet. 790 is an outgoing model. I try to avoid last year and first year production vehicles.

[Oakie]

wait, your WIFE didn't like the styling so she vetoed the 790 Adventure? lmao

I work with a guy who told his wife "I'm going to buy a motorbike". Her response "It's your money, do what you like" ... and he believed her! Heard the words but obviously not the tone.

I built a large part of a wedding speech warning the groom about 'The things women say' (and what they really mean).

[Berries]

Enduro? For road use? I have no intention of taking the bike off-road (that's what I use my Jeep for).
Now I question myself. For the sake of my knees and my licence I am about to end 30 years of sports bike ownership and have narrowed down my replacement to that one bike. Was thinking 95 percent on road with the occasional blat on a trail with our lad but the reality is that will be one or two weekends a year while I will commute daily on back roads and a bit of 'motorway'.

My first bike was a KMX125. Guess I have just always hankered after a bigger version.

[Blackbird]

I work with a guy who told his wife "I'm going to buy a motorbike". Her response "It's your money, do what you like" ... and he believed her! Heard the words but obviously not the tone.

I built a large part of a wedding speech warning the groom about 'The things women say' (and what they really mean).

Brilliant!

Back in 1987, I got back into motorcycling after a long layoff. I would be the first to admit that pre-purchase discussions with my wife didn't meet her exacting standards. :nono: The outcome was that she was "a tad miffed" and bought a piano which was almost exactly twice the price of my GB400. Lesson well-learned and kudos to Jeeper for knowing what's good for him. We celebrate our 49th anniversary in July so I clearly know what's good for me too :cool:

[Jeeper]

Brilliant!

Back in 1987, I got back into motorcycling after a long layoff. I would be the first to admit that pre-purchase discussions with my wife didn't meet her exacting standards. :nono: The outcome was that she was "a tad miffed" and bought a piano which was almost exactly twice the price of my GB400. Lesson well-learned and kudos to Jeeper for knowing what's good for him. We celebrate our 49th anniversary in July so I clearly know what's good for me too :cool:Congratulations, we will celebrate our 27th this year soon. She's fine with me buying whichever bike I want, she's never been opposed to me getting a bike. But there are certain hints one must learn for long term happiness.

[Blackbird]

Congratulations, we will celebrate our 27th this year soon. She's fine with me buying whichever bike I want, she's never been opposed to me getting a bike. But there are certain hints one must learn for long term happiness.

And the same to you Jeeper :niceone: My wife is an ex-primary school teacher and has been known to remark that it's sometimes like living with a 5 year old. By and large, I can interpret the signals fairly well but must admit the enthusiasm for getting back into riding swamped my caution on that occasion :laugh:

[Moi]

Last two weekends and lots of test rides later, my list and budget is basically gone crazy.

Suzuki V-Strom 650XA - engine is so benign I felt I was on a smaller bike.

...

Did you have a go on the 1000?

[Jeeper]

Did you have a go on the 1000?No, I was trying to not be tempted by 1000cc plus machines this time round. But the shops are open this Saturday, I could go and see if I can take one for a test ride. There is no replacement for displacement as far as torque is concerned.

[Bonez]

A healthy relationship works with give and take. We both carry veto powers for things we absolutely don't like.
She is obviously a woman with great tast.:msn-wink:

[Jeeper]

I thought I should update this thread.

After much much deliberation, consideration and test riding, the unanimous decision ended up with me getting a Ducati Multistrada 950S.

Going through the run-in period, and keeping the revs under 6k is a serious test of patience.

Thank you everyone for your input and suggestions, all valid and true. But the Italians have a certain charm that is hard to resist.

[Taykee]

I'd recommend a later model of my bike, the Honda NC750X.

But probably nobody else would.
That`s one of the variants i`m thinking about. I`m looking to change my old bajaj m125 to a new one. Is it too early for me to change my bike if I only drive for 4 months?

[nerrrd]

That`s one of the variants i`m thinking about. I`m looking to change my old bajaj m125 to a new one. Is it too early for me to change my bike if I only drive for 4 months?

It’s a big step up from a 125 to an NC750X in weight, although it does carry most of it down low, so that’ll be a big adjustment. Once you get underway it’s pretty easy to handle.

Also despite its modest power output it doesn’t qualify as a LAMS bike if that’s a consideration for you.