Naked bikes

[Tank]

Well - looks like I may have a buyer for the V-Strom :woohoo:

Which means I will be looking for a new bike.

Smaller Naked bikes have my attention at the moment. The main one in my sights being the Street Triple (in White - just to piss off Gubb).

I believe that I will have to change the rear shock - because I weigh more than I should. But I dont want to spend 18k on the new Street Triple R.

So question to the great unwashed (thats you fellas).

In a similar price range to the Street Triple - what other naked bikes would you recommend I test ride. Any gems that are a 'must ride' - does the Honda Hornet 600 actually make you gay - are there some naked bikes that look the part but are best avoided.

Im not a fast or very good rider - Just for commuting and blasting around on a the weekends / evenings.

[2wheeldrifter]

Street triple... the "R" model would be better with the up rated suspension and brakes, but really I would try a S2R 800 Monster. Take one out if you haven't.. it may change you mind or just comfirm your thoghts on the triple? You have nothing to lose to try before you buy.
I have a Monster, mate my has a Speed, yet very much alike but also very match unalike!! if you get my meaning. Monster you sit in low with the bike, Street you sit "on" and feels that way to me.
Just a plug for the Duc... ;)

[Hitcher]

Aprilia Shiver FTW.

[Ojai]

Moto Guzzi V7 looks the part.

[Burtha]

buell XB9 or XB12 (later may be big engine but body is small and lightweight)
def worth test ride - milk your testride horizon!

[Mikkel]

Mate, just go test-riding and see what you like. Now you've got an excuse :2thumbsup

[Unit]

'05 KTM Superduke, one of the coolest bikes we have had to date and what made us fall in love with going Naked :yes:

[Tank]

Moto Guzzi V7 looks the part.

no, no it doesn't.

[Tank]

Mate, just go test-riding and see what you like. Now you've got an excuse :2thumbsup

Indeed - Im sitting here waiting for the bloke to call (well actually there are a couple of blokes both rather interested) - so Im not keen on riding until I have the folding in my hand.

Dont want to get hopes up etc

[sinfull]

Why go new ? Price of a new street with suspension you'll have to upgrade pretty well straight away will get ya a speed triple thats barely run in ! (if you wanted to go that way that is, but don't let it throw ya)

[Tank]

Why go new ? Price of a new street with suspension you'll have to upgrade pretty well straight away will get ya a speed triple thats barely run in ! (if you wanted to go that way that is, but don't let it throw ya)

My preference would be for a near new bike - let some other muppet take the depreciation hit. (like I have done so many times before - But I'm determined to be smarter this time)

[sinfull]

My preference would be for a near new bike - let some other muppet take the depreciation hit. (like I have done so many times before - But I'm determined to be smarter this time)
Just so happens kermit here has a couple of speed threes for sale ! (rushes to change his avatar)

[Tank]

Just so happens kermit here has a couple of speed threes for sale !

One careful French owner?

PM me a contact number if you like.

[Finn]

My preference would be for a near new bike - let some other muppet take the depreciation hit. (like I have done so many times before - But I'm determined to be smarter this time)

Great idea. I'm doing the same with a new car. I've always brought new cars and lost 50% of the value in less than 3 years. Not this time I'm not. As you say, let some sucker take the first (and biggest) hit for you.

There's plenty of deals around. Have no mercy Tank!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Great idea. I'm doing the same with a new car. I've always brought new cars and lost 50% of the value in less than 3 years. Not this time I'm not. As you say, let some sucker take the first (and biggest) hit for you.

There's plenty of deals around. Have no mercy Tank!

the upside if its a business vehicle (and you're making money) is that the depreciation reduces taxable income. so you're driving a nice car and get the benefit, plus any finance is tax deductible too.... but still, when you look at the $ there ia big cash loss.

something I have to think about for later this year.

Oh, and on topic, if you want newmy pick is a street triple. If you dont want outright performance, but something charming, practical and fun, go for a squizz on a Bonneville or Scrambler.

XR1200 HD worth a ride also: similar money to the others also. (in fact exactly same price as Hornet 600, WTF is that about?)

[pritch]

I believe that I will have to change the rear shock - because I weigh more than I should. But I dont want to spend 18k on the new Street Triple R.


On a Street Triple the forks might need attention as well. I seem to recall a comment by Dr Robert to that effect in another thread.

When BIKE tested the R model they kept waiting for a moment when it became clear that the up-specced parts were performing at a higher level. That moment never came, the R wan't noticably different to the standard model.

Have fun.

[martybabe]

I hate to sound like a needle stuck in a groove but before ya spend yer money on a second hand minter, consider a GSX1400...I know but listen.

$12000 ish dollars brand new!

Naked and good looking

Biger engine than you stated but Rides as easy as a 250cc comuter ,if you so wish

Big and comfy for a big fella

Goes like bloody stink and then some, if you so wish

An awesome naked bike at $7K-$12K, Obviously it's your call all I'm saying is if there's one sat in a shop near you, take it for a spin before you hand over your dollars, worst case scenario is you've had a hoot of a test ride for no monies. Enjoy what ever you get.

[Mikkel]

Goes like bloody stink and then some, if you so wish

And if that isn't enough I know of a guy who can show you how to put a turbo on it. :D

A 500 meter powerstand on a GSX1400 with a smallish guy at the helm leaning off into the wind to keep it straight is an impressive sight indeed.

[YellowDog]

I hate to sound like a needle stuck in a groove but before ya spend yer money on a second hand minter, consider a GSX1400...I know but listen.

$12000 ish dollars brand new!

Naked and good looking

Biger engine than you stated but Rides as easy as a 250cc comuter ,if you so wish

Big and comfy for a big fella

Goes like bloody stink and then some, if you so wish

An awesome naked bike at $7K-$12K, Obviously it's your call all I'm saying is if there's one sat in a shop near you, take it for a spin before you hand over your dollars, worst case scenario is you've had a hoot of a test ride for no monies. Enjoy what ever you get.
Yes I agree that the GSX1400 is an excellent bike. I would have bought one if the salesman had read the brochure. Unfortunately he pitched it as outdated and obsolete technology that has been glossed up to clear. It is very meaty looking and has a lot of impressive grunt. I prefered it to the new 1250 Bandit that seems to have replaced. The Bandit seems quite boring to me. Sure it delivers the goods if you ask. It just wasn't as responsive as I would have hoped and I hated the gearing ratios. So I bought a Tiger instead. Very happy that I made the right choice for me.

Do yourself a favour and ignore the image/expectation thing and just find the right bike for you.

[Road Warrior]

No love for the Kawi??:weep: I have had one since '03 and love it.
No problems so far..just a butt ugly pipe..easily fixed :sherlock:
http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/kawasaki_custom.cfm?modelcode=ZR1000B9F&do=list
Gary

[Unit]

Yes I agree that the GSX1400 is an excellent bike. I would have bought one if the salesman had read the brochure. Unfortunately he pitched it as outdated and obsolete technology that has been glossed up to clear. It is very meaty looking and has a lot of impressive grunt.
I bought a Tiger instead. Very happy that I made the right choice for me.

Do yourself a favour and ignore the image/expectation thing and just find the right bike for you. Thats it right there, well said.

As for the GSX1400 I had a ride on one not so long ago and just found it too clumpsy and, well, mushy. Bang for buck they are a great buy, but imo your better off buying 2nd hand and picking up better quality if you are putting a cap on $$ you want to spend, just know the bikes history well is all.

[Bend-it]

My Raptor! Then I can go get a new bike as well!! :)

[Anarkist]

I like my bikes, like I like my woman. Naked.

'nuff said.

[boomer]

Wanna buy an '07 Super Duke R..?!

[Unit]

Wanna buy an '07 Super Duke R..?!
WTF? Has this bike now got the two week ownership curse :(

[Blatman]

Be a man! Buy a V-Max! :2thumbsup

[boomer]

WTF? Has this bike now got the two week ownership curse :(

Annette, is there something i need to know? do you still own this bike?

[Drogen Omen]

Well - looks like I may have a buyer for the V-Strom :woohoo:

Which means I will be looking for a new bike.

Smaller Naked bikes have my attention at the moment. The main one in my sights being the Street Triple (in White - just to piss off Gubb).

I believe that I will have to change the rear shock - because I weigh more than I should. But I dont want to spend 18k on the new Street Triple R.

So question to the great unwashed (thats you fellas).

In a similar price range to the Street Triple - what other naked bikes would you recommend I test ride. Any gems that are a 'must ride' - does the Honda Hornet 600 actually make you gay - are there some naked bikes that look the part but are best avoided.

Im not a fast or very good rider - Just for commuting and blasting around on a the weekends / evenings.

Buell Lightning XB12s (short version)
Buell Lightning XB12Ss (Long version)
they are quite cheap for a 1200cc bike. like under $16k for a 2008 model and even cheaper for the 900cc model.

Take one for a spin before you say Buell's are shit...

i was also looking at the Street tripple but was out of my price range. so i took the Buell for a spin and loved it.:2thumbsup

[HenryDorsetCase]

On a Street Triple the forks might need attention as well. I seem to recall a comment by Dr Robert to that effect in another thread.

When BIKE tested the R model they kept waiting for a moment when it became clear that the up-specced parts were performing at a higher level. That moment never came, the R wan't noticably different to the standard model.

Have fun.

because I have now been completely spoilt by having sets of forks worked over and using Ohlins shocks, I now have to factor into the cost of any new bike those costs as well ($2500 to $3k or so, money well spent). Thats why I would be tempted to buy the standard Street Triple, spend the money on Ohlins and fork rebuild, and live with the brakes. Its not like the thing weighs a lot, and if you feel the brakes are totally shit, there presumably are things you can do to upgrade the standard stoppers. I think I am agreeing with you.

In Straya last week, the sticker price of the standard street triple was $12500, and the R was $13500, and so the lesser difference means you probably would say "yup" to the R.

Some of the accessories are fantastic, too: particularly the Arrow low pipes.

[Hitcher]

Take one for a spin before you say Buell's are shit...

Nice bikes, as long as you don't have to listen to them...

[boomer]

because I have now been completely spoilt by having sets of forks worked over and using Ohlins shocks, I now have to factor into the cost of any new bike those costs as well ($2500 to $3k or so, money well spent). Thats why I would be tempted to buy the standard Street Triple, spend the money on Ohlins and fork rebuild, and live with the brakes. Its not like the thing weighs a lot, and if you feel the brakes are totally shit, there presumably are things you can do to upgrade the standard stoppers. I think I am agreeing with you.

In Straya last week, the sticker price of the standard street triple was $12500, and the R was $13500, and so the lesser difference means you probably would say "yup" to the R.

Some of the accessories are fantastic, too: particularly the Arrow low pipes.


i think i read that the R's suspension wasn't that flash... I agree, Dr Roberts $$ are $$ well spent !

ps.. the Duke R has some fancy suspenders front and back as stock...!

[Gubb]

<img src="http://www.dancewithshadows.com/images/comet.jpg"></img>
Cagiva Raptor 650
Aprilia Shiver
Kwaka Z750
'Zuki SV650
KTM 690 Duke
Hornet 900 (I'd say the 900, as the 600 is a tad wussie. The 900 is around 110 HP I think)

[short-circuit]

Did you trade the Striple in for a real bike Gubb? Zat your new ride?

[Gremlin]

ps.. the Duke R has some fancy suspenders front and back as stock...!
even the normal duke has WP suspension and brembos all round...

Saying you want a naked bike is a bit like saying you want a faired bike nowadays. The options are that vast. At one end, you have the likes of the Aprilia Tuono, CB1000R, Superduke. Basically, sportbikes with no fairings.

Jump to the other end, you have the buells, tiger etc, that are reasonably capable off road, but 200 odd kph is it for speed (or at least where most sane people stop) ;)

So really, decide what terrain and what sort or riding you want to do/enjoy doing... then test ride :ride:

[Gubb]

Did you trade the Striple in for a real bike Gubb? Zat your new ride?

Aye, I got sick of the whole "Triumph leaks Oil" gag, so I went to something reliable. A Hyosung. What could go wrong?

[jafar]

Well - looks like I may have a buyer for the V-Strom :woohoo:

Which means I will be looking for a new bike.

Smaller Naked bikes have my attention at the moment. The main one in my sights being the Street Triple (in White - just to piss off Gubb).

I believe that I will have to change the rear shock - because I weigh more than I should. But I dont want to spend 18k on the new Street Triple R.

So question to the great unwashed (thats you fellas).

In a similar price range to the Street Triple - what other naked bikes would you recommend I test ride. Any gems that are a 'must ride' - does the Honda Hornet 600 actually make you gay - are there some naked bikes that look the part but are best avoided.

Im not a fast or very good rider - Just for commuting and blasting around on a the weekends / evenings.

Hornet 600 or 900, no they won't make you gay, but check with your boyfriend first :whistle:
Kawasaki Z750 or Z1000 ? nice looking naked
Ducati monster 696 or 695 even if you can't afford one test ride them for the rest of us ;)
Aprilia shiver 750.
Suzuki gsf600 ?
KTM 690 sm, you'll need nuts for this baby :argh:
BMW G650 with a road kit on it. :2thumbsup

[Drogen Omen]

Nice bikes, as long as you don't have to listen to them...

I really cant see why every one hates Buell's... I happen to love the big Harley sound in that small sports bike package...

Guess i could say the same bout Holden's and Ford's... they look ok as long as you don't have to listen to them or drive them...

Mind you Holden's might as well be Ford's anyway with the amount of Ford parts they have... hahahahaha

Give me a Nissan or Toyota 4x4 anyday.

Get over it... just take a fucking Buell for a spin... no one is forcing you to buy it if you ride it... ride as many bikes as you can before you buy...

As long as you stay away from the plastic and aluminum foil Hyosung pieces of shit...

If i won lotto tomorrow i would go and buy myself a 0km's 2009 KTM Super Duke or MV Agusta... but $$ for CC's the Buell is a good buy...


:scooter:

[Tank]

Bollocks - guy ended up going with a new bike - so no change for me this week.

Oh well. I will just keep waiting. No harm done - and I still love the v-strom.

[Fatjim]

As someone with a lot in common (large and used to vtwins) I would suggest for that price range you look at the Tuono. It is very comfortable for tall guys with stacks of leg room. Plenty of grunt if needed and cruises well. Perfectly ok in traffic with the supplied 15t front sprocket and map 2. Only issues I've found are

1. the mirrors work, which means they stick out and arn't ideal for lane splitting in tight confines.
2. Can be a bit of a struggle at 180kph+ with the stock blade.

The Tuono is an absolute delight to ride on sealed back roads. the tighter, windier, narrower the road, the more it begs you to thrash it.




I paid 17.5K new for mine NEW. no 50% depreciation on mine, more like 25%.

Here's a second hand factory, which is worth paying more for if you can stomach the gold fairing.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-212546990.htm

This one might be new.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-178899022.htm

[Hitcher]

I happen to love the big Harley sound in that small sports bike package...

"Big Harley sound"? I've heard agricultural machinery that makes a more convincing rattling noise. And I guess that loud fans save lives. Buell or Harley Whineoglide?

[Drogen Omen]

"Big Harley sound"? I've heard agricultural machinery that makes a more convincing rattling noise. And I guess that loud fans save lives. Buell or Harley Whineoglide?

??? fans... what model did you ride...? my 2007 Buell Lightning XB12Ss fans only come on for about 2 mins when i turn off the bike after giving it a blast down the motorway...

I recall the Speed triple i took for a spin had the louder fans when i was sitting at the lights... couldn't hear the engine for the fans... :girlfight: