the most rounded alround bike???

[1/32 man]

I realise most bikes are a compromise in various aspects of their performance but is there a machine that, in your opinion, covers most of the bases well?

Thinking about the cumbersome heavy bus that I currently ride.

TIA

[Black Knight]

Yamaha XSR900-but not the 2022 model,too fugly.

[TheDemonLord]

I realise most bikes are a compromise in various aspects of their performance but is there a machine that, in your opinion, covers most of the bases well?

Thinking about the cumbersome heavy bus that I currently ride.

TIA

Ironically - the 1250FA would be one of my picks for most well rounded bike. Comfy, Plenty of power and Torque, stable but still can have some fun on, space for a Pillion to ride easily.

[Dadpole]

VFR750 gets my vote anytime. A bit long in the tooth though.

[george formby]

VFR750 gets my vote anytime. A bit long in the tooth though.

Speaking of long in the tooth. My TDM fits the question. Tour's, scratches, good on gravel, lovely sound track and comfortable but it's positively geriatric.

Must be summit in the current Yamaha twin and triple range which ticks most of those boxes.

[Laava]

Dl650. Capable of 2up touriing with luggage, scratching on the back roads and ideal commuter. Cheapish, and all the extras are available. Plus easily onsold and retains a reasonable resale value

[roogazza]

Still running a gsx1400, first ride in 4 mths last week ! But hey, the weather is warming up a bit now.

The 14 suits this old fella at 73 ! Not big in HP but strong torque which is what you want at my age.
Bike number 56 since age 15 !!!!

[pritch]

As we age the requirements change. Young blokes are happy to ride around on a a bike only marginally more comfortable than a crucifiction. No thanks.

The Hornet and the VFR were excellent all rounders: quick, comfortable, and a good tank range. The Ducati suffered in tank range. The Speed Triple is not ideal for a pillion but otherwise makes an excellent light tourer.

If I was to buy another new bike with no regard to price I'd consider a Triumph 765, or if in less of a hurry a Speed Twin. Should reality intrude though a CB500F would be enough for me now. The Honda 650 and 1000 equivalents look good too.

The full fat version of the Yamaha 700 also has appeal, I just wish it looked more like a motor bike. Same comment applies to the 900. I don't like the look of the Yamaha retro. Yamaha should take a look at the retro Kawasaki 900, that 's nicely done.

[Berries]

The last model GSXR750. Perfect for the commute, long distance work and fanging it.

Not so good on gravel.

[sidecar bob]

I call my BMW R1200GS a Swiss army knife, it does most things fairly well, and some things exceptionally well. A compromise but a good one.

[husaberg]

AF CR500 on wets

[F5 Dave]

I was going to say Tiger, many variations. But CR500 sound sensible.

[Blackbird]

I've had some great bikes but most have been a compromise in some respects. The one which fits the best all round description would be my 2009 Street Triple (standard model, not the sportier versions). First of all, it was light and had a relatively low seat height - perfect for someone in his 60's at the time and relatively short legs. Performance-wise, it handled well and could keep up with pretty much anything in a real life environment and the flat torque curve meant that you weren't dancing on the gear lever all the time. Ergonomically, it was perfect and it was the most comfortable of all the bikes I did the Grand Challenge 1600 km in under 24 hours event on. Fuel range was generally 270-300 km which was fine and the engine was bulletproof - a wonderful howl when it was opened up.

[george formby]

AF CR500 on wets

I was thinking a tard will do just about everything, had the new GG 700 in mind. Front tyre wear seems to be exceptional.

[release_the_bees]

I've had some great bikes but most have been a compromise in some respects. The one which fits the best all round description would be my 2009 Street Triple (standard model, not the sportier versions). First of all, it was light and had a relatively low seat height - perfect for someone in his 60's at the time and relatively short legs. Performance-wise, it handled well and could keep up with pretty much anything in a real life environment and the flat torque curve meant that you weren't dancing on the gear lever all the time. Ergonomically, it was perfect and it was the most comfortable of all the bikes I did the Grand Challenge 1600 km in under 24 hours event on. Fuel range was generally 270-300 km which was fine and the engine was bulletproof - a wonderful howl when it was opened up.

If you're sticking to sealed roads, then the Street Triple is hard to beat. I've got a 675 R model, and my experience is the same as Blackbird's. Most I've done is 1300 km in a day on it, and it was super comfortable.

I've done over 80,000 kms on my one, and overall, its proven to be super reliable. It still looks near new, so they're certainly built well.