The Middleweights

[AllanB]

Inspired by a few comments in another thread, started by a comment about Triumph’s 2017 release of the new 765 street (replacing the 675).

The middleweights. Or mid capacity to be technically correct.

Back in the day the 750 ruled supreme in this class – everyone manufacturer had a 750 in the 80’s, big bikes were 900 – then 1000, 1100 even. But the 750 was a desirable class – even more so when Suzuki cracked out the first GSXR750 – then everyone had to have a sport 750 in their line-up. Your first ‘real bike’ was a 750.

The Suzuki remains – the rest died with the 600cc racing class becoming popular and that market has now lost interest in road going buyers.
Which brings us to the current round of awesomeness – the 700-900cc bike on the market – we will include the much loved 675 in here as you could argue that Triumph started the last round of interest in this category and is now playing catch-up after MV trumped them with their 800 triple and Yamaha pulled out a beauty with their 900 triple and 700 twins.

And we can’t forget Ducati with the sales success in the 800 Scrambler and their interesting assortments of cc ratings – including my most excellent 848 Streetfighter (actually 849 – I want that 1cc on the label!), assorted Monsters etc.

KTM has a future winner on it’s way with the kick-arse looking 790 twin

What’s all the fuss about? Horse power figures from the 80’s to low 130’s, useable torque, light weight, great handling chassis, manageable seat heights (I am never going to fit a big bore adventure bike), bikes you can explore the engines on without having to have a past career in superbike racing. You will still find yourself in walk home territory in second or third, but you may find yourself hunting down full bore bikes with a big grin on your face too.

So if you are looking for something new and are still stuck in the Kiwi mentality that it has to be a thou or it’s just a learner bike take a look at the current offerings and if that 2017 Triumph or KTM look like you maybe wait a couple months.

You never know – you may find yourself having more fun on a bike than you have done in years.

[old slider]

Yep a 750 was a big Bike, the Norton commando, BSA and Triumph were seen as big boys toys whilst we raced around on our little but reasonably fast Suzuki Hustlers, the T500 was awesome, Yamaha Rd 350s were popular amongst my mates, but geez when those mid sized H1 500cc mach 111 rockets arrived and then the H2 750 , woo hoo.

Always wished I could ride like that guy in the video, as a youngster/teenager I probably thought I could, but in reality I was shite and damn lucky to reach the 20s.

Todays middleweights are absolute rockets ships.

[R650R]

600cc race class didn't kill the 750's. It was perhaps the japs unable to make a 1000cc v twin that was competitive consistently that eventually saw WSBK go to 1000cc fours being allowed.
Also from a street rider perspective who on earth was going to buy a 750 four when your mates would be pissing all over you on 1000cc fours that were only 10kg heavier and slightly slower steering.
I bought my SRAd injected 750 new as thr suns et on that era, while it was what I wanted I wished id bought the future classic, the ZXR750R.
The 750 is a sweet package but really the problem overall is less demand for hyper sports style bikes in the age of dashcam *555 and CCTV, plate readers you cant really utilise their potential.

Most of my mates at time had 600cc but still glad ui had my 750....

Yep an 800-1000cc adeventure bike si where its at, still go a to b at same pace but noit looking fast.

[george formby]

Yep an 800-1000cc adeventure bike si where its at, still go a to b at same pace but noit looking fast.

The new 700cc and 900cc bikes from Yamaha cover the ground at an indecent rate of knots. Personally, I'm absolutely gagging to see what they do with the T7 concept.

Will it be a porker or will it be a rally weapon - Will they stick the 900 motor into a tall purpose adventure tourer, a tonne lighter than the 1200.....?


But yeah, na. Pertinent thread. 1000cc sport bikes are lost on me. Using the performance for a quick squirt now and then does not appeal, they often play tail end charlie on my favourite roads, they need space and wide open curves.

The range and configuration of middle weights available now and in the next 18 months is absolutely grouse. Exciting times.

[pritch]

Some years ago a friend in the local motorcycle industry was talking to a manufacturers rep during a visit to NZ by the rep. The local guy was saying that the average motorcyclist is getting older but the bikes just keep getting bigger. Perhaps the message has sunk in. At last.

[AllanB]

I was at our local Yamaha shop today - shitty wet day (some summer...)

There was a lot of people in the shop looking and talking - quite a buz going on really. Lots of 700/900's on the floor - a real lack of the traditional line up of ultra sport bikes. Apparently they are moving stock quickly in the twins and triples.

[WristTwister]

I was at our local Yamaha shop today - shitty wet day (some summer...)

There was a lot of people in the shop looking and talking - quite a buz going on really. Lots of 700/900's on the floor - a real lack of the traditional line up of ultra sport bikes. Apparently they are moving stock quickly in the twins and triples.

Have they finally stocked the new MT-09?

[AllanB]

There was a MT09 tracer - with a seat height I could live with for a duellie thing shock horror!

One of those retro looking ones XSR900 I think

And at least one 'standard' MT09

[Luckylegs]

Just invested in a new gsx-r 750 as frankly the thou was just wasted now i do little more than commute and the occasional jaunt with her indoors. Next upgrade will likely be to an 800 of italian descent.

[Gremlin]

I can see the lack of need of a 1000cc superbike, unless you're at the track (and even then somewhat debatable). Simply too much power to ever use effectively (the speed limit is only about a third of it's potential).

On the other hand though, I look at the stupid tiered system of rego, anything above 600cc is stung with the highest rate. Things like a DR650 or NC700 (which is a 670cc) don't make much sense to me at that point. Stuff it, I'll enjoy the torque of the 1200. It may be able to do a true 200kph (with full luggage it couldn't), so it's comfortable for passing on the open road up to say, 150kph ish. Not too much power to constantly speed creep etc.

However, for learners and other novice riders (so just passed full etc) they've certainly never had a better pick of brand new nice options.

[AllanB]

Rego take is interesting. Not a factor in my book. Costs what it costs - bloody heaps! I've been drip feeding my three monthly - I see it's due again in 11 days .........

Lets say there was a tiered system and a sub 1,000 was cheaper - given the ACC proportion it would not be much cheaper - assume $100 a year.

If you are dropping say from $12 to $20 on a sub thou bike the rego reduction really isn't a factor. ($12 for a Yammy twin - $20 for a MV 800)


This segment should be kinder on tyres, potentially 'savings' there. Or not, depending on the bike and tyre.



Years back, about 1982 I believe as I was buying a new 750 twin Kawasaki a friend had a Z1000 (MkII I think) and he referred to his bike as a lazy mans 750 - that much more 'grunt' you could be slack and change gears less

[mossy1200]

I can see the lack of need of a 1000cc superbike, unless you're at the track (and even then somewhat debatable). Simply too much power to ever use effectively (the speed limit is only about a third of it's potential).

On the other hand though, I look at the stupid tiered system of rego, anything above 600cc is stung with the highest rate. Things like a DR650 or NC700 (which is a 670cc) don't make much sense to me at that point. Stuff it, I'll enjoy the torque of the 1200. It may be able to do a true 200kph (with full luggage it couldn't), so it's comfortable for passing on the open road up to say, 150kph ish. Not too much power to constantly speed creep etc.

However, for learners and other novice riders (so just passed full etc) they've certainly never had a better pick of brand new nice options.

I was just thinking 195hp was not enough and for only an extra 40k I could get a f4RC with 212hp.

[george formby]

Mumbling and murmuring about a 500cc KTM twin keep popping up on the interwebs. I can't help hoping KTM join two Moto 3 engines together.

[AllanB]

I was just thinking 195hp was not enough and for only an extra 40k I could get a f4RC with 212hp.

Hahah - yeah, there is something very cool about 'that guy' with the ultra powerful bike who pulls up and gives a casual nod. As in 'whatever' you lot - mines faster.

[mossy1200]

Hahah - yeah, there is something very cool about 'that guy' with the ultra powerful bike who pulls up and gives a casual nod. As in 'whatever' you lot - mines faster.

I like to lean down over the tank and take off like a retarded snail with the reactions of a stoned sloth. That gives the guy on a gn250 something to brag about later.