Taking a power downgrade?

[Moi]

Have you looked at the SWM models?

...perhaps a SM 650 R?

[pritch]

.plenty out there are drivers but very very few are operators

I'd be a bit nervous about being described as an "operator". I can remember when "owner operator" was an insult. As in, he owns it he operates it.

[T.W.R]

I'd be a bit nervous about being described as an "operator". I can remember when "owner operator" was an insult. As in, he owns it he operates it.

Ha true but most that use that analogy need tweezers & a magnifying glass themselves

But in the realms where machinery cost hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars the distinction soon comes apparent when some halfwits get behind the controls. Same with bikes, deep pockets of the fashionista doesn't make them any better than the person on the 20 yr old + bike. As a german fighter ace from the WWI said it isn't the box it's the man in the box that makes the difference

[Mike.Gayner]

Have you looked at the SWM models?

...perhaps a SM 650 R?

I really don't know anything about these bikes at all.

[Moi]

I really don't know anything about these bikes at all.

Neither did I until I did the old ask Mr Google...

Italian, uses Husky engine, designed for Italian secondary roads rather than autostrada.

Have a look here:

SMW Motorcycles

SWM in Australia

Good old Wiki

plus Woodman in the Nelson region seems to be riding one, if his profile is up-to-date.

I've been curious because the dual sport version would do what I want and a bit more than the present elderly fully-fared 650 tourer I ride. I'm too frugal to buy a new one, though I suspect that being Italian there'll be many who will dismiss it immediately - you haven't lived until you've owned an Italian says a friend... - and that within the year they'll be discounted to clear stock. Probably not what you want to hear!

Cheers

[BMWGSER]

I'm riding my R1200RT for work. I have been for many years. Does everything, comfortable, tours well.

I'm lusting after an F800ST, as I've had 2 in the past, and miss them both. There's one on TM at the mo, so tempting.

Try a 800 GS , I liked mine till it got traded in for a KTM

[rastuscat]

Have you looked at the SWM models?

...perhaps a SM 650 R?

I've looked at lots of models. Heidi Klum was a favourite.

[Moi]

I've looked at lots of models. Heidi Klum was a favourite.

"Was" being the operative word...

[Mike.Gayner]

Picking up my new bike on Saturday, will reveal it some time during the weekend. But going from over 120hp to under 70 is making me nervous, considering I'm doing so without so much as a test ride...

[F5 Dave]

Taking leads from HDC huh?
Fortune favours the brave.

Sometimes.

[george formby]

Picking up my new bike on Saturday, will reveal it some time during the weekend. But going from over 120hp to under 70 is making me nervous, considering I'm doing so without so much as a test ride...

Corners, when you expose yourself, tell us about cornering...

[T.W.R]

Corners, when you expose yourself, tell us about cornering...

If he exposes himself on a corner he'll cause a crash

[pritch]

BIKE magazine did a test of the Aprilia RS125. The thing is an absolute scalpel, but it scared the guy. Basically once you wind the momentum up you need to keep it up - beyond the limits of normal discretion. Some of his overtaking manoeuvres bothered him. Anything, so long as he kept the speed up. He thought it was great but not for him.

That's an extreme example but it's sort of what I alluded to when I mentioned overtaking distances.

Let's know how you get on. Have fun.

[F5 Dave]

Heck I had an RG50 road bike to commute on if you want to talk keeping momentum at all costs. I took it to the cold kiwi 6 times from Wellington despite having a litre bike or some such to hand.
Rode a mates RS125 Apr. Neat bike.

[rastuscat]

I've bought that F800ST thst this thread caused me to. Waiting for Biketranz to pick up from Tauranga and deliver to me.

It's gonna be a long couple of weeks.