I test rode an MT-09 on the weekend. Loved it although the handlebars were custom so I need to try one with standard bars and see if they are any better (something about the custom set up wasn't quite right).
What other models will be similar power/size/weight/fun? Could be any brand.
I'm specifically interested in similar sizes (seat height and width) as I'm short and do like to be able to touch the ground. Lighter than 200kg wet weight would also be ideal.
I've lined up a Triumph Street Triple to try this weekend but not sure I like the look of it as much. I also want to try a Kawasaki Z900.
Blackbird on this forum has just bought himself a KTM Duke 790 and he seems to love it. He's 5' 7" in old money and it seems to suit him just fine. Light too.
Otherwise I'd have a good think about which Street Triple you test ride. The standard 'S' model is slightly less powerful but still a perfectly good option. The 'R' model also very good and the 'RS' a sportsbike sans fairing. If that's what you're after then great.
I'd also give the GSX-S750 a try. It's grunty, light enough and you should be able to fit on it quite happily. I liked the one I rode a lot, more than I thought I would if I'm honest.
As Navy Boy says, you might want to consider a Duke 790. Greg Boyd currently has a demonstrator in his showroom in Hamilton. Up to a few weeks ago, it was odds-on money that I'd be buying a Street Triple. Had one previously and loved it. Buying a bike is clearly a mix of technical and emotional appeal and as soon as I rode the Duke, there was just something about it which can be summed up as "Buy me"! Just fell in love with it and 500 km later, know I made the right personal choice. Here's my write-up of the test ride: https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2019...rs-go-bad.html . It might not have the same impact on you but that's the joy of trying different bikes. The MT-09 is a great bike but the general consensus is that you need to spend money on aftermarket suspension.
The MT-09 is a great bike but the general consensus is that you need to spend money on aftermarket suspension.
Happy test riding!
Geoff
I'm two years into MT-09 ownership and love it. All you need to do is change the rear shock. I used Kiwi Suspension in Naki. $900 and totally sorted and with the price of MT-09s better than anything similar by miles, it still works out a bargain. I've owned the Triumph 675 and 1050 triple engines and would rate the MT motor as way better all round.
Can't understand why someone would swap the handlebars? Bloody comfortable with standard bars, although they are a tad wide. Yamaha have two fly screens worth considering as well (se pic.).
If you have the cash go for the Yamaha Niken!
As Navy Boy says, you might want to consider a Duke 790. Greg Boyd currently has a demonstrator in his showroom in Hamilton. Up to a few weeks ago, it was odds-on money that I'd be buying a Street Triple. Had one previously and loved it. Buying a bike is clearly a mix of technical and emotional appeal and as soon as I rode the Duke, there was just something about it which can be summed up as "Buy me"! Just fell in love with it and 500 km later, know I made the right personal choice. Here's my write-up of the test ride: https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2019...rs-go-bad.html . It might not have the same impact on you but that's the joy of trying different bikes. The MT-09 is a great bike but the general consensus is that you need to spend money on aftermarket suspension.
Happy test riding!
Geoff
Thanks. I am not a fan of the KTM looks to be honest... I borrowed a Duke 390 briefly (admittedly not even close to similar to the 790) and didn't love it.
MD - I'm not going to get a three wheeler, no way no how the MT09 is a thing of beauty however. I think the guy changed the handlebars as they were too wide/high but I didn't find it comfy (my throttle hand wasn't at the right angle so I felt like I was gripping the thing too tightly).
Budget is low even after I sell the SV but there are a couple of promising 15/16 models on TM in the right kind of ballpark, just a bit of a hike to try them out.
Just read your last post. Avoid the 2015-16 model if you can. First model launch got mixed reviews, poor fueling and both front and rear suspension was rubbished. 17 model only the rear got the bad press and much better reviews.
Umm...for people who might want to go touring on them, don't want to get pummelled in a headwind and need to carry more than just another pair of underpants?
But yeah, in general I think the Yamaha designers who pen these bikes have seen way to many Transformer movies.
Moe: Well, I'm better than dirt. Well, most kinds of dirt. I mean not that fancy store bought dirt. That stuffs loaded with nutrients. I...I can't compete with that stuff.
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