Throwing the question open to the unwashed masses - what do I buy?

[jrandom]

Now I know that might be against the grain but think of this, you can relax and be super comfy at 120 - 130 kmh all day AND you can go for rides to places you didnt know exsisted, so it will add a whole new adventure dimension to your riding...

I have, actually, considered this. A 650 with 50/50 type tyres, and I'd probably keep a gixxer and just leave it in its race fairings.

And, hmm, SRAD 750 with full Ohlins and a newly rebuilt head, or a thrashed stock K2 thou? That's the other decision I need to make within the next few weeks (I'm leaning toward the SRAD).

It would be nice to be able to head off into the gravel.

Question for you - you know the steep track on DOC land that goes up the big hill near Port Jackson? There's a stream to cross in the farmland just before you hit the track, etc. I went up it on foot carrying my MTB during the Colville Connection race in '05, I remember it well. Would one of the 650 singles handle something like that with the right tyres on, or would it not really be doable without a full-on MX bike?

[Quasievil]

It would be nice to be able to head off into the gravel.

Question for you - you know the steep track on DOC land that goes up the big hill near Port Jackson? There's a stream to cross in the farmland just before you hit the track, etc. I went up it on foot carrying my MTB during the Colville Connection race in '05, I remember it well. Would one of the 650 singles handle something like that with the right tyres on, or would it not really be doable without a full-on MX bike?

I was up at Port Jackson about three weeks ago, I didnt cross a stream in a farm as such but there are a number of fords which I went around so as to go through the stream or river (much more challenging) I crossed them piece of piss.
At the end of the road there is a DOC camping area, with a road that leads up to the farm house, there is a small bridge, I avoided the bridge and went through the river 3 or 4 times , no prob.
My KLR gets through alot of shit before its a problem, thats on the standard tyres also, additionally (kwaka plug coming up) I did 400 kms on one tank of gas that day before refuelling, hows that (22 litre tank) and I was comfy as hell the whole way.
I love it, Im about to try and configure it so I can carry my fly rod etc and have a KLR fishing bike !!

[jrandom]

KLR... 400 kms on one tank of gas

OK, a couple of the 650 singles are now on my "must test-ride" list.

[SVboy]

I was going to say a Suzi SV1000, with yoshis, fits your $10000 budget, comfortable[ish], but sounds like things are taking an Adventure turn....

[bane]

the speedtriple has been a common theme, but where do you get one for $10k? (unless it an old thrashed 955).


Im interested in the outcome - looking for something (in similar price range) a bit more exciting than the (zzz)GSXF, without more weight (210kg), and without a crippling riding position.


btw, have you tried a Daytona 955i Dan? If yes, what's the riding position like?

[Quasievil]

the speedtriple has been a common theme, but where do you get one for $10k? (unless it an old thrashed 955).


Im interested in the outcome - looking for something (in similar price range) a bit more exciting than the (zzz)GSXF, without more weight (210kg), and without a crippling riding position.


btw, have you tried a Daytona 955i Dan? If yes, what's the riding position like?

Isnt a speed triple a naked bike, and with some of the others how comfy would they be touring for 3 hours or more, sounds to me like a bike with a decent blade would be better

[jrandom]

Isnt a speed triple a naked bike, and with some of the others how comfy would they be touring for 3 hours or more, sounds to me like a bike with a decent blade would be better

It's not the windblast that bothers me; I'm not a small fulla, I can hold on just fine. I like sitting up in the wind. The sole problem, the one and only problem, is my legs. I need to not have them folded up too far underneath me.

[BarBender]

Fazer

[DMNTD:Me]

Falco...if anyone has done a Norfland ride of old and has met Girvi they'll understand!

[jrandom]

Falco...

Aprilia's answer to the VFR, eh.

Pegs look too high. I'll try one, but I don't think it'll be the ticket. Also, they just don't turn me on. One way or another, any bike I own and ride has to turn me on. That is not negotiable. In fact, I'd rather put up with the discomfort of a gixxer than have a bike that didn't hurt to ride, but that I didn't get excited about, or even worse, actively disliked the look of.

For instance, a certain floppy-haired KBer was cheeky enough to suggest to me this morning that I buy a Multistrada. We are now no longer on speaking terms.

[DMNTD:Me]

Also, they just don't turn me on. One way or another, any bike I own and ride has to turn me on. That is not negotiable. In fact, I'd rather put up with the discomfort of a gixxer than have a bike that didn't hurt to ride, but that I didn't get excited about, or even worse, actively disliked the look of.

Dunno about it being the answer to the VFR,VTR maybe.

Re the doing it for you over comfort...99.9% agreed! You seen my bike right.
To me is rolling pornography however its seat is harder than John Holmes ever managed.
Would I change it? The seat yes.,...the bike? NEVER!!! until the next one

[jrandom]

Dunno about it being the answer to the VFR,VTR maybe.

Mmm, true true. I was thinking of it in terms of being Aprilia's slightly softer-focus all-round offering alongside the 'pure sprotsbike' RSVs. Which, I might add, have never really grabbed me. Dunno why not. I just sort of go "hmm, nice bike" but don't feel the desire. Bit like seeing a hot Asian chick - you appreciate it on a certain level, and you know that some guys are all about it, but it's just not your thing.

Blondes and GSXRs ftw.

To me is rolling pornography however its seat is harder than John Holmes ever managed.
Would I change it? The seat yes.,...the bike? NEVER!!!

Word.

[nodrog:Me]

you could always fit ape hangers and forward contols on the gixxer?

or change to flat bars like these

http://www.streetfighterstore.co.uk/...handlebars/325

[Cajun]

question have you tried a newer model gixxer, they are meant to be alot more comfortable?

[jrandom]

you could always fit ape hangers and forward contols on the gixxer?

It's all about the peg position, dude. Just the distance from seat to pegs, nothing more. It seems to be a little unusual, too; most guys that don't like sprotsbike ergos seem to run into issues with wrists and shoulders, etc.

I've never had a single twinge in my upper body from riding any bike; it's just that I have particularly inflexible legs from several years of over-focused training without proper stretching, followed by being a lazy-arse pie eater for the last two or three. Not to mention a handful of knee injuries from bins that slowly add up over time.

I must have a certain minimum distance between seat and pegs to be able to cover the miles without agony.