New bike suggestions?

[Winston001]

I've been chewing over the possibility of a new bike mainly cos a couple of mates are moving that way and I'm jealous......

I'm 52 and not the keen rider I once was, more weekends and the odd long-distance rally.

My problem with the BMW R80 RT is that it is underpowered and the screen is two inches too short. The screen can be cured and I could put a 1000cc kit on the bike but it would still be 20yrs old. Mind you, very reliable.

The other thing is it is heavy too. The fairing has a lot of weight. It would be nice to have a lighter bike.

Ideally I'd like a rocket that handled, and was light so I'd be inclined to take it out of the garage when ever I wanted.

However I want long-distance comfort too. A good fairing and panniers etc.

The ideal would be a sports bike for summer days with a detachable full fairing, panniers etc.

And it has to sound nice so probably a V-twin.

I'm thinking of spending $7 -10k and would sell the BMW.

Whaddaya reckon??

[James Deuce]

Talk to Bull about his Aprilia RST Futura he just bought for $11K from KTL motorcycles. A little more than you said but has all the stuff you want in spades.

[007XX]

I've been chewing over the possibility of a new bike mainly cos a couple of mates are moving that way and I'm jealous......

I'm 52 and not the keen rider I once was, more weekends and the odd long-distance rally.

My problem with the BMW R80 RT is that it is underpowered and the screen is two inches too short. The screen can be cured and I could put a 1000cc kit on the bike but it would still be 20yrs old. Mind you, very reliable.

The other thing is it is heavy too. The fairing has a lot of weight. It would be nice to have a lighter bike.

Ideally I'd like a rocket that handled, and was light so I'd be inclined to take it out of the garage when ever I wanted.

However I want long-distance comfort too. A good fairing and panniers etc.

The ideal would be a sports bike for summer days with a detachable full fairing, panniers etc.

And it has to sound nice so probably a V-twin.

I'm thinking of spending $7 -10k and would sell the BMW.

Whaddaya reckon??

Not a Vtwin (but do sound really nice anyway), and an awesome touring bike: Triumph Tiger...

How tall and heavy are you?

[Crisis management]

Ducati Multistrada....but it's probably more like $13k.

Otherwise look at Ducati ST2's, fairings, panniers and the right noise, what more could you want?

Anyone mentions servicing / reliability....they're just jealous.

[vifferman]

A VFR?
(But then I would say that...)

[Winston001]

Crikey that was quick!! Thanks guys.

Crisis - as coincidence would have it, I've got a Ducati ST4 up on my Trademe tab right now http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-128016685.htm

Triumph Tiger? Hadn't thought of that. I'm 175cm and 76kg. An Aprilia does appeal too. I probably prefer a European bike but at the same time I'm in Invercargill and a long way from specialist mechanics.

I should also say that I don't ride much - 2-3000km a year. Now the children are growing up that could change but I'll never be doing 10s of thousands of ks.

[Winston001]

Eeeerrrkkk - double post.

[vifferman]

I've got a Ducati ST4 up on my Trademe tab right now http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-128016685.htm

Buy it!

[Crisis management]

Don't trust him, he rides a Honda! Mind you he's right about the VFR800

Ride the ST2 and 4's first as they are very different bikes, the 2 is lower powered (80hp) and has a better torque curve (based on the Paso 907 motor) while the 4 is the 916 4 valve motor which has another 20 hp, but at the top end and has less torque.
I found the ST2 was a better ride due to the better torque curve, but that is the style of engine I like. I have to admit I was nervous of the 916 motor as well as they seemed a bit more "problematic" than the ST2.
The one you have tabbed is a great buy tho, Kerry at Motohaus has good bikes and I would happily buy off him so don't be put off with my "problematic" concerns. If you need it test ridden, I volunteer selflessly!
The reason I suggest the Multistrada is that it is better technology, naked (which I like) and a lovely riding position. However to get all the bits (bike & panniers) is decidedly more expensive.

Lots of bikes to try out methinks!

[Big Dave]

Triumph Sprint ST.

[Big Dave]

vfr800 ...

[vifferman]

Don't trust him, he rides a Honda! Mind you he's right about the VFR800

No, don't trust me, but not because I'm old, just because.

I think I'm right about the ST4, even though I've never ridden one. I just wonder if I should've got one instead of the VFR...

[Crisis management]

No, don't trust me, but not because I'm old, just because.

I think I'm right about the ST4, even though I've never ridden one. I just wonder if I should've got one instead of the VFR...

Sanity check??? You bought a Honda rather than a Ducati!!!!

I have to admit, I prefered the ST4 on paper but when I rode them I prefered the ST2...whatever turns your crank really. Me, I like torque, light weight and handling, simple really.

PS. I do trust you.

[unhingedlizard]

My two cents, try a TDM900. Most underated bike in the world.

[007XX]

Crikey that was quick!! Thanks guys.

Crisis - as coincidence would have it, I've got a Ducati ST4 up on my Trademe tab right now http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-128016685.htm

Triumph Tiger? Hadn't thought of that. I'm 175cm and 76kg. An Aprilia does appeal too. I probably prefer a European bike but at the same time I'm in Invercargill and a long way from specialist mechanics.

I should also say that I don't ride much - 2-3000km a year. Now the children are growing up that could change but I'll never be doing 10s of thousands of ks.

Mmmmm...ok, the other men around here do know more than I about bikes , but seriously, do give a Tiger a go...you're the same height and weight as my hubby, and even though he did say at times that the bike was a little tall, he really, really liked it and sometimes regrets selling it.

Otherwise, Big Dave is right, give the Sprint a try...awesome touring bikes, and the fairing and panniers option would probably be what you're looking for.

I guess you're just going to have to do lots of trial rides...