Changing the bike - a real dilemma

**Squiggles** · 4th August 2009, 17:59

Get a DR650... avoid KLR's like the plague.

**Blackbird** · 4th August 2009, 18:07

Originally Posted by martybabe

A GSX1400 is a good compromise, good looking, loads of get up and go, upright ridding position, not to tall in the saddle and it will remind you of some of the bikes we used to ride in the 70s but tonnes better.

Nice try Martin but no commission from Mr Suzuki this time around

. Lovely bike but too heavy for what I want.

Thanks for the compliment but undeserved - striking out into totally uncharted territory!

G

**YellowDog** · 4th August 2009, 18:24

The appearance of the M109 is an acquired taste AND has a larger engine that you already pay to run.

IMO: The C50 is a more civilized looking unit.

**AD345** · 4th August 2009, 18:45

Victory Vegas

Nuff said

**sinned** · 4th August 2009, 19:28

I recall comments you made when I was considering options and I almost bought a bird. In an irrational moment I bought a Hayabusa and have grown to love that decision.

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Still mulling things over but I have an emotional attachment to the Triumph badge from ownership of several of them a lifetime ago. Currently top of the list are a 675 Street Triple or a Thruxton Bonneville, both in the gloss black option.

The purchase of either of those bikes indicates a change to where, when and how long you ride. The bird has obviously suited you well and unless your future riding patterns are going to be very different I would question changing to a naked bike. I loved the Speedtriple, and may buy another one, but it was hard work on the longer and fast group rides and insufficient protection in cold temps.
It is going to be a hard road finding the perfect bike after having the bird.

**Swoop** · 4th August 2009, 19:30

Originally Posted by Blackbird

...one of the problems is that at 5'8", I'm a shortarse which largely rules out adventure bikes as far as I'm concerned

Geeze! You IS a shortarse...

. Oh well. I tried my best for the Adv. community.

GSXR1000?

Originally Posted by jafar

get a cruiser

Blackbird said he was getting on in years, not senile!

**sunhuntin** · 4th August 2009, 19:36

i try and hang onto bikes if i can. over the last year, ive seriously considered trading or selling my virago. but then i think of all the places weve been, and how damn reliable she is, and i just cant do it. i know id regret selling her. i personally couldnt care less if i never rode another bike for the rest of my life, though i wouldnt mind one day buying back her 500cc sister from my old boss.

**Blackbird** · 4th August 2009, 19:53

Originally Posted by Swoop

Geeze! GSXR1000?

I know you have your tongue firmly planted in your cheek, but no thanks; I don't suffer from small willy syndrome

MD · 4th August 2009, 19:56

Blackbird, forget the Thruxton. The riding position is a silly racer crouch. Way too underpowered coming off a Blackbird and uncomfortable.

You might want to wait until year end as rumour has it..There might be a 675 Tiger in the pipeline. That would be ideal. Agile, upright, top motor, comfy and not as tall as the 1050 Tiger.

Another bike I recommend you test ride is the Buell 1125R

**Blackbird** · 4th August 2009, 20:09

Originally Posted by MD

Blackbird, forget the Thruxton. The riding position is a silly racer crouch. Way too underpowered coming off a Blackbird and uncomfortable.

You might want to wait until year end as rumour has it..There might be a 675 Tiger in the pipeline. That would be ideal. Agile, upright, top motor, comfy and not as tall as the 1050 Tiger.

Another bike I recommend you test ride is the Buell 1125R

Thanks MD - maybe not a silly crouch for a shortarse like me and I crouch already on the 'bird! Power obviously is a consideration but every time I go out on the 'bird, I risk getting locked up as it's all too easy. Interesting about the Tiger rumour

. Thanks too re the Buell, but no emotional connection with its looks and I'm just finding out just how important that is!

**Motu** · 4th August 2009, 21:59

Some Blackbird sex....

**Ixion** · 4th August 2009, 22:17

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Aha, so I'm not the only one

.

Swoop, one of the problems is that at 5'8", I'm a shortarse which largely rules out adventure bikes as far as I'm concerned and besides, whilst I can appreciate them; they don't have that all important "emotional" appeal. If I want to go offroad, I'll take our 4x4

.

I is the same height and short in the leg besides, and I manage. ADV bikes is good on back roads , not just off road.

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Nice try Martin but no commission from Mr Suzuki this time around

. Lovely bike but too heavy for what I want.

Thanks for the compliment but undeserved - striking out into totally uncharted territory!

G

I always reckon that a new bike should be one I feel very uncomfortable with and don't really like. Then I grow into it. A new bike should be something that stretches and challenges you physically intellectually and emotionally. Otherwise, how do you grow?

So look around and pick a bike where your first instinct is "Oh no, no way, I wouldn't be happy on that at all".

Maybe you never *will* be happy on it - but if you don't try you'll never know.

Time enough to stick to the tried and true when you get old.

**mangell6** · 4th August 2009, 22:27

You would need to grow a beard if you are to get the 109. I do believe the Thruxton would disappoint you, however the 675 is rather nice BUT does 'er indoors wanna ride with you. There are the Kawasaki ER bikes and the FZ6.