Taking a power downgrade?

[T.W.R]

Just get the wee brother of what you had makes sense, it's more of a riders bike and has enough capability if you do decide to escape for more than a day & far more durable than a motard based machine

[babysteps]

My Duke 200 beat a Ducati 900SS from the Lyttleton Tunnel Roundabout to the Governors Bay Pub. He has to buy the first round every time.....

[HenryDorsetCase]

maybe the perfect compromise is that new KTM - the 800cc twin one? Long as its not too fucking tall. (for me....)

[babysteps]

I'd by that 800 in a heartbeat if it's half as good as the reviews

[JimO]

i remember years ago i had a Z1r and a mate was looking at getting a kawasaki 400 and asked me to take it for a test ride, first corner i nearly dropped it as it was so light compared to the thou

[Hads]

Could always go 2 stroke for some large difference in style, like a ktm 300 exc, no good for longer rides as they drink fuel and oil, however are loads of fun with that powerband.

[Jonathan]

My KLE500 is half the power of my previous fat old GPX750. The biggest difference I noticed, as others have mentioned, is the effect of wind. I tour with it, and just over a month ago I was riding about 700km with an awful crosswind and it was exhausting trying to keep in my lane. Something I never had a problem with on my sports bike.

The trade off is worth it for me, though, because now on a dual sport I can take my bike into places I would never attempt on my GPX, and I can enjoy the forests and nature.

[F5 Dave]

I got sick of big heavy bikes. Also with young kids wants doing long rides, just day rides, although just did 6 days in SI no problems. I had a 1050 but Tiger flavour. I liked the fact that you didnt feel like you had to go fast like some previous bikes to have fun.
Worried that I'd miss the grunt though.
But the 675 Street has been great. Surprised by the midrange and less weight makes up for it. So much better to ride.
New models came out as 765. Wondered if I'd now feel shortchanged. Then I realised the reasons I like the 675 haven't changed. Suits my riding.
Although some days I wonder if I should have got the Daytona. But that's probably only 10% of the time and I didn't want to have a reason to go faster on the road.

[R650R]

I had the two options at once, then lost the big ponies when I started pulling the GSXR to bits.

Supermoto would be awesome but hey mate, I'm only running 80/20 tyres 21/17 combo an the DR and with a lighter bike you'd be amazed its plenty grip on tarmac. Especially after you've been sliding around on gravel roads and sandy beaches. Go the adventure route on the 690 or 701, gives more options and you can always convert easy later to road/tubeless tyre setup etc and go full supermoto style.

I've really gotten used to the DR, love it and its 20kg fatter and good 20hp down on the 690/701 option. The only time I truly want that big power back is passing slow feckers on the big hilly passing lanes on taupo road loaded up with gear. Rest of time you can still smoke people with momentum and road network knowledge.

Also on a small bike/adventure look... you don't LOOK fast, police comms is going to laugh if someone *555 you and says a DR650 farm bike just overtook at about 140(theoretically) and dissappered into distance.....
Plus playing on backroads you look like a local or farmer not a streetracer.

Also getting in and out of shed, park ANYWHERE and easy turning circle etc is great.

Just do it you wont regret.

[Navy Boy]

I can attest to the fun that DR650/KLR650 type machines are. The old adage of 'It's better to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow' comes to mind.

Bikes like the 701 Husky will always be good fun to ride, regardless of whatever else you ride or how you ride it. You only live once so go for it. I doubt you'll feel shortchanged.

[george formby]

Excellent points R650R.

I recently rode an 800 twin and it felt like a toy, I really enjoyed it. At some point I will "upgrade" my big bike for a....... 700 twin. When Yamaha finally starts selling the model I want.

Having said that, being aware that I'm not getting younger, I fancy owning my first sprotbike. GSXR750....

Don't listen to me, I have bike swings.

[rastuscat]

On the up side.

I'm keeping the R1200RT.

And I've just bought that F800ST as well.

Damn you for starting this thread.

[eldog]

On the up side.

I'm keeping the R1200RT.

And I've just bought that F800ST as well.

Damn you for starting this thread.

would be interested in your thoughts on your new ride after a couple of months

[F5 Dave]

On the up side.

I'm keeping the R1200RT.

And I've just bought that F800ST as well.

Damn you for starting this thread.

When was the last time you rode a bike less than 200kg wet?
Motorbikes can be fun too.

[rastuscat]

would be interested in your thoughts on your new ride after a couple of months

I've had 2 of these previously. Regretted selling each. Hence my purchase.