New Zealand's 'perfect bike'?

[Big Dave]

(Ps - If you reply to my post, that kinda is asking for my opinion...)

Emily Bronte?....No, wait...Charlotte Bronte.

[Oscar]

Emily Bronte?....No, Charlotte Bronte.

Dame Edna...

[oldrider]

Question for all - Ive been searching around for information on bikes looking for the next upgrade.

One of Hitchers post got me interested in the Suzuki V-Strom 1000.

What I'm looking for is a do-everything type bike.

• Good handling and reasonable power / speed so I can enjoy a bit of wrist down now and then.
• Comfortable riding for long treks, possibly taking it to o'seas for real long trips
• Ability to take 2 up for a long period (I'm taking my 11yo son with me camping etc)
• Be able to get to most places - although I'm not taking 'really off road'
• OK for commuting around town
• Value for money - the purchase price is not that important - but I don't want to pay double for a BMW that's only 5% "better"

In short - I'm intending of seeing 'a lot of NZ' - what would be the best bike to do this on (and why). I'm also hoping to do a couple of 'decent' overseas rides where Id ship the bike also - although that is later down the line.

Comments / debate appreciated:

As BD says, the choice is so personal. Fortunately there are quite a few choices to pick from.

We chose the 06 model Triumph Tiger 955i because it would do all of the things that you list above.

Also because it was such a good value dollar wise as a brand new full spec run out model.

Now 18 months and 16,000 miles (25,000km) later, it is our version of the perfect bike for (our needs) in New Zealand.

Would we buy another one?

In a heartbeat but Triumph don't make them any more! (Still a few of them about, if you look closely)

Prior to buying the Tiger we were considering a V-Strom (1,000) because they were just the best (new bike) bang for bucks on the market at the time.

It beats me why Triumph went the way they did with the new Tiger!

That does not mean that the 07 Triumph Tiger (roadie) isn't a good bike, it is but I don't think it is what "we" want from Triumph at the moment.

Triumph should have continued the (old) Tiger and brought the "roadie" out as a new upright sports model.

Good luck with your quest for the "perfect bike" for New Zealand. Cheers John.

[Big Dave]

Apart from all that Tank - I wish I could see the look on his face when when he sees the ' missing from 'itchers.

Several green blings if you tell me that was on purpose.

[Tank]

Apart from all that Tank - I wish I could see the look on his face when when he sees the ' missing from 'itchers.

Several green blings if you tell me that was on purpose.

ok - it was on purpose

[Big Dave]

ok - it was on purpose

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Tank again.

[avgas]

Hold the phone...I found the perfect bike over on ADVRider:

Its only a matter of time...........

[avgas]

why do you imagine that modern electronics "will" fail? The request is for a general purpose bike, not an off road trail bike.

Cos people like me build it lol
General purpose - postie bike lol

[Tank]

Well - thanks for all the comments one and all.

I had been thinking a lot - with my first cruiser I could have gone for a HD or triumph - but I got a M50. The main reasons were:

a) I was new to riding and it was possible I was going to drop it (I have not BTW) and,

b) I wasn't sure that was 'my style' of riding (if that makes sense)

So why spend huge $$$ and take the hit on depreciation (ie 20% of 30k is a lot more than 20% of 11.5k)

I DO know however that my 11yo son wants to take the bike out to beaches etc and camp with the old man - so anything that helps with that is a HUGE +

Of late - Ive been thinking that Adventure 'type' riding - (talking gravel roads etc) is going to be more my (and my sons) thing (and long touring), but I may be wrong - who knows - I have to spend some time working this out.

For this reason - I think its silly to spend iro $20k on a big BMW, and find that I dont like that type of riding (yes - I have been watching long way round and have been reading the book) - so I'm inspired although it could all end up not being me.

I think I have a nice deal lined up on a new bike. If the figures come together I will grab one today / tomorrow.

I will let you know what I got when I get it home.

Thanks again for the comments all !

[EJK]

Does that mean "Watch this place!"?

[Tank]

Does that mean "Watch this place!"?

No - feel free to wander around, talk amongst yourself, go for lunch etc.



I just dont like to says I've done something until its a 'done deal', but if you ask the question / opinions - its only polite to come back and tell folk what ya did.

[Tank]

Back from the shop.

Picked up a 06 Suzuki VStrom 1000.

New grips, Vetura rack, and a really nice Rider seat. Like new condition - not even a stone ship. Silver and Black.

Spoke to the previous owner - 63 years old - told me he got it to 140km once - never did gravel etc - a VERY gentle rider.

Booked it in to Holshot for a full service - and will throw new rubber on it also.

Best part - Price for it was 10,995 which was about right. BUT I got 10k for the Suzuki M50 I traded - I only paid 10.5 for it when I brought it new 7 months ago - now added just under 8000km.

I know its only the difference that matters not the bike or trade value - but I did go to Holshot and they said to take the deal - there was nothing that they could do to even get close.

Im one happy camper right now. So happy I even went for a ride in the hail.

Its been an interesting thread - thanks for all the comments and help guys!


wahoooo - not to buy engine guards, panniers, and Im off!

[martybabe]

Back from the shop.

Picked up a 06 Suzuki V Strom 1000.

New grips, Ventura rack, and a really nice Rider seat. Like new condition - not even a stone ship. Silver and Black.

Spoke to the previous owner - 63 years old - told me he got it to 140km once - never did gravel etc - a VERY gentle rider.

Booked it in to Holshot for a full service - and will throw new rubber on it also.

Best part - Price for it was 10,995 which was about right. BUT I got 10k for the Suzuki M50 I traded - I only paid 10.5 for it when I brought it new 7 months ago - now added just under 8000km.

I know its only the difference that matters not the bike or trade value - but I did go to Holshot and they said to take the deal - there was nothing that they could do to even get close.

Is one happy camper right now. So happy I even went for a ride in the hail.

Its been an interesting thread - thanks for all the comments and help guys!


wahoooo - not to buy engine guards, panniers, and It off!

Great news Tank but before you piss off on adventures beyond the horizon, a piccy or two would be appreciated.

[Oscar]

Back from the shop.

Picked up a 06 Suzuki VStrom 1000.

New grips, Vetura rack, and a really nice Rider seat. Like new condition - not even a stone ship. Silver and Black.

Spoke to the previous owner - 63 years old - told me he got it to 140km once - never did gravel etc - a VERY gentle rider.

Booked it in to Holshot for a full service - and will throw new rubber on it also.

Best part - Price for it was 10,995 which was about right. BUT I got 10k for the Suzuki M50 I traded - I only paid 10.5 for it when I brought it new 7 months ago - now added just under 8000km.

I know its only the difference that matters not the bike or trade value - but I did go to Holshot and they said to take the deal - there was nothing that they could do to even get close.

Im one happy camper right now. So happy I even went for a ride in the hail.

Its been an interesting thread - thanks for all the comments and help guys!


wahoooo - not to buy engine guards, panniers, and Im off!

Nice.
Mine had Remus pipes on it - and it sounded sweeeet....

[oldrider]

Bought a BRM (Bike Rider magazine) today and it has a "shoot out" article in it between BMW R 1200 GS an 07 Tiger 1050 and a KTM 990 Adventure!

IMHO the article is crap, they apparently never went "off road" and the whole test run was conducted as a "sport bike" run around the East Cape.

I think the preference outcome/conclusion was:

1) BMW.
2) Tiger.
3) KTM.

Well I ask you, Adventure ride?

So many men, so many opinions, I guess they are entitled to theirs!

(IMHO) These sorts of articles do nothing for people such as Tank and the subject of this thread. John.

PS: Buy the mag and read the article, then tell me if I am right or out of order! I would appreciate "your" opinion.