What bike..

Zascar

Thinking about a change lads and want some suggestions on possible bikes. I've had an 07 fireblade for 3 years and I love but I want something different. I want something that is more comfortable for two up as I want to do some trips with the missus, maybe with a bit of luggage. However a lot of these type bikes are very heavy, and I'll still be using it most days to work through a lot of traffic. Also want something good in the wicklow twistys where I do most of my weekend spins. Other thing to consider is I'm a shortarse with a 29" inseam which puts some out of the picture as they are simply too dam high.

Ideally I;d have two bikes - like a supermoto and a tourer - but wondering what might be good options an an all rounder?

Any suggestions?

What about one of those KTM enduro bikes, can they take passengers? they look some fun

sleepysniper

Honda VFR800 - probably one of the best all rounders ('cept when it comes to valve clearances but that's besides the point...)

sleepysniper

sleepysniper wrote: »

Honda VFR800 - probably one of the best all rounders ('cept when it comes to valve clearances but that's besides the point...)

VTEC.. have to be done twice is it to get the measurement? double the cost..

Zascar

Funny you say KTM I was just looking at this: https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/ktm-990-super-duke-megabikes/15266472 - I'd say it's a weapon but just not to sure how comfy it would be for a long trip.

VFR - I rode one a few years ago and really didnt like how the vtec kicked in. Not sure though possibly the new 1200 might be way better

Wonda-Boy

Which your dosh I would be a Yammy Tracer 900 SORTED!!!

Zascar

Zascar wrote: »

Funny you say KTM I was just looking at this: https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/ktm-990-super-duke-megabikes/15266472 - I'd say it's a weapon but just not to sure how comfy it would be for a long trip.

VFR - I rode one a few years ago and really didnt like how the vtec kicked in. Not sure though possibly the new 1200 might be way better

Thats nice but I was thinking more the ones that look like mx bikes

Zascar

I was originally thinking of a BMW K1200S but I hear they are pretty heavy - great on motorways etc but not so much traffic and twistys. Still nice bikes and a few on donedeal. Would think about a Multistrada but they are expensive, or possibly a hyperstrada (from the uk).

GBX

Vstrom 1000 for 2 up. Well priced around with full luggage

zubair

+1 on the tracer. I'd suggest this for every what bike thread anyway cos I love it but it sounds like it would tick all the boxes here.

Vfr is a good bike and the x runner version suggested by goose is a very good bike. Neither will be as lively as your blade or the tracer though.

Test rode both by the way.


I think with the ktms and multistradas you've got more weight and a lot more height. Youre experienced so can handle it, not a big deal but it's always nice to have a light bike with reasonable height.

Wonda-Boy

A very under rated bike is the Kwacker Versys 1000.

Pugzilla

K5

erica74

Zascar wrote: »

Funny you say KTM I was just looking at this: https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/ktm-990-super-duke-megabikes/15266472 - I'd say it's a weapon but just not to sure how comfy it would be for a long trip.

VFR - I rode one a few years ago and really didnt like how the vtec kicked in. Not sure though possibly the new 1200 might be way better

Have an 06 superduke myself. Love it but it is a fúcking pig sometimes:pac:
Heavy enough bike and slightly tall, however, I'm 5ft 8" and female but I can sit comfortable on it with toes touching the ground. If there's one thing I've always wanted to change on it, it's the position of the back brake pedal, I just never got around to it. It could be that my feet are small but it just seems a real stretch to reach for me anyway.

I would definitely recommend though. Very fun to ride. Mine has the full akra system so it's mega loud but that's no harm either.

As regards comfort, I find it very comfy, however, I ride my bike everyday, no car so my idea of "comfort" would probably be different to most people - if it's all you're used to, you don't know any different.

Pugzilla

Pugzilla wrote: »

K5

Mate , thats a 12 year old bike at this stage. who the hell would buy one of them now no matter how good

Pugzilla

Saul Polite Quicksand wrote: »

Mate , thats a 12 year old bike at this stage. who the hell would buy one of them now no matter how good

Half the Biker.ie forum apparently....

Pugzilla

Pugzilla wrote: »

Half the Biker.ie forum apparently....

So you just said it because its the cool thing to say?

They know everything, or in reality absolutely nothing. I wouldnt swap my K7 for a K5 if you paid me 2 grand, I dunno what they are on about tbh. Its newer because its better. Biker.ie is full of lads who cant afford to spend more than 4k on a bike, nothing wrong with that but it limits their opinions and what questions to ask.

You ask what 2012-2015 bike to buy with 8k on there and are told to buy a near 20 year old bike and change the forks haha

CaptainR

Saul Polite Quicksand wrote: »

Mate , thats a 12 year old bike at this stage. who the hell would buy one of them now no matter how good

12 years old? Its not a bloody greyhound, its not gonna get frail and forgetful. A well looked after 12 year old bike is still very reliable. My aul fella commutes 400 miles a week on a 99 'Busa and its never let him down.

CaptainR

CaptainR wrote: »

12 years old? Its not a bloody greyhound, its not gonna get frail and forgetful. A well looked after 12 year old bike is still very reliable. My aul fella commutes 400 miles a week on a 99 'Busa and its never let him down.

Doesn't matter what your old lad had. This guy has had an 07 fireblade for 3 years, i.e he wants a newish bike (over 2010) not some 15 year old rat trap

It's not always about reliability, sometimes people just want something newer and more shiny. Who gives a **** about reliability if you capable of fixing it yourself or can pay to have it done?

Don't mean to be bent but that's the way it is, some people have money to spend and that's it.

blade1

Tracer or Tiger1050 sport.
You can get lowering links if you feel the need.

Zascar

Would not want to go much older you are right - but why would I want a K5 when I have a Fireblade now and looking for something different?

Will take a look at the ones suggested thanks lads. Tracer and Versys would not really excite me much though. Want something a bit special. KTM could be a great option - Erica why exactly is it a pig? My old 749 was a bit of a pig at times and its funny I almost miss it - gave it a bit of character.

If I could afford it I'd have 2 bikes. I'd get something like a Hypermotard and then a more relaxed tourer for longer spins.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Best thing to do is visit the showrooms like BW etc, throw your leg over a few new and secondhand bikes and then maybe ask a forum for its opinion when you've narrowed down the field.

I'm 6'1'' so I'm not going to suggest anything with a low seat height, because its never something I've had to consider (in fact I go the opposite direct and look for taller bikes).

Best of luck with your hunt, sorry I can't be more helpful then suggesting you try on a few for size in the showrooms but its where I'd start. Another plus for the showrooms, esp one like Bikeworld is if you visit on a busy Saturday you'll almost certainly getting chatting to other bikers and you'll get their opinions on what they're riding or what they've rode on in the past and not someone on a forum with no experience and just running with what the cool kids say.

The K5 suggestion is hilarious.

Pugzilla

You realise the K5 suggestion was a joke?

Seems to have gone over everyone's heads here.

The_Chap

Keep the blade and get something for touring trips??

Had a gsxr750 and a vfr800 together before and was the perfect combination, until I wrote the vfr off that is haha

Reindeer

The_Chap wrote: »

Keep the blade and get something for touring trips??

Had a gsxr750 and a vfr800 together before and was the perfect combination, until I wrote the vfr off that is haha

Keep the blade. Add the Dyna.

Wonda-Boy

Spyder Can am is different and you would look well on it Zascar.....:pac::pac:

The_Chap

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Spyder Can am is different and you would look well on it Zascar.....:pac::pac:

:eek:

mamax

Keep the blade and pick up an early pan for the 2 up rides

Something like this https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/honda-pan-european-st1100-abs-model-price-drop-/15130803

erica74

Zascar wrote: »

KTM could be a great option - Erica why exactly is it a pig? My old 749 was a bit of a pig at times and its funny I almost miss it - gave it a bit of character.

Ah probably a bit like your 749, there's just something I can't put into words that makes me describe it as a pig but, like you say yourself, lots of character.
It's not a bad bike but just needs to be tamed a bit. I always find with the superduke, it feels best when you're going at a nice steady pace, when I'm down in the low revs while filtering and the like, it just doesn't like it compared to other bikes I've had (but they were smaller engines so that would have had a lot to do with it).
If you could get one for a test drive I'd say you'd love it, friends of mine who have taken mine for a spin have tried to convince me to sell it.
The other thing to bear in mind is that I have found KTM not easy to deal with and parts can be expensive. I've had a bit of hassle with them, delays getting parts and the like. Certainly more difficult than dealing with Honda but people may say the same about Ducati and Triumph etc.

My experience with my superduke would be that it's definitely suitable for longer spins. It feels very comfortable high up in the gears spinning along taking in the scenery but it's also a beast for the speed if you fancy it.

One piece of advice I'd give is to keep the calipers serviced and well looked after because they can be really problematic if not looked after properly. That's my experience anyway and I've had it about 4 years now.

Richard tea

I was going to suggest the Tracer.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2015/october/mcn-awards-2015-best-all-rounder/

Im not sure if an ''all rounder'' truly exists. Alot come close but IMO 2 bikes is the way to go if the budget and space can stretch. I have my NC750 mile muncher for commuting and recently picked up a blackbird for the good sunny days to break the monotony.

SmartinMartin

What about a late model Suzuki GSX1250GT? Brilliant all rounder, can hoon with the best of them and cross continents 2-up with ease;

free upload picturescertificity.com

Zascar

Yeah you are prob right there is no perfect all rounder bike. In reality I'm not sure how many big trips I'd really do with the missus. Would be nice to have the option but might be silly to buy a bike for it if I only every do one. Something that is comfy for a day long spin might be enough, or I could strap some luggage on the back to any bike really. Tracer looks great but out of budget.

A blackbird might be a good bet. I don't like the look of them much but still they are great bikes. What about a Busa? Any use with a pillion? I remember sitting on one and surprised by how low and comfy they were. Still might be big and heavy.

I'll definitely go around a few shops and see what I can find.

Zascar

Zascar wrote: »

Yeah you are prob right there is no perfect all rounder bike. In reality I'm not sure how many big trips I'd really do with the missus. Would be nice to have the option but might be silly to buy a bike for it if I only every do one. Something that is comfy for a day long spin might be enough, or I could strap some luggage on the back to any bike really. Tracer looks great but out of budget.

A blackbird might be a good bet. I don't like the look of them much but still they are great bikes. What about a Busa? Any use with a pillion? I remember sitting on one and surprised by how low and comfy they were. Still might be big and heavy.

I'll definitely go around a few shops and see what I can find.

If you look at how often you will bring her one the back of it , realistically it will probably it be not very often . Buy the bike for yourself and think about a pillion after , a sportsbike is probably it the worst for carrying passengers so your not starting from a high base. Anything you buy diff will be an improvement on it in that regard

batman_oh

Saul Polite Quicksand wrote: »

Mate , thats a 12 year old bike at this stage. who the hell would buy one of them now no matter how good

Why wouldn't you? It's a better pure road bike than almost all of the newer litre sportsbikes. It might not be what the OP wants but to suggest nobody should want one is a bit special.

CaptainR

Zascar wrote: »

Yeah you are prob right there is no perfect all rounder bike. In reality I'm not sure how many big trips I'd really do with the missus. Would be nice to have the option but might be silly to buy a bike for it if I only every do one. Something that is comfy for a day long spin might be enough, or I could strap some luggage on the back to any bike really. Tracer looks great but out of budget.

A blackbird might be a good bet. I don't like the look of them much but still they are great bikes. What about a Busa? Any use with a pillion? I remember sitting on one and surprised by how low and comfy they were. Still might be big and heavy.

I'll definitely go around a few shops and see what I can find.

As I mentioned already my dad has a hayabusa, I think they're around the 250kg mark, the original model anyway. They're no sport bike but a lot lighter than a tourer or cruiser.

If you are looking for a very cheap sport tourer, an older CBR1000F isn't bad. I know someone who brought their wife around France and it didn't miss a beat and was comfy for all.

Pugzilla

Did you consider getting your wife a bike of her own?

Zascar

Yes that is definitely under consideration - however she's only just begun the car licence application so will be quite a while. Mainly though, we sometimes go cycling together and she's just so dam slow I refuse to go any more. Not sure she'd be much different with a motor haha

zubair

I wouldn't trust my missus on a bike. I gave her the scooter keys in Thailand and the thing was on the deck before you can say "cover the brakes!".

But mainly i would worry loads; I can empathise with any friends or family that worry about me when I think about it that way.

So do you have a top 5 list yet Zascar?

Zascar

Yeah I'd really worry about that too. Maybe something for a few years but not soon anyway.

In terms of bikes just not sure yet, still loads of ideas going around my head. Right now looking at Ducati's and KTM's. I'd really love a Multistrada to be honest - ticks a lot of boxes and from what I read they seem to be fantastic - but they are big, and tall. Going to go test one and see, you can get a lower seat and it might be ok. Hyperstrada loks really cool too. More practical version of the Hypermotard which I really love. I'd have to go to the UK for one of those but I think there is an opportunity to get a better deal in the UK - Sterling is low and much better/bigger selection.

Still like the KTM's also - the Superduke 990 etc, few of them around. I hear they are savage craic to ride.

That's my thinking for now anyway - it may change but I think I want to do something in the next month or two. Might stick the blade up for sale and then see what I have to play with. Any guesses what a 2008 (RR&) in HRC Colours, with 15,000km on the clock be worth?

Wonda-Boy

Take a trip up to McCallens, they have a hell of alot of bikes under one roof. You will deffo have a good idea about size and style leaving there, I hear they are a little stricter on test rides nowadays but if you ring ahead there be no probs.

They do KTM, Kawasaki, Triumph and then have a good selection of used bikes too.

stewygriffin

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Take a trip up to McCallens, they have a hell of alot of bikes under one roof. You will deffo have a good idea about size and style leaving there, I hear they are a little stricter on test rides nowadays but if you ring ahead there be no probs.

They do KTM, Kawasaki, Triumph and then have a good selection of used bikes too.

Theres ways around that.;)

Wonda-Boy

I had the that bike out aswell for an hour, stupid o clock fast but just something about it I didnt gel with. Found the engine to be very harsh and vibey but maybe because I am used to the i4 not a twin, really nice bike all the same.

Zascar

Savage bike - would love one. Not cheap though, 990's are way more reasonable. Will have to take a spin up and see

Wonda-Boy

Not very versatile either TBH, you can get a "Touring" version lol which adds soft luggage and hand gaurds but its a joke really (touring option not the bike). I think a nice sports tourer will suit you zascar, the days of sloppy ST are long gone they are quick as **** now and can do it all. The vast majority of people would not have the skill or ability to push them to their limits....great all round choice Sports Tourers.

I think a newer shape Tiger 1050 sport would be right up your ally, Noel who goes on the spins has one and its one of the best all round bikes I have ever been on.

[URL="[IMG]http://i67.tinypic.com/ruvdzl.jpg[/IMG]"][/URL]

stewygriffin

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

I had the that bike out aswell for an hour, stupid o clock fast but just something about it I didnt gel with. Found the engine to be very harsh and vibey but maybe because I am used to the i4 not a twin, really nice bike all the same.

I liked the engine torque and power delivery,but Im tall and I was the wind deflector.
The day I took it out was cold and windy and my head was nearly getting snapped back from the wind bashing me around.

The GT version has better screen and wind protection.

erica74

Zascar wrote: »

Yes that is definitely under consideration - however she's only just begun the car licence application so will be quite a while. Mainly though, we sometimes go cycling together and she's just so dam slow I refuse to go any more. Not sure she'd be much different with a motor haha

It's funny, one of my friends learned to ride about a year ago and beforehand I thought for sure she just wouldn't take to it at all but she really surprised me and was moved from a 125 to a 600 on the first day of her IBT because the trainer was so impressed with her.

Has your gf/wife ever been on a bike on her own at all?
My friend hadn't, she had never even sat on a bike before the first day of her IBT.

Zascar wrote: »

Still like the KTM's also - the Superduke 990 etc, few of them around. I hear they are savage craic to ride.

They are:cool: and there does seem to be a lot of them around.

Zascar

She's been on the back of the blade a good bit, she loves it. Wants to go faster even when I give it stick. But I'm not sure I'd want to encourage her to go fast. I'd still be very worried - she's dangerous enough on the pushbike as it is

frozenfrozen

get her a zzr 1400

flatty

erica74 wrote: »

Zascar wrote: »

Yes that is definitely under consideration - however she's only just begun the car licence application so will be quite a while. Mainly though, we sometimes go cycling together and she's just so dam slow I refuse to go any more. Not sure she'd be much different with a motor haha

It's funny, one of my friends learned to ride about a year ago and beforehand I thought for sure she just wouldn't take to it at all but she really surprised me and was moved from a 125 to a 600 on the first day of her IBT because the trainer was so impressed with her.

Has your gf/wife ever been on a bike on her own at all?
My friend hadn't, she had never even sat on a bike before the first day of her IBT.

Zascar wrote: »

Still like the KTM's also - the Superduke 990 etc, few of them around. I hear they are savage craic to ride.

They are:cool: and there does seem to be a lot of them around.

What about an xdiavel?
As an aside, I found a 600 far easier to ride than a 125 when I was learning fairly recently.

flatty

erica74 wrote: »

Zascar wrote: »

Yes that is definitely under consideration - however she's only just begun the car licence application so will be quite a while. Mainly though, we sometimes go cycling together and she's just so dam slow I refuse to go any more. Not sure she'd be much different with a motor haha

It's funny, one of my friends learned to ride about a year ago and beforehand I thought for sure she just wouldn't take to it at all but she really surprised me and was moved from a 125 to a 600 on the first day of her IBT because the trainer was so impressed with her.

Has your gf/wife ever been on a bike on her own at all?
My friend hadn't, she had never even sat on a bike before the first day of her IBT.

Zascar wrote: »

Still like the KTM's also - the Superduke 990 etc, few of them around. I hear they are savage craic to ride.

They are:cool: and there does seem to be a lot of them around.

What about an xdiavel?
As an aside, I found a 600 far easier to ride than a 125 when I was learning fairly recently.

nlrkjos

Blackbird... you can pick up them up handy for sale... I'm a 30" leg and find the "bird" great for two up touring with full luggage..meself and the auld doll have traveled europe over the last six years doing almost 70,000k and never had a problem, also use it just about town, clutch is a wee bit heavy but no worries about weight or height in traffic, with the Blackbird you can scratch-commute and tour easy.

Cienciano

Zascar wrote: »

Thinking about a change lads and want some suggestions on possible bikes. I've had an 07 fireblade for 3 years and I love but I want something different. I want something that is more comfortable for two up as I want to do some trips with the missus, maybe with a bit of luggage. However a lot of these type bikes are very heavy, and I'll still be using it most days to work through a lot of traffic. Also want something good in the wicklow twistys where I do most of my weekend spins. Other thing to consider is I'm a shortarse with a 29" inseam which puts some out of the picture as they are simply too dam high.

Ideally I;d have two bikes - like a supermoto and a tourer - but wondering what might be good options an an all rounder?

Any suggestions?

There is one bike that ticks all the boxes. A ducati multistrada. You'll need to check seat heights, probably a lower saddle too, but the machine ticks all the above boxes imho.
If you wanted 2 bikes, a hypermotard and a cheap st1100 for touring. Obviously you get the expense of running 2 bikes, but it's doable.