AberdeenBikers

So I finally got my R1 back on the road last week and quite quickly realised that although it's an absolute hoot to ride; all the work I've done to it over the past year or so has made it a little silly for the road.

Long story short, I think I need something that isn't capable of 100mph in 1st gear and 3x the national speed limit in 5th gear... We all know that if a bike can do it, you'll only have fun when you are doing it.

As it stands, I'm not 100% sure whether to stick with a sports bike or get something a bit different. What I do know is that I'm liking the Triumph range at the moment. Their design team definitely know what they're doing!

Obviously I need to go test ride a few things as that's the only real way to decide but after buying a Panigale and not getting on with it at all, I thought I should probably look for some real life experiences before pulling the trigger...

As it stands, I've narrowed the search down to 5:







What are they like to live with etc etc...

I'm also open to suggestions on anything else that I should be considering...?

The XJR is an excellent bike but doesn't have ABS. If you are thinking Yamaha then I would definetly consider one of the 900 triples - MT-09 or XSR900 (I love the look of the XSR). Or even the MT-10

If you are considering Triumphs then don't forget the Street Triple or the Tiger Sport.

If you are feeling a bit adventurous Perth Motorcycles are doing the MV Augusta Stradale for £9000 at the moment.

Go sensible = Africa Twin or MT09 Tracer or big Vstrom or something else about 100 horses and upright

some style = R nineT

a decent all rounder = R1200 RS

For what you're looking to achieve, forget the 675 and the Speed Triple. Tried the same thing and currently considering the 675's future due to similar reasons. The YZFR6 will need serious commitment but is proven to perform but pretty sure you'd end up riding it as quick as the R1 95% of the time. From your list.....XJR!

Pixie has ridden the Thruxton and thought it was a fantastic package but don't be fooled by the looks, it has real fast road bike performance on a par the Speed Triple by all accounts!

My 2cents worth!

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If R1 is far too fast, then you should exclude YZFR6 as well. R 6 can be as fast as R1 on the road. Try new MT10, maybe you'll like it.

I definitely like the look of the MT-09 and XSR900 so i'll be checking them out in the flesh tomorrow. The MV also looks really nice but with my track record, it's probably asking for trouble!

I should maybe rephrase my intentions. I'm not at the point where I want to pootle around everywhere quite yet, I just don't think 160+bhp is necessary on the road anymore... As with most people, I don't feel like i'm having fun unless i'm wringing a bikes neck and with the R1, that means doing properly silly mph every single time I get on it.

I don't want to start the age old cc argument here but I know that if I drop ~50bhp, i'll be able to wring a bikes neck without being quite as silly. Close yes, but not quite as ridiculous.

If it was a competition of looks alone then i'd be depositing on a 675R tomorrow as i'm a whore for anything black and red but I haven't ridden it (or any of the other bikes in my list) yet.

Having said that, I do really fancy giving something naked a go as it's been a while.

If you really want something you can get the most out of on the road without ending up in jail then don't rule out bikes like the MT-07, XSR700, 700 Tracer, or new Suzuki SV 650. Again, if you fancy something a bit more exotic then KTM 690 Duke.

It's not all about power remember, my Yamaha XT660X and XT660Z Tenere both had 46bhp and that was never really a problem making good progress at sensible speeds. My V-Strom makes 68bhp and it always puts a smile on my face. The suspension it a bit basic but learning to ride round it's shortcomings is half the fun.

Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian).

I hadn't actually considered anything from the KTM paddock. A 690 Duke would probably end up being an ASBO collecting machine but I bet it'd be a hell of allot of fun.

XSR7 is another one i'll check out tomorrow but I reckon i'd get bored of the 650 Suziki pretty quickly.

Tomorrow is starting to sound like a good day.

I would look at the twin wee-strom before the single KTM.

I love the big single KTM, but not as your only bike.

The wee-strom is a great all rounder.

But I tried down sizing to a NC700...great bike, but too much of a down size for me.

For me, now a few bikes on, I think a hundred (or so) horses is a good "ween off" the power.

Thruxon or R nineT are the things to test ride.

But the yam retro "MT09" things are worth a look.

Also the Beemer R1200 bikes, gs or rs.
Solid, refined, and so capable when you wish.

Something in the Triumph 800 cc range or the MT09 / MT09 Tracer sounds about right.

Thruxton R. Nuff said.

Gazza wrote:Thruxton R. Nuff said.

what about the T120

Dave wrote: what about the T120

Gazza wrote:Nuff said.

FZ1. Same engine, no fairing. Big laughs and wind speed limits time at triple digits

2010 Street Triple R? I know one that'll be for sale in the next couple of weeks

Zathos wrote:FZ1. Same engine, no fairing. Big laughs and wind speed limits time at triple digits

FZ1...Not sure that I would regard that as "less mental "...arguably more mental due to a more upright more controllable riding position

An older Tuono then, with gold wheels ofc

There is always the Pan... Sliced or Un-Sliced Sir?.....

The 700 Tracer gets a good review in MCN - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/firs ... racer-700/

Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian) wrote:The 700 Tracer gets a good review in MCN - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/firs ... racer-700/

I'm looking forward to getting a hold of it from ecosse for a shottie, hopefully it fits me better than the MT-07 did, great engine and handling in the naked.... be interesting to see the Tracer in action

the excellent chaps at 44 Teeth have their VLOG on the Mt-07 Tracer out already.

https://youtu.be/fYWu15NKHm0

I actually really like the look of the mini Tracer, will need to nip down to Ecosse for a proper look soon.

RK6 wrote:I actually really like the look of the mini Tracer, will need to nip down to Ecosse for a proper look soon.

I'll be interested to see the replacement for the 660 Tenere with the MT07 engine.

Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian).

RK6 wrote:I actually really like the look of the mini Tracer, will need to nip down to Ecosse for a proper look soon.

End of July it's due in apparently.