Recommend me a bike.

[Chris]

A friend of mine has a KTM 990 superduke, it's been great, just need to make sure the front calipers are kept fairly clean or they can seize up. The other good thing is that you never have to buy front tyres  Sound amazing with an Akra system on them.

Chris

[Lez72]

Hey Noggy. I might have missed it despite having read through all of the previous posts but is a Gen 1 in the equation ? Surely its an option ?

I personally think the Street Triple will be a bit cramped if you have long legs. You also mention you like to do 300 odd mile round trips and although most bikes will do this, there are obviously some that are better at it than others. I personally think bikes like the Street Triple, KTM, Tuono, MT09 etc would be a little tiresome over these distances but that's just my opinion as I haven't owned any of them but have considered them. I sat on a Tuono a couple of weeks back and the seat was like a plank. The same as with the MT09 and with the tank range of the MT09 you would have to fill up at least twice over 300 miles.

Have you considered (dare I say it) a Suzuki Bandit 1250 or a Triumph Tiger 1050 ? I'm thinking they are better for a taller rider, have plenty of grunt, are comfortable and could quite easily cover 300 mile stints. I'm also sure in the right hands they could be thrown around a fair bit too. Deceptively so in fact. The Tigers are still a bit expensive 2nd hand but the bandits are superb value for money. There is a 2011 model on Ebay at the minute with barely over 1000 miles on it for £4500 and it looks mint. They even made a limited edition streetfighter model of the 1250 with a single seat cowl, dual exit exhaust and Renthal bars as standard. Nothing groundbreaking I guess but they look pretty nice and the 1250 engine is allegedly a cracking engine with 80 ft lb of Torque delivered at around 3700 rpm.

They may not be what your looking for but if you go online and read the reviews, most of them are positive. I'll probably end up with something like that as although I can dream about a Ducati Hypermotard, MT09, Tuono V4R, KTM Superduke etc etc etc I don't really think they are mile munchers. I'm quite confident that they are stonking bikes but for me personally I imagine I would be wanting to go home after a 50 mile blast if my licence was still intact.

As a side note, Ogri's CB1300 looks awesome 

[Grandma]

Fazer8 excellent had reservations as had R1 for 10 years plus Gen 1 Fazer 1000 but love it now I am used to less top end, very gutsy bike.

[Oldgit]

dontfukaboutgetabmw.

[stevierst]

Tiger 1050. Hmmmmm. Good for mileage, big blokes, and carrying kit/pillion.

 Don't expect it to go round corners quickly unless you spend a few quid on a new shock, the standard one is weighted for an 11 stone rider and bugger all damping! And yes, they came out of the factory like that.(

If I didn't have to spend £500+ on the sussies, I'd still have it.

As for a BMW, well you can look down your nose at other riders and not return the nod. :P

[noggythenog]

 
Ok lads & ladettes.....really good input here, i hope it is interesting to see what else is out there, many of you have clearly been in this position before...many seem to perpetually be in this position.
 
I've been giving it much thought....& i've got time to change my mind....but at the moment it is a matter of narrowing down the test ride bikes.....& i've got quite a short list.....on paper i think i have a clear winner....mainly thanks to some of the others now being discounted really......yes it's a Honda .....The CB1000R.
Initial reasons to discount some of the others:-
KTM & Aprillias......i just can't convince myself that they will be long term reliable.
The others - either not sit up positions with wide bars, or not sweet enough in the handling departments, or too much top end.
But in close competition with the CB for the win is the FZ1 ....& im not just saying that to humour or keep us fazerists happy...it really is.......Not the gen 1 for me though....very nice bikes but i'm looking to go newer, more advanced technology...less age on the various parts regardless of mileage....& i want a nimble bike........the FZ1 is that nimble bike from all accounts......but one of my main criteria is grunt.....& the FZ1 seems to be about top end.....ok so it will be more grunty than my 600....but compared to the CB1000R then the Honda has the most grunt........so the contest is back to Handling.....for arguments sake i can't see that there is much between them....both have trick parts, good handling, 1000cc, & reliability.......See the pics for the type of trickeduptotheballsness i am after:-
 
One factor that has already been pointed out though is that the FZ1 is perhaps a little less fashionable at present & i can see this with the prices...there's basically a 1K difference between the Honda & the Yam.......& that's considerable.
but again back to power delivery...some reviews on MCN...ok they can talk shit but will be broadly accurate:-
 
FZ1:-
 [font=]The Yamaha FZ1/FZS1000 is derived from the R1 which means the latest technology with proven reliability. Injection is quite sudden on the 2006 machines – it’s something you get used to or solve with a Power Commander and some dyno time - although it's much improved on 2007-on machines. A little more low and midrange power would be nice but the sensation of the top-end rush, amplified by the high bars, is astronomic.[/font]
[font=]ok so basically a really fun bike......but exactly the type of top end rush i am trying to get away from....fun....but licence defying.[/font]
 
[font=]CB1000R:-[/font]
[font=]The Honda CB1000R uses a 2007 FireBlade unit that has been retuned for maximum torque and midrange. It’s similar to the CBF1000 engine but gives stronger performance. As such, 130bhp is plenty but it’s more about the torque and the way the power is delivered that impresses. It comes on clean and fat to the point where sixth gear will pull 30mph with no shakes just clean drive. That said it doesn’t howl or really get you excited. It has the looks of something really aggressive but it never really wants to kick off. In comparison to the Speed Triple it’s not quite as raw, but that makes it easier to ride than all its rivals.[/font]
 
[font=]Boom!...just what i was after....but has less character.....but i'm thinking a fat exhaust would go some way to sorting that out...it is what im looking for...something big, handles nicely & has lots of grunt.[/font]
 
[font=]But there is 1 more important factor which the test rides will clarify......ergonomics......how squashed are my legs..how wide are the bars...how heavy do they feel....but i'll keep in mind that Devilsyam appears to have produced a jack up thingy for the gen 2 now.[/font]
[font=]I'm getting close though i reckon[/font]
[font=]Still haven't heard much about those belt drive BMW F800S....maybe not a big enough jump from the fazer i suspect?
[/font]
 

[noggythenog]

 
Another worthy contender......Kawasaki Z1000sx....sorry Lew i overlooked that one but i looked at the characteristics:
 
Kawasaki Z1000sx
It’s the same 1043 inline four cylinder engine from the Z1000. Thankfully Kawasaki haven’t de-tuned the engine or water downed any of the fun factor, so you still get a claimed 138bhp. But its not all about peak power - there is real usable grunt from as little as 4000rpm and a lovely spread of mid range grunt. Towards the top of the revs there's a nice little kick at 7,000, which adda a bit of zest. Fuelling is excellent - one of the best motors around at the moment combining real world usability and top end rush. 

[Chris]

Cb1000 would be great, plenty of grunt but as above it does feel a bit bland to ride, got to try one to see what you think of it though!

Z1000 is great fun, I've had a go of the naked z1000 but it's a licence looser mate... properly rev happy and don't realise how much you're pushing it until you look at the speedo, and that was with the wind blast of a naked so can only imagine it's worse on the faired one. Doing 80 half way through 3rd gear and it's begging to be opened up and before you even put it in 4th it's over the ton....

Chris

[noggythenog]

Cb1000 would be great, plenty of grunt but as above it does feel a bit bland to ride, got to try one to see what you think of it though!

Z1000 is great fun, I've had a go of the naked z1000 but it's a licence looser mate... properly rev happy and don't realise how much you're pushing it until you look at the speedo, and that was with the wind blast of a naked so can only imagine it's worse on the faired one. Doing 80 half way through 3rd gear and it's begging to be opened up and before you even put it in 4th it's over the ton....

Chris

Ye i thought it might be a bit fast...prob out of my price range too
The CB looks the tits...perhaps a little boring delivery compared to other thous...from youtube it is kind of smooth like the FZ8 & the FZ8 looked a little lacklustre in that department....but then FZ8 owners dont seem to care about that so maybe the whole experience is different, i wonder will all that extra oomph & quality compared to my old 600 will it still seem exciting....can't wait to try it and the FZ1 and find out.

[mickvp]

You will need to let us know your thoughts as you test drive different bikes noggy. Your in the same boat as me and sound like your looking for the same sort of bike, something grunty instead of revvy. Only difference is I'm a short fat foccer

[noggythenog]

You will need to let us know your thoughts as you test drive different bikes noggy. Your in the same boat as me and sound like your looking for the same sort of bike, something grunty instead of revvy. Only difference is I'm a short fat foccer

I will do Mick...i'll do my own makeshift reviews
i'm so far away from any main dealers but i'll need to arrange some proper test rides on some twisties.....none of this a couple times round an industrial estate rubbish....i'm off  to Newport on 12th April & they have a couple of yamaha dealers so i'll be defo visiting them....i'll try the FZ1 & the FZ8.....i can't be doing with the MT09....i dont like the reviews about the different modes, far too complicated plus it just looked a bit small & mickey mouse when i seen one in the metal.
 
Foc knows where my nearest Honda dealer is...time for a google...hopefully in the sticks so i can have a nice rideout to get there.

[chaz]

You are describing a MT-01? I love mine, use it for a steady ride out, it handles fine for a big lump, engin is nowhere as smooth as the fz6 or as fast but the 150n of torque means that you don't have to rev it much over 3k.

[stevierst]

I had a go on the cb1000r a few years ago, it's spot on for mid range, handles really well and looks awesome. I just thought it was a bit too.......Honda.
I told the salesman it was like riding a high powered operating theatre. You could ride it like a pro, but it was too prescribed and lacked character.

The speed triple is the nearest contender as it has the best mid range, the fz1n a close second.
But please have a go on the mt-09 and see for yourself. The mode button is more than just a gimmick, it really does make a difference. I was in 'b' mode round town, and 'a/standard' out of town.
 Massive low and mid range punch, comfort even for my 36" inside leg, and more fun than you sometimes deserve. Ridden a standard one, and one with a few bolt ons (full akroprovic/screen/remap). The modded one was a world apart, and would easily keep up with more expensive bikes.

[Chris]

That's a good point, what about the new MT-09?? Maybe a bit on the pricey side but some good finance deals about.

Chris

[noggythenog]

You are describing a MT-01? I love mine, use it for a steady ride out, it handles fine for a big lump, engin is nowhere as smooth as the fz6 or as fast but the 150n of torque means that you don't have to rev it much over 3k.

 
Holy Foccin shit ........they are amazing!!!!.....this is getting the prize for the most oddball suggestion but waw i was smiling watching that video........that would be close to flying a spitfire........perhaps just over my budget...god if i dont get one this time i must have one before i die.....& you are right....it is everything i have described...& i'd love having something different & i wouldnt end up doing silly speeds....it's like the fun of a chopper & sport bike combined into 1.....gotta say i'm blown away by that Chaz..thanks....how cheap have you seen decent ones go for out of interest???...god i'd love to see folks faces getting passed by that beast.

Also the MT09....i'm not overly enthralled by it....but i can give it a chance, they are pushing the test rides so why not...but again out of my budget...im trying to steer clear of finance....maybe at a push if 0% & if maybe only financing half of the bike....i'll see what cash flow is looking like......still smiling about that MT01
 
& the CB1000R...another review about how clinical it is......on paper it looks awesome...ive been compiling torque figures just as a quick comparison for grunt & it's stats sit nicely in the grunty paradise...i know torque isnt so straightforward to analyse into riding though...but i'll post up some stats for a rough comparison.

[noggythenog]

 
foc i'm scared...............i think i need an MT01
 
here's a part of a review with points that i want highlighted:-
The Road Star's engine has now, very imaginatively, turned up in the MT-01  streetbike. The MT-01 is more our style, here in the UK. It's Yamaha's answer to  the Street Rod, or Buell or Monster or Tuono, and whichever way you look at it  and whatever you compare it to, it is one mighty motorcycle in its own  right.
The V-twin is a long-stroke air-cooled, eight-valve, 1670cc monster. An  engine of that physical size and height needs some serious engineering to  contain it, especially when you have some sporting expectations. The frame is a  die-cast aluminium perimeter design which mounts top-front, between the V and at  the gearbox. It goes over the top of the motor making an extremely tall bike,  which is a major characteristic of the MT-01, impacting on ergonomics and  handling. The bike's sheer bulk could be daunting to a novice or someone of  slight build. Its seat height is high, the bars are high and it's heavy.It's no  surprise to say it feels tall, but it's only borderline top-heavy. At 5ft 11in I  don't have a problem with it and I'd prefer this to say, a Ducati Monster, which  to me feels too low.


Read more:  http://www.visordown.com/road-tests/living-with-a-2005-yamaha-mt-01/15658.html#ixzz2wo2MSL2I

[Chris]

They do sound amazing!

Chris

[mickvp]

with an akropovic.....

Yamaha MT01 STAGE 2 akrapovic

[Chris]

[risticuss]

Just did a quick scan through everything and thought I'd give my opinion of the BMW F800S,


Took one out for a test ride a couple of weeks ago... very similar to the riding position of my old 99 CBR600, but with the engine being a twin, was quite narrow between the knees.


Power delivery with the belt is a bit more instant than the chain, but once you get used to it, not a major issue. The speed and midrange are nuts. I remember looking down at the speedo and wondering how I got to 90 without realising it. That fairing, even with the tiny screen is so much better than the Fazer 600. The midrange is fantastic, pulls from as little as 30 in top with no trouble. Not ridden anything bigger than my Fazer 600 or CBR600 so not sure how a thou would compare.


The handling is good, a forward bias, but again, once you get used to leaning forward your muscles will stop hurting and you'll take more weight through your legs as opposed to your wrists. It's got a steering damper as standard which takes a lot of the vibrations compared to a Fazer (so much so that I considered trying to find a cheap one for my bike) and the clip-ons aren't particularly close so you can still heave it around but countersteering and moving around on it make the manoeuvring at speed easier (similar to any sportier bike). That said, the seat isn't as rounded as a CBR so it feels a bit awkward trying to hang off properly.


If you were seriously considering it, I'd get an aftermarket can, as the stock one is rubbish. It's so quiet it makes you want to ride in a lower gear to raise the revs to hear what the engine's doing. It's a bit like the difference between a petrol and diesel car in that you don't really need to rev the nuts off it to get it going, it's good with fast A and B roads. Again, that said, get it up to about 6/7000 revs and it's really fun, very responsive and feels like a 600 sports bike.


You can get them with a host of BMW extras, but as it's a discontinued model you'll only really find bikes already fitted with them so shopping around is a must (didn't ask if they could be retro fitted). A centrestand isn't really a must as it's belt driven and doesn't need adjustment. The heated grips are excellent.... just excellent.


Putting the fuel into the tail doesn't feel as weird as I thought it would (was a very thorough test) though it does help to park on the correct side of the pump.


BAD POINTS


The speedo is tiny, I mean, REALLY tiny (google it) and the needle is maybe 3-4mm from the numbers, whereas the screen is massive and makes you  focus on the gear indicator too much (read that online, and is actually true).


The front fairing plastic and plastic 'tank' (read airbox cover) are a bit cheap looking, especially for a not very cheap bike. The one I tested was in satin metallic silver and would have looked better in gloss. Just a personal opinion really.


By far the most annoying thing is the 3 button indicator set up. Left indicator on left bar, right on right bar, and separate cancel switch above the right indicator switch. Most people get used to it, so I've been told, but I ride with the heel of my hand pretty much on the bar end weight, did on the CBR and even though the fazer bars are wider, I still do on the that. The problem was that I had to move my hand in every time I wanted to indicate and while not a problem on the left, the right (especially going round a roundabout in town) meant that the throttle was surging all over the place.


This might be something you get used to and change your riding style for, but it put a real damper on an otherwise great hours test ride as it happened in the last 5 minutes being on the bike. The F800R has a standard 3way switch like most other bikes, so I'm waiting for the dealer to get one in so that I can give it a go.

And I returned 46MPG on a 40 mile jaunt, which is the lowest anyone who's taken it for a test ride got.

Hopefully that's everything, if I think of any more I can update you on it, but hope it helps.


Oh, and it looks much better with the fairing lowers on (£400-500 extra)


https://www.pyramid-plastics.co.uk/accessory_images/Copy%20of%20resized_ASC3886_BMW_F800.jpg


Simon

[stevierst]

Ok, that's now knackered the speaker in my phone! :D
It sounds like a WWII spitfire. Gorgeous!

[noggythenog]

Just did a quick scan through everything and thought I'd give my opinion of the BMW F800S,


Took one out for a test ride a couple of weeks ago... very similar to the riding position of my old 99 CBR600, but with the engine being a twin, was quite narrow between the knees.


Power delivery with the belt is a bit more instant than the chain, but once you get used to it, not a major issue. The speed and midrange are nuts. I remember looking down at the speedo and wondering how I got to 90 without realising it. That fairing, even with the tiny screen is so much better than the Fazer 600. The midrange is fantastic, pulls from as little as 30 in top with no trouble. Not ridden anything bigger than my Fazer 600 or CBR600 so not sure how a thou would compare.


The handling is good, a forward bias, but again, once you get used to leaning forward your muscles will stop hurting and you'll take more weight through your legs as opposed to your wrists. It's got a steering damper as standard which takes a lot of the vibrations compared to a Fazer (so much so that I considered trying to find a cheap one for my bike) and the clip-ons aren't particularly close so you can still heave it around but countersteering and moving around on it make the manoeuvring at speed easier (similar to any sportier bike). That said, the seat isn't as rounded as a CBR so it feels a bit awkward trying to hang off properly.


If you were seriously considering it, I'd get an aftermarket can, as the stock one is rubbish. It's so quiet it makes you want to ride in a lower gear to raise the revs to hear what the engine's doing. It's a bit like the difference between a petrol and diesel car in that you don't really need to rev the nuts off it to get it going, it's good with fast A and B roads. Again, that said, get it up to about 6/7000 revs and it's really fun, very responsive and feels like a 600 sports bike.


You can get them with a host of BMW extras, but as it's a discontinued model you'll only really find bikes already fitted with them so shopping around is a must (didn't ask if they could be retro fitted). A centrestand isn't really a must as it's belt driven and doesn't need adjustment. The heated grips are excellent.... just excellent.


Putting the fuel into the tail doesn't feel as weird as I thought it would (was a very thorough test) though it does help to park on the correct side of the pump.


BAD POINTS


The speedo is tiny, I mean, REALLY tiny (google it) and the needle is maybe 3-4mm from the numbers, whereas the screen is massive and makes you  focus on the gear indicator too much (read that online, and is actually true).


The front fairing plastic and plastic 'tank' (read airbox cover) are a bit cheap looking, especially for a not very cheap bike. The one I tested was in satin metallic silver and would have looked better in gloss. Just a personal opinion really.


By far the most annoying thing is the 3 button indicator set up. Left indicator on left bar, right on right bar, and separate cancel switch above the right indicator switch. Most people get used to it, so I've been told, but I ride with the heel of my hand pretty much on the bar end weight, did on the CBR and even though the fazer bars are wider, I still do on the that. The problem was that I had to move my hand in every time I wanted to indicate and while not a problem on the left, the right (especially going round a roundabout in town) meant that the throttle was surging all over the place.


This might be something you get used to and change your riding style for, but it put a real damper on an otherwise great hours test ride as it happened in the last 5 minutes being on the bike. The F800R has a standard 3way switch like most other bikes, so I'm waiting for the dealer to get one in so that I can give it a go.

And I returned 46MPG on a 40 mile jaunt, which is the lowest anyone who's taken it for a test ride got.

Hopefully that's everything, if I think of any more I can update you on it, but hope it helps.


Oh, and it looks much better with the fairing lowers on (£400-500 extra)


https://www.pyramid-plastics.co.uk/accessory_images/Copy%20of%20resized_ASC3886_BMW_F800.jpg


Simon

That's great Simon & also good that you ride an fZS600 at present like me.....good to hear the little but important things like the indicators & filler....sounds like it is possibly a little bit cramped though, the F800R looks a tiny bike too but i really like the look of the R, just looks a quality bike....popular in mainland Europe apparently but not so much over here due to over emphasis on the bigger expensive qdventure bikes.....also for a twin it seems that the F800 revs quite high...i don't doubt its feeling of mid range but i was surprised to see that it's torque figure is quite low.

[Hedgetrimmer]

Several people have said the CB1000R lacks character. Some have said it's downright bland and boring - not just here either. Certainly wouldn't be my choice. Fun bikes tend to have a bit of a kick somewhere in the rev range IMO. Linear power all the way through won't give you that, no matter how much mid range it's developing.

I wouldn't worry too much about having more power than you can use either. Most of us have that "problem", but manage to hang on to our licenses somehow. Some of your choices surprise me, given how you like them Welsh twisties (scratches head).

[Yamazer-92]

Haha funny that you're looking at the MT-01, that is definitely one of my bucketlist bikes. Absolute truck of a machine. Out of all that has been said though, I personally would have the KTM 990SM all day. That has been one of if not my all time dream bike for as long as it came out and I was interested in bikes. I have seen and sat on one in the flesh, absolutely amazing. Stonking V twin, bags of charachter and torque up to 100mph. Looks badass in my opinion. MT-01 is much much heavier, as such will not be as fun to handle. Down in the southwest where I am, the roads are garbage so the SM suspension would make great sense where the MT-01 would struggle. KTM may have had reliability issues way back but nowadays nothing to worry about. With some light mods you can wheelie them all day long, dont see why it wouldn't tour either there is a tourer version but it looks a bit naff. Either of those choices are class though. I also like the XJR1300, ZRX 1200 and GSX 1400 too but would rather have the KTM. It definitely matches all of your criteria.

[noggythenog]

Several people have said the CB1000R lacks character. Some have said it's downright bland and boring - not just here either. Certainly wouldn't be my choice. Fun bikes tend to have a bit of a kick somewhere in the rev range IMO. Linear power all the way through won't give you that, no matter how much mid range it's developing.

I wouldn't worry too much about having more power than you can use either. Most of us have that "problem", but manage to hang on to our licenses somehow. Some of your choices surprise me, given how you like them Welsh twisties (scratches head).

Yes i sure am confused Nick.....so i discount the gen 1 coz i want something more nimble......but then i see the MT01 & want one.....which says to me that character is important.....which reaffirms that perhaps the CB wont be the one no matter how much i want it to be........considering i am a fazerist then i would really love to love the FZ1...that is my hope anyway....they are a cheap buy, nimble & full of performance....i think if the right one comes along with some decent upgrades & nice paint then i'll see sense....i really do like the looks of Devilsyams gen 2...that's the sort of thing i'm looking at...it would need to be already modded..those gen 2 mods are big bucks to have to do them myself i reckon.


& another thing after some statistic reviewing...yes the likes of the gen 2 are top end heavy......but they still have good torque....much more than my 600....the 600 has 61ft lb of torque.....FZ1 has 78....& that FZ1 figure is on a par with the tuono, also 78.....plus the mighty gen 1 which is also 78......all good bikes with grunt......FZ8 surprises with 60....so just under my bike so i dont think that will be much of a change apart from the handling....ok so flat figures like that dont always equate so simply on the road but basically the high speed thous do hand in hand have grunt....which is what i want