Recommend me a bike.

[noggythenog]

foc i'm scared...............i think i need an MT01 :eek

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:  [color=rgb(0, 51, 153)]http://www.visordown.com/road-tests/livi...z2wo2MSL2I[/color]

[Chris]

They do sound amazing!

Chris

[mickvp]

with an akropovic.....

Yamaha MT01 STAGE 2 akrapovic

[Chris]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDv74GJdgdc

[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/acces...W_F800.jpg


Simon

[stevierst]

Ok, that's now knackered the speaker in my phone!
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/acces...W_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.

[nick crisp]

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

[noggythenog]

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.

Wondered when you'd pop up yamazer




We are clearly as confused as each other :b




Great minds think alike....even if we arent using joined up thinking

[ogri48]

I honestly think that a lot of the super nekkids are just too fast now ( for a naked bike) there's a balance. Have you tried a street triple 675 mate? You will be amazed at that engine. The figures just don't tell a good e nough story, you gotta ride it, it's just one of the best bike engines ever . And I'm still thinking an fz1 would tick all the boxes for you, shame you ain't closer you could try mine

[noggythenog]

I honestly think that a lot of the super nekkids are just too fast now ( for a naked bike) there's a balance. Have you tried a street triple 675 mate? You will be amazed at that engine. The figures just don't tell a good e nough story, you gotta ride it, it's just one of the best bike engines ever . And I'm still thinking an fz1 would tick all the boxes for you, shame you ain't closer you could try mine

Cheers ogri....... I would like to stay in the fazer fold...but trying not to let that cloud my judgement.....but i hope the bike fits nicely....they seem to rev similar to my 600 but handle very nicely.....it will be nice to sample some quality suspension.


I want to try the street triple...speed triple is out of budget...street triple i could afford......they sound amazing....steevie reckons it could be a little squashed.....& he has a fz1......which leads me to believe that the fz1 wont be squashed.........but i wanna try one of those triples just for the crack...been watching some loony ozzy on one who drag races it....the induction noise sounds very addictive..............question for you........would you swap your fz1 right now for a street triple...if not then why please?

[fazersharp]

The street triple is the only bike that has the potential to prise my fazer from out under me. But unlike you I don't do long runs - mostly under 100miles and more often than not will be under 50. I am 5'8 and 10 stone, and think the fazer thou is just too big for me and dont think I can get anything extra from it than I get from my 600, I dont care about straight lines, its wrestling the 1000 around the corners is where I think I am better off on the 600, noggy on the otherhand has a slightly fuller frame    than me and the  1000 may "fit" you better

[Lez72]

I'm sure the Street Triple is a blinding bike. All the reviews say so and people that have tried them on here also reckon the same. I reckon it will be too small for you though Noggy. Someone at work has just bought one and there's nothing to it. Its a spindly looking thing with very little road presence. I don't know if Triumph have done something radical to the styling but when these first came out I thought they looked really good but the one at work is brand new and its put me off them. Besides, I don't think a second hand Speed Triple would be any dearer and it has way better road presence. The Street Triple seems overpriced to me.

[mr self destruct]

For what it's worth, I'm 6'1", 15 stone and I had a quick blast on a Street Triple a few days ago. While I loved every minute of it (that engine sounds great), it's just too small a bike for me. My legs get cramped enough on my 600 after an hour so God knows what I'd be like on the triumph for that time.
Shame really, as my 600 was never gonna be a keeper, I was always looking to buy something brand new in a year or two, and I had it down to either a Triple or an MT-09. The MT-09 is definitely the second best but I know I fit that a lot better.  :\

[fazersharp]

Mr self destruct are you saying the street isa more cramped seating/ foot rest position than our 600s

[mr self destruct]

Mr self destruct are you saying the street isa more cramped seating/ foot rest position than our 600s

That's what it felt like to me yeah. It could have been all in my head due to the lack of a fairing making me lean into the wind more, but I got the impression I was leaning more forwards, with my elbows out, and my feet tucked up behind me. Has anyone else found this?


EDIT: I do have pretty long legs though.

[ogri48]

No, I wouldn't swap my. Fz1 mate, street triples good but not roomy enough for me. In fact there's not a bike I can think of I'd swap my fz1 for, what does that tell you

[mr self destruct]

No, I wouldn't swap my. Fz1 mate, street triples good but not roomy enough for me. In fact there's not a bike I can think of I'd swap my fz1 for, what does that tell you

Tells me I should look at the finance deals on an FZ1 instead.