My main 50 mile each way commute is a Triumph Tiger 900 which is currently off the road until i receive some new coil packs. The Fazer is my Friday early getaway bike (and backup bike) because it is so much better at slipping through the traffic leaving London to go back down the M4.
As a result I have been using the Fazer since Monday and each day has been a bit of a bitch getting out (Monday especially). The main area is leading up to Earls Court Rd on the A4 through to the end of the M4 elevated.
The Fazer simply gets through the gaps so much easier than the Tiger and I can still make progress even when nearly gridlocked - Tiger is bloody hard work when traffic like this.
Now, due to a bad fall some 5 years ago, I can't last more than 3 days on the Fazer due to the slightly leant forward position hence the preference for the Tiger with its upright riding style.
With the traffic seemingly getting worse, I'm looking at what would be a hybrid of the 2 bikes (sell the Tiger). The bike needs a 200 mile range, decent weather protection as I ride all year, be able to have a top box and be as good as the Fazer for traffic busting but with an upright riding position. Must also be able to sit at 95mph with no issues.
The only 2 that come to mind is a 650 V-Strom or a Dullville :'(
Any other ideas would be appreciated. Cheers in advance.
Those are my principles...if you don't like them I have others.
Kawasaki Versys, I've had 2 of them, the Mk1 is great, only problem I had was my 29 inch inside leg, but if you are OK with a Tiger I guess the Versys would be OK. Not as much topend bhp as a Fazor but lots more bottom and midrange.
Hadn't thought of the bar raise option. Just been out and had a look at it and there's next to no play left in the cables so reckon trying to raise them is out of the question.
Gen1 thou was mentioned - anyone know the tank size and rough range it would give me?
Longer cables? Aint exactly difficult, you can get cables and hoses any length you like, after all, the chopper boys use them all the time. Earls made me up braided hoses to my specs for my dirtbike, any length ya want!
(11-09-13, 07:10 PM)Stradaman link Wrote: Gen 1 thou had 21ltr tank, gently will do around 180 range,
Well that looks like the Gen1 thou is out........doubt it will touch 200 miles if i sit at 95 on t'motorway and I get bored taking it easy.
[/size]ZRX1200S looks nice but like the CB1300 or XJR 1300 i doubt I'd get near 200 miles on a tank[size=78%][/size][size=78%] :'(
Looking like longer cables etc (think mine's been raised already).
No thoughts on the the Dullville or V-Strom ???? Like MickVP said....a Dullville isn't the worst bike around (close tho) aaaaaaand it's only a 500 mile a week commuter not a weekender.
Cheers for all the advice fellas, appreciate it :thumbup
Those are my principles...if you don't like them I have others.
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - strawberries in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming - WOO HOO! What a Ride!"
A Honda Transalp would tick all your boxes. I seen one on mcn for as little as £850 (600 cc version), or if you have the money, a Honda Afriac Twin. The prices of the twins are going through the roof right now. A few years ago you gould get them ten a penny sub 2k :rolleyes
Not quite sure what to do with my early mid-life crisis. Ideas on a post card to P.O.BOX 150...
(12-09-13, 11:16 AM)Lazarus link Wrote: BMW 1200 GS?
:eek Shame on you for suggesting a GS over a Tiger :lol ............. width wise, it's actually a fair bit wider than what I have but thanks for the suggestion!
Those are my principles...if you don't like them I have others.
(12-09-13, 11:28 AM)adeejaysdelight link Wrote: A Honda Transalp would tick all your boxes. I seen one on mcn for as little as £850 (600 cc version), or if you have the money, a Honda Afriac Twin. The prices of the twins are going through the roof right now. A few years ago you gould get them ten a penny sub 2k :rolleyes
We could have a winner!! Not as big as a Tiger, all day comfort, 200 mile range, good weather protection, reliable as fook, looks ok.
Cheers for that fella, will start looking :thumbup
Those are my principles...if you don't like them I have others.
(12-09-13, 12:18 PM)Frosties link Wrote: [quote author=Lazarus link=topic=9835.msg100886#msg100886 date=1378980980]
BMW 1200 GS?
:eek [size=0.7em] Shame on you for suggesting a GS over a Tiger [/size] :lol ............. width wise, it's actually a fair bit wider than what I have but thanks for the suggestion!
[/quote]
well if you dont want it for yourself, you can buy it for me. I wont turn it down
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - strawberries in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming - WOO HOO! What a Ride!"
or a Dullville :'( 
We could have a winner!! Not as big as a Tiger, all day comfort, 200 mile range, good weather protection, reliable as fook, looks ok. 