I was doing some reading last night as you'd expect. Mostly in my head discussing the main contenders and how they ride etc.
The shortlist is either fairly long now or actually really short.
Short version.
1. Yamaha MT07
Longer Version
1. Yamaha MT07
2. KTM 790 Duke
3. KTM 690 Duke
4. Triumph 660 Trident
5. Triumph 765
But the longer list also has the caveats associated.
Longer Version
1. Yamaha MT07 (Great but could i actually ride it without a slipper clutch on track)
2. KTM 790 Duke (first comparison thread i read, a guy has an MT07 and buys a 790.. It throws and immobiliser failure 4 days later)
3. KTM 690 Duke (well we know the pitfalls here of tank bolts, ecu errors, KTM build quality)
4. Triumph 660 Trident (Apparently in all tests, the Trident out-handles the MT07 and runs rings around it.... but doesn't exactly inspire me in looks)
5. Triumph 765 (I got off Trinitys 765 having enjoyed it lots... but not exactly set on fire by it for some reason)
That's really where the list currently is in my head. If the Yamaha had the slipper clutch, it'd be in my garage by now.... Which is only half-true because it's 7am and it's not quite that simple of course. But you know what i mean. However that's the only box that the Yamaha doesn't actually tick for me, in terms of price, build quality, reliabilty, engine, handling, looks, then the MT07 is ticking all the boxes. The test ride was excellent and really enjoyable. Part of me would like a Quickshifter, but that's only £225 anyway, so far from beyond the reach over winter etc. If it's anywhere near as good as the one is on the ZX6R then it'll be bloody brilliant and there's really no reason to think it won't be as good.
https://shiftpower.co.uk/index.php?rout ... uct_id=171
Same as the ZX6R and can be supplied and fitted by MSG Racing.
That certainly puts the MT07 a step higher up the list for me. If the KTM 790/890 were going to work time and time again without me having to take it into Premier Bikes to get someting silly resolved like the gear/sprocket output shaft seal, or another minor issue, then of course the KTM 790/890 would be somewhere at the top of the list... Although it's another £1600 on top of the MT07 and that's for a pre-reg, so will have a shorter warranty
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265296070228 ... SwZSxhMOx2
And of course that won't arguably have the QS/Blipper etc enabled as the 890 doesn't as standard and costs £350 to get them unlocked, £700 if you get all the bells and shizzles. Taking it to £2300 over the price of a brand new MT07. Buying a new 890 to get warranty with track pack is coming in at £9000.
There is a low mile 790 on a 20 so would be in warranty until Aug 2022 that's coming in at about £7000
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265335977751 ... SwrWhhVKQe
Which seems a good price, but then we get into the 'been there owned that' Which lets be honest, does arguably cover most bikes out there
I bought one of them and sold one of them for a reason.
The 660 Trident i'm struggling with the looks of.
Despite it not being crazy money and seemingly a great bike.
The 765RS is excellent value at say £8000 but that's for a 2017 bike
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293720636789 ... Swoz5hVpiN
However, a very nice 2017 example, it may be possible to find an 18/19 in that budget.. but even that is £1300 more than the MT07 for a much older bike. Of course you're comparing apples and oranges as the 765RS is more a MT09 comparison than an MT07 i'd say.
At £8800 the MT09 should be a contender.. but that puts me back in terms of the XSR900 regarding power, performance and weight..
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154637667935 ... SwsvFhXgFr
I still think the MT07 is more 'me' in terms of where i am and what i want compared to the MT09.
The only fly in the ointment is the 690 Duke... Which as we all know i love as a bike to ride.. but as a bike to own... Mmmmm i'm not so sure.
