Second bike musings

[tricol]

So, I'm beginning to think more and more about a second bike.

As I'm a fair weather rider, and genuinely hate getting the MT dirty, perhaps I need something that I'm not bothered about so much. I actually don't mind riding in crap weather, I just like the MT being my pride and joy and looking it's best as much as possible. And I'm overly cautious in the rain.

Anyway, do I get something utterly boring, but dependable that I can go touring on, or sod the boring idea and get a track bike? I'd like to do more and more trackdays, but the overall expense might get a bit ridiculous, what with the rising costs of attending them. I can't decide what I would like more.

I'd say my limit would be £7.5k, absolute max.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

Get a WR450

[KungFooBob]

If there's opportunity to do some trail riding near(ish) you, then get a little trailie, like one of them Voge 300's.

[Dodgy69]

Honestly, I'd get something small. Your MT can do the track. There's something really relaxing and enjoyable about bimbling around at 50/60 mph. You just need to be on the nice roads.

[Horse]

or sod the boring idea and get a track bike? I'd like to do more and more trackdays, but the overall expense might get a bit ridiculous, what with the rising costs of attending them.

I'd say my limit would be £7.5k, absolute max.

If a track bike, would you need to deduct a trailer, etc., from that amount?

[Bustaspoke]

If you just want something cheap & cheerful as a winter hack there's plenty of bikes out there,Ebay or FB market place etc.If you want something to do track days with,have a look for a Japanese supersport.Fancy a thumper & some minor green laning then maybe a KTM,DRZ 400 or one of those Voges.
I bought my SV650 as a cheap winter hack and bargain V twin experience,it's worked out well,unlike my thumper rebuild experience PITA XT600..
Have a think about what you want from a second bike,in these times you can get a lot for 7.5k!

[tricol]

On the track bike, what I mean is something more focused than the MT. Not something that will have no plate and slicks. But again, I'm limiting myself to the type of ride I can do.

Not interested in something off road, I've got my MTB for that.

It won't be for commuting. Something sports touring based that protects me more than a naked but let's me, in my head, go out in most weather. I do like the Tiger 660, but a bit pricey at the moment. Not arsed about horsepower really.

[Dodgy69]

Not arsed about hp, join the club.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/235241427634 ... media=COPY

[Bustaspoke]

In that case in no particular order I'd be looking at Honda CBR650F/Kawasaki Versys/ Suzuki 650 V-Strom/ Yamaha Tracer

[Skub]

I've been at this point of musing a few times, but I realised that forcing another bike on yourself when you're not sure what you want, or if you want one at all, doesn't make much sense, so why not just wait until you see something you really want and then buy it.

If you want an old shitter just to get to work or ride on bad days then do an ebay search for the closest bikes nearby and buy the best of the bunch.

Pretty much this.

If bikes are your passion,then only buy/own what really blows your skirt up,that's different for everyone. If a particular bike doesn't make you want to ride it/polish it/look at it,then it can be just a tool for the job and a bit meh. Nothing wrong with a tool for the job in the right context,it all depends on the reason for wanting the bike.

[Mr Moofo]

Isn't the usual answer "Panigale"?

[Demannu]

Isn't the usual answer "Panigale"?

Innova iirc

[Bigyin]

I went down the auld shitter route when i needed a second bike for the instructor gig. At the time it was a 20 year old, no current MOT 24000 mile FZ600 Fazer for £800.



Turned out to be a bargain i have kept for the past 3 years, ridden all year round teaching and commuting and now on 47000 miles. It will be used again this winter as a hack

[Count Steer]

I went down the auld shitter route when i needed a second bike for the instructor gig. At the time it was a 20 year old, no current MOT 24000 mile FZ600 Fazer for £800.



Turned out to be a bargain i have kept for the past 3 years, ridden all year round teaching and commuting and now on 47000 miles. It will be used again this winter as a hack

An old shitter for £800....with an Akro on that costs...£500+?

[Bigyin]

An old shitter for £800....with an Akro on that costs...£500+?

Its a generic end can with a badge on it .......but dont tell anyone

[Skub]

I went down the auld shitter route when i needed a second bike for the instructor gig. At the time it was a 20 year old, no current MOT 24000 mile FZ600 Fazer for £800.



Turned out to be a bargain i have kept for the past 3 years, ridden all year round teaching and commuting and now on 47000 miles. It will be used again this winter as a hack

An old shitter for £800....with an Akro on that costs...£500+?

I'd say it's more like a can with an Akrapovic sticker.....

[Bustaspoke]

I went down the auld shitter route when i needed a second bike for the instructor gig. At the time it was a 20 year old, no current MOT 24000 mile FZ600 Fazer for £800.

Turned out to be a bargain i have kept for the past 3 years, ridden all year round teaching and commuting and now on 47000 miles. It will be used again this winter as a hack

I always liked the look of those Fazer's,it's a pity they don't do a modern version.

[tricol]

Thanks for all the replies.

I think on the touring front, something like a Tracer/V-Strom is most likely, as suggested above.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

Why not buy a 2nd MT, you can have one to ride and one to polish

[Dodgy69]

Tracer is almost what you've got now, far too samey. I've always liked these, earlier one's did have challenging headlights, but plenty about and go forever.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/375010481270 ... media=COPY