What new bike?

[Slenver]

I'm like Couchy in reverse in that I ask this question constantly but never actually buy anything. I just don't know what I want!

So here we go. Firstly, here is my bike history for context:

ZZR250
Bandit 600
SV650
ZX7R
ZX10R (2nd gen 2006)
CBR600 F4 (long-term loan when ZX10 was ill)
Tiger 800
GSXR1000 K6
KTM Superduke GT

So, what's wrong with the SDGT? Well, nothing per se, it's an amazing machine. I bought it a few years ago when I was commuting cross-country and leaving it at a station, and wanted the most fun, sporty 'tourer' that was comfy, with massive fuel tank and luggage. Job done.

But I miss the light flickability of a smaller, lighter bike, and don't do any commuting (currently) so thinking either back to sports bikes or a naked. Come back to a Street Triple as a starting point a lot. Though then like the look of the Speedy more...

But then it occurs to me that most of the miles I actually do nowadays are longish trips to see friends, where the comfort, range and storage of the GT fits quite well.

So... assuming budget is whatever I can get for the GT (9k perhaps), though happy to spend less. Do I go supernaked and just use a rucksack? Will I be happy with that for 200+ mile trips? Or go back to sportsbikes, probably something oldish but, to be honest, did absolutely everything perfectly well. I loved my ZX10R for example, which was slagged off for not being as raw as the previous model but made for an amazing all-rounder.

But then I think that I don't really *need* a litre bike again, assuming anyone ever does. Which leads me to 600s, but then is there any benefit? Just smaller, more uncomfortable, revvier etc.

Maybe even a GSRX750, somewhere around 2006-2010? Or a Blade or R1, just because I've never had either? I do have a concern that my 51 year-old body may be remembering the life of a 35 year-old one, though. Which leads me back to an upright naked....

[KungFooBob]

Panigale.

[Slenver]

Panigale.

I mean, I've never had a Ducati

I did try the Multi before the SDGT but it just felt too big where the SDGT felt, relatively, smaller and sportier.

I think I also tried that Supersport but found it a little dull.

[weeksy]

KTM 890r

[Slenver]

KTM 890r

Probably a good shout. Read some reviews at the time that said it was a lot more fun than the Street Triple.

I do get confused, though, despite being a KTM owner. The 890 was the one that replaced the 790 that was then replaced by a 790 again? Or the 990?

Either way, I'd definitely like to try one, though I don't like the looks at all.

[dern]

A v4 Tuono was the most flickable and fun bike I've had but I only had it two days before it got written off. I don't think it would be great for long runs though unless you're happy just to suck it up on those occasions.

I've used a 2007 CBR1000R for local playing and also long runs and it was very good at both although not that comfortable after a couple of hours. Still got it as a track bike and occasionally think about putting it back on the road.

[Supermofo]

Litre bike, flickable, plenty fast, fairly comfy, does it all (including luggage), budget friendly. If you liked your K6 it's a detuned (midrange) version in the more modern Gixxer chassis.



Or the fared one if you wanna keep out the wind. Did seem/feel bigger when I looked at one in the shop though


Or if you preferred your green bike


I reckon a Street Triple would be more nimble but I was put off by Trinity's woes

[KungFooBob]

The current base model Tuono and is marketed as a tourer.

It's got a more comfortable seat and high bars than the previous models and the 'Factory'.

[Slenver]

A v4 Tuono was the most flickable and fun bike I've had but I only had it two days before it got written off. I don't think it would be great for long runs though unless you're happy just to suck it up on those occasions.

I've used a 2007 CBR1000R for local playing and also long runs and it was very good at both although not that comfortable after a couple of hours. Still got it as a track bike and occasionally think about putting it back on the road.

The current base model Tuono and is marketed as a tourer.

It's got a more comfortable seat and high bars than the previous models and the 'Factory'.

I do like the Tuono.

I've had a long ride on the (non-GT) Superduke R, and I quite liked it. Felt very much what it is compared to mine, which is my bike with about 30 kilos lopped off. The Tuono is supposed to be equally/differently good I think, though I have read a lot of reliability issues. But then I've had a KTM for years, so I know it's mainly forum talk.

Tuono definitely on the list.

[Slenver]

I was going to suggest something interesting like an RGV250, but then I saw you want to be able to cover distances easily and in comfort, and it sounds like you want something that also feels a bit special, so on that basis I think a Ducati Multistrada would be the perfect bike, they have some very nice versions if you don't mind spending a bit.

Yeah, I need something that combines reasonable distance comfort with some fun.

Multi definitely not a contender as it's far too similar to what I have now, albeit a bit bigger and less powerful. It'd be easier to just keep it.

Fun though it can be, I just miss that ability to throw it into a tight corner with confidence, maybe even try and scrape a knee again, that kind of thing. I want a way back from tallrounders!

[matt]

New mt09?

[Slenver]

Litre bike, flickable, plenty fast, fairly comfy, does it all (including luggage), budget friendly. If you liked your K6 it's a detuned (midrange) version in the more modern Gixxer chassis.

Yeah, I should look at those I guess. I think I think of them as too much of a compromise between sports and comfort, but then it does sound a lot like that's what I'm asking for

Or if you preferred your green bike

Also worth a look for the same reasons.

I suppose I want to be able to jump off my bike and onto something new and think 'Yeah! This is more like it, I can hoon around properly now,' while still being able to sit on the M25 for an hour or two without requiring physio. Like I said, I never had any problems re comfort on my ZX10 for example, but not sure if I'm just not remembering correctly.

Or if you preferred your green bike

Oh, and it can be green in spirit, that's fine, but I want something as close to plain black as possible. I hate fussy bike graphics and bright colours. All black or dark grey would be preferable by miles

[Slenver]

New mt09?

Only seen in passing, but could well be a good option, thanks... though new might be a bit over budget.

Basically, I don't really mind spending the money (and I have it), but the missus would far prefer I gave up entirely and/or spent any spare cash on dull stuff like kitchens and food. The PR angle of this requires me to look like I'm least saving some money

[Bustaspoke]

My Street Triple's a good,fun bike & I've toured around Scotland & Ireland on it without any problems.
Not sure what the latest 765's are like,maybe get a demo ride at your local Triumph dealer?

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

You're overthinking, go to bike shop, see a bike you like, buy it.

If you waste time thinking about buying a bike, you don't buy a bike.

[dern]

I do like the Tuono.

I've had a long ride on the (non-GT) Superduke R, and I quite liked it. Felt very much what it is compared to mine, which is my bike with about 30 kilos lopped off. The Tuono is supposed to be equally/differently good I think, though I have read a lot of reliability issues. But then I've had a KTM for years, so I know it's mainly forum talk.

Tuono definitely on the list.

I swapped a 14 superduke for the 14 tuono v4 and the Tuono was a vastly superior bike. Much better handling and power delivery.

[Slenver]

You're overthinking, go to bike shop, see a bike you like, buy it.

If you waste time thinking about buying a bike, you don't buy a bike.

I think this is probably the best approach tbh.

[weeksy]

The thing Skub has or even Ming are bloody epic looking things

[Count Steer]

The thing Skub has or even Ming are bloody epic looking things

They both look like the motorcycle equivalent of a knuckleduster!* You wouldn't want to look at one funny, you'd end up hanging by your shreddies from a lamppost.

* For the avoidance of doubt - that's a good thing.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

You're overthinking, go to bike shop, see a bike you like, buy it.

If you waste time thinking about buying a bike, you don't buy a bike.

I think this is probably the best approach tbh.

I spent ages procrastinating, and then bought a bike (GSXS750) I'd never thought of buying because I liked the colour, one of the best bike buying decisions I made, another great decision was in 1985 when I bought an LC because I couldn't find a GS550 for sale.