Motorbike suggestions

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

scotsman4th wrote: »

ST4, theres a thought. I've had an ST2 before (the worst Ducati ever built I believe) but it was probably the first bike I had that let me enjoy bikes.

Well I moved from sports bikes and sports tourers to adventure bikes about 7 years ago, due to both knees and reflexes getting a bit rustier than they were in my youth.

But getting a bit bored with heavy German machinery and I really don't tour as much as I promised myself I would.

Next bike will likely be the Multistrada 1200, as a compromise between still being comfortable and tourable, but with a bit more performance than a GS or Tenere.

If that doesn't work then a GSF 1250 should do the trick. I like the VFR1200 but it's just not quite the right rider position for me to get comfortable on these days.

Trebor16

HAMISH_MCTAVISH wrote: »

Well I moved from sports bikes and sports tourers to adventure bikes about 7 years ago, due to both knees and reflexes getting a bit rustier than they were in my youth.

But getting a bit bored with heavy German machinery and I really don't tour as much as I promised myself I would.

Next bike will likely be the Multistrada 1200, as a compromise between still being comfortable and tourable, but with a bit more performance than a GS or Tenere.

If that doesn't work then a GSF 1250 should do the trick. I like the VFR1200 but it's just not quite the right rider position for me to get comfortable on these days.

If you like the VFR1200 then maybe you should consider the Crosstourer. Same engine as the VFR but detuned for more bottom and mid range stomp. It pulls like a train!

Stooby2

Scotsman are you still living up north? If not, there's a the London Excel motorcycle show coming up soon and would be an ideal opportunity to have a look at what bikes are around, sit on almost all of them.

I did consider the Fireblade, but going on your criteria I personally don't think the riding position would suit you. They are superb bikes, but having ridden one recently, they put a lot of weight on your wrists and your legs are tucked up with your knees bent quite uncomfortably.

Another bike that gets excellent write-ups is the Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird. There's quite a few around and it ticks a lot of the boxes for you.

Rolandtheroadie

After having a think about it, and this being a money saving site, the best options probably sitting in the garage already.

westwood68

1200-1250 bandit would be my recommendation. Good seating position and plenty of grunt.

Blackbird is also quite good and you can get raised bars to remove the pressure on the wrists.

If you're getting older and Fireblade will kill your aching bones and muscles in double quick time.

BeenThroughItAll

You're probably right about what's in the garage already - but if you decide the grass is greener somewhere else, I'd definitely recommend the VFR800.


Had one for a while, was a great tourer both one and two up, excellent on long distance runs (and economical - I averaged around 40mpg on 1500+ mile trips to Europe and back including autobahn and rapid motorway).


Also damn good fun on track if you feel so inclined.

skitler

scotsman4th wrote: »

Afraid not. I bought it locally, it had went from Aberdeen to somewhere down south before coming back north in a job lot apparently.

It's been fully restored at some point (guessing a couple of years before I bought it) and standard apart from a stainless steel exhaust.

Whoever restored it thought stuck on pinstriping would look nice. It doesnt.

I once sold a 1969 Honda 250 K0 that I've regretted ever since, dont want the Suzuki to go the same way.

I remember this now, you wouldn't sell it to me. so hurry up and get it back on the road, the good weather is coming, perhaps, maybe, hopfully.:rotfl:

OnanTheBarbarian

I passed my test last month and recently bought a Yamaha YZF600 Thundercat. They are good "sports touring" bikes with a decent fairing, respectable amount of shove, excellent brakes (R1) parts are plentiful and the bikes are cheap to buy. Riding position is a bit more upright too.

I paid £1400 for a 22k mile 1996 example with loads of work done to it.

The VFR800 (non-VTEC) would be my other choice if you don't want the backside in the air riding position.

Rolandtheroadie

I dug the Suzuki out the garage yesterday and had a play about with it.

Got it started by pouring fuel straight into it, last kick of the ball it seems to be running from the fuel tank again, although really rough at the moment.

Battery was flat so I've had that on charge. Never got near it today as I had a 1992 fireblade to pick up.

Nothing like starting a thread for advice then doing what I shouldn't have done.

bigjl

Have to admit i would go for a CBR600.

Find the best I could for the money.