Enduro or Cruiser?

[Davel]

Having convinced myself that I must slow down but never really managing to achieve that goal, I think that I must buy a bike that simply is not as enjoyable at speed but will still be great fun.

I've thought of cruisers like BMW Montaulks or V-rods etc and I'm also thinking of enduro types like the BMW 12OOGS or a Triumph Tiger.

The only problems with the enduro types is that I struggle to get my leg over (ooh err misses) but am fine when mounted. I end up climbing on the bike by standing on the peg with the side stand down, much to the amusement of others.

I really can't decide which route to go down but I like cars and bikes that are different and so would soon get bored with something that wasn't.

Can anyone who has gone through a similar situation let me have a few pointers - please?

I commute about 25 miles a day, by bike whenever possible but will have the L200 for really adverse conditions i.e snow and ice.

[jvaughan]

Davel, I have an Honda Africa Twin (03). its excellent for the commute (I do 80 miles each way).. I joined the bik trailie forum, and there are those that love the BMW's and those that hate them ... from what I have read, the GS1200 aint as good as the older GS1150's.

Enduro's have the advantage of being megga tall and allowing you to see above the traffic.. OK the power isnt there, but people notice you and get out of your way really quickly.

Plus its an all new riding experience .. so much pulling power wil so little revvs suprises a lot of people... also, if you wanna play seriously, it will give a sports bike a good run on windy roads (Lots of suspension travel)

The Tiger (04) is awsome ...

>> Edited by jvaughan on Wednesday 18th August 22:38

[barry sheene]

jvaughan said:

The Tiger (04) is awsome ...

All the Tigers are awesome , I own a 94 and a 99 , and I'm very tempted by an 05 (out now) as it's got alloys (hate cleaning those spokes and the 955i engine.

Davel, If you want a second opinion pop over to www.tigerlist.org/

(I'm the mod)

BTW
Tigers are
1992-1998 885 cc carb'd
1999-2001 885 fuel injected (different engine/frame/bike to the previous model)
2001 - 2004 995cc fuel injected, better suspension that the 885i, different engine.
2005 (avail now) 955 cc fi, alloys, hard luggage, centre stand, heated grips as standard, best suspension yet.



>> Edited by barry sheene on Thursday 19th August 02:08

[Davel]

Thanks for that - I think I'll go look at a Tiger then.

The Multistrada is a great bike and it's going to hard parting with it though.

[Whoozit]

Depending on the roads you cover and your speeds, you might want to consider a Speed Triple as well. No fairing means that outright top speed is severely capped and painful over 100mph anyway but you retain excellent handling and a comfy riding position.

Not that I'm biased or anything

[Davel]

May find the triple easier to climb onto as well so trip to Bill Smith's Chester it is then.

[rsvmilly]

Once you're used to it I can't imaging the Tiger being a slower bike.

Why not something cool (IMO) like a KTM supermoto? You should be able to get a CCM R30 cheap (they've gone bust haven't they?). They use off-the-shelf parts so you should be OK.