Second bike

[horsemeatscandal]

I've been thinking about what bike I want next and I fancy something that's suitable for two, but I also can't think about getting rid of my current bike as I like it too much and it might be a keeper. Therefore, a second bike.

I want something that's reliable, cheap to run, comfortable, practical, half decent power and relatively new, preferably an adventure bike or maybe a sports tourer. It doesn't have to be sexy, exciting or particularly interesting.

After a very brief look, a PCP on a brand new V-Strom 1050 can be had for under £120, or a pre-reg one can be had for £8.5k. I've never PCP'd a bike before but for what I want it for that wouldn't be a bad idea.

Any other good ideas?

[svracers]

Dont buy a benelli tornado like i did!

[Drawweight]

Yamaha Tracer GT either a 7 or 9?

[horsemeatscandal]

Yeah, I've had a look at those, the 9s are a bit more expensive than the Suzuki though. I've also been looking at VFR1200s. You can get a '16 plate, fully loaded with all the luggage bits for under £7k. They're all high mileage relative to what I'm used to though, would have to look into that.

If it was just for me on my own I'd be quite happy with a 650 Versys, 650 V-Strom, Tracer 7 etc., they all seem a bargain but I think 70hp and pushing 350kg+ is going to get tiresome.

[anonymous-user]

Eh. I personally think the V-Strom is horrible. It's cheap - and it shows and feels it. But it would probably outlive Keith Richards if that matters.

[moanthebairns]

svracers said:

Dont buy a benelli tornado like i did!

I've been looking at these recently again....... what happened?

[Jazoli]

Get a Honda Crosstourer, an ADV version of the VFR1200, £7k will get you a 3-4 year old one, they are big and heavy but a doddle to ride and fulfil the brief perfectly.

[srob]

Jazoli said:

Get a Honda Crosstourer, an ADV version of the VFR1200, £7k will get you a 3-4 year old one, they are big and heavy but a doddle to ride and fulfil the brief perfectly.

I keep looking at those. Don't they do an 800 version too?

[poo at Paul's]

Killboy said:

Eh. I personally think the V-Strom is horrible. It's cheap - and it shows and feels it. But it would probably outlive Keith Richards if that matters.

I’m the other way. They ride really well, the motor is a peach, and they are the bargain of the adventure bike market, imho.
Brand new v strom with warranty for 9k or 7 year old 35k mile GS?

[Freakuk]

If I was in the market for a adventure style bike which can comfortably go 2 up and forgoing the looks it would be the new KTM Super adventure S.

Reviews are all positive, 160bhp, lots of rider aids etc, ticks a lot of boxes but not sure on your budget.

[horsemeatscandal]

890 is an option rather than the Super, but even then it's more than I want to pay at 11k. I'd definitely have one as an only bike though. Front runner is probably a new V-Strom if I'm honest, but used-wise I've got my eye on a VFR1200 or there's a nice Tiger 800 XCx local too.

I'm not looking at buying until spring but I don't know anything about this type of bike to be honest, so I've got a few months to have a pootle round some local showrooms.

[NITO]

My stock answer, the super Aprilia Caponord ETV

Awesome bike and one of the most underrated out there. Some ridiculously good buys out there at the moment. 3.5k gets a stonker. 1000cc Rotax V-twin, 100hp, mountains of torque, fantastic 2 up comfort and shrugs off being loaded up like a mule effortlessly, handles extremely well and bullet proof. What's not to like, excellent owners club too. Only thing is, you really need a 29in+ inside leg the 25litre tank means it can feel top heavy at standstill which completely disappears once passed 5mph so if you're feet aren't flat on the ground you could struggle.

[anonymous-user]

poo at Paul's said:

I’m the other way. They ride really well, the motor is a peach, and they are the bargain of the adventure bike market, imho.
Brand new v strom with warranty for 9k or 7 year old 35k mile GS?

Probably the 8k mile 7 year old GS.

[Nick928]

What about a Tenere?
Seem to be good on road and semi useful for TET and green lane so have a good used market and therefore resale value.
Even with high mileage and COVID tax, the current used values seem very strong.

[horsemeatscandal]

NITO said:

My stock answer, the super Aprilia Caponord ETV

Awesome bike and one of the most underrated out there. Some ridiculously good buys out there at the moment. 3.5k gets a stonker. 1000cc Rotax V-twin, 100hp, mountains of torque, fantastic 2 up comfort and shrugs off being loaded up like a mule effortlessly, handles extremely well and bullet proof. What's not to like, excellent owners club too. Only thing is, you really need a 29in+ inside leg the 25litre tank means it can feel top heavy at standstill which completely disappears once passed 5mph so if you're feet aren't flat on the ground you could struggle.

As soon as I saw Aprilia that did not compute with reliable. However, I've looked them up (albeit the newer ones) and reliability looks good! I very much like this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202109047...

Never heard of them but definitely one for the list.

[poo at Paul's]

horsemeatscandal said:

As soon as I saw Aprilia that did not compute with reliable. However, I've looked them up (albeit the newer ones) and reliability looks good! I very much like this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202109047...

Never heard of them but definitely one for the list.

Trouble is, once you are at 7k for a 15 plate Aprilia Capponard, another 1500 sees you at a two year newer 1290 Superduke GT, one of the very best one bike does all out there.

[myvision]

srob said:

I keep looking at those. Don't they do an 800 version too?

Crosstourer is the 1200 and crossrunner is the 800 version.

[NITO]

horsemeatscandal said:

As soon as I saw Aprilia that did not compute with reliable. However, I've looked them up (albeit the newer ones) and reliability looks good! I very much like this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202109047...

Never heard of them but definitely one for the list.

Actually I was referring to the predecessor, the ETV model. The ETV uses the bulletproof Rotax 998cc (Mille) engine, as used on the Can Am Spyders also.
We have Capo's in the club with well over 100k miles. There are really 4 simple items to tend to for an ultra reliable bike. Most used ones will have been sorted by now.









A couple of examples;
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334149209712?hash=item4...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124859533367?hash=item1...

The first ebay link I'm having to hold myself back on despite having one already!

[svracers]

moanthebairns said:

svracers said:

Dont buy a benelli tornado like i did!

I've been looking at these recently again....... what happened?

They are certainly interesting bikes but i have had problems with the wiring shorting out oil leaks, bubbling fuel tanks, ruinous fuel economy and starting issues. As long as you remember it isnt a honda youre ok!

[lukeyman]

Not my type of bike but I quite like the yellow one.