2nd Bike Dilemma - Pure Fun Required.

[R6T9GT]

I want to purchase a 2nd Bike, purely for sunny fun days, evening blasts into Wales and some track days.

Current garage is a '18 Tracer GT, which was recently acquired after chopping in my '17 R6. Tracer fills the, commuting and longer journey role...Heated grips, panniers etc but ultimately is a tool for a job.
The R6 however for me was just too focused for the type of riding I do, think narrow Shropshire B roads, jaunts into Wales and the like. I'm not writing off sportbikes but never seemed to really enjoy the R6 unless on the perfect road (Crossgates to Newton bypass for example)

For local exploring and generally mucking around I've got a MSX125 (grom).

Due to not wanting to insure and look after a third bike, il be looking at selling the grom( as fun as it is) and get something more capable, that still has that raw experience but can also handle a few track days.

Current thinking is
Husqvarna 701 -focused
Ktm 690 Smc R - as above but different colours essentially
Ktm duke 890 - not focused enough?
Hypermotard SP - sits in a weird niche?

Got a van and some ramps waiting, so any ideas appreciated.

[Wombat3]

R6T9GT said:

I want to purchase a 2nd Bike, purely for sunny fun days, evening blasts into Wales and some track days.

Current garage is a '18 Tracer GT, which was recently acquired after chopping in my '17 R6. Tracer fills the, commuting and longer journey role...Heated grips, panniers etc but ultimately is a tool for a job.
The R6 however for me was just too focused for the type of riding I do, think narrow Shropshire B roads, jaunts into Wales and the like. I'm not writing off sportbikes but never seemed to really enjoy the R6 unless on the perfect road (Crossgates to Newton bypass for example)

For local exploring and generally mucking around I've got a MSX125 (grom).

Due to not wanting to insure and look after a third bike, il be looking at selling the grom( as fun as it is) and get something more capable, that still has that raw experience but can also handle a few track days.

Current thinking is
Husqvarna 701 -focused
Ktm 690 Smc R - as above but different colours essentially
Ktm duke 890 - not focused enough?
Hypermotard SP - sits in a weird niche?

Got a van and some ramps waiting, so any ideas appreciated.

Ducati Supersport S

[TimmyWimmyWoo]

HyperMotard 950 SP. Pure fun, but actually alrightish for the occasional dual carriageway to get to fun roads. Very tall though, but will make you giggle like a child.

[R6T9GT]

Had a cbr650 so dint really fancy a sit up sportbike type thing again like the supersport.
Only thing with the hypermotard I'd be worried about the throwing it down the road cost. Also some dirty farmers type lanes it might not be suited to? Although I imagine a much more accomplished bike than a 690smcr

[Iamnotkloot]

I’ve got a Husky 701 (svartpilen) and it’s a nice thing with enough power/torque, decent economy and very flickable - as it is light. I guess the KTM’s are the same but I think the Svart’ looks better

[Krikkit]

1290 Superduke? 890R?

If you want to think about track days etc I'd be wanting something with decent Brembos and more power than the single cylinder KTM/Huskys.

Monster 1200?

[KTMsm]

I love supermotos but if you're coming from Sportsbikes and already have a Tracer and want trackday fun I don't think the 690 / 701 will do it for you

Street Triple R / 790 Duke / 990 Superduke ?

[Tribal Chestnut]

Most ‘fun’ bike I had was a 950SM.

Maybe look at something like that, or even a 990 Superduke - would be decent enough on track too.

[Tribal Chestnut]

Maybe even something far smaller and a bit of green leaning? Can’t get much more fun than that.

[R6T9GT]

That is another option.
Crf300l or similar, road legal enduro.
Maybe I do need 3 bikes after all...

[KTMsm]

R6T9GT said:

That is another option.
Crf300l or similar, road legal enduro.
Maybe I do need 3 bikes after all...

690 Enduro / 701 will do it far better than the CRF300 - and be fun on the road too

[Kawasicki]

Tribal Chestnut said:

Most ‘fun’ bike I had was a 950SM.

Maybe look at something like that, or even a 990 Superduke - would be decent enough on track too.

Another vote for 990 Superduke. Never ridden a 950SM… but I’m not tall…

The Superduke was a lot of fun on dirty b-roads… cornering under the limit and then powering out with a bit of oversteer… I was shocked how friendly it was.

[hellsbuddha]

I reckon the 890R Duke is the sweet spot and focused enough compared to the r6.

However I wonder if the new R7 is worth a punt. Will not be as quick as the 890 but will be very different to the Tracer, unlike most of the other choices which are more upright.

[R6T9GT]

I have spent far too much time watching 890r reviews and in ebay.
The r7 isn't something I've considered but will take a look
My first bike was a cbr650f and looking back it was a sweet spot of power and fun on the road...only really sold it because it had a few issues that I didn't want to spend money sorting so man maths dictated that I spent another 4k to get the R6!

[s1dew1nd3r]

From the sounds of it you need something along the lines of a GSX-S basically one of the modern nakeds.

[TimmyWimmyWoo]

R6T9GT said:

I have spent far too much time watching 890r reviews and in ebay.
The r7 isn't something I've considered but will take a look
My first bike was a cbr650f and looking back it was a sweet spot of power and fun on the road...only really sold it because it had a few issues that I didn't want to spend money sorting so man maths dictated that I spent another 4k to get the R6!

The 890R is fantastic (and you may have watched my video in which case apologies). Handles better than many sportsbikes and is seriously rapid. Quite an intense bike to ride quickly (it can carry ludicrous corner speed), and a bit plasticky. But still great VFM - I preferred the chassis to my Hyper 950 but not the engine - the Ducati's more of an accidental wheelie monster.

I've ridden the R7 too on road and track and it isn't in the same league in terms of punch, fun or poshness.

[Stevemtb]

I spent ages looking for a similar type of fun bike to run alongside a 92 fire blade however I couldn't see past the cheap finish, plastics and appearance of the 890 Dukes and to be fair I've very probably missed out on a great bike.
Rode a mates 690 Duke R and enjoyed it but at 6'2" felt too small for me, but oddly like the style of these.
Ended up with a Hypermotard 939SP and couldn't be happier. It ticks all the boxes, usable, massive grins and also importantly I think it looks pretty special too.Think I'll have it for a while yet, but do test ride and not just 10 minutes they grow on you as you re-calibrate!

[ThreadKiller]

No love for aprilia 660 - tuono or RS? I went to have a look at these and was rather tempted.

[R6T9GT]

I found that when the 890r launched I went to see it and the plastic finish didn't leave me really wanting one.
Il have to take another look around I think and try grab some test rides

[Tribal Chestnut]

For a ‘fun’ bike, I’d probably be more concerned about the cost of replacement panels and parts than their level of fanciness.

Maybe I’m just becoming a bit tight in my old age, or maybe I just fall off more than the rest of you…?