How much is too much after a 125?
Discussion
Hi all,
I’m a proper car nut, always have been. Owned mostly hot hatches, but I’ve driven a lot of performance/super cars in my time, both on road and track. Always liked the idea of a bike, but never tried it. Eventually decided to give it a try earlier this year on the CBT, with the intention of going straight to something like a 600cc if I liked it.
Having passed my CBT in February, I decided a bit of time on a 125 first is more sensible. I got a fantastic deal on a new KTM Duke 125 at the end of Feb, and I’m properly hooked! Wish I could go back and start sooner, every opportunity I can get on the bike I take it.
Fast forward to now at the end of April, I’m feeling a lot more confident, and I’ve booked my full licence for beginning of June. Now I’m naturally looking at bigger bikes. I’ve got 8/9 on my list having looked at insurance, but firmly at the top is a Triumph Street Triple 765 RS.
My question is, would this be too bigger jump? It’s over 10x the horsepower, is it too fast for someone of that experience? Is it too fast for the road? Would for example an MT07 be better suited?
Just to note, I’m 30 in June, and I’ve got a sensible head on my shoulders. Sometimes overly sensible!
Thanks!
I’m a proper car nut, always have been. Owned mostly hot hatches, but I’ve driven a lot of performance/super cars in my time, both on road and track. Always liked the idea of a bike, but never tried it. Eventually decided to give it a try earlier this year on the CBT, with the intention of going straight to something like a 600cc if I liked it.
Having passed my CBT in February, I decided a bit of time on a 125 first is more sensible. I got a fantastic deal on a new KTM Duke 125 at the end of Feb, and I’m properly hooked! Wish I could go back and start sooner, every opportunity I can get on the bike I take it.
Fast forward to now at the end of April, I’m feeling a lot more confident, and I’ve booked my full licence for beginning of June. Now I’m naturally looking at bigger bikes. I’ve got 8/9 on my list having looked at insurance, but firmly at the top is a Triumph Street Triple 765 RS.
My question is, would this be too bigger jump? It’s over 10x the horsepower, is it too fast for someone of that experience? Is it too fast for the road? Would for example an MT07 be better suited?
Just to note, I’m 30 in June, and I’ve got a sensible head on my shoulders. Sometimes overly sensible!
Thanks!
Buy the bike you want. Unless you're the sort that can't help themselves and will ride like a buffoon you'll only come a cropper on a powerful bike if you're very careless or utterly clueless. The new 765 RS looks epic, I've seen a lot of very positive reviews. I'd be very tempted myself if i didn't need something more practical for commuting.
Get the 765RS if that's what you want, it's only 20% more torque than the MT07, in other words not that much of a step up from the bike you'll be doing DAS on. If your heart is set on one that's a no-brainer.
Invest in crash bungs, saves heartache from the type of silly things that often happen.
Invest in crash bungs, saves heartache from the type of silly things that often happen.
Edited by hiccy18 on Saturday 29th April 12:31
I’m in the same position. I have a CB125R so similar to a Duke. Passed the theory (get that done now) and start my full license DAS next weekend. I can’t wait to try a bigger capacity bike.
You will know more when you try a bigger bike. My school uses new MT07. Sounds good.
I waited until I was 39 to get on two wheels. My wife still isn’t happy with me getting my full licence and I completely understand her concerns. Especially as we have just had a son. But I just cannot describe the feeling it provides.
For me and where I live, it’s Scrambler 900, Speed Twin 1200, or Monster 821.
You will know more when you try a bigger bike. My school uses new MT07. Sounds good.
I waited until I was 39 to get on two wheels. My wife still isn’t happy with me getting my full licence and I completely understand her concerns. Especially as we have just had a son. But I just cannot describe the feeling it provides.
For me and where I live, it’s Scrambler 900, Speed Twin 1200, or Monster 821.
PT1984 said:
I’m in the same position. I have a CB125R so similar to a Duke. Passed the theory (get that done now) and start my full license DAS next weekend. I can’t wait to try a bigger capacity bike.
You will know more when you try a bigger bike. My school uses new MT07. Sounds good.
I waited until I was 39 to get on two wheels. My wife still isn’t happy with me getting my full licence and I completely understand her concerns. Especially as we have just had a son. But I just cannot describe the feeling it provides.
For me and where I live, it’s Scrambler 900, Speed Twin 1200, or Monster 821.
That does sound almost exactly the same as my situation!You will know more when you try a bigger bike. My school uses new MT07. Sounds good.
I waited until I was 39 to get on two wheels. My wife still isn’t happy with me getting my full licence and I completely understand her concerns. Especially as we have just had a son. But I just cannot describe the feeling it provides.
For me and where I live, it’s Scrambler 900, Speed Twin 1200, or Monster 821.
Theory passed, other half not happy, best feeling in the world.
Best of luck on the DAS.
Didz1993 said:
Good to hear. Enjoy the 765?
Yes, mine was an R rather than RS but a great all rounder and sounded great with a Scorpion can on it. Ran it for a year with no issues - before moving on. The new RS looks mega in Yellow, keep flirting with the idea again, lot of bike for the money. 
My first bike was a 1000 v twin Tuono. It wasn’t the best idea but power wasn’t the reason.
I’d agree that if you want a 765 you should get it.
I owned a 765 and was utterly underwhelmed coming to it from a gsxr 750. I’d bet with your car background you’ll be looking for more by next summer.
I’d agree that if you want a 765 you should get it.
I owned a 765 and was utterly underwhelmed coming to it from a gsxr 750. I’d bet with your car background you’ll be looking for more by next summer.
If you've had fast cars you probably have some restraint already.
I've gone from Honda Grom > R3 > Ninja 650
The 650 is easier to ride than the 125 or 300, feels safer as there is more grip and stability, lighter controls, better visibility and much (much) better brakes. The smaller bikes feel like toys in comparison.
One thing that is worse for a new rider is the power delivery is a bit snatchy at low speeds.
I wouldn't have gone direct to the 650 unless I needed to ride on fast roads/motorways - the other bikes were loads of fun and getting the rush with a faster bike is an awesome feeling.
I've gone from Honda Grom > R3 > Ninja 650
The 650 is easier to ride than the 125 or 300, feels safer as there is more grip and stability, lighter controls, better visibility and much (much) better brakes. The smaller bikes feel like toys in comparison.
One thing that is worse for a new rider is the power delivery is a bit snatchy at low speeds.
I wouldn't have gone direct to the 650 unless I needed to ride on fast roads/motorways - the other bikes were loads of fun and getting the rush with a faster bike is an awesome feeling.
When I passed my DAS (2 days) I had a go on a friend's KTM 1290 adventure.
Your left hand kills the power and your right controls how fast it goes.
Have a smooth righthand, ultra smooth.
Only you know yourself. One consistent thing people have said about me on a bike 'your ok bit you are SLOW'.
I can't help it! I just go into relaxed mode on a bike
Yesterday on a IAM ride out- I warned the assessor and again at feedback Time he asked why I ride slow?
Your left hand kills the power and your right controls how fast it goes.
Have a smooth righthand, ultra smooth.
Only you know yourself. One consistent thing people have said about me on a bike 'your ok bit you are SLOW'.
I can't help it! I just go into relaxed mode on a bike
Yesterday on a IAM ride out- I warned the assessor and again at feedback Time he asked why I ride slow?
Edited by Hugo Stiglitz on Sunday 30th April 09:05
HybridTheory said:
Went from my 125 to a 600 95 BHP and it was no probs at all
I went straight to a 60l0 with 95 bhp too. You only need common sense because (my opinion) they’re easier to ride and more stable. Obviously if you’re a lunatic then make sure you’re on the organ donation register (joke - take up golf instead).
I agree with the rest, buy what you want then take it easy to get used to it, if you learn on an MT07 (for example) then buy the Triumph after you pass you will need to adjust to the Triumph, just see the power as an upgrade from what you learned on, as long as your clutch and throttle control are on point and you have some self restraint (pick your moments carefully) you can ride anything.
I passed three years ago and i'm now on a Gen 1 Hayabusa which i absolutely love (started on a GSXR600, learned on a 650 Gladius), TBH i'm thinking the Busa would have been a better first bike than the Gixxer, it's such a docile big beast and very easy to ride, so much grunt it's impossible to stall, it will go into ballistic mode but only if you let it.
I passed three years ago and i'm now on a Gen 1 Hayabusa which i absolutely love (started on a GSXR600, learned on a 650 Gladius), TBH i'm thinking the Busa would have been a better first bike than the Gixxer, it's such a docile big beast and very easy to ride, so much grunt it's impossible to stall, it will go into ballistic mode but only if you let it.
As everyone is saying get what you want, if you don't have the self control now you never will.
The only suggestion I would make is to buy used from a dealer, having a £5k of bike fall off it's stand is less painful to the soul than a £10k bike. But that's my sensible head, having the latest model and registration might be worth the additional money to you.
The only suggestion I would make is to buy used from a dealer, having a £5k of bike fall off it's stand is less painful to the soul than a £10k bike. But that's my sensible head, having the latest model and registration might be worth the additional money to you.
Like when you drive a really quick car you have places you boot it but typically you don't drive it as bonkers because you know you have the power there
I can only compare to when I'd drive an Alfa QF which yes I'd get keen but within reason as 500+ hp is fairly fast in sports car terms. I would also drive about an Abarth comp 180hp which is quick for what it is but needs constant thrashing to get the most
The 765 is a brilliant bike and with a nice exhaust is intoxicating. It's got good electronics and is a great all rounder. You simply won't thrash it like the 125 if you have a sensible head on your shoulders
I'd definitely say yes to that bike, lots of seat time, track time and you'll be glad you went with it
I can only compare to when I'd drive an Alfa QF which yes I'd get keen but within reason as 500+ hp is fairly fast in sports car terms. I would also drive about an Abarth comp 180hp which is quick for what it is but needs constant thrashing to get the most
The 765 is a brilliant bike and with a nice exhaust is intoxicating. It's got good electronics and is a great all rounder. You simply won't thrash it like the 125 if you have a sensible head on your shoulders
I'd definitely say yes to that bike, lots of seat time, track time and you'll be glad you went with it
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