2nd Bike

[Caddyshack]

Hi All, I have a GSXR600 which I love, it is perfect for the sort of fun riding I do.

I now want to add a bike that I can use when the weather is less perfect and for going away on long weekends.

The guys I am likely to ride with whilst away ride GSA1250, CBR600RR, Ducati Monster 1200R.

I find the GSA to be too big and wide plus I do not like the look of them.
I tried an S1000r and loved it, I like the revvy 4 pot etc but the insurance is very high compared to other bikes.
I like the Honda 750 Transalp as it is slimmer than a lot of the adventure stuff but I worry that 90hp will be a bit lacking plus you can only buy them new at about 11k once you add quick shifter and heated grips.
The GSXS1000 F and non F are attractive as they have the revvy 4 pot, comfy ergos and can be bought for around £6500 second hand with low miles. 140 - 160hp and 80ftlb torque.
VFR800 is nice looking, 105hp but a little less comfy riding position.


One question is: Would a transalp type bike actually be better on wet roads with its semi knobbly tyres or would it be similar to the GSXF road tyres?


I quite like the monster SP935 but found the engine a bit lumpy. I had an RS660 and changed to the Gixxer as I much prefer the way the engine makes its power.

I like the new GS1300 but I find the 23k price once specced a bit silly.

The Africa twin 1100 is massive compared to the transalp, it makes a little more power and more torque but the size puts me off. I am not worried about the weight and I can flat foot it but I just do not like physically big bikes

I tried the Ducati Desert X, I will never go offroad and it was quite vibey.

XR1000 BMW styling is a bit challenging for me and I am not sure I need all that ground clearance for a road bike.

£6000-7000 would be the ideal budget.

[Krikkit]

Sounds like a big 4-pot litre sports tourer would fit the bill nicely.

I don't think something like the transalp will be better for wet weather, best off with decent-tread-depth sports/touring tyres for the road, unless it's very muddy.

[Rene Souffle]

I’d be looking for the lowest mileage BMW K1300s personally

[Caddyshack]

Rene Souffle said:

I’d be looking for the lowest mileage BMW K1300s personally

I did look at those but they are about 260 kilos wet and I imagine that would make them a bit boaty when the roads get twisty, the guys I ride with tend to like the bendy roads a lot.

I like how much bike you get for the money though.

[Caddyshack]

Krikkit said:

Sounds like a big 4-pot litre sports tourer would fit the bill nicely.

I don't think something like the transalp will be better for wet weather, best off with decent-tread-depth sports/touring tyres for the road, unless it's very muddy.

Thanks, this is what I was thinking, I don't need a lot of what the trail bike can do and really some good touring rubber should give me the all weather work I want.

I also want to do some advanced bike training like Rapid and IAM which would mean that I am likely to spend longer hours in the saddle than I would want on the Gixxer 6 but would do some faster riding.

[srob]

Honda Crossrunner? I think they look a nice size and have that lovely v-four.

[RizzoTheRat]

If you liked the Translap, take a look at other mid sized adventure bikes like the Tiger 900, Multistrada 950, F900GS, etc. A bit more power than the Translap but lighter and narrower than the big GS's. Softer longer travel suspension means they can have more grip than sportier bikes on a bumpy road, and you can get good sports touring tyres on all of them. But the weather protection won't be as good as a proper tourer.

[Caddyshack]

Thanks - I will take a look at those too.

[black-k1]

Caddyshack said:

Rene Souffle said:

I’d be looking for the lowest mileage BMW K1300s personally

I did look at those but they are about 260 kilos wet and I imagine that would make them a bit boaty when the roads get twisty, the guys I ride with tend to like the bendy roads a lot.

I like how much bike you get for the money though.

Having owned 2 and covered over 110k miles on them, I can confidently say a K1300S will keep up with just about any bike on any road, whatever the road. Yes there are bikes that are faster turning and more nimble but the huge, usable torque easily makes up for the reduced nimbleness and, for a big old girl, they handle being hustled a lot better than you'd imagine.

Do your homework on what to look for to avoid some of the issues (Check the guide on EuroKClub.bike) and make sure you get one with luggage etc. then enjoy.

[Cylon2007]

Kawaski Ninja 1000sx is what you want

[hiccy18]

What about a Tiger Sport 1050? Comfy, practical and pretty charming, would fit nicely alongside your GSXR and well within budget.

[Caddyshack]

black-k1 said:

Caddyshack said:

Rene Souffle said:

I’d be looking for the lowest mileage BMW K1300s personally

I did look at those but they are about 260 kilos wet and I imagine that would make them a bit boaty when the roads get twisty, the guys I ride with tend to like the bendy roads a lot.

I like how much bike you get for the money though.

Having owned 2 and covered over 110k miles on them, I can confidently say a K1300S will keep up with just about any bike on any road, whatever the road. Yes there are bikes that are faster turning and more nimble but the huge, usable torque easily makes up for the reduced nimbleness and, for a big old girl, they handle being hustled a lot better than you'd imagine.

Do your homework on what to look for to avoid some of the issues (Check the guide on EuroKClub.bike) and make sure you get one with luggage etc. then enjoy.

Thank You, I did wonder if it was all in my mind compared to what they would actually be like - I will see if I can try one.

[Caddyshack]

hiccy18 said:

What about a Tiger Sport 1050? Comfy, practical and pretty charming, would fit nicely alongside your GSXR and well within budget.

This may sound a bit odd but I cannot get my head round owning any of the bikes with a "beak" - I like the Multistrada but it has that odd nose, GSA and Triger have a beak of a mudguard, I know I should just get over it but a BMW sales guy said that if you just do not love the look of a bike - don't buy it and I think I want to open the garage and like the looks too - The Gixxer shares the garage with a Cagiva Mito 250 conversion which, to me is one of the prettiest bikes ever.

[Caddyshack]

Cylon2007 said:

Kawaski Ninja 1000sx is what you want

Great engine, love the colours but the nose looks way too heavy to me - all of the more recent sporty Kawasakis are the same - 400 upwards - they just have this huge and blunt overhang....they were very high up the list otherwise.

[Caddyshack]

cava said:

If you value fun handling I reckon you'd be happiest on a sports naked. Extra comfort, very similar sharp/fun handling and low weight/small size. Get a good suit to keep the rain off though!

I did 2500 miles around Spain on a Speed Triple and it was great fun on the twisties whilst being bearable on motorways. I test rode an Africa Twin before the trip and the high up riding position and general detached feeling put me off straight away. Adventure bikes just aren't for me. I haven't got around to test riding any modern sports tourers, but I struggle to find any of them appealing to be honest.

Thanks, it is the lack of appeal that gets me with the other bikes.

[KTMsm]

Caddyshack said:

Thanks, it is the lack of appeal that gets me with the other bikes.

Really you need to try a long test ride (easier said than done)

The adventure bikes come into their own (IMO) when you've spent a day riding to and around Wales and back and you have used their comfort, better view, long suspension etc

I have an 1190S I won't suggest it as you said you like revs and smaller bikes, I bought it over a 1290 as they are just too hideous and whilst I have more 'fun' bikes I grab the keys for it more and more because it's just so competent

I'd also suggest looking at cheaper bikes if it's for winter use - the older 1050 Tigers don't have a beak and are very competent with a great spread of power - a bit of a bargain IMO or the 800 if you want a smaller bike

[Caddyshack]

I’ll go and google a few Tigers, thanks for the tip.

I spoke to a dealer today and he said “ you arrived in a Range Rover and that probably doesn’t feel huge to you now, an adventure bike would be the same”

[NorthernSky]

I've a unique VFR800 that I'm looking to sell this year as I've upgraded to the older model of the same bike...

The V4 not only sounds great but with the VTEC engaging the engine note ascends from a roar to a scream. It'll easily keep up with your friends unless silly, mind bending and illegal speeds are regularly reached.

It'll never break down.



These are, broadly, worth 5-8k these days, so a substantial sum less than the other machines on your radar. These tour with ease, I took this around Scotland,, Wales and most of England with nothing more than a tail bag.

Edited by NorthernSky on Thursday 15th February 21:05

[Caddyshack]

NorthernSky said:

I've a unique VFR800 that I'm looking to sell this year as I've upgraded to the older model of the same bike...

The V4 not only sounds great but with the VTEC engaging the engine note ascends from a roar to a scream. It'll easily keep up with your friends unless silly, mind bending and illegal speeds are regularly reached.

It'll never break down.



These are, broadly, worth 5-8k these days, so a substantial sum less than the other machines on your radar. These tour with ease, I took this around Scotland,, Wales and most of England with nothing more than a tail bag.

Edited by NorthernSky on Thursday 15th February 21:05

Is it unique because of the colour?

I went to sit on a vfr800 with bar risers and it felt really good. Feel free to pm me some further info on age, miles and if any big services are looming. I understand there is a big one at 16k to19k intervals on valves or something? Or add detail here.

I have just sent you a pm with my WhatsApp and email.

Edited by Caddyshack on Thursday 15th February 21:22

[Rubin215]

Caddyshack said:

I spoke to a dealer today and he said “ you arrived in a Range Rover and that probably doesn’t feel huge to you now, an adventure bike would be the same”

Fairly standard line when dealing with the small-cocked...