Just one bike
- Kwacky
- Posts: 38976
- Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 21:52
- Your Bike: Brutale 800RR, 1000SX Ninja
- Location: Brum
- Has thanked: 4362 times
- Been thanked: 8416 times
Just one bike
I'm toying with the idea of dropping back to having just one bike again.
I love having two, but having a bike that spends 99% of its time sat outside under a cover seems a bit wasteful to me. I think I've ridden the Street once in the last 4 months.
So if I do go back to 1 bike, what should I go for? It needs to be a pretty decent all-rounder. The Z100SX ticked most boxes, but I've been there and done that. I fancy something different.
The Versys does me proud. I could just keep that. It's cheap to run and keep.
The 1000 Versys has the same engine as the Z1000SX but the handling isn't very good.
I need a reliable bike, one that can handle the miles, give me a smile when I hit the twisties and look after me on the daily commute. Am I asking too much from just one bike?
So what would people recommend? I'm in no rush to change bikes (if I change at all) so there's plenty of time to get test rides sorted. Although they may have to wait until the Versys is fixed. Turning up on a bike with a battered fairing is never a good look.
I love having two, but having a bike that spends 99% of its time sat outside under a cover seems a bit wasteful to me. I think I've ridden the Street once in the last 4 months.
So if I do go back to 1 bike, what should I go for? It needs to be a pretty decent all-rounder. The Z100SX ticked most boxes, but I've been there and done that. I fancy something different.
The Versys does me proud. I could just keep that. It's cheap to run and keep.
The 1000 Versys has the same engine as the Z1000SX but the handling isn't very good.
I need a reliable bike, one that can handle the miles, give me a smile when I hit the twisties and look after me on the daily commute. Am I asking too much from just one bike?
So what would people recommend? I'm in no rush to change bikes (if I change at all) so there's plenty of time to get test rides sorted. Although they may have to wait until the Versys is fixed. Turning up on a bike with a battered fairing is never a good look.
- Cav
- Posts: 8030
- Joined: 27 Oct 2015, 12:00
- Your Bike: 2009 ZX6R
- Has thanked: 1064 times
- Been thanked: 2249 times
Re: Just one bike
The 'go-to' would surely be the BMW GS...?
Personally I'd go for a supernaked with a bit more wind protection but I'm hardly practiced at road riding (nor commuting) in the last couple of years
Personally I'd go for a supernaked with a bit more wind protection but I'm hardly practiced at road riding (nor commuting) in the last couple of years
- Cav
- Posts: 8030
- Joined: 27 Oct 2015, 12:00
- Your Bike: 2009 ZX6R
- Has thanked: 1064 times
- Been thanked: 2249 times
- Kwacky
- Posts: 38976
- Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 21:52
- Your Bike: Brutale 800RR, 1000SX Ninja
- Location: Brum
- Has thanked: 4362 times
- Been thanked: 8416 times
Re: Just one bike
I did an online quote for a Superduke on a comparison website.
I won't be getting a superduke.
The new GS models aren't getting very good reviews from their owners. That said BMW do have a couple of bikes that tick a lot of boxes - like the S1000XR and the R1200RS
I won't be getting a superduke.
The new GS models aren't getting very good reviews from their owners. That said BMW do have a couple of bikes that tick a lot of boxes - like the S1000XR and the R1200RS
- fidget
- Posts: 67
- Joined: 27 Dec 2017, 21:23
- Your Bike: Ktm 990 superduke R and zx10r
- Been thanked: 20 times
Re: Just one bike
the idea of life is to amass as many toys as possible.
you only sell a bike in order to either........buy another bike
or
buy two more bikes.
you only sell a bike in order to either........buy another bike
or
buy two more bikes.
Never rub another mans rhubarb.
- C00kiemonster
- Posts: 8522
- Joined: 22 Oct 2013, 07:11
- Your Bike: Triumph Street Triple 765 R
- Location: Not Froggie Land
- Has thanked: 4382 times
- Been thanked: 1756 times
Re: Just one bike
Hmm. Too much choice.
IF you went to one bike then a GS has got to be worth looking at. They have just brought out a new one so the almost news will be good prices, plus they do hold their value. Either that or a new Tiger.
Another possibility? Buy a commuter hack thats reliable and only gets used for commuting. Insure it 3rd party fire and theft. A VFR would still look sharp (i still like the look of them - single sided swingarm etc etc) , you can get them with panniers and do a million miles on it. Cheap commuting and keep the Street.
IF you went to one bike then a GS has got to be worth looking at. They have just brought out a new one so the almost news will be good prices, plus they do hold their value. Either that or a new Tiger.
Another possibility? Buy a commuter hack thats reliable and only gets used for commuting. Insure it 3rd party fire and theft. A VFR would still look sharp (i still like the look of them - single sided swingarm etc etc) , you can get them with panniers and do a million miles on it. Cheap commuting and keep the Street.
- Kwacky
- Posts: 38976
- Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 21:52
- Your Bike: Brutale 800RR, 1000SX Ninja
- Location: Brum
- Has thanked: 4362 times
- Been thanked: 8416 times
Re: Just one bike
Fidget - I like your philosophy and I would subscribe to your news letter, but I don't have a garage to store them in.
I really do need to get rid of the kids so I can move to somewhere with a double garage. Or get Perkles to buy a house near me with a garage so I can store my bikes there.
I really do need to get rid of the kids so I can move to somewhere with a double garage. Or get Perkles to buy a house near me with a garage so I can store my bikes there.
- Cavetroll87
- Posts: 2320
- Joined: 11 Mar 2014, 21:40
- Your Bike: 2014 Yamaha MT09
- Location: Kent
- Has thanked: 591 times
- Been thanked: 532 times
Re: Just one bike
s100xr looks the nuts and had a mate with one and he loved it, said it was a full blown spotsbike but on stilts and comfy.
If you wanted something a little on the cheaper side something like the Tracer 900 or The Tiger sport, something more road biased than an out and out adventure bike but with the comfort and practicality's of them
If you wanted something a little on the cheaper side something like the Tracer 900 or The Tiger sport, something more road biased than an out and out adventure bike but with the comfort and practicality's of them
Remember: If in Doubt use Full Throttle, It may not make the situation any better, But it will end the suspense...
- Kwacky
- Posts: 38976
- Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 21:52
- Your Bike: Brutale 800RR, 1000SX Ninja
- Location: Brum
- Has thanked: 4362 times
- Been thanked: 8416 times
Re: Just one bike
I had a test ride on the Tracer - I wasn't impressed.
The Tigers are on the radar, as is the 1090 Adventure (not the R, the road version).
I'll have a word with KTM Brum to see what they've got for me to try.
Some of the guys from Triumph Birmingham have moved to BMW so sorting out a test ride shouldn't be a problem.
The Tigers are on the radar, as is the 1090 Adventure (not the R, the road version).
I'll have a word with KTM Brum to see what they've got for me to try.
Some of the guys from Triumph Birmingham have moved to BMW so sorting out a test ride shouldn't be a problem.
- Monty
- Posts: 6737
- Joined: 12 Mar 2014, 07:59
- Your Bike: KTM 690 SMC R
- Location: Peak District
- Has thanked: 2139 times
- Been thanked: 2458 times
Re: Just one bike
How about the S100R? Best of all worlds and you could still trackday it.
Monty™© MCMLXXII
- Kwacky
- Posts: 38976
- Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 21:52
- Your Bike: Brutale 800RR, 1000SX Ninja
- Location: Brum
- Has thanked: 4362 times
- Been thanked: 8416 times
- D41
- Posts: 13166
- Joined: 22 Sep 2014, 11:36
- Your Bike: Triumph Daytona 650.
- Has thanked: 4331 times
- Been thanked: 1145 times
Re: Just one bike
I think that after having two bikes for so long, the thought of having just one is probably way worse than the reality of it, if that makes sense??
BUT.....you also commute on a bike, which definitely changes things a LOT.
Tough one.
BUT.....you also commute on a bike, which definitely changes things a LOT.
Tough one.
Last edited by D41 on 17 Jan 2018, 14:36, edited 1 time in total.
- Stonesie
- Posts: 2406
- Joined: 11 Jun 2014, 21:43
- Your Bike: BMW R1250GSA
- Has thanked: 1413 times
- Been thanked: 1482 times
Re: Just one bike
I was going to say Multistrada1200 but they're not that cheap to run although mine averaged over 50mpg the servicing is expensive.
MT-10 leans way over to the fun side of things, 130 ish miles of fuel or 80 on the iom. It can tour and commute if you really want to and the Cruise Control helps a lot with that
MT-10 leans way over to the fun side of things, 130 ish miles of fuel or 80 on the iom. It can tour and commute if you really want to and the Cruise Control helps a lot with that
Last edited by Stonesie on 17 Jan 2018, 16:57, edited 1 time in total.
- R1ckster
- Posts: 302
- Joined: 20 Mar 2014, 17:26
- Your Bike: Tiger 800XC
- Has thanked: 47 times
- Been thanked: 62 times
Re: Just one bike
Having had the R1, Versys, and Xc all at once I fully understand the pain at looking at biked sat there doing jack..or occasionally used.
I have no regrets at having only the XC800 as sole bike. I can ride it like a hooligan and keep up with most... pack it stack it..... commute. And long haul it.. all with creature comforts. Even throw knobbies on for a few bimbles in the fun stuff if you fancy.
Best bike I've had to date.
Myself too considering..
A)Another tiger 800XC/A
B)Africa Twin
C)Tiger 1200Xca
Thought of the VFR too as someone mentioned. But apart from racebike performance with luggage capacity..looks wise it's bland imo. Also took don't like traces.. too cheap and plastic looking. Looks dated very quickly.
Anyway have fun choosing
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
I have no regrets at having only the XC800 as sole bike. I can ride it like a hooligan and keep up with most... pack it stack it..... commute. And long haul it.. all with creature comforts. Even throw knobbies on for a few bimbles in the fun stuff if you fancy.
Best bike I've had to date.
Myself too considering..
A)Another tiger 800XC/A
B)Africa Twin
C)Tiger 1200Xca
Thought of the VFR too as someone mentioned. But apart from racebike performance with luggage capacity..looks wise it's bland imo. Also took don't like traces.. too cheap and plastic looking. Looks dated very quickly.
Anyway have fun choosing
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
- Kwacky
- Posts: 38976
- Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 21:52
- Your Bike: Brutale 800RR, 1000SX Ninja
- Location: Brum
- Has thanked: 4362 times
- Been thanked: 8416 times
Re: Just one bike
The Tiger 800 does seem to be a decent recommendation.
Isn't there a new Tiger800 due out? There could be some existing models going on the cheap if so.
Isn't there a new Tiger800 due out? There could be some existing models going on the cheap if so.
- Blade
- Posts: 18772
- Joined: 14 Mar 2014, 18:43
- Your Bike: Kawasaki ZX10R
- Location: North West
- Has thanked: 3134 times
- Been thanked: 3767 times
- Kwacky
- Posts: 38976
- Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 21:52
- Your Bike: Brutale 800RR, 1000SX Ninja
- Location: Brum
- Has thanked: 4362 times
- Been thanked: 8416 times
Re: Just one bike
Stonsie's bike was fun to ride.
17l fuel tank though and a tank range of 130 miles. That's 100 less than I get on the versys (which is not surprising).
17l fuel tank though and a tank range of 130 miles. That's 100 less than I get on the versys (which is not surprising).
- Blade
- Posts: 18772
- Joined: 14 Mar 2014, 18:43
- Your Bike: Kawasaki ZX10R
- Location: North West
- Has thanked: 3134 times
- Been thanked: 3767 times
Re: Just one bike
Do it all bike = FireBlade.
Tour, track or commute they do it all and take the mileage well with cheap parts and plenty of spares available.
Mate had an 85000 mile bike that ran faultless and just had regular servicing and consumables with no major expense or work.
Lot of bike for the money too.
Tour, track or commute they do it all and take the mileage well with cheap parts and plenty of spares available.
Mate had an 85000 mile bike that ran faultless and just had regular servicing and consumables with no major expense or work.
Lot of bike for the money too.
- Itchy
- Posts: 2544
- Joined: 12 Mar 2014, 00:17
- Your Bike: Kawasaki Z1000
- Location: A galaxy far, far away...
- Has thanked: 756 times
- Been thanked: 983 times
Re: Just one bike
One thing to bear in mind though, the last 4 months haven't exactly been the best weather to get out and play on the Street, which is what you got it for, isn't it. A plaything?I think I've ridden the Street once in the last 4 months.
If you were to ask this question mid-July, would you still feel the same?
- Kwacky
- Posts: 38976
- Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 21:52
- Your Bike: Brutale 800RR, 1000SX Ninja
- Location: Brum
- Has thanked: 4362 times
- Been thanked: 8416 times
Re: Just one bike
How many times have I ridden it since our Wales ride? 4? 5? Two of those occasions were to work