The next saga of my biking journey

[menzies3032]

I know it’s a bit of a trek for you Rob but when I was at Moto corsa (gilingham) 3 weeks ago they were expecting a 890 demo any time soon.
There loads of middle weights out there at the moment just got to get out and find out what suits you the best,have fun trying them ALL

Ooooo helpful thanks will try and get in contact as it going to be difficult to try and get a test ride. So if i can get one will help with the decision making. Not bothered about hoping in the car and driving to get to places if that's what i need.

[menzies3032]

I just like the face that we have been trying to tell you rob that for about 4/5 years that nakeds are the way to go.

Well dont rule out the grunt of the speed triple. Or an older z1000. Maybe even the bmw s1000r.

Its taken me a while to get there but its the advise from you and Gee that are the who reason that I have gone down this road. Also I remember a conversation with you where you were telling me I don't need big BHP to have fun and some of the most fun you have had on 2 wheels has been on lower power bikes.

The idea is to get away from high 3 figure speed bikes on the road though Ruffian. Hitting the monsters you just listed puts you back in silly speed territory.

Absolutely I know I ride with how the bike feels and how I feel riding on the road and have already noticed on the 990 Superduke that more then happy at sensible speed where as the K7 1000 Gixxer would have been a warp speed. so lets see what comes out of the test rides.

[menzies3032]

One other thing that you might interesting to watch is myself and Bunny67 went to the Motorbike show in Birmingham in November 2019 and every bike that I am currently looking at i say on. Looking back at this it has reminded me that my fat carcass will need to be sitting on these smaller bikes so need to make sure i'm not also looking like Mr Blobby on a mini moto. Check out the vid

https://youtu.be/eAaXcZnUnGo

[Ruffian]

Hell yea rob

And the concerning thing is I almost think the bonnivile I have is more fun on normal roads than any sports bike.
And mush more usable on every day basis as going through traffic is actually enjoyable.

Like I say the offer is there for you to come and enjoy them if wanted.

Or go to triumph and enjoy a speed twin.
1200 engine, and to me a really useable bike.

But go there with an open mind as something oddball but horrendously great fun.

[menzies3032]

But go there with an open mind as something oddball but horrendously great fun.

Good advice will do

[scorcher]

Most fun and most loved bikes was a sorted 100bhp KTM 950 SM and my 690 SMCR with about 70bhp. Probabably would still have the 690 if it was more comfortable than sitting astride a 5 bar gate for hours on end.As Ruffian said, go in with a complete open mind and something may take you by surprise. I doubt a 765 or 890 duke will slow you down to compleytely sensible levels. The newer twins will feel completely different to the older KTM 950/990 thumpers.Ducati Supermotard or monster worth a look? Husqvarna?Or even a Royal Enfield?

[Ming]

Triumph Thruxton R? Still quick and well specced but maybe won't egg you on like a Street Triple.

You won't get a discount or a demo ride on the 890R Duke. I bought my 790 Adventure without a test ride as they'd not been out long and S and P were unable to get a demo bike for months.
It spent more time in their garage than mine. No courtesy bikes available either so it was a PITA going back and forth to them.
I've ridden the MT09 Tracer and it does get a move on. Don't think that's gonna slow you down much. Are you planning on doing track days on it?
And what about the older 790 Duke? Bargain at under 7 grand, all teething problems should be sorted by now. Plenty of trick bits for it. QS comes as standard and it's a cracking engine.

[Tractorwackyracer]

First world problem rob all good bikes I am sure a lot of people mocked me at first for not buying another sports bike and when I bought a gs the piss taking was even worse for a while but it’s the best bike I have ever owned EVER !! Not the fastest not the slowest go anywhere do anything bike

[Streetmann]

Pritty sure davant motorcycles in Torquay on your door step will let you book a test ride online with there bikes .they have some very nice naked mv bikes on there

[ptolemyx]

Every single bike on your list will readily do three figure speeds and all have a sporty theme. If you really want to calm down on the road Rob have a look at cruisers and custom bikes, perhaps the Enfield twin should be on your radar?

[Tvrv37]

Every single bike on your list will readily do three figure speeds and all have a sporty theme

Fit a pair of Cheng Shin tyres to any of them and 60mph becomes the new 130mph. All those bikes are able to carry immense corner speed which is where the risk is taken.

[Scotty]

Before lockdown Chicky and I visited Fowlups for brekkie and while there spoke to the sales guy in the KTM section - he said that numbers of the 890 Duke R coming in were really low, so demo bikes will be a bit thin on the ground. Having ridden the 790 I can confirm that it’s a superb bike, it steers like a 250, and the 890 will be all the same but with higher spec brakes and suspension, plus more power. The teething troubles of the 790 will have been sorted, so what’s not to like eh? Buying a new bike is a big decision and without a demo ride it’s too much of a leap of faith really, so take your time and try as many as you can. If Moto Corsa can’t help, I’d suggest trying the dealer that we use - Premier Bikes. It’s a bit of a trek to Oxford but they are worth the effort and normally have numerous demo bikes available (over the years I’ve ridden the 690 Duke, 990 SD, 1290 SD GT & SDR, 390 and 790 Dukes from them)

[TLS-Moose]

If you go to Moto Corsa, you might also try an MV Brutale or Dragster 800 ...... Like a Triumph but with class

[menzies3032]

If you go to Moto Corsa, you might also try an MV Brutale or Dragster 800 ...... Like a Triumph but with class

Moose the MV was actually the 2nd bike on my original list and think that it looks fantastic but with every bike being within about £750 of each other (other then Suzuki which is a lot cheaper) but the MV is about £4K extra for what?? Need something a bit special for 40% more expensive so probably not. But do bloody like the looks of it.

[menzies3032]

Buying a new bike is a big decision and without a demo ride it’s too much of a leap of faith really, so take your time and try as many as you can. If Moto Corsa can’t help, I’d suggest trying the dealer that we use - Premier Bikes. It’s a bit of a trek to Oxford but they are worth the effort

Scotty you are a hero will give both of them a call have no issues in getting in the car and doing some distance to be able to get the test rides in. there is no way I am buying a bike without giving it a ride first and this might limit my options. Luckily I am not in a rush and planned plenty of time to get the test rides in.