SidG82

I think there are many people out there who go through life not giving any thought whatsoever to these sorts of things.

I agree with the majority on this. The least amount of gear for me is summer gloves, Kevlar jeans and short boots. Take the liner out of the jacket and open all vents (I’m not even 100% happy with the jeans TBH). Yes, it can get very hot but the alternative is not worth considering (in my opinion). I understand why you would want to just wear shorts and a t-shirt on a scooter abroad, but coming off at 30 can still do a whole load of damage. I can’t remember where I heard this recently (maybe when Quartararro chucked out his chest guard in Barcelona), but if I knew when I was going to crash; I’d only wear all my gear on that ride…

How long have you had the Sprint? looks in lovely condition. My ER loaded up pre and during Scotland tour.

The photos are really helpful. Not was I was expecting, it has a pretty sporty look, almost like an updated Fazer with longer legs. this is exactly the sort of thing I am after. would I be right in saying a higher mileage bike would not be a huge issue with Triumph build quality & engine?

That’s a lot of bike for the money. Thanks for your input. I had looked at the older V stroms but found them a bit bland. that bike, however, looks cracking. thanks

Thanks Neil, How do you find the riding position? According to cycle ergo, I would be slightly further forward than on my ER but nowhere near belly on the tank. How low down is the centre of gravity, being a larger, heavier bike?

Thanks Steve, I’ll definitely take a look. I’m not sore why I’m put off by adventure style bikes but it’s interesting that you say the 1050 SE isn’t one. It seems that over the last few years all rounders and even sports tourers have been styled to look like them.

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. One of the guys on our tour had a MK 2 and it’s a really great looking bike. Goes really well too.

I’d looked at the latest model and written off as too expensive. I’ll take a look at the Mk 1 though, they look to be just starting to drop into my price range. thanks.

Thanks Bonio, The tiger 800 and Z1000SX are also two bikes I have considered right at the top of my price bracket. I’ve never ridden an adventure type bike before so not sure how I feel about the upright riding position (probably just me trying to convince myself I’m not yet old enough to need a bolt upright ride). I had discounted the Z due to too much power but it’s an interesting point you make about not needing it but still appreciating it. Knowing the ergos are less sporty than the VFR is really helpful. Thanks

Thanks Stu

Hi All, I’m considering my next bike and I’m hoping you can give some advice please. I have been riding a 2008 Kawasaki ER6-F for the last year, after years away from riding. It’s a cracking little bike and exactly what I needed as a first bike back. It has enough speed for me and is perfectly adequate for short rides. I use my bike mainly for fun, weekend blasts and occasional 35 minute commute to work (once or twice a week if the weather is decent). I’m 95kg, 5’11” with a 33” inside leg, and while the ER is fine one-up for shorter rides, I am trying to convince the other half to come out with me more often. She’s only 5’3” and 60kg but travelling any distance, even without luggage is a struggle, space and weight wise. I also realised recently on a tour to Scotland that the light weight that makes it fun on a Sunday morning spin is a disadvantage when doing hours of blustery motorway miles. With the only middleweight on the trip I found no issue keeping up with the larger bikes but having to constantly go up and down the box to do so. lack of available power low down also got a little frustrating (with the 1200 tigers and GS’ making an overtake in 5th with me having to chop down a couple of gears to 3rd). I am looking for something a little larger and heavier, with a higher max load capacity (the ER has a max of 180kg, which doesn’t leave a lot for luggage when 2 up). Bikes I have considered all have luggage options for touring, ability for two-up riding and would still be fun to ride (my real reason for getting back on a bike): GSX650, F800GT. Both larger, heavier and have greater payload than my ER. But likely to be less fun? One budget and one not. Sprint ST & GT. Seem to tick all boxes but considerable difference in insurance an servicing costs. Not sure I need that much power. Versys 650, Tracer 700. Ergos would be better but performance would possibly be worse. No great increase in ability to tour two-up. VFR 800. Expensive, so would have to opt for a higher mileage bike. Ride position too sporty? If money were no object I would go for a new Tracer 900. I think the ergos would suit my frame and the ride position would not be bolt upright like an adventure bike. However, as my bike is simply a toy I can only justify a budget of around £4,500, less the PX of my ER6-F. Any and all comments welcome. Thanks