New bike advice please

[SidG82]

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

[bonio]

To be honest, you're asking for quite a lot for your budget. Bikes that are comfortable two up, and on tour, aren't always the best on a summer's evening blast. It sounds like you're after something like an R1200GS, but the budget isn't going to stretch that far.

 

You might want to try a Tiger 800 XR; some of the older ones are coming in at around £4500. Or an older model like a Tiger 1050. You could also consider a Z1000SX - the ergos are less sporty than the VFR and the 2011 models are now in your price bracket. Make sure you get the OEM panniers in the deal.

As for the bikes you mention, the F800GT is a good, versatile bike (and the GT too, with the added benefit of an elastic band instead of a chain) but I think it's a tad lacklustre. It's not that it hasn't got loads of power; it just delivers it in a very reliable, competent, responsible way. The Sprints are great bikes, perhaps a tad heavy in turning, but they could do you proud. And while it's strictly true that you don't need the power, you will often be really pleased it's there. 

 

 

[fullscreenaging]

Have a look at the MK1 Versys 1000

[SidG82]

19 minutes ago, bonio said:

To be honest, you're asking for quite a lot for your budget. Bikes that are comfortable two up, and on tour, aren't always the best on a summer's evening blast. It sounds like you're after something like an R1200GS, but the budget isn't going to stretch that far.

 

You might want to try a Tiger 800 XR; some of the older ones are coming in at around £4500. Or an older model like a Tiger 1050. You could also consider a Z1000SX - the ergos are less sporty than the VFR and the 2011 models are now in your price bracket. Make sure you get the OEM panniers in the deal.

As for the bikes you mention, the F800GT is a good, versatile bike (and the GT too, with the added benefit of an elastic band instead of a chain) but I think it's a tad lacklustre. It's not that it hasn't got loads of power; it just delivers it in a very reliable, competent, responsible way. The Sprints are great bikes, perhaps a tad heavy in turning, but they could do you proud. And while it's strictly true that you don't need the power, you will often be really pleased it's there. 

 

 

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

 

[SidG82]

9 minutes ago, fullscreenaging said:

Have a look at the MK1 Versys 1000

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.

[fullscreenaging]

23 minutes ago, SidG82 said:

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.

 
I’ve had the MK2 2017 GT from new and love it. I went through a few bikes over a few years before getting this one. I have no intention of getting rid anytime soon. 
Not much difference between the MK1 & 2. Couple of tweaks but the main thing is aesthetics. Underneath the cyclops fairing they are pretty much the same bike. 

Edited July 8, 2021 by fullscreenaging

[Steve_M]

Consider the Triumph Tiger 1050 SE (the SE came with luggage as standard). I owned one for three years and had great times touring two up. It’s also sporty enough (think of it as a tall Speed Triple) to bring a small to your face should you want to explore that option. Forget about the title “Adventure bike”, it’s nothing of the sort. 
 

Your good lady will also appreciate the pillion position - mine considers it to be the best perch for her derrière of all the bikes I’ve owned. Though your other half, being a good three inches shorter than mine, might find getting up there’s a bit of an adventure. 
 

 

[SidG82]

1 hour ago, fullscreenaging said:

 
I’ve had the MK2 2017 GT from new and love it. I went through a few bikes over a few years before getting this one. I have no intention of getting rid anytime soon. 
Not much difference between the MK1 & 2. Couple of tweaks but the main thing is aesthetics. Underneath the cyclops fairing they are pretty much the same bike. 

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.

[SidG82]

44 minutes ago, Steve_M said:

Consider the Triumph Tiger 1050 SE (the SE came with luggage as standard). I owned one for three years and had great times touring two up. It’s also sporty enough (think of it as a tall Speed Triple) to bring a small to your face should you want to explore that option. Forget about the title “Adventure bike”, it’s nothing of the sort. 
 

Your good lady will also appreciate the pillion position - mine considers it to be the best perch for her derrière of all the bikes I’ve owned. Though your other half, being a good three inches shorter than mine, might find getting up there’s a bit of an adventure. 
 

 

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.

[NeilM]

I would seriously look at the sprint ST again.

I'm similar size to you, well a bit bigger. And r lass is only small.

ST is ideal for a bit of everything really.

Only 120 bhp, so not stupid fast.

Will carry as much as you like, yet a really good commuter too.

 

[MikeHorton]

Maybe a vstrom 1000 very capable bike with a proven engine plenty out there.

 

Here's an example

 

Look at this on eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-DL1000-V-Strom-16100-miles-/133792167811?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

[SidG82]

9 hours ago, NeilM said:

I would seriously look at the sprint ST again.

I'm similar size to you, well a bit bigger. And r lass is only small.

ST is ideal for a bit of everything really.

Only 120 bhp, so not stupid fast.

Will carry as much as you like, yet a really good commuter too.

 

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?

[SidG82]

9 hours ago, MikeHorton said:

Maybe a vstrom 1000 very capable bike with a proven engine plenty out there.

 

Here's an example

 

Look at this on eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-DL1000-V-Strom-16100-miles-/133792167811?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

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 

[NeilM]

2 minutes ago, SidG82 said:

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?

Its a sports tourer. 

So yes you are forward but not in an extreme way like an R1.

To be honest they are easy to manoeuvre and not that heavy in comparison to say an adventure bike.

STs are very good compromise bikes. I'm too knackered to have full on sports bikes now. The ST will push on.

I commute at times. Ideal for that.

Lisa goes on the back. Very good pillion position, and comfy according to her.

 

[Steve_M]

11 hours ago, SidG82 said:

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.

It is a tall bike, with an upright riding position and wide handlebars and a strange high level exhaust, so has been viewed as an “Adventure bike”. The only thing I would say against it is that, if you’re fitting topbox, you’re good lady will struggle to see its contents - it sits very high. 
 

Here are a couple of photos from our trip to France in 2013.

[Steve_M]

49 minutes ago, SidG82 said:

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?

You could get bar risers fitted. 

[SidG82]

4 hours ago, Steve_M said:

It is a tall bike, with an upright riding position and wide handlebars and a strange high level exhaust, so has been viewed as an “Adventure bike”. The only thing I would say against it is that, if you’re fitting topbox, you’re good lady will struggle to see its contents - it sits very high. 
 

Here are a couple of photos from our trip to France in 2013.

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?

[NeilM]

They can be as sporty looking or anonymous as you like.

[SidG82]

5 hours ago, NeilM said:

They can be as sporty looking or anonymous as you like.

How long have you had the Sprint?

looks in lovely condition.

 

My ER loaded up pre and during Scotland tour.

[NeilM]

21 minutes ago, SidG82 said:

How long have you had the Sprint?

looks in lovely condition.

 

My ER loaded up pre and during Scotland tour.

Nearly 4 year.

Time for a change i think...lol