How the hell do I make up my mind? (bikes)

PardonTheWait

PardonTheWait

PardonTheWait

Soldato
Joined
26 Aug 2003
Posts
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The insurance company of the guy that hit me have finally got their act together, resulting in my bike being written off and I'm told I'm to expect an offer of £2495, which is reasonably fair I think. I may try and squeeze a bit more from them though.

So... Let's say my budget is £2.5-3.5k. Under £3k would be better.

This abomination is the list of bikes going through my head, see if you can make sense of this one!

Aprilia (Old shape) Tuono Fighter
Buell Firebolt/Lightning
Yamaha XT660x/r (probably x)
Yamaha R1/R6 (R1 only because they're remarkably pretty cheap, I'm used to a litre bike and fairly restrained)
KTM Duke/Duke II
Aprilia FalcoAprilia RSV Mille

WTF? I just want everything!

I ride regularly with a pillion, and being able to have a topbox/possibly panniers would be useful, but I could get by. BUT my dad has a VFR800, which, if I needed a 'sensible' bike for a weekend away or something, I would be welcome to use, so silly bikes aren't out of the picture. As much as I like XT660s, I'm sure it'd be too much of a plodder, whereas the Duke is a bit more bonkers, so I assume more fun, although no quicker.

I reckon it's gonna be a Falco. I don't think I want four cylinders right now, I've had two inline fours and fancy a twin/single. A lot of the bikes I like are sensible and would be suited to touring, but realistically me going for a two or three week Euro jaunt is a way off - long enough, certainly, to change bikes again for it.

Any other bikes have the same problem? Problem being your dream garage is composed of pretty much everything? In the world?
 
Nah I'm not scared of sportsbikes or corners, I just... I dunno, I don't really want one. I'm not really a hooner, I've no massive interest (currently) in kneedown antics or getting round x bend at x speed and so on. The R1/R6 possibility is just... curiosity, I think. I'd like to own one for a bit, but I think with the little wifelet to think about, something a bit fatter (falco!) will suit me (us) better
 
Get the Falco!

I seriously doubt the buel is anywhere near what you want, unless you want numb hands and no hearing :p
 
Aprilia (Old shape) Tuono Fighter (Save another grand and get a 2006 )
Buell Firebolt/Lightning (no no no in any shape or form .)
Yamaha XT660x/r (probably x) (Fun on yer own but no good 2 up really and underpowered)
Yamaha R1/R6 (R1 only because they're remarkably pretty cheap, I'm used to a litre bike and fairly restrained) (R6 is to small/peaky . Horrid for a long ride and i pity the pillion ) (R1 is ok but personally feel its not as good as the eqv Gsxr)
KTM Duke/Duke II (Same as Xt Fun on yer tod but no good for any distance or pillion)
Aprilia FalcoAprilia RSV Mille (Both great choices . Great engines great noise . Think Falco would suit better with a pillion but not as quick as rsvr/tuono)
Click to expand...

Other choices to throw in the mix . Honda Cb1300 / Gsx1400 / Bandit 1250 / Fz1 if u can find one at yer price bracket / Fjr1300 / Blackbird/zx12 /

Best thing is go try a few and see what takes yer fancy . I keep testing new stuff but after a decent run out with a lot of exotic machines NOTHING could stay with the Tuono to 110 and the more i ride it the more i love it . But i have a B- King ride booked so that may change .

The choice is yours .

Persil
 
Persil said:
Other choices to throw in the mix . Honda Cb1300 / Gsx1400 / Bandit 1250 / Fz1 if u can find one at yer price bracket / Fjr1300 / Blackbird/zx12 /
Click to expand...

I've got a first gen Fazer right now, so those big fours are all a bit too similar to it for me, especially the Bandit and FZ1. I like the big twin shockers, but no screen, that much power, that much weight, don't fancy it right now. I reckon I'll have one at some point.

Blackbird's worth a think about though, good shout!
 
If you want character noise and stump pulling midrange then a Tuono is on the cards . But please try and add the extra cash and get a new shape . With some simple mods 140 bhp aint hard and they just pull and pull . But all the usable power is where you need it hence me giving much faster and more powerfull stuff a hard time (zx12/blackbird/R1/Gsxr1000 etc )

If yer localish to me yer welcome to have a shot (bend it you mend it ) .

Persil
 
Mille or Falco, you can't lose.

You will get a shedload of bike for the money, Mille's are especially good value just now. You could pick up a low miles 2001-2003 RSVR for that cash just now, an absolute 2 wheel bargain. Ohlins tackle, carbon etc. Stonking value.

I will put my money where my mouth is and say that if you go for a Mille or Falco, I will 110% guarantee that you will not look back and will have a massive grin on your face every time you ride the thing.

DO IT!!! :D

Also, I have toured Scotland on the Mille, 2 up with the missus on the back, full tankbag and throwover sports panniers. Managed it without breaking sweat and it was actually pretty comfortable, couple of pics :-

side15bs.jpg


Mrs was taking pic in this one, mate and his girl on the big GSX1100 in front :-

locophoto31zi8nl.jpg
 
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Persil said:
If you want character noise and stump pulling midrange then a Tuono is on the cards . But please try and add the extra cash and get a new shape
Click to expand...

Sadly, just can't afford it. I can put in another £500 or £1k at a stretch, but going up to £4.5k isn't going to happen. :(

Draeger said:
Mille or Falco, you can't lose.

You will get a shedload of bike for the money, Mille's are especially good value just now. You could pick up a low miles 2001-2003 RSVR for that cash just now, an absolute 2 wheel bargain. Ohlins tackle, carbon etc. Stonking value.

I will put my money where my mouth is and say that if you go for a Mille or Falco, I will 110% guarantee that you will not look back and will have a massive grin on your face every time you ride the thing.

DO IT!!! :D
Click to expand...

I reckon it's on the cards...

Re: Speed Triple, I knew I was forgetting something! Also something to consider, cheers.
 
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