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Lovely looking bike, I'm split between the 1290 SD/GT and the MT10. My riding is mostly short daily bursts (<200 miles) but I do like a tour.
Which would you recommend and why?
Guernsey's Chief Minister, Gavin St Pier, addressed the crowd after riding as a pillion passenger with one of the bikers.
Ok so, the MT10 is a great bike no mistaking that at all. Great upright seating position, even better with the optional comfort seat. Handling is very good, turns in pretty quick in corners and then easily flicks over the other way. Engine sounds great especially with a decat, although it can 'drone' a little when just cruising. Power delivery is fab too, although get ready for the front end lifting all the time in the first 3 gears, with it's short wheel base i've come out of corners still leaning with the front lifting up. Throttle is snatchy from the factory, but a remap can sort that out. Fuel range isn't that great, i've had the fuel light flashing at 90 miles when out for a 'spirited' ride. Pillion is not comfy, this comes from a riding friend and my wife. Longer footrests help from the tracer 900.
SDGT 1290, seating position is very similar to the MT10, although maybe 1.5-2" taller seat height. Fuel range is good. I recently did 175 miles and range said i had about 50 miles left, although not sure how far i could push it. Some owners say 220-240 per tank is acheivable. Front screen is adjustable, but doesn't seem to make any difference, in it's lowest psoition wind hits my chest and not my helmet which is good. Handling feels pretty good, still getting used to this bike but i'm confident it'll keep with the MT.
Overall, the MT10 is perfectly capable of doing everything, just the short tank range lets it down for. It is a greedy engine. Personally i think the SDGT just edges it though, it just feels more like a do everything bike with good range, comfy, good styling (imo). I'd say if you can test ride both.
If there's anything specific you want to know just ask
Another bike in this class i would really like to try is the BMW XR1000R or S1000RGreat summary thanks. How would you compare the power delivery of the SD to the MT10?
Do it, loved my S1000Rs, awesome bike.Another bike in this class i would really like to try is the BMW XR1000R or S1000R
Great summary thanks. How would you compare the power delivery of the SD to the MT10?
The R and XR are really different bikes. The XR is way more comfy and really a lightweight sports tourer.
Most bikes in it class are around the same weightIt's 228 kg!
Most bikes in it class are around the same weight
I get your point, but it feels way lighter than the figure would have you think. Also be careful with weights, it's 178kg dry, so 12kg more than a certain KTM, BMW actually list reasonable wet weights unlike some manufacturers...
If i remember right my 1991 GSX-R 750 weighted almost the same weightSure, but it’s not lightweight.