New bike time.. choices..

Mickcas · 19 Apr 2023 at 20:19

Well with the sun showing its face and the garage has been empty since October time when I sold my gen 3 sv650. Looking for something more modern styling, some electrics would be nice, quick shifter, nice dash, would also like more power than the sv, not crazy amounts I don't want to loose the fun of thrashing to about a little.

I'm looking at around 8k. So far I've considered

Suzuki gsx8s. This is probably top of my list right now, has everything I want, hits just over the 8k which I'm fine with, a little concerned about its newness and the money I'll loose buying new.

MT09, probably more rowdy than I need, 2021, 2022 are pretty much in the price range, although pushing the limit.

KTM Duke 790, or 890. 890 is likely out of budget. 790 seems to tick the boxes but I'm hearing a lot of issues, mainly various leaks

Cb650r, love the look, I had the 125 a few years back. Well under budget, not sure on the inline 4. I'd like some punchy power low down

Triumph trident 660, under budget, ticks most boxes. Doesn't have much of a passenger seat and there would be the odd requirement. Probably not a great deal different from my sv power wise

Triumph Street triple 765. Ticks all the boxes on paper. Maybe too commited for my liking..

Z900, similar comments as with the MT09. More power than I need, doest come with a quick shifter..

The new Honda hornet sounds ideal but I can't get away with the looks.

Not sure how many here will have experience with some of these but I'd love to hear your thoughts if you do

JonRGV250 · 19 Apr 2023 at 20:25

Immediate thought was Duke 890 or Z900.

henry hoov3r · 19 Apr 2023 at 20:32

Test rode an MT09 once was quite suprised by it. The early models had terrible fueling/snatchy throttle,but it was quick. I like the XSR900 bit of retro but still rapid.

NooBish AbbZ · 19 Apr 2023 at 21:02

My immediate thought was an MT10, but that's partly because I'd love one myself.

Edit; Just re-read and saw Z900 more power than you need; MT07, possibly, then?

Mickcas · 19 Apr 2023 at 21:17

MT07 doesn't interest me much to be honest, I think I'd pick the new Suzuki gsx8s over that

Diddums · 19 Apr 2023 at 21:49

Edit- ignore, getting my bikes mixed up.

BUDFORCE · 21 Apr 2023 at 09:01

henry hoov3r said:
I like the XSR900 bit of retro but still rapid.

This, if I were buying a bike I'd get one of these.

I just don't ride enough to justify getting a different bike, and my current bike (gen 3 SV650) is in such good condition for its age I can't bring myself to let it go.

iamtheoneneo · 21 Apr 2023 at 09:11

All I can reliably say is that I would not be getting a Triumph trident 660 if your coming from an sv650 - rode both and its an amazing bike but its power output is hilariously safe even compared to a sv650 that your wonder why you bothered.

I have a Honda F and I believe the R models engines are very similar...again if that's the case your be disappointed with the power in low revs.

I love the look of the Triumph Street triple 765 but haven't ridden it to give any valid opinion outside of that.

Mickcas · 21 Apr 2023 at 10:40

I see your point on the trident.

I think I'm currently torn with waiting for the new gsx8s or getting a 2020 Street triple.
The xsr900 is cool, I've always liked them but I think I'd forever wish I have the newer model. That's unfortunately over budget

henry hoov3r · 21 Apr 2023 at 11:00

Mickcas said:
I see your point on the trident.

I think I'm currently torn with waiting for the new gsx8s or getting a 2020 Street triple.
The xsr900 is cool, I've always liked them but I think I'd forever wish I have the newer model. That's unfortunately over budget

I would test ride the Striple before committing. I test rode one and wasn’t that impressed with it.

Mickcas · 25 Apr 2023 at 13:56

Got the call from my local Suzuki dealer. They've had a GSX 8S delivered. Off to see it in a few hours. I don't like the idea of paying the new bike price but it ticks all my boxes.
Modern styling
80ish horse power, plenty low down torque
TFT screen
Up and down quickshifter
Should have good ergonomics and decent range.

This afternoon may turn out to be a pricey one. At least if I do buy it I can't go spending a fortune on accessories as there are not yet

Mickcas · 25 Apr 2023 at 19:13

Well it's done. Order the bike. In black too, I thought I'd want the blue but I saw the black and it just looks right. I'm sure the blue is nice but I have a feeling after a while I'd go off it.

Should be roughly 2 weeks until it comes in

Diddums · 25 Apr 2023 at 19:48

Awesome, congrats dude!

tom_e · 25 Apr 2023 at 20:22

Noice, I do like the look of the GSX8S

Mickcas · 25 Apr 2023 at 21:08

Thanks. Looking forward to getting back on 2 wheels.
I'm just hoping it lives up to its initial reviews

Mickcas · 26 Apr 2023 at 14:21

Well had a follow up call from the dealer today. Estimated date of the 13th May which isn't too bad. I'm on holiday until the 11th so that works out quite nicely.

Quick pic of the dealers bike, but it's exactly what I'll be getting.
I find the black in person looks so different to the pics on Suzuki's site

henry hoov3r · 26 Apr 2023 at 14:23

That does look pretty cool.

Reppyboyo · 26 Apr 2023 at 21:20

Think it looks great, tempted to get a test ride on one sometime soon.

chaparral · 6 May 2023 at 00:01

Mickcas said:
Well had a follow up call from the dealer today. Estimated date of the 13th May which isn't too bad. I'm on holiday until the 11th so that works out quite nicely.

Quick pic of the dealers bike, but it's exactly what I'll be getting.
I find the black in person looks so different to the pics on Suzuki's site

That bike looks nice

I just ordered a new Yamaha MT10-SP last Tuesday (Dealer said it may come near the end of June )

Am just hoping it does come before my 2 weeks i have booked off work in the middle of July

Mickcas · 9 May 2023 at 17:23

Just had the call from my local Suzuki dealer that my bike has arrived... Currently in gran canaria so it will need to wait a few days.
Pretty excited to see what it's like