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

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

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

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

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

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

Mickcas · 11 May 2023 at 19:32

Picked up my bike from the dealer this afternoon. Only managed to ride it the 2 miles home so I can't give much of a judgement just yet, but initial impressions are good, everything felt nice is about as much as I'd say for now.

Looks wise, subjective I know but I think it's great, very modern looking, definitely nicer in person than in pics, tail tidy is a must as it is with almost every bike, unfortunately no one sells them yet. Exhaust sounds ok for stock but again I'll be looking at options once some are released.

Quick pic for now but I'll grab some better ones on my next ride out

Mickcas · 13 May 2023 at 20:13

Thought I'd follow up on this since I managed to get out for a little longer today. Only about 50 miles but a good mix of roads. My only other big bike was a sv650, a gen 3 2016 so I can only compare it to that.

That being said this feels like a step up in everything but noise, sv had a slip on so probably not a fair comparison on that front.
It just feels so much more planted, bigger but just as if not more flickable.
More power on tap for sure, although I'm taking it easy for those first 600 miles.
Quick shifter is awesome.
TFT is very nice, easy to read and only has what's required.
Stayed in B mode for most of the ride, just felt smoother than A when around town, I'm sure A mode will come into use on more open free flowing roads.
Comfort was the one area I was concerned about, my SV was horrible, 30-45 minutes and I'd had enough. I was out for probably a total of 1.5hrs and not once did comfort even enter my head, I only noticed when I got home that I'd not been in any discomfort.

Looking forward to many more miles!