New (old) bike time

Luke · 30 Jan 2011 at 09:25

I'm now going to be commuting 40 miles each way on my bike and as much fun as the ZZR1100 is, the riding position isn't great for me and I want to go back to an upright traillie type bike. It is mainly motorway with an element of filtering through city traffic.
I need to do some work on the ZZR before selling it privately and have about £3k to spend immediately.
I've had a Transalp 650 and a Vstrom DL1000 in the past and for commuting I love the riding position and filtering ability.

Bikes on my list to look at are:
Transalp
TDM 850/900
BMW F650
Vstrom DL650

Anything else in that genre that are worth considering?

My requirements are:
Tall - I'm 6'2
Faired or semi-faired
Decent MPG (no singles)
Wide seat - I have a fat ass!
Grunt - I'm 20st, so no 400's!

Cheers

Luke · 30 Jan 2011 at 12:13

Every review I've seen of the Varadero complains that the VTR derived lump is really poor on fuel.

Luke · 30 Jan 2011 at 18:42

Sadly I never get time to ride for pleasure so dropping over 70hp isn't a concern. To be honest I had more fun on my old Transalp than I do on the ZZR. Mainly due to having less confidence on the ZZR than the smaller bike.

It's going to be a total commute tool, so boring isn't a problem.

What is the riding position like on the fazer? Any pressure on the wrists?

Luke · 1 Feb 2011 at 21:46

Heart ruled head on this and I've just bought an Africa Twin.
I've always wanted one but found them too expensive.

I found one at a very reasonable price in great condition and will be picking it up on Saturday.

Not as much power as I'm used to, but enough for me and very comfortable too.

It's a very marmite bike, some love them and others loathe them. I'm the former!

Can't wait!

Luke · 1 Feb 2011 at 23:04

Luke · 1 Feb 2011 at 23:32

Couldn't work out if it was a late suggestion or misidentification!

Luke · 5 Feb 2011 at 15:13

Picked it up today and am very happy with it.
The riding position is perfect for me and I can see me doing many many miles on it.
It came with a Scottoiler, Givi wingrack and boxes as well as a Givi tall screen (original also given).

The challenge now is to clear enough room in the garage for both bikes until I sort and sell the ZZR11.

Luke · 5 Feb 2011 at 15:54

Yes, thankfully I was offeren a new job within a week or so of finishing my last one.
I'll be back in the F@H team at some point!