Sound advice. There is a mint one for sale in Riders of Bridgwater and I know it very well. I bought it there in 05 from new and I added Titanium Leovince cans and the originals are still with it, full colour matched luggage, new tyres and new chain and sprocket set. It is fully serviced with new belts and I would say it is probably running better than it was when new. I have recently traded it and a Harley for a new Multistrada.
Honestly can't recommend the Diavel highly enough. It has 3 power modes that give you all the options you need as you rid yourself of the rust. It is everything you could want from a bike, speed, stability, low seat height and every safety tech known to man. If you can afford it buy it.
I passed direct access just over three years ago and the thing that surprised me was just how controlable modern high powered bikes are, even the Panigale is a bit of a pussy, and more comfortable than an 848. Monsters are lovely bikes but not much leg room so they are better for short a***s. The Diavel is also good but have you considered a Multistrada if you are average height or above ? Start in low power mode with all the electronics turned up ? There are lots of bikes to try and a refresher course sounds like good advice. Enjoy.
St4s has 996 power, sure some would say thats too much and without the electrinic jigory more risky...but I'd say learn your right wrist goes both ways, get some trainng and uy what you like You'd go well to lose a well ridden monster on the road, so dont be worried about power just things like do you like the look, is it the right feel for you, can you afford it and do you get wood when looking a it :biggrin:
I got back into bikes after a 20 yr lay off and, although the bikes do have a lot more power nowadays they also have frames that can cope, brakes that work and tyres that grip, things you will never have experienced! Just take it easy for the first few rides as you will have lost all sense of bike acceleration, do a refresher course and pick whatever bike you fancy.
A friend of mine got back into biking thanks to me (I suppose). He hadn't been on one for years and years. I hired a Honda 600F for him in Switzerland and he came over and rode the Alps with me. On his return to the UK, he bought a Triumph 900 Sprint, but I don't think that was the right choice for him really - it's a bit of a bus, when what you need to kick off with is something quite light, manageable and forgiving. I still reckon it is better to start with something like that and then move up as skill and confidence increase.
I also got back on a bike after 20 ish years. Got myself a beginer Ducati - 848! I was recommended to try a twin by an RSV riding friend of mine. He said the grunt you get from a twin makes them easy to ride? Any way he recommended the IAM course to get me refreshed and after 6 sessions I took my Advanced test. The nerves of being assessed by an off duty copper realy gets the adrenalin going but after a few miles you really settle into what is a fantastic couple of hours. The feedback you get also from the observer is really amazing. How they can replay every corner to you i have no idea. My advice is get one, any one, if its not the right one you wont loose that much just get back on it! Good luck
Defo test a few bikes if you can, i like to visit the industrial estate and practice my low speed skills aswell, its not just about hitting the motorway.
I tell you what, you could do a lot worse than a Multistrada! Ride it in Wet mode for a while till you get used to it then start playing with Touring and Sport modes. I think it's the most user-friendly, comfortable and versatile bike out there right now.
Hello guys & girls; thought I would report back on what I finally bought. And please don't shoot me down! I decided to go for a new 2012 model Triumph Street Triple R. I think all the reviews just seemed to swing it in the Triumph's favour. However, I still can't stop looking at Ducati's. Ok, the Triumph may not be as pretty as the Monster, but think this will be a great bike to get me back in the saddle after so many years. I took the demo bike out on saturday & nearly sh1te myself - only doing 60 :smile: Well it has been 20 years! I will have fun on the triumph for a season or two & already eyeing up my next bike - maybe a monster 1100 or Streetfighter. So, my search is now over & not the ending I had intended. But i do hope one day to own a Ducati.
The Triumph is a good bike. I had a Sprint ST1050 for a couple of years and in a lot of ways I wish I still had it. It will give you a good insight into just how much better modern bikes are, and then you'll be ready for the joys of Ducati ownership! Have fun with it and keep us updated, particularly when you decide to get yourself a Duke! Chris
+1 The trip is a great machine. We're obviously bias towards Ducati, but we're not stupid :biggrin::biggrin: You are always welcome on the forum, don't disappear all together
