Hi guys, I just sold my bike and have decided to buy something cheaper. I had £10k+ tied up in my last bike and I just didn't ride it enough to justify keeping it. I work over 50 hours a week so have decided to spend between £2,500-£4,500 and want to get a V-Twin. I want to buy a really nice bike and I know I should ride one to decide but I don't have time so will just buy a good one from a forum member to make sure it is good. I am not a fast rider just want a nice bike to keep and go out for a ride every now and then on my own. I might ride about 500 miles a year. I will not be riding it on the track. Just a ride for an hour or two. I am 6 ft and 18 stone as well. Like a rugby player. TL1000R - Bullet proof. Cheap to maintain, sounds great with yoshis, looks great to me and you can get a good one for £2,500. RSVR 04+ I like the newer model with the twin headlights. A bit newer tech than a TLR, more agile and modern looking. Already comes with Ohlins and lighter wheels. They aren't without their issues though I hear. Good ones are around £4-5000 ish. Ducati 999S. Looks amazing to me. Looks more exotic. Might feel too small compared to the others? I am worried about the costs of the upkeep. I know belts are around £800 to replace every 2 years. If I only ride a 500 miles a year that sort of costs every 1000 miles might take the shine of it. I am sure some of you have had the above bikes so would be keen to hear from you. Thanks!
Nice position to be in and I feel you're right in everything you've put. To add though the TLs do tend to eat gearboxes if they're hammered and the handling is.... exciting. I've got one. The RSV revs really smooth and turns lovely but for me felt much bigger than a twin needed to be, might suit yourself though. I rode one when thinking of PXing the TL. The 999 and sadly most older Ducatis would be the bike that wouldn't start that one chance a year you get to go out. Have fun shopping.
999 fits me ok. 6' and 15stone. Belt service less than £500. Oil and filter yearly £150ish, from independant. Get 3 seasons from my belts, turn motor over every month or so in winter. Post 05 facelift model better reliability.
I had 4 999's (sold my S last year) , they are fab, I also have an RSV-R Factory, it's no where near as nice to ride, feels top heavy - my mate is selling a nice low mileage base 999 in Fila Rep colours (he's not advertised it yet, it's just been MOT'd and is having a belt service tomorrow). Oh, I also have lots of belts too
Hi Tav.....I know you from the Victory forum don't I? I've got a 999, bloody gorgeous, a bit of a pig in and around town or traffic, but puts a smile on my face and gets almost as much attention as my Jackpot.
Wish I didn't sell my RSV now, being a 6 footer you will appreciate the size of the bike, as much grunt as a 999 and the great "bullett proof" Rotax engine. I have a 999 and if your only planning to do 500 miles a year it's not gonna be very cost effective. The RSV will definitely be less costly on the servicing, go for the factory model with the ohlins, and a Ackropovic cans are a must!
Loved my 999s. Don't take 2 year belt intervals as gospel and when they do need doing there are plenty of independent guys for the job
Honda sp1.will even go up in value. im 6 ft 2 15 stone and loved mine. I would buy it back in a heart beat if I had the chance.
TLR if you want value for money and very comfy. I used to have one years ago, and is still the bike I have had most fun on. Don't be fooled by it weight as it's not noticeable whilst riding...Your neighbours will love the start up
I tried to run under the radar with standard cans,though when riding with k&n filters the induction noise was addictive .a fantastic bike to ride .
the RSV must be a good bike,if you see how many people tell you to buy one on a ducati forum. i can't tell how long it has been that i have seen a TL1000R,must have been several years all ready. you just don't see them anymore around here. henk!!!
if you want just pure thrill try a early tl1000s with good set of pipes on. drugs dont even come close to a barmy 30 mins ride on one covered lots of miles on all of those and had a few of each. tlr1000 looked nice, big physically, steered well with penske rear shock fitted. very smooth power but didnt have big punch. very reliable tls1000. lost my licence on them twice. just crackers. the not so clever chassis makes you feel like your going faster than you are. again super reliable. sp1 beautiful to look at and fun to ride. buy clever and youll never lose any money. doesnt steer well till you throw some ohlins at it but i love them (just restoring one at the mo) rsv. top heavy. but a really good balance between cost/performance/reliability. ducati 999. frustrating, beautiful, performance to beat the others. to me if you dont get to ride much, every ride should be treasured and a damn good reason to get up early in the morning. and as a friend pointed out at the weekend 'at least you still look cool when youve broken down'
Yep can relate to that "looking cool when broke down" lol. Following a impromptu ride down to brighton last weekend I fell foul of the lack of upgraded starter / battery leads, whilst on the pavement opposite the pier waiting for the 999 to cool down, was in undated for pictures, and they say the 999 is the fugly duckling
