I don't want to upset anyone, but there is no way in the world I'd ever buy a bike that once gassed, oiled etc that weighed more than this woman. There'll be no Mutley on my drive.
You're missing out mate. The lightest regular sports bikes are over 200kg with fluids. Sometimes bigger is better...
Define better? EDIT Racing on a track you have a point especially on circuits with long straights. On the road those bikes are not better at all, though there will be times when touring long distances when they will have their moment in the sun.
As I am unsure how strong my leg will get, I wasn't looking for a heavy bike. The Aprilia 660 figured as it isn't heavy- the KTM 890 Duke also hit the spot. Originally I planned to buy new but I've decided to go used. It depends on what's around when I am in a position to buy. If I keep the Ducati then I have tourers and so this can be just for mucking about on. That means I don't have to worry about tank range or luggage carrying. As I don't want another Monster after what happened to me on the last one, there is nothing really in the Ducati range that fits the bill, although if a good Supersport S came up at the right price then I'd go for that. When I thought that I was buying new then I really wanted to stay local i.e. an Aprilia from Frasers or a Ducati from Riders. With used, I will just buy from whoever is convenient and has what I want.
Very few, if any, circumstances when a big bike is better on track (as in long and heavy). On the road, it adds plushness and the toys it comes with make comfort and convenience far better than an old SS or ST. Heated grip,s abs, traction, great wind protection, low seat making it easy to stop/start. Sure in tight turns these bigger bikes can be harder, but it’s all about trade offs
Only if you want /like the toys... Those sportbikes are mostly designed to be ridden really fast, and are not even close to ideal at lower speeds (Lower is below 70 imo). Most people haven't the perquisite skills to extract their performance either. Since when did heated hand grips become essential sports bike equipment? TBH its the first really useful thing for a road bike that you've mentioned that would interest me... When I wrote they might be useful "racing on track", I meant only for the huge horsepower used on the straights. Plus they're uncomfortable as hell to ride for any length of time. Now its true that much younger guys probably will have less aches and pains, but how many of them are buying £24K bikes so in some respects thats a moot point. I'm glad that there are bikes of all types. There is something very special, an almost indefinable beauty in some of these high power sports bikes. But away from the day dreams, the best bikes for the average guy, who being average will ride on the roads are not these exquisite beasts at all imo. Most will never extract the full potential -or even most- of a 1994 748, and quite honestly if you look at the smiles on riders of 350LC's you have wonder who has made the right decision (btw weight 100kilos less)... But à chacun son goût, just because I think "al pot petit hi ha la bona confitura” doesn't mean I'm right.
I was speaking about Sportbikes, sorry I thought that was very clear? There's no indefinable beauty in any Multi... Do you find your Monster uncomfortable?
Don't overlook a 765 Street Triple! Light weight, comfortable, plenty of power, amazing noise, great ride, can do everything you want I suspect.
Over a long distance it will be. Or my old ones were. Current one has bar risers which may help with lower back stiffness. SV1000 would do the job for a cheap all rounder
Second that. I visited expat jack’s and saw his, he raved about it and I had myself one within 2 weeks. Great bike, good all rounder and worth every penny
I've never heard anyone say that their Monster was uncomfortable. I have seen lots -and comments- about adding bar risers so there must be something in it. I don't find mine uncomfortable at all for six hours or so & the majority of my riding is less than that. If I were thrashing around at 100mph for six hours that might be a different story, but I the bike wasn't designed for that -so it would be down to me. Speed Triple vs SV1000? Unless it was only for EU tours, I'd get a Triple everytime.
I just had a quick look at BMW (unlikely as wheelie potential not great and I don't want another tourer) but 73,000 miles!!! Fair play as that is quality!
IME you are neither leant forward taking the weight on your forearms or sat up with the weight on your backside, an in between position. This means your back is kind of arched up and hands lower, it adds some strain to my lower back and, after a couple of hours riding, its quite painful. Bar risers may help as it makes it a touch more upright. And whats the point of it if you're not riding it fast everywhere?! Still toying with clip ons on mine. I found my old race bikes a lot more comfortable and easy to ride with clip ons, although that would only ever have been for half hr at a time max!
