I was a non rider passed my bike test and had a 600SS waiting for me. Yep I like a challenge. Cost my £197 fully comp I am 5ft 7 I would say have a look at various dukes sit on them and you will know which one you want Touring wise I don’t think you can go wrong with a multi I tried the 1000ds it was quick but easy to handle easier than the SS but I got bored. Ok as a pillion. When you do go up engine size take your time with it get used to it maybe do an advanced course. It’s all about staying safe By the way don’t forget my pictures of your rubbish bins we like them and it keeps me happy welcome into our mad house
I'm 5'7" and have recently ridden the new V2 and it fits perfectly for me. Both balls of my feet on the ground and the ergonomics of the bike fitted me well. It was quite soft and comfortable for a sports bike tbh. The V2 has the same engine as the 959 and in my view is great for someone inexperienced and looking to learn how to ride a bigger bike. I'm used to riding bigger bikes and soon as I rode the V2 it was so confidence inspiring and enjoyable. As @Advikaz alluded to, leave the emotions, bravado and cockiness at home and take it steady. Learn the bike and the engine characteristics before giving it some. Enjoy and I hope it's what you’re after
I went from a 2-stroke Lambretta 200cc to a 1977 Suzuki GS750DB. The first thing that struck me was having brakes that actually worked. The 2nd thing was that it was heavy and the 3rd thing was that it didnt breakdown/heatseize/runoutofpetrol/spew fuel inside my leg/surroundme in smoke. Another was that the rear brake does fuck all and/or causes skids.
Obviously has a bearing on quote but why £1500 more for a V2 than a Supersport, also my 25 years continuous NCB has all been in London. Life is so unfair, suspect us Londoners are subsidising insurance for the rest of the country.
BeMoto seems to be in a very reasonable phase at the moment (gaining market share?) going by my experience last time round and other comments here recently
I did try BeMoto to insure my bikes a couple of weeks ago, after giving all my details and my 4 bike details on the phone he eventually came back and was very apologetic saying the 2 underwriters they use would not quote for London.
I think a 76-year-old trying to ensure a Panigale V2 might also have something to do with it but fair play to you though!
I think the value of the bike is a big factor, I also ride a ‘96 Mk1 Speed Triple, 90hp , no rider aids, terrible brakes and top heavy but I have no trouble with that insurance ‘cos it’s only worth about £3k .
Tried a 1199 a few years ago, and I was ok on it. Can't remember if it was a 1299 or a V4 I also sat on, but that was higher.
Performance seat, which o have with mine, is at least an inch higher. It’s a lot higher than std, which I just put on mine.
I had a V4S gen 1. It was much taller than 1299 both std seats. But manageable. The gen2 V4 is a bit taller and unmanageable for me.
Is it too big a jump? No. Even my Monster 1200r would not be too much. Just build things up and dont grab too much throttle or brake at first. Set traction control and power to maximum intervention and go steady at first. I bet many went straight from 125 or 250cc straight to a latter day sportbike, that had none of the rider aids or modern tyres. It does actually take a degree of carelessness to crash modern bikes. One thing to watch out for is arriving at corners carrying a lot more speed than on the smaller bike. Just be aware of the need to recalibrate. Otherwise..ride it and enjoy it.
