A torquey super naked is what I'd recommend. Superbikes are cool, but too uncomfortable and less fun at lower speeds. That problem is magnified with 600s because you really have to rev those out.
Still, I saw a 996 the other day (heard one come up in the tunnel behind me) and I instantly started lusting after one again. I definitely see the appeal.
A torquey super naked is what I'd recommend. Superbikes are cool, but too uncomfortable and less fun at lower speeds. That problem is magnified with 600s because you really have to rev those out.
Still, I saw a 996 the other day (heard up come up in the tunnel behind me) and I instantly started lusting after one again. I definitely see the appeal.
I recommend whatever makes you happy after you ride it, which means testrides if you can swing them!
Still some nice weather left in 2016, managed to sneak away this afternoon on the Ducati. I'm beginning to get a handle on how it should sound and what all the "weird" noises are, after two years on the clinical Street Triple. It does make a whining noise at certain road speeds which I believe after 3 months I've finally narrowed down to the Michelin PR4 front tyre..
There is only really one thing I dislike about the bike 6 months in, and that's the absolutely abysmal handling at low speeds. The engine sputters and grumbles under 10mph, even in urban mode. I guess they aren't meant to be ridden slowly...
I know what he's thinking: Ducati Monster! But you've also got the Yamaha FZ series, the ever-popular Triumph Triples, KTM Duke/SuperDuke... On the cheap side I'm quite partial to the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and maybe the new GSX-S750 myself. Or even the new SV650, though you could hardly call that "super" naked
I know what he's thinking: Ducati Monster! But you've also got the Yamaha FZ series, the ever-popular Triumph Triples, KTM Duke/SuperDuke... On the cheap side I'm quite partial to the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and maybe the new GSX-S750 myself. Or even the new SV650, though you could hardly call that "super" naked
Preferably something with 2 cylinders, which I think you will prefer as you're already getting used to the up front power delivery of your single cylinder bike. I make exceptions for the FZ-10 and Speed Triple though. I know for a fact the Speed is an excellent bike and the FZ-10, well, let's just say it calls to me...
But yeah, for twins that's the KTM Superdukes, Ducati Monsters (either the new water cooled versions or an older 1100 or 796), Ducati Hypermotards (now Strada's) or maybe a used Harley-Davidson XR1200. By the way, not all of these are strictly 'super' nor do they have to be, they're fast enough.
People like the Aprilia Tuono as well, a V4, sounds awesome.
Like Doug says though, should be something that makes you happy most of all. For me it's Buell, for you it might be something totally different. Just go ride a bunch of different bikes, see what you like. I would throw either a Street or Speed Triple and a Monster in there though as those are the gold standards for handling in my view (well, those and my Buells, hehe).
So... on the phone right now, scheduling a Ducati Monster 821 review test ride (idk why I said "review"). I'm sure this motorcycle is a monster compared to my KLR650 and I'm scared of it already!
So... on the phone right now, scheduling a Ducati Monster 821 review test ride (idk why I said "review"). I'm sure this motorcycle is a monster compared to my KLR650 and I'm scared of it already!
It's essentially the same as my bike (the 1200) apart from the engine displacement and some other niceties... be interested to hear what you think of it!
If it's anything like mine there's sod all power under 3000rpm so you shouldn't have too much trouble handling it. The 821 also has the 1200s switchable riding modes so you can start off in the low power/high traction control mode if you're worried
It's essentially the same as my bike (the 1200) apart from the engine displacement and some other niceties... be interested to hear what you think of it!
If it's anything like mine there's sod all power under 3000rpm so you shouldn't have too much trouble handling it. The 821 also has the 1200s switchable riding modes so you can start off in the low power/high traction control mode if you're worried
OK guys. So I was able to test ride the Ducati Monster 821 and the Ducati Scrambler 803!!
First thing is first. Both bikes were a lot of fun. I only wish I could've had more time with them to get to know them better and make a better opinion. My time with either of them was limited.
Overall, with my limited time with the bikes, I liked the Scrambler more. There might be a reason behind that though. I test rode the Monster 821 first and kind of took it easy, safe, slow. By the time I rode the Scrambler I was much more comfortable and let loose. The Scrambler was lighter, thinner, easier to maneuver. Both bikes sounded so damn sexy too!
The Monster 821 felt like it had more power on the top as well. It wanted to go fast! Like I said though, I was taking it easy, I wish I could have another go. The Scrambler felt the opposite. It had good power all around.
I just want more time with them though, really do.
Edit: I was recording but there's nothing interesting to see.
When I rode the scrambler I found the fuelling very jerky, though I suspect they've fixed that by now. It's a great fun little bike, my only really problem with it was the finish, it felt a little cheap compared to the other retro bikes
I did think very hard about getting a scrambler full throttle before I settled on the M1200. It's kind of picked up the role of 'bare bones Ducati' from the Monster in a way, now that the Monster is liquid-cooled with loads of tech.
When I rode the scrambler I found the fuelling very jerky, though I suspect they've fixed that by now. It's a great fun little bike, my only really problem with it was the finish, it felt a little cheap compared to the other retro bikes
I did think very hard about getting a scrambler full throttle before I settled on the M1200. It's kind of picked up the role of 'bare bones Ducati' from the Monster in a way, now that the Monster is liquid-cooled with loads of tech.
Actually, thinking about it, I probably would have "bought" a Monster over a Scrambler. Simply because the Monster is liquid cooler whereas the Scrambler is air cooled. But yeah, both bikes were great. They practically turn themselves as soon as you lean without much effort.
Actually, thinking about it, I probably would have "bought" a Monster over a Scrambler. Simply because the Monster is liquid cooler whereas the Scrambler is air cooled. But yeah, both bikes were great. They practically turn themselves as soon as you lean without much effort.
The difference you experienced can probably be explained as follows:
The Scrambler is an air cooled - 2 valved - and slightly lower (I think) bike. This means a couple of things. It is lighter than the 821, might also feel a little easier to handle due to the height difference and it will have more torque (whereas the 821 has 4 valves and will deliver a bit more of its power in the top end of the range). The Scrambler is a bit cheaper as well, mostly in terms of suspension, which is also softer, I think. This makes it feel a little more friendly in the beginning, but has less room for your improvement as a rider, you'll encounter its limits much sooner than the 821s I think. Not necessarily a bad thing though if you're aware of the Scrambler's strengths.
Both bikes would be excellent choices.
If you're looking for a combination of those two bikes, look toward one generation of Monster earlier
- these are also ever so slightly better looking than the newer ones - just slightly
. The standard 1100 or the 796 (since these are also air cooled, lighter, 2 valved bikes). I think the 1100 does have adjustable suspension, the 796 does not, but is not lacking in that department, they are both lighter than the 821 and only slightly heavier than the Scrambler. They also have the Scrambler's torque-ier engine. With the 1100 obviously providing the most torque. The 1100 also has a dry clutch, which is bad-ass.
Both the 1100 and the 796 have super sexy single sided swing arms, the 821, which costs like 2 or 2.5 grand more than the 796 did at introduction, does not have this crucial feature.
The difference you experienced can probably be explained as follows:
The Scrambler is an air cooled - 2 valved - and slightly lower (I think) bike. This means a couple of things. It is lighter than the 821, might also feel a little easier to handle due to the height difference and it will have more torque (whereas the 821 has 4 valves and will deliver a bit more of its power in the top end of the range). The Scrambler is a bit cheaper as well, mostly in terms of suspension, which is also softer, I think. This makes it feel a little more friendly in the beginning, but has less room for your improvement as a rider, you'll encounter its limits much sooner than the 821s I think. Not necessarily a bad thing though if you're aware of the Scrambler's strengths.
Both bikes would be excellent choices.
If you're looking for a combination of those two bikes, look toward one generation of Monster earlier
- these are also ever so slightly better looking than the newer ones - just slightly
. The standard 1100 or the 796 (since these are also air cooled, lighter, 2 valved bikes). I think the 1100 does have adjustable suspension, the 796 does not, but is not lacking in that department, they are both lighter than the 821 and only slightly heavier than the Scrambler. They also have the Scrambler's torque-ier engine. With the 1100 obviously providing the most torque. The 1100 also has a dry clutch, which is bad-ass.
Both the 1100 and the 796 have super sexy single sided swing arms, the 821, which costs like 2 or 2.5 grand more than the 796 did at introduction, does not have this crucial feature.
Aha, thanks for the explanation. That makes sense. Like I said before, more time with them would have been good. I'll look into the older gen Monsters. Thanks for the suggestions. As for my next bike, I'm not sure yet. I'm going to see if I can get a test ride for an SV650. Hopefully I can. I've been looking at it lately and based on videos/reviews, I quite like it.
Monster 1100 better looking? As long as it has that headlight with the awful bar through the middle it'll always be second to the 1200. I guess with the fuel tanks you pick your poison between the swelling plastic tank of the 1100 or the 'slide off the bike' tank of the 1200... ah Ducati
It's the last 'pure' monster though, before Ducati accepted they had to add water cooling and that dry clutches are stupid. If only they'd make that 1200 scrambler they might have a worthy successor...
I really did try to get hold of an 1100 EVO, but seems like they sold very few in the UK so I ended up spending just £500 more on the 1200
Aha, thanks for the explanation. That makes sense. Like I said before, more time with them would have been good. I'll look into the older gen Monsters. Thanks for the suggestions. As for my next bike, I'm not sure yet. I'm going to see if I can get a test ride for an SV650. Hopefully I can. I've been looking at it lately and based on videos/reviews, I quite like it.
Monster 1100 better looking? As long as it has that headlight with the awful bar through the middle it'll always be second to the 1200. I guess with the fuel tanks you pick your poison between the swelling plastic tank of the 1100 or the 'slide off the bike' tank of the 1200... ah Ducati
It's the last 'pure' monster though, before Ducati accepted they had to add water cooling and that dry clutches are stupid. If only they'd make that 1200 scrambler they might have a worthy successor...
I really did try to get hold of an 1100 EVO, but seems like they sold very few in the UK so I ended up spending just £500 more on the 1200
I always felt the problem wasn't so much with the weird band but more with the way it's 'pressed in' as if someone punched it on the nose. Which is still there on the 1200. I actually think the original Monster is still the best looking one. The reason why I prefer the 1100 over the 1200 is that the water cooling made it look a bit busier than the previous gen. Minor complaint though, still a massively pretty bike.
/edit: see? Stevey's with me .
In case of the S4RS the water cooling works for the design because it just screams "overkill". Barely fits in the frame.
Yeah, I do like the S4 the most too. The headlight on the 1200 is an improvement, but it's still naff compared to the proper round lights of yore. It's the worst thing about the bike
Honestly I'm not too picky about the looks. I can accept a wide range of bike "looks". One thing I prefer though is a sexy exhaust, preferably one which is near the seat or even under it. Like this:
Anyway, I got me a 2007 SV650s test ride
It's all they had. It'll do.
For some reason, dealers don't allow Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha test rides. I had to call around a few dealers and finally one accepted a test ride on an used SV650s. However, they had Ducati's available for test rides. I'm thinking the Japanese manufacturers aren't giving test-ride bikes?
One of my conversations went like this
"Hello, quick question. Do you have any test rides for an SV650?"
"No"
"Ok, thank you"
*hangs up*
Just like that a sale was lost. Anyway, I'm rambling. They had Ducati's for test rides too so I will try to ride a Monster once more.
A bit late, but here are some pictures of the bikes I encountered on my trip to the Mont Ventoux last month, as well as some pics of our own bikes of course:
My dad checking our Buells on the trailer:
Sounded as if God himself was blasting up the mountain:
Blue skies:
(Yours truly) reppin' the king:
On top of the Ventoux with the Uly:
Not a bike, but this warrants an exception:
As does this:
Fucking awesome:
Dad on his M2:
And a picture of me doing what was the primary purpose of the journey, besting the mountain with a road/race bike, this was after the climb:
It's funny, this was the second holiday for me where I was able to bring a bike (of the petrol powered variety) thanks to the trailer. My parents didn't come with me on that other trip so this was the first time for them. My dad wasn't convinced of the merits of the trailer and was grumbling a bit (quite a bit) about all the hassle involved with strapping everything down properly and the extra stuff you needed to bring in case something broke or you had a flat tire or something. But after the week was over, we had pretty much exclusively spent our time on the bikes, they fucking loved it. Said it was the best holiday they ever had.
Honestly I'm not too picky about the looks. I can accept a wide range of bike "looks". One thing I prefer though is a sexy exhaust, preferably one which is near the seat or even under it. Like this:
On that note I wouldn't discount anything with stock exhaust that you don't like, as aftermarket can easily clear up issues like that. For example I'm not a huge fan of the stock exhaust on my R6, but there are more than a few aftermarket pipes that I wouldn't mind throwing on in it's place (but I don't feel like spending the money atm).
I'll post up a before and after pics once I get the extra stock muffler I'm planning on cutting down to shorten the length.
A bit late, but here are some pictures of the bikes I encountered on my trip to the Mont Ventoux last month, as well as some pics of our own bikes of course:
God damnit triumph, that's a good looking bike, but what's with the weedy T100 style single brake disc and what looks like the same awful 2 pot calliper? That setup was bad enough on the lighter T100, so not to bring the braking system along with the engine from the T120 is mad
Sorry, I'm just angry because half the reason I sold my T100 was the inadequate brakes
Honestly I'm not too picky about the looks. I can accept a wide range of bike "looks". One thing I prefer though is a sexy exhaust, preferably one which is near the seat or even under it. Like this:
A bit late, but here are some pictures of the bikes I encountered on my trip to the Mont Ventoux last month, as well as some pics of our own bikes of course:
It's funny, this was the second holiday for me where I was able to bring a bike (of the petrol powered variety) thanks to the trailer. My parents didn't come with me on that other trip so this was the first time for them. My dad wasn't convinced of the merits of the trailer and was grumbling a bit (quite a bit) about all the hassle involved with strapping everything down properly and the extra stuff you needed to bring in case something broke or you had a flat tire or something. But after the week was over, we had pretty much exclusively spent our time on the bikes, they fucking loved it. Said it was the best holiday they ever had.
God damnit triumph, that's a good looking bike, but what's with the weedy T100 style single brake disc and what looks like the same awful 2 pot calliper? That setup was bad enough on the lighter T100, so not to bring the braking system along with the engine from the T120 is mad
Sorry, I'm just angry because half the reason I sold my T100 was the inadequate brakes
Yeah good point on the brakes. Maybe making room for a Bobber R like the Thruxton? But then I'd have expected them to be announced at the same time. Or they've just done it for style over substance.
Yeah good point on the brakes. Maybe making room for a Bobber R like the Thruxton? But then I'd have expected them to be announced at the same time. Or they've just done it for style over substance.
I may end up revisiting that. Looks like I probably don't have the money for that R1100GS this year due to other expenses, so may have slightly more money to play with when I do get around to it
I test rode the SV650s (different from the new 2017 SV650) early in the AM and I didn't really like it. The seating position was aggressive. Unfortunately, despite saying they had a Ducati Monster demo yesterday, they didn't. I didn't work today so after the demo, I just went for a ride on my good ole' tractor.
Does anyone know the differences between the FZ09 and FZ10?
Of the top of my head the FZ09 is a fair bit cheaper than the 10. This is reflected in the suspension (and the brakes?) that have been described as slightly lacking by the press, though not disqualifiyingly so. It makes up for that by offering a, for the price, incredibly fun and potent 900 something cc three cylinder powerplant (like those found in the Speed and Street Triple).
The FZ10 is the top of Yamaha's bikes-you-can-actually-use range. It doesn't have a 3 cylinder engine, it has an inline 4, though with a fancy crank and firing pattern that makes it seem more like a V4. It is the detuned version of the engine found in the R1. Don't let the 'de' in detuned fool you though. It's bigger focus on torque = more better. Press have been absolutely in love with that thing since it was introduced. Brakes could be better (they say), but other than that it offers pretty insane value for the money. Cool styling (if you're into the style), crazy powerful engine with an absolutely bangin' soundtrack, a couple of riding modes, abs and traction control (not as advanced as the system on the R1, but more than enough for the average Joe).
Again, both bikes would be excellent choices. There's the possibility of encountering the 09's limits earlier on, but I haven't ridden it myself, so I'm not sure whether the press was exaggerating with regards to the suspension complaints. It's probably fine... The FZ10 might be a bit too big of a step up in terms of power, compared to your current ride, but whatever, after my first Monster 620, I went straight to the 998, and that wasn't exactly as user friendly as the FZ10.
Don't think you will ever need another bike should you choose the FZ10.
A bit late, but here are some pictures of the bikes I encountered on my trip to the Mont Ventoux last month, as well as some pics of our own bikes of course:
Of the top of my head the FZ09 is a fair bit cheaper than the 10. This is reflected in the suspension (and the brakes?) that have been described as slightly lacking by the press, though not disqualifiyingly so. It makes up for that by offering a, for the price, incredibly fun and potent 900 something cc three cylinder powerplant (like those found in the Speed and Street Triple).
The FZ10 is the top of Yamaha's bikes-you-can-actually-use range. It doesn't have a 3 cylinder engine, it has an inline 4, though with a fancy crank and firing pattern that makes it seem more like a V4. It is the detuned version of the engine found in the R1. Don't let the 'de' in detuned fool you though. It's bigger focus on torque = more better. Press have been absolutely in love with that thing since it was introduced. Brakes could be better (they say), but other than that it offers pretty insane value for the money. Cool styling (if you're into the style), crazy powerful engine with an absolutely bangin' soundtrack, a couple of riding modes, abs and traction control (not as advanced as the system on the R1, but more than enough for the average Joe).
Again, both bikes would be excellent choices. There's the possibility of encountering the 09's limits earlier on, but I haven't ridden it myself, so I'm not sure whether the press was exaggerating with regards to the suspension complaints. It's probably fine... The FZ10 might be a bit too big of a step up in terms of power, compared to your current ride, but whatever, after my first Monster 620, I went straight to the 998, and that wasn't exactly as user friendly as the FZ10.
Don't think you will ever need another bike should you choose the FZ10.
Thanks for the explanation. Very much appreciated. I looked at some videos and based on what you posted above, it seems to match with what I saw. Unfortunatly, the biggest con for an FZ-10 is the price. That beast of a machine is 13k MSRP. The FZ-09 is 7k MSRP and ultimately the deciding factor. I think I can dig the FZ-09. I'd have to do a little more research on it first and see who are its competitors and what they offer. You think this is an all around great bike?
Both of them would definitely be all round great bikes. And I think some of the problems - if they even are that pronounced - with the front suspension on the 09 can be alleviated quite easily by swapping out the cartridges for some better springs.
Hmm, well, the Speed and Street Triple would be semi direct competitors considering the engine configs. The Speed would be better in terms of an even bigger engine and better bits (suspension, brakes n all that). The Street has a more modest engine (675cc), but also very potent, it makes up for that by offering some better parts than the FZ09. Brakes and suspension on that bike are great.
Given how long you've been riding, I'd probably be looking at the FZ-09 and 07 rather than the 10... the 10 still scares even me! They have the tracer variants if you want something a little bit similar to your current bike
The big difference between the street and speed triple would be physical size, top-end power and single sided swingarm. Considering you can put the Street Triple in 2nd gear from a dead stop and then go to 60mph in about 3 seconds without changing gear.... power is not really an issue on the street. If anything I find the monster 1200 less powerful than it on the road due to the Triple having such a usable torque range, you don't really need to think about what gear you're in. The R variants of both basically have adjustable suspension and beefier brakes.
The new SV650 is much more similar to the Ducati Scrambler in terms of seating position than the old SV. Traditional sit up and beg.
Wellp, sorry to disappoint but the dream of me owning an FZ-09 or SV650 or any other bike like em' at this point in my life is pretty much dead. I called a few insurance companies to get some quotes and it was just way too much. For an FZ-09 I was quoted somewhere around $5,000 a year. The bike is like 8k MSRP and 5k to insure? Yikes. No way.
I think it's clear at this point, I'm going to go ahead and trade in my ole' KLR 650 for a new one. Probably a 2016 model in Kawasaki green I'll be more than happy with it and insurance costs are more reasonable. Now I debate wether I do it sooner or later.
There's a good price for one for $5,500. It's a really good price. I don't know if I should jump or wait.
Wellp, sorry to disappoint but the dream of me owning an FZ-09 or SV650 or any other bike like em' at this point in my life is pretty much dead. I called a few insurance companies to get some quotes and it was just way too much. For an FZ-09 I was quoted somewhere around $5,000 a year. The bike is like 8k MSRP and 5k to insure? Yikes. No way.
I think it's clear at this point, I'm going to go ahead and trade in my ole' KLR 650 for a new one. Probably a 2016 model in Kawasaki green I'll be more than happy with it and insurance costs are more reasonable. Now I debate wether I do it sooner or later.
There's a good price for one for $5,500. It's a really good price. I don't know if I should jump or wait.
Yikes. You need a few more years on your bike license (and I assume you're still quite young?)
If you have the money and are happy to stick with a KLR then go for it. You can revisit something different in a couple years, you'll probably find insurance rates really drop once you're over 25 and have 3+ years riding behind you
