Yep, getting old. I can still ride em but none of my riding buddies could keep up. Sigh.
I liked the Monster with the 4 valver in it, but I thought it looked unfinished without the CF radiator covers on the Foggy version. I could never figure out why they didn't market them for general use. I never even saw them made available.
Oddly, the best pic I found of them is on a non-Foggy model:
So now I've visited a few dealers in the last few weeks and sat on a variety of bikes, and now that I actually know what i'm looking for in a bike, besides good looks (which was my one and ony criteria in previous bike purchases), I have been very surprised by what I've discovered.
Initially I thought that the likes of the FJR1300 and the Councourse 14 would probably fit the bill. Not so, one dealer had both, and I found myself trying to determine which one was more uncomfortable. Forget it...
But then I got to sit on some taller bikes (which I think look ugly btw) but they fit so much better
So now my list is begining to come together. I find that I'm really loving the likes of:
Ducati Multistrada
Triumph tiger 1050
Kawasaki Versys 1000
BMW R1200RT
The new 2013 Aprilia Coponord 1200 also seems mighty interesting (and probably the best looking of the bunch), but no dealers in my area sell this brand.
I'm not gonna pull the trigger for at least another year, but this shopping experience has been very surprising. I use to wonder why such ugly bikes existed and who would ever want to ride one, well, turns out it's likely to be ME.
Shirley it would be the most reasonably priced and have the least maintenance costs of the bunch of them. I wish I had the inseam for these kinda bikes.
Shirley it would be the most reasonably priced and have the least maintenance costs of the bunch of them. I wish I had the inseam for these kinda bikes.
Yeah, it's definitely one of the better looking out of all the "ugly" bikes and the price is very tempting. However, over time I have learned that you often get what you pay for, so this bike might just be a very basic one compared to the ducati and the others.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadrocket
The 'Zuki V-Strom 1000 looks nice as well.
It's actually funny that I overlooked this one. The "vee" is only the most popular bike of this type which many apperently consider the ultimate package, because it does everything you ask it to on and off road, it's realiable AND relatively cheap. And it just so happens that one of the dealerships in my area just listed as having one on their site for rigth at $10k. I need to go check it out, I'm just scared I'll buy it, which I wasn't looking to do just yet.
Yeah, it's definitely one of the better looking out of all the "ugly" bikes and the price is very tempting. However, over time I have learned that you often get what you pay for, so this bike might just be a very basic one compared to the ducati and the others.
With Ducati you get a bike with a racing heritage. It will undoubtedly smoke the Versys, but the Versys will smoke what you're riding now, so does it really matter? Streets in Ohio still have limits and plenty of gov't officials around to lighten your wallet if you're caught exceeding them.
The other thing your getting is a more maintenance intensive machine full of expensive components that are put together with less quality control than their Japanese competition. Don't get me wrong, I love Ducs, but be prepared to spend money if you get one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marius
It's actually funny that I overlooked this one. The "vee" is only the most popular bike of this type which many apperently consider the ultimate package, because it does everything you ask it to on and off road, it's realiable AND relatively cheap. And it just so happens that one of the dealerships in my area just listed as having one on their site for rigth at $10k. I need to go check it out, I'm just scared I'll buy it, which I wasn't looking to do just yet.
Personally, I'd scratch the V-strom because Suzuki is supposed to be coming out with a make over soon that will make it look similar to the new Wee-Strom. I reckon the re-sale will drop for the older, uglier models.
Ducati likely has a lot of "nice to have" stuff, but not "must have". Chances are, if I didn't know I could have those extras, I wouldn't know I needed them.
I did see the concept for a new Wee and I agree with what you said. If I was buying new it would definitely be worth while to see what this new bike brings to the table before signing off on the older model, especially since the older bike isn't likely to keep its value well, as you suggest.
I just hope I can keep myself from temptation to buy something sooner than planned. That is the one problem with looking too early...
Well, I'm really glad I'm doing lots of homework before jumping into the next bike. Just hoping to make it work is not the right approach anymore. I guess after owning two bikes, you kind of know what you like and don't like. My extensive search has led me to a bike I didn't even know existed, the Yamaha Super Tenere. Would have never even looked at it twice before, but reading extensive accounts of poeple comfortably covering insane distances and hitting paths through woods and dirt roads in the process got my attention. I'm pretty infatuated with the bike, just sitting on it makes me not want to get off, it's so comfy! I feel right at home in that cockpit. Before i get one, I need to make room in the stable though, so hopefully sometime this spring. I'm pretty excited about this bike.
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