good weather for a ride

JPSLotus · Jul 12, 2016

Gaz said:
Why look at a sports bike?

As some have said, many of the UJM type of machines today are more than adequate when punted on a good bit of twisty road and a damn site more comfortable when you want to just cruise and ride just to ride.

Now I am not in the US so the availability of the ones I mention may differ, but with your height, many of the pure sports bikes will be well out of the question as you will look like you are riding a damn 50cc pit bike so I would definitely suggest looking at the naked/sports tourer marker or even the ADV market.

Suggestions only here but .........

Hypermotard - awesome fun, and those I know that have them will say that keeping a licence if the area is over patrolled can be tough, but every time they ride it they get a huge buzz (and not just from engine vibrations)

Vstroms - big, comfortable and with decent tyres is more than capable in the twisties and will take you on that side track, all while keeping you comfortable. I have ridden a few oft he 1000 (own a 650) and will say now that the motor is sensational.

KTM - have a few in the range but not sure of reliability etc as I do hear some 'horror' stories but also know guys that have well in excess of 100k on theirs and also some who have raced them for a few years with no motor costs.

I am sure that in the US market there is a better selection than in Oz but with your height I would suggest looking at the likes of those mentioned as they will be comfortable and very capable of upsetting many a sportsbike if the mood takes

I have a Harley already for cruising, and yeah I could go dump a lot of money into Ohlins suspension components, but a sport bike would address the deficiencies more easily and allow me to keep that bike as is. Not a fan of UJM bikes at all.

I wouldn't go near KTM. They have their fans. I rode the RC390 last year, and while it is light, the power is absolutely anemic. Yes I know it's a specific class bike, but the only time that bike would be enjoyable is leaned over. Normal riding would be horrible due to the lack of power to get through traffic. KTM is overpriced on their street bikes imo.

povol · Jul 12, 2016

JPSLotus said:
I have a Harley already for cruising, and yeah I could go dump a lot of money into Ohlins suspension components, but a sport bike would address the deficiencies more easily and allow me to keep that bike as is. Not a fan of UJM bikes at all.

I wouldn't go near KTM. They have their fans. I rode the RC390 last year, and while it is light, the power is absolutely anemic. Yes I know it's a specific class bike, but the only time that bike would be enjoyable is leaned over. Normal riding would be horrible due to the lack of power to get through traffic. KTM is overpriced on their street bikes imo.

Agree, they have their place such as being trailored into the gap to make laps, but it will have a short life if you try running them at 75 -80 on a regular basis. There is the R8, but like you said, way overpriced with way less performance than the jap bikes.

povol · Jul 12, 2016

moto vudu said:
I'm also 6' 3" and I really like my ZX-14R. I usually get a new bike every year, but there's nothing out right now that I'd trade the 14R for.

I had a '14 ZX-10R and '14 Panigale 1199R. The Panigale was the worst bike for street riding I've ever owned. The ZX-10R was fun, but I found it very uncomfortable for street rides longer than an hour.

GSXR750 is awesome! Very easy to ride fast and they make good track bikes. I've owned 2 of them... but unfortunately for me my worst motorcycle crashes happened on my 750s.

Im not one to change bikes on a regular basis, the 12R i had before the 14R was 13 years old, ran and looked brand new and had 100000 miles on it. I probably would still be riding it had it not got destroyed, i actually prefered it over the 14. The only thing i like about the 14 over the 12 is power and brakes even though the 12 had plenty of both. I feel like the 12 handled better, was more comfortable, had better wind protection, storage, [the 14 has none] and strap down capabilities. Plus, whoever designed the fairing system on the 14 deserves to have his skull crushed. I have never in my life seen such a convoluted cluster .... pertaining to what is entailed to remove to do simple tasks such as cleaning air filter or servicing battery. At least they did design it where you can change oil without removing anything. One twist of the grip makes you forget all that till its time to change, which i need to clean my air filter come to think about it.

JPSLotus · Jul 12, 2016

povol said:
Agree, they have their place such as being trailored into the gap to make laps, but it will have a short life if you try running them at 75 -80 on a regular basis. There is the R8, but like you said, way overpriced with way less performance than the jap bikes.

I think they've actually have stopped producing the R8 altogether which was bizarre since they are entering into MotoGP, yet will be the only manufacturer who does not have a superbike for the road.

This was a bizarre thing their CEO said...

No More Superbikes for KTM - CEO Says They're Too Dangerous For Public RoadsTheRideAdvice.com

povol · Jul 12, 2016

JPSLotus said:
I think they've actually have stopped producing the R8 altogether which was bizarre since they are entering into MotoGP, yet will be the only manufacturer who does not have a superbike for the road.

This was a bizarre thing their CEO said...

No More Superbikes for KTM - CEO Says They're Too Dangerous For Public RoadsTheRideAdvice.com

That kind of liberal groveling to appease government will forever exclude me from owning a KTM. Piss on him.

yamfan · Jul 12, 2016

For a cheap and capable track bike to suit a taller guy, you might consider the older Aprilia RSV 1000. The R version if you can get hold of one has ohlins suspension and other trick bits as standard.

Jumkie · Jul 12, 2016

JPSLotus said:
I think they've actually have stopped producing the R8 altogether which was bizarre since they are entering into MotoGP, yet will be the only manufacturer who does not have a superbike for the road.

This was a bizarre thing their CEO said...

No More Superbikes for KTM - CEO Says They're Too Dangerous For Public RoadsTheRideAdvice.com

Wait, wait, this is the manufacturer who is exclusively sponsored by Red Bull who sponsor that dude to skydive from the outer universe?

A chainsaw is dangers if you try to grab it from the wrong side while on, but they're great for trimming trees if you use it right.

What a dumb thing to say. I wonder if there is a statistic on scooter deaths. Maybe scooters are too dangerous. I'll tell you what is too dangerous, ten speed bikes. Some ....... ran in front of me on way to work. I rolled down window and yelled at him "hey jerk, this isn't the tour de france, get off the street!"

povol · Jul 12, 2016

Jumkie said:
Wait, wait, this is the manufacturer who is exclusively sponsored by Red Bull who sponsor that dude to skydive from the outer universe?

A chainsaw is dangers if you try to grab it from the wrong side while on, but they're great for trimming trees if you use it right.

What a dumb thing to say. I wonder if there is a statistic on scooter deaths. Maybe scooters are too dangerous. I'll tell you what is too dangerous, ten speed bikes. Some ....... ran in front of me on way to work. I rolled down window and yelled at him "hey jerk, this isn't the tour de france, get off the street!"

Exactly, anything that moves or has has moving parts can kill or maim you if used improperly. Do i need a 200 hp, 200 mph bike , maybe, maybe not, but i sure as hell dont need some hack telling me i cant have one using the guise of public safety. .... him.

Arrabbiata1 · Jul 12, 2016

Jumkie said:
Some ....... ran in front of me on way to work. I rolled down window and yelled at him "hey jerk, this isn't the tour de france, get off the street!"

What did Wilski say in response?

Motokitty · Jul 12, 2016

San Diego is infested with these ........ on bicycles. Whether rich snubs on expensive bikes or hippies on cheap beach cruisers, I hate them all.

JPSLotus · Jul 12, 2016

povol said:
That kind of liberal groveling to appease government will forever exclude me from owning a KTM. Piss on him.

The Super Duke 1290 is the only worthwhile bike they make, and even at that, it's overpriced as ..... But eliminating the one somewhat worthwhile bike because it's too much for the road according to him makes zero sense. I can't imagine the Japanese or Italian manufacturers coming out and saying that.

JPSLotus · Jul 12, 2016

Jumkie said:
Wait, wait, this is the manufacturer who is exclusively sponsored by Red Bull who sponsor that dude to skydive from the outer universe?

A chainsaw is dangers if you try to grab it from the wrong side while on, but they're great for trimming trees if you use it right.

What a dumb thing to say. I wonder if there is a statistic on scooter deaths. Maybe scooters are too dangerous. I'll tell you what is too dangerous, ten speed bikes. Some ....... ran in front of me on way to work. I rolled down window and yelled at him "hey jerk, this isn't the tour de france, get off the street!"

It'd be like if Ducati started speaking out about the health risks of smoking, all while having the proverbial Brinks truck backing in to unload all the Marlboro cash into their coffers.

Jumkie · Jul 12, 2016

JPSLotus said:
It'd be like if Ducati started speaking out about the health risks of smoking, all while having the proverbial Brinks truck backing in to unload all the Marlboro cash into their coffers.

Haha, that's a great example.

Keshav · Jul 12, 2016

Motokitty said:
San Diego is infested with these ........ on bicycles. Whether rich snubs on expensive bikes or hippies on cheap beach cruisers, I hate them all.

You do realize that the cagers out there in their giant trucks, SUVs and Mercedes say exactly the same thing about people on motorcycles? Think about it. If you're ever having a road rage moment while driving through Texas over some guy on a bike, and you yell out .......! it could be Kevin Schwantz or Ben Spies. If you make it down under and do the same, the guy you ....... hate so much could easily be Casey Stoner. If yer ever riding around England and cursing out some .... on a bicycle it as you pass him by it might be Arribiatta on his Kona.

However - if you're cruising down the road and see Lance Armstrong, tell him to go .... himself and that Keshav says, Sheryl Crow blows.

Motokitty · Jul 12, 2016

Keshav said:
You do realize that the cagers out there in their giant trucks, SUVs and Mercedes say exactly the same thing about people on motorcycles? Think about it. If you're ever having a road rage moment while driving through Texas over some guy on a bike, and you yell out .......! it could be Kevin Schwantz or Ben Spies. If you make it down under and do the same, the guy you ....... hate so much could easily be Casey Stoner. If yer ever riding around England and cursing out some .... on a bicycle it as you pass him by it might be Arribiatta on his Kona.

However - if you're cruising down the road and see Lance Armstrong, tell him to go .... himself and that Keshav says, Sheryl Crow blows.

I said ......... As long as they are following the traffic rules, I don't mind them. If they are running red and crossing the intersection diagonally, I'd yell at Stoner or Lorenzo just like I do anyone else.

JPSLotus · Jul 12, 2016

yamfan said:
For a cheap and capable track bike to suit a taller guy, you might consider the older Aprilia RSV 1000. The R version if you can get hold of one has ohlins suspension and other trick bits as standard.

What kind of maintenance costs are associated with Aprilia bikes or even MV Agusta for that matter?

povol · Jul 12, 2016

JPSLotus said:
What kind of maintenance costs are associated with Aprilia bikes or even MV Agusta for that matter?

SV 1000
TLS 1000
Both great bikes, Vtwins, handle well and will feel like a rocket ship if you are used to a Harley. Cheap too. can probably pick up a primo with low miles for 4k

Keshav · Jul 12, 2016

Motokitty said:
I said ......... As long as they are following the traffic rules, I don't mind them. If they are running red and crossing the intersection diagonally, I'd yell at Stoner or Lorenzo just like I do anyone else.

I don't see any ........ breaking any laws in the picture so the implication was that all bikers were ......... The photo used is of an organized bike ride. We have them up here in my neck of the woods all the time. Kinda a pain in the ... what with cops closing intersections for 10 minutes at a time to let them pass, but not as annoying as having Main Street closed for a ....... Shriners parade.

yamfan · Jul 12, 2016

JPSLotus said:
What kind of maintenance costs are associated with Aprilia bikes or even MV Agusta for that matter?

Not 100% sure buddy as I've not had personal experience with them. The rotax engine is said to be rapid and robust. A friend raced one in the supertwins class, he raved about its speed and handling though and used to say all he did to it was change the oil and throw tyres at it.

JohnnyKnockdown · Jul 12, 2016

I get a weekly bike review from my brother who gets paid to put miles on new bikes so they can be exported to South America as used to avoid a tariff. He's pretty much swung a leg over everything.
He sent me pictures of this today. Its his favorite bike. This one has 20k miles and is selling for 13 grand. Its a Multistrada 1200S.
Cons are its fuel consumption and maintenance costs. ( typical ducati).
Pros. Endless torque, endless torque and endless torque.... Oh and comfortable as hell

good weather for a ride

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