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TheGazWaz |
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TheGazWaz Nitrous Nuisance
Joined: 12 Feb 2014 Karma :
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Posted: 12:42 - 11 Apr 2024 Post subject: Going from Sports to Adventure - You're experience? |
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Afternoon all,
I'm getting to that change my bike stage and I'm seriously considering going down the adventure'ish type route.
I've had mostly sports / tourers since I past my test some years ago and, although I've had some proper good fun, I've always missed that feeling I got on my 125 when I could just bugger off into the hill and get lost down those tiny country roads. Not something you'd want to do on a sports bike.
My only concern is, Like most of us, I'm not loaded. I'll be looking to spend around 4k on my next bike and I don't want to buy something to find six months down the line not liking it.
Most adventure bikes appear to be twins. I'm OK with that. I love the torque and the engine braking you get on a twin. Did my test on a 650 twin. I'd be looking at bigest cc I can get.
I think my biggest fear would be hitting the rev limiter all the time. Is that a thing with big twins? I had a 955i Tripple for a couple of years and kept hitting the rev limiter in second on that which is one of the reasons I got rid.
Currently riding a ZX9R but looking at Vstrom/Tiger that sort of thing. Some of the BMW offerings are looking good as well.
If I stay with sports my next bike will either be a blackbird or, if I can find one in my budget, a ZZR14 but I think I really need to do the adventure thing and get back in those hills.
Has anyone else gone through "The Change?" ____________________ Went like this.. 43 years old(2013) decided to do CBT to get a 125 for new job. Bought 2011 YBR, loved it for three months then hated it because it was too god damn slow. Did DAS 4 months later then bought RF600 Loved it, sold it bought Bandit 1200(K3). EFFIN lOVED IT. Wanted something a bit more sporty so got Triumph Sprint ST 955i (53). Not sporty enough so now on my GSXR 1000 K3 and absolutely love it. 1 year down the line, nearly died way too many times on this bike. Sold it. Had a 6 month break. Missed biking so now, Aug 2019 have a 1999 ZX9r. What a beauty she is too. |
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Polarbear |
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Polarbear Super Spammer
Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :
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Posted: 13:52 - 11 Apr 2024 Post subject: |
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I've swapped between big tourers (Goldwings and the like) and large cc adventure bikes since having big sports tourers (never out and out sports bikes). I don't do off road so it's purely what suited me on the tarmac.
Adventure bikes are very sit up and beg riding position but have a good screen and that is no problem. I must say I prefer tourers for the weather protection but that's due to hating to spend half a day forcing my fat arse into leathers or 3 pairs of textiles and jeans. (I can ride my Trophy in shite conditions in jacket and jeans and hardly get wet.)
I have never hit the limiter as far as I can remember on any of my adventure bikes but I don't find them encouraging me to hoodlum riding.
Oh, and my 3 adventure bikes have all been Triumph triples. ! x 955i Tiger and 2 x 1200 Explorers so I can't say what a twin would be like and I'm not a great win fan anyway.
I must admit one of my prerequisits now for a large tourer/adventure is shaft drive hence my love for Goldies and Triumph 1200's. You get nasty looks from concierge's when you walk into hotels with panniers that have chain spray oil on the bottom.
The other thing is with my last sportish bike, a Hayabusa gen1 I used to get knee and back issues. I don't anymore with any of the above bikes.
Maybe something like a Tiger sport would suit you but I have no idea if those would be in budget for you. ____________________ Triumph Trophy Launch Edition |
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TheGazWaz |
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TheGazWaz Nitrous Nuisance
Joined: 12 Feb 2014 Karma :
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Polarbear |
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Polarbear Super Spammer
Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :
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stinkwheel |
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stinkwheel Bovine Proctologist
Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :
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Posted: 18:55 - 11 Apr 2024 Post subject: |
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Have you considered getting a road bike? Since you're going to be riding it on the road. I never really saw the appeal of big adventure bikes. They are big, unreasonably so in my book. If you want to get out on back roads, why not get something that's designed for them?
Hell, i had a go on a 900 street twin last summer and it was a hoot. Same vibe as riding a 125 but an order of magnitude more power. Compact, responsive, comfortable and with an engine that actively encouraged ripping it out of corners. ____________________ “Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles. |
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MarJay |
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MarJay But it's British!
Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :
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Posted: 19:18 - 11 Apr 2024 Post subject: |
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stinkwheel wrote: | Have you considered getting a road bike? Since you're going to be riding it on the road. I never really saw the appeal of big adventure bikes. They are big, unreasonably so in my book. If you want to get out on back roads, why not get something that's designed for them?
Hell, i had a go on a 900 street twin last summer and it was a hoot. Same vibe as riding a 125 but an order of magnitude more power. Compact, responsive, comfortable and with an engine that actively encouraged ripping it out of corners. |
This. Street Triple R, Z900RS, Speed Twin, GSX800, Katana, MT10, XSR900... so many great sport adjacent street bikes that don't weigh 260kg and don't make you look like a Ewan wannabe. ____________________ British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another. |
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TheGazWaz |
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TheGazWaz Nitrous Nuisance
Joined: 12 Feb 2014 Karma :
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tatters |
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tatters Exxon Valdez
Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Karma :
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Posted: 18:16 - 12 Apr 2024 Post subject: |
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I started on sports bikes and moved on to offroading/dual sports due to preferring to do off-road traveling but always missed the silly amounts of power.
Though l currently have a 2016 KTM 1190 which is an absolute blast. Sports bike power at 150-160 bhp (LC8 V-twin) but capable of light offroading and is a comfortable upright riding position. The later 1290s have even more power.
The 1190s have been out since 2013 prices of the older ones should be within your budget.
https://i.ibb.co/KqsKdkH/355136156-10168031794170224-4878711592242041930-n-10168031787015224.jpg ____________________ Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV |
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stinkwheel |
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stinkwheel Bovine Proctologist
Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :
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MCN |
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MCN Super Spammer
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TheGazWaz |
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TheGazWaz Nitrous Nuisance
Joined: 12 Feb 2014 Karma :
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Posted: 09:19 - 15 Apr 2024 Post subject: |
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Been looking at the R1200's.. Nice bike and surprisingly not that expensive.
I know what you mean about a good rider on an adventure bike would take a lot of sports bikes in the twisties. When I had my GSX1000 I had riders over take me on outside bends and all sorts. That bike just wasn't for me. I consider myself an OK rider but that bike was so sensitive to input and road conditions.
Rev limiter on a GSXR1300 - lol. I bet I could do it. The bike wouldn't be in gear though
I've kinda decided I'm going for an adventure bike. Not pinned it down to which one yet but I've ruled out another sports/tourer.
How would a R1200GS perform on motorway? The comfort and screen are an obvoius plus but what about that pulling power when you need it. On the ZX9R I could be doing 90 in 6th and still have lots of pull. Do you still get that with a big twin? Not that I do those speeds often but now and gain it's nice to have the option.
Cheers ahain all. Really do appreciate the input. ____________________ Went like this.. 43 years old(2013) decided to do CBT to get a 125 for new job. Bought 2011 YBR, loved it for three months then hated it because it was too god damn slow. Did DAS 4 months later then bought RF600 Loved it, sold it bought Bandit 1200(K3). EFFIN lOVED IT. Wanted something a bit more sporty so got Triumph Sprint ST 955i (53). Not sporty enough so now on my GSXR 1000 K3 and absolutely love it. 1 year down the line, nearly died way too many times on this bike. Sold it. Had a 6 month break. Missed biking so now, Aug 2019 have a 1999 ZX9r. What a beauty she is too. |
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P. |
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P. Red Rocket
Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :
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Posted: 09:09 - 16 Apr 2024 Post subject: |
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I've had a load of bikes and got an R1200RT last year. Mainly for if/when I decide to pop over to Europe for a trip, but also to pillion easier, the KTM didnt do that, the CBF600 doesn't do it well, this is a sofa on wheels.
I didn't want a GS because I am not riding to cafes and washing it at petrol stations when some dirt dares look at the wheels, they serve no purpose in the UK personally.. so I got the more road based one.
Love it, won't be ditching it any time soon, but as I don't need to pillion on the CBF, that is going in favour of a fun bike, probably a Street Triple.
They are heavy, but not overly so when moving, can be had quite cheap too. Later ones are more ££ but you do get some bells and whistles.
Weirdest thing is being able to brake and not have the front dive down, the electric screen, heated grips and seats... I want to give it a longer run, then service and take 2 weeks off and head to Europe, but thats probably next year
Motorways though, I haven't been on one but I have done the 60/70 NSLs here. You won't be without power in top gear, they are grunty. |
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Val |
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Val World Chat Champion
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DaddyStu |
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DaddyStu Spanner Monkey
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P. Red Rocket
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PotatoHead202... |
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PotatoHead202... Scooby Slapper
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woo World Chat Champion
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Fat Angry Scotsman |
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Fat Angry Scotsman World Chat Champion
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MCN |
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MCN Super Spammer
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Posted: 04:54 - 07 May 2024 Post subject: |
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TheGazWaz wrote: | Been looking at the R1200's.. Nice bike and surprisingly not that expensive.
I know what you mean about a good rider on an adventure bike would take a lot of sports bikes in the twisties. When I had my GSX1000 I had riders over take me on outside bends and all sorts. That bike just wasn't for me. I consider myself an OK rider but that bike was so sensitive to input and road conditions.
Rev limiter on a GSXR1300 - lol. I bet I could do it. The bike wouldn't be in gear though
I've kinda decided I'm going for an adventure bike. Not pinned it down to which one yet but I've ruled out another sports/tourer.
How would a R1200GS perform on motorway? The comfort and screen are an obvoius plus but what about that pulling power when you need it. On the ZX9R I could be doing 90 in 6th and still have lots of pull. Do you still get that with a big twin? Not that I do those speeds often but now and gain it's nice to have the option.
Cheers ahain all. Really do appreciate the input. |
The standard screen on bmw GS is pointless at mw cruise.
You need an aftermarket Riot shield type.
Not too expensive and definitely reduces fatigue on long two tank trips.
Legs and knees get some pounding.
Good boots and Troos help.
GS seat pads are not too bad. Aftermarket is a phaphery too as one arse is not the same as another.
Anatomical similar but personally different.
Drill a wee hole in the filler tube of the tank to get another 0.30l petrol in. Another 30 miles range.
The phannies at BMW Motor Motorrad believe our petrol needs an airspace. ____________________ Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN. |
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha |
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha World Chat Champion
Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :
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Posted: 11:28 - 07 May 2024 Post subject: |
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I went from a zx9r C2 to a 1150gs a little while ago.
This is the GS thread i made when i got the fat tosser last year
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=335343
I loved the nine - what a slogger. I used it mainly on single track back lanes cos that's where i live. Not the best bike for that you'd think, and you'd be right - but not as right as you might think. Nines will do anything, more or less. They're ace. Cruise at a ton forty no probs. Goodly amount of midrange - catch, match and dispatch all day long. It sneered openly at drivers who tried to speed up when i passed them. Just kicked dust in their faces and said bye bye. After yonks on a cb500, spent cueing up every momentum overtake, the nine was king.
And - bizarrely - it was fantastic for slow stuff. It filtered like a ferret. They are great bikes. And cheap as chips. Headstock bearings are consumables, mind you. Other than that, unkillable, quick af, and well-built.
Getting onto the 1150 after that wasn't too bad at all. Wheeling the bastard around however - hah. Yeah that's when you feel it. Also, the stupidly wide bars are not ferreting friendly.
Other than that though, fine. I got it cos "pillion". That was my main thinking. I suppose it is comfier for me as well - but not night and day. ____________________ "Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."
Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125 |
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TheGazWaz |
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TheGazWaz Nitrous Nuisance
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha |
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha World Chat Champion
Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :
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Posted: 12:14 - 07 May 2024 Post subject: |
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i toyed with a cbr1100xx upgrade as well - but was told, quite pointedly, by someone who owned both a nine and a blackbird that the nine was better. I found this hard to believe, and my thinking was that the bird was basically a range-topping bike, and so must have the edge on a nine in almost every way. But no. Apparently not. Bird better for pillion was about it, oh and ok, straight lining. Other than that, nuh huh. Nine wins, was what they reckoned. Even for midrange torque (!).
back to big boxers for a sec, the 1150 is a weird old slapper - but kind of up for fun on the sly. Telelever shenanigans are interesting, and good. Then again i tend never to brake very hard anyway, so the telelever cure for fork dive is not something i felt any benefit from? Maybe it was meant to combat forwards weight transfer from the huge amounts of engine braking from the big twin when throttling off? ____________________ "Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."
Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125 |
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TheGazWaz |
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TheGazWaz Nitrous Nuisance
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha |
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha World Chat Champion
Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :
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Posted: 14:24 - 07 May 2024 Post subject: |
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TheGazWaz wrote: | Just had a look at your link. Nice looking bike that GS. Looks really well for it's age. |
yeah it's the best colour - i missed out on one of those terrible yellow ones, and was pissed off....for about a week, then this blue/white one came up even closer to home.
TheGazWaz wrote: | Are these boxer engines air cooled? My bandit was air and oil cooled. Never seemed to be an issue but then it didn't have an engine temp gauge so I never really knew how hot it got. |
yep air cooled (think the 1200 was the first liquid cooled one?) - i think there is a temp gauge, but eh. What i will say is that i definitely have to keep an eye on oil level. The kwakka was, again, king in that dept. It just never needed topping up....ever. I just changed the oil every 5-6k, and bam. Level never altered in the sight glass.
TheGazWaz wrote: | With the GS, at this age, do you get any toys. By that I mean things like a fuel gauge. I long for a bike with a fuel gauge. My 9 doesn't even have a low fuel warning light. |
I think there might be fuel gauge yeah (definitely a warning light - just not sure how much is left in the tank at that) - but the ol' trip counter "fill up at 120" routine is so engrained now that i have no truck with such gadgetry. Tell you what was a thing though was the gear indicator!! Whoah. 99% of the time, though, I knew what gear I was in on the nine. So again, gadget schmadget. After a few hundred miles, I'd adjusted to the GS and now i pretty much always know what gear its in. Btw people said ooh that GS is gonna feel pretty agricultural after your nipponese il4 slick shifter but in fact, the GS is lovely. It may need slightly more left foot positivity - not much though.
TheGazWaz wrote: | For 4k I should be able to get around the 2005 mark GS. I'm balancing age and mileage but I've heard mileage isn't an issue on these bikes. |
Well yeah mileage is not an "issue" as such - not internally. Rarely is on modern bikes of Japanese or German makes. However, what about the cycle parts around them? The shocks, the finish, the calipers, etc. Can be a different story. Like, I would guess - being honest - that my GS would've felt quite different suspension-wise 45k miles ago (it hit 50k the other month). Paul at The Workshop in Poppleton, York does rebuild beemer shocks - it can kind of be done (re-oil, re-gas, etc.). But I'm okay with how it feels - for now.
TheGazWaz wrote: | Oh, yes .... just spotted one on ebay with, not only a fuel gauge but, gear indicator. Woohoo.. Life's good. |
yeah they're nice to have but i honestly don't think you'll need 'em ____________________ "Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."
Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125 |
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