Hello, opinions wanted.

[Biker_Abi]

Hello there.

New to the forum, not new to biking.

I have been riding motorcycles for around 7 years now and spent the last 5 years on my 2008 Suzuki SV650S. I love my machine but I feel like it's time for a change. I would like opinions please. I'm not made of money so can't go nuts even if I wish I could. I can stretch to the 8k mark with a trade in and finance.

I use my bike for everything. I commute in and out of London 40miles a day in all weathers all times of year. I use it for shopping from time to time. I want to get on some ride outs this year if I can make some friends. And I possibly want to try a few track days.

I'm edging towards getting a new Triumph Street Triple R. I have test ridden one and found it a joy to ride but I'm getting mixed opinions on it. And my mechanic even said don't get a Triumph as it will cost me too much to maintain and repair? If I chose to get a new one I should have it under warranty and then in 2-3 years I may consider a change again.

Any opinions please? I haven't found many new bikes on the market which actually take my fancy except perhaps a gixxer but I'm nearly 6ft and have a physical job so from time to time I have back etc pain on the sv so may struggle with a race position one long term. I'm not a fan of Yamaha's, no offence to them nice bikes but don't fancy one.

Any thoughts or opinions?

Thanks
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Current ride: Triumph Street Triple R > Suzuki SV650S > Honda CG 125

[P.]

Nothing wrong with a Street Triple. earlier ones with the round lights look better. I have one and its awesome.

CBR600F would be my next call...

[Ste]

£8k buys more than one bike.

[Biker_Abi]

I was considering two. Lol. However I don't want too much maintenance troubles. I'm no mechanic... Though I wish to learn more.
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Current ride: Triumph Street Triple R > Suzuki SV650S > Honda CG 125

[wr6133]

Old faired sport tourer to commute. You could spend less than £1500 on that. (ZZR, Thundershat, VFR, GSF600FKYMGZHJ... whatever the fuck Suzuki call it.)

Then buy whatever naked/pointy sporty/noisy hoon machine you desire as a leisure toy.

2 bikes and you could still realistically see change from your £8k.

[monkeybiker]

cbr600f

[P.]

2k for a CBR600/Thundercat.

4.5/5k for GSXR1000 K5.

Change for trackdays

[Clanger]

Buy what suits you and sod what people say. Life's far too short to be thinking 'what if...' and regrets of things you didn't do...because 'someone said...'
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Pigeon]

If trying the Street, surely must test MT09 too.

Not in fashion, but GSXR750 gets praise, maybe not great if your uncomfortable on the SV.

I've got a Street and SV. I like the SV, I love the Street

Z800 gets ok reviews too.

[Polarbear]

I don't get the 'Triumphs are unreliable' thing your mechanic says.

I've had 3 and the only thing that has failed is a tyre pressure sensor on my Trophy - fixed under warranty. My street triple never missed a beat.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Supermoto_Fan]

I like my SV. I liked the street triple I rode for a few hours but I love my MT09
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

£8k gets you a used S1000RR. Job done.
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My Flickr

[DrDonnyBrago]

The STR is a great bike, I haven't heard of any major reliability issues? That said, I wouldn't do 40 miles a day on something valuable. It'll get nicked or trashed.

My 01 CBR600f has been used through the past 5 winters. Cleans up ok but it's showing its age/mileage/winter use/ice crash damage, I'd have a sad if a STR was looking similarly "worn in".

[CVSensei]

I know you said you don't like Yamaha's but have you looked into the new MT's? I thoroughly recommend at least checking them out. I've just bought an 07 so I'm biased but they are great machines for all purposes. Voted bike of the year by MCN and I haven't found a bad review of them so far! Cheap as well, £5800 with ABS new. Tons of cosmetics available as well if it's just the appearance of Yam you don't like.

The 09 might be more up your alley if you like riding round on one wheel with brown trousers

Have a look at the Z800 and ER-6's as well. I was very tempted by them.
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2014 Yamaha MT-07 ABS Deep Armour
'If all else fails, read the instructions.' - Grandpa
'Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.' - Arthur C. Clarke

[Polarbear]

[Matt B]

How about a Honda CB1000R? New (pre-reg) for under £8k.

https://crewehondacentre.co.uk/thumbs/0x0/2014-11/1417259799_dscn1066.jpg
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[CVSensei]

[weasley]

A nice, late, KTM 990 SMT?
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[Biker_Abi]

Thanks all. I have lots to think about.

I have considered ktm. But I'm considering getting a motocrosser poss ktm to play with on weekends and holidays.

Decisions decisions....

Ps. I'm not worried about it getting nicked/trashed at doing 40mile a day. It's always locked up at work and home. I just want something to enjoy in the commute and on ride outs and poss track days.

Thank you for all your views and opinions. Will have a long think.
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Current ride: Triumph Street Triple R > Suzuki SV650S > Honda CG 125

[Biker_Abi]

[Boris the spider]

For that dosh.

And if you have the space.
I would buy 2 bikes. One as a commuter workhorse and one for fun.

But

You do as you see best.
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Yes I'm a pig....And yes... The working public do pay my wages. Tho I contribute to your benefits you lazy c##t. You do not pay my wages. So go fcuk yourself.

[stevo as b4]

[Nemo]

The only "problem" I see with triumphs is the exhaust valve going out of adjustment (the street triple doesn't have one) and lack of maintenance by the owner.

Or loan street triple r gets thrashed by the people that use them because they don't give a shit, but it's still going strong.

The new tracer may be worth a look.
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Previously owned: Kawasaki KH125, Suzuki GP125, Suzuki GX 125, Honda CB125 TDC '83, Honda ntv 600, Kawasaki ER5, Kawasaki ZZR600, Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille
Now own: Ducati 848 evo

[recman]

[iooi]