Hello! Back on the saddle...

[Freddygang]

Hello everyone,
new member here - please be kind

I am considering getting back on a motorbike after a 15 years hiatus: my last bike was stolen, and at the time I decided to invest the insurance money in a new bathroom and a pushbike.

Fast forward to today, and I think the time may be right for me to get back on the saddle. Having been out of the game for so long, I am really not up to date with what is out there, so I am looking for some wisdom and advice.

A bit of back history - I started with Japanese bikes in the last century (my first bike was a Yamaha 250, then I had a couple of Hondas 750), then moved onto BMWs, K100 first then R850 and finally a GS1150 - my last bike.

I don't think I will be back to doing hundreds of miles a day on a bike (but who knows? ), so my riding will be mainly urban with some limited light touring (sub-100m) with a pillion. I would like to get something light and fun, not too powerful (those days are over!) or unwieldy. This is to say that I am probably ready to look back to Japan for my next bike.

I had a quick look around, and I quite the look of the MT 07. Has anyone got direct experience of it? And what else should I be considering? Is there anything obvious I am missing?

Thank you in advance for your help!

[ThunderGuts]

MT-07 is a fun bike; don't think it's massive so not sure how well it'd handle two-up light touring though and you might want to research luggage options available (doubtless you can fit a topbox though).

It'd be a great choice for solo riding slicing through the urban sprawl though and fun out on the twisties too.
____________________
TG.

[Freddyfruitba...]

[Freddygang]

[Freddygang]

[Easy-X]

I've always had a soft spot for the MT07. If it's a bit "Transformers, robots in disguise" there's also the XSR700 - same engine.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Freddygang]

[ThunderGuts]

I am biased but if a fairly heavy kerbweight doesn't put you off, a VFR800 is comfy, capable and happy with a pillion and luggage. Plenty of power (but not excessive), handles wonderfully and will munch the miles should you want it to. The latest gen (VFR800F) is a bit more aggressive in riding position, countered by the adventure styled VFR800X.

The choices are endless to be honest. Bit of a rubbish time to be looking unfortunately, but ideally the best bet is (and I sound like a stuck record with this) to sit on lots of bikes and see what you think. With a few extreme exceptions, most bikes (even with big power) aren't a handful to an experienced rider who knows how to modulate throttle and revs. I'd be more inclined to find the bike that feels comfortable and "right" and as long as it's got enough power, go with it. If it's got more than enough, I wouldn't be too bothered unless insurance gets pricey.
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TG.

[Easy-X]

[Freddygang]

[Freddygang]

[Easy-X]

TBH there's not much between them. The slightly upgraded components (which you're arguably paying a stupid premium for) should not be a priority.

Does it look good?
Is it comfortable to sit on?
Does it go fast enough?

And the only discussion is in which order you evaluate the above
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Freddygang]

[Keithy]

MCN this week says the MT07 has just been given some updates.

Although this is prompted by the launch of the new Trident.

Another choice to add to the confusion.

H2H