Looking for a direction

[Feasty]

I've had my Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 for about 9 months now, I've loved the bike for it's speed and presence on the road. For a sit-up bike the acceleration just puts a smile on my face every time.

The downside is the weight of the bike and it being top heavy, it's just so heavy squeezing it in and out of my garage past my caravan on a slope. Then at slow speeds balancing is a bit precarious, especially on corners - I've got a lot better at this the more I use the bike but it still puts a touch of fear in me.

I've been looking at other sit-up styles (the only type I'm interested in) and liking the look of Honda XL650 Transalps - and I've had 650's before. They're a lot lighter and nimble, easier to control and easier to get in and out of the garage.
BUT - I just don't want to lose that power, there's a reason I decided to change from a BMW F650 to the Capo 1000.

Anyone know of anything in-between that might suit both worlds? I'd be spending £2-2.5k.
What would you do?
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Moth]

When I finally gave up licking my kneecaps & scratching my arse with my elbows I tried my Brothers 650 Transalp for a few weeks, but I just couldn't live with that sense of strangled power.

I settled into a Z900RS, which with handle bar risers & lowered footpegs suits my new riding style (& the old age) almost perfectly.

TeDiuMs seem to be the one to go for if you must have that style of bike.
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Watch the cloth, Moth.

[stinkwheel]

Tiger?
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“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.

[Keithy]

Shiver?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202107114909508

95hp

[jeffyjeff]

Certainly none of these bikes are within your price range, but this webpage might give you some ideas.
https://www.hotcars.com/fast-and-fun-naked-bikes/
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History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

[Norts1531]

I've had a Kawasaki Z1000 (recent version) and a Suzuki 1200 Bandit. Both were very sitty uppy, and both made plenty of power to give you a grin. Didn't find either bike to be particularly heavy whilst pushing them round the garage. £2k should find you either if you look around.
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Is it beer 'o clock yet?

[jeffyjeff]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

frottle goes both ways innit m9
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[om15]

I had a Tracer 700 for a couple of years, light, easy to move around, sit at 80 with no real wind blast, good acceleration and not too complicated.
Might not get one in your price range though.
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Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk

[Nobby the Bastard]

[Tdibs]

For that kind of bike for 2-2.5k

Vstrom650/1000, versys 650, kle,

Nothing wrong with the Alp's compared to those either.
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Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000

[Feasty]

Some good options there, I'm very much taken by the TDM900 option, lighter, still tall and good performance specs.
I haven't come across the Shiver before, quite like the look of that - although looks like if I fitted a topbox the exhausts would be pointed up at it!
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Feasty]

Quick update.
After much searching around and checking on the stat's, I've narrowed it down to the following:
Triumph Speed 4
BMW F800ST
Yamaha TDM900

Triumph is the lightest and quickest but looks more like a 'hooning' bike and less comfortable for a passenger.

BMW I think I like the look of the most for style, it's also pretty quick, got many extras and is also belt driven - a maintenance bonus!

Yamaha is the slightly heavier of the 3, but taller - maybe more comfy for my 6'2 round stature!

Anyone got any recommendations between these 3?
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Zen Dog]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[Tdibs]

You talked about a passenger - if you are going to be riding 2 up id take the TDM all day out of those options.

Speed4 is a tt600 without the fairings, still quite a physically small sports bike at its base - I would not really put it in the same class at the rest of these machines.

Vstrom 1000 still worth a look too.

One other option, xj900, can easily get one with luggage already setup in that budget. Not the most interesting machine, but big value for money if you want to do 2 up with full luggage for low money.
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Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000

[Feasty]

Hi folks
Thanks for your ideas, interesting replies about the F800ST - I was properly liking this but the only thing left to do is a test ride, which by the sound of it might put me off too!

I've owned an XJ900 before, it was a lovely smooth and quick ride but just too heavy for what I'm after - and the same reason why I'm getting rid of my Aprilia Capo 1000. It's a lovely ride, very lively but the bike is just too top heavy.

I'm not planning on long journey's with a passenger, my daughter likes rides out so I just want to make sure she'll have a comfortable seat for those odd days out into the Peaks.

I'm now wondering if the TDM900 would be a better match...
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Polarbear]

Can I say if you go in a shop and get seduced by the looks of and Aprilia Shiver, just don't. We had two in the group I rode with before lockdown and both were typical Italian, beautiful and troublesome, Just like MV's.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition