Returning to bikes - Not sure what to buy

[Suede2]

Afternoon,

My last bike was a Honda X11, and despite what others say. I loved it, it was perfect for everything I ever did. Yes it was ugly, yes it was expensive to insure but it was my first large cc bike and it was wonderful.

Want to overtake? Don’t need to downshift as it was full of torque.
Want to sit on motorway at 80? Fine. The buffeting above that prevented you from going much faster anyway.
200 miles on a tank? Not a problem.

The thing is I like Naked/Muscle bikes and I have no real idea what to get or what’s available. There doesn’t seem to be a direct replacement for an X11, they all seem designed to be fast nimble rocket ships.

What I’m after is this.
1. 200 miles on a tank (petrol is expensive these days).
2. Torque for days.
3. Relatively comfortable.
4. Useable in the real world (all weathers).

Is there a bike that covers this these days? It’ll be my main transport but not used every day.

Any advice would be most welcome.

[to v or not to v]

Moto Guzzi Stelvio
BMW GS
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current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
Moto Guzzi V7.

[Suede2]

I've never been a fan of Enduro/touring style bikes. I don't know why, I've just never fancied them. They seem too tall even though the height of a bike isn't an issue physically.

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

I’ve never even seen one in the metal but since ‘tvontv’ mentions Moto Guzzi the V100 Mandello gives me the horn (and the V85) and might suit you. Unfortunately I’m skint, wedded to two 20-year-old sportsbikes and have no space in the garage.

[to v or not to v]

the new Honda Hornet 1000 then?
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current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
Moto Guzzi V7.

[Suede2]

Moto Guzzi's are probably not the direction I'm going in.

However the Hornet does actually look quite nice. Although the exhaust is horrible (but that can be changed).

[to v or not to v]

all modern exhausts are horrible. they have to contain cats.
____________________
current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
Moto Guzzi V7.

[Easy-X]

[Suede2]

[stinkwheel]

Does it need to be new/modern?

Because the big GSXs might fit the bill.

Or if you liked your X11, get another one and splash some cash on it (suspension, brakes, cosmetics).
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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.

[Robby]

I agree with Stinkwheel. Unless you live somewhere that makes a modern bike necessary - like having to go inside the London ULEZ - then there is no real need to look at new stuff. There are always low mileage, well looked after examples of big naked bikes. They often get bought by people like me, who look after them and don't ride very much.

Also, bike technology hasn't moved on much in the last 20 years. The areas that have moved on - suspension and tyres mostly - can be retrofitted. You can also now get decent brake pads for just about anything.

So if the bike is a keeper and you like the X11, then get another one and turn it into the X11 you always wanted. Just make sure you buy it from an older chap who keeps it in the garage and services it every year, even if it's only done 200 miles.

[Suede2]

No, it doesn't have to be a new bike. To be honest, I am planning on purchasing two bikes. I am buying Harley Fatboy (Dream bike since T2, putting the larger 135 engine in, dont plan on ever selling it) but I don't want to ride it all year round. So I want a second bike for the rest of the year, and buying second hand seems the sensible option.

But...... I have no mechanical skill whatsoever so the thought of buying a 20+ year old bike does scare me slightly. Plus I reckon I'll struggle to find the parts/upgrades (mainly full exhaust system) that I want for it. That and there's currently only three listed on autotrader and they are listed at the other end of the country.

I haven't ridden lots of bikes over the years, so I may be looking at my old X11 with rose tinted glasses tbh. But it was a strange bike that didn't know what it was, but it did everything to reasonable level.

[stinkwheel]

Frankly, I think you'd struggle to find a more reliable motorcycle than an old X11, providing it hasn't been neglected. As I remember, it's basically a slightly detuned, naked blackbird. Black widow and delkelvic make full exhaust systems for them.

I have three mates who are riding old Blackbirds, all of whom could easily afford a more modern bike. One of whom actually bought two brand new bikes in fairly quick sucession, then went back to the guy he'd sold the 'bird to and bought it back.

In short, they don't make them like that any more. If you went to a trusted independant bike mechanic with one and asked them to give it a thorough service and fit a new exhaust, shock, fork springs and seals, cables and hoses. They'd be delighted to work on it for you. The only thing that would have them sucking air through their teeth would be if they have to work on the linked brakes which can be a bit of a pain in the arse.
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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.

[A100man]

[WD Forte]

[Capt Sisko]

How about a modern UJM, Kawasaki Z900
https://www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/products/Modern_Classic_/2025/Z900RS_SE/overview?Uid=08AAUFBfUQ1QW1gKDFFfXFBZXwoOCw0JXQpQDAlbUF1aXVw

[Kentol750]

New Hornet is excellent. Currently sneaking a go on Mrs K's every now and again.

However don't think you'd get 200 out of the tank. Price is excellent too.
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Some bikes.

[FF68]

What to buy depends on what you want to do and your riding style.
I haven't read the other replies in this thread so I don't know what has already been said.

I'm currently in the process of buying a new bike myself after a long lay-off from riding and I'm still unsure what to get after 6 months of thinking and research.

I wanted a Daytona675, a new one, but they're not manufactured anymore so I'm a bit stumped.
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Honda H100s. Aprilia RS125. Honda CBR600RR. Aprilia RSVR1000.

[Suede2]

Wow, lots of responses.

I’ll answer individually. I don’t have any mechanical experience, but I want the larger engine in a Harley Davidson. I have no intention of putting it in however, I will pay the dealer to put it in before I collect the bike.

I also don’t think wanting a Harley Davidson suggests I like people of the same sex. I thought finding other men attractive is what would have made me gay, not my choice of motorcycle?

@Stinkwheel - yes it was mildly de-tuned Blackbird (lees bhp, more torque i think?) and I think you are right, maybe I should look at an old X11 as they always seemed kinda bullet proof and they are more than capable of keeping up with more modern bikes. I also have found a French shop online that seems to stock the akrapovic system I liked. AVDB moto? Anyone heard of them? They genuine?

@Kentol750 - The new hornet is growing on me, but I’m not sure if I can justify two new bikes at the same time. Saying that, if I don’t get an old x11, then this is the route I may go.

@Capt Sisko - I used to like the z1000 from the start of the 2000’s (03 ish), was quite pretty in green if I remember. The more modern “classic” look though isn’t for me.

@FF68 - I liked the Daytonas, worked for a summer at a Triumph dealership years ago and remember enjoying a couple short trips on them. Would still rather of had a Rocket III though.

[A100man]

[Suede2]

[A100man]

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59c3fe00c027d88718f18c45/1656357399508-8SDARH5YSFPCBV8XQX5P/IMG_1813-crop.JPG

That's you, that is.
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[Suede2]

[Easy-X]

Sports bikes:

https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1741889693-asic-superblast-2-67d32026850eb.jpg?crop=0.803xw:0.803xh;0.109xw,0.0673xh&resize=400:*

ADVs:

https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/2/2024/01/Fliss-canvas-2.jpg?ar=16%3A9&fit=crop&crop=top&auto=format&w=400&q=80

Vintage bikes:

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/6x0AAOSwbHJlcR8P/s-l400.jpg

Harley Davidsons:

https://lenoxx.com.au/cdn/shop/files/FW32-L3_400x400.jpg?v=1711505805
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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

[to v or not to v]

https://i.imgur.com/3EfEApc.jpg
____________________
current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
Moto Guzzi V7.