Quandry.

[pa_broon74]

Folks.

I have a problem and it is thus: I don't know what bike to get. At the moment I have a TDM 850, I like the torque and worry if I go down to a 650/660 (which was my original plan) that i'll miss it.

I've been comparing bikes, torque versus horse power but I just can't decide. I will admit to being bitten by the speed bug although I'm just not into sports bikes (hence the TDM.)

So what do I get? I like being able to get to 100mph pretty sharpish but I don't think that'll happen with say a XT660Z or a F650GS. (Those were my first choices after ruling out transalps as being to fat.)

I could get a new TDM but they look a bit dull. I like the upright position of the supermoto. Maybe an F800 but definitely not a 1150gs thing... Done to death... Had a wee go on a Varadero but it was positively obese.

So, what do you think? Opinions appreciated.

Thanks in advance.


____________________
Didn't catch anything.

[ZaphodBeeble]

If you want upright riding position, torque, long gears, good handling and braking then the Benelli Tre 1130 K is spot on. I've ridden our Tre-K demo bike loads of times and its awesome. You should be able to get a test ride from your local dealer (use the dealer locator on the webby below). I really think you should try it out, most people if not all have enjoyed this bike when they tried it.

https://www.benelli.co.uk/_bikes/Tre-K_1130K/tre-k_1130k.php

Have fun!
____________________
Current bike: VTR1000F Firestorm. Previous: Firestorm (written off) - XJ600 Divvy - NSR125 - DT125 and a load of offroaders.

[hellkat]

I'll always vouch for the XTZ750 Super Tenere: old but good.
Stripped down, no fairings: even better.
Although mine's still in a box it did go like stink when it was all in one piece. Seemed to me to be not quite as lumbersome as the Varadero.

Of course, that might be the "passion" talking
____________________
Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[chris-red]

The new Triumph Tiger is meant to be pretty good.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[pa_broon74]

Eeee!

That Benelli looks the shizzle, bit big though and not cheap. I'll put that on my "Will own one one day" list.

The Tiger looks good, seems to get good or bad right ups depending on where you look. The reason I mentioned 650's/660's was because I do most of my riding in town, I thought having one would be easier in terms of filtering and general misbehaviour in the urban environment.

Not sure if all TDM's are the same but my one is a bear to ride, heavy clutch (I get cramp in my wrist... From the clutch that is...) and it's so jerky at around 30 mph. Its also a wee bit heavy in terms of dipping and weaving it being an 850, although I've gotten more used to it.

Ah, the old africa twin. I love them, especially the red/white/blue colour schemed ones. a 750 might be a good compromise... They're pretty hard to come by though but are probably going to be within my price range.

Yamaha are bringing out a new XT660Z, there calling it the Tenere. Its a touring version with a bigger tank, higher screen etc etc etc. Under £5k (with no bling.) It has the same 660 engine, anyone got an XT or a pegaso? (Same engine in both I believe.)

Thanks folks.
____________________
Didn't catch anything.

[meach]

[G]

[garth]

Multistrada?
____________________
You ain't a has been if you never was

[ZaphodBeeble]

[LeeR]

KTM 609SM 1cyl 654cc 63bhp 48ftlb 115mph or BMW F800GS parallel twin 798cc 85bhp 83ftlb 130mph, but as they're both fairly new models they're not going to be cheap, were you thinking of buying new?
____________________
My claim to fame: Austin Vince nicked my pen...

[G]

To add to that, though; KTM 690SMC weight; 139kg, BMW F800GS weight; 178kg. I suspect the KTM weight is even lower relatively in reality.
Similarly, apparently the KTM power isn't far off, while the BMW I suspect might be slightly optimistic.

However, for a road-biased touring style bike, the 800GS does sound pretty interesting.

[pa_broon74]

Hey folks.

Not sure I want a new bike, I live in a shit hole so probably not a good idea. Also, I like to tinker... With the bike that is, I wouldn't really be able to do that with a new bike. I'd be looking to spend around £3K plus my TDM as a trade in, (although if the deal is poor, I'd just keep it and sell it privately.) Might go up to £4K cash.

I looked around yesterday, first stop was BMW. I looked at the F650 which I've always fancied. Seemed to be a bit small after the TDM, also I worry about the power, I think I'd get frustrated with it. I also looked at the F800GS, if I had the budget, its what I'd go for. They also had a TDM 900 which looked good, but I feel it would be boring to get another one, (even with the different engine...)

Next was Honda, it was all sports bikes. They had a couple of the new transalps in with the 700cc engine, not sure on the specs though. They look ok, but again, how much poke will they really have?

After that was Yamaha, I asked about the new XTZ. Its out at the end of May starting out at £4500 or there-abouts. Again, its a new bike and extras (panniers etc) are not cheap.

This is really annoying and I'm getting all anal about it; comparing torque and power output figures. I suppose its about finding the balance between everyday useability and comfy touring.

I've looked at KTM's and quite like the 960 with all the shizzle attached. Is it me or are KTM's awfy skinny looking?

In short, I have no idea what to get. I've considered triumph tigers, Aprilia Pegasos, Cagiva Grand Canyons and everything else besides.

Next stop is Suzuki to look at a DL600, they look pretty comfortable.

Thanks for the info folks.


____________________
Didn't catch anything.

[G]

KTMs probably are skinny; for off-road use; where it's definitely a big advantage.

I'm not really up on them, but I'd have thought it'd be worth looking around all the litre high-tourey-style bikes. Knew someone who went from a TRX to a capronod (spelling?) and really liked it.

[LeeR]