Best for London commute?

[RuggedResearc...]

Hi all

So I'm looking at a new bike and I'm struggling between a Hypermotard 796 and a Street Triple. I live in London and spend all my time riding in the city but it's about time I bought something exciting. Which of these bikes do you think will serve me best?

Which one will be the most fun dodging traffic and going on a 4am sunday morning jaunt through the empty city streets?

Thanks

[JonnyFoxtrot]

I'd imagine most people would recommend the Street Triple, it seems to pretty much win everything it comes up against in tests for an overal package.
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'89 Honda NS125F (SOLD) -> '92 Suzuki GS500E (SOLD) -> '03 Kawasaki ZX6R B1H (SOLD) -> '96 VFR 750 RC36 (SOLD) -> '02 Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird

[Kingstondavo]

The Monster rather than the hypermotard is more of a comparison to the street triple - I commute on one through london every day, it's great. I also know plenty of people who commute on striples and have no problems.

Test ride is the only way you are going to decide which suits you best
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Current Ride - 2010 Hornet 600

[carlosthejack...]

One of these?

https://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/256449_10150907596002511_1389708895_o.jpg
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[MarJay]

[chris-red]

[rac3r]

Either is fine really, I've had a couple of Monster's and now a Street Triple. The Street is much smoother and you can stick it in any gear and just go. The Duc will need to be in the right gear but the sound and torque is awesome

BUT consider MarJay's point above
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[RuggedResearc...]

'The Pose' is actually quite important - a condition set by the missus who will be on the back a fair bit!

[K0rnIsAFAGGOT]

[rac3r]

[EXC-Rider]

why not a Bandit ?
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owned bikes: DR50, Thumpsta 110 , Honda CR85, Speedfight 100, Yamaha XT125X, Honda CRF450, Honda Hornet '07
current bikes: KTM EXC525 AKA the wheelie machine
A friend in need is a friend indeed but a friend with weed is better!

[Kingstondavo]

[hornetmike]

Pics of misses so we can see which bike she would look better on
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87 Honda CG 125 - 97 ER5 - SR 50 -81 Z250- 96 CBR 600 F- 94 GPX600R 88- GPX 400R- 87 GS 125 - 2006 Honda CB600F- 2003 ER5 - Honda CBF 1000 2009 - Honda CBR 600 RR 2011
Current BMW R1200GS 2010

[cromwell]

[RuggedResearc...]

I just sold my 2008 Hornet. Was a fantastic bike don't get me wrong but it just didn't have that 'spice' when I was able to pick the speed up. I spend most of the time in the city but I do get to make it to the sticks every now and then...

I test rode a Striple R the other day and I must say it was sublime.

[MarJay]

[RuggedResearc...]

Yeah I see where you're coming from on that...

Someone just recommended a KTM 690 Duke (not the brand new one) - any thoughts on these? I think they look the part as long as you stay away from the wretched orange.

[MarJay]

[Kingstondavo]

The single cylinder engine is a bit... odd, I test rode one and didn't like it - but then again, many rave about them. Definitely a personal preference thing
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Current Ride - 2010 Hornet 600

[Dazbo666]

I ride a Bandit at the moment - mostly city and urban riding, and I've found it to be more than capable, and manoevurable even with pillion.
... but from the OP choice, it would have to be the Triple
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Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[The999Kid]

im putting a vote in for a ped, cheap to run cheap to tax and just as fast through central london if not faster, and easier to sling through smaller gaps..


just my 2p
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[Irezumi aka Reuben]

I agree with the man above me (ooer). Had a Striple and the steering lock is pretty shit if youre getting around central/the tight gaps. Triple runs hot and fuel consumption is pretty shit in town. Buy a cheap scooter for commuting and a second hand triple for posing. Hypermotard looks fun though havent tried one.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[MarJay]

Put it this way: You wouldn't buy a Ferrari or a Caterham to drive in London, so why buy a Ducati or a Street Triple?

Honestly a cheap Hornet, Bandit, SV650, ER6, CB500 or even an ER5, GS500E, GPZ500S would be better, a LOT less likely to be stolen and better on fuel, cheaper to insure.

If you're rarely going to ride out of town, then you'll be buying an expensive bike for the pose, which is a bit sad really.
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Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[G]

[T0MMY]

I find my CB-1 great fun for town riding. Very narrow, pretty nippy, nimble handling...far better than a CB500 to ride in my opinion. Nobody will ever nick it and the build quality is probably better than any other bike mentioned in this thread so no worries with year round riding. They're also incredibly cheap to buy and insure
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