Been out test riding new bikes to replace my stolen R6

[tintin]

I had my 03 R6 stolen in London a couple of weeks ago and whilst I am still waiting for the insurance I wanted to go and try a few bikes out.

New R1 - fantastic but too fast and scary, I'm not ashamed to admit it, I could never use this bike to it's full potential on the road

New CBR 600 RR - pocket rocket, very nice but so, so tiny, not really too much different to my R6

VFR800 - bland

Honda 600 Hornet - good bike but not very engaging, started to rain so maybe not a true test.

Triumph 995i Daytona - I liked this and was tempted, but I'm unsure about long term prospects

Aprilia 03 RSV Mille - Ok, nice, but it didn't really float my boat

Aprilia Tuono 1000R - I loved it!

I came back from riding it and thought - this is just what I want a bike to be, great to use in traffic, great engine, funky looks, speed, handling, good brakes, and a bit different from everything else out there.

It looks like I've made my mind up so now I've got to wait for the insurance and find a good deal!

Anyone else tried one or got one?
____________________
The older I get the better I was

[swaffs]

hmmmm looks nice.
Like this?
https://www.aprilia.com/models03/road/dati//foto_mod_pg_447_1063789012.jpg
info:
https://www.aprilia.com/uk/models03/road/eng/modello.phtml?id=23#

[tintin]

That's the one, can't decide between black or silver though
____________________
The older I get the better I was

[Mr Pants!]

V Nice!

Silver mate!

Triumph 995i Daytona also superb, but silly prices on parts!

R1 is excellent machine, my heart beats V fast every time I know I am about to take it out. But once out it is sweet!
____________________
Mr Pants! (Alex or Al)
Its better to burn out, than to fade away....

[sv_cath]

Silver of course!
Silver bikes are faster

[swaffs]

Owners comments;
https://www.aprilia.com/models03/eng/myaprilia.phtml?f_moto_aprilia=Tuono

The guy from England just says;
Hello

Well that's helps with deciding if you want the bike.

[Dr Nick]

Why not wait and got for the 'Tuono Racing?

Its lush

https://www.aprilia.com/tuonoracing/home.htm


https://www.aprilia.com/tuonoracing/gfx/rac2a.jpg
____________________
is that it

[tintin]

Racing - about £3,000 more and do I really need it?
____________________
The older I get the better I was

[bennyb24]

Interesting how you didn't really like the Mille but loved the tuono ? what made the difference ? just the body positioning/bars etc ? I thought the engine was the same....

I just ask as there seem to be quite a few cheap track bike Milles around and i've been thinking of getting one.

(good luck with the insurance - had my 03 R6 stolen in London last year and it took them 3 months to come up with the money....)

cheers Ben.

[tintin]

The engine is the same, different mapping I think and 17 tooth front sprocket.

I liked the Mille but it was that usual sportsbike reaching forward, arse in the air position, all the weight on your wrists. I was concerned about all the 2nd hand examples around, I think the prices have dropped a lot and people are having trouble selling them. Bonanza bikes in Croydon had brand new imports for silly money (£6295)

I just really liked the riding position on the Tuono, more upright, big bars. It felt more like a supermoto.

[/url]
____________________
The older I get the better I was

[jonboy]

I almost bought one of these as well. Ty getting a few opinions off the guys here - https://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=bfa963e1e927f827b53c18473a1c74a2&forumid=36

[tintin]

Well I went and bought a Black Tuono on Saturday from Powerbikes in East Grinstead. I had another test ride and it was just as good on some open roads, bit of windblast over 90mph but not too bad. Can't wait til I pick it up next weekend.
____________________
The older I get the better I was

[G]

Might be worth trying the kawasaki z1000... heard some good things about it.

Also the speed triple is another obvious choice along those lines.


If you don't mind the styling, a zx9 might be worth a look; comfyier than most of the other sports bikes; but got almost as good engine/handling as they have.

[Bojje]

What!

You put the new R1 on that list but not the Kawasaki ZX10R? It's the greatest machine ever made, it's one freaky bike. Does wheelies in third gear and it tops 170 km/h in the first gear.

Now that's crazy.

It doesn't look that horrible either:

https://www.kawasaki.com/Flash/uploadFiles/k_ZX10R_5_800.jpg

[byke95]

I'm with you on this one tintin

I too have been swayed to a bike more 'practical' - hopefully going to be getting a Z1000 in the next month or so

I can't wait!!

Saying that, I want to try a Tuono now!!!!

What insurance group is it?

[Craig_]

My uncle went from 02 mille to 03 Tuono and hasnt looked back once!

Also the Z1000 was awful to ride / be on hte back too the wind pressure hurt... doesnt help im tall. A decent screen though may sort it.
____________________
VAG Cars - www.vagcars.co.uk - North East VAG Owners Club

[clemsta]

don't really like the tuono, the Triumph speed triple is a really good looking bike, but i would go for either the R1 or the ZX10R or even a ZX12R.

[william]

Whats wriong with an R1 it only goes as fast as you want.

Its not compulsory to ride at max speed.

Go for it.

William

[G]

Some people like to get a feeling that they are 'pushing' the bike... rather than just cruising around.

You get this feeling a lot more with a naked bike that isn't designed to beat lap records or get to almost 200mph.

[tintin]

Some good points here guys (and gals).

R1 - Yes you can ride it slow, but what's the point, and I know I wouldn't ride it slow so bang would go my licence or I'd run it off the road.

ZX10R - same issues, great bike but more than I need, I use it to commute into London.

Z1000 - yep, nice bike but I thought it was expensive for what you got, and a bit Jap bland maybe. I used to have an old GPz 1100, and it was great, until the crank twisted, put me off a bit.

Triumph - didn't try it but yes I like the looks

Tuono is group 15 insurance (same as my R6)

G - I think you have hit the nail on the head. I like to feel if I'm almost in control of the bike, not that the bike is controlling me. There needs to be a bit more speed than you usually use to make it exciting, but I want to be able to hoon around and have a bit of fun on it without feeling like I'm going to crash any minute. Never had a twin before and fancied a change.

I thought the Tuono would be a 'head' choice but once I rode it there was a big 'heart' part to the argument.
____________________
The older I get the better I was

[byke95]

[tintin]

Yes, I was told 16 by some and 15 by others, the dealer said it should be 15
____________________
The older I get the better I was

[byke95]

Out of interest (and presuming you were fully comp) - how much was your insurance premium for the R6?

Your age and NCD would be helpful too - I just want to get an idea of what I'm going to be looking at for a group 15/16 bike (I'm 25 with 1 years NCD)

[tintin]

Bit older than you! 45, 7 years no claims (protected) Fully comp, £420 on the Tuono
____________________
The older I get the better I was

[byke95]

Bugger, I'm going to be looking down the barrel of about £800 then!!!

maybe I could just steal your identity!