Full systems available on these bikes?

[TravisBickle]

Doing a bit of window shopping (and yes, spec sheet warrioring, if that's a word?!), thinking of swapping the MT for something a bit more touring-focused in preparation for next summer. I've kitted the MT out to be as touring-focused as possible but still wishing I had more weather protection. And a longer range wouldn't hurt! Struggling to get much more than 100 miles between fill-ups on the MT! 120 miles runs it dry.

Anyway, a couple of pre-requisites has narrowed down my shortlist considerably:
Looking only in the adventure and sports tourer categories
17s front and back for sticky rubber (rules out most ADVs, but not all!)
Prefer straight bars over clip-ons (rules out most sports tourers, but not all!)
Preferably at least match the spec of my MT so doesn't feel like a downgrade in any area (150bhp minimum, quickshifter, cruise control, LEDs allround)

Short list down to the following 4 which are the only ones that meet the criteria:

BMW S1000XR
Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
KTM 1290 Superduke GT
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

I know it's a really childish thing to put on a list of musts, and rule potential bikes out due to a lack of, but I'm struggling to find a full system on the market for the Ducati and the KTM.

Should that really be a deal-breaker, or am I being a div?

Don't answer that!

Anyone know if it's possible to source a full de-cat system, either aftermarket or as an option from the dealer/manufacturer, for either of these bikes?

I really like the Pikes Peak the most but, while I can afford it, I'm not sure I can justify the price-tag (or even get it passed through parliament), second favourite in the running would be the KTM.

Not sure if I could live with a stock system with just a slip-on???

If the answer is no, I think it's got to be between the BMW and the Suzuki. I prefer the BMW over the Suzuki but the seat cut-out profile looks a bit painful for a bloke my size (not sure my gut would fit against the tank without being squished and uncomfortable, and the seat looks thinly padded for a bike that is supposed to be an ADV, or pigeonholed in that category anyway, although aftermarket comfort seats probably available somewhere).

Having a look at a BMW and sitting on one should answer that question but would be good to get some answers to these questions on here first if possible before I go visiting showrooms and wasting salesmen's times sitting on or test riding bikes I'm not going to buy.

I'll be grateful for any input.
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2024 BMW M1000XR
2021 Honda CMX500 Rebel S
2016 Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport

[P.]

Just adding some 2 cents ...

If it's for touring, I wouldn't want a full decat pipe with noise flying out the rear, I cannot tell you how bored I was with the noise on my R1 when I went round Spain.

[Polarbear]

Your idea of a touring machine and mine are completely different.

Comfy, shaft drive, loads of luggage space, music if you want it. Got to be a Goldwing.

And Paddy is absolutly right about noise. I did a tour of France and Spain on my gen1 Busa with Scorpion cans on it. Vowed to put the OEM's back on if I ever took it touring again.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[MarJay]

I have a GSX-S1000F and it's loud enough and fast enough. I would NOT want a full system.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[TravisBickle]

Thanks for replying guys!

I get where you're coming from about the noise, but I've taken the MT to France with a full system on about half a dozen times now and can honestly say it doesn't bother me THAT much. Yes there were times I wish it was quieter but I can live with it.

The furthest I usually go weekly/monthly is Cambridge which is 1.5 hours. I start to tire ever so slightly roughly around arrival time but that's from wind buffeting, and maybe from the cold and wet if the weather is less than ideal. Not from the exhaust noise. Other than that a trip to France is once, maybe twice a year max, and I'm happy to live with the noise especially as we go round the public part of the Le Man circuit a few times on the way down (be rude not to!).

I just want one bike for all purposes, hence the shortlist. While an allrounder can never excel as well in certain areas as a purpose-built machine (like a Goldwing, as you say, or an R1), some of these allrounders are coming pretty damn close in all areas nowadays! In fact one MCN journalist said the new Multistrada is MORE comfortable than the Goldwing, believe it or not. Make of that what you will, I was sceptical to say the least but whether it's MORE comfortable than a Goldwing or not, I still think it's a statement of the touring credentials of bikes like the Multistrada that really can munch the miles in perfect comfort but while being sporty and nimble and superbike fast also.

If I had two bikes; say I kept the MT for weekend scratching and bought a touring machine for Cambridge and France (say a Pan or a Goldwing or an FJR or a K1600GT). First of all you have to pick a machine for the occasion, and being torn between your heart and your head on the decision making. I think I'd just always be feeling I was compromising somewhere and at certain parts of the journey wishing I had picked the other machine. Take the tourer and I'd be wishing I had something a bit quicker and sportier. Take the sports machine and I'd find myself wishing I had something a bit more comfortable.

Besides, I don't think the wife would tolerate yet another bike on the driveway!

So for my circumstances, I need to find one bike that does both very well. And I feel these four bikes fit the bill.

And yes I am an antisocial yobbo, I'm ashamed to say, so I think a full system is a must for me on any bike, which I think (unless anyone can indicate otherwise) probably precludes the Ducati and the KTM from the running.

Which is a shame, because I really like the look of the Pikes Peak!
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2024 BMW M1000XR
2021 Honda CMX500 Rebel S
2016 Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport

[MarJay]

Why are you listening to us then? You'll do what you want whatever, and either be OK or learn the hard way.
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[dave001]

why not just buy a shitty camper tow the MT behind

[grr666]

[TravisBickle]

[dave001]

[Ste]

[grr666]

[Ste]

[dave001]

[redeem ouzzer]

Spend the money on riding skills, tyres and suspension setup.

Aren't you the autist with ten minutes riding experience that flipped an ER6 or some other shitbag two wheeled car?
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Be a REAL MAN!

[to v or not to v]

no that was our resident mad jock
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current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
Moto Guzzi V7.

[TravisBickle]

[Ste]

[TravisBickle]

Wow ok!

Got a little cat going on there by the looks of it.

From what I've read and watched so far I'm 99% sure I'd be happy with the ergos and comfort of the Pikes Peak. Not sure I'd get the cost through parliament though as you say close to £30k. Having said that, if I done the exhaust at a later date it would come as less of a shock and slightly easier to justify if the exhaust went down as a birthday/Christmas present for myself

It's the BMW I'm not sure about. Looking at the cut-out shape of the seat and the thin padding. That's the one I'd want to ride to see if I got on with the ergos and if it were comfortable enough for me to do long distance on.
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2024 BMW M1000XR
2021 Honda CMX500 Rebel S
2016 Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport

[grr666]

Is it just me that thinks those potato masher exhaust ends look gash?
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Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[TravisBickle]

I agree.

I think it's the same design that KTM offer on their GT (slip-on only I think, no downpipes or sports cat on offer as far as I'm aware).

Another reason why I'd prefer a bike with aftermarket options as there's far more choice of end can design.

I know they're cheap, but I really like the stubby blue burnt end ones from Black Widow with carbon, I've had the same can design on the last few bikes I've owned, not bored of it yet (sounds great):



https://files.ekmcdn.com/sandybikespares/images/s1000xr-2020-2022-performance-de-cat-exhaust-system-200mm-round-carbon-blue-tip-s-(5)-47580-p.jpg?v=F58CBF55-CDC1-4C3C-8B0D-C0281677FEA1
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2024 BMW M1000XR
2021 Honda CMX500 Rebel S
2016 Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport

[TravisBickle]

[A100man]

[Ste]

[Zen Dog]