As you might remember from previous posts, I am seriously thinking of finding a new bike. Not necessarily brand new, but new to me. Something a little more upright, something with a little more space between the foot pegs and seat so my knees aren't as cramped therefore making it more comfortable for longer distances.
We have been looking at several makes and models and kicking tires for a few months now. I think we have it narrowed down to a short list of bikes...well, so far anyway. The list seems to be rather fluid and changes weekly. Here are a few that have been on the list recently.....
A used 2013 Ducati Hyperstrada in pearl white popped up on Craigslist a few weeks ago. I immediately loved the look of the bike and started doing research. It is essentially a Hypermotard they have added some touring features to.
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| (Photo courtesy of Asphalt and Rubber - 2013 Ducati Hyperstrada) |
It seemed to tick all the boxes and weighs 6 lbs less than the Gladius. I became a little worried about the electrical issues mentioned on the Ducati forums. 2013 was the first year of the Hyperstrada. We never made it up to Portland to check it out in person and the ad disappeared sometime in the last few days. I am thinking someone took a chance on it.
Another bike on the short list is the Honda NC700x. Princess Scooterpie has an NC700 and loves it. The NC700x has a little more off-road appearance in that the beak and 'frunk' (front trunk) where the fuel tank should be, are different. I am not sure it really has any changes beyond that. There is a local dealership in the Portland area that is selling hold-over brand new 2014's for $5,000. Pretty darn good price for a new bike with warranty.
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| (Photo courtesy of Totalmotorcycle.com - 2014 Honda NC700x) |
This bike seems to tick all the boxes but I do wonder if the 17" tires will do any better in the gravel than the Gladius. (*note all three bikes in this post have 17" tires) I also wonder about getting used to the fuel filler being under the pillion seat so you always have to get off the bike to fuel it. And if you fuel it up while it is on the side stand is it being filled all the way.......
We have thought about other bikes as well; BMW Sertao, Ducati Scrambler, Triumph Tiger 800, Suzuki V-Strom 650, Honda CB500X, KTM 690 Duke, Yamaha FJ-09..... (FYI - an FJ-09 with TKC-80 tires on it really tall)
Last Friday I was off work at noon and we drove to Sublimity to visit Power Yamaha. They are also a Kawasaki and KTM dealer and have several hundred used bikes of all makes and models in stock. Our intent was to ride our motorcycles there, but the weather was not cooperating. The highest we saw on the thermometer of the Fiat was 108˚F (42.2˚C). Not only did we not ride there, but the blazing sunshine made it a wee bit difficult to sit on any bikes since most were outside in direct sunlight. Those black seats get mighty hot in the sun.
I did sit on a 2016 Kawasaki Versys 650 and was pleasantly surprised. I liked the ergos and the price. I wonder how easy it would be to maneuver when parking and/or at a standstill because of the 33 inch seat height and 476 lb wet weight. While I wasn't flat footed I felt sure-footed even in sandals. It is 30 lbs heavier than the Gladius, but I think that is half fuel - it has almost 2 more gallons in the tank than the Gladius.
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| (Photo courtesy of Kawasaki.com - 2016 Kawasaki Versys 650) |
Currently the dealer has the 2016 Versys 650's on for $6,999 and the LT version with color matched hard panniers and hand guards for $7,999 (both are $1,000 off MSRP). I have never really been a fan of Kawasaki. Not sure why, just never cared for their bikes. Didn't really like my Ninja 650R when I had it. It always felt too top heavy to me. I guess this is why I was surprised when the Versys appeared to be a comfortable fit when I sat on it. LINK to specs on the Versys.
At some point I know I'll need to test ride a few bikes. I don't like test riding because I don't enjoy riding unfamiliar bikes. The whole scenario makes me anxious, but I also don't see a way around it.
The hardest part of bike shopping is trying to see what make and model might tick the most boxes while still prioritizing wants and needs.
I think my first priority should be an upright riding position, followed by weight/height, and lastly gravel road capability. Oh yeah, price and insurance costs should be in there somewhere too.
So, have you ever had to make up your mind?
- Au Revoir
" The inability to make has decision has often been passed off as patience." - Author Unknown
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wow your going to be thinking hard for a looooong time with those choices listed above.my thoughts only are
ReplyDeleteducati --expensive /service parts [yep have had one]
sertao --good off road but maybe a little slow on bitumen bit of a vibrate
feeling on a long ride [yep had a gs650]
vstrom -- heard good things and seems a lot of goodies out there for them
tiger --lots of goodies again and think the bugs are out of them from the 1st model and lots doing big off road trips
500x --good stories heard and lots of mods in the market to suit upgrades
ktm690--seem to be a great bike and lots of mods for them
versys --only seen a few so cant comment
fj09--more on road looking to me if you want to do dirt roads
so they are my thoughts on some of them but im no expert
really want to get out and demo some to get the feel for the ride yourself
now ill probably get shot down for those opinions but there my own
oh good luck looking brandy
Thank you for your thoughts.
DeleteAnd, opinions/experience from the peanut gallery are always welcome or I couldn't invite the input.
The Honda looks to be good value.
ReplyDeleteI do believe it is the best value out there right now......
DeleteAh decisions, decisions. The only one of the bikes I have experience of is the VStrom 650. I hired one for three days on the Greek island of Crete a few years ago. It was a brilliant bike - great engine (same as your Gladius) very comfortable & roomy with good wind protection and some off road ability. It would be a superb long distance machine and good pillion comfort (if you need that) A little tall (I'm 5'10") and bulky - that's why I prefer my SV for riding the back roads. I guess the Versys is similar.
ReplyDeleteI sat on the NC in a showroom and preferred the S to the X - a little lower and less ugly. Probably good for distance if you fitted a screen. The seat is as hard as hell - a Shad seat seems to be essential if you're doing miles. Amazing price! (how come you don't get the 750?)
I sat on a Hyperstrada once. It was strange - supermotard style with nothing in front of you - I almost dislocated my hip trying to swing my leg over the pillion seat.
Good luck on your search for a new bike.
42C - holy crap! I'd hate that on a bike. 20C here is perfect riding weather for me.
Yeah we don't get those kind of temperatures often, but when we do, damn it is hot. 20˚C is much better.
DeleteWe don't have NC750s in the USA. You can get them a few hours away in Canada, but not here, not sure why.
The V-Stroms seem like such a good machine but ergo-wise I bang my knee or shin every single time I sling a leg over one. Got a pretty good bruise the last time. Luckily when bike shopping pillion comfort isn't a concern, we have 4 bikes between the two of us and rarely go two-up.
Thanks for the input.
so many choices....it'd be nice to have this "conundrum" in the sidecar world.
ReplyDeleteyeah, you don't have as many choices when it comes to sidecar options. You seem to make the choices work for you though.
DeleteQuite the dilemma you've put yourself in. Too many choices. I'm no expert in any of this but if you want to ride more off pavement, you may want to look at something with larger front wheels. The Ducati almost looks like it has scooter wheels. The smaller diameter may turn quicker on pavement but the ride through bumps and dips will be a lot harsher. Everything is a compromise....
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not the Ducati tires are almost the exact same as the Gladius tires. Both 17" and maybe just a few mm off if that. I think they look small in the pic because of the height of the bike and long forks.
DeleteA larger front tire would be nice but the options seem so few when it comes to on road comfort (seat) then.
Oooh! Test riding new bikes is a fun stage to be at - all care and not too much responsibility. Enjoy it while you can because you will decide on a new bike all too soon.
ReplyDeleteI suppose I will know it when I know it. I'll ride it and it will be "the one". Damn first world problems.
DeleteOk, here we go...
ReplyDeleteSome good advice from Dunc up there. I think I'd cross off the Duke and the KTM for reliability and cost of repair etc. Buy Japanese and nothing ever breaks to start with.
It's your big bike so you want it to be able cruise along nicely - scratch the singles of the list.
The 2 triples you mention are great bikes. Ridden both those engines and they're great. The FJ over here is priced well and it's a nice cheap tourer - it is not an Adv bike though. Tiger 800's are very sweet and the XC's love getting dirty on the right tyres.
The Wee should be high up the list. They are cheap, reliable and good at everything. Wee Colin thrashes the tripe outta his one and keeps the big bikes well in his sights. My thou went places it shouldn't have.
I quite like the Hondas (although you want a 750 if ya get one) but yeah, for gravel and worse you'll want at least a 19 inch front. The Versys is nice looking and probably goes very well but it's a road bike too.
Sounds like you need to decide how "adventurous" you want to be and go out and test ride a heap of bikes. Shouldn't there also be a Tenere on the list?
Thanks Andrew. We were thinking of maybe staying with the Japanese manufacturers, like you said they are reliable. Never had any trouble with my Suzuki - or our Subaru.
DeleteOne of the FJ's at the shop had TKC-80's on it so I am sure it would handle the gravel fire roads well, but there would need to be a way to lower it, was a wee bit too tall.
Brad has always liked the V-Stroms but I find them heavy for some reason, even more so than the Versys - and I bang my damn knee on the grab handle when getting on them.
We can't get the Honda 750's here. Don't sell them in the USA. This is the same reason there is no Tenere on the list. I'd like to stay below 1000 cc for insurance purposes and they don't sell the 660 Tenere in the USA, just the 1200. Sigh.
I have to figure out how much gravel roads we'll be doing vs highway/backroad comfort. I think we'll do only the occasional gravel roads on the big bikes because we have the little dual sports for serious off roading and single track.
Just went through this and it was fun. Right up untilI I made the decision and then the doubts began. Did I make the right decision, what about the forums listing the problems, what about the special oils and filters, what about the cost of maintenance, what about what about. Then I decided to just ride and enjoy it and all the what abouts just fell away. Once one picks you just get on it and ride, with a great big ol smile and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAnd you picked a beautiful bike too. Yeah some of the problems on the forums is what worries me, but I am sure the heart will want what it wants and forums be damned. I never did test ride the Gladius before I bought it and I've had it for 5 years now. Just got on it and rode.....usually with a smile.
DeleteBeen there, too. If your desire is to combine touring with a portion of off-road capabilities, don't go with a single cylinder bike. The vibrations will kill your butt on longer trips (learned this while riding my then F650GS). The V-Strom never worked well for me, too heavy, too high. I test rode it once. The Honda NC (X version) would be after my fancy. But the Versys looks very nimble. I'd give it a try. Enjoy your test rides.
ReplyDeleteI think of your BMW when I think of singles and how you talked of the vibration. I worry my hands would fall asleep. I do find the V-Strom big and heavy but oddly enough the Versys is pretty much the same weight as is the Triumph Tiger 800, who knew.
DeleteHahahaha - the agonies of choosing a new bike!!! Yep, riding something which is unfamiliar can be daunting but absolutely essential of course. Of the models you mention, a friend has a Tiger 800 XRx low seat model and adores it. The Yamaha Tracer gets great reviews but don't think it's available in the US yet.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you do, don't forget that buying a new bike is about using both your head and heart. I used my head and not enough heart when buying the GSX-S and have a bike which does its job well enough but I have little emotional connection with it. It doesn't get patted when I walk past it in the shed! Don't be in a hurry to part with any money until you're absolutely ready :-)
Looking forward to reading about your trials and tribulations!
Yes, I have to make sure i don't research things to death until the process isn't fun anymore. The Gladius till gets a pat when I walk by it in the garage but is is still uncomfortable, lol
DeleteI've never heard of the Yamaha Tracer,so I had to Google it. The article I read said it would be the FJ-07 when shipped stateside. We have the FJ-09 right now, but I don't think the 07's have arrived yet.
I spent half a century test riding bikes and found the one I like. I doubt the next one will be the right one for you. My advice such as it is, is not to buy more bike than you really need. Are you really going to go touring? Are you going more off road than the TW200 will take you? The bigger and more motorcycle you have, the less you will ride it. I think the BMW 300 or the Genuine 400 are interesting, alongside the traditional Ninja 300 and CBR 300 and KTM 390... Daily riders indeed.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there dis any perfect bike, just the perfect bike for right now.
DeleteThe TW does a pretty good job of things when meandering down slow backroads, gravel forestry roads or single track. My problem is when following Troubadour while he is on his Tiger and we are traveling a hundred or two miles in a day and he diverts to a gravel road while I am on the Gladius.
I don't necessarily need a full on adventure bike but something more upright so my hands don't go numb while riding over the gravel. The forward lean on the Gladius gets me when going slow up and over the gravel roads in the foothills.
I'd love a KTM 390 adventure bike but they just do't make them. A 390 Duke might suffice for now though. The Ninja and CBR wouldn't be upright enough. Wish Triumph would make a Tiger Cub 400 or 500. Mind you Ducati did come out with the Scrambler 400....... just as heavy as the full size though with same size frame.
Ideally I'd prefer no larger than a 650cc bike as I don't need the extra power.
I don't know, but sounds like a great dilemma. I think you are wise to stay below the 1000cc as the insurance will be a killer and the power isn't needed for touring or for gravel
ReplyDeleteI agree, more power does equal a better bike. I will never be a speed demon. I prefer to tootle along the back roads stopping for picture opportunities and talking to the squirrels.
DeleteIt is tough to make decision on something you will have for a long time and is a big investment. You have a great list of bike to choose from and each has pro's and con's. The test rides will tell you a lot.
ReplyDeleteI know it is the test rides that will make the decision, just a matter of finding time and a dealer that will allow it. Some do and some don't. Luckily Sublimity is pretty good about it. Now if only they sold Hondas.......
DeleteThat's the kind of problem I like to have - I've decided to buy a new bike, now which one? Since few of us have the option of having one for each purpose it will be all about priorities and ultimately compromise. Just make sure that riding position and comfort are high on the list and you won't go wrong - the rest will fall into place. Good luck! is
ReplyDeleteI don't mind a new to me bike if it is the right one at the right price. Sometimes that can save quite a bit if it has bags and the initial 4-year registration/license plate fee.
DeleteI think upright and comfy are the top two priorities. I can do gravel on the Gladius now, it just makes my hands go to sleep.
I don't have personal experience with any of these choices so I would just recommend test riding, no matter how initially uncomfortable it might seem. I am on my 9th bike, over 20 years, and you are right, just get the right bike for right now. ;-)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I am going to have to put on my big girl panties and just do the test rides. I have had 6 bikes in 14 years, but most of those were within a few years as starter bikes. I've had the Gladius for over 5 now.
DeleteGo for the NC700x you can change the tires out, which is what they are doing at the dealer. The other Honda option is the CB500x I have heard nothing but good stuff about them and I actually almost bought the 500 last year after test riding it. The frunk won me over, love the built in storage. The frunk on the X version is not that much different than my S. Fuelling isn't a big deal, I actually don't mind it and with it being on the side stand no sweat and it gets full enough. The only time fuelling would be an issue is if you had stuff strapped to the back seat, but that is easily solved in 3 ways, 1) side bags 2) rack on the back 3) rear topcase. I went away for a few days and between the frunk and 2 side cases I had plenty of room, I carry a cargo net just in case I npick something up and need more space. The range is awesome on them and I am happy with it. The low centre of gravity is awesome, some have said my version the 700SA sucks at slow speed manoevres and I have to say nope it doesn't and its probably more to do with the rider than the bike. So I am biased when it comes to my bike, but I did try a vstrom and again found it too tall & top heavy, as with most of the adventure tour bikes.
ReplyDeleteA friend had a kawi versys and she is about the same height as you, she found it to be very top heavy particularly when full of fuel. She dropped it several times due to the weight and finally decided to sell it, but that was her experience. The problem with most sport tour/adventure style bikes is they are top heavy when full of fuel and then if you are hauling anything again you're adding more weight to an already heavy bike. Its hard to make decisions. Go try the 500x and 700x I suspect you won't find much difference in the seating and ergonomics, they are pretty much identical, just different engine displacement and the 500 can hold its own nicely.
After going out on Friday to several shops and sitting on bikes I think I am actually partial to the CB500x. I'd rather have the gear indicator on the NC700x, (I am used to the gear indicator on the Gladius - nice to know if you didn't get to 1st at a stop or looking for 7th) but the fit of the CB seems better. Unfortunately all anyone had was a used 2014 to sit on and with the changes they made for 2016 I'd prefer one of those. Can't find a dealer with one in stock - they must be popular.
DeleteI think one gets caught up in thinking that motorcycling has anything to do with logical thinking. Let your heart be your muse. It's just like any other love affair where the mere sight of our affections increases the pulse and we salivate for the time alone with our love. As it's been said;"I've been a fool for lesser things". Be Well
ReplyDeleteYes, sometimes logic doesn't come into play. There are lots of bikes I love on sight but it doesn't mean they are practical.
DeleteOh can't wait to see what you actually get. As Geoff said go with your head and your heart. If theres no heart then there will be little joy and isn't that really the whole point of bikes in the first place. FUN. Enjoy
ReplyDeleteI am torn, while the heart sometimes wants sportier bike, the knees and wrists tell me I need an upright bike. Like Geoff said, I need one I'll give a pat to on the way by it in the garage. If I am indifferent, I won't want to ride it.
DeleteI know a few people that have the Honda CTX, I've sat (but not ridden) on one. They would be my first choice as well based on the feedback that I've received from them and the general forums. The only complaint I've heard is that the CTX tends to be "soulless". I suppose that depends on your definition of soul.
ReplyDeleteWhile I like the looks of the CTX I couldn't do the whole forward control thing. If you don't mind your feet out there and the weight on your tailbone, it would be a good bike. And you can find them pretty cheap too.
DeleteSuch decisions! I'm glad you are looking, and mostly have fun at it. :) Take the plunge and do the test ride. Just take it slow and easy until you get the feel of it. Of course, I failed my first every test ride. (Took me 4 years to work up the confidence to test ride a bike.) But when I did I failed miserably and bought the darn thing.
ReplyDeleteGive a hard think on the Duc's. Had a friend that just sold his after a year. The maintenance was difficult as he had to wait for certified mechanics and parts and tools. Had to let the bike sit in the shop for 2 months while they imported one of the three exist tools in the world to perform the job. Oh yeah, and wait for the certified mechanic that could sign off on the job.
I'll let you know what I think of the V-Strom 650. Riding one next week...
I am sure you are having fun in Ecuador on that V-Strom right about now. Fun!
DeleteYeah we've pretty much written off the Ducati as an option. Maintenance as well as distance to any reasonable dealership that isn't being boycotted by the locals are the two main reasons.
Great excitement choosing another ride, new or not, I must admit that I have only twice in my life bought a brand new bike, all of the others have been used but I have virtually always had the bike in mind and have not had to test ride a bunch of bikes. I really like that Yamaha Tracer that Geoff mentioned and perhaps you should have a look at that before making up your mind if you can afford to wait for it to come into the country. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind buying a used bike if I could find what I wanted at a reasonable price. Bikes in Oregon seem to hold their value too high when used and you can get a better deal on buying new in the long run.
DeleteI'd like to see a Tenere 660 come Stateside but I am not sure it ever will.
You can come up here for the cb500x there are quite a few at local dealers. As for the CTX I know this one is not in your wheelhouse, forward foot controls, it is not what your looking for. I rode it for 45 muntes after the 20 minute mark my SI joint was on fire. Its more of a long slung cruiser style bike. Like I said the CB500x was my first choice, but the Nc700s had been toying with my heart for awhile and I just got a good deal, otherwise it would have been the Cb500x that was sitting in my driveway.
ReplyDeleteYou know me, I can't do forward controls. I do like the looks of the CTX, but wouldn't ever ride one.
DeleteI think right now the CB500x is the front runner. Used ones are going for about as much as new but there isn't a single dealership in Oregon we can find that has a new 2016. Some have 2014 holdovers, but there were a lot of upgrades made to the 2016s that make it worth it. Forks and suspension, lighting is LED, windscreen is taller, fuel filler cap is hinged, etc. I think that is why the dealers still have new 2014's
I've ridden quite a few on your list including the CB500X in northern Thailand. As I recall it was pretty good, not too high as is the fashion with these adventure bikes which renders them difficult on loose surfaces if you need to get feet down to paddle through slippery/soft stuff. A 19" front is better on gravel but a set of dual sport tyres on whatever you choose will go some way to bridging that. I look forward to reading more on this.
ReplyDeleteThe CB500x is the front runner and we almost bought one, the salesman was just an idiot which kept our money in our pocket. Luckily I can pretty much flat foot it unlike some of the other adventure bikes. I'd rather have a 19" front tyre but the bikes we have over here to choose from aren't to my liking. (larger BMW's, V-Strom, Tiger 800)
DeleteI would avoid the ducati on maintenance. Desmo valves are more of a hassle if you do your own maintenance and for me, I would want to lower the needed maintenance on the next bike, not increase it. That said, there's a lot to be said for not making payments. My RT is paid for and there's nothing out there that I have to get. Not at the prices of the bikes I'd consider (over 20K new on any of them).
ReplyDeleteYeah I think we've ruled out the Ducati. Luckily I refer a smaller displacement bike so they aren't as speedy as others. All our bikes are paid off as is the Subaru so that helps. I really don't want a payment book on a bike.
DeleteHave you give a thought about the Yamaha FZ-07. It's light, has more than enough power, the seat is wide and comfortable, it has an upright position. It's has a great design. The only thing is that you would have to buy a screen in order to deflect air from tour chest.
ReplyDeleteThe FZ-07 has crossed my mind. I don't no windscreen since my Gladius has never had one, I just worry it isn't as upright and off road capable as the CB500x might be. Thanks for stopping by.
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