Quote:
Originally Posted by ksanjee Guys -
I am 50+ and some what antiquated in my thinking. I get reminded by my son often.
I currently own a 2000 996 SPS and an RD350 restored to US Spec
I am considering the BMW R90, Ducati Scrambler 1100 and Triumph Scrambler 1200 and some what odd ball MV Brutale and Monster.
I want to be able to ride on good roads as well as some questionable roads. ABS is a must. Twin rotors up front very desirable. Seat height not too high. Would be great to hear your thoughts. |
Ksanjee, those two bikes are immortal and require a lot more maintenance and care in the ownership experience. I'd say they are lovely for short rides and bursts of accelerations.
I have had a CBR 1000F, an RD 350, RX 135 5 sp and a Triumph Bonneville A3 - so I know how pleasurable the classic heritage bike trip is. I am also aware of the pains it takes to keep them in a shape that they deserve to be in.
Couple of years back, I sold all of them to get an R1200GS. I realized I was busy maintaining them than riding them. The GS is also a classic bike with history and heritage - but its the Land Rover of two wheels. It can literally take you anywhere and while my work and other life commitments do not allow such exploration, I am assured the bike isn't the limiting factor. I couldn't have been happier with the decision.
Only you can decide whether you want to stay with classic bikes which come with heritage or you want a practical bike where you forget what vehicle you are riding and just focus on the ride(s).
Would like to know if you are OK with buying pre-owned bikes? Also what time frame are you looking at for the purchase? What is the budget? Maybe I missed answers to these questions, so I apologize in advance for asking them again.
I will give you one very strong suggestion - please ride the bikes a good distance in your full gear before you finalize them.
From Triumph you could consider the 1200 Scrambler / Speed twin. The smaller capacity bikes may not give you the rush and torque. New Tiger also is a nice option.
BMW - please look at the 750/850 GS. BMW are having a few bikes which they are keen to move from their floors and they will offer great deals on BS IV machines.
Also look at the R1200R and R1250R. That's a beautiful blend of the retro classic street bike and modern equipment. Its got the water cooled boxer engine and its very reliable. For your 5'7 height, its going to be perfect. I will not discuss the R1200RS here. That is a special bike and you'd not ask anyone if you should go ahead and buy it
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The R90 is glorious and the most beautiful bike which they make. There are a few R90 owners in Pune and their feedback is after 200-250 km, their back hurts.
It is a bike you should buy if you are happy to keep it in your living room and want it for a long time. I am sure you'll enjoy it on a track, but its not a track focussed bike plus if it falls, you'll be really unhappy.
The XRs (1000 and 900) are excellent bikes for fast touring, but get them only after riding them and if you really like them.
Regarding pricing, don't go by BMW's advertised prices as cast in stone. They negotiate.
There are a few pre-owned bikes out there which may be worthwhile the money.
Ducati - I have never owned them so my knowledge about them is limited. However I feel the scrambler is not that comfortable a bike for long distances and you gotta be OK with it heating up in city traffic. Same for the Triumph Scrambler.
The Multistrada is a nice option and please test drive it for some good distance to be able to shortlist it.
Guzzi - I dont know. I have been a lifelong Guzzi fan, but it would not be in my top 5 bikes. If I ever am rich enough to have 10 odd bikes, Guzzi would be my # 11.
Other bikes which you could consider
1. Aprilia Caponord
2. Kawasaki - Versys 1000 / Ninja 1000
3. Suzuki - V strom or maybe a wild card - Hayabusa
4. Honda - CBR 650 and Africa Twin
Overall in that price segment, there are no wrong choices - just different ones so you can't go wrong. Good luck.
Please do post photos of your RD and the Ducati. Those are really beautiful bikes.