Looking for another bike

[Squibb]

BMW K1600s - lots to like, but be very, very cautious. My 2012 GT was a disaster area - front suspension & gearbox failure, then the eternal worry that piston ringlands might crack up. All this at under 5k miles. The post 2014s are better, but mine was off the road for 3 months, right over the summer 2014 season - a real lemon. I think us early customers were used as guinea pigs for the beta testing programme. Anyway, I'm sure you will have a scout around the Forum, www.k1600forum.com, which I still visit occasionally. Always remember - BMW - Buy More Warranty.

Hence I switched to an FJR AE/ES for long tours - may not be as plush, but it has proved ultra reliable. Takes the Givi Top Box with an SR357 rack. Latest models have got the 6-speed box or auto & better headlights that can peer around corners, whilst not being as complicated as the K16 affair.

Enjoy the search ...................... KEN

 

[twinrider]

I'm also very cautiously($$$$$$$$) researching the k1600GT. I'm surprised the FJR and C14 are substandard pillion touring machines. The S10 gets the job done for two up, but I find it difficult to believe that the suspension, brakes and engine of the S10 do a better job at handling the weight of pillion, luggage and rider than an FJR. My wife is 150, I'm 235, the S10 feels a bit stressed at our combined weight, but I loved the performance of it when we were doing some of the fire roads at the Romney Camp and ride this year.

Flash your S10 and add Arrow headers, a slipon and a PCV. Then you won't feel it's lacking power anymore. ::26::

Heck, even the flash would be a big improvement over stock...

 

[Defekticon]

Flash your S10 and add Arrow headers, a slipon and a PCV. Then you won't feel it's lacking power anymore. ::26::

Heck, even the flash would be a big improvement over stock...

I'm flashed with an akropovic, looking a headers right now.

 

[twinrider]

I'm flashed with an akropovic, looking a headers right now.

I have a set for sale in the flea market along with a PCV set up for the headers, and Akra and a flash. If you're interested I could sell the headers and PCV separate from the Akra that I have listed there. Trust me, you won't feel like the bike lacks power two-up.

 

[Defekticon]

Resuming search after the Holidays. Currently very very very seriously looking at a new KTM 500 EXC.

Seat height probably isn't particularly good for a 31 inch inseam. I wonder if I can one leg it... I also wonder if I could convince my wife to ride it

 

[BaldKnob]

Dude! You're all over the place! First, an around-town possibly 900cc naked, fun bike then you want the Flagship of Horrors 1600 6-cylinder from da FadderLand and now (a sensible choice) the KTM 500 EXC. I love it! Winter does strange things to some riders.

The 500 is an awesome machine with very usable power but it's an $11,000 toy that will threaten your license from Day 1 and does not work well for round the town-type activities. Don't expect both feet down at the same time with that inseam and if you lower the suspension, watch yer toes if you actually ride it offroad. Another point about the power, while I find it a joy, an inexperienced rider (wifey) can become very quickly overwhelmed and struggle with throttle control. No ABS on a bike with strong brakes can be difficult for noobs, too. This bike is ready to race with lights on, blinkers and horn.

Reading your 1st post, I was going to suggest the 900 XSR or Yamaha's V-Twin 950 SCR but it appears you need a bigger garage for a dedicated dirtbike, two-up pavement hauler, a naked-hooligan and the one bike that can do it all... a 1200 Tenere. Good luck in your search.

 

[bmwguy]

I'm in a similar situation. Winter itch and just thinking about getting another bike. I currently have 5 bikes in the garage. 5 bikes would be my limit, so come spring time, I will be selling the 250 Ninja as it is taking up room in my garage, especially since that was the initial intention is to flip the bike( I got the bike not running and like 100 dollars).

I do not have a S10 yet, but my Vstrom 650 is doing everything that the S10 would be doing at the moment. Keep in mind I do not have to carry a passenger for any extended period of time.

I just could not justify getting a S10 since the wee is doing a fine job. I probably will get the S10 a few years from now once the wee racks up more miles and I'm no longer able to ride the Ducati 998.

So what bike am I thinking of getting once I sell the 250 Ninja in the spring? Likely modern retro, a Kawasaki ZRX 1200 R, eddie lawson replica type.

 

[ace50]

So what bike am I thinking of getting once I sell the 250 Ninja in the spring? Likely modern retro, a Kawasaki ZRX 1200 R, eddie lawson replica type.

I really liked my ZRX, but after getting the S10, the ZRX just seemed REALLY small, so I sold it.
Ended up with a '96 Honda Magna just play with and am making a custom exhaust for it right now.
Cruiser with a sport bike engine in it.

 

[Defekticon]

Dude! You're all over the place! First, an around-town possibly 900cc naked, fun bike then you want the Flagship of Horrors 1600 6-cylinder from da FadderLand and now (a sensible choice) the KTM 500 EXC. I love it! Winter does strange things to some riders.

The 500 is an awesome machine with very usable power but it's an $11,000 toy that will threaten your license from Day 1 and does not work well for round the town-type activities. Don't expect both feet down at the same time with that inseam and if you lower the suspension, watch yer toes if you actually ride it offroad. Another point about the power, while I find it a joy, an inexperienced rider (wifey) can become very quickly overwhelmed and struggle with throttle control. No ABS on a bike with strong brakes can be difficult for noobs, too. This bike is ready to race with lights on, blinkers and horn.

Reading your 1st post, I was going to suggest the 900 XSR or Yamaha's V-Twin 950 SCR but it appears you need a bigger garage for a dedicated dirtbike, two-up pavement hauler, a naked-hooligan and the one bike that can do it all... a 1200 Tenere. Good luck in your search.

Yeah I've definitely got the winter itch bad. So much so I've even thought about a fly and ride to a dealer near my sisters house in FL just so I can ride it home on the TET-S.

 

[Sierra1]

I consider my self and experienced, and somewhat aggressive rider. I weigh 320lbs and my wife is 160lbs. We are over the GVWR, and the Tenere is plenty quick enough. In "T" mode, it is sluggish and soft. But in "S" mode, on a twisty road, my kids on an R6 and the FJR, have to work to keep up. I would have suggested a Tenere to somebody as a "different" kind of bike that does everything well, but you already have one. With the ability to hop curbs, split lanes, and cross medians, it is my choice for everywhere riding. But as previously suggested, the VMax is a cool bike for short trips. Don't think the passenger will agree though.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Defekticon -
It's always cheaper to start with what you have and my pillion thought the rear seat of my first Tenere was cramped too, largely because of the topbox. I added a spacer to raise the front of her seat 1/4" (search for the thread with pix) and moved the top box back 3". Suddenly it was her all-time favorite 2-up bike, including over the R1200RT.


That said, having briefly met you at Romney, you're the kind of guy who really needs a second bike to get your ya-ya's on. Maybe there - the Super Tenere, a screaming street bike, and a dual-sport or dirt bike.

 

[BaldKnob]

So what bike am I thinking of getting once I sell the 250 Ninja in the spring? Likely modern retro, a Kawasaki ZRX 1200 R, eddie lawson replica type.

Coincidence that I am parting ways with my previous beloved??? Probably but thought this might prompt you into action...

Bought new in '01, this is the 1100 I am selling for parts after years of neglect following a transmission failure. The ignition switch failed (resulting in an expensive tow to campground) and the tranny were my only issues in 45,000 miles. I had that many miles on the Tenere in just over two years. Fun bike, for sure. Hope you find yours.

 

[Defekticon]

Defekticon -
It's always cheaper to start with what you have and my pillion thought the rear seat of my first Tenere was cramped too, largely because of the topbox. I added a spacer to raise the front of her seat 1/4" (search for the thread with pix) and moved the top box back 3". Suddenly it was her all-time favorite 2-up bike, including over the R1200RT.


That said, having briefly met you at Romney, you're the kind of guy who really needs a second bike to get your ya-ya's on. Maybe there - the Super Tenere, a screaming street bike, and a dual-sport or dirt bike.

I'm thinking about trying to explain to the KTM salesman that my wife has decided to compete in the Baja 1000 and needs a competent bike to do so. She'll be fine as long as she can get both feet on the pegs.

 

[twinrider]

Resuming search after the Holidays. Currently very very very seriously looking at a new KTM 500 EXC.

Seat height probably isn't particularly good for a 31 inch inseam. I wonder if I can one leg it... I also wonder if I could convince my wife to ride it

The 500 is an enduro bike, plated so you can connect trails. Unless you plan on using it for offroading, it would go to waste. Also not for those faint of heart and short of skill. It is very light and has a LOT of power. And needs frequent maintenance if you want it to keep running well. The height would be ok with a Seat Concept low seat on it.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I'm thinking about trying to explain to the KTM salesman that my wife has decided to compete in the Baja 1000 and needs a competent bike to do so. She'll be fine as long as she can get both feet on the pegs.

You can keep it at my house.
;D

 

[greg the pole]

It's all of 10 degrees outside and I'm having bored winter time thoughts. I want to find another bike that has little to no overlap with the capabilities or riding style of an S10. I don't know what I want, but I do know that I'm not replacing my S10, I'm just looking for something different that I can blast around town on.

I want something like an XSR900, super duk or ducati monster. All I know is that I want to try a different riding style than the S10. I'm not interested in a Harley or big metric touring bikes (connie/FJR). I know I can hitup a factory ride event from Kawasaki, suzuki or yamaha. Do the more exotic manufacturers offer these type of ride events? Anything else I should be looking at?

you need to figure out what you want. Winter does suck big time. You could do this..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJlslgUV8t0&t=5s

I've gone as far as I can with my 2012 Tenere. Fully arrow, flash (not going the PCV route) second gen pistons/rings (i'm in the process of a top end rebuild on the ST. 80k km). The headers wake the bike up.
I have a FJ09 to compliment the Tenere. Bone stock (save for the slight pipe mod) the thing will blow the doors off my modded tenere everywhere.
It did need lots of suspension work. That said, it rocks on fast tight roads, wheelies in 3rd at sea level, and is all day comfy.

Regaring the EXC500. It's a big off road bike with blinkers that you will break the first time you ride it on single track. It's brutal on road ( I owned a exc 450, which I quickly sold to get an XC300). Maintenance wise, they are ok. Valves are a PITA but don't need to be done often.

https://thetenerist.wordpress.com/2016/06/29/one-really-long-term-review-one-short-term-and-a-bunch-of-ramblings/

 

[snakebitten]

entertaining thread, while I pretend to work.

 

[Defekticon]

I am taking your advice to heart fellas. We're going this weekend to a KTM/Yamaha dealership up in Manheim PA to look at a WR250R to see if she will fit on that. I'm assuming already I'll need a Yamalink and seat for her to ride it due to the seat height. I think the solution here is an enduro bike. I do intend to at least look at the KTM line up.

When you guys say "Not streetable" I'm assuming this is a combination of short gearing, harsh throttle engagement and, lack of a cush drive that make it difficult to get around on?

Any other suggestions for a Fuel injected 300lbs or less bike that has a cush and a competent off-road suspension?

 

[snakebitten]

"not streetable" is one of those terms that aren't really literal. Of course it is literally streetable. It is licensed no differently than a Goldwing.

And actually, the 500exc is now into its 4th or 5th year and is proving to be FAR more reliable than many predicted.
One chap just arrived in Oregon from the bottom of South America. I believe he just hit 500 hours! (He's from New Zealand and has a pretty cool ride-report. New Zealand to Oregon)

I have one myself. It's an outrageously fun bike to ride and very easy to work on, so maintenance isn't a drag. But I'm not fond of the idea of long highway runs on it.
It's a serious dirt bike with a license plate. Skinny, extreeeeemly light, tall. But I have no reservations for jumping on it and ripping a commute, just to charge the battery!

Fair warning though, asphalt will consume the kind of tires that this bike deserves to be shod with. And if you choose to motard one, it'd be wise to put a cush drive rear hub on it.

My Yamaha dealer just picked up Husqvarna. Those new white (orange) bikes look gorgeous on the floor next to the blue-yamis.

 

[BaldKnob]

I am taking your advice to heart fellas. We're going this weekend to a KTM/Yamaha dealership up in Manheim PA to look at a WR250R.

Much too tall for wifey

When you guys say "Not streetable" I'm assuming this is a combination of short gearing, harsh throttle engagement and, lack of a cush drive that make it difficult to get around on?

It's like bringing an AK to a fist fight!

Any other suggestions for a Fuel injected 300lbs or less bike that has a cush and a competent off-road suspension?

Honda's CRF 250/300 is slightly more than the 300lbs but would work better for noobs than the Yamaha as it is cheaper, lower and not as aggressive.