Author Topic: Itching for a new bike  (Read 18226 times)

Offline Awaz

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Itching for a new bike
« on: June 09, 2015, 07:27:52 PM »
Sold my cruiser last year and now itching for another bike. Just have the C14 for now.

1. Went looking for a Versys 650 lt - none here locally, but looks like will be too tall for me.
2. Test rode a 2014 Ninja 1000 - not sure if it was the demo bike, but it was a vibrating mess.
3. Checked out a 2014 Ducati Multistrada. Are they Italians THAT tall?

After some thoughts, I decided maybe I will just get another cruiser. Was toying the idea of getting a adv. type, but those might be too tall for my taste. Here is what I narrowed down to:

1. Ducati Diavel Strada - crusier-sportsbike mutt? whatever it is, I like it. Looks good to me and quite comfortable sitting. Alas, the dealer won't let me do a demo ride. Lot of people in v-rod forum says not reliable, costly maintenance, valve train weak, etc. etc. Not sure fan boy talk or any substance to it.
2. V-rod: Nice looking, decent power. Clam-shell siting will be a problem (I am told it can be fixed). I prefer the Ducati, only if the reliability and maintenance questions are just fan boy talk.
3. Indian chief: Would be the last choice. Quite the looker - (sarcasm on) might get entry to the 'real biker' world (sarcasm off). I have not seen one in person. Too heavy and too much chrome to polish. But sounds like a good bike to take leisurely short ride.

So give those choices, what you guys think? The most important criteria is that it should be capable of two-up riding. SWMBO is almost always on the back.
2016 Ducati Scrambler
2008 C14

Offline gPink

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #1 on: June 09, 2015, 07:41:55 PM »
I don't think swmbo will be happy on 1 or 2 depending on saddle time.

AlbertaDoug

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Offline JoeRau

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #3 on: June 10, 2015, 07:22:49 AM »
Last year I did a demo ride on a few bikes.   One stood out as something I would have fun with as a second bike.  KTM SuperDuke 1290R.  Light and powerful, and nothing but fun. 
I also rode a few BMWs a few weeks ago.  Review was posted, but in short the R1200GS would have been my pick there.  Adv style, but with the seat in the LOW position, fine for my 31" inseam. 
2012 C14.  Black
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Offline Rhino

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #4 on: June 10, 2015, 07:31:40 AM »
I'm with Rubberdown if your going cruiser. But if you really want V-twin cruiser I would look at the Victory's.

Offline Deziner

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #5 on: June 10, 2015, 07:52:36 AM »
The bike Rubberdown posted a pic of is much better looking in person. If I had the $ and space, I would have one. But thats just me...
God does not subtract from a man's life the number of hours spent riding a motorcycle

2008 C14, Muzzy exhaust, PCV, heated grips, Sergeant seat, PR4 GTs, Donovan headlight mod, Ronnies highway pegs, Cox rad guard, "The Big Rack", Grip Puppies, XM, many more made by me parts to come.....

Offline wally_games

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #6 on: June 10, 2015, 11:06:11 AM »
I went with the 1200GS. You can also lower them some more if they're too long in the saddle for you. It just cost a "little" extra.
'14 BMW 1200 GSw (red, what little there is that's not grey)
'11 Concours ABS (black) w/ Leo Vince carbon, heated Corbin, Garmin; TechSpec pads (gone but not forgotten)
'05 Yamaha FZ6, only crashed once, gone in trade; '87 Honda Gold Wing Aspencade, sold; '85 Honda Magna (700), sold; '76 Kawasaki KZ400, sold

Offline Sgt Mac

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #7 on: June 10, 2015, 11:55:06 AM »
My next cruiser will be a used HD Road King. If I had the money, the F6B is really nice. On the other hand, the Diavel is surprisingly comfortable and an amazing ride.
« Last Edit: June 10, 2015, 01:06:47 PM by Sgt Mac »

Offline Awaz

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #8 on: June 10, 2015, 12:53:41 PM »
The F6B is no go at this time. If I do get it, then I will not keep the C14.

Looks like the Diavel strada has a pretty comfortable seat. As far as ride time, I am not looking for riding more than 2 hour at the most at a stretch. For any longer rides, I will be using the C14. The v-rod stock seat does look like it will suck for SWMBO....
2016 Ducati Scrambler
2008 C14

Offline mikeb2411

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #9 on: June 19, 2015, 01:33:56 PM »
My next bike WILL be the Triumph Trophy!
Mike
Ojai, CA
2016 Black Triumph Trophy SE

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #10 on: June 19, 2015, 01:56:29 PM »
Look at the Indian dark horse.  No chrome on that one.

The diavel is a nice riding position. Why not visit a Ducati forum to get opinions.  Large burly guys look stupid on the diavel.

I am trying to figure out if there is a bike that blends my Voyager and Concours.  Looks like the wing is the only option.  Unfortunately, it cost the same as both the Voyager and Concours combined.
My Concours Travels:
2014 New England Tour http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=17336.msg212077#msg212077

Offline mikeb2411

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #11 on: June 19, 2015, 01:57:55 PM »
I have a hard time thinking "Wing" but those that own them LOVE THEM!
Mike
Ojai, CA
2016 Black Triumph Trophy SE

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #12 on: June 19, 2015, 02:55:45 PM »
My next bike WILL be the Triumph Trophy!

If I could put passenger floorboards and a Corbin trunk with nice passenger backrest, the trophy might fit the bill.
My Concours Travels:
2014 New England Tour http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=17336.msg212077#msg212077

Offline mikeb2411

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #13 on: June 19, 2015, 02:57:07 PM »
If I could put passenger floorboards and a Corbin trunk with nice passenger backrest, the trophy might fit the bill.

From what I can see the Trophy has a nice backrest on their optional trunk
Mike
Ojai, CA
2016 Black Triumph Trophy SE

Offline Awaz

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #14 on: June 20, 2015, 06:07:54 PM »
Dark horse is a good option. I imagine a two-up seat can be fitted.
2016 Ducati Scrambler
2008 C14

Offline Scaffolder

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #15 on: June 21, 2015, 07:06:41 AM »
I loved the Ducati Multistrada Gran Turismo. I had the dealer down to $18,000 on a leftover and backed out thinking I'd rather keep my 2 Concours' instead of losing both of them for the one bike.

Of the 3 in your choices. I would go with the Indian Chieftan.

And since you are in this direction take a good look at the Victory Cross Tour (the better American tourer), and the Moto Guzzi California line is awesome. They have Custom and Touring and two newer models called Eldorado and Audace. All shaft drives too. Even the Griso 8V SE is a sick bike.
http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/california-1400-touring.html
« Last Edit: June 21, 2015, 07:43:54 AM by Scaffolder »
Joel from Maine.

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #16 on: June 22, 2015, 06:53:13 AM »
My next bike WILL be the Triumph Trophy!

I found a new '14 for $15500.  Going to schedule a test ride.  They sell BMW also, so will try their offerings to compare.
My Concours Travels:
2014 New England Tour http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=17336.msg212077#msg212077

Offline mikeb2411

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #17 on: June 22, 2015, 08:35:23 AM »
I found a new '14 for $15500.  Going to schedule a test ride.  They sell BMW also, so will try their offerings to compare.

Take your checkbook ;D!
Mike
Ojai, CA
2016 Black Triumph Trophy SE

Offline mikeb2411

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #18 on: June 22, 2015, 08:36:02 AM »
I found a new '14 for $15500.  Going to schedule a test ride.  They sell BMW also, so will try their offerings to compare.

Let me/us know your thoughts on it after you ride it
Mike
Ojai, CA
2016 Black Triumph Trophy SE

Offline Awaz

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Re: Itching for a new bike
« Reply #19 on: June 22, 2015, 09:55:09 PM »
Today I saw a guy riding a Versys LT. Since the dealer did not have one, I flagged him down to check it out in person. I was primarily wanting to find out if it will be too tall for me. He was more than eager to show off his brand new bike (had like 100 miles). Here is what I do not get. The 650 Versys LT says seat height is 33.1 inch. When I sat on his bike, it felt pretty much like my concours 14 - balls of my feet, but much more manageable due to weight. The Ducati Multistrada specs says seat height from 32.5 to 33.3 inches. When I sat on a 2014 Grand Turismo at local dealer, I could barely be on my tippie toes - not manageable at all. What gives?? I do not think the Versys guy lowered his bike or anything.
2016 Ducati Scrambler
2008 C14