A nice dilemma
- Thread starter austin
- Start date
have you considered the Crosstourer…? I am thorn by the same dilemma, I fancy a change after almost ten years of Varadero but can't decide which way to go...….not ready for a cruiser and I don't like the "feet forward" riding position. So almost definitely another trail bike but what......
going to the ABR festival in July and trying a few different ones. I really enjoyed riding the new AT Adventure, but I am not sure it will work two up (with me that should read three up!!) and luggage …...and I quite like the looks of the XTourer…..
I have heard some horror stories about KTM running costs....maybe urban myths but, as I used my bikes for commuting day in day out too, they are myths scary enough to put me off...……
Took a Yam SuperTen out for a test ride but didn't really bond with it ……
Good luck for your choice
going to the ABR festival in July and trying a few different ones. I really enjoyed riding the new AT Adventure, but I am not sure it will work two up (with me that should read three up!!) and luggage …...and I quite like the looks of the XTourer…..I have heard some horror stories about KTM running costs....maybe urban myths but, as I used my bikes for commuting day in day out too, they are myths scary enough to put me off...……
Took a Yam SuperTen out for a test ride but didn't really bond with it ……
Good luck for your choice
austin
Well-Known Member
I popped into Blackpool Honda today. 0% PCP on the Africa Twin Adventure Sport. "Any chance of a test ride"? " Yes, could you go now"? " I haven't got my licence or anything"! "That's OK, you do have one don't you"? 10 mins later off I went on a DCT equipped ATAS without signing anything. I could have ridden off on it as they didn't even ask my name.
Anyway, it was very nice and I quite quickly got the hang of the DCT thing, especially after stopping a couple of times and playing with the multiple settings for the gearbox and the engine. Sport 1 for the gearbox and Tour for the engine seemed about right. I am sure the bike can read your mind as it changed up and down just when I would have done anyway. Perhaps lacking a bit of mid range torque compared to the GSs but it was deceptive as every time I looked at the speedo I was going quite a bit quicker than I thought. Sounds nice too. Riding position was good, and its very tall. I need to get Anne on the back for the pillion verdict, but the seat seemed nice and big so should be OK comfort/space wise. I asked for a range of options on the PCP with the best being about £5k deposit (about the value of my GS) and £79 a month for 3 years. £6k to pay off in 3 years.
Tubed tyres are a bit of a turn off though as is the lack of what should be standard stuff like a centre stand, and aux lights. Standard panniers are a bit on the small side. Overall though I quite liked it as a solo bike, it remains to be seen how it takes a pillion - I suspect it need a big handful to get it moving properly. After the GS the fork dive on braking was quite noticeable. I also found it quite noisy, especially after the spread triple which, with its tiny little flyscreen, is very quiet to ride.
There was also a rather nice all black Crosstourer. If the pillion view of the ATAS is a no then the CT will be getting more consideration. Heavy old beast though.
Anyway, it was very nice and I quite quickly got the hang of the DCT thing, especially after stopping a couple of times and playing with the multiple settings for the gearbox and the engine. Sport 1 for the gearbox and Tour for the engine seemed about right. I am sure the bike can read your mind as it changed up and down just when I would have done anyway. Perhaps lacking a bit of mid range torque compared to the GSs but it was deceptive as every time I looked at the speedo I was going quite a bit quicker than I thought. Sounds nice too. Riding position was good, and its very tall. I need to get Anne on the back for the pillion verdict, but the seat seemed nice and big so should be OK comfort/space wise. I asked for a range of options on the PCP with the best being about £5k deposit (about the value of my GS) and £79 a month for 3 years. £6k to pay off in 3 years.
Tubed tyres are a bit of a turn off though as is the lack of what should be standard stuff like a centre stand, and aux lights. Standard panniers are a bit on the small side. Overall though I quite liked it as a solo bike, it remains to be seen how it takes a pillion - I suspect it need a big handful to get it moving properly. After the GS the fork dive on braking was quite noticeable. I also found it quite noisy, especially after the spread triple which, with its tiny little flyscreen, is very quiet to ride.
There was also a rather nice all black Crosstourer. If the pillion view of the ATAS is a no then the CT will be getting more consideration. Heavy old beast though.
Mart, I have had to google what Midnight Star is. Hmm. When (if) the weather ever picks up we may have a trip down welsh Wales and Pembrokeshire way. Are you still there? I will let you know as, 1, its been ages since I saw you, and 2, Yeah, would love to try something like that out.
Yep, still here. Mine is the Tourer with the Screen-Rider/Passenger Footboards-Crash bars-Highway Pegs-Sissy Bar-Back Rest & Rear Rack. It also has the Standard Silencer and a Cobra one that sounds like Thunder. PM me if you are ever down this way as it would be good to see you both again.
austin
Well-Known Member
I took the Guzzi V85TT out for a 3 hour test ride today. Most of of it with the wife on the back. Solo it was fantastic, light and fun and thing of beauty; as a two-up proposition it’s just a bit too small and a bit too underpowered. It would cruise at up to about 75 but it was hard work to ride it at 60+ really, although it was a windy day today. Another 15 to 20hp and a couple of inches on the seat length and height and it would be perfect.
I walked into Teasdale m/cs expecting to be placing an order after the test ride. I now feel very disappointed as I really don’t think it’s the right bike for us. Also by the time you ordered panniers etc from the accessories catalogue it’s a £13000 bike. Not cheap for what is still a fairly basic thing.
I saw the triumph in the flesh the other day. Much too low and small. The Guzzi dealer Where I tried the V85 has a Guzzi California in the window. It’s HUUUUUGE. Even makes a GSA look small. I think they are going to register it then knock the price down to £16000 or something. It’s a lot of bike for a lot of money but not me. There’s some lanes near me I don’t think it would fit down.
I walked into Teasdale m/cs expecting to be placing an order after the test ride. I now feel very disappointed as I really don’t think it’s the right bike for us. Also by the time you ordered panniers etc from the accessories catalogue it’s a £13000 bike. Not cheap for what is still a fairly basic thing.
I saw the triumph in the flesh the other day. Much too low and small. The Guzzi dealer Where I tried the V85 has a Guzzi California in the window. It’s HUUUUUGE. Even makes a GSA look small. I think they are going to register it then knock the price down to £16000 or something. It’s a lot of bike for a lot of money but not me. There’s some lanes near me I don’t think it would fit down.
nick949
Well-Known Member
It's definitely for cross continent road cruising, not nipping down to the shops, that's for sure. If it weren't for the cruiser riding position, the electronics and the price, I'd be interested.