feeling bored with Big Bird so let's have a laugh

[Ian Porter]

so, I'm thinking I might want to change bikes as Big Bird doesn't "do it" for me at the moment

I want something a bit faster that "feels" less cumbersome but is still capable of being loaded with everything including the kitchen sink and carting the occasional pillion around whilst pissing off across Europe

so what have people had that may fit that bill? (doesn't have to be an adventure bike either)

and yes Rob, I'm looking to see if I can get a set on knobblies on a ZZR1400

 

[boboneleg]

KTM 950/990 , if you don't ride off road try the 1050, great deals on them at the moment.

I tried the BMW thing, the KTM is like a spitfire compared to the BMW Heinkel Bomber.

 

[Chewbadger]

Puch Maxi with a pair of Rolls Royce Avons strapped to it.
That would get you round Europe quicker. Fuel might be an issue though.....


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[Ian Porter]

Puch Maxi with a pair of Rolls Royce Avons strapped to it.
That would get you round Europe quicker. Fuel might be an issue though.....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'd keep up with Ruth then [emoji38]

 

[Ian Porter]

KTM 950/990 , if you don't ride off road try the 1050, great deals on them at the moment.

I tried the BMW thing, the KTM is like a spitfire compared to the BMW Heinkel Bomber.

I did think of going orange but with my luck I'd buy one that would eat itself from the inside out

 

[Lowflyer]

Well I'm more than impressed with the GS Adventure for basic mile munching.
Have been out with the strange one on the back for more than a few runs recently in preparation for our Italia trip next weekend and to be honest, a solid hack two up
Put new boots on it last weekend,made a huge difference.

Had a couple of brief forays off road on sh1te tyres and I have to say, it balanced pretty good , might even try a set of knobblies when i get back, see how that pans out

 

[Ian Porter]

Well I'm more than impressed with the GS Adventure for basic mile munching.
Have been out with the strange one on the back for more than a few runs recently in preparation for our Italia trip next weekend and to be honest, a solid hack two up
Put new boots on it last weekend,made a huge difference.

Had a couple of brief forays off road on sh1te tyres and I have to say, it balanced pretty good , might even try a set of knobblies when i get back, see how that pans out

The GS has been great for the past 7 years but I'm riding the Scrambler more and just not enjoying the GS like I used to

We've just done over 3000 miles in France and I can't fault it, just fallen out of love with it I guess

 

[Hamster]

ZZR 1400, apart from off road does it all. Truxston R or new Norton commando, lot,s of fun to be
Had on those two I,d imagine haha.
When am I picking big bird up then?

 

[Ian Porter]

When am I picking big bird up then?

When you've grown another foot taller [emoji23]

 

[Mikey]

Big, fast, handles extremely well, doesn't notice if there's a pillion, oh did I say it was fast? Makes me giggle when you twist the go tube.

 

[Ian Porter]

Big, fast, handles extremely well, doesn't notice if there's a pillion, oh did I say it was fast? Makes me giggle when you twist the go tube.

it's on the list Mike,

for the work of art that is that shaft drive if nothing else

 

[Lord Vader]

Well I'm more than impressed with the GS Adventure for basic mile munching.
Have been out with the strange one on the back for more than a few runs recently in preparation for our Italia trip next weekend and to be honest, a solid hack two up
Put new boots on it last weekend,made a huge difference.

Had a couple of brief forays off road on sh1te tyres and I have to say, it balanced pretty good , might even try a set of knobblies when i get back, see how that pans out

I am sure I mentioned once or.twice.that they are actually pretty.good 2up bikes. You a nice guy shame you a bit slow

 

[austin]

I am guessing its the style of bike you want a change from, so another big twin ADV styled bike isn't going to win your heart again. Otherwise I would suggest a Guzzi, (see stuff from Nick in Canada) or a slightly more up to date version of the GS1150, like a Yam XTZ or Triumph Explorer.

If you are liking the Boneville then I also assume that a fast sports tourer isn't the right answer. Lots of choice here though: VFR800, Pan Euro, BMW ST800, etc etc. You could even go something like a 15 year old "Blade. I sold my son's earlier this year and it was a lot of bike for the money. Buy right and you will get a 100% reliable missile. If your back and wrists can stand it, but not really a luggage monster.

Then there's the latest crop of sporty town styled bikes from Yamaha and kawasaki. The latest styling doesnt do much for me but by all accounts they are fabulous bikes. Not sure on luggage or pillion comfort.

I am going to discount a proper brit classic, but a well sorted Meriden Bonnie or Trident could be fun as would a Norton Commando or you could go even older but then performance really drops off especially 2-up and loaded.

So......Harley? But heavy.

Older classic, perhaps a late 70's Jap bike.

Modern Royal Enfield?

Something left field from the smaller manufacturers in Italy: MV Augusta and Benelli make some super bikes (and some superbikes too ).

Err, thats it. I am still liking my GSA1200 nearly 3 years in.

 

[Ian Porter]

If you are liking the Boneville then I also assume that a fast sports tourer isn't the right answer. Lots of choice here though: VFR800, Pan Euro, BMW ST800, etc etc.

actually Austin, I am leaning in the sports tourer direction at the moment

what ever I have has to be different to the Scrambler otherwise there's no point having two bikes and I'm not selling the Scram just yet

VFR800 is high on the list

whatever it has to be newer than the GS too

 

[Twickers]

CBF1000 ? although possibly described as competent rather than something you'd immediately fall in love with.

If you're considering a VFR then how about a Crossrunner ? The newer ones are meant to be an improvement on the earlier ones ?

R1200RS ?

 

[boboneleg]

Oh Yes, Austin reminded me, the Yamaha Super Tenere 1200, I rode Deanos worldcrosser version, great road bike.

 

[Philwhiskeydrinker]

Faster and less cumbersome than an 1150.... wanna narrow it down a bit

To be fair there are a ton of great bikes out there for not huge wonga so take your pick, choose wisely & it'll be reliable & not depreciate either.
Anything else is purely personal preference

 

[Ian Porter]

Faster and less cumbersome than an 1150.... wanna narrow it down a bit

Ok, I don't want a Harley, is that clearer [emoji23]

 

[Lord Vader]

Feck me ,this is gone be a long painful thread

 

[Philwhiskeydrinker]

Faster and less cumbersome than an 1150.... wanna narrow it down a bit

Ok, I don't want a Harley, is that clearer [emoji23]

Not really