Good second bike

I have had my VTR250 to learn on but after riding a few bigger bikes I'm
thinking it is time for a change. I can ride a big bike as a L plater for a
year so can keep the VTR for when I am by myself and get something else for
riding with mates etc. Ideally I am thinking of something more touring
orientated but a bit sporty too. I'm planning on riding Perth > Melbourne in
the near future. Any suggestions?

 

Well, if you are sure you are keeping the VTR250......
maybe a Ducati would fit the bill. ;-)

Just noticed the Perth-Melb.... hmmm, one of those BMW _big_ chook
chasers might do the trick, but watch out, you only get one real key.

regards,
CrazyCam (leaving explanations to Big and Theo)

 

In aus.motorcycles on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:48:53 +0800

I did Adelaide to Perth on a 250, anything will get you there.
Admittedly it is nice to have a bike that when fully loaded can get
past trucks in a reasonable time.

First off, decide your budget.
Then decide if you want new or 2nd hand.
Then decide how much touring and how much sport,and what "sport"
means.

Then ask again....

Zebee

 

Damn.

I specifically left the "You need a Guzzi, you do." line just for you.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

Ok. Up to 10 grand. Second hand. Touring 40%, thrashing around the
suburbs/commuting 50%, track days 10%. Big preference for Jap but not really
worried. Quite like the look of the TL1000 but have no idea what they are
like. I really want a Hayabusa or a Blackbird but all my friends keep telling
me I am mad. Touring on the VTR is painful with no fairing to hide behind and
wringing it's neck at 130km/h.

Fraser

 

I keep looking at this and drooling.
http://www.bikesales.com.au/as/sear...0&previousResultPerPage=20&currentPage=3&x=66

Also love the Ducati 749 in flat black. But realise that in reality it would
be like my ex wife. Looks amazing but high maintainence.

Fraser

 

In aus.motorcycles on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:17:59 +1000

I thought about it, but the problem is that most people, even sensible
Scotsmen, resist the truth so stoutly.

Zebee

 

Yeah I was gutted that the word Norge was absent from your post.

Fraser

 

There's a Norge heading that way for the MotoGP shortly. Wanna make it a
pair? You could even use the L-Plates.

Theo

 

I might take you up on that mate. Not sure about making it a pair of Norges
but I am definitely considering riding over for the GP. I did the ride to Kal
a couple of months ago and I reckon I could knock off 1000ks a day pretty
easily.

Fraser

 

In aus.motorcycles on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:32:48 +0800

Couldn't do it to the man! I was sure that no matter how well a Norge
filled the requirements - and of course if you want an excellent sport
tourer with good fairing that can hold its own on a trackday or on
1000km days fully loaded and still able to hoon then it's the bike you
need - he'd be unable to manage the sticker shock at first.

After all it took me nearly 6 months, it will take him at least 8.

Zebee

 

Triumph 1050 Tiger!

justAL

 

What is this thing the Italians have for attaching the name of a motor
car racer to motorcycles?

Moike

 

In aus.motorcycles on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:48:12 +1000

How do you define the difference? It's more of a tourer than the 1200
sport. It's not any slouch in the hooning line, if a VFR is a sport
tourer I think a Norge must be.

Zebee

 

You could do a lot worse than a blackbird or 'Busa for what you're
talking about (add helibars and a taller screen though IMNSHO),
however if it's 50% commuting then I'd go something a little lighter
and a little easier on the juice and tyres (the big 4's eat tyres like
a post breakup woman does chocolate..).

If it was me I'd be looking at an Aprilia Falco, Trumpy Sprint or a
VFR. Still quite sporty and more than quick enough for anything you'll
want on the road, but a little easier on the hip pocket for running
costs and a bit lighter and narrower for the punt around town.

Others to consider - TDM, Tiger or DL (V Strom), there's nothing wrong
with the TL except the rear shock doesn't cope well with getting
really hammered and heats up.Engine is good, build quality is good.
Many will have aftermarket shocks by now. Bandit 1200S - you can't
kill 'em with an axe and they're cheap and good tourers. Bit heavy for
a lot of around town work (same as the blackbird) for my preference
though. BMW R series might be in your budget - I'll leave it to the
BMW-isti to comment.

Given you have the VTR, consider a Monster or Raptor. You can get a
1/4 fairing for the Monster which will break the wind enough in normal
riding (ie up to 160), and the VRaptor has a beak and instrument panel
which does a surprisingly good job of acting as a fairing (and there's
an optional screen you can fit to the horns if you really want the
windbreak). Maybe even a Hornet 600 with the optional quarter fairing.

And lastly from left field the Z750 and SV650 goes new for almost your
budget, meets all your requirements I suspect and are both very proven
in the reliability stakes (the former is a sleeved down ZX9 motor) and
the latter is well proven. Maybe a second hand Z1000 or SV1000 might
squeak into your price point.

JL

 

In aus.motorcycles on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:59:40 +1000

BUt a sport tourer isn't a sport bike.

I don't think so, because I don't think the 1200 Sport is any kind of
"tourer". Wrong riding position.

It isn't a track bike racer wannabe no. It is a good real road sport
bike, which is what it is designed as.

The Norge has the same motor and brakes in a very slightly detuned
version, with the touring kit of fairing and panniers. Hence
sport/tourer.

Zebee

 

Thanks for the post. I quite like the VFR and think it might be just about
perfect. But have only heard bad things about them since they went Vtec. I
really like the Sprint but anything English frankly scares the shit out of me.
After owning a Jag I vowed never again to go for an English vehicle. The
blackbird and the busa both seem like they are just about perfect too. Though
everyone tells me as a novice rider I will kill myself on them. I've driven
some pretty insane cars over the last few years and have managed to stay alive
so I figure I can do the same on bikes. To be honest I tend to ride a LOT more
conservatively on a bike then when I drive a car.

Fraser

 

I'll be leaving on Sat Oct 6th, or maybe Fri 5th. Planning on getting back
25th or 26th Oct. I have accommodation in Cranbourne and on PI. We have
booked the Full Throttle Club package
With incredible views from Turn 12 reaching as far as Lukey Heights through
to the Main Straight, there is no better place to catch the high-speed
action. Watch as the riders blast down the main straight to the start/finish
line. Enjoy phenomenal views with an all inclusive dining package.

BONUS: All Full Throttle VIP three-day ticket packages also include: one
official event cap, one official event program, and one official event
poster.

The email addy I'm using here is real, if you want to come along let me
know. I'm currently travelling alone.

Theo

 

I did Geelong to Perth on a Norton ES2 500!
Sore bum.... A girlfriend of mine did Darwin to
Canberra a few years ago on a bashed old Honda
cb 175, with the dog on the back, strapped
into a milk crate!

That was ballsy I thought.


The road Perth -> Melbourne these days is pretty tame.
A few years ago I did the big trip again, sold the Porsche
and bought a 4X4. I was sorrry I did that, the road
conditions SCREAMED for my Porsche! ;-)

A good bike for the trip? They are all good!
My preference, 998cc Sporty. In summer.

650cc Bonnie. Hmmmm.

My old ex Z1 1132cc Kwack would have been a blast on that road,
Sportster Tank was probably a little tichy.

Have fun.

Mark Addinall.

 

Awesome. Looks like I can make it. Might have someone else to come with us as
well. I will have to ride back alone because my ex is going to the uk and I
will need to be back before the 22nd to look after my son. How much is the full
throttle package? How long are you planning on doing the trip over in? 3
days?

Fraser