It's so tough deciding on what bike I should add to the stable.

[Wild Pete]

Hello all,

I currently have a BMW S1000RR. It's a great bike really, but I'm looking for an all around bike that I wouldn't mind riding in the rain, cold and getting dirty. Adding to that, I would like solo/two up comfort while mile crunching ::26::.

There are so many variables that will come in to play. I'm in the US military waiting on my orders to my next assignment. Wish I knew where I was going already instead of playing the waiting game. So I have been looking at all the bikes out there that I would like to add to my stable. The reason I haven't made up my mind yet is because I'm not sure what dealers would be near me when I move to my new location. I don't think I would be doing a lot of off road riding but who knows? I may get stationed some where that I could do that a lot. So mainly a street bike is what I would be going for.

I started out on a Harley '03 1200 Custom and then traded that vibey bike in for a '02 Fatboy. Nice ride but got tired of scrapping the exhaust and foot boards. Sold the Fatbooy because we were expecting our first child and got paranoid thinking something would happen to me while riding. Got back into motorcycles with an '07 FJR but didn't really get to stretch it's legs before I traded it in. Then went with a '07 FZ1, nice bike but really didn't like the long distance comfort. Moved to England and brought the FZ1 with me, they call it the Fazer 1000 here. Attended Ron Haslam race school at Donington and found sport bikes to be great fun. Sold the FZ-1 for a GSX-R 1000 K5, then sold it, then went and bought my current bike, BMW S1000RR. When I bought my BMW I flew down to Heidleberg, Germany to pick up my US spec BMW. Rode it back to England, 565 miles in one day, okay the bike had 2 miles on it when I picked it up O . Never ridden a sportbike more than 50 miles at a time so needless to say this was an experience for me. Back, butt and wrists were hurting and I didn't look at the bike for the next two days when I was home . That was the most miles I have ever put on a bike in one day. So I want somthing to make trips like that easier and more enjoyable when they do happen.

I'm just not sure if the Super T is to big for me, I'm at 5'8".

The bike list. If anyone has any expereince with my list of possible bikes please chime in:

-Super Tenere
-Triumph Explorer
-Triumph Tiger 800
-Triumph Tiger 1050 Special addition
-BMW F800GS
-BMW R1200R
-BMW F 800 ST
-Ducati Multistrada 1200 (the cheaper one)
-Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Adventure
-Kawi Versys 1000 (if it came to the states)

There is no particular order to the list. But if there was the Tiger 800 and the ST are at top followed by the Tiger 1050 SE.

 

[rem]

Welcome on, Wild Pete. I see your dilemma. Your list of bikes seems to be primarily dual purpose types. If you've ruled out a strictly street bike, then the Super Tenere should definitely be at the top of your list. But it makes sense to see where you will be for the next while. It's always nice to have a dealer nearby. Good luck with your decision, and keep us posted. ::004:: R. ::022::

 

[dcc46]

Im 5'8 and with the seat in the low setting I can flatfoot both feet. I'm probably going to move it to the high setting for the extra legroom. You sit in the bike more than on it if that makes any sense. Anyway good luck in your bike search and know you can't go wrong with the S10. ::003::

 

[GrahamD]

565 miles in one day

On the S10 that is a comfortable warm up.

The list covers a big variety. If money is no object and since you already have a great RRRRace bike...

Ask Markjenn how he copes after he jumps off the S1000 on to the S10. Me thinks he gets freaked out all the time..

But I could probably mention a few to scrub off the list...

-Triumph Tiger 1050 Special addition
-Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Adventure

They are getting a bit long in the tooth. Would be a bit disappointing I would think. The Strom and the Tiger are a bit on the top heavy, (feeling) side and if you are only doing road I wold go for something a bit more "grounded". They also don't benefit from the latest Adventure tourer "war" although for the money the DL is still great value where I live and you may be able to get a dealer begging you to buy one. The 1050 is a better bike, but getting a bit long in the tooth as well.

The rest depends on whether you are a road only person or need some off road capability. The S10 is very relaxing and comfortable bike to ride NORMALLY, but is not as road oriented as some on the list. There are some compromises built in that trades some "flickability" for stability.

 

[barkingllizard]

take one for a ride, with a simple hello, Wild Pete.....

 

[Wild Pete]

On the S10 that is a comfortable warm up.

I bet it is and it would probably make my upcoming trip a little more pleasant if I had the ST. I'm riding down to Monza for the WSBK race in May. That will be around 1600 + miles on the S1000RR ::26::.

 

[Wild Pete]

The military surprises me once again. I found out about two weeks my new assignment isn't a stateside assignment. I will be leaving RAF Lakenheath in Aug as planned but I will be getting RAF Mildenhal as my new assignment in Oct. That base is about 5 miles away ::012:: . Talk about saving the Air Force some money. My wife is very happy as she wasn't ready to go back to the states yet. I'm happy also, I will have at least 4 more years to travel Europe from the seat of a motorcycle.

So I have made my choice on what I will be getting. I really wanted the S10 but looks like I will be going with the new Triumph 1200 Explorer. The dealer is trying really hard to get me a US spec model. He said that if it doesn't work out they have had success in the past with other Triumph models getting registered back in the states. They put US spec headlights and put the side reflectors on the bike. I think by then I would be able to call the DMV and give them my bikes VIN# just be sure if I can register the bike. And if for some reason it won't register I can try to sell it before I leave.

 

[colorider]

Welcome to the Forum and good luck with the Triumph, if that's how it shakes out. Keep the SuperT in mind, "just in case"!!

Rod

 

[rem]

You will be punished for that decision. KIDDING >>>>>>>>> Hey, good luck dude. And all the best with whatever comes into play. R ::008::

 

[tomatocity]

The military surprises me once again. I found out about two weeks my new assignment isn't a stateside assignment. I will be leaving RAF Lakenheath in Aug as planned but I will be getting RAF Mildenhal as my new assignment in Oct. That base is about 5 miles away ::012:: . Talk about saving the Air Force some money. My wife is very happy as she wasn't ready to go back to the states yet. I'm happy also, I will have at least 4 more years to travel Europe from the seat of a motorcycle.

So I have made my choice on what I will be getting. I really wanted the S10 but looks like I will be going with the new Triumph 1200 Explorer. The dealer is trying really hard to get me a US spec model. He said that if it doesn't work out they have had success in the past with other Triumph models getting registered back in the states. They put US spec headlights and put the side reflectors on the bike. I think by then I would be able to call the DMV and give them my bikes VIN# just be sure if I can register the bike. And if for some reason it won't register I can try to sell it before I leave.

Congratulations. My niece and her CMS husband arrived in England during February for a 5 year assignment. They like it very much. On your return to the USA try to avoid California and that should make registering your motorcycles and automobiles easier.

 

[Rubberbaby]

Welcome to the forum... I am sure you will know the right bike when you ride it!!!
best regards and stay safe..