I had a 2013 Honda Hornet until it was stolen recently and I loved it, but now the insurance has paid out I think I will take this opportunity to upgrade.
I will list a few of the bikes I have been looking at and what I do and don’t like about them but would love some suggestions on bikes that would fit the bill!
I’m basically looking for a bit of an all rounder, something good for London commuting (what I do most of), riding out to the far reaches of Essex via the A13 etc on the weekends with the missus on the back (she lives out there) and something I can have a bit of fun on around all the curvy B-Roads.
I loved the Hornet because it was roomy enough and comfortable enough for the missus to ride on the back and had enough grunt for me in the city, but I felt it lacked on the motorways.
My budget is between £4000 - £6000 pounds and I want something no older then 5 years so 2009 onwards
Bikes I have been considering:
Honda CB1000R - I really like the styling and torque this bike has but it seems a bit cramped for a passenger though might be fixed with a new seat
Triumph Sprint ST 1050 - Looks like a great all rounder but not too sure how it would go commuting in London
Triumph Street/Speed Triple - Unfortunately I just can’t stand the bug eye look of the bikes but they seem in other ways they may be a good fit!
I’m leaning towards the Sprint at the moment but would love to get some more suggestions ideally around the 1 litre category as well!
being a triumph owner I would say the sprint 1050 make sure its had the necessary mods done to the charging system that’s seems to bug triumphs of oldish
Is the Naked look your preferred styling (Street Triple/CB1000) or the faired look (ST1050) Go with the bike you like the most and then just get used to the bad points it’s like a woman, don’t go for an ugly one just cos she’s nice, gotta have something to look at
Have you looked at the Yamaha MT07?
They are £5500 brand new, if that is something that appeals- and you see them going head to head against the Striple in a lot of reviews.
Same sort of vibe- affordable streetfightery nakedness- light and nimble.
I commute on an 09 Street Triple.
It doesn’t have the bug eyes- they came in a year or so later (late 2010 IIRC).
I’m also not a huge fan of the new headlights but you can change them to the poorer performing but aesthetically more pleasing round headlights (or get an 09).
It is great in the city and out of the town.
I’m not that happy on it on A roads or motorways but that is probably down to me being a new rider more than anything.
I enjoy the look of a bike with full fairing especially something aggressive like the panigale or ninja but not looking for a sports bike hence why I’m considering a sports tourer, though I do prefer the look of a naked street fighter style bike!
I’m trying to avoid getting a newer bike because I don’t want to deal with the ride in period or the overpriced insurance so something a few years older and a good upgrade over the hornet
The mt07 and gsr 750 are both a bit too similar to the hornet for me
I have been looking at the KTM 990 range both the supermoto and superduke (my preference) but not sure if they are what I’m looking for in terms of passenger comfort etc
Test ride a few and see what is most comfortable. go to a shop near you so you get an hours ride, then go collect the Mrs and see how she likes it on the back
passenger comfort on the Duke is non existent, you couldn’t carry a child on what’s left of the seat behind you.
the SM and SMT though are pretty comfy. I ride a 990 adv which has the same frame and geometry, and there’s plenty of room, Mrs KTM D is very comfy, and all the ladies like a Vtwin!!
it’s like a woman, don’t go for an ugly one just cos she’s nice, gotta have something to look at 
