Hi guys, you may remember, I’ve been having gearbox troubles with my 09 plate Varadero. Almost two years ago it broke, skipping in 2nd all the time, repaired under warranty. Now it’s been dropping out of 2nd, I have to skip it first to third. This time I’m paying, I’m told around £1,000!
Anyway, a friend has suggested once fixed, maybe I should change bikes. New parts with old never work too well…
So, I’m after a large bike to fit my 6’3" frame, although I mainly use it to commute, I still enjoy a long ride, having gone to both Ireland and Wales, twice each in the last few years. I wouldn’t mind something sporty this time, as long as I fit comfortably on it.
While not “sporty”, if I were a fella of your stature looking for comfortable - and coming from a Varadero - I’d be looking at either a Tiger 1050 or the new Multistrada
GSX1250FA? Under £5000 2 yrs old with less than 5000 miles on the clock. I’ve got the smaller 650 version and its a brilliant bike. Perfect for long trips and fun. I don’t get any aches and pains but I’m also not 6’3. I carry pillions frequently and sometimes do forget they are there its that comfortable.
Despite having only just suggested these (accidentally remained logged in as david.v after getting a mate to sign up) I’ve thought of another. Personal dream machine, the BMW k1300s.
If a bit strapped the “old” series Tigers and Multistradas are out there for sensible money. O.K. They may not be as good as the current models but that just means they are “very good” rather than “excellent”. Myself, I’d go for a well used, well looked after, Tiger.
Just watch out for misted up clocks on either bike.
I’d certainly give the BMW’s a miss. The reliability is legendary. By that I mean it’s a legend in the true sense of the word.
For someone your size Andy, an air-cooled Multistrada (old model) should be ideal, and you’d be able to pick up a very nice 1100S for that sort of cash.
Alternatively, what about a hyperbike like a ZZR-1400 or a Busa?
So today I’m on a CB1000R again and have to say I’m really enjoying it. I always imagined a guy of my size would have no chance of being comfortable, but as I had a short 30 minute ride on this round North London, it felt very comfortable.
I might see if I can borrow it for a few days if I change my insurance to cover me, then I will get a proper feel for it, riding in and out of work.
I’ve been round a few bike shops this morning, with varying ‘success’. Honda Chiswick opened things up by just offering £3k for my Varadero, but then I had a £4.5k offer against a new bike, then £3.8k as a straight sale.
Then I was offered a brand new CB1000R for only £8.5k without a part ex, or £9k with £4k part ex…
Norton Way Honda (Letchworth) have an Ex Demo with 5,000 miles for £6.5k, so I may ride up there on Sunday and see if I can £3.8-4k from them for mine…
It does seem everyone has lots of good things to say about the CB1000R, I can’t stop thinking about it either, so if I can’t get a good deal on the ex demo today, I’ll probably go for a brand spanking new one on Monday.
I always thought it was sports bikes that would be theft targets, but would a 12 plate, shiny, CB1000R be a target too? I’d best go find that security thread.
The CB1000R is very desirable. Its a brilliant bike. The engine is a detuned blade on if I’m correct in thinking that? Also, it looks stunning. The way I see it is everybike is desirable to a different sort of thief. Unless you have an MV Augusta, Ducati, etc which are leaning towards the exotic side you stand just as much chance as everyone else at keeping your bike.
The Tiger might be in the running too.