Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Got the new bike out yesterday! It is an 2018 Yamaha XSR700.

Insurance was way more expensive that anticipated (£380 fully comp) and so was road tax (£88).

The old 2004 Suzuki Bandit 600 was £180 & £36 IIRC.

Thanks Mr Mayor of London for forcing me to buy a new motorbike that apparently pollutes less and that will inevitably be stolen.

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Thanks Mr Mayor of London for forcing me to buy a new motorbike

That’s one way to justify it.

He's really pushed it - forcing all motorbike owners riding into the ULEZ to either pay £12.50 per day or get a Euro3 compliant bike.

Then about a month ago, they announce that a separate emission test costing £175 would be sufficient to prove your bike's emission levels.

If I had known that was an option, I would have poured a litre of acetone in my old Bandit tank to clear the lines and the engine then refitted the original exhaust & air filter to pass the test. And not bought a newer bike...

Sole trading motorbike couriers must be the most pissed off about this.

Nah new bike is more fun.
Just funny.
My 2007 Z750 is compliant.

In fairness it was brought in my BJ.

But it did always strike me as odd that it applied to all bikes when 99% of post-1980 bikes would probably pass with their standard exhaust, while taxis and buses were exempt. And that's not just cause I've got a bike.

More importantly tho, how do you like it!?

Only took it for a short spin.

First impressions - the bike is quite low and upright so will jack it up and change the bars.

Also could do with a larger rear sprocket as the acceleration is not great and I will primarily use it in town.

I have a full straight system to fit and a modified airbox so will get those fitted first.

Ha! We're clearly different heights, as I found it a bit tall and budgeting for a new rear shocks was the final nail in the coffin.

Loved it in yellow tho

Rode 100 miles of dirt in the mountains yesterday on the XR. Rocky, dusty, rocky. Shoulders and hands feel like I’ve gone 10 rounds with Tyson. And I couldn’t find my goggles and had to wear a pair of shades all the way. Eyes to match. Did I say rocky?

VanVan 125 or TW125?

Rode 100 miles of dirt in the mountains yesterday on the XR

Sounds immense, any photos?

I actually wanna see what 100 miles of dirt without goggles can do to your eyes. 20 miles on an MTB without them turns mine into ooze faucets.

From my mate’s go pro. Apparently only taking still photos. Is it blinking? It’s not blinking mate was a refrain of the day...

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Has anyone owned or rode a Daytona 675?

Yes, and I've not stopped thinking about it since. I instantly felt home.
It's my next bike before they start going up in price, but living in London kinda shits on the idea.

Then we're in the same boat. Pretty much nothing else has gotten me excited in the same price range though my girlfriend would be disappointed. She wants a comfy pillion seat and a top box/pannier boxes.

I'd definitely consider the idea of two bikes. It's by no means a daily. It's really narrow, and at first unrealistically low. It's a harsh ride for sure, but once going, it was a marvel.

I spent time on it here and once out in Spain. It wasn't as fun in SE UK for obvious reasons, mainly road conditions.
Not sure I'll ever forgive myself if I don't own one at some point. They do have annoying quirks though.

well in that case would Sir be interested in my 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 with both of what her indoors is looking for ;-)

Going to get it MOTd end of month and onto gumtree as it seems to spend a lot of time not getting ridden

XC or road model?

Borrowed the R version for a day. Best bike I ever dun ridden.

Comfy too.

It's by no means a daily.

I'm after a weekend toy only. Although current bike does the odd trip to the shops or a sunny weather commute.
Dreams of long trips around the country make me want something upright with a touring screen and the luggage options though.
Torn between fun and practical and don't have the budget for both.

Probably a bit over a grand too rich for me but it would be my cuppa tea otherwise

Road. Non ABS version in Black
23k miles
Centre stand, foglights, heated grips, full triumph panniers, engine bars and possibly a few other bits. New chain and sprocket along with v. Low mileage tyres
Loads of stamps in the book with both sets of keys.

Ends sales pitch

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Yeah, we are pretty much looking for the exact same thing.

I'm going for practical, and keeping the SV as the weekend whip, with outlook for more track days this year.
As far as I see it, even if I threw the cash down for the 675, I'd be perpetually paranoid unless it was under a garage tied to the ground.

Also, just because it has a touring screen doesn't mean it can't be fun as well. My views were totally changed after renting a Multistrada for a few days. Coming off a bike after a whole day and being able to move my neck is a revelation.

I'm after a weekend toy only

My 13 year motorbiking relationship has always been this. I've never relied on it being daily transport so have always had silly (sports) bikes that scratches that itch of blasting around the countryside at the weekend, for my needs I don’t want practical but something that makes me grin like a cheshire cat. Presuming you’re able to securely store it, it’s nice having something that represents ‘good times’.