Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Cheers! I'm keen to get it done asap, unfortunately I've got my driving test in 2 weeks (late starter and decided to do both at the same time)... so looks like I'll be doing MOD 2 in December, better sort out some new gear!

I asked about dual sports a while back + the idea of getting a vintage < 1970 bike. I've come to the conclusion I just want something with fuel injection and abs... now the KTM Enduro 690 has my interest but it does seem expensive (Even 2nd hand), any opinions? Was looking at the Honda CRF 250 Rally but tbh I will want to have some power for longer trips and faster roads.

Planning on riding all year round once you've passed? Commuting all weathers or pleasure?

All year round but for pleasure, I've got some family interested in doing trips down to France and Italy. I also want to do a solo trip next year exploring Scotland, I'm quite embarrassed by my lack of time back in Scotland so why not combine it with motorcycles. On the weekends its most likely the local lanes and salisbury plains for me.

Congrats on the Mod1 pass!

My top tips for your mod2:
Narrate your ride, "Indicators are on, on, on, turn them off"
Do lifesavers for every maneuver.
Turn your head to check your mirrors, not just your eyes, exaggerated movement for the examiner to see.

Good choice not to go pre 70's then.

There are so many bikes that can cover that kind of use. Honda VFR would seem like a good place to look.

You are looking more at off road types though. Not usually the choice for continental trips, too upright and not enough wind protection.

Having said that you should ride whatever you want. I did a lot of mileage on a 400 without too much trouble. Once you get started you'll probably want to try a few different bikes.

What's your budget?

Shoulda messaged me!! I’m Swindon-based. Let me know when you’re here for Mod2.

KTM Enduro 690

Fuck yeah. Slog on the mortoway though.

I’d own one, if it wasn’t for the orange badge anyway.

Would really like a more powerful dual sport to get me away from the sport bike.

any opinions?

Congrats on the mod 1, and best of luck with mod 2 and the car test. Only other bike that is similar that comes to mind is the Tenere. Oh and the Husky 701, but granted that's pretty much identical to the 690 bar the rear shock linkage.

Moto Guzzi V85tt, not as fast as the KTM but still very capable off road and the Guzzi is much better at touring as should be the transalp when it launches. For second hand and cheaper, Suzuki v-strom 650.

I keep having this strange urge to buy a Harley sportster, never even ridden a HD but feel I ought to own one at least once. I have no interest in group rides and all that faux outlaw shit.
Is this a bad idea?

Harleys look cool (sometimes) but they’re heavy and generally unpleasant to ride in town or twisty roads.

Giant American highways are the only place they make sense.

You’ll have to buy all new tools for the silly imperial fittings

This is a bad idea.

I have had this same bad idea from time to time. Get on the scales and see if you've put on a bit of weight, might be time for a diet or try a bit of exercise.

That usually sorts it for me.

I've always wanted the race version of the sportster. Michael Neeves liked it, and I believe everything he says https://youtu.be/OjncBPOpROM

I'm not a Harley guy but that bike sounds like a hoot.

Seen a few stripped-down Harleys that start to look like rideable bikes. Would own. Not til old and fat though.

That may be very true, I am having a very bad mid-life / late life period at present :)

I have had loads of different bikes (about twenty I think) but never a cruiser, difficult one.

. Not til old and fat though

Welcome to my life!!!

Talking of Harleys and offroad bikes...

https://youtu.be/EvGVx6JbpJE

I think it's the only tolerable Harley. But I haven't ridden one. Would love a test ride if one comes up for sale somewhere. Maybe as I get older, with slower reflexes, it would be safer than other things. I'm already frightened of my Dorsoduro. If it ever gets fixed and back on the road, will I cope? Even in Tour mode it's much, much more extreme than anything I've ever been on. I might have to start riding it in Rain mode. (Sport mode is for spinning the back tyre. Why would anyone want to do that?)

I'm only half kidding. I've ridden Harleys a fair bit and there's a charm but I've only ever been shopping for them when I'm out of shape.

I can recommend running a few k on a regular basis, really good for mid life mentality.

Owned an 883 Sportster 12 or so years ago so will give you my take on them.

They sound and look cool. Well, looks are subjective but were to my taste and I presume if you are thinking about one you are a fan and riding around on it you feel like you look cool.

I felt like the ride was good. They're torquey so pull well out of corners. I actually liked riding twisty b roads on it. Even the 883 had plenty power to overtake (or to spin the rear wheel up pulling away from lights) and it'd happily sit on the motorway at the kind of speed where the buffeting and lack of fairing makes you not want to go much faster.

Needing to stop for petrol 2 or 3 times more often than anyone else gets old quick though.

Living with it was really where it fell apart for me really. It did not like getting wet and things like the polished finish on the triple trees was going cloudy within weeks. I painted a lot of parts black as it was easier than trying to keep the polished finish looking good. It went through a couple regulator/rectifiers within the first year of owning it (it is/was mounted in a shit position where it caught all the spray off the front wheel) and I had issues with the rear brake that were due to corrosion too. By the time I got rid of it I'd had to do a load of work to the front mudguard as the paint had blistered up around some patches of rust. Oh and the alarm/immobiliser was always acting up.

It seems like everything comes with Harley tax too, from maintenance parts like oil filters to any upgrades you want to make.

If I was to get another Harley it'd probably be a much older one, in the hope that it'd be made better but then I'd rather just have what I have now (an old british bike) which was way cheaper, is way easier to work on and makes just as nice if not nicer a noise.