Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Perfect, just stick it in rain mode for a couple of days until you get used to how it delivers power then go get your teeth whitened because you’re not going to stop smiling.

Post some pics so we can all admire.

go get your teeth whitened

Haha. Looking forward to it. The Z650 was fun but I'm looking forward to seeing how the Duke feels too - the positive reviews of the handling was partly what attracted me to it. I want something that's good at going round corners, not so I can get my knee down, but so I stay on the road. And yeah I thought I'd use rain mode for a while initially. Particularly with new tyres too.

Unfortunately I'm away with work for a week from Friday so I won't ride it until the weekend I'm back. Happy to savour the anticipation.

Please don't judge the garage! I'll get some proper pics once it finally leaves the garage.

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That thing looks rude.

Jealous.

Mega jealous

Wish I could have another bike like that

A 990 SMT was my first bike. You'll be alright.

Thanks. Maybe I've got a chance of successfully negotiating the first corner then. The training and test process has taught me that it's the rider that controls the speed, not the engine HP.

That’s a lot of bike. It will encourage you to do things your muscle memory might not yet be fast enough for.

I hear you. Loud and clear. Rain mode (reduced power) and extreme restraint required for the foreseeable. Riding conservatively is a thrill enough, I don't need to venture anywhere near it's limits while I learn. I'm 49 not 21 so understand that motorcycle wise I've passed a minimum standard, and I still have everything to learn.

You'll be fine, nowt to worry about. You've got six axis ABS and traction (wheelie?) control and I imagine, at 49, aren't donning your leathers for mortal combat every time you go out for a spin. Bike looks awesome - book yourself a trackday so you can play with it a bit with no cars about. I wouldn't bother too much with the rain mode, just keep it in street and turn the TC up a bit. You've got to run it in a bit anyway right?

New tyres don't come with that slippery release compound anymore, so don't worry about the edges being slippery, they're not. Spring UK roads aren't always the best though, so keep an eye for that.

Have fun, it'll be a proper weapon once you start getting to know it.

Give it a week

Is it an absolutely stupid idea to consider importing one of these Ultraviolette F77s from India? Specs are fantastic and price is good enough to still be reasonable even with import costs I'd imagine!

Bottom of the site says EU rollout is on the cards.

Personally, I wouldn't trust an electric bike without a dealer network. It's not like you can just take a spanner to it if there's something wrong.

Looks cool though.

Will it have a certificate of conformity though?

That's really the main concern to be honest...
I would hope so if they're planning an EU rollout but need to suss it out.

@soul I'm not overly put off by the idea of no dealer network as they're so affordable it wouldn't upset me to have to bodge it with third party components if there was any issue and they're actually surprisingly simple once you get used to them...

• batteries
  
• motor
  
• controller
  
• charger
  
• cabling
  Not much more to it!
  

That looks horrible IMO but each to there own.

How long have they been out for in India?

I believe they've only started delivering since January...
Variety is the spice of life though eh!

Sure but won't the system be locked down?

I'm looking at swapping my 1250GS for a Zero DSR/X next year. Hoping that the larger battery model can do a little over 100 miles with around 70 of that being motorway in a single charge. Would make my commute achievable without charging.

Can’t wait for the write up of the trip down France and back on a zero.

I'd definitely have to do it over a couple of days but, in reality, it would mean flying / driving down in future.

I do want to look at getting a bike for down there. Maybe a little motocross or something.

Oh that does sound exciting although I have to wonder if keeping the GS for long range trips and going for a less plush electric would be a good consideration? Much as I'm an EV convert I just don't see bikes being along far enough yet to only have one EV bike only in the garage?

Problem is always ££. Also, I'm not sure any other electric bikes would be all year round capable for that range. Commute is 52 miles each way and I'd be doing it (with heated clothing) in all weather.

The DSR/X is £27k once you add the additional range tank. Don't think I could swing that plus keeping the GS especially taxing / insuring when I'd likely only do one trip to France a year, max.

Won't be making a decision until this time next year though so plenty of time to change my mind.

Yeah that is quite fair, would a used DS/ DSR work for commuting?

I don't think I fancy a winter of commuting with the riding position / wind protection of either of those and that's if the range works.

DSR/X or the Energica Experia feel like the only possibilities right now.

Any KTM riders here? Reckon I’m done with the tiger. Nought wrong, I just want something with more character.

Tempted to get a multi 1200 again, but the 790/890 Adventure is floating my boat.