Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Clutch questions:
Currently I need to pull the clutch lever only a fraction to get it to disengage, there's about an inch of movement in total that's needed at the lever.
I'd like a bit more movement in it really, so I can release the clutch more gradually - it's as if at the moment it's all out nothing.
Can I change this at the lever with the adjuster there, by winding it back in? It's out by about 5mm at the moment.

There should be 2 points of adjustment for a cable clutch - yes, have a go with the top adjuster but you should also have an option at the engine - you can probably get a manual for your model off the net and guidance on Youtube.

What is the bike?

I'm eyeing up an Aprilia SXV 550 for sale at the moment...
Only done 3,500km but does appear to be a peach and sounds great in the video seller has sent me.

Am I absolutely mad to even consider it?
Oil and filters every 1,000km apparently and expensive and hard to find engine rebuilds are common...

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Aren't these basically a mandatory engine rebuild after X number of hours? Much more like the maintence a MX bike that anything designed for the road.

Yeah, this is the downside...
They're basically a road legal supermoto race bike...

It's a bad idea right :)

They are very cool but you could probably get similar thrills without the hassle

Very bad.

You’ll wheelie your way to a new top end very soon.

similar thrills without the hassle

Suggestions for a hoonworthy commuter?

I don't even commute every day but I have a bunch of projects coming up in the next year that will allow me to commute to site by bike and dodge traffic...

Something nimble and fun preferred without racebike maintenance intervals I guess...

Would any of the KTM / Husqvarna enduro 300-450 bikes be much better in that regard?

Should I just buy a Dominator?

My drz400 is a hoot. Any 400 supermoto will be wicked.

I’d have suggested a DRZ400SM if you want sumo with reliability.

If you have the bunce, the ktm / Husqvarna 690 based Supermotos are bonkers and reliable. I’d get banned in a hot minute on one.

Yeah, have been ogling them also... twice the purchase price of the SXV but probably more sensible for reliability...

Have also been admiring the Husqvarna TR650... there's something about Husqvarna that appeals to me a lot more than a KTM...

Supermoto TR650 looks pretty fantastic...

Isn't that the old one? Different motor I think.

I meant these ones - the 701 series.

https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-us/models/supermoto/701-supermoto-2024.html

I had an older Husqvarna 510TE (made in the MV Agusta factory in Italy) before they were sold to BMW (before they were sold to Pierer Group)....It was actually pretty reliable, though a lot of tingly vibes. Apparently the supermoto versions had a balancer shaft. They got a re-release not long back badged as SWM. Great bikes apparently.

Love these 701s alright! The Enduro version looks great too! There's a really nice looking GasGas version of both two, I presume there's some sort of brand crossover there too?

Yeah - same engine in all of them. I think they're mostly the same bike, too.

Any particular reason you want a supermoto?

@pdlouche drz are quote pricey.

What about the aprillia/BMW 650?

Any particular reason you want a supermoto?

This is a great question to be honest... there really isn't any good reason other than they look like an absolute blast for city riding and an odd scoot up the mountains!

I'd be as inclined towards an Enduro as a Supermoto really but common sense would suggest something like an NX650 / XTZ600 / DR650 would be a more sensible option... would like a DRZ400 but as you've mentioned they're really hard to find a clean one and expensive when they are.

Still daydreaming about the SXV 550 :(

Aprilia Dorsoduro would be delish but they're quite a bit more money and hard to come by...

Has anyone ridden a ducati multistrada 950s?

No idea why I'm asking (other than daydreaming /procrastinating over some dreary tasks). But curios what the view on here is. Haven't seen one in the flesh, but something about it looks better than the big one.

Rode a multistrada around Sicily on a Ducati trip years back (the Motogiro), can't remember which model. Felt a bit like riding a giraffe. Not that I've ridden a giraffe.

Owned a 1200 and ridden a 950 for a while. I’d take the 950, one of the best and well balanced bikes I’ve ever ridden. Would have one in a heartbeat, but prices for them just. Do. Not. Drop.

Sumo’s are one of the most nickable bikes. I’d be wary using one for town riding.

I mean… if you want that feel just grab a CRF300 again and put road tyres on it. The DR350 is an absolute blast in scrote mode. I wouldn’t leave it parked for more than 5 mins out of sight though.

Aprillia Shiver? It was a lot of fun, and smaller than expected. I’d still take a street triple over it though.
You ridden one? It’s a proper hooligan bike.