Help me spend my money! New ADV touring bike!

[AMC]

Originally Posted By: FastGame
Hmmm IMO true happiness comes from 2 bikes

Keep the KLR and get something like Sport Touring ?


I had thought of that too, I was considering keeping the KLR and getting something like a Ninja 1000 or a FJ-09. The problem is that the tiger 800 XC and the KLR are too similar to bother keeping the KLR. The KLR is just too slow and not enough power for me to keep anymore.

If I really wanted to keep a bike like the KLR, I would just settle for the 800 XC. The seating position, ground clearance, suspension feel, ergonomics and off road capability of these 2 bikes are very similar IMO. The big place where the tiger and KLR separate is the engine and mechanical complexity. The Tiger has a buttery smooth, powerful and high revving inline triple. The KLR has a low revving, highly vibratory, weakling of a thumper.

The biggest thing I am going to miss about the KLR is the simplicity and ease of maintenance. Oil and air filter changes take 5 minutes, Adjusting the chain is a snap and I really have no use for a motorcycle mechanic at all with the KLR. Any of my other choices will be much harder and more expensive to work on, requiring a certified mechanic for a lot of things that I would normally handle myself. That being said, I am willing to swallow my pride a little and pay for the more complex services that a more modern and powerful motorcycle would need.

 

[LoneRanger]

If you demo ride the Ducati, you'll be buying it. I'm not saying it's the better choice for *your* requirements than the GS, but plenty of multi's get sold by the test ride. Ride them both, though, the GS and the Multi. You may like the GS better and it's probably going to be the better jack-of-all-trades you seek. The multi is more of an upright position sport bike with enough suspension travel for fire trails and such. The '15 GS will probably have cruise control. The '12 multi you can get a very basic cruise ctrl via a firmware flash but it's around $250.

 

[donnyj08]

I personally would go with the Ducati or i would look at a New KTM. They have quite a few awesome touring bikes. the KTM 1190 Adventure is a nice bike. That bikes twin will have gobs and gobs of power and torque as well. The KTM 990 Adventure Baja is also pretty sweet. I love the exhaust setup on it.

For me it would be the Duck as #1 and a new KTM as a very close #2

 

[budrow79]

#4! The others don't even compare.

I got on a BMW aout 9 years ago and sold all the other brands I owned and I haven't looked back. If you ride one, I bet you'll do the same.

 

[David_g]

Originally Posted By: budrow79
#4! The others don't even compare.

I got on a BMW aout 9 years ago and sold all the other brands I owned and I haven't looked back. If you ride one, I bet you'll do the same.

Might work for the OP. Didn't for me.

I've test ridden or demo'd 3 BMWs and never bought one. One I hated. One I enjoyed but it shook so much it made my hands tingle. The other I enjoyed, and would have bought as a practical choice had the fuel economy display convinced me the tiny tank would meet my range needs--note to BMW, if you're trying to make a practical motorcycle, don't fit it with a tiny fuel tank.

That said, I'm thinking about going to look at a hexhead tomorrow. Who knows there could be a BMW in my future yet.

 

[hpb]

BMW's are an acquired taste, especially the boxer twins. First time I rode one, I hated it - lots of vibration, rocking side to side at standstill, no top end power - but I was comparing it to my (then) Bandit 1200. Over the years I've ridden more and more Beemers, and they've really grown on me. I'd really like a new R1200RT. Maybe I'm just getting old! And these days, you don't even have the weird indicator switches to get used to

 

[Robenstein]

I love old Beemers...I don't really trust the new ones. Reliability has slipped a bit according to the numbers I am seeing.

 

[AMC]

That was my understanding of the Beemers also.

I went and talked to the Yamaha dealer yesterday. He can get me a brand new 2015 Super Tenere in red or silver for 14K O.T.D. and he will give me $4k for my KLR. $4k is what I am asking for my KLR privately so that seems pretty good. I am not sure if 14K OTD is good or not but I must say that I am more impressed with the big tenere than I thought I would be. The Tenere comes with all the electronic goodies including ABS, Traction control, 3 riding modes and cruise control. There is also a 12v outlet and the seat/riding position was very nice too.

The Super Tenere is looking very enticing now! The reviews for this bike is all positive and the reliability is supposed to be rock solid. I am now swaying away from the tiger 800XC. I am thinking that is too small and underpowered for me to spend my money on.

Decisions, decisions......

 

[Shrubitup]

If it weren't for your desire to do 2Up riding then I would suggest the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin when it comes out.

 

[David_g]

AMC, that Super Tenere sounds like a great choice!

Originally Posted By: budrow79
I got on a BMW aout 9 years ago and sold all the other brands I owned and I haven't looked back. If you ride one, I bet you'll do the same.

Originally Posted By: David_g

Might work for the OP. Didn't for me.

...
That said, I'm thinking about going to look at a hexhead tomorrow. Who knows there could be a BMW in my future yet.

You win. I'm now the owner of a used R1200R. So far it's my favorite bike I've owned yet.

 

[Robenstein]

Not sure I would call the Triumph tiger underpowered at 95 horsepower.

 

[digitalSniperX1]

Kawasaki Versys 1000. Reliable, fast, great handling, good value. A lot of motorcycle for 12 grand.

 

[AMC]

Rob- The tiger makes adequate power and the engine sounds great. I just question if it is going to be enough if I am 2 up plus the bolt-ons and gear I will be carrying. I also wish the driver and passenger seat had a little bit more space between them. Otherwise, I still like the tiger and it looks like my top choices are now the tiger and tenere.

I am going on vacation to Jamaica tomorrow for a week. I am going to hit the dealerships hard when I get back and hopefully make a purchase then!

I will keep you updated and keep the comments coming!

 

[whip]

No actual experience, but everything I've read on the Super Tenere has been positive. If you don't need or want the electronics, look for a left over 14 model.

 

[WANG]

Originally Posted By: hpb
BMW's are an acquired taste, especially the boxer twins. First time I rode one, I hated it - lots of vibration, rocking side to side at standstill, no top end power - but I was comparing it to my (then) Bandit 1200. Over the years I've ridden more and more Beemers, and they've really grown on me. I'd really like a new R1200RT. Maybe I'm just getting old! And these days, you don't even have the weird indicator switches to get used to

I have a Bandit 1200 (my second one), and a 2013 R1200RT. I enjoy both of them very much, and for many of the same reasons. I test rode the RT back to back with a demo K1600GTL, and chose the RT (same money), as the RT was just a little more nimble and the engine had more enjoyable character. Being the last edition of the true air/oil cooled RT was a significant point for me, too.

Among the short list that the OP provided, I would certainly add the F800GS for consideration. I've had an F800S since 2007, and that is a great engine. I could see it being very well suited for ADV duty.

 

[AMC]

Ok well a decision has been reached and a purchase has been made!

I am the soon to be owner of a brand new, 2014 Yamaha Super Tenere! My local dealer gave me a really good deal but didn't have any in stock so he is ordering me a black and slate gray 2014 from the warehouse, supposively located in New Jersey.

After a lot of consideration and research, I decided this was the bike I wanted, I just had to find one. Another Yamaha dealer had an older, used tenere in stock that I was able to sit and and fiddle with. That was really the turning point in my decision. The super tenere was so comfortable and inspired a lot of confidence! Sure it was a little heavy but at the same time, it didn't really feel much heavier than my KLR. I think the only time the super tenere's weight may be an issue is when I am stopped at a light or sign and on an incline which goes both up and down and to the side. These types of stops are fairly common in my area but I have gotten used to them. You just really have to make sure to hold the bike upright with your left foot while your right foot holds the brake down.

Other than that, I very was impressed with the features, looks and fit/finish of the super tenere. All the reading and research says this is a very reliable and trustworthy motorcycle that had whatever little bugs and issues worked out in the 2014 model year update.

The bike should be in on or before Friday and I will be sure to post some pics and a review. Thanks to everyone who gave input. Stand by for further!

 

[hpb]

Awesome! Not much beats collecting a new bike. My last 2 have been picked up in the pouring rain though, so were filthy by the time I got home! Hopefully you have lots of enjoyable miles together. Ride that thing like you stole it - remember, run 'em in fast and they'll always be fast!

 

[whip]

I think you'll be really happy with it.

 

[FastGame]

Nice ride, have fun and be safe

 

[Ausfahrt]

Congratulations.

We're gonna have to see pics when you take delivery or it never happened.