Bike Dilemma.................

Yeah, last of the V-twin ones.

 

Royal Enfield Interceptor or Continental.

'Nuff said.

 

Husky 701/ KTM 690 supermoto?

 

I am somewhat familiar with this predicament. Bikes that I'd once jump on and off without a thought are now too big and make me feel nervous wheeling them about. I'm not quite at your age yet, but having little legs gives me a head start and I'm well aware of how our ability to balance degrades over time.

When I look at bikes, the ones that take my fancy are the fast and the daft, and I'm sure if I got something like that again because I want to rip about and do slides and wheelies, the bike would be be looking at younger faster men wishing for one that was capable of ripping about and doing slides and wheelies...

I suspect it's a bit like when I look at Emma Stone...

For now, the Street Scrambler does what I need it to in a manageable way. I want a Ducati Hypermotard SP but it would be wasted on me.

Anyway, what's Emma's number..?

 

TDM is a good shout if you can find one not absolutely knackered...I've had the v2 and v4 Tuono and imop the v2 was a better and more characterful bike..wouldn't really do the job though...maybe the 700 cc yamaha twin (I forget the model) might fit the bill...definitely keep the Morini..I had one for years and I regret selling that more than anything.

 

would'nt the triumph scrambler fit the bill?

 

Tenere?

 

Dave49 mentioned the Street Twin. I've had mine for 3 years and it copes well with rough roads (although I upgraded the original shit shocks). It's got a ton of low-down grunt and beats a lot of the flash cars round here off the line (I live in the land of Man Utd & City players). It's also taken me on a 6 day rally from Lands End to J.O'Groats (2021 miles). Ok it couldn't keep up with the fast boys on their big BM's but when we hit the twisty stuff I was snapping at their heels. More flickable than it's big brother the T120. I had no problems with comfort.
It's low seat and relatively low CoG means it's easy to throw around if that's your style or just pootle to the pub. Depending what else is in the carpark, it usually draws attention because, as Dave29 said, it looks and sounds like a proper motorbike.
There are a pile of modifications out there if, like me, you want to tart it up. One of the many changes I've made is to swop the 'Street Twin' side panels for those from Motone, so no-one knows what it is, except it says Bonneville on the engine cases. It's in moody black as well.
The only rider aid is ABS. Everything is very straightforward. On a 475 mile trip last week to Yorkshire, Northumberland and Cumbria it showed over 70 mpg (if you can believe the digital indicator).
You can buy a good, low mileage used one for under £6000. Servicing costs me £145. Tax is £90 (a rip-off but that's the DVLA and government for you).
Providing you like the styling are there any negative points? The engine starts to run out of steam when you push it past 90-95, although it will easily crack the ton. Lack of a screen or fairing puts you full in the wind and rain. Home maintenance is limited because it's a modern bike. It weighs a tad over 200kgs but I'm only 5'6" and past 60 a while back and have no problem shifting it when necessary. That's all I can think of.
I also have two Honda sports bikes from the early 90's, which I love, but I know the ST will start on the button, which is not always the case with 30 year old bikes. So if I want a hassle-free ride I take the ST. Give it some thought.

 

MT07, that's the puppy Funny farm! and one I should have mentioned earlier Ducati Multistrada, I had the earlier 1100 ds..as ugly as it was brilliant

 

MT07, that's the puppy Funny farm! and one I should have mentioned earlier Ducati Multistrada, I had the earlier 1100 ds..as ugly as it was brilliant

 

I agree with all you say about the ST, beerkat. It's also worth pointing out that the 2019 and onwards bikes (mine is a 2019) had a major upgrade, with an extra 10 bhp, lighter engine internals, 4-pot Brembo front brake, upgraded front suspension, etc. Still just as torquey, which is a real joy, but a bit more top end as well. And, unlike most of the Bonneville range, Street Twins have cast wheels with tubeless tyres, so a better chance of fixing punctures at the roadside. A great all-rounder.

 

Yup, I was slightly miffed when the 2nd gen ST got the extra 10 horses and the Brembos probably improved the plan-well-in-advance front brake. My bike is currently booked in for a major op, involving the TEC camshaft, so should match the 2nd gen bike. It's cheaper than chopping it in for the newie and far less hassle regarding all the mods I've made..leave them?..remove them?..sell original bits?..stick 'em back on?
Funny you should mention the cast wheels as an advantage. They were the first thing I dumped, for spoked wheels (wangled it as part of the deal). Yes I know why cast wheels with their tubeless tyres are probably a good idea but spoked wheels look sooooo much better. It's supposed to look like a proper motorbike remember?

 

Re tubeless tyres, I carry a tyre-plugging kit, so that I have a reasonable chance of fixing a puncture at the roadside. (I have fitted a centre-stand.) There's no phone signal in many places out here in the sticks, so calling up a recovery truck is not always an option.
And also I still have painful memories of a tubed-tyre blowout at 70mph on the M6 many years ago on a Velocette Thruxton (a proper motorbike if ever there was one), and compare it with a gentle tubeless puncture on my TDM 900 five years ago. I do still ride my two tubed-tyre classics, but for my main rider, I feel safer on my Street Twin. At 72, I don't think I'd bounce as well as I did at 25. So practicality over looks, I'm afraid. I agree that spokes look nicer, but...

 

How about a Yamaha MT09? Perhaps the Tracer variant, or perhaps the MT07, if weight is an issue?

 

Yes again i feel no mater what model you pick you have to complete the suspension upgrades. I just done the rear for progressive on my 900 Bonnie. And waiting to install the front progressive springs. My street triple is not comfortable any more on the pathetic roads we pay through the nose for. It hits the pot holes and loses drive then clunks back on getting the grip again just seems to be ripping the engine to bits.
Joe.