A smaller, lighter, nimble stable mate to the CB?

[the_undecider_imp]

The scrambler looks fun and it does check off a lot of boxes. Sometimes, I look at a bike and I just don't like it as much as I should. It even goes as far as me having a high level of admiration for the bike, yet no desire to actually own one. This can me said of most Ducati models save for the Diavel (not a cruiser guy) or super sports (not a sport bike guy). Every Ducati I have ridden (all of 2 times) has put a smile on my face. They sound and feel amazing. I am also fearful of their reliability (probably mostly unfounded) and maintenance costs (pretty well justified when I generally do my own work on simpler machines). I think they are a little too "exotic" for my taste.

I think I have come to the realization that a lightweight, compact, reasonably powerful, all road (dirt) capable motorcycle with luggage cases and good wind protection doesn't really exist. Actually, I knew that, but finding mix of two bikes to cover that spectrum has led me to the conclusion that my CB doesn't exactly fit in where I would like. Whatever I decide, it will be a compromise in some way. My choices of what I might do are:

1.) Buy a big ADV bike like a Super Tenere or V Strom 1000. They are big and heavy, but fulfill the comfort and power desire. The CB becomes my "small" bike. Other than being a little portly for it's size, the CB feels compact and the way I have it setup feels pretty sporty.

2.) KLR650 - not a lot of power, but will go anywhere I care to ride. Big dual sports are my kind of cruiser due to their comfort and lumpy engine character. KLR would be my sloppy weather bike and not require constant detailing. I miss that aspect of riding.

3.) Sell the CB to be able to afford a Middleweight sport tourer like the new FJ09 or a used Triumph Tiger 1050. Then, find a used DRZ400, DR650, XR650L.

See, this is why I am the_undecider!

[redbirds_imp]

The scrambler looks fun and it does check off a lot of boxes. Sometimes, I look at a bike and I just don't like it as much as I should. It even goes as far as me having a high level of admiration for the bike, yet no desire to actually own one. This can me said of most Ducati models save for the Diavel (not a cruiser guy) or super sports (not a sport bike guy). Every Ducati I have ridden (all of 2 times) has put a smile on my face. They sound and feel amazing. I am also fearful of their reliability (probably mostly unfounded) and maintenance costs (pretty well justified when I generally do my own work on simpler machines). I think they are a little too "exotic" for my taste.

I think I have come to the realization that a lightweight, compact, reasonably powerful, all road (dirt) capable motorcycle with luggage cases and good wind protection doesn't really exist. Actually, I knew that, but finding mix of two bikes to cover that spectrum has led me to the conclusion that my CB doesn't exactly fit in where I would like. Whatever I decide, it will be a compromise in some way. My choices of what I might do are:

1.) Buy a big ADV bike like a Super Tenere or V Strom 1000. They are big and heavy, but fulfill the comfort and power desire. The CB becomes my "small" bike. Other than being a little portly for it's size, the CB feels compact and the way I have it setup feels pretty sporty.

2.) KLR650 - not a lot of power, but will go anywhere I care to ride. Big dual sports are my kind of cruiser due to their comfort and lumpy engine character. KLR would be my sloppy weather bike and not require constant detailing. I miss that aspect of riding.

3.) Sell the CB to be able to afford a Middleweight sport tourer like the new FJ09 or a used Triumph Tiger 1050. Then, find a used DRZ400, DR650, XR650L.

See, this is why I am the_undecider!

As a former owner of a Tiger 1050 I can attest that it is a superb machine with excellent handling and brakes that also makes a decent sport tourer. Be aware however, that early models (2007 thru early 2008) often had serious problems with oil consumption and cracked pistons. I was fortunate that my 2007 was mostly trouble free for the 5+ years I owned it. Battery maintenance is especially important on the Tiger as a low battery can lead to sprag clutch damage and costly repairs. If you get a later model (2009 on) you are unlikely to have any serious issues as long as the bike is properly serviced. Also be aware that the Tiger is not an ADV bike and is out of it's element on anything other than well maintained dirt roads. The Tiger triple has a gem of a motor with great torque from idle to red line and an intoxicating exhaust snarl common to most three cyl bikes.

[rboe]

With so many good bikes being made today, there should many that would put a smile on your face and be easy to live with.

After seeing the video, kinda makes we wonder if that would be a good addition to the fleet. I suspect though, that with my long inseam it would simply be a poor fit. And too heavy for my skill set.

[ClassicVW_imp]

Rboe, I sat on the Ducati Scrambler at the bike show. I have a 34" inseam and it wasn't small to me. It also felt very light, very controllable, reminded me of my recent '78 CB400 twin.

[the_undecider_imp]

Well, I decided...to get another V Strom 650! It's a 2013 with 7500 miles.

It's comfortable, smooth, provides good wind protection, and it'll handle any road. I decided I valued this more than light and extremely nimble. It's no heavier than the Versys. This is the newest redesign with standard ABS. This one has some farkles done including Givi top case, adjustable Givi windscreen, center stand, fork brace, and Ram mount on the dash.

I pick it up Tuesday and drop off the supermoto to consign it.

[url=http://s960.photobucket.com/user/Pflugerville_Bike_Guy/media/20150110_162720_zps08c34723.jpg.html]

[the Ferret]

So you decided... good for you. Congrats man, the 650 Stroms are great little bikes.

[the_undecider_imp]

I had better get my final order in to Mr. T on my CB because I know where my farkle budget is getting appropriated...

[rboe]

Oh great, now we have to call you the_decider. ......

[Cormanus]

Good luck. Glad you figured it.

[redbirds_imp]

Good choice and good luck with the new bike.