My quest to find a better bike

[Tev62]

" Trying to find a better bike is fun" That is probably the same as trying to find a better girl friend : you might not find one but is nice trying them out !

Yes, but it's like trying to get test rides, many don't offer them!

[Hovmod_imp]

Just popping in to add three more bikes test ridden:

-Indian FTR1200: The bike I was given had a fw issue which made it a frustratingly sputtering mess at town speeds until it was properly warm, that was interesting. It was easier than my 900SS with Keihins, but still. It’s a powerful bike, and I don’t recommend the jumpy version. Once warmed up, it changed into a different kind of beast: I loved the noise from the twin 1200, and it had power instantly available pretty much across the revs. A delightful push after an upshift, but also plenty to spare all the way to the redline at 9,000 or so. It handles with ease, although I didn’t love how the front end seemed to want to lift off when gunning it. I had a blast, the FTR1200 is fun as hell! (It was never a contender in my Quest, but I couldn’t let the opportunity go). I’d love to have one, but not as my only bike.

Yamaha Tracer 900 GT (2020): I was sincerely hoping that the Tracer would check a lot of boxes, and although it has plenty power, lots of touring friendly details, is ready for luggage and pillion, and certainly handles well, it just didn’t appeal. Oh, and the price is very competitive. But I didn’t *like* it. The 900 triple had power across the board, but it failed to wow me. I didn’t like the noise it made either, a stressful high pitched farty sound which didn’t inspire. I am sure I’d learn to like it more with more time, but one hour didn’t win me over.

Ducati Multistrada 950S: short listed. Fun. Power everywhere, great noise, a perfect mixture of elegant confidence, modern high tech, and madness. I loved how it handled in twisties, and it was very chill on the higheay. I’d need a slightly larger wind screen, and I have to bring my lovely gf to test her seating and comfort, but I have already asked for a quote, this might happen. They had a used Multistrada V4 Enduro, I am also waiting for a quote for that.

It wasn’t as mind blowing as the Pan America, but it costs 1/3 less.

[Stichill_imp]

" Trying to find a better bike is fun" That is probably the same as trying to find a better girl friend : you might not find one but is nice trying them out !

Yes, but it's like trying to get test rides, many don't offer them!

Yes, but it's like trying to get test rides, many don't offer them!

[Scotty_imp]

Hovmod, I'm going to test ride the PanAmerican too. (Never thought I'd have said that.)
But, have you seen the teaser just released for the next Harley coming out with the same Revolution motor? I suspect it'll be something kinda like the FTR.

[rboe]

One review, and on paper, that Yamaha 900 sounds impressive. This is why test rides are so important. What floats your boat may not move another.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Just popping in to add three more bikes test ridden:

-Indian FTR1200: The bike I was given had a fw issue which made it a frustratingly sputtering mess at town speeds until it was properly warm, that was interesting. It was easier than my 900SS with Keihins, but still. It’s a powerful bike, and I don’t recommend the jumpy version. Once warmed up, it changed into a different kind of beast: I loved the noise from the twin 1200, and it had power instantly available pretty much across the revs. A delightful push after an upshift, but also plenty to spare all the way to the redline at 9,000 or so. It handles with ease, although I didn’t love how the front end seemed to want to lift off when gunning it. I had a blast, the FTR1200 is fun as hell! (It was never a contender in my Quest, but I couldn’t let the opportunity go). I’d love to have one, but not as my only bike.

Yamaha Tracer 900 GT (2020): I was sincerely hoping that the Tracer would check a lot of boxes, and although it has plenty power, lots of touring friendly details, is ready for luggage and pillion, and certainly handles well, it just didn’t appeal. Oh, and the price is very competitive. But I didn’t *like* it. The 900 triple had power across the board, but it failed to wow me. I didn’t like the noise it made either, a stressful high pitched farty sound which didn’t inspire. I am sure I’d learn to like it more with more time, but one hour didn’t win me over.

Ducati Multistrada 950S: short listed. Fun. Power everywhere, great noise, a perfect mixture of elegant confidence, modern high tech, and madness. I loved how it handled in twisties, and it was very chill on the higheay. I’d need a slightly larger wind screen, and I have to bring my lovely gf to test her seating and comfort, but I have already asked for a quote, this might happen. They had a used Multistrada V4 Enduro, I am also waiting for a quote for that.

It wasn’t as mind blowing as the Pan America, but it costs 1/3 less.

Good feedback Hovmod - useful to view through other eyes.

[Scotty_imp]

Went to the HD dealership to see the new PanAm. The lowering suspension is an option, on top of the optioned "S" model and this one didn't have it. As such, it was too tall for me - I was on toes each side. They were also tacking on $4500. I guess they're selling well.

[Hovmod_imp]

The lowering option was missing on the one I rode as well, and it was quite a bit too tall for me too. I have to scoot my butt to the side to reach. Same on an Africa Twin. I don’t enjoy that, but once on, the PanAm made me forget any complaints, because getting *that* much grunt from *that* engine was simply exhillarating!

Norway is getting like three this year. The entire country. It may be they’re all selling, but manufacturimg is having a cuss pandemic and they’re not making anywhere near enough. PanAm, MV Turismo, Tracer 9 GT, Multistrada 950, they’re all spread thin. Which is kind of pushing me to act when my instinct is to chill.

[Henrik_imp]

It does sound to me like the Multistrada 950 would be the perfect bike to change to for you. It seems to tick all your boxes, and comes with the benefit of having basically the same engine as in the Supersport!

Since you are on a roll of testing different bikes though, I really can recommend that you have a go on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC. Living with it now for a few weeks, I really can't say enough good things about it! If nothing else, I am sure you would have a fun ride.

[Hovmod_imp]

Good tip, the Scrambler looks awesome and I’ve only heard good things. I’d have the same issues as I do on the CB1100, though: strong, naked bike with no protection. I would put the Scrambler in roughly the same set of bikes as the RS, is that silly?

Edit: I’d just keep the Honda, is what I’m thinking.