All,
I live in Atlanta and currently ride a Monster 695. While I love the bike, and do not really want to trade it in, I'd like to pick up a second bike. I rode a Hypermotard a couple weeks back, and thought about trading the Monster in for it (it is ridiculously fun). However, I checked insurance rates and found that it was pretty much a dealbreaker. I suppose I could have shopped around for insurance, but that sort of reinforced the idea that I really don't need to spend that much cash on a bike anyway. Crunching the numbers, it was as though suddenly I was looking at buying a car.
Here's what I love about the Monster:
a) It is fun around town. It has termi slip ons, ECU and open airbox. Has plenty of torque and HP for my commuting needs, when I evaluate them honestly, and keep the testosterone in check.
b) It is fun in the twisties, which are obviously close by. I like that it is somewhere between a sportbike and a standard, and find that I am faster on this slower bike, than I was on the faster bikes I've owned (a Hayabusa, actually).
What I do not like so much about the Monster:
a) Highway driving is not so fun, though admittedly I do little of it (I am either in the city, or in the mountains, or on my way to the mountains).
b) I wouldn't mind a little more low-end "oomph." I'd love to get something that caters a little bit more to the naughty side of me. If something that had enough torque to pull a wheelie came along, I would not complain.
c) I wouldn't mind something that I could take with my buddy who rides a BMW GS1150 for a little adventure riding.
So, long story short, what kind of bike should I get as a second bike?
Criterion:
a) I do not want to spend a lot of money, so I am looking primarily at used bikes (say $6K on the top end)
b) I do not want to spend a lot on insurance
c) I am not interested in a sportbike
Early contenders include the KLR, the DR-Z 400SM, the DR 650. I do not like KTMs. Anyone have thoughts on a good compliment to the 695?
Y'know, I'm in pretty much the same place you are. Looking for a second bike, love my '02 620, but want something for longer trips. Sounds like you're looking more for a dual purpose, tho, where I'm looking for something with some highway manners and luggage space. I rode the DRZ-400 last year, nice bike. Good on the dirt, acceptable on the street.
Not to jack your thread, but if anyone has any firsthand info on the Honda PC800, I'd be interested in hearing it.
Thanks.
My friend has the DR 650 which he primarily uses as a dirt bike and doesn't like it at all. If you're just looking for something that you can take off road but not go hardcore crazy then I wouldn't see it as a dealbreaker.
You might dig a KTM 950 Adventure, it's a totally different kind of bike but a good complement to your buddy's GS and like the name says, it is a pure adventure bike. You can find them used at a decent price though likely closer to 7-8k than 6.
If you want something like a Hyper or a DRZ but you are already complaining about the highway manners of the Monster then I would suggest the Multistrada. It is like a Hyper with much better wind protection and comfort.
A side note on the DRZ. Everyone I meet who has one says they would trade it in a heart beat for my Husky 450 SMR. The funny thing is they all ended up paying the same OTD as the Husky because the Suzuki dealers charge so much in dealer fees that the price is the same. The Husky has much more power, far less weight, and much better suspension and brakes.
Thanks for all the advice all - keep it going. I really like the Husqvarna TE 610. Not exactly more polite on the highway, but passes all other criteria with flying colors. Plus, it is quite nice looking.
+1 on the 950 adventure
But a good bang for buck adventure bike is a used F650 GS... I am in the market for one of those right now.
Let us know what you get
My suggestions:
1.Hypermotard
2.Multistrada
I don't think you can go wrong with this two picks.Or go the other way and get a KTM 690
test ride the Husky, you won't be disappointed and there's a few simple things you can do to get more oomph out of the 610.
Quote from: Dareduc on June 15, 2008, 07:22:16 PM
+1 on the 950 adventure
But a good bang for buck adventure bike is a used F650 GS... I am in the market for one of those right now.
Let us know what you get
I was going to suggest one of the older ones, an Aprilia-built 2000>. I have a '99 and I love it. It was the first thing that came to mind when you mentioned "adventure ridiing". You can find out all about them at www.f650.com. Lo-mile, nicely farkled versions regularly go for ~$3k.
Don't they get totally righteous gas mileage as well? something like 60+mpg
Quote from: factorPlayer on June 15, 2008, 08:54:08 PM
Don't they get totally righteous gas mileage as well? something like 60+mpg
The later fuel injected ones do, the early carbed models get around 45-50. IMO, the later bikes aren't nearly as good, or as user serviceable, as the early ones. For instance, the BMW fuel injection is a closely guarded secret, and can be problematic. BMW doesn't sell ECU upgrades like Ducati does.
Then again, if you get a bike that works, wtf?
I'm all for Dual purpose bikes! I would take a hard look at DR 650s. Yes, they are heavy for tight single tracks, but, they will take you across long distances and have the ability to go off road! My friend just bought a KTM 640 adv, so naturaly, my next bike will be the DR650 (short legs), which, will be used to EXPLORE the Trans Am. Trail and Alaska at a later date in time. With that said, you can lace up 17 inch rims and have your self a supermoto/hooligan bike/work horse! IMO it is a "do-it-all" bike due to its ability to travel beyond paved roads, it's road manners (More importantly, Highways (if thats your style!)) and it's nice low end grunt!
BTW they can be had for 4 g's at ADVrider.com. Also, most are hooked up with larger tanks for greater recon. range! ;) [moto]
The DR is definitely on the short list. But, as others have mentioned, when you farkle it and get it out the door, it ends up costing similarly (at least close enough for me) to the Husky, which is far more aesthetically pleasing to me.
That said, the Zook is bulletproof and I have dealers all over the place to work on it. So points there.
I just bought an 06 KLR, and all I need to say is... 6.1 gallon tank!!! Time to plan out a road trip.
I like how the ride is so high up, you can see any hazards up ahead, OVER the other cars. I hate how it buffets so much on the freeway, and the brakes are absolute crap compared to Brembos. Really, the difference in stopping power is substantial.
At first I was set on a DR650 due to the lower seat height... I can barely put the balls of both feet down on the KLR, but I decided to just deal with it. Compared to the Monster, this bike is FUGLY... the KLR was virtually unchanged for 20 years with 2008 being an all new model. Think, 70's/80's design. But I guess thats also a good thing, cause we know the bike is tried and true.
So, admittedly I didn't read your whole post, but I saw where you wanted more low end on your monster.
Do you have a 14 tooth front sprocket? If not, get it. It'll make you wonder why it didn't come that was from the factory. Totally different bike!
Yes, I have a 14T sprocket on the 695 and agree that it has transformed the way the bike has handled, for sure. That said, I still want to add to the collection.
Ideally, I think I'd possess three bikes:
1) Monster - for around the city toolin' around.
2) Sport Tourer - for, uh, sport touring.
3) Supermotard - for being naughty.
Could probably make a case for a fourth too - a track weapon 600 or something.
Quote from: Wonked on June 27, 2008, 06:33:59 AM
Ideally, I think I'd possess three bikes:
Could probably make a case for a fourth too -
Why stop there?
///dreaming of a barn full of bikes...
The 2nd bike I've really wanted for some time now is some type of Supermoto. The DRZ-400 would be great, there's also a Husky SM that is getting killer reviews and is much nicer than the DRZ ~
JM
Ah, good thread! I've been drooling over GS's and KTM's for months now. Hopefully have a Alaska trip planned here in the near future, but I need to get the bike first.
How much road/dirt bias are you looking for?
If I was going to get another bike, I would get a sport Classic 1000,, love that retro look.
Shop around for insurance prices. When I bought my 998 in November I switched ALL my insurance to State Farm. I had my Monster with Progressive, my car with GEICO, my house with Virginia Farm Bureau. Putting it all together save a bundle, and not just because of mutli-plan discounts. State Farm's bike coverage is MUCH cheaper.
funny i was thinking the same thing, the 620 i have is so convenient for commuting and around town taht i can't get rid of it, just start and go no worries with warming up, has termi etc, its so dialed in for just everyday riding with no hassles that its "TOO" convenient to get rid of.
so i was thinking either a bmw f800st for more of a fared bike for longer trips or a 01 748 ducati.. i know totally different directions with both and both are so totally different than the monster... but damn wish i had about another 15k dollars extra i would get both. right now still leaning toward a 748 even thoguh its very impractical.
You should own a superbike at least once. Because if you never do, you'll always wonder what it's like. I now know it's impractical, uncomfortable, but also fun and super sexy. I want to track my 998 one time before deciding whether or not to sell it.
Don't laugh at me, but I traded in a Hayabusa for the 695. I've done the insane horsepower thing - fun, but not the highest priority for me.
Quote from: Wonked on June 29, 2008, 06:17:33 PM
Don't laugh at me, but I traded in a Hayabusa for the 695. I've done the insane horsepower thing - fun, but not the highest priority for me.
Trust me... we would have laughed at you on the Hayabusa. A Monster is 100 times cooler than a hay bus.
My other bike, which I ride way more than my Monster....
KTM 950 Adventure. A go anywhere bike. Riding along the highway and see somewhere you would like to go that is unpaved? On this bike just aim and go. It is way more capable than I am. Just got back yesterday from a 5 day 3,000 mile trip from Texas to Florida and return with about 20% of the time offroad. This weekend, a trip to the Texas Hill country, and at the end of the month jeep trails in the Colorado Rockies.
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii13/CenterlineF4/KTM%20950/cpd950.jpg)
Centerline, Looks like we have the same style in bikes. I've seen you post on tw200, adv, and now here [moto].
Anyways, did you end up lowering your ADV? How much did it end up costing if you did.
A
Bulldogs, yes...paid $400 to have it professionally lowered by 1 1/2". Still handles like it is on rails, very quick to turn in, even with the 21" hoop up front and holds a line very well.
With the lowering and a low seat, now I can firmly plant both feet at a stop.
Quote from: Centerline on July 01, 2008, 02:04:14 PM
Bulldogs, yes...paid $400 to have it professionally lowered by 1 1/2". Still handles like it is on rails, very quick to turn in, even with the 21" hoop up front and holds a line very well.
With the lowering and a low seat, now I can firmly plant both feet at a stop.
I sat on a GS1200 with low seat and was able to tippy toe on one foot. I want to sit on a ADV 990 to see how I fair. So far, if I had to buy a long range ADV bike, it is looking like the new GS800. Only thing getting in my way of buying that bike is the monster. [evil] Still trying to find a way to have both. [coffee]