I now keep my fireblade in a heated carpeted garage, and it always looks great now, I used to ride it in all weather, and get dirty but the novelty of that has worn off a little I have been thinking, what if I got something cheap that wouldn't matter so much if it got wet or dirty and, dare I say it, a bit more comfortable for a 6ft4 giant I have also thought about enduros for a long time, but i think it might be a bit better to have something that can go on the motorway too either that, or im gonna buy another car
So what you’re saying is “get a winter hack but use it whenever it’s raining”? I think there’s a few people that do that and I also think you shouldn’t feel bad about it.
i guess it would be a winter hack, but i like showing off so wouldnt really go for a total hack, something interesting at least but cheap. I dont know much about bikes really, so not sure what someone might recommend?
By the sound of it whatever you eventually get, as soon as it gets wet and dirty you'll have the hose on it.
i did fancy a ktm 690, for no good reason, other than i liked the look of it I think mine is a bit too nice to be relegated just yet Aprilla interesting because they are always broken? I think i'd get told off if i bought another fireblade
actually, looking at the KTM, its probably the more sensible sort of thing, and has ABS of the none-deadly Honda variety
I don’t think there’s any modern ABS these days that has quite the reputation of Honda’s C-ABS. I’d be happy to have any other bike with ABS, as long as I can disable it for the track.
Ill probably never track any bike, but my blade doesnt have ABS, its not something I actually realised modern bikes had, along with all the electronics that they evidently do. I do remember thinking that I'd enjoy the totally non-electronic environment coming from a ridiculous BMW 750 I have spun the wheel a few times, done a few accidental wheelies and skidded when braking, but every time its been ok, worst skid was in Matlock bath, but as I was doing about 15mph when it spun, it just kept going. It makes me wonder how much better it would be with all the electronics on it, is it really going to stop you throwing it into a ditch?
Often yes. Afaiaa, all bikes manufactured after a certain date and cc’s have to have ABS from the factory.
Sounds to me like you need - a BMW GS !! Yes, BMW GS time ! Adventure model below. There must be a ton of them second hand as they have been the best selling bike in the UK since - about the last 20 years You will have to get one of those peaked helmets though - to go on proper Adventures Why not eh ? Or a KTM 990 Adventure
well, im only 40 for starters, everyone i have met on an adventure bike seems to be over 60! the KTM looks nice though, but they are mahoosive, although i do wonder now...
Noted they are popular with older riders, but Chris from 44 Teeth rides one and loves it. Not sure he is even 40 yet - anyway certainly not an older rider. For you taller riders I would have thought the Adventure bikes are made for you - 900mm seat heights ! The KTM 990 is really light when you first sit on it and lift it off the side stand - no where near as heavy as it looks. You would have to look at some of the known issues though - although I believe nothing scary in a well maintained one. There are others - the 1050, 1190, 1290 Anyway, just a thought .......
I fancy a KTM300 2 stroke myself, no idea if they are good or bad but it's an itch I've wanted to scratch for a while now so am on the lookout for one.
that's a great looking bike, my first Blade and in those co!ours too. PX,d my VFR for it. Certainly noticed the difference.
