What should be my post-LAMS motorbike of choice?

[Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 10:33
Last edited 04/06/2020 - 11:05

So I've had Ls for a few months now, very much enjoying gaining skills and becoming a better rider. I'm on a new ish CBR300RA, which is fantastic as it's light, has enough power, looks decent, and it feels like the used Corolla of the bike world.

However, there's no getting past that you can't really ride it on the highway for more than 20 minutes, and it sounds like a whippersnipper. Therefore I am starting to think about my next bike (to purchase in a year or so when I graduate to full license). I'm thinking naked, sports, or a sports or adventure tourer. Definitely not a cruiser, adventure, or dualsport.

Things I need:
* comfort - I want to go for long-ish rides on this thing with a couple days gear, but also commute.
* not too heavy - not sure whether it's me being new or what but I find it very difficult to manoeuvre the bike at low speeds and mine's light as. Grabbed a Triumph Tiger 800 in a shop the other day and lord, could barely shift it off the stand.
* reliable - I don't want a project, that'll come later.
* looks - I don't like supersport bikes or 'sharp'/angled bikes - also, no awful colours and patterns. Looking at you Kawasaki green. I like understated. Also a fan of the cafe-style.
* sound - not like a sewing machine. Other than that I'm not fussy. High revving fourbangers are great, grunty engines are great. Not a fan of Harley type sounds but that's not likely for what I'm looking for anyway.

Examples of some things I've been considering so far:
* BMW R1100s
* Honda VFR800fi
* Honda CBR650FA
* Yamaha XSR900
* Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor
* Triumph Bonneville T100
* BMW F850GS

Love to hear your thoughts, riders of OzB, any left of field options or suggestions.

P.s. budget would be round 10k.

Automotive

Comments

  • nomoneynoproblems on 04/06/2020 - 10:43
    +4

    Consider the MT 07 or 09 too. They look great, priced reasonably well and hammer.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 11:05
      +1

      I've heard good things but honestly I can't stand the look of them, they look like a transformer haha.

  • shamid202 on 04/06/2020 - 10:48
    +2

    CBR300RA? I thought you wrote Canberra

    • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 11:04

      Hahah basically.

  • pegaxs on 04/06/2020 - 11:01

    Ducati V4R… But seriously, a budget would be handy…

    Things I need:
    * comfort - Then look at adventure bikes
    * not too heavy - Then look at naked sports tourers
    * reliable - Then look at a car.
    * looks - Then get a retro cafe style bike
    * sound - Then get a twin or a triple.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 11:04
      +3

      Oh true I forgot about budget. I'll edit the OP, but I wouldn't spend more than 10k I'd say.

      I also don't think your reply was very helpful! I would like something that is a compromise between all of those things, not one of each. And I wouldn't say a bike is any less reliable than a car so that was an odd comment.

      • pegaxs on 04/06/2020 - 11:11
        +1

        If that's the case, for under $10k, don't discount a Ducati Scrambler or Multistrada out of the mix.

        The Scrambler has that "retro style" and that "exhaust note" as well as being able to be bought for well under $10k for a near new, low km used bike. The same engine basically for the last 30 years, near bulletproof and very reliable. They come in 400cc (ewww) 800cc (the sweet spot) or 1,100cc (too much money).

        You can get a reasonably new (2010ish) Multistrada for just under $10k that will have pretty low km on them. They are very comfortable to ride and are built for carrying lots of gear for long trips and are great as commuter bikes in and around traffic. Plus the distinctive "v twin" sound… (not anything like that Harley racket…)

        InB4: "aLL DuCaTi BiKeS NeEd VaLvEs AnD BeLts EvErY 5,o0oKm…" No, no they don't.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 11:22

          They seem like decent options, I'm not sure I can be a guy with a Ducati but I will definitely keep them in mind.

          Definitely don't think of Ducati or Italian bikes (or cars…) generally when you think of reliability but I'm absolutely willing to do the research and if it works it works ya know.

          • pegaxs on 04/06/2020 - 11:32

            @[Deactivated]: I have and still own a lot of Ducati motorcycles (3 at present) and have owned a lot of them over the last 20+ years. If you were looking at a 2003 or earlier model, yeah, they can be a bit of an issue, but so can any bike of that age. I've never had any issues with any of the ones I have ever owned or currently own and they are as reliable as any Honda or Suzuki I have owned.

            BUT!, like you said, they are Italian, so with that, means they can be a little over the top at service time. But that being said, with the modern ones, the belts don't have to be replaced for 24,000km (up from the older 10,000km engines) Other than that, it's just oils/fluids.

            At least go down and have a look at one. Listen to one… mmmmmm :D

            I just threw them into the mix since you mentioned BMW (over priced, usually high km and "European"), Triumph (WTF? The Land Rover of motorcycles??) and Royal Enfield (You do know these things are made in India with really poor quality parts? I own a 350 Classic.)

            • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 12:14

              @pegaxs: That's totally fair and I'm glad you've had a great experience with them! You have a lot of bikes too, wow.

              I'll definitely watch some vids and stuff and might add one to my shortlist. Saw a beautiful white supersports Ducati (maybe an 848?) at a bike shop the other day, man that thing was a stunner.

              I think BMWs reputation is a bit different from the other Euros but maybe that's just my opinion. But also I'm biased cause I've owned BMW cars so I would love to have another BMW badge around.

              I also know triumph are dodgy but they are very cool haha, and yes RE is made in India but from what I understand the export models are better quality than the domestic market models. The Himalayan just seems like a very cool and indestructible bike, and the twin cylinder ones are v cool. Those two models are newer as well and I hear they've stepped up their quality.

            • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 12:23
              +3

              @pegaxs: What's wrong with triumph? I've only ridden the Daytona and Speed and I thought very highly of them. If I had permission, I would have bought the triumph Rocket.

              • nomoneynoproblems on 04/06/2020 - 13:05

                @[Deactivated]: Tripple and the Daytona are some of the best bikes in the last decade so no idea what he's on about lol

                • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 13:26

                  @nomoneynoproblems: Maybe it's the other models I havent ridden.

                  I know a lot of the retro styled bikes look great but are mechanically inferior.

                • pegaxs on 04/06/2020 - 14:21

                  @nomoneynoproblems: Some of the "best" bikes in the last decade? You are joking right? This is sarcasm, right? While some of the models are not bad, but to suggest that they are "the best" is a bit of a long shot or a troll at best.

                  While I don't mind the 675 Daytona, I certainly wouldn't buy it over an equivalent Honda. I also wouldn't rate it as "some of the best bikes in the last decade." Good, yeah, not to shabby… Best bike of the last decade… meh, not so much.

                  The only other Triumph I would even consider buying would be the Thruxton R, and only because of how it looks (And even then I would buy a Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer or Kawasaki Z900RS for half the price…) If I'm shopping in that price area, the Thruxton is competing with the BMW Nine T Racer. If I'm paying BMW prices, I want a BMW, not a Triumph…

                  Either way, count me out of this pissing competition. I have spent enough time working on and fixing Triumphs. I have owned enough of them to know I would never touch/own another one. It's like anything though, your experience with them may have been positive, mine has been overwhelmingly negative. I was just offering that if someone is going to throw money at a "lifestyle" brand, then they can do better than "Triumph".

                  • nomoneynoproblems on 05/06/2020 - 00:36
                    -1

                    @pegaxs: Lol ok dude. You put up with 3 ducs and you're ragging on bmw and triumph. Please tell me your the one that's joking.

                    • pegaxs on 05/06/2020 - 08:44

                      @nomoneynoproblems: A: The V4R was a jab at OP lack of budget. I’m pretty sure that a near $70,000 motorcycle was never a serious suggestion. But please, name one bike that Triumph make that comes anywhere close to the V4R.

                      B: At no point did I rag on BMW. BMW make some fine bikes. They are expensive though. And if you have a look around on sales sites, BMW bikes tend to have a lot of km on them, as they predominantly build big, reliable touring oriented bikes. But being BMW, owners tend to overvalue their used 175,000km R1200GS’s…

                      C: If you actually read my post instead of getting all butt hurt, you will notice that I never made any outrageous claims that Ducati were “some of the best bikes from the last decade.” I also went on to say that if OP was considering other “lifestyle” brands from Europe, that Ducati also offered some bikes that would fit OP’s requirements and budget. I never said that they are a must buy, but only that OP should consider them as another alternative to the already mentioned Euro brands.

                      D: I don’t “put up” with any Ducati motorcycle that I own. All of mine have been a pleasure to own. You see, what I don’t “put up” with, is shit motorcycles, hence the reason I do not own any Triumph motorcycles, because they are a motorcycle that requires “putting up” with. My Ducati bikes just require fuel, a leg over and a twist of the wrist. I keep buying Ducati motorcycles because I’ve never had an issue with any of them. I have never had to “put up” with any Ducati motorcycle I have ever owned. My Triumphs on the other hand…

                      • nomoneynoproblems on 05/06/2020 - 09:03
                        -1

                        @pegaxs: Lol butt hurt. Says the person that goes on tirade and probably negged me. Triumph don't have a bike in the same class as a v4r so draw that bow further.

                        The daytona and tripple have been and are best in class bikes for the last 10 years so dismissing then as "Land Rovers" is just lol. You obviously have an affinity for ducs and anyone with a brain would never claim ducs as some of the best bikes, so I will give you credit for that. ;)

                        • pegaxs on 05/06/2020 - 09:14
                          +1

                          @nomoneynoproblems:

                          The daytona and tripple have been and are best in class bikes for the last 10 years

                          Lol..Ok champ… if you say so…

                          You obviously have an affinity for ducs

                          Absolutely. Why wouldn't I keep buying bikes that just work? I mean, I could just buy a Honda or a Suzuki and be a soulless consumer instead, I guess?

                          And at no point did I claim Ducati were the "best" (unlike some outrageous Triumph owners claim), but just that they are a viable alternative if considering other Euro bikes…

                          dismissing then as "Land Rovers" is just lol.

                          Claims to be made in England, actually made in Thailand, dubious/questionable quality/reliability, over priced… Kinda sounds like Land Rover, minus the Chinese ownership part…

                          Either way, count me out of this pissing competition.

                          Anyway, as I said before, you're in some pissing competition, I was only offering an alternative. It's up to OP what they want to do and where they want to spend their money.

  • netbies on 04/06/2020 - 11:46

    I am also looking for a new bike, would Kawa vulcan another choice?

    • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 12:14
      +1

      Oh not for me, I'm not into cruisers!

  • theHMASfriendship on 04/06/2020 - 12:14
    +1

    sound

    Aprilia Tuono. I can personally vouch for the sound as I have one.

    I'd look to the middleweight naked class as a great bang for buck segment that is comfortable for commuting, still lightweight, and can do a bit of touring in a pinch. More recent bikes will be largely reliable (say 2015+) and can be had within budget. Riding without a windscreen isn't too bad for the longish rides and you can add a windscreen for trips.

    For that money, look at MT-07/09 or XSR700/900 (cafe style version), Street Triple 765 (these sound great, especially the intake sound), Z900 or z900RS (cafe style version) if you're partial to the sound of a 4-banger, KTM 790 duke.

  • brendanm on 04/06/2020 - 13:30

    BMW r100 cafe racer. Have never ridden one but nearly impulse bought you on gumtree because they look so cool.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 14:20

      Your lower back thanks you.

      • brendanm on 04/06/2020 - 14:29

        It's already gone, may as well continue its destruction in style. They just look so good though.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2020 - 14:35

          Like you, I was soooo enamoured with the looks. I swapped my ride with a mate who had a proper vintage neo-resto cafe racer.

          After the first leg of our ride, I couldn't see myself owning one in my lifetime, save as a torture apparatus.

  • Mechz on 04/06/2020 - 16:09

    Not sure on the bikes but if you have budget, get a second hand WR450F or CRF450 and go do some low speed practice in the state parks navgating some single track.

  • Sawtell on 04/06/2020 - 16:57
    +3

    Kawasaki Z900RS - might be a bit above your price tho.

    • pegaxs on 04/06/2020 - 18:19
      +1

      Super nice bike. I like these as well, but a little too new for OP’s price range.

      I rode one of these when they came out as I was considering buying one, and it was such a nice bike to ride. Comfortable seat, good rider position easy to ride it long distance without much issue and the smooth engine with plenty of torque that I expected from Kawasaki.

      Only thing that stopped me was the wait time on the colour that I wanted, but will address the purchase now there there is more stock and some low km used ones kicking around..l

    • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2020 - 08:35

      Great looking bike! Will see if they drop into my bracket in a year or so.

  • Nevergreen on 05/06/2020 - 08:33
    +2

    Honda VFR800 … legendary best all rounder .. lovely V4 motor and exhaust note.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2020 - 08:35

      Yes! I've been looking at those, they do seem like a perfect all-rounder and I'd be happy to stick with Hondas.

      • theHMASfriendship on 05/06/2020 - 10:32
        +1

        They are heavy though.

        • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2020 - 12:22

          Yes that's my biggest fear with a lot of these big step up bikes is the weight. I'm not a tiny or weak dude but yeah, just seems hard.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2020 - 09:23

    So what's LAMS?

    • dirtybigbjelke on 05/06/2020 - 09:31

      Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme. It replaced the old 250cc limit and introduced a power to weight ratio for beginner riders. Seems like the OP is in NSW as it's 3 years on LAMs in Vic.

      • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2020 - 12:21

        Correct, I'm in NSW - but there's a rule where if you're over 25 and have a full drivers license you can skip one of the levels (green Ps I believe?). So 3 months on Ls, 1yr on red Ps, fulls.

  • dirtybigbjelke on 05/06/2020 - 09:38

    Get the XSR if you are in to the naked look. I have a 650 Interceptor and it's great you could tour on it easily but it has a few compromises for long multi day touring.

  • Bargainbattles on 05/06/2020 - 09:50

    What about a gs500 ? 180 kg . People make them into cafe racers . However they don't sound the best

  • quarkgun on 05/06/2020 - 11:04
    +1

    I'm in the same position - i'm now on full license in NSW and looking for good middle weight nakeds… so many to choose from!

    • quarkgun on 05/06/2020 - 11:05
      +2

      My current crush is the Z900RS, my god she's gorgeous

    • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2020 - 12:23

      Oh twins! What's your current ride?

      • quarkgun on 05/06/2020 - 13:58

        I'm currently on a 2011 Honda CB400. It's been a great bike to learn on, and to be honest, haven't reached its limits, but human nature always wants more :)

        • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2020 - 14:02

          Ah no way! I found out about those recently, don't see many around but they are very cool. I'm super jealous. Sounds a lot less sewing-machine-y than mine ;)

          But yeah I know what you mean, same for me. Plenty of power but you always want a bit more.

  • Spending2Much on 05/06/2020 - 11:29
    +1

    V-strom 650

    Mix between sports tourer and has off-road capability. More than capable as long term bitumen tourer.
    If your looking at an 850GS, consider the V-Strom XT

    I ride adventure bikes, had an FZ6R bit was restricted in where I could go with it. Bitumen gets boring real quick when your touring and want to see the sights

    • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2020 - 12:23

      It's annoying because I'm 100% on board with everything about this suggestion but I just can't get behind the looks of those bikes. We'll see, I may eventually be persuaded.

  • rake on 05/06/2020 - 11:48
    +1

    Does the riding position matter to you? I personally prefer upright riding position.. Especially if I'm riding for long distance. My suggestion to you is that you test ride the bikes that are in your budget. In the end, you are likely to have short-listed (if not finalised) your choices. The online research and suggestions from others helps,but nothing helps more than a test ride.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2020 - 12:24

      Absolutely, I like a balanced riding position I think. No supersports but definitely not bolt upright. But yes, of course, test riding is the goal - I'm still just at the shortlisting stage for now, full license and savings are a way away yet :)

  • R081N on 05/06/2020 - 15:35
    +1

    Adventure bikes seem to meet all your criteria but I can understand not wanting one because their looks are only beautiful to someone who sees how capable they are. I think the VFR is a good choice & obviously a GREAT bike, & so is the XSR. I will say that choosing one that turns you on is extremely important! I once heard someone say that if you park your bike, walk away & look at it but don't pause to think how beautiful it is, then you bought the wrong bike. 😂 Funny but true

    • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2020 - 15:50

      Yeah mate honestly I completely agree. Adventure bikes are perfect, but I have a boring car for being extremely practical and meeting every one of my criteria. I can't have a motorbike that's the same! Haha. It's gotta meet most of the criteria and also be sexy as you said.

      Yes it's a tool, but it's also a hobby. So compromise is the way forward. I agree that the VFR and the XSR are good options, they're definitely already on the shortlist.

  • Brick Tamland on 05/06/2020 - 18:48
    +1

    Your shortlist is pretty good. I reckon the Honda VFR800fi and CBR650FA would be very suitable. Especially the VFR, they are great value on the second hand market.

    Maybe others to consider:
    Suzuki SV650
    Triumph Street Triple (some caution though as the electronics can be a bit iffy)
    Ducati Monster
    Yamaha FZ series bikes (before the MT's came out)

    • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2020 - 00:20

      Thanks mate! Pretty keen on the VFR, what a sound and great bang for buck. Also keen to shortlist all the CBR650 variants.

  • Pro-crastinator on 05/06/2020 - 21:08
    +3

    Test ride everything you can. Make sure you buy a bike with ABS - could save you a lot of cash if you avoid a drop. My recommendations would be:
    Yamaha MT09 ABS - test ride one, even if you don't like the look - it might grow on you.
    Triumph Street Triple R 675 (ABS) - get the 765 if you can afford but the older one is a great bike too.
    BMW F800R - bit boring (compared to the two above) but user friendly and super easy to ride.

    Would avoid the air cooled Ducati Monsters - I didn't like the ride personally (have also heard servicing and parts for Ducati can be pretty high).

    Japanese bikes are (anecdotally at least) going to be the most reliable. Just to reiterate, it's hard to compare bikes on paper but a test ride will usually rule a lot out that you may have been considering and the bike 'for you' will become more apparent.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2020 - 00:19

      Thanks dude.

      Agree re ABS, current bike has it, will aim for it on the next too.

      I will definitely test as many as I can and try to have a spin on the ones you recommended!

  • thereyougo on 05/06/2020 - 23:23
    +1

    Suzuki DR650,long legs for the freeway, comfort all day long, proven reliability, brand new under 10k. I have a DRZ400e, excellent in the desert and bush, runs out of legs on the freeway, but I can ride it all day long and it's pretty much bullet proof.it was a toss up between the two for me, more off road capibility won over.

    • Spending2Much on 05/06/2020 - 23:42
      +1

      No end of cheap and readily available aftermarket accessories and add-ons for the DR/DRZ.

      You can only ride the DRz all day long when you change the plank of a seat.😂😂
      (DRZilla rider here too)

    • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2020 - 00:16

      I've heard good things about those and think they're awesome, but it's definitely not for me. I don't plan on doing much offroading if any, and I care a little about looks and sound ;)

  • Speckled Jim on 06/06/2020 - 11:35
    +2

    Triumph street triple RS bagged AMCN bike of the year in 2017. Meets most criteria (understated looks, 168kg dry, sounds amazing).
    Only thing is you'd need to try one on to assess longer-range comfort. And they're not really made for touring, but there's sure to be aftermarket storage available.

    When you're buying in a year or so, should fall within your budget (they were ~18K new).

  • Fundies on 19/08/2022 - 17:45

    I’ve owned around 20 bikes in 40 years of riding. My current bike is the Z900rs….love it. Best road bike I’ve owned, and beautiful to look at as well.

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