Younger Garage Partner

[lil4399]

Here's one for you.

I want a new 14. You can't buy them, so what is the alternative?

For info, I'm not selling my 14, she's too incredible, BUT I'm in a position to buy a new moto, but it must be a 14 equivalent: power, torque, handling, smile factor.

I'm also a Hobbit - 5' 7". I've tried the BMW 1600 - too tall, too heavy. Suzuki GSX S 100 GT Too small, too sports bike. Honda NT1100, nice bike.

Yamaha FJR 1300 No longer available in France.

BMW 1250 Too tall.

Any ideas?

[gsxbarmy]

BMW 1250 Too tall.

I would beg to diiffer @lil4399 as you can get factory lowered ones - quite a few around if you look. Add the low seat as well and you'll fit fine. 

[Hooli]

I'd get something totally different, no point having two bikes that do the same thing.

[Tony Nitrous]

New bikes are nice, even a new naked bike would be quite different to a 14.

However.... there isn't really a modern equivalent. Big bore retro's just aren't a thing now, unless you are willing to accept less cylinders and like Triumphs etc.
It's something the Japs walked away from.
Bikes like the Z900 and Suzuki kitten really don't offer the same.

You mentioned faired bikes and there's plenty of them.  All can be lowered but it's something I'm not a fan off as it certainly has its downsides. The low seat option makes for a much better bike.

I'm a huge fan of Hayabusa's and there's a lot of lowering and higher bars options plus the bonus of a 23 year model range to pick from, but they don't suit everyone. As they have a cult following (I said Cult, not c*nt!) changing seats, lower pegs, higher bars etc is done very regular. Much easier to change these than find a better motor  .

What are your preferences?
Brand, style, price etc other than seat height.

[GSXKING]

Newest version of Rocket 3 for me if no limits on budget 🤤🤤🤤

[Yetiman]

Something different...MOTO-GUZZI V7 RACER Or a Sportster.. There's Plenty of options..

[Tony Nitrous]

I've had quite a few bikes including a brand new Sportster.

I'd rate the Sportster as being in the top 3 worst ones. Possible only beat by an XS250 and CJ250. It was a true awful bike and poor in so many ways. I can only see it as a way of buying into the HD cult without a big bill or big bike.

[Yetiman]

WOW I never thought that would be the case, I've known a few fellas with them and they liked them each to there own, I've never had one I'm not a Harley Guy I like the look of some of them But love Suzuki's too much. 

[Tony Nitrous]

WOW I never thought that would be the case, I've known a few fellas with them and they liked them each to there own, I've never had one I'm not a Harley Guy I like the look of some of them But love Suzuki's too much. 

I've met plenty of folk who did like them, but I don't get it. The below average brakes, below average handling, a crude vibrating motor, sub standard build quality.  If they were build by Hyosung or some budget Indian or Chinese company no one would be suprised or pay good money for them. Stick a Hardley Dangerous badge on them and it's a gateway to buying a branded T-shirt, belt buckle, toilet seat and Tea pot. I've only owned one but ridden a few others. The big twins I sort of get, but not the Skirtsters.

[Tony Nitrous]

Ducati Diavel 1260 ?

[grog]

Lil, agree, something different. MV Brutale is small but amazing ride, 1200 Monster also amazing, Diavel i had for 2 years, a head turner, cant park unless someone wants to ask about, brilliant machine, needs a re map to smooth out, runs lean, keyless fob i hated. very fast, best brakes, low seat, corners dont exist, it just eats them.Cant speak highly enough.

[lil4399]

New bikes are nice, even a new naked bike would be quite different to a 14.

However.... there isn't really a modern equivalent. Big bore retro's just aren't a thing now, unless you are willing to accept less cylinders and like Triumphs etc.
It's something the Japs walked away from.
Bikes like the Z900 and Suzuki kitten really don't offer the same.

You mentioned faired bikes and there's plenty of them.  All can be lowered but it's something I'm not a fan off as it certainly has its downsides. The low seat option makes for a much better bike.

I'm a huge fan of Hayabusa's and there's a lot of lowering and higher bars options plus the bonus of a 23 year model range to pick from, but they don't suit everyone. As they have a cult following (I said Cult, not c*nt!) changing seats, lower pegs, higher bars etc is done very regular. Much easier to change these than find a better motor  .

What are your preferences?
Brand, style, price etc other than seat height.

I'm not brand or style preferences, just comfort a torque. Looking at new so it lasts me out! 

[lil4399]

BMW 1250 Too tall.

I would beg to diiffer @lil4399 as you can get factory lowered ones - quite a few around if you look. Add the low seat as well and you'll fit fine.

I went to the BMW shop and tried the GS, they put a low seat on for me and even lowered the suspension. Whilst it helped, it was still too tall for comfort at junctions.

[lil4399]

Something different...MOTO-GUZZI V7 RACER Or a Sportster.. There's Plenty of options..

Guzzi looks nice, I sold a Sportster for the 14.

[lil4399]

I've had quite a few bikes including a brand new Sportster.

I'd rate the Sportster as being in the top 3 worst ones. Possible only beat by an XS250 and CJ250. It was a true awful bike and poor in so many ways. I can only see it as a way of buying into the HD cult without a big bill or big bike.

I had one for six months and agree.