Hi all - quick question for those who may be in the know... I'm inching towards buying a second bike to accompany my lovely Bonnie, and thus far have been thinking Triumph (particularly the Street Triple and Thruxton, both of which I've owned before). However, I'm also being sorely tempted by the BMW F900 XR as it would give me both a sporty and touring option in a single bike. Has anyone got any real life experiences to share?
Not with that I'm afraid but I can highly recommend a Ducati Multistrada 1200/1260 if you're looking for a sport and touring option.
I wish, Helmut, but they're just a bit too large for me (I'm a short-arse at 5'6" with an inside leg of no more than 30").
You would genuinely be surprised at how low they are, Mrs Visor could almost flat foot mine with the lower seat fitted and she's 5'4"
Honestly, I was really surprised at how accessible the standard seat height is (Helmut has risers fitted now and a higher seat option). The balls of my feet were on the floor and it is fairly narrow at the front too which helps. I am 5ft4 on a good day but lucky as my legs are fairly long for my height at almost 31".
Bit niche....but my Hyperstrada is a hoot . It's a hooligan that likes camping (high seat though)......
Blimey, you have got long legs for your height. Anyway, there’s a Ducati dealership next door to my Triumph one so I’ll have a proper look next time I go there.
They weren't made for long, mine is 2015 which I think is the best bet from research, apparently the 821 is more fun than the 939 to ride and the 2013 and 2014 models apparently have such a horrible clutch they were modded with the one from the 2015 model by owners. They're just a Hypermotard with a screen, centre stand and luggage really...hence the fun factor . If you would like subtlety and an easy going nature, this bike is not it.
I've got a 2019 1200 Speed Twin, all torque and stomping engine, plus a 2016 675 Street Triple, polar opposite to the Speed Twin in many ways but just as enjoyable to ride. All depends what mood I'm in. I'm only 5' 7" with a 31" inside leg, but I can flat foot both bikes. I've also got a 2014 Thruxton 900, different to either of my other two Triumphs but enjoyable none the less albeit a little more relaxed (and relaxing) when I'm in that frame of mind. I've never tried a 1200 Thruxton, I expect it's similar to the Speed Twin performance-wise but with a somewhat more focussed (and uncomfortable?) riding position and more upmarket suspension and brakes. There are so many good bikes out there from which to choose, just try as many as you can. I recently got it into my head that I wanted something even more relaxing, a lazy Sunday morning sort of bike, and got fixated on a RE Shotgun. So I went to the nearest dealer to me (75 miles away!) who also sells BSA and various Chinese-made brands. I liked the look and finish on the Shotgun, seemed well-built, but when I sat on the Shotgun I immediately went off the idea. Although the seat height is only 800mm the seat is so wide at the front, and so are the side panels and frame just behind the tank, that I could hardly get my feet on the floor. Also, the seat rubbed the inside of my thighs (and not in a good way!) so I dismissed that idea. The dealer suggested I try the BSA Gold Star, another lovely looking bike, he thought that would suit me better. Just sitting on the bike was fine, feet flat on the floor and a comfortable sitting position. So I took it for a test ride - OMG! I know big singles can be very vibey, even with balance shafts, but this one was terrible! First gear was good for about 10mph before you simply had to change up, in any gear (only a 5 speed box) the mirrors were just a blur at anything above about 5,000 rpm, the whole bike seemed to shake uncontrollably, and the tiny LCD inserts in the twin clocks were unreadable. OK, it was a demo with a few miles on the clock, but definitely not the bike for me. So I rode home thinking I'd saved myself a lot of money but had a nice ride out on a lovely day. The moral is - try before you buy!
I'm around same as you @learningtofly and my mate has a Ducati 1200. I have ridden it but proper tippy toey, not nice. Great engine and not big to ride, but it's a long way down to the floor. Don't dismiss them all though as I saw another later one, think it was 2015 at the mot station. Owner was a similar size and so we got talking. He offered a sit on his and it was loads lower. Do your research, terrific mid range?
@learningtofly: I am using my Rocket 3R for touring up to 5 days. Than my wife is carrying our luggage on her Speed Twin 1200. For longer journeys I take my BMW 1250 RS, the sporty sister of the GS. May be this would be an option for you too. The seat height is adjustable according to the used seat.
Agreed, research is key the early 1200 was high seated but these are the two I am talking about. https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/ducati/multistrada-1200s/2015/ https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/ducati/multistrada-1260s/2018/
Thanks very much for posting that, and you're right - you really do have to ride a bike to understand whether it's going to be suitab le for you (and preferably for more than an hour). As an aside, though, I found my Thruxton R very comfortable indeed... much more comfortable than it should have been on paper. I'd happily own one again, even though I'm now in my mid-sixties.
That's a good shout, actually, Markus. I have admired the RS from afar, and if it was ergonomically okay it would be a very real alternative to the F900.
Yes I think it was your first link @Helmut Visor that was at the mot station. Very manageable in comparison to my mates 2010 ish.
First of all, @learningtofly, I'm glad to know you're feeling well enough to be considering adding a bike to your stable! I responded to this particular post because in it you mentioned your Thruxton R. That is one of the bikes I've owned and traded that I wish I had back. I found it quite comfortable, too. Mine was a 2016. I sat on some later versions and the updated clip-on bars were a bit too low for me but my 2016 was very comfy. And loads of fun! It does sound like you're very open-minded and are getting lots of great suggestions on here so I wish you well with your hunt! Please keep us posted on your test rides and decision!
