Let's play a somewhat hypohtetical game.
Assume:
1) There seems to be a snowball's chance in hell of getting a Triumph Trident 660 this year. Fully pre-sold inventory with lengthy waiting lists.
2) That spousal approval / resignation to the inevitable seems close, and I don't want to want to lose that momentum by waiting until next year.
3) I really don't love any other of the 600-ish cc bikes - I know I'd always wish I'd got the Trident. (CB 650R, MT07 etc. - they don't suck, I just don't got that loving feeling.)
Anything else that really appeals to me is up a class in displacement, power and price (100-110hp versus 80 for the Trident, 14-15k versus 10k for the Trident) and probably not really a beginner's bike.
Bot those that I DO really like a whole lot include:
1) Triumph Speed Twin
2) Ducati Monster
3) Kawasaki Z900 RS
Yeah, I know that's two retro-styled bikes and one thoroughly contemporary sport naked - hey, I like what I like. And these by and large don't require a line-up to purchase.
Any thoughts, experiences, known plusses or minuses to these three from the group?
The Ducati Scrambler 800 is something of an outlier. I saw a new 2020 nicely discounted when out shopping this past weekend and fell for it even in the utterly obnoxious yellow and black colourway.
A few thoughts...
When I had the Bonnie in for a quick ECU re-map at Sturgess a few weeks ago, there was a Trident parked outside and I spent a few minutes poring over it. Geezus man, you're right to lust after that. It's sooooo right-sized and looks fantastic from every angle I saw. I've been granted the review for it for CMG, but Triumph also can't seem to get one for a press fleet right now (there is hope for August I'm told).
As for the other three you've mentioned, I fear the insurance woes voiced by others will very much be a crippling reality to that dream. That said, I have logged a bunch of miles on all of those bikes and the Speed Twin is the bike I lust after now. If I had a little extra scratch, I'd snatch one up in a second. Such an excellent blend of good ol' Triumph styling, comfort and very usable performance.
The Z900RS is a close second. I've had a Z900 and loved it (just didn't love the looks of it all that much, and wanted to free up a bit of cash for the Boxster last year). I've taken a decent road trip on one (plus we used it as the 'co-star' for my brother in Into the Rising Sun) and it's just such a well-executed machine. Smooth, fast, reliable, and stylish -- especially with the right colour scheme.
As for the Monster.. well... I guess everyone needs to scratch their Ducati itch at some point. I had an older Monster (1100) for only a few months before I realized it was better to look at than to ride. Just wasn't as well-sorted or fun as I had hoped it would be. I've since ridden newer Monsters and I've never come away wanting another one.
The Scrambler in the right trim (Full Throttle?) could be alright. The Desert Sled was okay. The cafe racer one I rode in '19 really left me cold.
I think the Trident is really tough to beat.