Topic: The Motorcycling Thread

[rrocket]

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.

Speed Twin hands down, but I'm not sure what cc that is.

Call Rider's Plus first and get their list of 'beginner bikes'. You will be uninsurable on anything else.

Is that a thing about being uninsurable on bigger bikes?? I've just never heard of that before here

By law they have to insure you IIRC.

But they'll put you into the Favcility Rates...along with drunk drivers and other degen drivers if you're trying to insure something like a 'Busa as your first bike.

[PJungnitsch]

I can't wrap my head around the Kawa styling, much prefer the other two

New rider? 100/110 hp is a lot to start on

[blur911]

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.

Speed Twin hands down, but I'm not sure what cc that is.

Call Rider's Plus first and get their list of 'beginner bikes'. You will be uninsurable on anything else.

Is that a thing about being uninsurable on bigger bikes?? I've just never heard of that before here

Most Ontario insurers don't even want bikes at all, so limit it as much as they can. 
If they don't want your business, they'll quote you Facility rates to make you go away.   A new rider on a big bike is not business they want and it will cost accordingly, if you can even get coverage from them.

EG.

Age 25 and over
CCs
100 or less   $766.00/yr   $65.00/mth
101 – 400   $3,815.00/yr   $322.00/mth
401 – 750   $4,813.00/yr   $406.00/mth
751 and up   $5,721.00/yr   $483.00/mth

[Fobroader]

Sweet merciful jeebus 



I'm paying $330ish per year for my 300. A KLR650 would be about $600ish.

[blur911]

^Now, that is Facility rates for someone with an M1 license, so worst case scenario.


Edit: Actually, double those numbers for 16-20 year olds. 

[Fobroader]

I actually don't know what a similar kind of case would be here. Like if I called my insurance provider and told them I bought a turbo 'Busa what would my rates be? I wonder if there is a difference between a cruiser and a crotch rocket of similar displacement.

[Triple Bob]

It's not just on CC, it's also other risk factors, same as any other actuarial view.

But Rider's Plus has a good list of bikes that are cheaper to insure for beginners.

[rrocket]

It's not just on CC, it's also other risk factors, same as any other actuarial view.

But Rider's Plus has a good list of bikes that are cheaper to insure for beginners.

Over the years, every time I've gone to that website for a "quote" I always get the "something went wrong" message...and never end up getting a quote.   

[Triple Bob]

It's not just on CC, it's also other risk factors, same as any other actuarial view.

But Rider's Plus has a good list of bikes that are cheaper to insure for beginners.

Over the years, every time I've gone to that website for a "quote" I always get the "something went wrong" message...and never end up getting a quote.   

(For Roger) Just phone and ask for the list, much easier.

[ktm525]

Those rates are crazy. I am paying $165/yr for a 510CC.

[blur911]

https://www.reddit.com/r/nextfuckinglevel/comments/nzwfm9/a_woman_with_a_lot_of_talents/

Well now, my dual-sporting skills don't seem so great after watching 

[DriverJeff]

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. 

 

[dkaz]

Wing paid $1600 a year for the CB300F outside of Ottawa IIRC. I paid $750 in BC including license and registration.

In AB, My R3 was $360 excluding license and registration. CBR250R $245 no collision.

[Jaeger]

Thanks folks - and yes the insurance issue is fairly frightening. I might be down to getting the CB650R (my next fave from the 600cc class) or waiting until next year for a Trident.

Jeff - thanks for confirming my thoughts on the Trident. I sat on one at GP Bikes this weekend and it just looked and felt perfect to me. I'll look forward to your review!

Sturgess had a Z900RS in the same color scheme that your brother rode in that video (beautifully shot, by the way). Loved it. Speed Twin would likely be my top pick from the bigger bikes. Love the fact that they were able to keep the weight so low - it barely weighs more than the Trident.

And yes - the Scrambler I was looking at is the now-discontinued Full Throttle.

[blur911]

Thanks folks - and yes the insurance issue is fairly frightening. I might be down to getting the CB650R (my next fave from the 600cc class) or waiting until next year for a Trident.

Jeff - thanks for confirming my thoughts on the Trident. I sat on one at GP Bikes this weekend and it just looked and felt perfect to me. I'll look forward to your review!

Sturgess had a Z900RS in the same color scheme that your brother rode in that video (beautifully shot, by the way). Loved it. Speed Twin would likely be my top pick from the bigger bikes. Love the fact that they were able to keep the weight so low - it barely weighs more than the Trident.

And yes - the Scrambler I was looking at is the now-discontinued Full Throttle.

What license will you have when you get a bike? 
 If it's an M1 you don't really have a good option, certainly not in anything over 400cc

[Jaeger]

Thanks folks - and yes the insurance issue is fairly frightening. I might be down to getting the CB650R (my next fave from the 600cc class) or waiting until next year for a Trident.

Jeff - thanks for confirming my thoughts on the Trident. I sat on one at GP Bikes this weekend and it just looked and felt perfect to me. I'll look forward to your review!

Sturgess had a Z900RS in the same color scheme that your brother rode in that video (beautifully shot, by the way). Loved it. Speed Twin would likely be my top pick from the bigger bikes. Love the fact that they were able to keep the weight so low - it barely weighs more than the Trident.

And yes - the Scrambler I was looking at is the now-discontinued Full Throttle.

What license will you have when you get a bike? 
 If it's an M1 you don't really have a good option, certainly not in anything over 400cc

I just got my M1, and if all goes well I will pass the road test to qualify for M2 this weekend.  But I still have to wait 60 days to upgrade it.  Seems like it might take me that long to find a bike anyway.

[Railton]

Thanks folks - and yes the insurance issue is fairly frightening. I might be down to getting the CB650R (my next fave from the 600cc class) or waiting until next year for a Trident.

Jeff - thanks for confirming my thoughts on the Trident. I sat on one at GP Bikes this weekend and it just looked and felt perfect to me. I'll look forward to your review!

Sturgess had a Z900RS in the same color scheme that your brother rode in that video (beautifully shot, by the way). Loved it. Speed Twin would likely be my top pick from the bigger bikes. Love the fact that they were able to keep the weight so low - it barely weighs more than the Trident.

And yes - the Scrambler I was looking at is the now-discontinued Full Throttle.

What license will you have when you get a bike? 
 If it's an M1 you don't really have a good option, certainly not in anything over 400cc

I just got my M1, and if all goes well I will pass the road test to qualify for M2 this weekend.  But I still have to wait 60 days to upgrade it.  Seems like it might take me that long to find a bike anyway.

Well done Roger!
Personally, I would go for the Monster.
Railton

[Triple Bob]

Thanks folks - and yes the insurance issue is fairly frightening. I might be down to getting the CB650R (my next fave from the 600cc class) or waiting until next year for a Trident.

Jeff - thanks for confirming my thoughts on the Trident. I sat on one at GP Bikes this weekend and it just looked and felt perfect to me. I'll look forward to your review!

Sturgess had a Z900RS in the same color scheme that your brother rode in that video (beautifully shot, by the way). Loved it. Speed Twin would likely be my top pick from the bigger bikes. Love the fact that they were able to keep the weight so low - it barely weighs more than the Trident.

And yes - the Scrambler I was looking at is the now-discontinued Full Throttle.

What license will you have when you get a bike? 
 If it's an M1 you don't really have a good option, certainly not in anything over 400cc

I just got my M1, and if all goes well I will pass the road test to qualify for M2 this weekend.  But I still have to wait 60 days to upgrade it.  Seems like it might take me that long to find a bike anyway.

Cancellations do come up, you might get lucky with a Trident.

[Fobroader]

Congrats on your license man!!!

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[Jaeger]

Yeah Rob I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that I can maybe grab a Trident later in the season. I just have zero second thoughts or reservations about that bike.

Thanks Fob!