What Would You Buy Instead? (Hypothetical Scenario)

[SeizedBalt]

I've always liked bikes that were, perhaps all-rounders is not the word, but at least capable of doing fun and comfort without too much compromise.  Admittedly, I've had a ZXR750H2 and a TL1000S, being my two most single-minded models and I managed to tour on the H2, but in fact, it was after the TL that I got my first TDM.  A '97 850, IIRR (I'm sure the reg plate had "R" in it).

 

It seems to me that once the 90s were over, bikes started getting super focussed and specific and at that point I started to move away from the high performers as they were no longer the all-rounders the CBRs had been. I guess it reflects the move for bikes of being a transport choice in their own right to being luxury toys and status symbols.

 

Now, having taken out my TDM last week for a ride to my forest cabin, I found the TDM to be more like the "all-rounders" I once sought: comfy, yet capable and surprisingly fast. 

 

So, here's my scenario: if TDMs suddenly ceased to exist and all you were left with was a blank cheque by way of consolation, which bike would you have in its stead. To make things a bit more contemporary, let's say no bike design older than 2010.  In other words only models that were launched in 2010 or later.

 

Now I've put myself at a disadvantage as I've not kept up to speed with the bike market and the relative merits of the models released but probably I'd go for something like an F800GT. I test rode an F800ST and I had been impressed with its grunt and I'm a twin man myself. "V" where possible but I'll take parallel and boxer if needed. If not the GT, then perhaps the GS. So, longer rides without a chiropractor as pillion as well as spirited rides without an Trauma Surgeon as pillion would be possible.

 

Hopefully, some other members' answers will also educate me about the models that are now about and note-worthy.

 

So, what about you? What would fill your TDM's spot if the TDMs of the world were replaced with a bike-voucher instead?

Naturally, why you would choose it is half the fun, so please give a few details.

 

(To the one responsible: thanks for moving the thread.  Just as I posted it I thought it was probably the wrong forum)

This post was last modified: 10-05-2020, 07:05 AM by SeizedBalt.

[Gdog]

Yamaha Tracer 900 GT  :good:

 

Having said that the 2020 Yamaha Tmax superscoot, wouldn't say no to one of them in the garage.

 

Now you've started something  :rotflmmfao:

[SeizedBalt]

Yamaha Tracer 900 GT  :good:

 

Having said that the 2020 Yamaha Tmax superscoot, wouldn't say no to one of them in the garage.

 

Now you've started something  :rotflmmfao:

 

Why the Tracer (He asks whilst frantically pulling up google images)?

 

Looks like triple in pictures.  I will read further.  Nice lokking bike, though.

This post was last modified: 10-05-2020, 07:14 AM by SeizedBalt.

[Trevini]

Difficult question. Over the years many have moved away from the TDM, only to return having regretted their decision. I’m still on my first TDM bought in 2005. 

 

Replacement options..I’ve looked a a few over the years,  it never committed because the advantages never outweighed the extra costs etc. I guess I’d look at something like a Versys 1000. Having sat on one a few times, the riding position is similar and although it carry’s a little extra weight, has similar performance due to having more grunt. I should also say that my a

TDM sits alongside a Moto Guzzi V11 as my “pretty” bike that’s not entirely practical, but has bags of character.

[SeizedBalt]

 

 

I guess I’d look at something like a Versys 1000.

 

On paper the Versys 1000 is a monster: about 35hp more than the TDM.  Heavier, granted but still!  I also looked at those last year.  One was going for about €4K here, lowish km. But wasn't ready to buy.

 

I should also say that my TDM sits alongside a Moto Guzzi V11 as my “pretty” bike that’s not entirely practical, but has bags of character.
 

 

Jealous.

 

I have long had a very spot patch for the V11 Sport (the model with the top fairing).  I rode one after the TL to get a taste and I really liked it.  Heavy, but planted.

 

I've never been brave enough to own an Italian as my only bike (for the first 15 years of my road-going life I'd only ever had a bike so it had to start each and every time, all year round) and never rich enough to buy one as a second bike.

[madmopedracer]

Yamaha Tracer 900 GT  :good:

 

Having said that the 2020 Yamaha Tmax superscoot, wouldn't say no to one of them in the garage.

 

Now you've started something  :rotflmmfao:

had a 500 scooter very surprising very cumfy and fairly fast (104mph) suprised a few sportsbikes comeing down lochness from NC500

[dablik]

Think i would go with the cumfy scooter theme, 850 of course..[attachment=o13114]

[Trevini]

[attachment=o13115]

 

On paper the Versys 1000 is a monster: about 35hp more than the TDM.  Heavier, granted but still!  I also looked at those last year.  One was going for about €4K here, lowish km. But wasn't ready to buy.

 

 

Jealous.

 

I have long had a very spot patch for the V11 Sport (the model with the top fairing).  I rode one after the TL to get a taste and I really liked it.  Heavy, but planted.

 

I've never been brave enough to own an Italian as my only bike (for the first 15 years of my road-going life I'd only ever had a bike so it had to start each and every time, all year round) and never rich enough to buy one as a second bike.

 

 

I've had the V11 since 2010. It's been totally reliable since I ditched the factory reg/rec (well documented rubbish item). They really are a sweet handling bike for their weight, but you get the feeling if it fell over against a wall, the bike would win :-) I've also had a run of Italian cars, some mildly exotic, some reliable, and some not. It's just a case of accepting them as they are and taking a brave pill.

This post was last modified: 10-05-2020, 10:10 AM by Trevini.

[SeizedBalt]

I've had the V11 since 2010. It's been totally reliable since I ditched the factory reg/rec (well documented rubbish item). They really are a sweet handling bike for their weight, but you get the feeling if it fell over against a wall, the bike would win :-) I've also had a run of Italian cars, some mildly exotic, some reliable, and some not. It's just a case of accepting them as they are and taking a brave pill.

 

Yep....  That's the one!



🤤

This post was last modified: 10-05-2020, 10:22 AM by SeizedBalt.

[Trevini]

They're quite rare, especially in Champange. I've seen 3 for sale in the last ten years. Mine's had the engine tuned by Baines Racing at Silverstone and has Carillo rods, head work and a few other bits done in addition to the cosmetic and comfort additions. It's not hugely powerful, having about 90bhp at the wheels according to the dyno sheet, but it'd leave my TDM for dead in the twisties and that's no slouch either.

[fixitsan]

KTM 990 SMT     or a 950 SM

This post was last modified: 10-05-2020, 10:48 AM by fixitsan.

[SeizedBalt]

KTM 990 SMT     or a 950 SM

Why those?

(I think I can guess)

[fixitsan]

Why those?

(I think I can guess)

You probably guessed right.

 

SM = supermoto, T= touring kit (larger fuel tank and luggage, comfy seat)

 

And the ECU is programmable for free with TuneECU

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNuf9T_-Gnk

[SeizedBalt]

They're quite rare, especially in Champange. I've seen 3 for sale in the last ten years. Mine's had the engine tuned by Baines Racing at Silverstone and has Carillo rods, head work and a few other bits done in addition to the cosmetic and comfort additions. It's not hugely powerful, having about 90bhp at the wheels according to the dyno sheet, but it'd leave my TDM for dead in the twisties and that's no slouch either.

90 bhp May bot be masses by some standards but its still nothing to be sniffed at, and 550cc per cylinder must shovel out some serious torque.



I like torque.



Torque is good.

[Gdog]

Think i would go with the cumfy scooter theme, 850 of course.. Aprillia 850.jpg

 

 

That's smart Dabbs, Gilera do an 800GP, that is neat.

[dablik]

 

 

That's smart Dabbs, Gilera do an 800GP, that is neat.

Yea forgot about that one, it's quite the goer i've read.

[bjorge]

I have savings account for whenever I should get tired of keeping the mk1 running. The theary for now is to get a Tracer 700, probably 2020-> as report say they're comfier and have better suspension. Hired one a coupla years ago and loved it.

[Studley Ramrod]

Indian FTR1200 Carbon for days out.

 

Versys 1000 for touring.

 

Or BMW S1000XR for both the above.

[SeizedBalt]

I looked at that Tracer. Nice but good grief!



13k for a 900cc bike! Maybe Ive been out of the bike buying game for too long but it seems nuts to me that a bike of moderate features and performance can cost more to buy that my car, my van, my TDM, my Transalp, my Ural my cargo bike and my regular bike all put together.



Tell you what, itll be a while before I buy a new bike again!

[fixitsan]

I looked at that Tracer. Nice but good grief!



13k for a 900cc bike! Maybe Ive been out of the bike buying game for too long but it seems nuts to me that a bike of moderate features and performance can cost more to buy that my car, my van, my TDM, my Transalp, my Ural my cargo bike and my regular bike all put together.



Tell you what, itll be a while before I buy a new bike again!

I never had a new bike yet either !