Considering a second bike

JZ67

JZ67

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I have been looking to add another bike to the garage. My current bike, and I love it and intend to keep it, is the BMW R1200RT. As much as I love it, there are days I just want to go out and enjoy something that is lighter and more flickable.

I am all over the place and at this point can see 4 - 5 bikes in the garage. I still want something with a good power band and torque that offers the same passing speed and confidence the RT offers. Insurance friendly is a must. My short list is very eclectic. I have been looking at:

Ducati Scrambler
Ducati Monster
Ducati Streetfighter
Yamaha FZ1
Honda VFR
BMW R1200S

And a host of others.

Reliability is key and the budget is $7500.00 or less.

I haven't dug into each. Any other fun bikes I should consider. Any reason why I should scratch any of the bikes I listed off?
 
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I think the Ducati Scrambler is the best choice on your list. It meets all your criteria and then some.

There is a good one for sale in Mississauga and I'm sure it can get delivered to you .

Come on @mimico_polak . Put your salesmen hat on.
 
The Yamaha CP3 platform (FZ-09/MT-09, XSR900, FJ-09/Tracer 900) definitely qualify as fun, light, flickable and reliable. The naked models are up to 150lbs lighter than the R1200RT.
 
Of the three Ducs you've listed, there are multiple engine configs for each, depending on the model year.

Assuming you are looking at the Scrambler 1100? I found the 800cc version to be down quite a bit on useable power compared to the 1200RT.

Monster has so many engine variations over the years from beginner friendly to superbike performance. If you can find an older Monster 1200R, those were firebreathing Monsters!

Streetfighter V4 is the most interesting IMO, but you'd have to double your price range to find one. Realistically, you're looking at an older 848 or maybe a well-used 1098 for your price range.

Sixth-gen VFR800 is a real-looker, great torque, but surprisingly hefty (and top-heavy at that). Maybe only 30-40 lbs lighter than the 1200RT. I wouldn't consider it more flickable than the Beemer.

1200S has the same engine as your RT. Tuned to be a bit more sporty, and it's a lot lighter. But if it was me, I'd want something different in a second bike.

Don't have much experience with the FZ1, but I've followed one around for a few rides... ;) On paper, it seems a bit on the heavy side, ~500 lbs.

Maybe an older Hypermotard? Those are very nimble and flickable, probably the lightest of all the bikes listed above. Good power as well.

Superduke 1290?
 
I’ve got a 2019 Scrambler Icon 800 for sale. 25k.

Great bike and the only reason I’m selling is because it’s not suited for long distance riding and frankly I don’t have much time.

6k is my listing price for it and I’m going to repost it tomorrow.

DESMO done and tons of accessories for the bike.

Feel free to pop by sometime @JZ67 to Central Mississauga and you’re welcome to try it.
 
Put FZ/MT09 to the top of your list. Or even the 07. Plenty of punch and it's a Yamaha so reliability shouldn't be an issue.
 
Passenger capable? All day comfy or just 1-2hrs? Luggage?

As Lightcycle pointed out, half your list is almost as porky as your RT. Try to take a few different bikes out to decide what suits your wants and then narrow down from there with options that match what you liked.
 
Hardwrkr13 said:
Passenger capable? All day comfy or just 1-2hrs? Luggage?

As Lightcycle pointed out, half your list is almost as porky as your RT. Try to take a few different bikes out to decide what suits your wants and then narrow down from there with options that match what you liked.
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Just a seat time machine. Couple of hours of freedom and exploration. If I wanted to tour, I have the RT.
 
mimico_polak said:
I’ve got a 2019 Scrambler Icon 800 for sale. 25k.

Great bike and the only reason I’m selling is because it’s not suited for long distance riding and frankly I don’t have much time.

6k is my listing price for it and I’m going to repost it tomorrow.

DESMO done and tons of accessories for the bike.

Feel free to pop by sometime @JZ67 to Central Mississauga and you’re welcome to try it.
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Thanks, I had a moment to research the Scrambler and I think I'm scratching it off the list.
 
Air cooled Bonnie or Thruxton, or a Guzzi V7. They're down on power from the RT, but who cares? Lots of fun, plenty of charm and character. Inexpensive and easy to maintain, cheap to insure.
 
JZ67 said:
Just a seat time machine. Couple of hours of freedom and exploration. If I wanted to tour, I have the RT.
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I've driven the VFR, later Gen FZ1, and most various sizes of Ducati Streetfighter/Monster/Multi/Hypermotard/Hyperstrada/Diavel.
If I wanted a bike that fit your needs it'd be the Monster 1200S. That would be around your budget with super low mileage ones a bit higher. Lots of character, reasonably comfortable, beautiful to look at, and just a joy to ride. If the 1200 version is a bit much you could opt for a smaller version (although keep in mind the hp stated on it is rather optimistic).
 
I would give a different idea. Light and flickable is going to be a contrast to your RT, so why not check the third antithesis too which is less power. Wouldn't it be fun to ride a bike that you should rev the snot out of, something light, responsive, FUN? While not talking a beginner bike, why not something in the 70-100HP range?

Yeah, a Monster fits the bill but I'd talk to your insurance about whether they have a secret duc tax waiting just for you.

Otherwise, I'd say MT-07, Street Triple, Duke or something else in that middle weight naked class. Yeah, some of them in the class are going to be over 100hp but I realized the Japanese dont have much around 90hp that's also 'fun' besides the Yamaha till you get to the Z900 or 8S/s750'.

They are also cheap, plenty for sale, cheap on insurance and most of all, encourages you to 'push' for the power in the high revs. Something you can row the gears without sending you straight to jail in 2nd.
 
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Buddy just bought a 2016 Tiger 800XCx for $6500 Aus all in and he swears best bike he's owned.
541429947_2590461881311100_4547096709944428003_n.jpeg
He wants to take it around the world aand the motor seems to earn high praise in all reviews including long term.
••••••
This is available in Sarnia
1760316903412.png
Kinda nice for the price - lots of farkles. Those cases are $2265 in Australia.
One owner
Lowered from day one at the dealership.
Lots of upgrades;
Handle bar risers
Bumont locking hard side cases/ panniers
Headlight protector
BarkBusters hand protectors.
Heated grips
Folding levers
Fuel tank guards
Engine/ sump guard
Apothic exhaust- dealership installed and mapped - sounds real nice.
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www.autotrader.ca

2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XRX XRX - Sarnia

One owner Lowered from day one at the dealership. Lots of upgrades; Handle bar risers Bumont locking hard side cases/ panniers Headlight protector BarkBusters hand protectors. Heated grips Folding levers Fuel tank guards Engine/ sump guard Apothic exhaust- dealership installed and mapped...
www.autotrader.ca www.autotrader.ca
 
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JZ67 said:
Reliability is key and the budget is $7500.00 or less.
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You can’t have both of those in an Italian bike.

I have loved my 2 Ducati’s. They are lookers, make all kinds of pleasing noises and ride pretty well.

BUT I haven’t paid 5 figures for any bike. I do ALL my own maintenance. i’m ok with it and I like doing it (even if I curse it in the moment).
I wouldn’t buy a 4 figure Ducati if I was paying someone else to keep it reliable.
 
A little curve ball to consider would be a Triumph Street Triple 765 in the 2015 range. Likely just as rare to find a clean example vs a Duc Monster but, definitely a nice flickable, knock around the garage second machine to play with.

Arguable less appealing that a Duc with the bug eyes but rewarding sound track and fun around town. 🤷‍♂️
 
Wind Shear said:
You can’t have both of those in an Italian bike.

I have loved my 2 Ducati’s. They are lookers, make all kinds of pleasing noises and ride pretty well.

BUT I haven’t paid 5 figures for any bike. I do ALL my own maintenance. i’m ok with it and I like doing it (even if I curse it in the moment).
I wouldn’t buy a 4 figure Ducati if I was paying someone else to keep it reliable.
Click to expand...

The more I dig into the Duc's the less I want one.
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