Time for a new bike...

Obo said:

I have to ask why you are getting rid of it? It's my next wish list bike up from the 7S and just curious if there's something that you don't like about it.

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I guess because it's been another year and time to try something else as a stablemate to the 7S. For long-distance, multi-day, it is great; recall my attempt to go to Denver in 37F and rain. I did four consecutive 500-mile days without issue or discomfort. On day three, I could have gone 1000 miles in the dark. In that scenario, the bike just disappears. I find that I'm not going to do the L-D/M-D thing anymore, though, so I don't need the weight/stability. After fitting a $35 Go-Cruise, I found I didn't miss or need cruise control (by the way, this little gem works great on the 7S... way better than your zip-tie mod , though the same principle). Here's some other nice things... I tried three screens and I like the OE best. I tried bar risers and like without best. I tried Airhawk on stock seat and like stock seat by itself best. The only mods I really like are the LED blinkers/city lights and the Area P muffler. What I'm looking for this time is really just a modern day 7S, but a bit more sporty... haven't really decided what that means to me yet, but there are a few options.

vinnysmeany2004 said:

missed the asking price?

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Duh to me! Asking $7000 which includes the first four add-ons. The second group of accessories I give first shot to bike buyer if wanted or sell individually after bike sale if not.

I like that very much... like a new Bandit. And they still make that model in Europe.

Uh-oh! Here's the front runner for new bike. Rode it today. Zero miles. You want to talk about a fun and PURE motorcycling EXPERIENCE. I'm a relative novice, but hopping on this thing for the first time and riding was as natural as anything. Holy smokes! The power and the sound. Unbelievable. I'm not on the fence... Maybe one or two other bikes I want to try out. I want exotic, exciting, and lightweight.

BTW... I was pleasantly surprised at the comfort on this bike. Yes, Super Duke has more room and is more upright, but the styling turns me off. I got to sit on but not ride a Duke GT. Still leaves me cold. We'll see.

Got to do some more riding this week. I called ahead and talked to Jason at European Cycle Sports LTD in Plano, TX (BMW, Ducati, MV Agusta, Triumph, Ural) who hooked me up with freerides on a Monster 1200R.

First, I had to choose what color Monster to ride because Jason wanted me to put miles on the one I would most likely purchase if things went well. The extra cost ($200) Thrilling Black looks absolutely amazing in person, but how could I not go with Ducati red with the white racing stripes exclusive to the R model? So Jason took the bike off the floor and into the back to check the tires and gas up. IMO, the R is the only way to go if you're interested in a Monster 1200. The primary relevant difference is the configuration of the passenger pegs, believe it or not. On the base and S models, there is a big, integrated passenger peg bracket that is shape molded to the muffler. If your shoe size is greater than eight, your heel will always be bumping into this. It's totally unacceptable and the newly designed passenger peg bracket on the R is way better (and removable). The R has higher HP and torque from the same engine, primarily due to an increase in compression. It also has the super sexy, lightweight, and expensive Marchesini FORGED wheels, which are gorgeous. Full Ohlins suspension with adjustable steering damper, carbon fiber front fender, paint matched pillion cowling and instrument cluster mini fairing. Bottom line... when you see them side-by-side, there's no question which one is the way to go as long as you've got the additional scratch.

The Monster is bigger than the Tuono, almost like it's not even in the same naked bike class; we might say the Monster is in a class of its own. You sit tall and more upright with zero weight on your wrists. This makes the front end feel really light; even with the steering damper, the front wheel feels a little nervous. Not 24/7 wheelie nervous, but just really light. The seat looks like it would be hard and uncomfortable (and you halfway expect it to be uncomfortable just because of the type of bike). But it is ALL DAY comfortable for my 6-3/240 frame; the foam, the shape, the material all combine to make a fantastic seat.

The L-twin rumbles as expected, and it can be felt in the seat, but there's hardly any vibration in the grips and pegs. The Monster series does not have a quick-shifter like the competition, but the bike shifts really smoothly; it's not needed. I felt a little bit of heat under the seat, but nowhere else (this was 94F Texas heat today). The TFT screen looks great in the showroom, but it's almost worthless in the sunshine. Even in indirect lighting, you always see your reflection because there's no anti-reflective coating on it. I would rather have a less beautiful screen that was more visible. IMO, they could keep the screen, but allow it to rotate so you can adjust the view angle.

We made no adjustments to the suspension, but where the Tuono's Ohlins setup was buttery/pillowy/marshmallowy plush and comfortable while still being totally in control, the Monster had an edge to everything it did. It wasn't jarring, just sharp. Not rough, but definitely sensitive. It makes it feel as if the bike is having a nervous breakdown underneath you, but none of this really transfers to your body; you're just aware that it's happening. It's a strange sensation that makes you feel separate from the bike. Totally unlike the Tuono where I felt as one with that bike. BUT, I feel like I could still ride all day on the Monster; however, I think I would rather ride all day on the Tuono. I like the seat, tank, forward lean, and suspension better on the Tuono. When you're on a naked, you need to be leaning forward a bit to compete with the wind. While I thought that the wind pressure and lack of buffeting was okay on the Monster, the larger fairing and better position of the Tuono was better at cheating the wind.

The Tuono V4 sounds and feels better than the Monster L2. Both bikes have goofy fueling at low RPM and off throttle situations, but there's power aplenty on both bikes. Oh yeah, the Monster is a little taller in the saddle than the Tuono, but the Tuono clutch cover sticks out and the inside of your leg will hit it when your stopped. That sucker is hot, so you learn to move your leg out of the way. Short dudes will have a little trouble with this aspect of both bikes.

Let me close this with this. As much as I would love to love the Monster more just because it's a Ducati and I've liked the Monster concept since it was introduced, the Tuono is still in first place for me. I was trying to think of something Italian to describe the difference in experiencing the two bikes as simply as possible. Here goes: Riding the Tuono is like making love to a beautiful Italian woman while riding the Monster is like making love to a statue of a beautiful Italian woman.

Still at European Cycle Sports LTD in Plano, TX I also got a freeride on an XDiavel S.

I've been wanting to ride this bike for awhile, having sat on it at two other dealers. It is a total comfort-fest in the showroom and the engine, technology, and that big tire just beg to be ridden and enjoyed. Everytime I see it, I want to buy one without even riding it. Plus, my wife always wants me to get a cruiser and in my book, this qualifies. Boy, I'm really glad Jason let me ride it.

As I pulled out of the dealer lot, up to the first stop, and out into traffic, I almost turned around immediately and told Jason, "I'll take it!" I was that enamored with it right out of the gate. Just like everyone else, I still wanted to put my feet under me, but I got the hang of it after the first two or three "tries". Let me go ahead and say what's right about this bike: the static riding position and the switchgear. First, the switchgear is brilliant and Ducati needs to dump the switchgear and display from the Monster (and all their other bikes) and make this the universal setup. It really is that good. The display is just a smaller version of what the Monster had, but it was much better. The switches are better and more intuitive and Ducati implemented cruise very well; way better than BMW and Triumph. The seating and peg position is great, comfortable, inspires confidence and just feels really cool. I've seen pictures of myself on the bike and I don't think I actually look cool, but I feel like I look cool, so I don't know which one is more important. Probably the latter, which is a good segue to what's wrong with the bike.

First, I was in lunchtime Plano/Dallas traffic some and I didn't notice anyone checking me out or staring - I mean NOTHING! I expected at least someone to turn a head to see what was that goofy thing going down the road. So the cool factor I thought I was going to impart to my fellow man never materialized. Either I'm too big for the bike so people can't really see it, or maybe it's just not that impressive. I could feel people checking me out on the red Monster. Maybe a Ducati MUST be red, I don't know. So I was a little disappointed that I garnered no attention on the XDS.

Second, now I know why Ducati has gone to great lengths to create a traveling, guided XDiavel Experience. They must plot out fantastic, smooth roads ahead of time, plan the speeds and turns, etc. because you would not want to live with this bike for more than a test ride where there are expansion joints, bumps, potholes, cracks, reflective markers, ANYTHING on the road. Take my word for it, your butt and back won't be able to take it. Unfortunately, the bike is too sharply sprung to deal with everyday life. It also bucks and broncos a lot; there was rarely a smooth moment on the bike. If this bike is trying to compete with a Softail or Sportster, they have a long way to go. I don't think you can combine sport suspension with cruiser ergos; I was beat completely to pieces on the same route that the Monster lovingly cradled me in its Italian statuesque way. In addition, the engine is a vibe-fest if you don't keep the RPMs low, so you are always shifting into higher and higher gears. Unlike the Monster, where you could ride all day in gears 2-3 and never wear the bike out. So maybe that would take a recalibration of where you run your gearing. I preferred the Monster in this area.

Third, above 45 mph you're holding on for dear life against the wind due to the sail effect of the wide drag bars. If you try to fight against that by pushing your butt up and back and sitting up a little more straight, then you don't look as cool, but don't worry, nobody else cares.

I didn't have any problem turning with the 240-section rear tire. I felt confident in a leaned over turn on this more than the Monster just because of the height difference, I think. The front end of this bike felt light at times also; it must be a Ducati trademark. Oh yeah, on both bikes, I much preferred the most aggressive map to the Touring and Rain modes. After experiencing modes for the first time on these three bikes, I'm convinced that modes are just gimmicks to persuade people they CAN go ahead and buy that bike they can't afford and should be scared of, which helps boost sales of increasingly expensive bikes. Whatevs; as long as one of the gimmick modes doesn't intrude on the full power setup, I don't have to worry about it.

I was ready to get back to the shop and get off the XDS. Bottom line... the XDS is expensive, looks great (to me), feels great (at a standstill), and sounds great; you just don't want to ride it. If I bought one, I would put it in my house and charge people a quarter to sit on it and rev the engine a few times- like a dime store ride. And I would make my daughter keep the dust off it. I told Jason that I was NOT on the fence; the Monster was definitely the Ducati for me. But I WAS on the fence relative to the Tuono and I would have to think about it. As seen above, the Tuono beats out the Monster, so Ducati is out.

So if the Tuono is a beautiful Italian woman, and the Monster is a statue of a beautiful Italian woman, then the XDS is one hundred statues of beautiful Italian women falling on you from the top of a ten story building... with no one around to see it happen.

Moving right along... I drove to BMW Motorcycles of Shreveport (Louisiana) and met Jennifer outside among the used and consignment Beemers and Indians. They had a consignment S1000R outside with an aftermarket Akrapovic pipe I got to freeride.

Before I left Dallas, I was looking over the Monster in the lot when a guy on a red S1000R pulled up right beside. I started talking to him about his bike (1 of 6). His opinion after 30+ years of riding was that the S1000R was the best bike he had ever owned. He said the Monster looked better, but the BMW was the better bike, better electronics, better engine, better ride, and lower cost to maintain.

Okay, so I pull out of the lot and power is instant from a standstill; I REALLY like this about it. No lagging, no waiting for the clutch to engage; just a natural moving forward that you expect to happen, that you want to happen, that your mind tells you should happen. It just happens. Totally smooth, totally composed, the bike responds to what your brain has told your hand to do. It's actually harder to describe the sensation of perfect fueling than it is poor fueling, I guess because it's so rare. This bike just goes and goes where you tell it to go. I was at complete ease on this bike.

I was predisposed not to like the 'head' of the bike being fork mounted. Everytime I looked at it or got on the bike and saw it move with the bars, I would jump right off. This has no bearing when riding the bike (in the daytime; I have no idea what it will be like at night). The wonky eyes don't bother me; the wonky turn indicators do, however. They aren't LED and they are these big wobbly things- must change these.

This is the least comfortable seat of the three, being a bit thin and sharp, but there is a comfort seat available and there is room to add some nice features when comparing to the other two bikes since there is about a 2-3k price differential. For example, the bike I'm looking at has upgraded paint and I can add the integrated GPS, comfort seat and Akrapovic pipe and still be less than the Monster out the door. There is plenty of wiggle room to move around on the bike, especially rearward. The forward lean is more than the Monster, but not as much as the Tuono. The leg to tank mating for my 35" inseam is best (perfect) on the Tuono (I can grip the tank and confidently let go of the bars, even with the Tuono having the most aggressive forward lean), second best on the BMW (there are some ridges in the tank plastic and the frame is there) and worst on the Monster (the monster is too narrow up close and no real spot where my legs mate to the tank; also, the tip of the trellis frame impedes on the inner thigh).

This bike really hauls the mail, just like the Tuono. It wails where the Tuono roars; the Tuono still sounds better. The Tuono looks better. The Tuono feels better. The Tuono is more expensive and its dealer is twice as far away. The Tuono does not have cruise control, heated grips, dynamic/electronic suspension damping, or integrated GPS. The BMW would probably make the better all-around bike with these features. It is really smooth; there's zero vibration in the butt, bars or pegs. You can feel the engine doing its thing, but it's not bothersome or tiresome. The Tuono does its thing in a different way, but is just as smooth and satisfying. The BMW does make great sound through that aftermarket Akro (I refer to it as aftermarket on the consignment bike because there is a BMW-Akro available through the dealer).

I returned to the dealer and said, "I want one." And they have one on the floor in the color I want.

So I will have some remembering, thinking, dreaming, and day-dreaming to do to figure out the winner of my head and heart. I could easily go with either; they are both that good. I think the Tuono is more exotic, they are tied for exciting, and the BMW is slightly lower weight. These were my three criteria. When you look at the bottom line, in the end, OTD is going to be a wash, so price is not a factor, though technically you get more with the BMW. Dealer distance is BMW 151 miles (2h46m), Aprilia 334 miles (5h22m), so that is a factor. Aprilia takes true service appointments and gives loaner bikes; it's not as big a factor for BMW and I didn't ask.

I haven't come up with the comparative description for the Tuono vs. S1000R. Oooohhh... right there, the Aprilia has a NAME, while the BMW has a stupid number that is too easy to confuse with the S1000RR and sometimes easy to confuse with the S1000XR. That's another thing in the Tuono's favor. Ah-haa... the Tuono is a sexy Italian woman and the S1000R is an oddly attractive German robot.

As an aside, I had a final ride on a fully loaded R1200R.

I was also considering this bike, but it is out of the running after the ride. Great bike, lots of low end power from the water-cooled Boxer twin. The display is super easy to see in any light, even if its amber dot matrix display seems a little dated. The only real hiccup in the display is they chose a digital bar graph for the tach and an analog speedometer. This is a total screw up in my book, but I guess they figure the typical buyer for this bike won't care too much about the RPM; it's typically really low anyway. I will say, I found myself doing 90 in a 55 before I knew it the bike was so quiet. That's one thing in favor of the super sport nakeds; there is definitely the sensation of speed that MIGHT help one stay out of too much trouble.

The seat is all day comfortable, there is ample pillion space, panniers designed for the bike, a big rear rack, and a top case designed for the bike. It's a true sporty tourer (notice I did not say sport tourer) in the naked style. There is also the faired RS version which looks good, too. I was bothered by some herky-jerkiness or bucking bronco situation in the general riding. I don't know if this was a problem with steady fueling, the driveline, or the dynamic suspension trying to figure out what was going on. I was riding on a really good expressway at a constant speed, so not sure. I also noticed that the Boxer twin still leaves my hands numb after awhile. It's just the constant drumming of two big pistons I suppose, and why I also don't care for Ducatis or KTMs. I'm a 4guy.

twowheeladdict said:

Holy crap! Way to go man! Are you done with touring? Or going back to the 7 for tour duty?

Today I sat on the BMW adventure bikes, looked at the Africa twin and sat on the super tenere again.

I love the Trophy for touring, but the great weather protection also makes it a very hot ride 6 months out of the year.

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Not done with touring, so to speak. Yes, the 7 will tour on occasion if I think I need to pack heavy (or if it's cold). But I plan to "tour" with the new bike. What I'm calling a tour is, "Hmmm... it's time to ride 500 miles to my favorite BBQ place. I'll leave in the morning, get there 9 hours later, spend a couple days there eating, then turn around and ride back." More than anything, I want to love my machine and have fun riding it.

My opinion isn't worth anything, but I wouldn't touch a Honda, the ST is great for the price but has the worst seat in the segment, and the BMWs are king of the segment and it's easy to do your own 6000 mile valve inspections, if you're into that. There's no way I can recommend a Triumph to you rant), but they have made some significant changes to the line since I had one. If you're just looking for a more open experience but not worried about much off-pavement, then the growing sport adventure segment might be worth a look (Multistrada, BMW S1000XR, Versys 1000LT, etc.).

This is why I'm getting tired of the Concours; it's usually hot where I live and ride and I'm falling asleep at the handlebar often. It's no fun riding like that, which is why I'm looking at super-nakeds for now. It's also heavy and not fun riding where you can't run 90mph, which is nowhere for me except the toll road around Austin going to my BBQ spot.

I think I have some easy answers for you. When it comes to Ducati, I think the dealers rely more on a certain established clientele that is going to buy Ducati just because it's Ducati, and less on a general population comparison shopper like me who is looking for the best bike for a particular need or at a particular time in life. For someone like me, even when money is no object and exotic is a key criteria, Ducati doesn't get the automatic win. To me, MV Agusta is more exotic and desirable, but their bikes are really quirky and unreliable. I've not found a Euro dealer of any brand that wasn't eager to let you test drive; in fact, they go out of their way to arrange a ride. Not so the Japanese and Harley brands. Victory/Indian hasn't been a problem either.

I have one word for the R1200R... docile. While I was riding, I was thinking it was the perfect high-end beginner bike. It actually reminds me of the ZR7. Combination of that chassis and the Boxer twin just motivates without drama. If you twist it hard, it will toss you back, but that's because of the relaxed, upright ergos. The bike just putt-putts along like you expect the Boxer to do; just like on the ADV bikes. The bike is loaded with every tech that BMW offers, even the up AND DOWN quick-shifter, and the nostalgia of the Boxer twin. It looks great, feels great, but there's no excitement there at all. Its a smaller sporty tourer, complete with full luggage. No drama bike.

The XDiavel promises more than it delivers in my view. You WANT to love this bike, but it just doesn't work on real roads and real speeds. It wouldn't work at all as an only bike. It MIGHT work as a second bike depending on your riding style- wouldn't work for me. It could work as a third bike for me IF I ran with a group of guys who also had one and we rode together every now and then in a group, which I never do. Look up the Breakout Friends on youtube to understand what I'm talking about.

Here's why the Tuono isn't in the carport... yet. Yes, I was hooked instantly but I was 300+ miles away from home on business, my trade was 300+ miles away at home, I'm a little concerned with the dealer being so far away because of a previous experience, and it was the first of five bikes I wanted to try before making a decision. After riding all the bikes on my list, the Tuono and the S1000R are neck and neck. The Tuono has my heart, the BMW has my head. Have to see which one wins out.

The problem with the Super Duke for me is that it's an upright bike just like the Monster. The Tuono/S1kR have a more aggressive riding position in comparison, which is what I want. I also don't want a twin- I don't like them. I didn't like the 1190 Adventure or either of the Ducati twins. I don't like the orange and black. I don't like the shape or bodywork. Somewhere I saw a comment saying the SD looks like it was designed by the night janitor crew at Kubota. It just doesn't appeal to me, so I'm not even going to ride it.

twowheeladdict said:

I really think I want an Indian Springfield or Road King. Pull the shield and enjoy the wind. Ride within 5 over the speed limit and enjoy the ride.

What I really should get is a super tenere es. Keep going rain or shine. Cruise, shaft, electronic suspension, Yamaha reliability, economical.

I rode two up on the trophy today around Center Hill Lake. Set the suspension for two up, sport mode, and enjoy the curves. We did have to shed our jackets after lunch though.
My wife likes the sound of the road glide better.

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I was exactly there two months ago. Had my mind made up that the way to go was a Springfield or Road King and just cruise. Then I realized that heavier wasn't better for me. I would still be toting around all that two-up capability that I don't need. So I scrapped that idea. The Indian dealer in Shreveport said you wouldn't believe the number of people on waiting lists for used Indians. I was surprised at this. Especially since the new Chieftain and Roadmaster came out with the big screen, people who bought new within the last year are turning in their various models for this. They had one Roadmaster that had 3000 miles on it that was sold instantly for $10k below new because the owner wanted the new one. Imagine if you could find a Springfield where the owner changed their mind and wanted the fully faired version. This happens to RKs all the time.

Yes, I've decided to go after a motorcycle, not a two-wheel car or SUV.

Vic.Thing said:

Daddyflip maybe that's part of the... problem? Now I'm seeing the bigger picture. You want an all arounder than does some thing particularly well. What that thing is? No one really knows... most importantly yourself. And that's the thing. All arounders only do all around well.

Someone that has multiple bikes should look more towards specialization and not general purpose. That'd be like having a toolchest full of 12 different brands of 10mm box wrenches (only 10mm...no other sizes). Granted, that snap-ons thinner neck comes in handy once in a while, and the craftsman is great for everyday use. But you don't need 12 different brands of the same wrench. You'd benefit much more greatly from having 1 brand and many sizes. Like you said, except for age your 750 and a R1200 are basically the same thing. But then I see that sort of in all the motorcycles you're interested. And then when I hear you talk about the Tuono, what I hear mostly is that it's the most different from the rest and what you have. This makes sense, because you're after something different.

Maybe it's not the Connie you need to change. Maybe it's the 750.

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There is the consideration of logistics and economics. I COULD do it, but I can't truly justify three bikes in the carport right now and the Connie is the only one of the two that has any market value at all for sell or trade. The 7 is worth more to me personally than any money I could get from it and I consider it my all arounder. It is way more fun to ride than the C14, which is putting me to sleep. The 7 is easy for me to work on and I enjoy doing it. It has awesome range, carrying capacity and comfort. Although, twa gave me an idea in another of his posts that I might consider keeping a summer bike and a winter bike. If I thought of it that way, then I really don't need to change anything. The C14 has already proven itself as an excellent winter bike. The 7 is a better summer bike. Hmmm...

But going back to the original thought, the 7 would be my all arounder and the new sport naked bike is what I really want to RIDE right now. We'll see.

I am not factoring all that. I've owned the 7 for three years, put 6000 miles on it, and the BT023s I put on there then still look brand new. I've spent almost as much on that bike as I paid for it. Of the three bikes I've owned in three years, I've averaged a total of 6000 miles per year. Obviously, my mileage was impacted by the trouble I had with the Triumph. I don't factor depreciation or resale value at all, but I do value projected reliability and features/benefits for price paid, regardless of price. Yeah, service intervals don't bother me, but I have to learn to DIY because I don't trust anyone else; nothing to choose from where I live.

I was kind of tongue in cheek about being noticed. That's not a factor for me in real life but I expected at least a little something on the XDS. Maybe because it was Dallas. I've personally never seen a Ducati of any model in the wild. You are right, though; I've seen a million hogs and I still look every time.

I'm thinking of adding that one year old BMW S1000R I rode to the stable. It's half price and still has 18 months of warranty on it and some really good extras. Didn't seem to be anything wrong with it and only 6000 miles on the clock in 18 months of one owner. Hard to let the Connie go with winter coming up. I'm going to play with the suspension some to see if I can make the ride seem less heavy. And maybe a cut down or Copper dawg screen. That's the plan as of this hour.

UPDATE: Took a road trip to look at bikes AND took my C14 title just in case. Not too far from home this time and not too exotic. I found an FZ-10 in raven black...

Great seating position, lots of room in every direction, comfortable reach to bars. Seat is a little hard but is wide. Bike looks way better in person than in pictures. They wouldn't let me see the key, much less give me a test ride. Typical Japanese dealer situation.

Next, I went to Kawasaki Sports Center where I know they give test rides. So what do I see at the front door behind orange tape with a sign, "Do not touch! No sitting!"??? YES... H2! So I convince them to drag it out because I'm a player and I get to sit on it...

... but sorry, no test ride. It doesn't even have fluids or battery yet. I was expecting it to be a lot smaller, but it really is a big bike. And it is L...ooo000OOONGGGggg;;;,,,... The tip of the nose is WAY out there. The seat is comfortable and the reach is good, but the bars are pretty low. I'm long and tall, so it's no biggie for me, but there was more pressure on my hands than the typical sport bike. Oh, wait a minute; I was trying EXTRA hard to keep my legs and belly off the tank so as to not get a single scratch on the paint job. So in real riding, I think it would be fine. The pegs are pretty high; I might want to adjust them down and back a little. It is beautiful everywhere, especially the gauge cluster. It may be "Built Beyond Belief" but it's priced that way also. I don't know; if I ran with a crew where bragging rights were important, I might get it. But I don't know anyone except you guys, and you would be impressed just long enough to say, "Congrats," and that's it. There's other bikes that cost WAY less that would be as good or better to own and ride, like...

I did get to ride the Super Duke GT! I sat on it in the store and said, "Hey, this bike is warm." The guy said, "Yeah, I just rode it." The tires were already scrubbed in, too. So they wheeled it out and sent me on my way. I have one word for this bike... NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO and NO.

I'm sorry, but KTM just doesn't do it for me. I don't know what people see in these bikes. Sure, they have power, but absolutely ZERO refinement. The aprilia Tuono I rode 100% completely blows this bike out of the water. I've ridden an 1190 Adventure and now a SDR GT and both are a total disaster for me. No need to go into any details of the ride because it would all be negative.

So I went inside to look at something a little more, uuuuuummmmm, sedate...

Some people don't like the matte black of the SE, but I love the complete blacked out look, the tinted hydraulic reservoirs and the M50 Brembos. After sitting on the H2 and riding the GT, the ZX14 is all day comfortable- I like it better than the C14. They have a good price too. No I didn't get to ride and didn't beg because I had other things I wanted to do on this trip. But I could definitely see myself swapping C14 for ZX14.

I think I have made up my mind what I'm going to do. I just have to put the finishing touches on the plan and implement it. Stay tuned for the reveal.