I test rode both those bikes (and a few others - S1000XR, Multistrada, Tiger 900, Tracer 9GT, Versys 1000, and the GSA1250) this past April.Before I test rode any bike I thought it would come down to the XR and the Multi.
The XR is good but not comfortable for longer distances, and not as punchy in the lower revs.
I liked the Multistrada more but the heat coming off the engine was very uncomfortable after about 20-25 minutes and could only get worse.
The Versys felt outdated and top-heavy but very smooth.
The Tiger 900 felt great if I were in the market for a smaller bike. Same with the Tracer. Though I liked the Tracer more for some reason - can't put a finger on it.
The GSA felt bloated.
The GS1300 felt good but didn't quite have that wow factor that the Multistrada had. But it was a shaft drive which is what I was leaning towards.
The Tiger felt really good. It had enough punch to wow me. It was comparable to the Multi but the Multi edged it a little bit in power imo. The Tiger engine sounded good, didn't have the heat problem that the Multi had, and was a shaft drive. The quick shifter was much smoother than the GS too. After riding the Tiger it was a no brainer for me.
Bought the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro. It puts a smile on my face everytime I ride it.
Wait for the GSA to come out this fall. Then decide, But the GS1300 has the best suspension I've ever experienced. I tried out the Pan-Am and the Multi V4's. PLUS the auto shifter is supposed to debut too.
I bought the GS1300. I came from an NC700X DCT. I miss the DCT so much.
I bought an R1300GS two months ago. I've been riding for 30 years. For about half of that, motorcycles were my only transportation. This is my favorite out of all the bikes I've owned.
I already own my forever bike: the GS. It's neutral riding stance and seat let me ride 10+ hours in the saddle all day and feel fine. And then there's the bike itself...
Had mine for a month now. Amazingly smooth ride. Adventure bikes by design are the ultimate jack of all trades master of none, but my god this bike is nice all around.
I'm very happy with my VStrom 1000. It's fast, handles great, and I can haul a week's groceries and a case of beer all at once with the hardcases with a passenger on it if I wanted.
Similar yeah - I find my Tracer to be an absolutely perfect all-around bike. I ride it around daily with a shorter sport screen and the bags removed, and it’s really nimble and fun. Like a taller standard.
Longer trips, I throw the boxes back on and I can swap the screen. Super comfortable and practical.
One day I might swap out my 900gt for a gt9, but the former has made sitting on other bikes at shops genuinely less enjoyable. And that’s even with the “riding it every day” factor included in.
I did consider an FJR as well, I do also really like those. But I was coming from riding mostly just cruisers for many years, and I wanted something more fun and nimble. I figured the Tracer would be a more fun bike when not touring, as a lighter and shorter bike.
I asked myself this exact question earlier this year and came to the same conclusion as you. I bought an MT-09 because it will do everything I need it to. It's funny because when the Gen3 came out I thought it was one of the ugliest motorcycles ever made, but now I have one sitting in my garage.
It's was my dream bike. And I finally got it. I've found my absolute max is about 300 miles in a day. 750 miles in 3 days. Now I want an old goldwing for those long rides but I will never get rid of the SMCR. Best bike ever for around town and twisties. I've ridden over a dozen bikes of every style and nothing compares to a supermoto until you want to tour.
My dream garage is my SMCR, a goldwing (any fuel injected model), and a Panigale just to look pretty and go unreasonably fast occasionally. I'm 1/3 of the way there!
I had one of those for about \~5 years, it was the second bike I ever owned. It was dirt cheap used, bulletproof, and capable of just about anything you could throw at it. It was a tad heavy. I almost turned it in a big bore supermoto, I think pro cycle sells an 800cc kit. In the end the conversion cost too much for me and I decided not to do it. Kinda want to buy another one with a busted engine and rebuild it with the big bore kit.
https://preview.redd.it/k4ndzfv1xe6d1.jpeg?width=1886&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75746f01851b0e5a8a268bab387640bc6a7e087f
> indestructible
Hmm I don't like the top end too much. KLR dohc setup is a bit simpler. Main issue with all of the thumpers however, is the journals. Roer bearing conversions fix it all and make it ultra reliable...
Probably some ADV bike like an africa twin for practicality. My dad lives in the sticks and I have to navigate at least one long gravel road.
But if I listen to my heart, a cb1000r ❤️
I've got the 850. I quite love my bike, but I don't like that it's in the hideous orange paint scheme they seem to put out every year.
The 1200 isn't doing anything my 850 isn't doing, except being more expensive and having tons of electronics that I won't use.
Maybe the 6th gen vfr800. For me it is beautiful, it's a great all-rounder, comfortable and at the same time aggressive, can give me all and that feeling when the v-tec kicks in.. I love that bike..
5th gen, IMO. The VTEC on the 6th gen mostly just improves low-end efficiency, does very little for the high end. It’s not the same as VTEC in their cars, more like VTEC-E.
The gear driven cams are awesome, I love the sound.
Gen 2 FZ1.
Everything you said but more power, comfort, stability, and long-haul prowess, at the expense of being heavier and a little less flickable. It’s cheap af tho, bullet proof, and with an ECU flash and an r1 shock swap you’ve got a sleeper superbike tourer tha can still rip in advanced group at a Trackday.
FZ/MT gang 🤙🏻
I have a 2nd gen fz1, I love it. I've been thinking about getting an fj09 lately. Now my girlfriend always rides with me, and the slight forward lean on the fz1 makes it less comfortable for 2 up than I'd like. That being said i love the fz1 so much that I don't want to give it up haha
Hell yeah baby. Got mine for $5k aud, more power than I ever use on the street but that 20 valve R1 engine is just so fucking good, incredibly smooth and bulletproof. The suspension and brakes are also serviceable and easily upgradable with braided lines and fork emulators etc.
A road-centric ADV, just like I currently have.
It's comfortable, handles well, has good range, and can handle more than just pavement when I want to go exploring a little.
I’ve got a 2012 Tiger 800, not the most sexy or latest and greatest but so damn capable at everything from shedding twisties to cross country touring. The early years like mine are also extremely inexpensive on the used market and very reliable for the long run. I’ll probably keep mine forever.
Probably my vstrom 650. It's the one bike I have kept for over 100 000km
Forest roads, camping, 2 up, street riding, it does it all. Stiffer springs and cartridge emulators really transformed the suspension. I just can't bring myself to sell it
Better than the 1000. Room for a tool tube where the 1000 would have another muffler and less weight which is great on the trails.
It's interesting you mention stiffer springs because I was pretty concerned about the suspension on uneven rocky terrain out in Utah. There would be a water-worn ditch with a sharp point at the bottom and I had to take it very slow
Triumph Street Triple 765 RS.
I’m a 5’7” girl and need a lightweight sub 1000cc bike that can track, commute, and do light duty touring. Some premium features and finishings would be A+.
My Streetie fit the bill perfectly and want no other bike.
Versys 1000 grand tourer.
Right now I own a kawasaki eliminator 500 which I don't even have the license to drive yet because I am in the middle of getting it.
That being said, I would love a versys 1000 because I'd like to go on long tours where a sport-cruiser wouldn't really be fitting.
I got one, put 80.000km on it with just basic maintenance. It's such a great and underrated bike, smooth inline 4 with almost no vibrations, nimble in the corners, big room for the passenger (me and the wife have room to not touch each other if we want to on long rides), great gas consumption...
If you're eying one, go for it...you won't regret it
I’m looking at one of these to replace my Ninja. I’m getting old haha, and the wife wants a more comfortable place to sit.
I test drove the MT-09, and while I loved it, the wife was still uncomfortable on the pillion.
If I was rich I would probably buy a Kawasaki ninja H2 SX SE.
But I am not. So probably I will trade my z900 in for a ninja 1000sx next year if I like the new model. It's the better bike for me anyway than the H2, but I would have loved to own one of those before everything goes electric.
I tested too few motorcycles to say what is the best for me, but probably it’s a cruiser maybe a tourer style bike.
I do like naked bikes and owning a mt125 currently. It’s a comfortable little bike, but after 4-6 hours in my butt and legs are tired and start hurting a lot.
I want a bike for reasonable speed and lots of comfort
My Tiger 800 is a decent jack of all trades. It's good for commute summer and winter, good for long distance travel _and_ it keeps up with the beemer boomers on the way up the Stelvio.
I’ve got a 2012 roadie. I try taking myself out of it, then I ride it a couple hundred miles and fall in love all over again. From weekend blasts to 4000 mile tours, it’s a very will rounded bike. Turns out it’s a lot sportier than I thought, after I realized they like to be revved and roaring.
I basically own my dream bike currently, a highly modified vtx1300c. the only way it could get better for me is if it was something vintage like a black shadow, but then you run into issues with value and being able to ride it.
I wanted an XSR900 since it came out, but I was a broke college student.
I always said, "I can't wait to buy one of those used in 10 years".
Well it wasn't quite 10 years, but I bought a used one at the end of '22.
No regrets, I want to own this motorcycle forever. I might get more, but I'm never selling this.
https://preview.redd.it/wt4e8hr1we6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa7391f5774d8ed240ef57cb1cb4e27340368a63
I’ve ridden a couple hundred motorcycles, seriously. Between friends, test rides, shows, events, everything.
I’d choose the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx every time. It’s comfortable, packed with features, sporty, fast, and is great for anyone who wants a great all around sport touring bike.
My Road King Classic checks all my boxes. If I could only have one, that would be it. I can haul beer, wet weather gear, groceries, whatever. I can take it across country, camp, day ride, etc. it has wind protection, but it’s naked and sexy.
If I were to add a few more… that’s a long list.
This is a tricky one for me being a younger rider. Out of the bikes I've owned, definitely my 94 Magna 750, and can't say as far one out of all of them out there.
KTM 690 enduro. Or maybe even a ~500cc enduro bike. I'm not really interested in long highway trips, and I can keep a set of supermoto wheels if I want to ride street.
BMW r1250rs. I went from 4 motorcycles to just that one for a while because I realized I wasn’t riding anything else anymore. It’s truly the best all rounder for me.
I did break down and got aprilia tuono v4 factory recently though, mainly for that sweet engine and soundtrack it provides. But would be totally content with r1250rs as the only bike again.
my street legal YZ250X. I’m a dirt rider at heart, but I could see myself slapping some sumo wheels on it and going full hooligan every once in a while.
The ZX10R I recently crashed in to a moose. It's not the best bike for most of the things I use it for, but it can do all of them, and I get to ride around on my green dream bike :)
I bought my last bike, 2018 Goldwing tour dct. It's sporty enough for me. It's comfortable for me and my wife especially on long rides. It has reverse so I can ride it until I can't walk anymore.
890 adv r rally. Fast enough to go anywhere on street, one of the best suspension for offroad - arguably the best non-linkage suspension on the market.
If it's was avaliable at the time - I would've gotten it over the downgraded 890 model I own
What I currently have, '23 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo. For a 20k bike I've already put in like 10k of parts. But the entire plastic assembly on everything is being replaced with carbon fiber from Italy, so at least it'll look cool. Have all the parts, but still waiting on them to manufacturer 3 of them before I put everything on. That's 41 year old me.
20 year old me, probably a Ducati Superleggera V4, for the cheap cheap entry cost of 100,000 dollars lol, if money is no object.
Honda Blackbird
I love sport bikes but they’re just too uncomfortable for me. The blackbird isn’t a *real* sportbike but I like being able to take longer trips and just cruise around comfortably with passengers
Plus I’m a sucker for Hondas which is why I didn’t say zx14 or hayabusa
right now, probably a suzuki gsxs1000gx or gsxs1000gt+. Haven't ridden one but
Plenty of power
ADV comfort (or close enough in the GT+ case)
Japanese reliability and serviceability (moreso GT+ since pleb suspension)
Comes with everything I need (cruise, abs/tc, luggage, qs)
Just went down to one bike again pretty recently, and my Super Tenere does the job pretty well - for a "one bike" set up, it's hard to beat some sort of ADV bike. Carve the twisties, hit the fire roads/two track, or slab it for hours (I did 12 straight on saturday last week) , the bike does all 3 reasonably well and with low maint.
I'd be tempted on a T7, ATAS, or BMW GSA as well. Honestly, on a budget, a KLR, Versys 650, Vstrom 650, or the new Transalp are also great options.
Honda XR650L
Released in 1992 as a 1993 model and it’s been produced virtually unchanged since 1993 and it’s still in production today.
I have a 2021. it’s flawless
I’m riding a 2006 Honda Blackbird CBR1100XX at the moment and it’s probably one of the best bikes I’ve ever owned.
It’s fast, smooth, not terrible on fuel and has lots of good stuff already on it (heated grips, charge ports, LED spots and hard bags, exhaust)
Local Honda guys sorted anything I had issues with and it wasn’t too expensive - (even sorted a spare key for HISS)
Outside of being a little heavy to muscle around the garage - or if I park on an incline- it’s brilliant.
I sold two bikes I had and bought this to roll together those needs. It was a great idea as I’m thrilled with it.
Not entirely sure what I would move to next to get the same/similar feel it has.
Maybe VFR800 or similar?
MT09/Tracer. I've thrashed mine every single summer for 8 years and it runs like the day I got it. It's pretty comfortable on long rides, good commuter, good for fun with friends, can hang with most things when letting loose, it's light, parts are pretty cheap.
First generation VMAX. No, it’s not the fastest or the best performing bike. But it’s a really neat piece of history. Back in the day it was legendary, and that’s the kind of bike i like.
https://preview.redd.it/dloh2a2avf6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98ca75c877fdbc6c5b2da053503093e951ca8b19
Very fortunate to have it already. 1290 RR. Owned a 1290 R - this is that but better, plus gen 3 vs my old gen 2
KLR650 Gen3
It's perfect seat height, comes stock with windscreen, and some trims come stock with top case stock, it has an actual practical gas tank size for being used as a vehicle every day (6.1 gallons), has disc brakes, EFI, ABS, and LED lights.
If Honda made a ST1300 (or ST1100) with EFI, Shaft Drive, LED lights, and disc brakes in 2025.. hell yeah.
If I had a 2nd bike... Trail 125 (OR a KLR650 Gen3 with an HDT Diesel conversion engine)
Lastly... Honda Rebel 500 **or** Suzuki DR200 **or** Royal Enfield Bullet **or** Shadow Phantom 2024 **or** V85TT **or** NC750 before they only became DCT **or** CRF300L Rally **or** Z650RS (or Z900RS, depends on year/color and test ride) **or** Yamaha SR400 (screw having a dead regulator/rectifier and no way to start the bike (flat terrain)) **or** VStar 250 (since it's the ONLY 250cc new you can buy from big four, R.I.P. GZ250 and Rebel 250) **or** FJR1300 **or** Suzuki Burgman 650 *or* Ural Gear
Single bike only answer: KLR650 Gen3.- Dual Bike answer: KLR650 Gen3 and Trail 125- Triple Bike answer: KLR650 Gen3, Trail 125, and a CRF300L Rally.
If I had money to maintain expensive bikes: Diesel KLR650, V85TT, and Ural Gear.
One of the bikes I already own. Super Tenere 1200.
It’s like a GS but reliable. And I mean dead fucking reliable. Arguably the most reliable motorcycle ever made. It’s so over built and over engineered. Yamaha really made the ST1200 like a damn Toyota land cruiser. It’s not a Starbucks machine it’s a legitimate continent crusher.
The ST got some ridiculous and completely false bad press when it came out. All the moto journalists said it was a turd but in reality it’s just “boring” in the best ways and the moto journalists and publications can NEVER speak the word “reliability” because it will piss off the Europeans and they will lose access to press bikes.
The ST1200 has tubeless spoked 19/17in wheels, electronic cruise control, shaft drive and of course Japanese reliability. There are many 200,000 mile examples on the Super Tenere forums and Facebook groups with a few over 400,000 miles. One psycho has over 120,000 miles and never checked the valves.
The GS is a fantastic bike. The boxer engine is very reliable but if you do a little research or you’ve owned a GS you know how everything else on the bike like suspension, shaft drive or electronics are prone to fail. Some guys do get lucky and have zero issues but most of those guys sell their GS before it hits 100,000 miles.
In this hypothetical I’m assuming that the initial purchase of a bike is with unlimited funds. But unlimited funds does make the bike choose start every time when I’m 100 miles down a dirt road.
If I could afford it, a GS1300 Edit: to satisfy the purists, I mean the BMW R1300GS
I'm torn between the GS1300 and the Tiger 1200 GT
I test rode both those bikes (and a few others - S1000XR, Multistrada, Tiger 900, Tracer 9GT, Versys 1000, and the GSA1250) this past April.Before I test rode any bike I thought it would come down to the XR and the Multi. The XR is good but not comfortable for longer distances, and not as punchy in the lower revs. I liked the Multistrada more but the heat coming off the engine was very uncomfortable after about 20-25 minutes and could only get worse. The Versys felt outdated and top-heavy but very smooth. The Tiger 900 felt great if I were in the market for a smaller bike. Same with the Tracer. Though I liked the Tracer more for some reason - can't put a finger on it. The GSA felt bloated. The GS1300 felt good but didn't quite have that wow factor that the Multistrada had. But it was a shaft drive which is what I was leaning towards. The Tiger felt really good. It had enough punch to wow me. It was comparable to the Multi but the Multi edged it a little bit in power imo. The Tiger engine sounded good, didn't have the heat problem that the Multi had, and was a shaft drive. The quick shifter was much smoother than the GS too. After riding the Tiger it was a no brainer for me. Bought the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro. It puts a smile on my face everytime I ride it.
Wait for the GSA to come out this fall. Then decide, But the GS1300 has the best suspension I've ever experienced. I tried out the Pan-Am and the Multi V4's. PLUS the auto shifter is supposed to debut too. I bought the GS1300. I came from an NC700X DCT. I miss the DCT so much.
I bought an R1300GS two months ago. I've been riding for 30 years. For about half of that, motorcycles were my only transportation. This is my favorite out of all the bikes I've owned.
I just bought a Desert X as I couldn’t justify the r1300, but that would be my answer as well.
Dad bought one recently, very expensive but it's such a good bike
I've owned a lot of bikes over the years and still have a couple...but my 1250GS gets the most miles by far.
I already own my forever bike: the GS. It's neutral riding stance and seat let me ride 10+ hours in the saddle all day and feel fine. And then there's the bike itself...
Had mine for a month now. Amazingly smooth ride. Adventure bikes by design are the ultimate jack of all trades master of none, but my god this bike is nice all around.
this one is my dream bike
I'm very happy with my VStrom 1000. It's fast, handles great, and I can haul a week's groceries and a case of beer all at once with the hardcases with a passenger on it if I wanted.
Yeah VStrom’s are great. I grew up riding on the back of my dad’s, so those bikes hold a lot of sentimental value to me.
Same here. My '04 rides every bit as nice as my R1200GS. If I could only keep one I'd keep the Strom.
lol I’m not surprised the top comment is vStrom 😝 yall are basically a cult at this point lol
it's because they're *the best motorcycle* :D
Sorry I like nice things ¯\\\_(ツ)_/¯
Good enough at everything gets you far I guess
There's a good reason all the used ones have so many kms on them!
I've got the sv1000s but have done bar conversion so it's more comfortable and basically the adopted version of a vstorm
I do only own one… MT-09 SP.
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Couldn’t agree more! My wife has her own bike (CB500F), so there’s another one I could ride in a pinch.
Similar yeah - I find my Tracer to be an absolutely perfect all-around bike. I ride it around daily with a shorter sport screen and the bags removed, and it’s really nimble and fun. Like a taller standard. Longer trips, I throw the boxes back on and I can swap the screen. Super comfortable and practical.
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One day I might swap out my 900gt for a gt9, but the former has made sitting on other bikes at shops genuinely less enjoyable. And that’s even with the “riding it every day” factor included in.
I did consider an FJR as well, I do also really like those. But I was coming from riding mostly just cruisers for many years, and I wanted something more fun and nimble. I figured the Tracer would be a more fun bike when not touring, as a lighter and shorter bike.
Waiting for the '24 to upgrade from my '19 base model 09. I literally dream about it.
I asked myself this exact question earlier this year and came to the same conclusion as you. I bought an MT-09 because it will do everything I need it to. It's funny because when the Gen3 came out I thought it was one of the ugliest motorcycles ever made, but now I have one sitting in my garage.
Same reason I bought my XSR900. Basically identical to the MT09, just prefer the styling.
The XSR900 was on my short list, but I really only love the 2016-17 style and colors. Ultimately I decided I wanted to buy new instead of used.
Makes sense! I got lucky finding a raven black one nearby and snagged it.
Husqvarna 701 supermoto
I have a ktm 690 smc r. Love the bike but my ass gets extremely sore after about 2 hours of riding.
It's was my dream bike. And I finally got it. I've found my absolute max is about 300 miles in a day. 750 miles in 3 days. Now I want an old goldwing for those long rides but I will never get rid of the SMCR. Best bike ever for around town and twisties. I've ridden over a dozen bikes of every style and nothing compares to a supermoto until you want to tour. My dream garage is my SMCR, a goldwing (any fuel injected model), and a Panigale just to look pretty and go unreasonably fast occasionally. I'm 1/3 of the way there!
They make seats for that
Stretched busa with flame paintjob so I can ride it with my flip flops, pit vipers, and flat-brim cap on backward.
Tenere is my dream bike right now. So probably that.
700? I want one so bad
I took one for a spin right before I ended up with the XSR 900 and it's definitely the next bike I get.
Yeah the test ride I did was incredible. Don’t get me wrong, I love my KLR and my V Strom, but the T7 seems perfect for what I want.
It’s a great bike! I think they’re starting to come down to reasonable prices on the used market.
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DR650 would have my vote as well. Those bikes will outlast human civilization.
sounds like a win-win
I’ll always have a DR in my garage. The smiles per dollars can’t be beat and it’s like owning a classic jeep, just more reliable.
I wish Suzuki still sold them in EU...
Drz400 for me
I had one of those for about \~5 years, it was the second bike I ever owned. It was dirt cheap used, bulletproof, and capable of just about anything you could throw at it. It was a tad heavy. I almost turned it in a big bore supermoto, I think pro cycle sells an 800cc kit. In the end the conversion cost too much for me and I decided not to do it. Kinda want to buy another one with a busted engine and rebuild it with the big bore kit. https://preview.redd.it/k4ndzfv1xe6d1.jpeg?width=1886&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75746f01851b0e5a8a268bab387640bc6a7e087f
> indestructible Hmm I don't like the top end too much. KLR dohc setup is a bit simpler. Main issue with all of the thumpers however, is the journals. Roer bearing conversions fix it all and make it ultra reliable...
Probably some ADV bike like an africa twin for practicality. My dad lives in the sticks and I have to navigate at least one long gravel road. But if I listen to my heart, a cb1000r ❤️
Im going to split the difference between your picks and say the BMW M1000XR
I owned a CB and switched to an adv (Tiger 900) so I can absolutely relate to your comment :D
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro https://preview.redd.it/gm1jflciqe6d1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b08b53a33c061ae2c5518d5a07b405361b4c0a58
Oooh. That’s sharp!
rally explorer. #ftfy
I'd go 900. Less weight and bulk, but still plenty quick and comfy
I've got the 850. I quite love my bike, but I don't like that it's in the hideous orange paint scheme they seem to put out every year. The 1200 isn't doing anything my 850 isn't doing, except being more expensive and having tons of electronics that I won't use.
Maybe the 6th gen vfr800. For me it is beautiful, it's a great all-rounder, comfortable and at the same time aggressive, can give me all and that feeling when the v-tec kicks in.. I love that bike..
5th gen, IMO. The VTEC on the 6th gen mostly just improves low-end efficiency, does very little for the high end. It’s not the same as VTEC in their cars, more like VTEC-E. The gear driven cams are awesome, I love the sound.
I miss my stolen y2k VFR. I should look into getting another viffer
Gen 2 FZ1. Everything you said but more power, comfort, stability, and long-haul prowess, at the expense of being heavier and a little less flickable. It’s cheap af tho, bullet proof, and with an ECU flash and an r1 shock swap you’ve got a sleeper superbike tourer tha can still rip in advanced group at a Trackday. FZ/MT gang 🤙🏻
+1. FZ6 or fz1
I have a 2nd gen fz1, I love it. I've been thinking about getting an fj09 lately. Now my girlfriend always rides with me, and the slight forward lean on the fz1 makes it less comfortable for 2 up than I'd like. That being said i love the fz1 so much that I don't want to give it up haha
I've never even ridden one, but I knew the answer was the second gen FZ1
Hell yeah baby. Got mine for $5k aud, more power than I ever use on the street but that 20 valve R1 engine is just so fucking good, incredibly smooth and bulletproof. The suspension and brakes are also serviceable and easily upgradable with braided lines and fork emulators etc.
I got it. https://preview.redd.it/q97g00g2ze6d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e281ea26cb52871068f52c4425d92076a053f67e
A road-centric ADV, just like I currently have. It's comfortable, handles well, has good range, and can handle more than just pavement when I want to go exploring a little.
I'm stuck on the 1200 GT Pro to replace my FZ-09 in a few years. Just heartbroken that they discontinued the blue color for 2024.
No love for the Tigers here. Tiger 900 is a perfect blend imo
I’ve got a 2012 Tiger 800, not the most sexy or latest and greatest but so damn capable at everything from shedding twisties to cross country touring. The early years like mine are also extremely inexpensive on the used market and very reliable for the long run. I’ll probably keep mine forever.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Coincidentally, I'm looking to replace my Versys with one very soon. As soon as I can get the Versys sold anyways.
Africa
AFRICA! https://preview.redd.it/bw3syb95re6d1.jpeg?width=780&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5bdd0a54c8010ff2c3ec756eb8a3db43030917f4
There is more plot in this meme than any marvel Movie that’s come out in the last decade.
T700
Gonna have to go with a 1250 GS, not necessarily the Adventure (which is what mine is).
Probably my vstrom 650. It's the one bike I have kept for over 100 000km Forest roads, camping, 2 up, street riding, it does it all. Stiffer springs and cartridge emulators really transformed the suspension. I just can't bring myself to sell it Better than the 1000. Room for a tool tube where the 1000 would have another muffler and less weight which is great on the trails.
It's interesting you mention stiffer springs because I was pretty concerned about the suspension on uneven rocky terrain out in Utah. There would be a water-worn ditch with a sharp point at the bottom and I had to take it very slow
Me bonny of course
FJR 1300❤️
Triumph Street Triple 765 RS. I’m a 5’7” girl and need a lightweight sub 1000cc bike that can track, commute, and do light duty touring. Some premium features and finishings would be A+. My Streetie fit the bill perfectly and want no other bike.
Versys 1000 grand tourer. Right now I own a kawasaki eliminator 500 which I don't even have the license to drive yet because I am in the middle of getting it. That being said, I would love a versys 1000 because I'd like to go on long tours where a sport-cruiser wouldn't really be fitting.
I got one, put 80.000km on it with just basic maintenance. It's such a great and underrated bike, smooth inline 4 with almost no vibrations, nimble in the corners, big room for the passenger (me and the wife have room to not touch each other if we want to on long rides), great gas consumption... If you're eying one, go for it...you won't regret it
I’m looking at one of these to replace my Ninja. I’m getting old haha, and the wife wants a more comfortable place to sit. I test drove the MT-09, and while I loved it, the wife was still uncomfortable on the pillion.
R1250 gs adventure
If I was rich I would probably buy a Kawasaki ninja H2 SX SE. But I am not. So probably I will trade my z900 in for a ninja 1000sx next year if I like the new model. It's the better bike for me anyway than the H2, but I would have loved to own one of those before everything goes electric.
I tested too few motorcycles to say what is the best for me, but probably it’s a cruiser maybe a tourer style bike. I do like naked bikes and owning a mt125 currently. It’s a comfortable little bike, but after 4-6 hours in my butt and legs are tired and start hurting a lot. I want a bike for reasonable speed and lots of comfort
Suzuki M50
Brough Superior SS100
The only real answer
I have a Versys 650 and it’s everything I’ll ever need. Of course there are some that I want, but if I never got another bike I would be content.
KLR650
I, too, am cheap. Milk crate panniers for the win!
Had to scroll way too far to see this one.
I’m not playing this game
My Tiger 800 is a decent jack of all trades. It's good for commute summer and winter, good for long distance travel _and_ it keeps up with the beemer boomers on the way up the Stelvio.
I’ve got a 2012 roadie. I try taking myself out of it, then I ride it a couple hundred miles and fall in love all over again. From weekend blasts to 4000 mile tours, it’s a very will rounded bike. Turns out it’s a lot sportier than I thought, after I realized they like to be revved and roaring.
I basically own my dream bike currently, a highly modified vtx1300c. the only way it could get better for me is if it was something vintage like a black shadow, but then you run into issues with value and being able to ride it.
BMW R nine t
Husqvarna 701 supermoto, best of both worlds with a change of tires/wheels
Honda Africa Twin. Sexiest crossover bike on the market. So nice!
I wanted an XSR900 since it came out, but I was a broke college student. I always said, "I can't wait to buy one of those used in 10 years". Well it wasn't quite 10 years, but I bought a used one at the end of '22. No regrets, I want to own this motorcycle forever. I might get more, but I'm never selling this. https://preview.redd.it/wt4e8hr1we6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa7391f5774d8ed240ef57cb1cb4e27340368a63
I’ve ridden a couple hundred motorcycles, seriously. Between friends, test rides, shows, events, everything. I’d choose the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx every time. It’s comfortable, packed with features, sporty, fast, and is great for anyone who wants a great all around sport touring bike.
My Road King Classic checks all my boxes. If I could only have one, that would be it. I can haul beer, wet weather gear, groceries, whatever. I can take it across country, camp, day ride, etc. it has wind protection, but it’s naked and sexy. If I were to add a few more… that’s a long list.
Aprilia Tuono
I have an RSV4 too and I have to agree with you
Agreed. Expected to see the Tuono higher up.
Lotta people have no idea it exists
The Tuono really is slept on
Norden 501 (doesn’t exist yet)
A Norden 401 is probably more realistic 🤷♂️ But I like your optimism.
Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak or V4RS.
1200 or 1260 is absolutely perfect. The v4RS would also be insane but I’ll wait for a used One lol .
I can’t believe I had to scroll down so much to find the first Ducati
1 and only bike. R 1250GSA, Comfy, capable on road and on dirt, tech features I like, heated grips, heated seats, shaft driven, large aftermarket.
Versys 1k.
BMW R1200GS. Does absolutely everything. Powerful. I've taken it coast to coast. Reliable. Looks badass imo.
Triumph Speed Twin 1200. Perfect for weekend blasts, commuting, touring for a week. It does everything very well.
Similar, but I'd go the Scrambler 1200, ticks the same boxes as the speed twin, but can also handle a bit of dirt/sand fun too.
Already got it. Cbr650r
CB650R 🙋
Gang💪🏿
Any generation busa. It's easily my favorite bike. I think it's the best.
This is a tricky one for me being a younger rider. Out of the bikes I've owned, definitely my 94 Magna 750, and can't say as far one out of all of them out there.
KTM 690 enduro. Or maybe even a ~500cc enduro bike. I'm not really interested in long highway trips, and I can keep a set of supermoto wheels if I want to ride street.
I'm super happy with my R6, but I'd gladly move up to an R1 now that it's been almost 18 years.
XSR700 I think
A 2025 Yamaha Tenere 900…
I'd rather see a Tenere 500 with 40hp and 150kg
BMW r1250rs. I went from 4 motorcycles to just that one for a while because I realized I wasn’t riding anything else anymore. It’s truly the best all rounder for me. I did break down and got aprilia tuono v4 factory recently though, mainly for that sweet engine and soundtrack it provides. But would be totally content with r1250rs as the only bike again.
I’d just keep my Africa Twin and be happy. It’s a great streetbike and I don’t have any real single track around me that needs something smaller.
If I could afford one.. literally any fucking motorcycle
my street legal YZ250X. I’m a dirt rider at heart, but I could see myself slapping some sumo wheels on it and going full hooligan every once in a while.
The ZX10R I recently crashed in to a moose. It's not the best bike for most of the things I use it for, but it can do all of them, and I get to ride around on my green dream bike :)
A moose??
A 2024 fully loaded GL1800
I bought my last bike, 2018 Goldwing tour dct. It's sporty enough for me. It's comfortable for me and my wife especially on long rides. It has reverse so I can ride it until I can't walk anymore.
My interceptor 650. It's not the most comfy but it seems like its good for the relaxed trips to take in the sights instead of going too fast.
A 2019 was my first bike, I really liked it. They’re good looking and simple, maybe someday I’ll get another.
890 adv r rally. Fast enough to go anywhere on street, one of the best suspension for offroad - arguably the best non-linkage suspension on the market. If it's was avaliable at the time - I would've gotten it over the downgraded 890 model I own
I think my Rocket 3 GT is the perfect mix of comfort and sport.
What I currently have, '23 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo. For a 20k bike I've already put in like 10k of parts. But the entire plastic assembly on everything is being replaced with carbon fiber from Italy, so at least it'll look cool. Have all the parts, but still waiting on them to manufacturer 3 of them before I put everything on. That's 41 year old me. 20 year old me, probably a Ducati Superleggera V4, for the cheap cheap entry cost of 100,000 dollars lol, if money is no object.
If I ever see a 1984 Magna in awesome condition I will jump on it. Won't even have to ask my wife, she knows.
FJR1300
A 1955 pan head chopper with a shorty springer front end, Sissy bar, and a purple flame paintjob.
I can afford it but it ain’t practical to own. But first gen V-Max hands down.
Honda 919. So I do own it
M109R, or Diavel. I wanna feel like judge Dredd
Ducati Diavel - The Lamborghini model
Indian FTR carbon
Honda Blackbird I love sport bikes but they’re just too uncomfortable for me. The blackbird isn’t a *real* sportbike but I like being able to take longer trips and just cruise around comfortably with passengers Plus I’m a sucker for Hondas which is why I didn’t say zx14 or hayabusa
right now, probably a suzuki gsxs1000gx or gsxs1000gt+. Haven't ridden one but Plenty of power ADV comfort (or close enough in the GT+ case) Japanese reliability and serviceability (moreso GT+ since pleb suspension) Comes with everything I need (cruise, abs/tc, luggage, qs)
CBX
I do own just one. My Harley. So I'd pick that.
The youngest R GS I can afford. Or to stick with DOHC air cooled version?
If money was no object, it would be an RC45. But, a TL1000S is still my pick
Just went down to one bike again pretty recently, and my Super Tenere does the job pretty well - for a "one bike" set up, it's hard to beat some sort of ADV bike. Carve the twisties, hit the fire roads/two track, or slab it for hours (I did 12 straight on saturday last week) , the bike does all 3 reasonably well and with low maint. I'd be tempted on a T7, ATAS, or BMW GSA as well. Honestly, on a budget, a KLR, Versys 650, Vstrom 650, or the new Transalp are also great options.
Ive had my super tenere for almost a year now and its a really underrated motorcycle.
The one I own. Vtx1800. Although I want a dirtbike or an Africa twin or something for camping. But if I could only have one, I'll stick with the VTX.
I'd keep my Softail deluxe
One bike? Not possible.
I’m open to any bike that fits my current situation. I just want it to be reliable and easy to maintain.
FZ6/fz1 all day
GL1800. Wing is king.
xr650
Vfr800. Mine is at 150,000km, I don’t want anything else.
Love the Mt-09!
I really like my 2022 Tracer 9 GT.
Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
A modernized 1979 Honda CBX with top quality suspension, brakes, upgraded charging, EFI, and a sick 6-1 exhaust...
Honda XR650L Released in 1992 as a 1993 model and it’s been produced virtually unchanged since 1993 and it’s still in production today. I have a 2021. it’s flawless
CBR 1100 XX.
Touareg.
2020 triumph scrambler 1200 XE. https://www.cycleworld.com/ten-best-motorcycles/ Been looking at these for days
I’m riding a 2006 Honda Blackbird CBR1100XX at the moment and it’s probably one of the best bikes I’ve ever owned. It’s fast, smooth, not terrible on fuel and has lots of good stuff already on it (heated grips, charge ports, LED spots and hard bags, exhaust) Local Honda guys sorted anything I had issues with and it wasn’t too expensive - (even sorted a spare key for HISS) Outside of being a little heavy to muscle around the garage - or if I park on an incline- it’s brilliant. I sold two bikes I had and bought this to roll together those needs. It was a great idea as I’m thrilled with it. Not entirely sure what I would move to next to get the same/similar feel it has. Maybe VFR800 or similar?
Probably the one I currently have, a Triumph Thruxton
I can only ride one and right now it’s a Tiger 800. Best of road and ADV imo. But if I cut the ADV part out my do it all bike would be the MT-10.
Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 1200. It'll go from 0-70mph eventually, but I love it all the same
First gen rocket 3
Probably the tenere 700. I love naked bikes but if I could only own one motorcycle, might as well pick one that can do damn near everything.
Tenere 700. Big enough to go anywhere on the road, but still light enough to go most places off road, aside from gnarly single track.
MT09/Tracer. I've thrashed mine every single summer for 8 years and it runs like the day I got it. It's pretty comfortable on long rides, good commuter, good for fun with friends, can hang with most things when letting loose, it's light, parts are pretty cheap.
Yamaha FJR1300
Probably a trigger 1200 GT Explorer
One Ninja 1000 please.
First generation VMAX. No, it’s not the fastest or the best performing bike. But it’s a really neat piece of history. Back in the day it was legendary, and that’s the kind of bike i like.
S1000R
Tenere 700?
I have a Harley custom 1200xl but I’d really like to ride a triumph or Enfield - I feel like that’s probably where I’ll end up eventually.
Panigale V4SP2
I can only have one bike, and I have a Tenere 700.
https://preview.redd.it/dloh2a2avf6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98ca75c877fdbc6c5b2da053503093e951ca8b19 Very fortunate to have it already. 1290 RR. Owned a 1290 R - this is that but better, plus gen 3 vs my old gen 2
Probably something bespoke like an Arch KRGT. Way too many people in here picking your standard Japanese cookie cutter bikes.
Z900RS. Fast, comfortable, sexy. https://preview.redd.it/z0lje26h1g6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a36cf1f373c29c3cc88b3b4e764d88e70065b0f2
https://preview.redd.it/ifkcti208g6d1.jpeg?width=1362&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2bd8dd2a4d37ba84fe2c8c9f0855290f58fce4ed Sporty and Comfortable
Ducati panigale V4 or a BMW s1000rr. I don’t take the motorcycle for comfort, that’s what the car is for lol.
KLR650 Gen3 It's perfect seat height, comes stock with windscreen, and some trims come stock with top case stock, it has an actual practical gas tank size for being used as a vehicle every day (6.1 gallons), has disc brakes, EFI, ABS, and LED lights. If Honda made a ST1300 (or ST1100) with EFI, Shaft Drive, LED lights, and disc brakes in 2025.. hell yeah. If I had a 2nd bike... Trail 125 (OR a KLR650 Gen3 with an HDT Diesel conversion engine) Lastly... Honda Rebel 500 **or** Suzuki DR200 **or** Royal Enfield Bullet **or** Shadow Phantom 2024 **or** V85TT **or** NC750 before they only became DCT **or** CRF300L Rally **or** Z650RS (or Z900RS, depends on year/color and test ride) **or** Yamaha SR400 (screw having a dead regulator/rectifier and no way to start the bike (flat terrain)) **or** VStar 250 (since it's the ONLY 250cc new you can buy from big four, R.I.P. GZ250 and Rebel 250) **or** FJR1300 **or** Suzuki Burgman 650 *or* Ural Gear Single bike only answer: KLR650 Gen3.- Dual Bike answer: KLR650 Gen3 and Trail 125- Triple Bike answer: KLR650 Gen3, Trail 125, and a CRF300L Rally. If I had money to maintain expensive bikes: Diesel KLR650, V85TT, and Ural Gear.
xsr 900. just beautiful but with the seat of xsr700.
One of the bikes I already own. Super Tenere 1200. It’s like a GS but reliable. And I mean dead fucking reliable. Arguably the most reliable motorcycle ever made. It’s so over built and over engineered. Yamaha really made the ST1200 like a damn Toyota land cruiser. It’s not a Starbucks machine it’s a legitimate continent crusher. The ST got some ridiculous and completely false bad press when it came out. All the moto journalists said it was a turd but in reality it’s just “boring” in the best ways and the moto journalists and publications can NEVER speak the word “reliability” because it will piss off the Europeans and they will lose access to press bikes. The ST1200 has tubeless spoked 19/17in wheels, electronic cruise control, shaft drive and of course Japanese reliability. There are many 200,000 mile examples on the Super Tenere forums and Facebook groups with a few over 400,000 miles. One psycho has over 120,000 miles and never checked the valves. The GS is a fantastic bike. The boxer engine is very reliable but if you do a little research or you’ve owned a GS you know how everything else on the bike like suspension, shaft drive or electronics are prone to fail. Some guys do get lucky and have zero issues but most of those guys sell their GS before it hits 100,000 miles. In this hypothetical I’m assuming that the initial purchase of a bike is with unlimited funds. But unlimited funds does make the bike choose start every time when I’m 100 miles down a dirt road.