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I’m thinking about what motorbike to get next, would love some thoughts
Been riding since 2008 but not had many bikes - SV650s after passing my test, then after a couple of years bought a Triumph Street Triple R. That was cracking fun and I really loved that bike. Used to commute to work on it in Central London, couple of trackdays, some big days out. Went onto a Fireblade after changing jobs and moving to more of a car commute, wanted to scratch the superbike itch. It’s a 2008 model, absolutely bloody brilliant bike, had it since 2013. Have done quite a few track days on it which it really is very good at. The main problem is that it’s too fast, it’ll do an indicated 100mph in first gear. Every time I ride it on the road I find myself doing things I shouldn't, it's too capable and too long legged. To be honest, on the sort of road I like, twisty A/B road type affair, I might actually be (or feel) quicker on the STR. I find the fireblade better for more open roads, have had some epics trips on it.
So I'm looking to swap to something else. It will be a toy, needs to be B road focussed rather than track focussed
Must haves:
- smaller engine - or not superbike engine. I want to rev and change gear but still do normal speeds
- involving - I don't want a cruiser, I want something chuckable and fun. Rode a Triumph Bonneville and found it boring
- not boring - I want to look at it and like it, doesn't have to be pretty, but a Hornet or Bandit is boring even though they're quite good
- road toy, not track toy
Nice to haves:
- probably something slightly older that I can do the basic servicing myself on. Don't want to have to go to a dealer all the time, budget probably means that a dead cert anyway
- Naked preferable over faired. Easier to work on and don't need the fairing for everyday speeds
- I'd still like something reliable, want to get on and ride, don't want to have to tinker all the time
Budget isn't fixed, guessing something around the £5-6k mark but can go more if there's something I like. Have looked at everything from KTM Duke 390 to Ducati Scramblers and Hypermotards. Bike will be garaged
KTM 690 Duke or arguably a 690 SMC-R
or another Street Triple...
Was going to say Hypermotard, have you ridden one?
The 2021 Triumph Trident - get a brand new one for £7k. Looks like a fun bike.
Trident looks ace and I love Triumph, was thinking of avoiding new to not get hit with too much depreciation etc.
If I hadn't had one then a Street Triple R or RS would defo be on the list. But having had one, I'd like to try something else. Was wondering about an MT07 but it's also a little boring...?
KTMs feel like an itch I haven't scratched and would like to. I need to get myself to a KTM dealer and have a go at a few I reckon. Sadly not many KTM dealers around.
How does the Supermoto bikes compare with the Dukes?
KTM 690 Duke or arguably a 690 SMC-R
😆
I used to have a BMW F650 single, you could rev the nuts off it and not go too fast especially if you dropped a tooth at the front. Legal speeds were fun.
Well, I have an MT-07 and it's pretty good fun - get a 2018 model onwards as they have a few suspension tweaks and have ABS as standard. Worth a look at least.
Or perhaps Honda? CB500 or CB650? (EDIT: perhaps not, tad dull me thinks).
KTMs looks nice - I quite fancy trying out the 890 Duke or the earlier 790.
EDIT 2: My next bike will more than likely be a Street Triple RS. Well, that's the plan anyway!
Also not naked and may not be reliable but you asked for small engine fun. 🙂
Motorbike forum ? even though I own a bike myself haha. I would go 1000 cc naked for what you want I've owned Bandit 12 and Fazer 1000 both excellent but presently own a Fazer 600 boring but capable bit like a Vauxhall Astra haha
Ducati Monster? A friend has one and loves it. The added bonus would be that the maintenance would keep you busy.
How does the Supermoto bikes compare with the Dukes?
the SMCR is a taller more MX riding position. They're different to eachother. the Duke is closer to your Triumph than the SMC-R is.
Funnily enough, i own a motorbike forum
https://revtothelimit.co.uk/index.php
I've also owned 14 KTMs including 4 690s.
I've owned a KTM 790 too. I now own a Yamaha XSR900
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and a zx6R
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If I hadn’t had one then a Street Triple R or RS would defo be on the list. But having had one, I’d like to try something else. Was wondering about an MT07 but it’s also a little boring…?
We’ve had/got both and the MT-07 isn’t in the same league as an ST3. Maybe the MT-09 might be but suspension was tosh.
Hmmm, liking a Duke...
Weeksy, how does the 690 compared with a 790?
My heart wants one of those XSR900s in a Kenny Roberts yellow and black, they just look so sorted out ,but the old MXer in me is strong ,so I have been looking at big trailies and Hypermotards.Top of my(ever changing) list just now is an Aprilia Dorsoduro .
Well I had a 690, traded it for a 790 and traded back to a 690.
790 us ergonomicalky closer to the triumph.
60 is taller with lower pegs
It's just a very very fun bike
I'd pitch a Husqvarna vitplillen or svartpillen 701. Polarising looks but then again so are the ktms. Personally the Huskie trounces any KTM on the looks score, certainly one you'd want to look back after parked up. Allegedly meant to be a better handling bike than the KTM equivalent ( not sure how though). And I think you can get a nigh on brand new one in your budget, or a year or two old and pocket the change.
Edit: street triple owner here and the vitplillen is a strong itch to scratch.
ccm spitfire ?
Mk1 BMW 9RT - friend has a garage full of motorbike exotica and the 9RT is by far my fav.
Honda CB650 Neo?
I have a deposit down on the new Triumph, my first big bike. The MT07 will be more fun, reading from all the reviews. Punchy feeling engine and fun geometry. I learned on an SV650 and loved it. Also briefly tried a Z650 and found the throttle and engine at low speeds very agricultural.
KTM 690/790 would be a great shout. I love the looks for the Husky 701s.
MV Augusta Brutale 675? Looks banging.
An 9RT with a nicer exhaust set up would be nice.
I don't like the twin up one side look.

I bought a speed twin last year as a b road smasher. Greay fun. Can be sporty or lazy. Torquey enough to be easy, powerful enough to be fun
Get an XSR and you can do this with your Mrs
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[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/50129727547/ ]2020-07-19_03-02-43[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url] - [url= https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dariogf.flickr2BBcode_lite ]Flickr2BBcode LITE[/url]
I've had pretty much all the sports bikes, best bike for the road I've had was the KTM SM T. Great bike
Bit left field but here goes.........Royal Enfield 650 Intercepter or Continental then visit TEC Bike Parts website and spend some of the money left over.
In the time honoured tradition of recommending what you have - BMW F800R. Now been replaced by the F900 in the BMW lineup. I love my F800 - I've had a fair few bikes, but this one is lovely and light and chuckable (albeit not quite as good as Street triple), is quick enough and importantly for me can carry a pillion in reasonable comfort. Sips fuel, too. Sounds horrible on the standard can though.
That XSR900 is pretty sweet, never seen one of those before. Odd mix of styling but it works doesn't it?
I've not ridden for years- still got my upgraded-to-the-bollocks SV650 in the garage, but instead of just reassembling that I've got a jones for a supermoto, and it seems like it might tick your boxes too. Not a proper full on mental one, more your softer duke etc. Fun at lower speed but also a used one keeps value like nothing else, unless you destroy it, so while they can seem expensive to buy sometimes if it doesn't take you can move it on easily too.
Was going to say Hypermotard
Mate has one in the Canaries. She loves it.
The fella got himself a 2019 KTM 690 SMCR last year and he really seems to like it despite me giving him grief for having a dirt bike on the road.
I've been eyeing up an XSR900 or Ducati Desert Sled for the last few months; I've convinced myself that they'd both be excellent at times, though the Duc has the edge for scratching about the pothole and gravel riddled B (and A) rounds of D&G.
I've owned 50+ motorbikes in the last 12 years. Of them all, my 3 favourite road bikes are
XSR 900
KTM 690 Duke
KTM 990 superduke
Ducati hypermotard?
Bloody hell Weeksy, do you sell them when the fuel tank has run dry?
Bloody hell Weeksy, do you sell them when the fuel tank has run dry?
Lost of them were within 8 years too.
There has been 2 sets, road bikes and track bikes, so some years have seen a few moving about yeah.
OK, really liking the 690 duke. Power vs fun looks spot on.
Looks like its been out for a while. Is the R worth it? Are the later versions significantly better than the earlier versions
In another "recommend what you own" style... How about an Aprilia Tuono. Not the newer V4 models that need the valves checked seemingly every other fuel tank, but an older V-Twin model... Either Gen1 or Gen2. Superb bikes! Easy enough to work on yourself, arguably more reliable than their other European counterparts, they're a huge amount of fun, and as long as the electrics are sorted on them (not as big a problem as you might expect) they are pretty straightforward to look after. There's also a huge wealth of knowledge on them from AP Workshops (previously Aprilia Performance) in Tamworth and on their facebook page too. Superb community too.
Otherwise a KTM 790 Duke... Easily the most "exploitable" bike I've tried in the last few years, very involving. I've not ridden the 890R, and I'm sure it's even better, but then you won't get one for anywhere near your budget!
MT-09's are fun, but the stock suspension is gash. Engine is superb, so much character.
Maybe an air cooled Monster... More recent 821cc one...? 🤷🏻♂️
I'm ever tempted by the idea of a Supermoto myself, but from those I know that have had them, they're much more of a license loser than a superbike!
Love my KTM SuperDuke 1290 GT. You're not likely to get one in budget mind, and it's probably a lot more power than you wanted! It's arguably the fastest point to point road bike I've ridden, it'll outgun a Superbike on corner exit grunt, keep up with them in the twisties, and has a 200 mile + tank range and is far more comfortable than almost any other road bike I've ridden. Redlining it through the gears isn't something you can do on the road though! 😂
Tried my mates SuperDuke 990 for a bit when he had a go on my 1290. They're a bit thin on the ground these days (good ones at least), and they make the Aprilia Tuono look highly practical by comparison, but it's arguably more focussed and feels like a real weapon in the right hands! Hard (and expensive!) to find a good one now though.
I had an MT-10 for a bit... As subtle as a sledgehammer to the face, but huge grins until you run out of petrol! The shine wears off quickly if you need it to be more than a toy, but they do induce a grin. Poor quality rear shock (on non SP version), and perhaps the worst build quality of any modern Yamaha (mine was a real Friday afternoon bike, but I've heard some other horror stories too) that can make a KTM look like a sound investment though!
I'd be tempted by a Suzuki GSXS-1000 I must say. I know a few people with them that love them. Arguably seems like a more staid equivalent to an MT-10, but goes and handles just as well by all accounts, and much easier to live with (50 mile better tank range from the same 17L tank, other running costs much lower too). If you don't want 1000cc power, then I've also been told the GSXS750 is a lot of fun too.
As a Duke 790 owner (it’s a lovely bike) I would say another street triple would be a better bet.
I rode the triple RS before I bought mine, and I’ve ridden an older R since and they are better bikes all-round.
I’ve not ridden one yet, but the 890 R seems to fix a lot of the things that niggle me about the 790 (surging throttle, sometimes the suspension feels a bit clumsy and better brakes should make the R a great bike) even the new 890 non-R should be a decent step forward, but 790 prices are still a bit strong against a triple a few years older and anything 890ish will have to be new (got mine with very good finance rates mind...) never tried a 690 but they do look like a lot of fun.
My 790 might be going soon to make way for a V4 Tuono, I do fear it might be “a bit too much” like the OP says, but the power and the noise put all reason aside after about 10 minutes of trying one!
OK, really liking the 690 duke. Power vs fun looks spot on.
Looks like its been out for a while. Is the R worth it? Are the later versions significantly better than the earlier versions
1. Yes for track, not so much for road, the suspension some say on the R is a little stiff for the road, plus the rearsets are higher giving a more sporty riding position, which can be good or bad, but depends on preference. I went a weird way and bought R suspension, but ran it on a standard chasis/rearsets, for me it was the best of both worlds.
2. Yes the later ones are better (2017>), a quick list of improvements are : secondary balance shaft in engine, improvements in rocker design to increase engine life, improved fuel tank, LCD display, mutli power mode (if you buy the track pack), traction control.
’ve not ridden one yet, but the 890 R seems to fix a lot of the things
Apart from the sprocket output shaft oil leaks, the coolant leaks and the rocker cover leaks... we won't even mention the engine failures.
I'm the worlds biggest KTM fanboi, but i wouldn't consider an 890R. Arguably i should own a 790 again, i've owned 2 of them and ridden 4-5 on track. However, a couple of issues with niggles there too (not fuelling related though) and a higher footpeg position giving me hassle with my knee, means i own the XSR900.
I'd certainly look at the XSR700 though too.
https://www.bikeexif.com/?s=xsr
There's some super super impressive customs out there.
Another Street Triple without doubt 🙂 The New 765RS.
I had a a couple of 675 Streets on the road and a couple Daytona 675's as track bikes.
I now have a 765RS track bike (converted to daytona) I ran it in on the road and it was utterly brilliant.
I have a V4 Tuono and an S1000XR for the road and I wan't a 765RS as well 🙂
Another Street Triple without doubt 🙂 The New 765RS.
Great for going to the shops, but a very unexciting bike to ride.
Great for going to the shops, but a very unexciting bike to ride.
I think they are great fun to ride, surprised you think that.
I think they are great fun to ride, surprised you think that.
SO was I. from the outset i wanted to love it, bu the first thing that hit me was the stupid display, that really irritated me. But the bike itself lacked anything for me, the engine was dull, it didn't 'grunt' in any way... it was all very 'nice' very smooth, effortless... but it was a bit Ford Focus for me... just a bit..."well yeah, that was OK"
I got off it and was very very happy getting back on the XSR900.
+1 for Ducati Monster. I still have the one I bought over a decade ago as my first bike, pretty much the last of the aircooled, exposed trellis, round headlight ones. It's been utterly reliable, although that is more as an occasianal thing rather than subjecting it to endless winters of commuters. Ducatis got way better after Texas-Pacific ownership, by the early 00s they're sound.
Older 1100 or 796 Hypermotards worth trying if you like how they look, and Aprilia Dorsoduro too.
How does the Supermoto bikes compare with the Dukes?
Given the budget and the requirements I think you're looking at the right bikes. Not ridden a Superduke but had a 390 Duke, tested a 790 Duke and now own a 990 Supermoto - cost me £4200 at the beginning of last year. They're all stupendous fun in their own right. 390 was a perfect commuter for me but just a little too small for any big touring type things. 790 was an awesome bike but at the time out of my budget. Tried the 990 and fell absolutely head over heels in love. It's an amazing bike for the back roads, barnstorming engine and so far has coped amazing with a couple of 1000+ mile trips. My only slight gripe is the fuel economy is a bit shit compared to modern bikes - maybe 40-45mpg on a good run - but I generally need to stretch my legs after 120ish miles so it's never been a deal breaker for me. 990 SMT has a bigger tank if you desperately need 200 miles between fill ups but I think they're a bit ugly.

I have a KTM 690 Duke R. It's a 2017 model with the latest engine and all the extra bits. I've not ridden it for ages... and might consider selling it. I also have a Super Duke 1290GT, a BMW 1250GSA, an R9T and an old oil head 🙂
The 690 is great fun; the R model gives you "Proper" suspension, better brakes and orange wheels (Plus some nicer parts).
All you KTM owners - Every time I read a test in the mags, they have some sort of problem, albeit sometimes small. They often criticise the build quality, too. Is this your experience? I've had 8 Triumphs, a Suzuki and now this F800R and only ever had one breakdown since I got back into bikes in 2000 (sidestand switch on a Speed Triple-cured with WD 40). All my Triumphs have had excellent build quality.
I bought a KTM SMC 690 last year. It is too much fun. It should be illegal
There are a couple of mandatory mods which fix the surgy throttle and I've even shortened the gearing on mine, it now only does about 95mph but gets there in about half a second
It truly is ridiculous
Build quality is excellent... little gremlins are often electrical. Sometimes a bit of oil.
they're character building 😀
Quirky
Italian... ish..
But they're also a VERY different riding experience.
All you KTM owners – Every time I read a test in the mags, they have some sort of problem, albeit sometimes small.
I have a sort of KTM 🙂 A Husqvarna FE350, been fine so far and it spends most of its time on the floor 🙂
I have to say, I didn't know about the XSR 900, it's really rather nice
Defo don't want a street triple again, if I hadn't had one already I'd get another. Would like to try something else
I'm moving to the South Downs so something I can take out for a quick run on the local lanes is what I'm after. Duke 690 looking good right now. Will probably look at trading my Blade in against it. Looks like I'm focussed on a 2017 version or later
I've never ridden a Duke but they've always seemed to me like the bike for people who don't have the balls to go for a full Supermoto
That is my non-fact-based opinion of course so would be interested to hear from someone like Weeksy who has some actual experience and facts what the advantage of a Duke over an SM is? Is it just the lower saddle? Admittedly that's an issue I don't really encounter at 6'2" (same as standover on MTBs)
Simple answer to that is the ability to do other stuff.
I took my 690s to Belgium, France and Germany, I'm not sure if fancy that on an smcr. I fitted a top box and it was ace.
The taller height of the smcr can make it feel a bit detached in terms of handling but that's more likely down to my preference than it.
Smcr dash, clocks, lever etc are all very SM, no frills etc
I took my 690 to Donington, Silverstone, Rockingham etc etc.
It'll top out about 115mph but you'll squeeze 119 on tracks, clock speed.
The great thing they bring is a fun factor, they're light and flickable for sure. However if you play with decent riders on big bikes it will find things hard. They lack a bit of high speed stability and wind can be an issue, the screen works well but is not pretty.
The XSR 900 is silky smooth, power handling etc but it's just "different" to the 690. It's easier and less frantic to get the best out of, particularly on track. It also has the quickshifter from the Mt 09 fitted which is fun too.
Bazzer, after an ancient Honda (nothing at all failed that wasn’t a direct result of years of abuse from previous owners) and a Kawasaki (pretty bulletproof, and only slightly Shonky finishes that didn’t like being outside much) I’d say that My Ktm is a bit flakey but mostly ok. I have seen a tiny bit of weeping from the output shaft that Weeksy mentioned which I’ll get them to address before the 2 year warranty ends, and at around 1k the thermostat failed on my bike. At the first service I moaned a bit about the throttle surging at urban speeds and they put a different map on the ecu that improved things a bit. As it was a brand new model when I bought it I was ready for being a bit of a beta-tester and it didn’t disappoint!
Some of the fixings and components look a bit cheap and have started to tarnish a little on my 790, but then it’s not in the premium line and I think they’re made in Malaysia, the SuperDukes/V twins do look a lot better finished and after trying the SDGT at my last service everything you could see and touch was much nicer (think they are actually built in Austria) have still seen people reporting some fairly big electrical gremlins with the new Superduke R, but it’s still on my shortlist...You do get a 2 year warranty and breakdown cover from new.
I’m ok with a bit of “character” and happy to report that nothing major seems to have fallen off yet!
I still think a Triumph is better built, better finished and probably a better long term prospect, but also less fun when you’re just bumbling along, and as much as like a spot of responsible hooning, most of my riding is more bimbly 😁
I’m with TheFlyingOx and would recommend a 950 or 990 supermoto.
I got a low mileage 950 last year for £3700, geared it down a wee bit,some Leo Vince cans and rejetted and has to be one of the best all round bikes I’ve had, and I’ve had everything from hyper sports to BMW Adventure bikes.
Bit flakey on finish in places but gives it character 😉
Won't surprise you to know I've had 5.
2 950smr and 3 standard 959s
My last 950 had a horrible headshake about 90 mph I could not dial out, so I swapped it after 5 weeks for a 790.
My first 950smr I took to Spa.
I wanted something to potter around the B roads and chemins of SW France. I couldn’t bring myself to sell my Street Triple. After a lot of research I bought one of these. Early days but no regrets so far
Obviously not the same as the smaller Dukes but I have been very close to buying a 1290 GT on more than one occasion. Having test ridden its deffo got more character and more exciting than my XR, but it is a bit more hard on the hips and I do a lot of really long days on tour and I am not getting any younger.
I am also considering getting rid of the Tuono (no more room for a n+1) and getting either a 690 enduro or more likely a 701LR I really fancy doing a bit of the TET off road touring when the pandemic ends. Though part of me says go super light packing and put a bigger tank on the FE350 and I will have much more fun and wave goodbye to my mates on techy sections on their bigger bikes 😀 Whilst wearing yesterdays pants 🙂
@benp1 Where abouts on the South Downs? I am 11mins on a Mountain bike from the South Downs Way 🙂
Bianchi Boy....that looks great!!
Tell you what else may suit you that you've never heard of !
Yamaha XT660X... These are honestly absolutely brilliant things, they really are. They're more pseudo-moto than supermoto, but i've spent days out playing with Supermoto bikes and the XT660X loses out slightly exiting corners but makes up for it on top end and stability meaning it can hold it's own all day. They also have more comfort than a true supermoto along with Japanese service intervals and a decent sized fuel tank. The forks need a spacer making which is £20 and 10 mins work to improve them and with £100 of air filters, a quick snorkel mod and a power commander you can get 15% more GO from them with ease. Many will have these mods done already by now.
Memory fails me at the moment as to how many i've owned of these, it may be 4 or may be 5... but it's at least 4. They've usually been sold when i've had a European trip coming up, they're ace things but i'm not sure i'd keep up with 1199s on the German roads lol. But as a back-lane thumper, they're hard to beat !
I had a KTM 640 super moto for 7 yrs.
It was insane. I rode it like a mad man. I never went above 90mph lol.
Most fun you can have on the rod full stop.
The struggle here is test rides aren't really possible and don't want to travel view a bike. Not seen much about that XT660X, don't really know much about supermotos in general. It's probably something I need to try to see if I like it. I reckon i'll like the Duke straightaway, sounds like a rorty Triumph STR, which is sort of what I'm after
Excellent input on this thread, thanks
@weeksy - thanks for all the info sharing. You must keep a bike for a few months and then sell straight on?
@bazzer - I'm (hopefully!) moving a few miles south of QECP. Hoping to have great walking, biking and motorbiking on a more regular basis!
thanks for all the info sharing. You must keep a bike for a few months and then sell straight on?
It varies mate, sometimes i keep them days, weeks, months, even now i've had the ZX6R for 3 years.
But i have often swapped for a particular need, requirement. I'm exceptionally fussy with bikes and for example at one stage i sold 15 bikes for more than i paid for them, it's not happened for all of them after that due to using dealers rather than selling privately. So i don't mind the buying and selling.
@benp1 I am in Clanfield, literally one junction down the A3 from QECP. So my 11mins is riding to QECP 🙂
Ben, feel free when you find one to ping it up here or even on my forum
https://revtothelimit.co.uk/index.php
I'll give it a once over and give you a 'yes/no/check'
All you KTM owners – Every time I read a test in the mags, they have some sort of problem, albeit sometimes small. They often criticise the build quality, too. Is this your experience? I’ve had 8 Triumphs, a Suzuki and now this F800R and only ever had one breakdown since I got back into bikes in 2000 (sidestand switch on a Speed Triple-cured with WD 40). All my Triumphs have had excellent build quality.
I've had several KTMs. No major problems... the 690R had an indicator fail and a recall for a tank seal. Great that the bikes are good as the dealers are a bit crap in my experience.
Compare that to my experience with BMW... lots of expensive failures: cams, exhaust valves, lights, etc. but the dealers are excellent!
I bought a brand new 1250GSA last year, it didn't even last 7 weeks (nearly 4k miles as I ride a lot). Total engine failure. BMW have been great about it though; they offered me brand new bike of my choice. Went for another GSA as they are still the best bike for what I use them for... big, fully loaded, miles 🙂
I've always used Premier Bikes in Abingdon (formerly Didcot) and they've always been exceptionally good with both service and warranty.
My KTM 640 was taken from the shed, hammered stupid then put away again, for 7 yrs.
It never ever broke down and the only item I replaced on that bike was tyres. Lots of them.
Not one single thing ever broke on it.
I now have a Husqvarna FE350, the build quality is something else.
It was insane. I rode it like a mad man. I never went above 90mph lol.
This is why I kept my Aprilia RS125 two stroke after passing my full test, I can behave like a hooligan and still be traveling at more or less legal speeds.
I've got a big bike for longer trips, but it's dull unless moving at the kind of speeds that will see me in hot water. Riding it is a constant exercise in self control.
I think most nakeds bring that though. My last few biggish nakeds have been 990SDs, Tuonos (gen1 and gen2), now the XSR900. None of them are exactly nice at >100.
Ive recently acquired a Vstrom 650 in 2013 flavour. New to the 'adventure' type setup but for me its a great bike for twisties and commuting. Its fast enough- not had a chance to tour on it in anger yet, but with a few mods to the brakes, screen and suspension its a great bike. Really likes rolling it on in the B roads if that is your thing and has a commanding view. PLus you can get a good one with abs for 3k. I'd be tempted by the 1000 but the 650 is plenty fast enough compared to cagers and it gets good mpg- 60 plus on the commute.
2nd for a gen2 vtwin tuono.
140bhp so a nice amount of power but not too much. And over 100mph unless you're in a tuck your head feels like it's being ripped off.
For something left field, if you really want to rev and do normal speeds... A Honda CB400 hyper vtec. Miss mine. 50bhp, 14k rpm red line or thereabouts. Very very shouty, would do 0-60 in 5 seconds so not that slow, and mine topped out on the autobahn in a full speed tuck at 115mph 😁 import only, rare as hens teeth and even harder to get parts for!
I managed to find a couple of min to call a dealer about a Duke 690, blooming sold already!
I think someone mentioned the Royal Enfield 650 twin earlier; this is probably way out of budget, but it’s a British company that designed it, and has created a body kit for owners to build a similar bike. Rather cool looking bike, too.
https://www.bikeexif.com/royal-enfield-continental-gt-650-goblin-works
I’ve never been that inclined to get a motorbike, but the one that always rather tempted me, and if the money ever presented itself I’d track one down, is the Honda NX650 Dominator, the Enduro-styling and size looks like an ideal bike for B-road fun.

So then??
