Some wise words from Twizzle
Why did you fall out with the Scrambler, Twizzle (I know you're tall) ??
Most seem to be for sale with 1000-2/3000 miles on
I guess it's not a longterm ownership type bike.........??
Hi JB, I collected the bike on the 30th June last year and have done 2,700 miles on it... ( My longer trips are by Harley normally) I was looking for something light and fun to just blast around on.... this bike suits that requirement perfectly.... it's balanced, goes well, sounds great and I loved the simplicity of the machine.... I planned on it being a long termer....... I opted for the 850 high seat and fitted SW Motech Footrest Hanger brackets which give me another 25mm in the leg department... this combined with the Rizoma flyscreen and Unit Rack was I thought sorted........
Doubts creeping in......
Firstly, and not the fault of the bike - my size at 6'8" I could ride the bike but I also dwarfed it.... this started wearing a little thin once the gloss was off and I started looking back at the larger GS/KTM style bikes that better suit my build. After all I'm not a slim hipster - who the fuck am I kidding. (Apart from myself)
Second, Numb Nuts - Reported by me and also suffered by Arsey, after 45 miles or so I'd lose all feeling in my cock and balls due to vibration/seat lord only knows........not widely reported may be because of my build/setup etc....
Third, I ride all year and often on shitty roads..... the SX throws shite all over you, back/front/helmet - on one rain soaked ride I could feel the water hitting the back of my neck and running down my jacket - it's a fucking menace in the wet....
Forth, and finally the suspension is harsh, cheap harsh - it needs £1,200 of Wilburs or Ohlins to sort it out.
So, that combined with a dealer who was after the bike for stock, ( Good seller none in his stock at the mo so he tells me) had some Rallye TE' sitting around gathering dust that he was prepared to deal on brought the deal to head - I only went in to collect a part to ship to Clifton - turned out an expensive visit.
In summary, if you are the right build and looking for a toy for sunny and Sunday trips perfect........... but I realised that I wanted more then that - so back to a GS.
I also looked at an Africa Twin Sport - but my legs do not fit in the recess, and the lobes force my legs too wide and the KTM 1290R - but I have a problem with the fugly headlight - hate it and the KTM could not get close to the deal that the BMW guys have done - when I say close I mean 000's apart for a bike with pretty much costs the same RRP.
The TE has a lot of toys, and i'm normally an analogue sort of biker - Harleys/Carbs/Oil etc - but i'm looking forward to the 21st Centaury - although I'm looking forward with my eyes well and truly open as to the complexities of the things....... having said that I took a LR Disco 3 to 280,000 miles so I'm brave enough!!!
If I was "normal" I would buy an Urban and throw £1200 at the suspension..... ( and then treat it as a toy, rather then a workhorse)
Cheers
A very worthy and no holds barred ownership statement, which kinda mirrors my thoughts
I fancy something for localish rides and blatting around on, just as you say............but i'm 6'2
Whether I could stand the shite suspension, lack of weather protection, wind blast and numb nuts..............once the new bike ownership gloss has worn off
Residuals seem poor - 11k for an Urban X, year old ones can be had for £9ish retail (so £8's trade-in) - so that's a potential £3k hit if I can't be fucked with it longterm
I had 2-3 hours on one last friday and around the tiny country lanes, it was a giggle..............however once I got onto the A64 dual carriageway at 75-80 mph it was a job to hang on, so speed had to drop
Shame, I guess no one bike is an island
Thanks for your insight, much appreciated