Hello folks.
I'm wondering if any you could help me out with some wisdom and opinion. I'm quite a new biker who is still learning learning the ropes, and wondered if the UKGSer hive mind could give me their thoughts on the following scenario, which may/may not lead to me getting a GS.
I've had a Moto Guzzi V85 for a couple of years and it's been great.
I'm about 18 stone (114 kg), 6ft (183 cm) tall with a 32" (81 cm) inseam; not the heaviest or tallest rider ever, but I do suffer with back pain, and I'm having a bit of trouble getting comfortable when touring on my V85. For unladen days out, the V85 is fantastic; I like the low end torque, the fact it can cruise at reasonably low revs, and the rumble of the v-twin is always pleasant. Once I'd fitted bar risers and a high-seat, I found I could spend a good few hours on it without pain. The trouble is that when doing multiple days in the saddle, my back takes a beating. I *think* I've nailed the issue: my weight + the weight of luggage = pushing the suspension/frame beyond its capabilities. I've set the sag at about 30% for me in my gear only, and that needs the preload at about 75%. Loading up the panniers and topbox, I can't get anywhere near that level of sag even with preload maxed out. I'm not filling them with anvils or anything either; I've got a D-lock and chain which I strap to the pillion seat in a drybag, off-bike clothes in one pannier, small toolkit/waterproofs in the smaller pannier, and the top box tends to have stuff I might need when stopping for a break (snack/drink/cap/spare sweater/gloves etc).
I've looked into upgrading the suspension on the V85, but it's going to cost me a good few quid, and I'm into the final year of my PCP agreement. If I was going to keep the V85, that's no problem, but there is always the danger that I spend all that money on the suspension and it's only marginally better, or something shiny catches my eye in the next 12 months.
As such, I decided to test ride some heftier bikes, to see how they differed, and whether they may be more suitable for my fat arse and all my touring chattels. I'm working my way through a shortlist, which I'll outline below with my thoughts. Obviously I've only tested them without luggage at this point, so happy to take advice about whether they'd suit me. I know, it sounds like what I need is a car (or a Goldwing). I've put off test-riding the GS because I think they might be the (expensive) answer. I hovered over the buy button on the Triumph, but I dunno, I just couldn't quite do it.
I don't mind used at all, but I've set myself an upper limit of £200/month and you have to go really old for HP at £200/month; I'm done with spannering if I can help it, so I'm looking at PCP which tends to be newer stuff.
These are all current models, and my use case is tarmac only:
I'm wondering if any you could help me out with some wisdom and opinion. I'm quite a new biker who is still learning learning the ropes, and wondered if the UKGSer hive mind could give me their thoughts on the following scenario, which may/may not lead to me getting a GS.
I've had a Moto Guzzi V85 for a couple of years and it's been great.
I'm about 18 stone (114 kg), 6ft (183 cm) tall with a 32" (81 cm) inseam; not the heaviest or tallest rider ever, but I do suffer with back pain, and I'm having a bit of trouble getting comfortable when touring on my V85. For unladen days out, the V85 is fantastic; I like the low end torque, the fact it can cruise at reasonably low revs, and the rumble of the v-twin is always pleasant. Once I'd fitted bar risers and a high-seat, I found I could spend a good few hours on it without pain. The trouble is that when doing multiple days in the saddle, my back takes a beating. I *think* I've nailed the issue: my weight + the weight of luggage = pushing the suspension/frame beyond its capabilities. I've set the sag at about 30% for me in my gear only, and that needs the preload at about 75%. Loading up the panniers and topbox, I can't get anywhere near that level of sag even with preload maxed out. I'm not filling them with anvils or anything either; I've got a D-lock and chain which I strap to the pillion seat in a drybag, off-bike clothes in one pannier, small toolkit/waterproofs in the smaller pannier, and the top box tends to have stuff I might need when stopping for a break (snack/drink/cap/spare sweater/gloves etc).
I've looked into upgrading the suspension on the V85, but it's going to cost me a good few quid, and I'm into the final year of my PCP agreement. If I was going to keep the V85, that's no problem, but there is always the danger that I spend all that money on the suspension and it's only marginally better, or something shiny catches my eye in the next 12 months.
As such, I decided to test ride some heftier bikes, to see how they differed, and whether they may be more suitable for my fat arse and all my touring chattels. I'm working my way through a shortlist, which I'll outline below with my thoughts. Obviously I've only tested them without luggage at this point, so happy to take advice about whether they'd suit me. I know, it sounds like what I need is a car (or a Goldwing). I've put off test-riding the GS because I think they might be the (expensive) answer. I hovered over the buy button on the Triumph, but I dunno, I just couldn't quite do it.
I don't mind used at all, but I've set myself an upper limit of £200/month and you have to go really old for HP at £200/month; I'm done with spannering if I can help it, so I'm looking at PCP which tends to be newer stuff.
These are all current models, and my use case is tarmac only:
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES Manual
Pros: the growl, torque, feels nice and flickable, could get the ride nice and comfy, I quite like the Apple CarPlay thing, probably very reliable
Cons: not much legroom, chain drive, a bit expensive, and I've heard the valve service can be a bit pricey; not mad keen on the looks
Kawasaki Versys 1100 S
Pros: goes like stink, smooth, good wind protection, nice ride even without tweaking (not the SE with electronic suspension), seems well made, probably very reliable
Cons: not much legroom, chain drive, riding position a bit sportier than an ADV, a bit plain on the looks front.
Moto Guzzi Stelvio Duecento Tributo
Pros: noise, torque, noise, looks, shafty, price, endless gizmos, I like my local Guzzi dealer, I like being a Guzzi rider
Cons: not much legroom, shocking ride, maybe a bit raw for touring, potential reliability
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro (Alpine Edition)
Pros: easily the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden, loads of legroom, riding position spot on, feels lighter than it is, smooth, goes like stink, relaxed at speed, loads of tech, doesn't look too bad, great deals on them at the mo
Cons: do I really want to be a Triumph rider? potential reliability, seems a bit expensive for a bike cobbled together in Thailand, and I've heard the valve service can be a bit pricey
I'm yet to test the following, but these are my preconceptions:
BMW R1300GS/GSA
Pros: comfort, shafty, boxer twin is appealing for low down torque and general quirkiness, good residuals mean cheaper PCM costs
Cons: I'm not sure I want to spend that much on my hobby for the amount I get to do it; GS seems a bit sporty, GSA seems a bit in-your-face, needs the warranty
BMW R1250GS/GSA (used)
Pros: comfort, shafty, boxer twin is appealing for low down torque and general quirkiness, good residuals mean cheaper PCM costs, cheaper than a 1300
Cons: looks, GSA seems a bit in-your-face, and I've see far too many "GS Bros" cosplaying as Ewan McGregor, needs a warranty
Honda NT1100
Probably ideal, but too minging
KTM 1290 Super Adventure
Nope!
Suzuki V-Strom 1050RE
Pros: cheap
Cons: cheap
Proper non-ADV touring bike
Never tried one. Is this the answer with my back?
