Thoughts please...

I have my bike test next monday, having spent 2 years with a scooter, used for commuting in london. I am now looking to upgrade to a bike. This will be used for commuting everyday, and also touring/trips on weekends.

I am looking at the BMW F800 GS or the Triumph 800 or 800XC. what are peoples experience of these bikes? Which will i find more comfortable - I am 6'4.5?

Are there any other bikes i should look at?

Also can anyone give me advise on insurance. I am 25 - so looking rather pricey at the moment - what security devices are best for getting premium down?

Cheers,

F 2017 L405 Range Rover TDV6 Corris Grey
1988 3.5 Range Rover Classic
1993 4.2 Range Rover Classic LSE

Many of us ride motorcycles.

I haven't ridden the bikes you mention but I think they are a good choice. Don't know about comfort at your height - I'm no where near that tall....

Re insurance I'm not sure as I've been out of the UK market for +10 years. Data tagging and a good alarm were beneficial when I left. I had those as well as the steering lock, a big Abus D lock, a big Abus chain, and a disk lock. I also parked off street at night.

Good luck with the bike test.

The only advice I would give is to invest in high quality locks, bike theft is a real issue, while I don't ride at the moment I did have 3 bikes stolen in one year many years ago so learnt the hard way. I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of high quality locks and more than one.

Why oh why oh why did you have to mention motorbikes?

I'm struggling with my conscience (or SWMBO as i call her) about getting another bike.

The sun is shining, it's 24 degrees and i long to feel the wind in my hair again before it all leaves (my hair that is, not the wind)

Please stop!

I have a couple of bike and have rode earlier versions of the bikes you mention.
amongst my pals that do own them they argue cat and dog about them, the Tiger is by far the most popular in use by people that ride long distances and want reliability. also the Tiger seat is more comfortable as it tends to protect the gentlemens regions a little better.
all that tripe said, get on them and give them a go. both BMW and Triumph do test rides

Hehe I ride a bike

I have just sold my Kawasaki Z750 - ideal bike for commuting but at your height will look like you are riding a kids bike - I'm 6ft 3 and found it comfortable ish on short commutes but longer journeys would suffer - didn't help it was a naked bike so no wind protection. I intended on using it all year to save money on the commute but once the rain started and got cold it was left in the garage. As it rains a lot in this country I was only using it a few months of the year so got rid of it.

^ My Mrs had a Z750s a few years ago, she loved it but didn't use it all the time, in the last year of ownership she only rode it a handful of times so move it on to a mate of ours....now wants a bloody horse!  If it dont work.......burn it!

If the IId tool cant fix it.......burn the FF.

If the FF cant be fixed......buy a Land Cruiser!

If the LC cant be fixed..............................................BUY a horse !!

Just seen an advert for a Victory over here in the states for $14k wow......... Really really want one

Hi FMB

We have a MB link here http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic15385.html

I have had the GS800 great bike and you'll be fine at your height  2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Hybrid (V FAST)
2017 Range Rover Autobiography 5.0 V8
2018 JCW Mini Cooper
2018 Skoda VRS

You mention "any other bikes?" Not sure if sportsbikes are an option, but dont rule them out on height grounds is all I would say, a mate has an R1 and is your height and has no issues. Just thought I would chuck that in there. 2003 VW Golf V6 4motion
2001 Range Rover Vogue 4.6
1982 Range Rover in VOGUE
1990 Range Rover Vogue SE
2007 Audi A6 Avant Le Mans Quattro S-Line 3.0 TDI
2007 Skoda Ovtavia 2.0 TDI L&K
2007 GSX-R 750 K7

I had a lovely yellow VFR800, but hitting a patch of diesel at, thankfully, slow speed and nearly throwing it down the road, encouraged me to hang up my helmet

Many of my ex-biker buddies have moved on to BMW GS's and love them, as they seem to be more satisfying than a banzai sports bike. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Have a look at a KTM 990 Adventure S, the S is higher and would be perfect for your height, I've had one and they're great at commuting amongst many other things. ( you would have to get a used one, they were replaced last year with a new 1190 version.)

For security, you need to buy an Almax Security chain. Look at their website, where they show them cropping every other chain on the market, then having a go at theirs. They are guaranteed un croppable. I have the biggest one which looks like its come off a ship and not suitable for being transported really, but the smaller diameter one is fine and just as un croppable.

Oh and enjoy the new ride, its a much better way to spend the commute. Present* 2006 Santorini SC Vogue SE.
Gone* 2006 4.4 AJV8 Zermatt Vogue.
Gone* 2004 TD6 Bonatti Vogue.

alanm_3 wrote:

I had a lovely yellow VFR800, but hitting a patch of diesel at, thankfully, slow speed and nearly throwing it down the road, encouraged me to hang up my helmet

Many of my ex-biker buddies have moved on to BMW GS's and love them, as they seem to be more satisfying than a banzai sports bike.

I've just chopped my S1000RR in for a new 1200GSA and can vouch they're ace! Present* 2006 Santorini SC Vogue SE.
Gone* 2006 4.4 AJV8 Zermatt Vogue.
Gone* 2004 TD6 Bonatti Vogue.