Back to Biking - My First Rides Did Not All Go Well...
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- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2024
- In today's video, James is talking about his first experiences and test rides as part of his search for a new bike to go alongside the Triton.
On camera today: James Martin
Behind Camera: Nobody really
Editing: James Martin again
JayEmm & Friends was borne of two other RUclips channels, @JayEmmOnCars and @sportzntouring - check them out if you want more motoring content!
Ducati 916 Footage by Brightside Media
www.brightside-media.com/
#backtobiking #KTM #ducati
Chapter Listing:
0:00 Introduction and My Biking History
4:10 First Ride of Grandad's Bike
8:16 Ducati Lust
13:31 Triumph Glasgow
14:09 First Test Ride - Ducati Monster 1200
16:16 BMW Disaster
22:45 Triumph Street Triple 765
24:33 KTM Duke 890 and Super Duke 1290
31:17 Yamaha MT-09
31:56 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello
34:10 What's Next? 
Авто/Мото
Time for a third channel, JayEmm on Bikes 🏍️
Yes
Yes
Sounds a bit only fans
Personally I think you should upload the bike content to the main channel, cars and bike communities have a lot of crossover and it's always good to expose more people to it.
yep… I agree (having these on different channels is a pain …. please lump everything together )
Everyone here will tell what to buy. If you get off your ride and don’t look back as you walk away it’s not for you. You do you, look forward to more bike related content. Good luck bro !!
Hi James - wasn’t expecting this to be you just chatting, but……full of real world experience. Loved it, watch pretty much all your videos. You HG and STG are my go to. Well done, thank.
I’m glad you give us the warts and all, not a polished bike rider as many channels would of done. I love that about British tv. 👍
Thanks guys!
Sorry about the drop JayEmm, it’s an experience that can definitely put one through the full 7 stages of grief. Glad to know you didn’t let it stop you 😊
I'm really enjoying these "back to biking" videos. I am into my 3rd year of back to biking myself - I passed my test in 1987 but I've had 3 major breaks away from bikes over the years, all for different reasons. Returning to 2 wheels this time, I have to admit, was a bit of a shocker. I am also short in the leg and I swear bikes have got taller, and they are definitely a hell of a lot more expensive. The last new bike I bought was in 2001 - a brand new R1 from Motorcycle City for £6,495, so sadly that was my reference point ! Anyway, price aside, I knew I didn't want a new sportsbike as my wrists just won't take it - I get numb hands after just 15 mins riding - so went down the neo retro route and bought an XSR900. The CP3 engine isn't the most powerful, but its got enough grunt to make me smile and the induction roar is addictive. I've also bought a couple of older bikes as I'm a confirmed tinkerer - I get 20% of my kicks riding, 80% from fixing and fettling. If you haven't already done so, the next challenge is bike clothing, especially if like me you are not tall and have enjoyed your food and drink. Some of the older "value for money" names have vanished (Frank Thomas, Heine Gericke), and the market seems swamped with some very dodgy looking stuff. One thing I have found though is that the absolute rubbish sizing and fit hasn't changed...
I’m quite tall, the sizing on Moto gear really does seem to be made for a magical someone else whom none of us have ever met or even seen. Must live in the realm of gear manufacturers, possibly somewhere in the alps.
Yes fancy motorcycles really have fancy prices these days. My mate has just bought a two year old XSR900 and loves it, the triple sounds nice. I bought a new 790 Duke 2 years ago financed over a 3 year period and will probably change it for a triple or maybe the 1290 Duke. Wishing you safe riding and happy tinkering 👍
Thoroughly enjoyed this video and really looking forward to what’s to come!
Great video- glad you are doing some test rides again.
Really looking forward to seeing and hearing you on Grandad's Triton. Go for the Guzzi, does it all and in style.
Well done for getting out, love these reviews and your thoughts. Take care fella.
KTM are incredible… well done for testing them. utterly compelling, thrilling to own.
Thanks Jay. Great job. Good info. God bless.
Happy trails
That escalated rather quickly :) Aiming for 2500 bikes ending up testing 25000 bikes.
A rather simple modern bike with plenty of character is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 (or Vitpilen if you prefer the more aggressive riding position). Lightweight, by modern standards, and a wonderful 75hp thumper engine. Nowhere near the 180-200hp bikes you tested, but still pleeenty of fun on the twisties.
Only available for a few years, definitely a future classic.
Really enjoyed this, looking forward to seeing more.
I've been a fan of the channel for a long time, and have only gotten into bikes this summer. I personally went for a 2011 Ducati hypermotard 1100 evo sp, I really love it. It is one of the last of the air-cooled and dry clutched Ducatis. It is a bit of a wilder thing than a monster, which just makes it incredible fun to hoon around on. At 95 hp it is also quite manageable.
Greetings from Germany
Make more like this James! Great video, really enjoyed it, can tell you enjoyed making it too..
Jay, a bike you should really look into since you loved the GS is the Aprilia Tuareg 660. Its lower than the bmw, has fantastic italian styling, and the airbox is where the gas tank is on most bikes, so when you crack the throttle the intake noise is INCREDIBLE. Also supremely comfortable. 80 horsepower parallel twin, so not quite as much as the other bikes you talk about but olenty enough to have fun, especially with the noise. The aventador-like DRLs are also very cool in my opinion.
I am loving these videos. I've been riding just shy of 2 years and have been itching for a bike channel in your style of video's!
Enjoying your channel Jay keep it going 😊
Very Enjoyable, keep the bikes vids coming!
I recently went through a similar process about two years ago. I drove nothing but Ducatis my whole life. I ended up buying a Harley Davidson Sportster S. It sits a little lower it’s 1250 cc and 120 hp. It’s a really great looking bike and it handles extremely well. It is also very torque-y on the low end as well as the mid range. You should give that one a shot especially since you’re going to ride an Indian FTR. Good luck!
From Ducati's to Harley ? how strange, I can only presume that you had a couple of trees to uproot. 😄
@@englishsteve1465 I definitely had some prejudices to overcome!! But if you ride the Sportster S, you’ll understand why I love it!! It’s like a Vrod and a Ducati’s love child. 😉😂
Ducati 1299s to Harley Davidson softail slim, now enjoying riding on the road again
In case you haven't read about it yet: Lots of modern P-Twins have 270° cranks which makes them really similar in character to 90° V-Twins. That might be why you like the 890 Duke even though it has the "wrong" engine.
Great stuff mate, I have the 1290 2.0, crazy stuff love it 😅
Alright Jay, so happy for you!
When you are telling your stories, I can only feel the same excitement when I started riding
One motorcycle I would like recommended for you is the BMW R1250R just had an update boxer flat twin (not sure if its the same one in the GS) but you enjoyed that engine, and its a naked style 👌
Can’t wait for another video
I'd second that. A gs with a more manageable size and probably one of the best spread of power for a road bike
Great episode and from a personal view I passed my bike test at 49, coming up 12 years ago and have had 17 bikes and scooters since. My cars I keep for 5 years on average. Every time I test ride a bike I seem to have to buy it, nearly so I’ve ended up trying to avoid test rides. Good work,it’ll be interesting to see what you buy 👍🏻
found your channel today when i stumbled across your KTM purchase, looking forward to seeing your biking videos.
Like yourself i got back into biking this summer after a 10 year break and purchased a 749 as i always loved the styling. Enjoy your new purchase :)
First time I've seen your stuff and I've gotta say you are one of the best speakers I've ever come across. Cat boxes and piles of old boxes and all yet 15 minutes in and I'm still listening .I'm amazed. The last time something similar happened was one day at a curry festival I when I was stood near a tent with a guest speaker doing his thing while I waited for my wife to queue for some curry or something and anyway to do the reasonable and cut to the end, he was great to listen to and so are you. Thanks.😊
Thanks James - great content as always. I’m very much a car guy but have a 2007 GS Adventure tucked away for a big tour every now and again. Drove to Greece with my wife on the back and also round Spain and Portugal (all from Edinburgh). It’s a boring old workhorse but does that sort of thing magnificently!
I have a VFR800 but having done 3 Euro tours on it, I've come to realise I need something far more adventure esque. Found myself on a few gravel tracks and green lanes which wasnt nice. An old GSA is high on my list.
Throughly enjoyed this video and can’t wait for potentially JayEmm on Bikes 🏍️👌🏻
I enjoyed that. Thank you.
love the bike videos!!
Loving this series...
I bought a Mandello S about a month ago James. It is a fantastic machine, just the right amount of power, proper riding modes, looks amazing and has character while being very modern.
Finally what we all need. Jayemm on bikes ♥️👌
Really enjoyed this video Jay! I'm new to bikes at 46 and I went straight for a KTM 390 Duke, just loved the styling and I could get most of my foot down on either side. Even for a small displacement it's able to get up and boogie... I reckon either the 890 or 1290 will give you more smiles per mile than the other options in front of you... Looking forward to seeing what you end up on!
I’m somewhat older and back on a bike after a 15 year break. Within 2 months I’d got 2 bikes. One for weekdays one for weekends lol.
My weekend bike is a Guzzi V7. I never thought I’d like one but for the real world I love it. Fast handling, comfortable, fuel injected but with old fashioned looks, power delivery and soundtrack.
Not everyone’s cup of tea but it works for me.
I did a similar experience going back to bikes after 3 and a bit years and compared and test rode:
- Triumph Street Triple RS
- KTM Duke 890
- Ducati Streetfighter V2
Ended up buying the Ducati because it just did everything very well.
Loving it
Interesting to hear your thoughts and great to see your enthusiasm growing as you get more back into biking. I've also got a Gilera ST200, which, in the right conditions, is as much fun as a "proper" big bike. Having owned singles, twins, triples and fours, I've come to the conclusion that a v-twin is the most enjoyable for UK road use. You can use more of the performance, more of the time on more of the roads. As a Monster owner of 20 years, that's what I'd recommend. It'll put a smile on your face from the moment you open the garage door to the moment you park it up, ticking and pinging as it cools down in the sunlight. (The sun always shines on a Ducati!) While I like the KTM motor, their reliability seems to leave a little to be desired. Even the press bike have suffered numerous faults. Also, if you're shallow like me, I couldn't live with those looks - I like a bike that makes me turn around before closing the garage door for one more look. The Ducati gives me that. Whatever you choose, enjoy!
Love the new bike videos (love the car videos too)
Fantastic video. Super engaging. You sir are a storyteller. Hope you enjoy the bike of your dreams. The KTM 1290 sure does look nice. I went with the HD Sportster S. Kind regards
Great video, me and friends have been talking about getting a license for years. Today I just took the first step which is getting the permit. So will be very interesting to follow your journey on 2 wheels now and hearing your impressions. I bought all the magazines back in 2001-2003 and those bikes are now really cheap so I´m all over them. Unfortunately my bags of the old magazines seem to have disappeared through the years...
Congratulations. That era of bikes was pretty amazing, I love them
Loving this motorcycle content James. I’m in the same boat as you. Passed my test 2007 and rode bikes up till 2019 as started a family, but now I’m looking to get back into biking. Had mostly sports bikes like the Ducati 1098s which was too much for the road definitely a license killer!! then I ended up going naked sport bikes which are far more comfortable being 6ft 2. But now am looking at bikes like the Indian 1200 and the moto guzzi V100 Mandello which looks a nice piece of kit. So looking forward to you doing more biker content as well as your great car reviews. Keep up the good work
Would love to see more with bikes. There are other bike channels out there but I really enjoy the way you do things. All the best
Well well, this channel just clicked up a cog or two! Great to see you light up and looking forward to JayEmm on Bikes! I own several Ducs and used to work for an NZ Motorcycle manufacturer called Britten.
Great work James👍
After many years of Japanese motocross bikes that led into Japanese road bikes of all kinds, my first ride on a Ducati was a monster 821 and I bought it straight after the test ride. Nowadays I have a MultiStrada. I love the ducatis for their character and that something special they provide. Never tried an MV or a Guzzi so need to do that at some point. Glad your loving being back in two wheels 👍🏻
Interesting journey. Thanks for taking us along. Personally, I’d go for the Guzzi.
Great content love the thought process. Don't beat yourself up over dropping the bike. I've lost count how many time I've dropped them mind you it was generally in ruts and mud. I thought I'd never go off road until I went to Triumphs adventure centre loved every minute 😅 you need to try an adventure bike off road it's nuts.
Ahh the drama of a shakedown ride! I actually think as someone going through a biking rebirth it's worth trying a Royal Enfield, they're dead simple, cheap and the most "classic" modern bikes available these days. You get to practice tightening everything up after a ride too after it's shaken loose, good practice for the Triton!
You ought to try a R1250RS, all the positives of the GS with a lower riding position and more akin to road riding. Does it all 👍
Its a great news. We love you.
Really interesting hearing your thought process and the findings after the test rides. I started biking at 16 with an AP50, then a 250 Desmo Ducati, then a Hailwood Replica at 19, which I had to sell at 25 when buying a house and getting married. A long gap off bikes until I was 40, when I bought a Honda RVF400, got into track days, replaced that after a year with a Yamaha R6 and had a 5 year period of doing track days with friends. Then a growing family and house upgrade meant the bike had to go again. So then on to my current period of biking, which started about 8 years ago with a Triumph Street Triple. Did a trip to Scotland, then a European tour, and found the lack of wind protection and luggage capability the only downside to what was otherwise a lovely bike, and quick enough when you wind it up. Next was an MV Turismo Veloce - not really an adventure bike, but an upright sports tourer a bit like a Ducati Multistrada. That was beautiful, great to ride, but had a few issues with it - lots of warranty trips to the dealer, and it was tall. I'm 5'7" but with reasonably long legs, however I dropped that a couple of times at junctions when caught out by a bit of camber. Next I went down the full adventure bike route. I did try a GS, and it is a fantastic package, but to me it doesn't have that "zing". Whereas KTM have that in spades. So I bought a 1090 Adventure. Which I absolutely loved, but it was still a bit marginal on height. Particularly as I chose to upgrade from the stock plank, sorry seat, to the comfort seats, not realising they added another 20mm to the seat height. So when the 790 Adventure came out, I traded the 1090 in for a 790. Which I still have four years later. It's now fully set up for me with uprated fork cartridges, a Nitron shock, a re--upholstered with memory foam seat, and a different screen. It now shares garage space with a Fantic 250 Enduro, Moto Guzzi V7ii Racer, 1990 Yamaha RD350 YPVS F2, and a 1967 Ducati 250 Mk3 ( and a couple of old Alfas).
I've had test rides on a few of the bikes you tried, agree on the BMW M100, fantastic thing. Haven't tried the V100 Mandello yet, it looks lovely, but I don't think I need a sports tourer.
I think there are a couple of other Ducati's you should try, both with the same engine - the Desert X ( although again might be a bit tall) , and the Multistrada V2. KTM 890 SMT also might fit the bill.
Good luck with your journey, nice to see someone taking an open minded view and having a look at all options. Look forward to the next update.
I think that you should try an Aprilia Tuono V4 👍
Jay, you cannot beat the sound of Aprilia’s V4 best sounding bike, end of. They do need a make over though as looking a bit dated.
Great vid Jay!
Ridden (and crashed) an F4 750 mv Augusta years ago. I had lusted after that machine and never have I been more disappointed in anything before or since. Unless you want it as a garage ornament I'd say leave it alone.
I'm on my third 765 street triple, I'm super surprised you didn't like it as most people love them. Sounds like you have fallen in love with a giant v-twin of some sort and smaller bikes won't do!
Be careful you don't fall into the clichéd trap of the returning biker who feels like he needs and can handle a 150bhp+ bike and finds out the hard way.
I went through a similar experience a year ago… though I went a totally different direction. My period of not riding was 24 years, my classic bike (that is still not running) is a 72 Triumph 650 Tiger, and the new bike I picked up this last spring is a 318lb dual sport (2023 Suzuki DRZ 400S). And honestly for the badly maintained paved roads and dirt roads/trails here in interior Alaska the bike is a blast to ride. It took a few embarrassing drops to get used to the seat height 36.8 inches as I am also one with a long torso, and shorter inseam (32” inches). But now I love the clearance for my off road shenanigans. So don’t be afraid of the dirt, you might find you like it as well. That said, I am glad you are getting back in the saddle. Oh, and a side note on color choices for bikes…. Remember you can always put a PPF wrap or stickers on to change or modify the look to match your personality. So don’t let initial color be too much of a determining factor for your ride, as that is easy to change out.
Hey James. I hadn’t had a bike for 10 years or so after a good few litre bikes, GSXR’s etc. went for a Speed Triple RS. You didn’t seem to rate the Street Triple highly but the bigger bike is awesome. Was good fun on tracks days as well. Moved onto to a Panigale now which is amazing!!
love the bike content! more please
I remember wanting a buell xb12s when I used to ride bikes. Still look great now. Possibly up your street.
Thanks for this series of videos,as a 62 yr old I will start with a refresher course. Never have lost interest in bikes and cannot be without at least one to tinker and admire . Building a 1953 Matchless G9 from parts!. Benelli Imperiale 400 and a Royal Enfield gt 650. Just have to regain my confidence. HENCE REFRESHER TRAINING.
I dropped my GS about a month ago. A combination of an emergency stop (blind Audi driver) camber and gravel, and as you said, once it starts to go it's a case of abandon ship or suffer a hernia trying to hold it up! Guzzi is a left field choice, so I'm interested to see what you eventually choose.
Great piece - I am in EXACTLY the same position as you and am looking at pretty much ALL the same bikes with similar conclusions. Current favourites are the two KTM's you mentioned and the new Ducati Monster SP. Not ridden any yet but will soon. Sat on the Guzzi the other day and agree, it's nice but maybe not that exciting? Bet of luck on your search, I'm looking to pull the trigger in the next few weeks.
I'm so glad you're really getting into bikes. I ride an ADV bike and have dropped it, and my father rides a GSA which I have picked up alot aswell 😂. It happens lol
Ive been looking for a change from my GS which Ive had for 2 years. Like you, tested a few possible contenders which were all acceptable, but I genuinely loved the Super Duke R Evo. The current offer is as good as Ive seen from a bike manufacturer so I'm going for it. Stick it in rain mode and comfort and its a pussycat!
Great to hear!
Good Morning James, Tibor calling in.Ive been a fan of your channel for a few years now and have seen you grow from strength to strength, sharing with us your path of discovery.
Like you I’ve been an avid petrol head for many years and over dozens of motorcars ( original minis and beetles, old Volvos and saabs, more modern Audis and BMWs to numerous 993’s ( still the best all round sports car ever made ) to an early conti gt ( an expensive indulgence but the four years of ownership left a lasting impression and appreciation
About 5 years ago I too revisited motorcycles.
I share your views on the Ducati monster and own a 2016 1200R. Quality control increased a great deal at Ducati post 2012 when Audi took a controlling share in the brand.
BMWs yes they’re wonderful, I own a 1250 gsa, 40 years of evolution shows.They’re refined and most capable.. it’s the Swiss Army knife of bikes. Sure others have more power and speed, but I feel it has ample. Yes they are tall.
With a full tank of fuel the higher centre of gravity is more pronounced, a quarter of a tonne as you pointed out requires forward thinking when coming to a stop.. ie reading the road surface and so on, even more so if you can’t flat foot the bike or stand on the balls of your feet.
Bought and sold a bmw K1600 bagger. It was like the conti on two wheels.6 cylinder in line and when above 5000 rpm sounded like an M3. It was amazing however a lower speeds a bit too clinical and almost too refined.It will cross a continent and leave you feeling totally relaxed . Bought and sold a bmw R90 T. And that was like a 2 wheeled version of a 993. I still regret selling it but used it as a down payment for a touring bike.
Then something happened… I rode an 1995 Harley Davidson Fatboy same one as Arnie rides in the terminator…. I’d always been a bit prejudiced towards Harley’s thinking they weren’t too reliable, leaked oil and made a lot of noise….. but that first ride touched my soul. I can’t describe it in words adequately but the man machine interaction is so pronounced. Perhaps in the car world it would be like driving a 1920’ Bentley.
I bought that bike, and then 2 more Fatboy’s of later generations. A 2006 cvo and a 2020 with a Milwaukee 8 engine and steam roller size wheel. Sure one needs to relearn the art of counter steering at low speeds and you can’t lean over very far as you’ll scrape the floorboard’s.
Harley’s are fun. Bought a touring chassis model too. A 2019 street glide cvo. It weighs around 400 kg’s but the weight is lowdown, it’s easy to flatfoot and the weight disappears once you’re on the roll. Sure you have to straighten the front wheel when coming to a standstill but that can be said for most heavier bikes.( that’s what I used the funds from the R90T for)
Then a 2006 triumph rocket joined my now growing collection. It’s a fun bike with oodels of toque and makes you giggle each time you twist the throttle.Eh again at low speeds counter steering is De Rigueur.
Bought a new Honda monkey and covered 5000 KM’s again a giggle and fun but sold it to a lady friend and bought myself a Vespa primavera 150s aircooled model.Then one last Harley a 2012 Sotail custom ( for that Peter Fonda easy rider feeling though the bars not as high but a chopper non the less.
So that’s 8 bikes and scooter all told. I’d promised my wife no more than 8 motorcycles but the Vespa made 9, my argument being it’s a scooter- I think I’ve gotten away with it.
Anyways midlife crisis seemed averted with motorcycles to the rescue.
James suggest you try a Harley…. You need one in your collection. They offer a huge sense of occasion even at 30-50 mph
Also have a look at Dave’s website called : That bloke on a motorbike.
He’s cadence ,wisdom and years of experience show in the way he rides and in the way he verbalize’s his thought process when riding. He’s a good mentor.Mentorship is how I’ve developed in aviation too.
I’ve been flying as a career for over 33 years now, the past 13 of which I’ve had the privilege to command a Jumbo.There’s a distinct similarity between riding and flying, more so than with motor cars.
I wish you the best of luck with your revised love for motorcycles.
Onwards and upwards.
Tibor
Great, I was watching your video and started looking for a motorbike now. Same as you, I had a 4 year break and, as you were talking about the feeling of riding a bike, I started looking at my AGV helmet...need to review my finances now, pfff....
I love all of your contents, Jay! The closest I came to riding a motorcycle was when I was riding a rented 50 cc scooter when I was 16 years old (in a different life...) Nonetheless, I would be thrilled to hear more about your bike journey.
No worries about dropping the GS!!! My 1250GS has been on it's side dozens of times. Do quite a bit of dirt and I short as well.
Great content. I'm both a car and mc guy as well. Follow all your content.
lovely episode, I'm a 22yo from Poland that did cat B at 18yo, and after 3 years of cat B we can ride cat A1 bikes, so i got a 2020' KTM Duke 125 for city commuting and going to uni (finding a car parking spot is a huge pain) . It's an amazing experience, being on open air feeling the road and greeting every passing biker being a part of the community. I also really like the fact that with civilised lane filtering, even with high traffic the traffic lights feel like only thing stopping you. :)
And yes, I am waiting to 24yo to do cat A license because doing cat A2 doesn't make financial sense. Pretty crazy though that i can ride a normal size bike with low power with literal zero courses but i would have to jump through hoops to get the cat A sooner. One option is learning to ride by myself on public roads and other is course with a proper plan an instructor, you do the math 🙃
Next time your up in Scotland Glasgow area happy to give you a shot on my 999s
really great storytelling...
👍👍
As a. non-biker I wasn't sure if this content would be of interest, but, your way of bringing things to life through your descriptive skills made it really enjoyable and I'm looking forward to future updates and a purchase! All the best, Kevin.
James, after years of Japanese bikes, I bought a gen 2 MV F4 for exactly.the same reasons you state, looks are amazing and I smile every time I see it.
An F4 is not a great get back into biking option, but if you want to ticket of your list, once you've settled back in to biking, give me a shout.
I'm in the position you were about 3-5 years ago. I've ridden an R1200GS across Australia, a 250cc dirt bike across Peru, done track days and many UK trips on a 600cc sports bike, but by far the thing I look back on with the most joy and envy is the Ducati Diavel. I think you'll find it much more appealing than the Monster. I took one across Northern Italy several years ago now and I cannot see past it. Comfort, power, torque, handling, looks, accessible seating position - it had it all.
Should also add - although the GS manoeuvres really well for its size and weight, even at low speed, it is not friendly for us vertically challenged people - once it starts to go there's no stopping it! I came close many times!
WOW this series about getting back on motorbikes is going to be interesting. I am not brave enough to venture into MV Agusta's or Moto Guzzi's but here is a list of my current bikes to perhaps give you some idea's.
2022 Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss edition
2021 Ducati Monster plus
2021 BMW S1000RR M package
2016 Triumph Thruxton R
2005 Kawasaki ZXR 1200R
2021 Lifan E3 (electric scooter.
That's a pretty cool collection
This was just like having a chat with a biker mate over a beer or coffee. BTW, we've all dropped a bike, so kudos to you for fessing up. You strike me as someone that wants something a bit left field or out of the ordinary, so the Guzzi (head) or the KTM 1290 (heart) look like the goods for you.
Best of luck in your search i ride a 1877 honda cb400f which keeps me happy !
Hi James - I have a KTM 1290 Superadventure S, same engine pretty much as the one you tested (detuned a bit I think). I love it....
Your doing the right thing riding as many as you can you will know when you ride the (one ) that ticks all the boxes
Enjoyed this so very much! Australian owner of a MV Agusta Brutale1078RR & a Yamaha Warrior 1700 here. My advice is try the MV Brutale 800. A triple with heaps of character that you don't have to get so illegal with to have fun (lost my license once already with the 1078). That MV 800 engine is amazing- like a Jack Russell Terrier on crack with amazing smoothness, tuneful note and a great riding position, complete with the looks to boot! The 800s have a counter rotating crankshaft that makes the bike so extraordinarily flickable and light feeling. That is an amazing piece of engineering normally only found in GP bikes... Besides all that I cannot tell you how much pleasure my MV provides every time I look at it. Hell, I sometimes wheel it out when enjoying a brew simply to admire its thoroughly gorgeous lines.
Great to see you getting back to bikes. I’ve had GT3’s and my Superduke is a different level of performance, brilliant t fun but get some training back to biking or ROSPA. Highly recommend a Multistrada V4 S stunning
Love that you are doing this. I have always wanted to learn to ride having had posters of Barry Sheene on my walls as a youngster. Instead i am
Lucky enough to have oddball cars karma Revero, Morgan plus 8, 73 Etype 2+2 which someone put a manual Chevy V8 in, project Arnage T (😢) and finally two Bristol Blenheims (one is in a container em route to me)… but then I saw a white and gold MV Agusta SuperVeloce S and I had an accident in my pants. I now have to sell something and learn to ride immediately. OMG Nick
I was bike shopping recently for the first time in years and it sounds like we’ve been through a similar thought process! I lusted after the same MVs and Ducatis years ago and seriously considered a 749. I ended up with an older Monster S2R.
Great stuff James. I like to think that as a motorcycle rider one makes for a better car driver, since riding bikes makes you more aware of road conditions, weather, hazards etc. I've been riding bikes since I was 14 (on private ground) without a break, I'm now nearly 61. Ducati are great, I've had a Darmah, 2 Monster 900s and as a proud owner of a 916 Strada I love the brand, also Moto Guzzi, great bikes. I have a 1981, 850 Le Mans 2 with over 120k miles and still going strong. Looking forward to some good bike content as well as your car stuff.
Can´ wait to see bike videos from you.
Maybe you should try a MV Agusta F3 RR, Dragster or Brutale.
Just stay away from the RC models at MV Agusta, those are the track focused ones.
Beautiful, Italian, Quick and Comfortable - Aprilia Tuono! Worth considering if you like sporty engine with naked ergonomics. Not as sharp as the Duke but looks way better.
I bought a new 890 duke r last year without even riding one...Ye Gods.. absolutely wonderful
Thank you James for all your videos. And these "talk" videos gives us watchers a sense of who you are.
May I throw in two jokers in your search for a bike:
Ducati Desert X
MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5
Thank you, James. I, too, have been off bikes for a while. However, my last 5 were Harley's, and if I do bite the bullet, the next one will be too. Have been looking at two possibilities. The first is a tourer a Road Glide the second an adventure bike the Pan America. At 64, I am not sure if I really need one but did ride for nearly 20 years and after a few back surgeries and recent carpal release surgery, my right wrist is rather sore. I have, though, booked a test ride for a ride on the latest model tourer. I will see how that goes. Cheers 🍻
The 1290 is superb, but be aware the new 1390 is on the way, hence the very exciting incentive packages. You should try the 1290 Super Adventure S, it will blow your mind the sheer speed and size of it!
You have been busy , I totally agree.
Hi James. Liking your vids, both car and bike. Test ride a Can Am Spider. The cornering alone will give you enough material for a whole episode. Seven of my ten bikes are old English bikes from 1968 to 1973. I could never be without a bike. I also own an Aston Martin another love of my life plus a couple of other cars. As for space I keep several bikes in the lounge room and yes I am single :-)
You’re doing exactly the right thing. Try everything
Got back into riding this summer. After an 11 year Dad break, caused by a concerned mother in law. What all has changed in these years is completely crazy. As a compromise, I bought a Honda CBF 1000 from 2007. With a foot in the old and new world each, and only 3500€ for an immaculately preserved and serviced sports tourer with a full set of luggage. Yay! Andalusia, here I come.
Purchased a super duke same time as you.What a BEAST
Brilliant episode.. have you considered an aprilia Tuono non factory.. arguably the best sounding bike ever?😯
One bike I recently tried which ticks absolutely none of your boxes :) no trellis frame , no twin, and rather retro is the Kawi Z900RS. But it's a fantastic bike. I currently have a '22 Duc SFV4S which I love, but could see adding the Kawi to my stable. Also try the Tuono 1100. The engine is superb. If seat height is an issue you can get a lower seat for most bikes or have the original altered. Don't let it be an impediment if you really like something.
Good call. I was torn between one of these and an R9T but then I saw the kit that turns an XSR900 into an RD500 replica. So many bikes, so little money 😭
Love watching your take on bikes
I’ve always liked the V twin torque riding Ducatis in the 80s 90s till 2000 then I swapped to Harleys interspersed with a Buell XB9 ❤ best bike ever 3 BMWs, GS was good but I’m too short for then and back to my third and best Harley
I just love the mechanical clunks of the gears and the best mobile armchair to view the countryside from for miles for smiles
I've ridden that Motoguzzi and it's a fantastic bike! It's heavier than what I'm used to (CBR600RR) but the suspension compliance and geometry felt amazing and the quality seemed very good on my short ride. I liked it so much that I went to the forums to see what living with it is like and sadly I found the expected Italian problems. For reference my CBR has been crashed and rebuilt multiple times, has hundreds of miles straight at triple digit speeds and it's never dripped one bit of oil, never left me stranded, and never failed to start. It's been very hard to give up that reliability when it's potential replacements are much more high strung and have compromises I'm not quite ready to accept. Good luck on your search and I'm sure you'll find what suits you in the end...and it's fair to say if you have multiple Ferraris then multiple bikes shouldn't be out of the question.
It makes a nice change 😊
Nice two-wheeled poweslide on the KTM and those black leathers are very slimming on you.👍