Lately
10-23-2015, 04:00 AM
#1
Senior Member
SuperBike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: New South Wales Australia
Posts: 1,544
Lately
I just love the VTR.
However lately I have been checking out the KTMRC8R.
Having recently divested myself of a bike from the Man Cave I am on the lookout for a bike that will eclipse the VTR from an ownership point of view .
I believe that the total ownership experience is a paramount factor in living with a particular bike.
I am yet to find another bike that has been as satisfying to own as the VTR.
Trust me I have tried but failed.
Bikes have come and gone but the VTR is still in the man cave after 3 1/2 years and countless mods that I have read about on here(Thanks Guys)
Has anyone else on here tried and succeeded ? If so can you tell me what bike has done it for you.
Looking forward to the replies as after 43 bikes I still think that the VTR is a great all round bike that allows for individual tastes by way of modification to suit ones needs.
P.S I haven't owned 43 bikes whilst having the VTR in my possession , only 4 , but none have made an impact like it.
However lately I have been checking out the KTMRC8R.
Having recently divested myself of a bike from the Man Cave I am on the lookout for a bike that will eclipse the VTR from an ownership point of view .
I believe that the total ownership experience is a paramount factor in living with a particular bike.
I am yet to find another bike that has been as satisfying to own as the VTR.
Trust me I have tried but failed.
Bikes have come and gone but the VTR is still in the man cave after 3 1/2 years and countless mods that I have read about on here(Thanks Guys)
Has anyone else on here tried and succeeded ? If so can you tell me what bike has done it for you.
Looking forward to the replies as after 43 bikes I still think that the VTR is a great all round bike that allows for individual tastes by way of modification to suit ones needs.
P.S I haven't owned 43 bikes whilst having the VTR in my possession , only 4 , but none have made an impact like it.
10-23-2015, 06:24 AM
#2
Moderator
MotoGP
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Gettysburg, Pa
Posts: 5,071
They are nice, I will say that. The bike that could eclipse my VTR will have to be more comfortable. That Ktoom looks a little more leaned over and my body ain't havin' it! Ergo's are king at this point in my life, at least considering I only have one bike in my stable. I love the SuperDukeR but, no windscreen. So I can only dream of a new Multi right now.
10-23-2015, 06:40 AM
#3
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Bisbee, AZ
Posts: 1,873
Bench shopping.
If Triumph builds the 800cc semi fared Street Triple I will go test ride one. Don't have any real experience with other modern bikes, but on paper not many check all the right boxes like the SH.
If Triumph builds the 800cc semi fared Street Triple I will go test ride one. Don't have any real experience with other modern bikes, but on paper not many check all the right boxes like the SH.
10-23-2015, 07:45 AM
#4
Well take off, eh.
SuperBike
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: QC, Canada
Posts: 1,201
There's one riding around in my neck of the woods. A fellow in his early 30's from his physique. Rides it in T-shirts and shorts. 
He must make good money since these bikes don't come around cheap, and, we pay rediculous plate prices over here. 1400$/year for a sports bike.
I keep hoping to cross him at a gas station and shoot the sh** with him.
Doesn't look all that comfortable, and, from a local TV show that tests motorcycles, the tester had nothing but good notes to give it, but ride comfort, was a real downer. But, wether it's this bike, or, ZX, R1, Gixxer or CBR, you're probably going to face the same dilemma.
That being said, it's surely is one of the nicest looking bikes, and, I would probably sacrifice a little comfort for one, but, my wallet disagrees.
He must make good money since these bikes don't come around cheap, and, we pay rediculous plate prices over here. 1400$/year for a sports bike. I keep hoping to cross him at a gas station and shoot the sh** with him.Doesn't look all that comfortable, and, from a local TV show that tests motorcycles, the tester had nothing but good notes to give it, but ride comfort, was a real downer. But, wether it's this bike, or, ZX, R1, Gixxer or CBR, you're probably going to face the same dilemma.
That being said, it's surely is one of the nicest looking bikes, and, I would probably sacrifice a little comfort for one, but, my wallet disagrees.
10-23-2015, 09:04 AM
#6
Senior Member
Back Marker
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 189
I have the same thoughts!!!
SuperDuke 1290 with a flyscreen? Big $$$$$ even used
Aprilia V4 Tuono? $8k or $9k used
FZ09? Good bike - but needs $1000 of suspension work = $9k - and it's not much "better" than the Superhawk, just newer
New R1 - droooooooling - $15k (blew by one a couple times on the dragon in September - looked nice in my mirrors)
In the end - for the mountain riding I do, I don't need more motor. And if I wasn't so cheap, could have great suspension (I'm on the way with that respect though) - so, why sell my Superhawk for $2,500, spend another $6k or way more - and not go any faster?
Things I want in a bike if I ever give up the Hawk:
Torque to shoot me from corner to corner
Fuel Injection so I don't have to clean or jet carbs
Good suspension so I can hang it out when it gets rough
Better comfort than a race bike because I'm old and beat up
SuperDuke 1290 with a flyscreen? Big $$$$$ even used
Aprilia V4 Tuono? $8k or $9k used
FZ09? Good bike - but needs $1000 of suspension work = $9k - and it's not much "better" than the Superhawk, just newer
New R1 - droooooooling - $15k (blew by one a couple times on the dragon in September - looked nice in my mirrors)
In the end - for the mountain riding I do, I don't need more motor. And if I wasn't so cheap, could have great suspension (I'm on the way with that respect though) - so, why sell my Superhawk for $2,500, spend another $6k or way more - and not go any faster?
Things I want in a bike if I ever give up the Hawk:
Torque to shoot me from corner to corner
Fuel Injection so I don't have to clean or jet carbs
Good suspension so I can hang it out when it gets rough
Better comfort than a race bike because I'm old and beat up
10-23-2015, 02:00 PM
#8
Senior Member
SuperBike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: New South Wales Australia
Posts: 1,544
I wouldn't buy a new one, more likely a demonstrator or private.
Bikes take too much of a dive in price here as soon as you ride away.
A lot more research and a test ride are in order.
I do like the idea of the adjustable ergos on this bike though.
Bikes take too much of a dive in price here as soon as you ride away.
A lot more research and a test ride are in order.
I do like the idea of the adjustable ergos on this bike though.
10-23-2015, 03:58 PM
#12
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii USA
Posts: 427
At the risk of offending the cruiser-hating pundits among us, try the Ducati Diavel.
I rode one recently while vacationing in Southern California. Non stop grin; my face still hurts. Sorry guys.
I rode one recently while vacationing in Southern California. Non stop grin; my face still hurts. Sorry guys.
10-23-2015, 06:36 PM
#14
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: South of Live Free or Die & North of Family Guy
Posts: 1,456
Tried it in Seacoast New Hampshire and loved it (BTW, one of the best dealers i ever seen).
If I had to own only one bike and had a little extra to spend on maintenance (which is kinda high).
That would be it!
It's great all around and very confi', not to mention power plant is insane especially in sport mode.
If I had to own only one bike and had a little extra to spend on maintenance (which is kinda high).
That would be it!
It's great all around and very confi', not to mention power plant is insane especially in sport mode.
10-23-2015, 07:01 PM
#16
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: South of Live Free or Die & North of Family Guy
Posts: 1,456
I just love the VTR.
However lately I have been checking out the KTMRC8R.
Having recently divested myself of a bike from the Man Cave I am on the lookout for a bike that will eclipse the VTR from an ownership point of view .
I believe that the total ownership experience is a paramount factor in living with a particular bike.
I am yet to find another bike that has been as satisfying to own as the VTR.
Trust me I have tried but failed.
Bikes have come and gone but the VTR is still in the man cave after 3 1/2 years and countless mods that I have read about on here(Thanks Guys)
Has anyone else on here tried and succeeded ? If so can you tell me what bike has done it for you.
Looking forward to the replies as after 43 bikes I still think that the VTR is a great all round bike that allows for individual tastes by way of modification to suit ones needs.
P.S I haven't owned 43 bikes whilst having the VTR in my possession , only 4 , but none have made an impact like it.
However lately I have been checking out the KTMRC8R.
Having recently divested myself of a bike from the Man Cave I am on the lookout for a bike that will eclipse the VTR from an ownership point of view .
I believe that the total ownership experience is a paramount factor in living with a particular bike.
I am yet to find another bike that has been as satisfying to own as the VTR.
Trust me I have tried but failed.
Bikes have come and gone but the VTR is still in the man cave after 3 1/2 years and countless mods that I have read about on here(Thanks Guys)
Has anyone else on here tried and succeeded ? If so can you tell me what bike has done it for you.
Looking forward to the replies as after 43 bikes I still think that the VTR is a great all round bike that allows for individual tastes by way of modification to suit ones needs.
P.S I haven't owned 43 bikes whilst having the VTR in my possession , only 4 , but none have made an impact like it.
Here are my thoughts, Not as comfortable as the Superhawk, but surprisingly comfortable for a newer bike, which for whatever reason becomes less and less butt friendly, more aggressive position, so if you not into this, your wrists will get tired after couple hours ride, I was most impressed with the torque and the handling, brakes are superior as well, It's actually really good in everything, I don't think you will find much to mod on it, it's already maxed out.
You really have to consider all the factors, Maintenance, parts, not as demanding as Ducati, but still not cheep.
Last month, I did have the chance to get on a BMW1000RR....... well, now.. this is a spaceship, It is a dream bike!!! I don't even know how to describe this bike, but I must say that it blows the Panigale out of the water by far on all levels and I tried it as well.
After all, I still love my SH and not about to give up on it, not done with all the mods either ;-)
10-24-2015, 12:59 AM
#17
Senior Member
SuperBike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: New South Wales Australia
Posts: 1,544
Been on an S1000RR.
Insane power and all round package.
Just love the feel at the back wheel of a V.
So whatever I get it will be a V.
So many choices.
Appreciate the feedback, keep it coming.
Insane power and all round package.
Just love the feel at the back wheel of a V.
So whatever I get it will be a V.
So many choices.
Appreciate the feedback, keep it coming.
10-24-2015, 10:41 AM
#18
Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Snohomish, WA.
Posts: 285
The RC8R looks like it would make a great track bike, albeit an expensive one!
The bike I have been lusting over for a couple of years now is from the KTM family, but a little more multi-purpose:
I was really wondering what you guys thought of this bike?
(not meaning to thread jack here). I just love every aspect of this KTM SMT and the reviews are great, but no experience with KTM or this particular Model. I will say looks wise and definitely power wise the RC8 has it beat. But for all around riding.....would love to give this a go. Regardless the VTR is not leaving the garage anytime soon, I love it too!
Sorry Guys still having issues getting the image to show up full size like the above ones....
The bike I have been lusting over for a couple of years now is from the KTM family, but a little more multi-purpose:
I was really wondering what you guys thought of this bike?
(not meaning to thread jack here). I just love every aspect of this KTM SMT and the reviews are great, but no experience with KTM or this particular Model. I will say looks wise and definitely power wise the RC8 has it beat. But for all around riding.....would love to give this a go. Regardless the VTR is not leaving the garage anytime soon, I love it too!
Sorry Guys still having issues getting the image to show up full size like the above ones....
Last edited by Upland111; 10-24-2015 at 10:51 AM.
10-28-2015, 10:18 AM
#19
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,478
OK... if I were seriously considering a stable mate for the VTR, I'd lust after this- the new Triumph Thruxton 1200R.
Features a classic look I admire and is liquid cooled, fuel injected, with USD forks, Brembos up front, Ohlins at the rear.
A contemporary incarnation of an iconic bike.
Features a classic look I admire and is liquid cooled, fuel injected, with USD forks, Brembos up front, Ohlins at the rear.
A contemporary incarnation of an iconic bike.
10-28-2015, 12:17 PM
#20
Senior Member
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Henderson, NV
Posts: 211
OK... if I were seriously considering a stable mate for the VTR, I'd lust after this- the new Triumph Thruxton 1200R.
Features a classic look I admire and is liquid cooled, fuel injected, with USD forks, Brembos up front, Ohlins at the rear.
A contemporary incarnation of an iconic bike.
Features a classic look I admire and is liquid cooled, fuel injected, with USD forks, Brembos up front, Ohlins at the rear.
A contemporary incarnation of an iconic bike.
10-28-2015, 01:15 PM
#21
Senior Member
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Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 171
Also about 82.5 ft/in of torque at just under 5000rpm..
No word on weight though
Interesting new directoin, other than the R though I'd probably stay away personally out of my preferences
No word on weight though
Interesting new directoin, other than the R though I'd probably stay away personally out of my preferences
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