Most people know I have an addiction and that I'm always buying and selling bikes. I've owned a few DL1000s and Dl650s over the years and I was ready and waiting to buy the new DL1000 but felt really let down by Suzuki when it was eventually released, so as I tell Mrs Rat, the constant new bikes is Suzuki's fault not mine
I sold my last DL650 after chasing my brother in law across Europe and feeling the need for a bit more speed. Enter the Tiger 1050, I loved that bike, although it was likely to cost me my licence.
I won't list them all but...
XT660z, I enjoyed it for what it was but to be honest never found a slot for it, It's too heavy (in my opinion) for any real off roading and not built to be a Tourer, I know some have crossed the world on them but I like my comforts.
XT1200z - I love this bike, it's heavy but that is part of its charm, it feels planted and will cruise at high speed for hundreds and hundreds of miles in comfort and has all the power I'll ever need. I may treat her to an ECU flash to smooth out the power delivery but that's not necessary it's just a nice to have.
MT-09 Tracer - Hmmm, this one caught me by surprise, it has all the fun of the 1050 Tiger but feels so much lighter (only 8Kg according to the spec.). Yamaha says "
It keeps the MT-09's 847cc triple engine, making 115hp and 64.5lbft. According to Yamaha that gives it a better power-to-weight ratio than the Ducati Hyperstrada, Triumph Tiger Sport, Kawasaki Versys 1000, Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and Honda Crossrunner".
Read more:
http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-fir ... z3bQdjMQLuI'm keeping a close eye on what happens to the 'classic' DL650, the way the prices are dropping on the Glee the older model secondhand value must surely drop too, this should mean (sorry current owners) that there will be some great bargains soon (that's was me saying I may own a V-Strom again)
