Going Naked

[Porkchop]

So its time to start planning my next street ride. I'm just tired of having something go wrong with the Honda every riding season, and having to worry about the thing breaking down on me on a long ride. I have a guy that wants to help me rebuild the thing, but it may go on the backburner for awhile, or just get parted out completely. There are many 500 riders that would love to have parts off of my bike, and because the rarity (or even extinction) of some of the parts, I may be able to recoup most of the $1400 I paid for the thing.

So I've been reading reviews, watching videos, and asking owners about bikes for over a year now, and I've narrowed it down to 3. I'm kind of over the whole 600 supersport thing for the street. I did the R6 for a season and its just not worth it. They are begging to get in trouble with the law, expensive as shit to insure, and you can't do more than 45 minutes before you want to chop off your wrists. But I have gone to the dark side and taken interest in the naked/fighter segment. Eventually my goal is to get on a Tuono V4, as I already love the V4 engine.

So the 3 bikes that I can see myself on right now are the Ducati Monster 696, the Triumph Street Triple /R , and the Kawasaki ER-6N. And yes I understand the first two are in a higher price point and spec range than the little Kwacker.

Ducati
Pros - Light, Neutral, Good Feeback, Stock Marchesini Wheels, Sachs monoshock, Brembo 4 pots, Marzocchi usd forks, cheapest to Insure???? $40 a month
Cons - Ducati price tag, Ducati reliabiliy?

Triumph
Pros - Won every comparo for like 6 years, sportiest bike in the bunch, 105hp, fully adjustable suspension in R model, 4 pots, 3 cylinder howl.
Cons - 105hp and asking for a ticket , $60 a month Ins., Not the prettiest bike ever.

Kwaker
Pros- Cheapest, all the moto rags loved them, P-2 engine
Cons- Budget suspension, $55 a month Ins.


I'm really looking for some more good first hand riders here. I know there are a couple ER owners on here, and I know a couple of members have experience on the ST, but I want someone with first hand experience on the Duc. Realistically my brain wants the STR, my heart wants the Monster, and my wallet wants the Kwaker. But I would take any of them.

What does everybody think???

[RACER X]

aprilia?

[azoomm]

Bmw 800r?

[Rangerscott]

Naked is fun around town and short rides. But gets a tad tiring on long hauls.

Why not a 5th gen for $4k or less?

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

Naked is fun around town and short rides. But gets a tad tiring on long hauls.

Why not a 5th gen for $4k or less?

If you're a fucking pussy... I did a number of 500+ mile days on the ol Buell...

[Porkchop]

Originally Posted by RACER X

aprilia?

Not quite sure about the Shiver yet. Never even seen one in person. I'm not even sure about the dealer situation here in town....

Originally Posted by azoomm

Bmw 800r?

Sexy, but $10,000 before t/t/t and destination. Way too rich for my blood. And finding any used is few and far between. There is a bmw dealer close to me though....


Ranger, a fifth gen was on my list. I was kind if looking for something more upright.

[azoomm]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

Sexy, but $10,000 before t/t/t and destination. Way too rich for my blood. And finding any used is few and far between. There is a bmw dealer close to me though....

I feel ya. There aren't many around because that is a relatively new option.

What kind of riding do you plan to do?

[Rangerscott]

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

If you're a fucking pussy... I did a number of 500+ mile days on the ol Buell...

I didnt say it couldnt be done. I did 600+ miles when I got mine. Its just a big decision.

Id see what aftermarket accessories are available for each bike.

[azoomm]

By the way - of the three you have listed I would go with the Monster.

The Triumph Street Triple is just entirely too underpowered and ugly for what it is. Of course, I rode that right after the Speed Triple - so it felt entirely too gutless. /sorry

The Kawi - I'm not a fan of the looks at all. Not even a little bit. And the ride wasn't excellent enough to make me like it.

The monster - there is a culture that is following them. Parts are available a plenty both in the case of a drop OR to make some custom effects.

[Porkchop]

Originally Posted by azoomm

I feel ya. There aren't many around because that is a relatively new option.

What kind of riding do you plan to do?

Around town, country roads. I probably wont do track on it, I want a track bike eventually. I thought about getting into a touring rig, but I decided my life is far too instable to be able to just go on long tours.

Originally Posted by azoomm

By the way - of the three you have listed I would go with the Monster.

The Triumph Street Triple is just entirely too underpowered and ugly for what it is. Of course, I rode that right after the Speed Triple - so it felt entirely too gutless. /sorry

The Kawi - I'm not a fan of the looks at all. Not even a little bit. And the ride wasn't excellent enough to make me like it.

The monster - there is a culture that is following them. Parts are available a plenty both in the case of a drop OR to make some custom effects.

Honestly the STR is falling out of the group. It has the most hp of the group, so it wouldnt be underpowered in this three. I mean I understand its almost like a 600 where you have to wind it up to get good steam. And it would have to have the body pieces like this one for me to like the looks....




I have kinda fallen in love with the little funky Er6. I even like the looks. But the bike is what it is intended for, a budget ride. You can't expect as much out of it, and the performance isnt going to be there. But its grown on me, and might be a good plan B. Papa's bike is what I'd like to do...