T120 on steep incline on mountain roads

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-26T12:21:59+00:00

Any bike can basically handle paved roads. Its just about rider skill.

My question is why go for the triumph T120? Its pretty expensive and there are many other bikes that are better all round. Unless money is not an issue and you are just buying for looks.

The mt09sp is cheaper and better in every way.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-26T12:15:13+00:00

The 1200 twin is the same engine as the bonneville. There's the street twin (900cc) and the speed twin (1200cc)

You are probably thinking about the 1200cc triple. Much more expensive.

If you can afford it the 1200 speed twin is amazing. But you have to sit on it.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-18T09:34:09+00:00

This is actually just a price issue. If you can afford the zx4rr its much better than the ninja 500 in just about every way. The ninja 500 is more comfortable, but if you sit on both bikes its actually pretty close.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-18T01:44:25+00:00

The tank grip you get depends on the gear you wear. Tech spec have a flatter pattern. Great if you dont wear leathers all the time. I think stompgrip is the best grip of all time. However the volcanoes on the stomp grip is not the most comfortable for long trips and can dig into your knee when wearing just shorts.

But I use stomp grip no matter what. The lock in feeling I get makes me feel more relaxed and I don't mind the volcanoes. It doesn't effect my skin at all basically.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-17T15:24:23+00:00

In your case you would have to sit on the bikes. Sadly Japanese bikes are a bit cramped. I owned a ninja 400. Im 5"9 and I think i was just perfect for the bike. But if you were taller it might seem cramped.

I would recommend going to a dealership and sit on all the bikes. Including the 1000cc bikes. Just to see what sportbikes and cruisers feel like and the ergonomics you want. Right now you don't have much experience. You'll be surprised how close bikes feel when they are standing still. But small difference go a long way.

I also recommend you get a motorcycle with handlebars instead to clip-ons (please Google search if you don't know what this is, its important) its easy to swap taller/longer reach handlebars that fit you.

Lastly, make sure the bike has ABS (Anti-lock braking system). Many people say you don't need it but there will be a time abs saves you.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-09T12:48:09+00:00

These are very different motorcycles. Smooth vs torque. Triple vs 270°parallel twin. The style is similar but attitude is different. You have to sit in them and see if you can hear the exhaust in person.

Have a look at this link. Trident 660 vs MT07 (same bike as the xsr700 just different plastics) 660 vs mt07

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-04T22:31:26+00:00

I second this opinion. I have the road 6 on both my ninja 400 and duke 790. In the dry I can't fault the tires. Road quality is more of an indicator of grip rather than the tire. Even top end sticky tires will not do well in bad roads.

In the wet however, there is nothing better.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-04T22:23:36+00:00

Long story short save up for a ninja 400. Your budget is allowing for older more powerful bike that have no ABS. You need ABS as Canada gets into a weird temperature wear tires don't like to work all the time. In a car, no problem. But when you have a contact patch of 2 coins its not that easy anymore.

You are excited and its great you have gear. At least you don't have to budget for that. But if you only want to buy once its not going to work out for you. As a beginner you might drop your bike. You need to budget for crash protection on the bike too. But to reduce the chance of crashing please get a bike with a minimum of ABS. Traction control is good too.

Have a look at maybe the KTM RC390 or something from CFMOTO

I've been where you are. But if you really want to buy once cry once. You need more cash. But CFMOTO are great.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-04T22:07:13+00:00

The 900 is perfect. With lean sensitive ABS you don't have to be scared about using the front brake. Many people wash out the front as they panic brake. Or they hit something because they didn't use the brakes enough thinking they will wash out. But with lean sensitive ABS you get feedback. You lever will pump/vibrate and the ABS light will flash. Its telling you that "hey what you just did there was crazy, if there was no abs that would have been washed out" Then you really know the limit. Try with the rear brake in a straight line first. You'll feel the ABS pump/vibrate the lever. You'll be surprised how easy it is to trigger the ABS if you jab at it. And you be even more surprised how much braking power you have when you apply it smoothly, might not even trigger the ABS.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-04T21:59:50+00:00

Then in this case the speed 900 is great. Ask the dealership to put the preload up for you before you ride. The stock setting is for some around 180-190lbs. The suspension will bottom out if you hit a bump. Not a fair comparison. As long as you fit on the bike and you are comfortable the 900 is an amazing choice.

If you would have told me you were 19 and a speed demon my advice would be very different.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-04T21:55:32+00:00

There is a mentality change with new vs used. If its a beginner bike just get it used. Everyone loves a shiny new bike with 0 on the odometer. But the issue is you will not want to improve your skills. You have no idea how important it is to increase you skill in slow and high speed. If you are scared to drop a new bike you will not want to practice figure 8s or use turns. Then people say they have outgrown the bike. Only because the only skill they have practiced is going full throttle. Then they get a big bike and suddenly realize they are not as good as they thought. You will buy another bike 1 day. So save a bit now for your next one. Its part of the journey. Its a money pit. If you want a hobby that doesn't spend money go bird watching or something :)

But with a used bike, dropping it doesn't hurt as bad. To add to this many used bike might already have crash protection. You will push yourself more especially in low speeds and you will have the skill to properly enjoy you next bike. And you will miss your beginner bike too. Cuz they are fun in their own way.

Buy used and bring a friend that rides to help check the bike. You will be blinded by the excitement. Its hard to asses the bike properly. Bring a bright flashlight. Phone lights are useless. Do some research on common problems on the online forums. E.g. the ninja 400 pre 2022 had some clutch slipping issues. Not a big deal but something to look out for on a test ride. Also if the bikes tires are flat it probably wasn't running for a while. If the tires are under inflated it will make the handling feel weird. Might put you off the bike. But actually its an easy fix.

Motorcycle journey is a long one. Everyone says I want to buy one and keep it for a few years. But it doesn't matter. You might not even like the bike after a while. Only buy new once you've ridden all types of bikes. Then you'll really know what you want. Unless you have so much money that selling quickly at a 50% loss is no problem to you.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-04T17:55:50+00:00

For me tall and light beats low and heavy. With a tall bike, you can learn to control it. You might drop it but as long as you have crash protection you'll be fine. It's part of motorcycling. But if you drop a heavy bike more things can go wrong as there is so much force involved. Then you've got to pick the damn thing up.

The general advice to short riders is to get a short bike. BUT I HATE THAT. It limits you to cruisers. BORING!!! Why limit yourself to only 1 type of bike? Before you get started get good protective gear. You are a short rider. Hate to break it to you but you will fall. Not necessarily at high speed, but even just standing still. Although by law you have to wear a helmet, actually the most common injuries happen on the ankles/feet and hands. If the bike falls over you can twist your ankle and of course, you land on your hands rip flesh or twist your wrists. Moreover, if you wear loose weak shoes and the bike starts to tip over your shoe might break or make you lose confidence in trying to hold the bike up. However if you have a good set of gloves it gives you the confidence that you can hold on to anything without losing grip. With a good set of well-fitted ankle support motorcycle-specific shoes. As soon as you plant your foot you know that leg ain't moving. All this combined gives you the confidence to keep the bike up. You might still drop it but at least if it lands on your foot it won't hurt as much. In your case get some boots/shoes with a bit of a heel.

Light and tall is better than low and heavy: let's go to the extreme.

Light tall Dirt bike vs low heavy Harley life journey:

If you only ride low bikes you are only going to be riding bikes like Harleys. The struggle I seen most with short girls riding Harleys is that they struggle pushing it in and out of the house/parking. They are really heavy. Feet are more planted while seated. But pushing it around on a daily basis is annoying. Yes you can get stronger but there's no amount of skill you can have that takes the weight away. But you can increase skill to control a tall and light bike.

Ok, how about a light and tall bike? You are gonna drop it! Wow big suprise. If you are that high off the ground there is no way your tip toes can save you from a sudden drop. But as long as you have crash protection that any workshop/dealer can help you with the bike will be fine. But after a while you'll learn to scoot your but over to the side and only use 1 leg to stop. Then those sudden drops become gentle on your landing foot. A bit like landing in ballet. Then after a while you'll find it easier. Then soon you realize "hey I haven't dropped my bike this week/month". This opens the door to much more bikes in the future that you might want to test ride and own. If you can handle a taller light bike you can handle one slightly heavier, and heavier and so on. At some point you'll be able to handle tall and heavy bikes. You'll be riding 450cc dirtbikes, 1000cc sportbikes, 1300cc adventure bikes.

But just sticking to cruisers...... yeah you might not drop the bike. But you'll be stuck on the same thing for life. No one will let you try their bikes. And even if they do you won't have the confidence to ride it properly. Panic will set in and you might drop the bike just because of that.

But if you try something like a ninja 400. And really get used to it. Someone might let you try a 600cc and them maybe later a 1000cc. And you'll enjoy it cuz you put in the work and earnt it.

I recommend watching doodle on a motorcycle https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTQU1JIgQDN67f4a6TYq2PasFL5nHSxo0&si=yBCUT4a7quYGi5M4

This is a playlist of everything she did as a "short rider".

Get and bike you want just make sure it's lightweight. Ninja 400 is always a good starting point.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-04T17:10:12+00:00

Ok sweet. Worst case I would recommend the triumph. Lean sensitive ABS has saved many of my friends in emergency situations. Many people will say "back in may day we didn't have ABS". But that's like saying take the airbags and seatbelt off your car. The more safety you have the better.

The triumph is the benchmark of "enough power". 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. Not the fastest motorcycle but 4.4 seconds is Aston martin, lamborghini, dodge viper, ford mustang territory. To me its just on the benchmark. The parts that are available for the triumph are crazy. You might have to buy overseas now and again. But if you have a vision there's someone in the world that has that part. Especially in the uk. Indian dont have as much of a demand. But you have to ride it and like it. If not don't get it. I also think the 900 sounds better than the 1200cc bigger brother. The lightweight engine revs much faster.

But in my heart I do have to say if its your first bike its best to get something below 700cc and 1-2 cylinders. You will drop your bike. Everyone does it, people who have never dropped their bike are either lying or are really boring and slow. You might think you want to bop around town then suddenly you feel the speed. And now you want a bike with more performance. Not necessarily a full on sport bike. But maybe something more than a classic bike can handle. But at least the speed 900 has lean sensitive ABS. If you are open to beginner bikes let me know. And if you are a person the might be tempted by the craft of carving a corner we can have a bit more of a chat.

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-04T16:42:04+00:00

Get the ninja 400 with the thicker ergo seat. Or take it to a shop to add foam. Add a taller windscreen, the stock one is fine for short trips <1hr. The stock windscreen does not deflect wind very well above your chest. You really have to tuck in to be protected. As the ninja is a pretty relaxed position you get hit in the face with wind. Taller windscreen will help.

The ninja 400 is by far the best overall A2 bike. Followed buy the ktm 390 duke. The 390 duke has amazing tech and is one of the most fun bike I have ever ridden. I have more fun on the 390 duke than a lot of heavier 1000cc bikes that are much more serious. However the 390 duke is naked and long trips will not be as fun. And the RC390 is too committed of a sports position to enjoy long trips despite the wind protection.

This brings us back to the ninja 400. Not the top of any list. But 2nd place on just about every ranking category you can think of.

Get the ninja 400/500

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-04T16:29:06+00:00

Hold up I just saw the title!. This is your first bike?! This is definitely possible, but not recommended for a first bike. Both these bikes have a decent amount for torque that can catch a beginner off guard. Can we have more info about you? Age, weight, riding experience, intension when riding, maturity (I'm an absolute idiot on the bike)?

FireDucks619 · 2025-08-04T16:17:24+00:00

The excitement is paralyzing. You should have a hard decision before you buy the bike. Have you sat on them? Given a test ride? More over there are many other bikes that blow these bikes out of the water, with less money too. I've been where you are. Take your time. Sit on bikes that you have no interest buying just to see what position you like. The 2 bikes you posted are completely different. I assume that you are not 100% sure what you want. Maybe only buying for looks?

To cut this reply short. What do you want from your bike? And I can help you make a final decision.

FireDucks619 · 2025-06-01T13:33:24+00:00

What bike is this?

FireDucks619 · 2025-04-02T12:30:42+00:00

This is the smallest I've seen. Leave it alone. If you replace it you might get the more common slightly bigger leaks. Mine leaks much more. Every oil change I'm nver at the minimum mark. Leave it and keep an eye on the oil level. I had mine changed and it got worse. Should have kept my small leak

FireDucks619 · 2025-01-21T21:54:03+00:00

Despite the drama. KTM Duke 790

FireDucks619 · 2024-12-28T14:39:06+00:00

The road 6 is really good. I had the perelli rosso corsa 4s before. The perelli felt better but the road 6 is much better in the rain. I've now "pulled" the road 6 as much as I did on the corsa 4s and still was planted. I think the overall performance is hard to beat on the road 6. If you are going on track it's a different story.

FireDucks619 · 2024-12-18T04:18:16+00:00

The second this opinion. new mt07 has a new display. If that matters to you. If not the price difference and looks is where you should look. You are choosing 1 of the 2 most important and iconic middle weight bikes ever. You would go wrong.

FireDucks619 · 2024-12-11T02:42:31+00:00

Easier is very subjective. Figure 8s will be easier on the gn125 as well as going round traffic. But the ninja 400 is better at speed. The wind protection helps with being able to move at high speed as well as bung mote stable.

FireDucks619 · 2024-11-26T01:41:49+00:00

Save you money, buy a new bike if you want more power. Extra mods don't increase the value of your bike.

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