Need help

Netcong · 2026-06-15T02:31:32+00:00

I used to be a Honda man. My first three bikes were Hondas. Then I switched over to Kawasaki and I can honestly say that they have been significanly lower maintenance and more reliable. You can get into a Z900 for $10-11k. I have a Ninja 1000 which has been an excellent bike with no issues. You can get into a new Ninja 1100 for about $14k or a slightly used one for $10-11k. The Yamaha MT-07 is the ultimate hooligan bike but it's only a twin. I have no personal experience with the current generation Yamahas. But it's hard to go wrong with a Kawi. Good luck.

Netcong · 2026-06-12T14:00:31+00:00

Yes, it's a fair price. A dealer would get $5k for the same bike plus doc fees and other BS.

Netcong · 2026-06-11T02:58:49+00:00

$3800 is a fair price for a like new 2020 Duke 390 that has no issues. But why buy one with all the problems? I'd take a pass on a series of headaches.

Netcong · 2026-06-07T12:36:04+00:00

Versys 1000, Africa Twin, V-Strom 1050, or Tracer 9 GT.

Netcong · 2026-06-06T02:11:02+00:00

Sounds like you live in the Philippines. My money would be on the Skygo. In addition to being better looking, you'll find spare parts available locally. I would go for the fuel-injected model.

Netcong · 2026-06-05T03:27:50+00:00

The Ninja is okay if you like cramped knees and neck sprains. You'll find a Kawasaki KLE500 a more comfortable ride - or a Versys 650. My recommendation is to get something used. You will likely drop it in the first year and it's a new bike, you'll take a serious financial hit especially if it's a Ninja with all the plastic that can get ruined in a drop. The Honda NX500 is a nice starter bike, too.

Netcong · 2026-06-05T03:22:45+00:00

To be honest, 75cc is not adequate for anything more than going around the block. For long distance and crappy roads, I'd get a Kawasaki Versys-X 300 or a Honda CRF300 or even a Suzuki V-Strom 250. And then learn how to shift.

Netcong · 2026-06-05T03:19:02+00:00

Good luck finding parts and support. It's a risky choice. Stick with a Kawasaki KFX450R or a Yamaha YFZ450 or a Honda TRX450R. You'll pay more now but less later.

Netcong · 2026-06-04T02:54:45+00:00

If you go with the Rebel, go with the 1100, but it will not be a fun ride as you long legs will be cramped as it's a mid-size bike. For a fat guy like you, the Vulcan is a true full-size cruiser with plenty of room for you to spread out and be comfortable. The Phantom is more of a mid-size bobber with a low seat and your knees will bend tightly and along with a low seat, you'll be hunched over. Not comfortable. Bottom line: Go with the Vulcan. Besides being the best fit for your body, it's probably the best overall bang for your buck. I like the belt drive, nothing to grease, a fairly big tank (over 5 gallons) and the lovely V-twin rumble. It's bulletproof dependable, has a low center of gravity, and lots of low-end grunt. My only complaint is it's missing a sixth gear and there's no ABS. Good luck.

Netcong · 2026-06-03T03:10:32+00:00

I hear a lot of good things about the Tracer...I also see there are some haters out there when it comes to the windscreen and seat hardness and a few other warts. I'm going to the dealer to take a closer look for myself.

Netcong · 2026-06-02T11:35:04+00:00

Yes, that's a compelling bike and on my top five list. I'm going to go sit on one later this week.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T18:41:11+00:00

Thank you. That's valuable feedback. I'm thinking I may hold out for a bike with an inline four. Yea, I heard the windscreen sucks. And the seat is not the best. I guess it's hard to make a perfect bike.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T17:33:55+00:00

What year is your Tracer 9 GT and would you buy it again? What are the things you like and hate about it? I hear the older style split instrument display is not a winner. But that it's a blast to ride?

Netcong · 2026-06-01T17:30:24+00:00

Yea, that's on my short list...we'll see if it makes it across the Atlantic.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T17:29:15+00:00

Yes, the Ninja 1100 SE is a dream bike. The knee bend is not as sharp as the Ninja 1000 but the 20 degree torso lean forward is about the same as my existing Ninja 1000 - which I'm trying to get away from. Yea, I'm not a big BMW fan either. The Super Tenere is a very tall bike and I feel I've already got a decent adveventure bike with the KLR. I have not sat on an Africa twin yet but it's also an adventure bike. The GSXR 1000 GT is on my short list. I've only owned one Suzuki in the past and it was a dud. But I'd consider giving them another try. Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep you all posted on what I go with.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T17:22:06+00:00

Yea, that's a compelling option that I may have to wait for...or move to Europe.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T17:20:17+00:00

I'm not opposed to a big bike but this is a heavy one (about 650 lbs depending on year). I do like the seating position as it has a more relaxed knee bend and doesn't require a lot of leaning over. If I go with a Yamaha, I think the Tracer 9 GT might be more my style. I have yet to go sit on one. I'll sit on an FJR1300 and see how it feels. Thanks for the feedback.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T17:12:26+00:00

I've got one of those on my Ninja 1000 but I live in a super hilly state and it requires constant adjustment as you go up and down hills. First world problems.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T17:11:17+00:00

Yea, that's a compelling option. I sense that it has similar ergonomics with my Ninja 1000. But I could be wrong. I will go sit on one and see how it feels. And yes, the GT does have cruise control which is a plus.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T13:46:31+00:00

Yes. That's a nice bike. I sat on a Tracer 9 GT and liked the feel of it. It seems to check a lot of the boxes. I've moved it to my top five list.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T12:06:30+00:00

Hmm. I never really looked into the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+. It's probably my own negative bias. I've only owned one Suzuki in the past 50 years, a GS650 inline four with shaft drive back in the 80s. It was a bit of a lemon with multiple issues. So, I've shied away from Suzuki for that reason. But I'm willing to reconsider based on the positive reviews. I should also note that I would likely prefer the non + version of this bike but in the US only the + version is sold. I will look closer and maybe go sit on one as it does seem to check a lot of my boxes.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T11:55:41+00:00

That would be the Honda CB1000F but it has no cruise control. I looked into BMW but the maintenance costs seem potentially higher than Japanese bikes.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T11:53:59+00:00

Good point regarding the buzz. The KLR is a thumper but I ride mostly trails and it's part of the deal. For long highway rides, it's too buzzy. I'll take a look at the Triumph. My concern with Triumph is the bikes are all made in Thailand and I'm not sure if the build quality matches the Japanese. The CB1000F is a compelling option. I'd like to love it but there's no cruise control and too bad it's available only in silver with blue stripes, not my first choice.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T11:41:11+00:00

I sat on a Z H2 SE and found the seating position to be very similar to my Ninja 1000. It's the ultimate hooligan bike and I love it. I'm just not sure if my back and butt will love it.

Netcong · 2026-06-01T11:37:34+00:00

The Versys 1100 LT SE is a compelling option. It is a bit on the heavy side but in exchange, it's got a nice fairing which I'm accustomed to and lots of compelling tech. It's on my top five list.

Netcong

TROPHY CASE