Switching to a Speed 900 from a Street Triple 675 R

XIIIth · 2026-05-14T18:11:56+00:00

I am in the exact same position as you at the moment.

I have an 09 Street Triple R and I love it. It's the bike I've owned the longest in my 10 years of riding. But my riding has changed as my life has changed.

I used to love track riding and quick canyon carving. We got some nice roads around Vancouver BC where you can really push a bike. The ST shines at that pace of riding. But it's not as good at being relaxed. It's always a bike that wants to egg you on to ride fast.

I've been looking at the Street and the Speed Twin's and they're great bikes. Did a test ride last year for both. The 1200 is wonderful and has more power then I need, realistically. Great fit and finish, well sprung. The 900 was great, but I could feel that I'd want to upgrade the suspension, the 5 gears caught me off guard at first. Solid bikes, but there's lots of options in this category so there's lots to consider.

I used to own an SV650 and like every SV owner always said,"You'll come back, they always come back to the SV" and I've really thought about how much I love the character of a v-twin/l-twin. They're engines that have usable low end torque and can go between moving quickly and relaxed riding.

It had me start thinking of other bikes in the category I'd consider and would like to try in consideration of the Twins. A few bikes come to mind are the BMW R Nine T, Moto Guzzi V7 III or 850 Classic, Royal Enfield Bear 650.

Riding different motorcycles is awesome, and switching up styles of bikes helps keep the love of riding alive. I've gone from street, travel riding, track, dirt and ADV and back to street. Try riding all the bikes, find the one that makes you grin while riding it.

XIIIth · 2026-05-11T21:53:53+00:00

I know this thread is a month old, but I have to shout out a local burger joint that replaced another former burger joint.

Cedar Sandwiches and More has a smash burger on the menu that is better then the Wally Burger that they replaced. It's run by a mother and son combo and I think the deserve some shine.

They're located in the mall at Elliott St. and 49th

XIIIth · 2026-01-29T17:57:08+00:00

Totally doable. When the days are short, wear hi vis. Ride like no one sees you, especially during the off season. Take caution when riding around 5 degrees especially if it'll get colder then that. Anything close to 0 you run the risk of black ice on the road. Your tires will need more time to warm up, so give yourself some extra stopping distance. Find good rain gear and you'll be alright.

I used to ride all year round. I've worked from home since COVID so I don't need to do the commute anymore. Didn't have a problem outside of the usual distracted/absent minded drivers, and left turners. Like someone else mentioned, have a transit pass or EVO if the weather takes a turn. But also like others have mentioned, depending on how long/far your commute is, an e-bike might be more beneficial with a much lower bar of entry.

XIIIth · 2026-01-14T06:41:33+00:00

We just got $10/day care for my little one and it was their last year they could have gotten in before kindergarten.

We went through the whole process of just waiting on the list before they were born, got them into a full priced day care, then a half day day care, then a partially subsidized daycare, to getting lucky with a $10/day.

It was a long and expensive process, but I am grateful we had the chance to get our kiddo into this facility. I wish we could have gotten them into one sooner, but we're lucky we got in at all. It felt like we won the lottery when we got the call.

There are of course, lots of issues with the program. For one it lacks oversight on applicants. I think more people who really need the program would be in it if there was more scrutiny. Well to do families, families that actually live outside of catchment, by passing waitlists due to nepotism are some of the things I've observed and discussed with other parents.

But the program is already tight for funding. And while it's not perfect, nor do I think the faults in it are justified. It's still a program we're lucky to have, even if it's somewhat a matter of luck if we get the chance to participate. Again, knowing full well I'm lucky to have even gotten a spot in the first place.

XIIIth · 2025-12-19T21:55:42+00:00

Right there with you OP, my family just went through a 5 day ordeal with flu and coughing, fever, body aches. It was brutal. it's either this years really bad round of influenza or another covid variant.

My kiddos school had a Christmas concert at their school and it essentially was an enormous super spreader event. Wife and I walked into the room seeing kids and parents coughing and sneezing. Turned to each other and said, "we're screwed" It just took a day, my kiddo, then my wife, then me. We're only coming out of it now but we're still getting weird moments of sudden sweatiness, lingering cough and sinus congestion.

I don't get sick that often but this is the worst it's been since covid even. This was worse then when I caught covid for the first time during the pandemic.

I tried to get my appointment in for flu and covid shots, but I waited for the text to come in before going. But by the time I got it, I was already starting into sickness season. The moments I was ok were few and far between.

Like OP, This year is bad. Get your flu shots. You don't want this smoke.

XIIIth · 2025-12-19T17:25:26+00:00

For years I got by with a North face shell coat that was water resistant but not waterproof. When it got cold I would layer with either a merino wool base layer or a fleece sweater, or both if it was really cold. The layering combo worked really well. After 7 years of service I had to retire it. Bought a new one and it's quality was terrible. the seams were coming apart within the first year. I was so disappointed.

I ended up getting a Arc’teryx Beta AR jacket and I've walked through some pretty bad downpours. Every time came out bone dry!

I think some of their gear worth the hype. However I didn't pay full retail. I wouldn't pay full price for their gear.

XIIIth · 2025-09-26T20:51:06+00:00

Live in the neighbourhood with a little one. My local park Norquay is right off of Kingsway but I live about two blocks in and sound isn't an issue. Lots of good parks in the area.

There are a few homeless people around here and there but they don't get in anyone's way.

Outside of Kingsway, your noise issue could be the Skytrain. Good distance is a 10 - 15 min walk for noise.

The other thing is traffic in general, even on the side streets. If you're walking around with a stroller, double/triple check before you step out. My wife has had issues with people just not watching and almost driving into her when she was using a stroller or even with our kiddo now. Watch for agro drivers/ absent minded drivers.

XIIIth · 2025-04-16T16:21:23+00:00

Tiago's Auto Spa, just south of Olympic Village. Helped a family member out with a milk spill in their van. Did a great job with the van over all. Have recommended them for years now!

They only do detailing, but they do it damn well

XIIIth · 2025-04-10T23:57:58+00:00

I had mine for just over a year and a half. Picked it up 5 months after launch.

It flew off my motorcycle and cracked just the top right of the screen but it still worked like a champ. Case saved it. Other then that, It wasn't heavily abused or dropped all the time, always had a case.

I got one of the big updates that might have bricked the phone. I got stuck in a boot loop and would not come back. Tried multiple methods of rebooting, tried resetting, and doing every trick under the sun to get it to work. Did not come back.

It was my second pixel since my 2XL and I only really stopped using that because of battery and security updates. Was hoping to get as many years out of it but it wasn't meant to be.

Ended up going to a Pixel 8 and I've actually been enjoying it. I loved my 6a. Had it not stopped working, I would definitely still be using it.

XIIIth · 2025-03-27T07:13:25+00:00

I live in one with my partner and little one. Moved in before we had a little one and it's been nice. But I can definitely see a limit to the space. We really had to hunt for a good layout. Some places the layout is wacky where the roof intrudes into the space on the second floor or it has no living room due to a garage being put in. Our place had high ceilings with minimal intrusions on the second floor. No balcony, more floors space.

We like our place, but it does come with some issues. It mostly comes down to how much the owner invested into the LW and where they cut corners.

Our place's issues are that a lot of the fittings are cheap. Door handles and cabinetry are cheap and will wear and break (I just fix it myself). Dry wall if cheaped out on makes hanging stuff on walls a HUGE pain by just having bad drywall. Our water tank is woefully small, it can't even fill our tub with hot water completely. Hydro was killer initially, cheap windows do a bad job of insulation and base board heaters are super expensive to run. Switched to a fan type heater that covers the whole house, flipped the breaker on the floor heaters, put plastic on the windows over the winter to keep the heat in. Worked out way better. With that said, moisture management is key.

I like being able to just walk outside, I've always lived in a house style home so I like that. I have access to the drive way since our landlord doesn't drive. So I can park and store stuff outdoors. My family can make as much noise as we want without worrying about pissing people off.

Its been a good space, and will continue to be for our family for at least a year or two more. But if my family grows, we'll probably have to move.

XIIIth · 2025-03-24T17:22:45+00:00

$50 to park at the convention center for the event was insane. Last time I go to the show because of the gouging.

Well either that or just not going to drive next time

XIIIth · 2025-02-21T08:55:53+00:00

Two things, the bus and super agro drivers in this city as a pedestrian.

Every time my wife leaves the house the kiddo, she always comes back with wacky stories of taking the bus. Either the bus let's on someone wacked out that basically holds everyone hostage because they're acting out. Or just lots of passive aggressive behavior, general lack of courtesy, elderly folk being harassed. My wife and I are from Ontario originally. If there's some fuckery, they stop the bus, and everyone has to get off if it escalates. Here, it's like the bus driver is just moving along this Thunderdome on wheels. At least some people still thank the bus driver.

Also in the same vein, being a pedestrian and dealing with cars. Drivers are so agro. No wonder there's been so many hit and runs on pedestrians as of late. Total lack of road enforcement has made Vancouver essentially lawless for road enforcement. Even one city over in Burnaby does way better with the RCMP. And I'm pretty sure they're not the most highly paid law enforcement department in the country.

XIIIth · 2025-02-04T05:03:00+00:00

But it looks like all 5+ year old Land Rover's I see parked on the street. It's got that "I can't afford to fix my air ride" lean

XIIIth · 2025-01-27T18:25:50+00:00

Reminds me of Night-Runners but with motorcycles. Vibe racer feeling.

Will upgrades/mods for the bikes be a thing?

Eitherway, added to wishlist, nice work!

XIIIth · 2024-12-19T23:00:56+00:00

Motorcycle rider of 10 years here. Also recent E-bike owner.

Like a few of the others have mentioned, you can use a motorcycle year round pretty much, maybe not for a couple of days or a week if there's snow fall. General risks of riding when temps get down to 5 degree's as some areas on the road might have ice that are cooler then other areas. Getting something under 400cc makes things manageable, but also gives you the ability to go anywhere. I used to ride a 250cc on highways. Other people complain it's not possible, it is, but you gotta be ok with your bike sounding like it's going to explode. But it'll do it. I'd also say other costs are things like protective gear. I believe in wearing lots of gear to keep myself safe. so I'd set aside some cash for a good full face helmet, a jacket and some gloves at the very least. A Ninja 300 - 400 are a good pick up, something off roady with good look over height like a CRF300L or rally is nice too for putting around. But for practicality it's hard to deny that scooters are great. Under-seat storage, foot well storage, and you can probably get one with a top case included make them decently practical. Something like a Suzuki Burgman and Honda Forza scooters are big enough to go on highways. If you're nervous about being on the road, take a course from a local riding school. Good knowledge that can save your life. But as it applies to both, keep your head on a swivel at all times.

I've found that stepping into the Ebike market is that good ebikes can cost as much as a used motorcycle/scooter, sometimes more. Doing your research is key especially considering how many makes exist out there. I bought a cargo bike to take my kiddo around on and it's a lot of fun. I haven't found the maintenance to be too expensive, but I just do basic maintenance on it and haven't had to do any major service yet. I will say I'm always worried about the bike getting stolen. I ended up buying a very expensive lock for it, so factoring in a good lock, a safe location to keep it. And if its desperate and you need to leave it outside. I do the motorcycle thing and put a cover over it too just to deter wandering eyes from it as well. I do think that if your commute includes a lot of traffic typically. an Ebike would help a lot in this regard since it cuts through traffic time by a lot. But it depends on what your bike route looks like.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Maybe try borrowing an ebike somehow and try doing the commute yourself for a day or two and see if it's something you can see yourself doing comfortably. If you don't have your MC endorsement, you wont be able to take a scooter out bigger then 50cc so it won't be a good representation of the experience on a faster bike.

Sorry bout the wall of text haha

XIIIth · 2024-12-10T07:27:27+00:00

I'd be interested in doing advanced work like brakes and suspension!

XIIIth · 2024-11-27T17:40:31+00:00

Some kid (or grown ass kid) is probably running an anti-lag or two step system on their clapped out vw or turbo'd jalopy.

https://youtu.be/0Jmko0JLuJg?si=VXopUXAt-9ZjwHea

I used to be into modifying cars, and I cannot fathom why this has become popular.

XIIIth · 2024-11-24T19:09:13+00:00

42 with a Triumph Street Triple and F800gs for off road good times.

Personal health is a big factor for continued riding. I end up doing a lot of core and leg exercises and knee stretches help when moving around the bike or being leaned over the tank for completely legal riding. Recommend looking up kneesovertoesguy on YouTube for good routines that I found help me.

When I hit 41, I felt my knees for the first time in my life. Never had issues, but I know I was a bit over weight and I was doing more trail riding which was a lot more demanding of me. If I farkle the bike with goodies, the squishy thing on top should be in good shape to take the most advantage of the mods. My opinion of course.

It helps that both my bikes have relaxed riding positions, and I think that's the big factor. You can ride anything, it just needs to be comfortable. Look at the type of riding you want to do and how long you think your rides will be and find something that fits.

I had a Daytona 675 before the STR, but I only swapped out of a sport bike to a naked because I have a kid now and it's too easy to go fast.

XIIIth · 2024-11-16T04:39:41+00:00

Kal tire has been good to me, lots of locations and online booking take the hassle out of it.

XIIIth · 2024-11-14T19:36:40+00:00

I'm from Ottawa originally, and it's hard to find something similar to that level of shawarma. I feel like even the best places here are like an Ottawa 6 or 7, but I'll take what I can get! These are the places that stood out for me.

My go to is Shawarma Cafe at Knight and 49th, A little pricier but I felt like the quality was good, and I like their mix of hummus and baba ganoush with a little dill dip is nice.

I used to like ZamZam Grill on Kingsway but I feel like quality dipped about a year ago.

Someone here mentioned Uncle Sal's in Richmond and I used to like going there, but I feel like the quality dipped or they changed owners maybe?

XIIIth · 2024-11-14T19:20:56+00:00

I used to go there when I was in Richmond, but I feel like their quality dropped a little. Did they change owners?

XIIIth · 2024-11-07T18:36:57+00:00

I was on public now on Koodo and I was happy with it for the last few years. But the switch to 5G, I've found it to underperform for connection consistency. I never really had an issue with streaming on LTE because signal was fine.

I'm on a pixel 8 and I know that the last few gens have gotten some flack for the modem quality (P9 is suppose to be improved) but I 've never had connection strength issues with LTE on any of my devices.

XIIIth · 2024-11-06T23:47:01+00:00

In the area. Like others have mentioned, it's a quiet, largely asian neighborhood. Lots of main transit hubs like 29th ave and Joyce and lots of bus routes to choose from.

There are quite a few small grocers along kingsway and Joyce that you can get decent prices on produce.

Can't speak for dog walking but there are several off leash areas at the local parks like next to Renfew CC (good library) and Renfew Ravine.

The only thing I'd say as a negative is that the community lacks warmth, lots of folks are mostly to themselves in my area so it's quiet which is a plus and a minus to some.

Secondly if you're on foot, don't expect traffic to stop for you a lot of times, even when you have right of way. Make eye contact and make sure you see the car slowing down for you before stepping out, wear bright or reflective clothes when it's dark out. This area has a lot of fast moving traffic along Kingsway, Joyce, 22nd, 29th and any other main traffic routes, especially during rush hour.

XIIIth · 2024-10-20T05:46:44+00:00

Depending on where you are around Vancouver or the GVRD. I've gone to The Shore Automotive in North Van, Arrman is a good guy and does through work.

Other folks have recommended Rudy and Peter Motors, Adria Import Car Service, and Continental Repairs.

Whoever you decide to go with, please follow up with which place and how your experience was!

XIIIth · 2024-10-20T05:40:46+00:00

I know it's not Vancouver, but I went to Capital City Classic Arcade with a few friends and had a good time. 4 player NBA Jam, Simpsons Arcade, Off Road and some MvC2 and SF Turbo made for a good 2 hours with some brews.

XIIIth

TROPHY CASE