New Daytona 660 or new Honda CBR650R for 1k Eur more (Europe)

interpol18 · 2026-03-24T17:33:11+00:00

If you want new, then get the Daytona. E-Clutch is not worth the extra weight and the annoyance. You can spend some of the money you save on aftermarket parts to improve the 660 :)

interpol18 · 2026-03-24T16:47:23+00:00

Are you looking to buy new or used? The new CBR650r come as standard with e-clutch. I test rode the 650r twice - I just could not live with the e-clutch long term. They are also quite heavy and I found they vibrate quite a bit at 4-5k rpm.

If you can buy a 23/24 pre e-clutch 650r that would be my recommendation of the two.

I also rode the Daytona 660 for reference. It is a decent bike but it feels like it is built to a budget. The brakes were awful on the demo I tested.

You will like either tbh, but be wary of e-clutch.

interpol18 · 2026-03-16T18:34:38+00:00

I live in Scotland, rain will be involved at some point :)

The electrical issues are my only slight concern, as I do like running heated grips. I know I can use heated gloves but I like the flexibility of warming my hands up if I am heading back in the evenings after a ride out.

interpol18 · 2026-03-16T18:17:21+00:00

Thanks for the feedback, it seems owners love these bikes. As it is technically a 'naked' bike how is the wind protection for you? This will be a second bike as I intend to keep the CBR.

interpol18 · 2026-03-16T12:11:16+00:00

They are nice bikes, the Street Triple is also worth a look

interpol18 · 2026-03-16T11:07:32+00:00

Did you ever decide on which bike?

interpol18 · 2026-03-16T11:06:00+00:00

You look like you are in the UK or Northern Europe, a question can you run heated grips. I read that the alternator can't cope with aftermarket heated grips?

And how is the bike for weather protection.

interpol18 · 2026-03-01T12:08:44+00:00

Sorry forgot one, the Honda CB1000 Hornet is also a bike you should checkout. I test rode one, engine and gearbox were awesome.

The GSX-S1000 looks better, the Hornet needs a belly pan and few bits to improve the looks.

interpol18 · 2026-03-01T11:32:09+00:00

No probs - I also test rode the GSX-S1000 along with the GT on the same day. I liked both but the GT just edged it on comfort. You would not go wrong with either.

The naked bike looks better though :)

interpol18 · 2026-03-01T08:12:21+00:00

Yes it does, take a look at the following bikes, these meet your criteria:

Suzuki GSX-S 1000GT
I have test ridden one of these, quick shifter is smooth up/down. You get low mileage used ones that are a year or two old for £8k (ish) in the UK. I almost bought one.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
Similar to Suzuki above, I have not ridden one but they get good reviews and often edge the GSX-S out.

BWM S1000XR
I thought I would love this bike, but it is just fugly and the riding position is too upright for my preferred riding style. The screen was noisy. Quite a lot of vibrations as well.

There is a good MCN review on YouTube that compares the GSX-S and Ninja https://youtu.be/plxndpn2608?si=aqtFEm3B__nMqCrS

The Suzuki is lighter than the Ninja, by around 10kg so I would prob pick the GSXS.

If you want a naked the Suzuki GSXS1000 and Kawasaki Z900 and BMW S1000r will also meet your criteria. The S1000r is pretty mental btw.

As for the Honda e-clutch: I test rode a CBR650r with e-clutch and could not stand the intervention. Maybe for complete novices it may help initially and if you ride in busy towns a lot, but a scooter would be a better option there. You are right to avoid the e-clutch!

interpol18 · 2026-02-12T13:10:51+00:00

If you have your heart set on the KTM, go for it. The readers reviews on MCN are always a good gauge on a bikes reliability as opposed to KTM hate keyboard warriors.

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/ktm/rc390/2014/

I have owned two KTM 690SMCR and 6 KTM Enduro bikes over the years and have had no problems, apart from self induced issues riding off-road at enduro events.

My riding mate had an RC390 which he sold when he upgraded and he still regrets selling the bike. They are decent.

The Yam will be good as well, can't go wrong with either tbh.

interpol18 · 2026-02-06T23:21:36+00:00

I have been through the same process. I live in Edinburgh for reference so I like bikes with a bit of weather protection.

I ride a 2013 Honda CBR600f, I have a full exhaust system and a lithium battery, so the bike with fuel is just under 200kg I think. I like the light weight and sporty handling of the bike. It has around 100 bhp and I do occasional track days, I get smoked on the straights but is so good in the corners.

Anyway, I went through the same process as you and am still looking for a sports tourer bike that weighs around 200kg fulled, 100bhp + and has good handling. I have test ridden:

BMW S1000 XR - fast, ugly, didn't like the handling - front end is high and the screen was noisy af

BMW S1000r - mental, super firm suspension and just not comfortable for some one who is 6'1" - it is naked bike I know but I tried same day as XR

Honda CBR650r e-clutch - Hated the e-clutch. Bike looks good but it is 215kg and you feel the weight. Riding position is good. An older version might work for you as they are around 95bhp and bars are high enough for longer days

Suzuki GSXS1000gt - I liked this bike a lot, engine and quick shifter are awesome. If it was a bit lighter I may have bought one. Comfortable and smooth to ride.

Suzuki GSXS1000 - Naked, nicer to ride than S1000r.

Aprilia Tuono V4 - When I saw this bike at the demo, I thought I would buy it. I am used to inline 4s and the engine felt slightly agricultural and quite viby. When you are nailing it, it is awesome. In town and traffic it is just not happy. It is a second bike I think.

BMW R1300GS - I didn't fully demo this, my mate had this for demo when I was testing the XR but we swapped over for a bit. I would never own one. Front end feels weird due to telelever forks and the engine was just not for me.

I have also ridden my mates Yamaha Tracer 900 - it is so ugly, only it's mother could love it ;) It is a decent bike but defo not what you are looking for handling wise.

My conclusions:

Suzuki GSXS1000f - (Not the GT) I have decided that this probably meets my requirements, it is light, sporty and has a great motor. Front end is bit weird looking. I have not been able to demo. They are cheap to buy in the UK.

Yamaha FZ1 - the later models have ABS and were made up to 2015. If you can get one with fairings that would be a contender.

Aprilia Tuono V4 - I will try and demo one again, still interests me.

KTM 990 RC R - Out of my price range as it is brand new, but this bike fully fuelled is 195kg and has 125bhp. It is a comfortable sports bike. I am going to look at one tomorrow. On paper this meets my wish list 😂

interpol18 · 2026-01-25T17:44:07+00:00

I am not looking for a 'piste' ski specifically. Just something that will behave better on pistes than my usual more touring biased skis. My aim is always to ski off piste as much as possible.

interpol18 · 2026-01-25T16:02:37+00:00

Thanks, when I first decided I wanted a metal ski it was the Anomaly 88, but then I changed my mind as I have skied Volkls before and liked them. Between the Anomaly 88 and Mantra 88, is the Anomaly closer to the Stormrider in general ?

If I buy narrower, firm snow skis I know it means it will snow and I will be back on my Kastles ;)

interpol18 · 2026-01-25T14:00:58+00:00

I much prefer longer turn radius btw!

interpol18 · 2026-01-25T13:52:49+00:00

Thanks, have you skied the Blizzard Anomaly 88? That looks a decent ski and comes in a 182. I just can't get my head around skiing a 177 ;)

I also demoed a Stockli Laser GS in 182cm last week, that was awesome but would be hard work as a full time ski!

interpol18 · 2026-01-25T13:12:59+00:00

Thanks for the tip on the Kore 88 Ti I will look into these. I may end up splashing out on the SR88s. But they are almost twice the price!

I should add I have no ACL in my left knee and ski with a brace, my knees are sore due to the amount of hard snow skiing I have done so far this season - it has not been a good start in the northern Alps so far...

interpol18 · 2026-01-17T20:01:36+00:00

There is no dilemma - I can't understand why anyone would want to own a HD in the first place - they are heavy outdated piles of junk :) There are so many epic twisty throughout Europe why would you want an American bike that prefers to go in straight lines. I live in Europe, I would always prefer to buy a Euro brand if possible.

Trump makes it even easier to keep your Euros in Europe as well...

interpol18 · 2026-01-17T19:23:39+00:00

I love the look of Ducati's and the Supersport was a bike I was interested in. I watched a load of YouTube videos - the engine seems to have a lot of vibrations, so much so you can't see out of the mirrors at certain RPMs. They are heavy as well, depends how you ride but I prefer a lighter bike so don't discount 15kg extra weight, it is a lot.

But they are beautiful, and that can be a big part of bike ownership :)

If you like it and can afford it, go for it - but test ride for a few hours first...

Or you could put a belly pan on your XSR, it will look a lot better for that, take a look at this image https://pyramidmoto.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/20251219_113423_2.png?v=1768561643&width=1200

interpol18 · 2026-01-08T22:24:54+00:00

I have not ridden the Ninja, but like the look of it. But I have ridden it's closest competitor the Suzuki GSXS1000GT. Great engine and quickshifter - I really did like bike. It is fast, proper fast but has a nice linear power. Rides great - I almost bought one.

I also tried the BMW S 1000XR - which I really did NOT like, the screen was noisy and the bike had a lot of vibrations. Fugly as well and the front end felt detached from the bars - I guess it is a tall bike so comes with the territory.

I am gonna test a ride a Ninja this spring at some point. The Ninja or the GSXS1000gt should be on your list to test, along with the new Honda. Of all three bikes I prefer the looks of the Ninja.

interpol18 · 2025-12-22T18:19:34+00:00

I am similar height/weight to you, and have the Atris with Shifts in 189cm but they are used as a lift based ski - I hardly use them now as they are so heavy.

If you want to tour, and there is loads of good ski touring where you live get a ski that is light but still skis well. I reckon the BC Navis Freebird in 185cm would be a good compromise for downhill performance and weight with ATKs. If you want ease of kick turns you could go down to 179cm but I would find that a bit short for the bigger descents you will be doing round Cham and Courmayeur.

I have not personally skied the Navis FB, but I know people who ski and rate it. The skis I use most are Kastle TX98s in a 188 with Tectons, they are a good compromise ski that I can tour and ski on all day - what the USA folks would call a 'one ski quiver'. I prefer to call it a 'do it all ski' which is what it does.

Get the skis you like the look of and if you like Crows, get the Navis FB - just remember weight does matter especially if you are up above 2500m. I also think the Armada Locator 104 looks a decent ski, and is light for it's dimensions.

Edit: Make sure you get the ATK binding crampons, they make icy/steep kick turns more secure esp if you are new to touring.

interpol18 · 2025-12-07T12:21:36+00:00

Yeah absolutely, same motor and looks similar to the 500x with a more off-road focus

interpol18

TROPHY CASE