2 STROKE WORLD .net

I've been looking to buy a new naked bike or supersport. I think naked or cafe styling suits my age and ability better than a full-fairing sportbike.   

I want a no-hassle pushbutton bike I can ride everyday and my RD350 just isn't great on the highway with pickups going 80+.

I prefer vintage machinery but I'm trying to run a company and I just don't have much time for wrenching and restoring.

I really like the looks of the Husky Vitpilen 701. I just don't know if I want a single-cylinder.

The KTM Duke 790 is nice also. Both of them are on my short list along with the Yamaha MT 09 or MT 10.

Seriously considering a Kawi Z900RS Cafe. That is #1 at the moment.

If price were no object I really like the MV Agusta Brutale. The Superveloce is beautiful in black. But I can't justify $20k+.

What are you guys looking at and drooling over? Let's set a price limit of $13k. 500cc and up.

IR8D8R

if your price range is 13k, the z900 is a solid option. look at the xsr900 or fz09. the xsr is the same bike but IMHO, better looking.  MT09 is a great option as well.

all that being said, i went into buy a z900 and came out with my holdover new '14 CB1100. I have loved it every minute. except the speed limiter to 180 kph, but ecu can be re-flashed for under 400 to eliminate that.

Triumph street triple didn't make the list?  The triple engine is outstanding and makes the 4's feel like sewing machines.  Riding a R6 and a Daytona back to back the triple was clear winner.  Imagine would be same in the naked form.

i -almost - put in speed triple or street triple, they are fantastic. id put their quality at least as good as ANY japanese maker, better than some. those triple motors are -outstanding-

The new Suzuki Katana would be on my short list but it is pricey and doesn't have a lot of fuel capacity. Looks great though except for that monstrosity hanging over back of rear wheel but that could be fixed. My vote would be a lightly used 2018 Kaw Z900RS in the tangerine/ root beer colors.

A used Aprilia Tuono V4 would fit the description if yer heart is up to it.

I would go 790 DukeR or Street Triple R.

Can't stand the looks of the Husky.

The KTM Super Dukes are the ugliest motorcycles I would love to own. Every article I have read and every owner I've talked to said never-ending fun. Laugh out loud in the helmet has been mentioned more than once! I think it blows past your price limit, though. I guess I'll vote for the 790' then; the Husky is technically cool, but the styling doesn't resonate with me (I know, I just called the KTM ugly. I'm fickle.)

The drawback to KTM power.................KTM parts prices. And with a KTM I would stick with OEM for any real hard parts.

^ have to agree. ducati parts are actually on par or cheaper. KTM is super proud of their shit.

I agree about the look of KTM though they seem like right riot.

There's a simple solution to KTM parts prices that I've had success with in the past: get a job at a KTM shop!

It's a brand new bike, unless you crash it, or want to upgrade, you're not gonna need any parts.

That's the beauty of new bikes.

Keep the gas tank full and change the oil every once in awhile. 

Press the button and ride the s#!t out of it.

I actually like the looks of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701. The Svitpilen not so much. If they weren't 1 bangers. It is the old KTM 690 Duke engine from a couple years ago. The most seat time I've had lately is on my Husky V-twin ...Briggs & Stratton powered yard terror. Never had a second of trouble in 5 years on that. Except for rolling it in a ditch.

I would have to overcome years of anti-British bias to buy a Triumph. Although I accept that it has no real relationship to the old Trumpets. Some people even like them. Working on English cars used to give me hives. I never really got over jetting carbs with a hammer.

Like Jim said I shouldn't have to worry about parts too soon. So I'm not.

1. Kawasaki Z900RS -Cafe or not Cafe?
2. Yamaha XSR900 -Thanks Mark. I really do think I like it better than the MT/FZ...
3. KTM 790 Duke R -I have a soft spot for twins.
4. Triumph Street Triple -I thought that a motor running like a sewing machine was a good thing?
5. Some Italian bike I don't want to pay for. What the hell my kids are grown and I'm not married anymore...

IR8D8R

If your kids are grown and you're not married, then then that's a shopping list! Buy 'em all, in any order.

I have a KTM and love it, but it is a 1290SDGT
I think if I were to buy a new bike for fun, it would be the Indian FTR.
I have rode these and they are incredibly fun...wheelie/stoppies all day long if you wanted.
All the power you need almost everywhere....Cool looking....and in case it helps, made in the USA

Quote from: busa1300 on May 27, 2020, 07:30:27 PM
I have a KTM and love it, but it is a 1290SDGT
I think if I were to buy a new bike for fun, it would be the Indian FTR.
I have rode these and they are incredibly fun...wheelie/stoppies all day long if you wanted.
All the power you need almost everywhere....Cool looking....and in case it helps, made in the USA

I'm not sure the Indian FTR is the bike for me, but a good buddy of mine has one and he LOVES it.

The Ducati Scrambler cafe caught my eye.

Quote from: IR8D8R on May 25, 2020, 09:53:53 AM
I actually like the looks of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701. The Svitpilen not so much. If they weren't 1 bangers. It is the old KTM 690 Duke engine from a couple years ago. The most seat time I've had lately is on my Husky V-twin ...Briggs & Stratton powered yard terror. Never had a second of trouble in 5 years on that. Except for rolling it in a ditch.

I would have to overcome years of anti-British bias to buy a Triumph. Although I accept that it has no real relationship to the old Trumpets. Some people even like them. Working on English cars used to give me hives. I never really got over jetting carbs with a hammer.

Like Jim said I shouldn't have to worry about parts too soon. So I'm not.

1. Kawasaki Z900RS -Cafe or not Cafe?
2. Yamaha XSR900 -Thanks Mark. I really do think I like it better than the MT/FZ...
3. KTM 790 Duke R -I have a soft spot for twins.
4. Triumph Street Triple -I thought that a motor running like a sewing machine was a good thing?
5. Some Italian bike I don't want to pay for. What the hell my kids are grown and I'm not married anymore...

IR8D8R

I currently have the 790 and I highly recommend that or the 890R. I've had the Triumph Street Triple, 1290 Super Duke but I prefer the 790 out of the bunch.

Thanks for everyone's input. I ended up with the Yamaha XSR 900. Thanks to Mark for guiding me to it because I had not included it on my original list.

I couldn't get the Kawasaki dealer to work with me. The price difference was about $2500 over the XSR. I found a 2019 z900 in West VA for a fair price but decided not to drive up there. I got out the door for a little over $10k including gap insurance, tax, and extended warranty.

Only have 150 miles on the bike so far. It keeps raining here. That will at least double this weekend. I have a few tiny early gripes but no serious issues. My main objection is that the electronic throttle has a lot of free play between closed throttle and pickup. I suppose I may get used to this but it has made gear shifts a little less than smooth at first. I am hoping there is an adjustable throttle stop to take up the slack. I will make this Yamaha's problem at first service.

Trying to avoid spending money on upgrades for a while. I like the cafe seat cowl Yamaha makes but it's $440 ($470 if I'd included it in the purchase). Everyone seems to want to change the exhaust but I don't know if the advantages are worth $1000 just yet and I have no moral objections to catalytic convertors. I am fond of the cafe racer look but upright riding is way more comfortable.

Bike has more power than I need at the moment. I'm sure that will change as time goes on. I wish it was a 500cc 2 stroke. Probably never get over that. There is a native level of high RPM violence/excitement inherent in 2 strokes that is just missing with 4T engines.

I'm not used to the immediate torque this has. The traction control works for sure or it would wheelie instantly and spin the back wheel often. The Yamaha mechanic said these go through rear tires fast. There may be something else good waiting high up on the tach but I haven't redlined it.

I appreciate all the advice.

IR8D8R

cool. you'll get used to the throttle, trust me. and the rear cowl in real life, to me, looks like ass. I've seen 2, they suck. in pics, good.

glad you got it, its a blast.   :metal: :metal: :metal:

Quote from: IR8D8R on August 07, 2020, 04:09:51 PM

Only have 150 miles on the bike so far. It keeps raining here. That will at least double this weekend.

Holla

  I was wondering why the only seat cowl photos I could find were 3/4 view. It would diminish the out of place tail light growing out of the rear fender like a dandelion. I agree it is bulbous.

I have seen pics of a few cafe treatments of the XSR and they look very reminiscent of RD's or where the styling might have progressed if they didn't go towards full fairings. It is hard to see how much bigger the XSR is from pictures. 

Nobody in this area even had an XSR 700 which *might* be a better overall bike than the MT-09/XSR900 if you aren't 250+. Yamaha is selling the crap out of the MT-07's

One bike I really liked the feel of when I was trying them on was the MT-10. It was really comfortable for me. I tried to stay on task and not exceed parameters I set at the beginning. I don't believe I needed a liter or to spend extra cash. I probably could get used to Transformer styling. 

IR8D8R

That bike is a duckbill tail, clip-ons, and bodywork away from a good looking TZish modern classic.

That is one cool bike; you will be very happy together! Love the colors. The white with red and blue, the gold wheels...seems so familiar. Where have I seen that before  :umm:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200808/19c98c33620488592a01f02df95ae39c.jpg)

That's not what I was thinking, but an excellent answer!

(https://raresportbikesforsale.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/20170409-1985-yamaha-rz500-right.jpg)

Quote from: IR8D8R on August 07, 2020, 04:09:51 PM
I ended up with the Yamaha XSR 900.

Congrats on the new ride! :clap: :vroom:

If you happen to blow up the motor... here's an option:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200811/c2a435c34f9eefac5f0aab269c9c0bcf.jpg)

Quote from: retaRD on August 11, 2020, 01:18:09 PM
If you happen to blow up the motor... here's an option:

I been trying! Hit 114mph on Pellissippi Speedway the other day. I need a fairing before I want to go faster than that. Dunno how EE went 143.7 naked without a head strap to the bars. He must have a strong neck. Pretty sure his personal CD is better than mine too.

This motor seems pretty strong. If it blows maybe I can cram a 250hp Evinrude V-6 in there inverted. Rudeha!

IR8D8R

That didn't post right. I shouldn't try adding quotes...

Quote from: IR8D8R on August 13, 2020, 03:27:08 PM
That didn't post right. I shouldn't try adding quotes...

Just make sure your reply is typed in after the "off quote" tag in the brackets.  :thumbs:

I tried to get rid of a Tapatalk tag but I deleted the end quote script also.