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A 2nd Bike - What would you choose?

Last Fall I sold SupaTen #3 & picked up a 19 Tiger 800 XRT...
Then..in Jan I sold Strom #10 & bought a 13 Tiger Explorer....which was a mistake...too much like the Tenere in weight. (Its for sale)

So...in Aug I bought what Ive really been lookin for in a 2nd bike...
& Im gonna be the guinnea pig I guess...
Brand New CF Moto 700 CL-X
$5K OUT THE DOOR!! in Mobile AL
$360 in Tx TTL added to that.
This thing is a hoot on the lil paved goatpaths I love to ride.
Fully adj KYB suspenders...J Juan brakes...Pirelli MT60 18/17 tires... dual power modes...ABS & a magic button (cruise) 432lbs gassed up
Nicely detailed styling touches.
2yr warranty

& it fits me!

Rod, you should do a write up of the cf moto. They are doing some very interesting things. I’d like to hear more about your experience with the 700.
 
Theres a 700 thread on ADVrider where Ive posted the details of my mods to the bike so far. Comments from other owners too.


The Tiger 800 still fits me better overall..(like the Stroms did)
But for shorter rides (3.4gal tank & 45-50mpg so far) the CL-X is really fun....scrambled
 
"I am not an Iron Butt, long highway miles, massive touring bike type of rider, or a super sport feller either...."

Royal Enfield Continental GT
 
If you haven't owned an H-D yet, get one.
Anyone that is considering one should try it. Maybe one day I will have one.

I have. I rode a Sporster for about 8k miles a decade ago. I loved owning the bike despite its lack of power and suspension and wish I still had it. But, the next one I am looking for an upgrade.
 
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This is in and of itself is a very loaded question. What are some of the factors are we to consider?
Are there any related age, health, height/weight or flexibility/strength issues?
What experience level new, current or looking to down size?
What type is preferred, street, dirt or both?

While I like some of the suggested bike i’d be hard pressed to recommend a model. Lacking the advantage that dealers have for example, where they can physically see and speak to a prospective bike owner, I would instead be going on somethings that I just simply like. While liked my VTX and do like my Versys, i’d never suggest them without knowing more.

Late 40s and healthy enough
30+ years in the saddle (motocross, off-road, dual sport, street)
I have owned anything from 2 stroke motocross, to enduro to dual sports to adv bikes to 1300+cc cruisers
Have a DR650 for dual sport, so a street ride
Doubt I will ride more than 300 miles in a day, probably more like 100-200 or less
 
Staying within your parameters (Indian Scout) have you perchance looked at the
Honda Rebel 1100? Or
Triumph’s modern classics like the Bonneville Speedmaster or Bobber?
Neither are v-twin but, when I use to sell Triumph there were plenty of happy customers and a few members here who really loved their Bonnies.
 
Is a aTenere 700 on the option list …. Wow what a bike. Light, street worthy and dirt worthy.
 
I did look at the Rebel 1100 fairly close and like it, but it did not "twix my nethers" like a Scout does.

I like the Tenere, but the DR serves that purpose well enough.
 
Have not read all the responses but the thing in your post that really stands out to me is financing from a dealer. Do your homework and look hard at a local Credit Union. The greatest shell games in the universe are played in auto/moto dealerships in the finance office. Just DON'T!!!
 
I have a KLR650 so if I was buying a second bike it would probably be a nice sport touring bike with full fairing. Something like a Kawasaki C14 or if I didn't want a highway flyer. I would go for a z900.

I love the Indian bikes but I have to have my legs under me. Legs forward causes significant hip pain after a short ride for me.
 
I checked out a Scout Bobber at lunch today. and I just did not fit comfortably on the bike, not at all. I fit better on the Rouge but didn't like the looks or the color of it as much and it was more costly. I still did not feel at home on it either. Dern.

A bike I have been following for over a year is the Honda Transalp, and probably would have tried to pick one up instead of the DR, but they were not out yet and figured I would let the mad rush die down before considering it. Of course, the dealer rolled one out yesterday on the floor and it was staring me in the face when I walked in.

I threw a leg over and a strange glow appeared around me and a faint sound of singing could be heard...
 
I did look at the Rebel 1100 fairly close and like it, but it did not "twix my nethers" like a Scout does.

Understandable. Buying a bike is a visceral feeling as it is cerebral. Thought I wanted a Ducati super sport 950s until I saw the Yamaha XSR900GT at eicma.

I threw a leg over and a strange glow appeared around me and a faint sound of singing could be heard...

Even then a test drive should be taken. Bought a Super T1200 a few years back. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. But excitement turn to blah very very quickly. Well lesson learned, I guess. If I have to have a twin and Has to be a Vee.
 
I made a deal to get my XR150L back in trade for the DR650 with cash I felt was very reasonable for both parties. I'll still have a dual sport I plan on stripping down for a plated trail bike to throw in the truck. I ride with the gentlemen often, so the DR isn't really gone, right?

I fell in love with the Transalp quickly. The ergo's fit me just right and the bike feels lighter than it is. Compared to the Vstom 800, it feels lighter and more manageable, at least for me. We will see once the honeymoon is over, but it feels like the bike for me.

I made an offer on the Transalp I didn't think would actually work. I had some cards to play and knew folks involved. I am happy with with the deal and the bike will be delivered tomorrow.
 
Another friend of mine got enamored too. He traded in an interceptor and a 250 rally.

IMG_20231019_201306.jpg
 
I made a deal to get my XR150L back in trade for the DR650 with cash I felt was very reasonable for both parties. I'll still have a dual sport I plan on stripping down for a plated trail bike to throw in the truck. I ride with the gentlemen often, so the DR isn't really gone, right?

I fell in love with the Transalp quickly. The ergo's fit me just right and the bike feels lighter than it is. Compared to the Vstom 800, it feels lighter and more manageable, at least for me. We will see once the honeymoon is over, but it feels like the bike for me.

I made an offer on the Transalp I didn't think would actually work. I had some cards to play and knew folks involved. I am happy with with the deal and the bike will be delivered tomorrow.
That's what we call a win-win. Congrats to you, and Brandon ;)
 
I'd like a smaller, lighter bike that I could maneuver around like I did when I was young. Get on & off, push it in & out of the garage, park it, etc without dropping it. Triumph Speed 400. They come to the USA in January last I heard. 375 pound kerb weight. I've yet to find a YouTube road test in English so there's still much I won't know until word gets out here. Anyway I'm in probably average health for an 80 year old man. Except that I'm 67. Diabetes, arthritis & insomnia. Good times.
 
I have a few second bikes, but the best of the "second bikes" comes down to the W650 and the Vitpilen. Different, lighter/heavier, a little hyper and relaxed. Of course, the trials bike and the TW200 are in there as well. Tough call.
 
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