Bike Test Rides

[BostonSVkid]

So the wife is not happy with the monsters comfort. I am looking to possibly change bikes or add another. Here is a list of bikes I want to try. I need to see if anyone can help me out with testing any of these out.

BMW K1200s
Ducati ST2 or ST4- this I already have lined up
Triumph tiger 1050
Honda VFR
Triumph Bonneville(I know very different than the rest)

[Garrett]

I had two Monsters. I feel her pain.

I recommend the VFR, depending on generation

[Garandman]

If you want to come visit me in Savin Hill you can try out my Tiger 1050 ABS. At $6-7K used it's a lot of bike for the money. PM me. I can't ride for a month or more due to my knee surgery so it's just sitting in the shed. Used bikes:
http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...ml#post1419477

I belong to Yankee Beemers and while the K bikes are reliable, certain repair costs like clutch replacement are crazy. Caveat.

I got a chance to ride a co-worker's Bonneville and found the suspension to be pretty rudimentary, although it can be upgraded pretty reasonably.

[BostonSVkid]

Thanks as for the Bonnie I would consider something like this or upgrading a base model to something like this. I will get back to you about giving it a go thanks.

Triumph Bonneville | eBay

[db79]

I'm in the same situation in looking for a middle weight bike that the wife would be comfortable on. For some reason I have heavy interest in the VFR but need to get some seat time to decide further.

[PhilB]

I had two Monsters. I feel her pain.

I recommend the VFR, depending on generation

Actually testriding is a very good idea; it's all about the individual fit. BostonSVkid, have you done any work with the ergonomics of her Monster? Adjust handlebars, footpegs, levers, etc.? Often a lot can be done with the bike one has. Personally, the Monster fits me perfectly; I can do 600 miles a day easily, and have done 900 in a day (as part of a cross-country bomb 2700 miles in 4 days). YMMV.

PhilB

[BostonSVkid]

Hi PHilB
She only ride pillion and there is just no good way to make the monster more comfy on the back seat as far as I can tell.

Actually testriding is a very good idea; it's all about the individual fit. BostonSVkid, have you done any work with the ergonomics of her Monster? Adjust handlebars, footpegs, levers, etc.? Often a lot can be done with the bike one has. Personally, the Monster fits me perfectly; I can do 600 miles a day easily, and have done 900 in a day (as part of a cross-country bomb 2700 miles in 4 days). YMMV.

PhilB

[number9]

I have an '00 VFR that you're welcome to try.

[RyanNicholson]

We can hook you up with a Tiger and Bonnie to ride over here at National Powersports if you want to take the trip up.

[dankatz]

I have a VFR with a Sargent seat, 2007. I live in Newton. Wife likes it on the back and i have taken it to VT on a two up weekend getaway. You two can try it out assuming your are responsible enough...happy to follow you on your monster :-)

[PhilB]

Hi PHilB
She only ride pillion and there is just no good way to make the monster more comfy on the back seat as far as I can tell.

Ah, there you are correct. I at one point was looking to get a bike that was better for two-up, and probably would have looked at pretty much the same list you have. While I was looking about, though, I happened on a good deal on a little Honda 250 Nighthawk, so I picked that up to see if she might decide she liked riding her own better. This worked out for us; she rode the 250 for a couple seasons, then I got her a Monster of her own, which she now rides, and the 250 went to our daughter for her first bike.

I have ridden all of the bikes you list, and any of them would serve well (although the Bonneville would be slower and less comfy for longer trips than the others). I would probably have gone with one of the Ducati ST models.

PhilB

[dankatz]

Having ridden a Ducati ST3, I would also strongly recommend it. Very similar to my VFR with more character and engine that taps on the best of the ST2 and ST4