Middleweight for two up day riding

[Capnrip]

It's winter now and for most of us riding opportunities are about to dwindle so lets talk about buying bikes. After giving me 10+ years of riding to see if I'd kill myself my wife has ridden with me a few times and seems to like it. One of the things I was thinking about doing was getting a smaller bike that is easier to put in the back of the truck and do something like go out west, stay somewhere for a couple of days, ride around and move to another base. That was going to be solo, but she likes that idea as well. She is finally recognizing my genius is seems, not sure why the delay in that. So here's my criteria, for ease of getting in and out of the truck at my advanced age I'd like it to weigh less than 500 pounds. Some reasonable acceleration and comfortable enough for two up riding on a day trip exploring, 200 miles or so. I was just looking at an MV Agusta Veloce 800, and I've always liked the Kawasaki Versys 650 LT and most people love that bike. I'm keeping the K13 BTW, this bike would be in addition to. So give me your thoughts.

[Martin_D]

A trailer maybe ?
Or do you want to please yourself mostly by getting a second bike ?

[Capnrip]

Don't really want to do a trailer. I can get the K13 in the back of my truck but something lighter would be a bit easier. Something with a shorter wheelbase would be better too. Can't quite get the bed extender behind the rear wheel and attached. Doesn't miss by much. And I never said my motives were purely altruistic, but opportunity being what it is.....

Oh, one more qualification - It can't be f**king ugly.

[Lee]

Maybe a used R1200R LC? It weighs 508 pounds.

2021 Yamaha 900 Tracer GT. 485 pounds.
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sp...ls/tracer-9-gt

[Capnrip]

Thanks Lee. I really like the Tracer but I'm probably looking for something used. I'll check Cycle Trader and see how many used ones are there. Thanks for the ideas.

[bertbrumfield]

I got a used 2013 F800GT and love it. less than 500lbs, shorter wheelbase, and much easier to load or roll around the garage.
Sold the K1200GT and don't miss it at all [except the 80hp lost].

[Capnrip]

Thanks Bert, that one is on my list.

[wildbears]

You might be able to get a new Tracer 9GT for about the same price as a used BMW.

As to where you want to ride, Yamaha has a more robust dealer network and better reliability.

The latter may be of greater importance when riding two-up out west.

But the BMWs are tempting and have more "soul".

[Rob]

That's also a good-looking bike, Bert.

[Capnrip]

Those 800 GTs are pretty cheap used, 6k or so. You're right about the dealer network, certainly more Japanese dealers out there. Good part is if something happened I'd just do the easiest way to get it back to the truck and I'm ok.

[wildbears]

I looked at the 2020 Tracer 900GT this summer and the dealer knocked off 2 k without even asking.

But that ain't gonna get it in the USED Beemer price range and the price went up for 2021.

[Doctor350]

[Capnrip]

[justjoe]

You could leave the keys in it and tie the title to the bars and nobody would steal it.

[Doctor350]

Harsh........................................But Fair

[Lee]

Those 800 GTs are pretty cheap used, 6k or so. You're right about the dealer network, certainly more Japanese dealers out there. Good part is if something happened I'd just do the easiest way to get it back to the truck and I'm ok.

Try to get a good test ride on the 800GT. I thought I would like that bike but did not.
I had a loaner for about 700 miles, so I got to live with it for awhile.
Too much vibration at 75-80 and above.
Hottest bike I have ever ridden.

I have read the F800ST did not have the heat problem like the GT.

[PistolPete]

[Capnrip]

Dealer near Roanoke has a 2017 XRc at what seems to be a decent price. Would open up some dirt opportunities.

[Lee]

The BMW F900XR weighs about the same as the Tracer 9 GT but the XR has 19 HP less than the GT.

[allikanbe]

Ducati Monster less than 400 lbs I think. Plus, you would ride it a lot. Fun bike.

[802Mike]

Suzuki V-Strom 650XT ADV

https://www.cycleworld.com/suzuki-ad...ture-for-2020/

[PistolPete]

Another good choice!

[cabnfvr]

I........ I'm keeping the K13 BTW,.. So give me your thoughts.

It's most definitely a lot cheaper that way.

My vote for bike #2 is the 650 Versys or Zuki.

[Capnrip]

Those two are certainly the cheaper options.

[McFly]

Wes... I'll start by saying others here have made some pretty strong & worthy recommendations. Let me add mine to the list.



And with the canopy option...



Personally, I think these scream, "I am Wes, hear me roar! And don't fuck with me! Now get out of my way."

[Doctor350]

[Capnrip]

[McFly]

LOL... no doubt about it Wes. You'd be a big hit for sure. But tread lightly... BM Jr. may not like you creeping in on his territory!

[Lee]

I and I've always liked the Kawasaki Versys 650 LT and most people love that bike. .

I had to look that one up.
Looks good .