New Motorcycle Recommendation Needed

[DXB777]

I am a returning rider after 20 years,, having ridden a Honda CB450 with 45hp for 2 years. Very underpowered. My rides will consist of 70% back roads, 30% highway miles. I am looking at the Augusta MV Truismo Veloce and the Triumph 660 Sport but I dont want to pop a wheelie on the highway passing cars and get ridden over by the truck behind me. I love the look of the Veloce but there is no dealer in my state and I can just imaging what it would be like to get parts! I have some apprehension about the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ being too much of a jump from where I am coming from and ts hard for me to get past the ugly appearance of the 2024 Tracer 9 GT. Would you have any recommendation for me? Much appreciated.

 

[Vector]

Triumph T120
Kawasaki 900
Honda CB1001R (or the 650)

 

[sikatri]

Howdy and welcome! I see you’re leaning toward adventure bikes. I’m sure some adventure bike riders will chime in.

 

[atomsplitter]

If the "back roads" refers to two-lane blacktop then about anything with street tires will do. Are you riding solo only or do you have a pillion need? There's a lot of factors that come into play. Are you 'off roading' or just taking the occasional gravel road? Hard to say what works until there's some clarity on the bike's mission statement. I have 5 Triumphs, each good at what it's built for, none are off road bikes. If you want some panache I'd recommend a Thruxton RS. Good power, great handling, superb brakes and has riding modes to suit how you want to ride it. Most modern bikes with fuel injection will have rider modes that are selectable by the rider. My Speed Triple RS has five of them (the last one is rider programmable), so if I want a ton of power but keep the front tire in contact with the pavement I can dial that up. I can also select how the brakes are linked and cornering characteristics for power and braking. Doesn't mean I'm going to the track anytime soon to find the margins.

First define the overall mission of the bike, then go shopping.

 

[Vector]

I'd recommend a Thruxton RS.

Did you notice DXB777's age. I am 67 and a Thrux RS would have my knees and hands aching soon.

 

[sikatri]

Did you notice DXB777's age. I am 67 and a Thrux RS would have my knees and hands aching soon.

I’ll never admit to knees and hands aching! LoL.
Right though, some motorcycles tend to stress more. My solution, shorter trips! LoL.

 

[atomsplitter]

Did you notice DXB777's age. I am 67 and a Thrux RS would have my knees and hands aching soon.

I'll be 71 next month, have shot knees and am over-weight. I ride my Thruxton R and Speed Triple RS and have learned how to get and stay comfortable on them. Not as comfy as my Bobber Black, but then my Bobber can't do what those bikes can (never scraped a peg feeler on the sport bikes, I need to replace them on the Bobber).

 

[rodsridin]

I've been happy with my little V-Strom 650XT both on and off road. I got it to replace my Honda ST1300 and found I don't miss the extra horse power as the HP/wt ratio is about the same.

 

[Popeye212]

If the "back roads" refers to two-lane blacktop then about anything with street tires will do. Are you riding solo only or do you have a pillion need? There's a lot of factors that come into play. Are you 'off roading' or just taking the occasional gravel road? Hard to say what works until there's some clarity on the bike's mission statement. I have 5 Triumphs, each good at what it's built for, none are off road bikes. If you want some panache I'd recommend a Thruxton RS. Good power, great handling, superb brakes and has riding modes to suit how you want to ride it. Most modern bikes with fuel injection will have rider modes that are selectable by the rider. My Speed Triple RS has five of them (the last one is rider programmable), so if I want a ton of power but keep the front tire in contact with the pavement I can dial that up. I can also select how the brakes are linked and cornering characteristics for power and braking. Doesn't mean I'm going to the track anytime soon to find the margins.

First define the overall mission of the bike, then go shopping.

Good Advice I had watched a ton of videos and really was aching for an Indian. Once I actually planted my butt on one and experienced the ergos especially the forward controls. Best laid plans went out the window. Salesman said "what about a Triumph?". Tried a T100 and now we were talking. Criteria was backroads and solo, no 10K+ torque band and no rice burners. I had two of those and prefer not to listen to a buzz saw while at speed. Test rode the T120 and when I brought it back it was the first bike other than a GS1000 (many moons ago). That I had a smile on my face when I got off of it. Rode the T100 next and it was evident we would be familiar fairly quickly and I would want a little more that she had. I should be bringing one home soon, very soon. Point is you are correct about having a good idea of what you want in your bike. Look as many as it takes to find the right one that fits you and your purpose.

 

[amer14]

How tall are you ? If under 5'10a low milage used Triumph America LT 2013-15 might fit the bill. Saddle bags and windshield if you need. If your highway is super slab Interstate 85mph+ then you need something other than you are talking about anyway.

 

[DXB777]

How tall are you ? If under 5'10a low milage used Triumph America LT 2013-15 might fit the bill. Saddle bags and windshield if you need. If your highway is super slab Interstate 85mph+ then you need something other than you are talking about anyway.

I am 5'10" also. Thanks for your feedback!

 

[DXB777]

I'll be 71 next month, have shot knees and am over-weight. I ride my Thruxton R and Speed Triple RS and have learned how to get and stay comfortable on them. Not as comfy as my Bobber Black, but then my Bobber can't do what those bikes can (never scraped a peg feeler on the sport bikes, I need to replace them on the Bobber).

Thanks I'll check out both!

 

[DXB777]

I'll be 71 next month, have shot knees and am over-weight. I ride my Thruxton R and Speed Triple RS and have learned how to get and stay comfortable on them. Not as comfy as my Bobber Black, but then my Bobber can't do what those bikes can (never scraped a peg feeler on the sport bikes, I need to replace them on the Bobber).

Could I put a windscreen on a Triumph Speed Triple? Will the horsepower get me killed? Returning rider.

 

[amer14]

I am 5'10" also. Thanks for your feedback!

My 2014 America LT is very comfortable and the LT comes with a quality tall windshield large saddle bags and pillion sissy bar. My other bikes are a Victory Kingpin(a handful) and a 2003 BMW R1200C(29 inch seat height) Which I can also highly recommend buying used like the America(both under 600lb) for under $4500.

 

[atomsplitter]

Could I put a windscreen on a Triumph Speed Triple? Will the horsepower get me killed? Returning rider.

It's not the horsepower that can kill you, it's lack of skill and poor judgement. If you want to get back into riding and you have some physical limitations I'd recommend you start with a standard bike, like a T-100 or T-120. There are other makes that are similar and none of them will get you into trouble as fast as a sport bike will. After some time getting used to modern motorcycles then trade up to something more like what you ultimately want. You'll have acquired the skills and knowledge to stay safe and have fun.

 

[sikatri]

It's not the horsepower that can kill you, it's lack of skill and poor judgement. If you want to get back into riding and you have some physical limitations I'd recommend you start with a standard bike, like a T-100 or T-120. There are other makes that are similar and none of them will get you into trouble as fast as a sport bike will. After some time getting used to modern motorcycles then trade up to something more like what you ultimately want. You'll have acquired the skills and knowledge to stay safe and have fun.

Agree with this.
Side note there’s full fairing kits available for many Triumph models.

 

[atomsplitter]

Could I put a windscreen on a Triumph Speed Triple?

Again it's a mission statement issue. What do you intend with the bike? A windscreen is necessary for long days in the seat to prevent fatigue from wind blast. If you only ride the bike 2 hours a week on city streets a windscreen is a waste of effort, a full face helmet will do the trick. I have a fly screen on my RS, Bobber, and T-120 and they are all I need. I put a 1/4 fairing on my Thructon R for the look, I didn't need the wind protection. The only bike that has a tall windscreen is my road going bike the Trophy 1200. If I'm going to be on the highway for two or three hours getting to a destination I ride the Trophy. Just bombing around town I ride everything else. I found the Bobber and T-120 needed something to get the wind off my chest at highway speed so I wasn't having to hold tight to the bars for the few minutes I was hitting 65 to 70 mph and the fly screen works perfect, it's just enough.

 

[sikatri]

Could I put a windscreen on a Triumph Speed Triple? Will the horsepower get me killed? Returning rider.

Agree with atomsplitter, define your need first. As an older novice, I loved the look of some Triumphs like 765 Daytona, but really didn’t need that kind of motorcycle and certainly didn’t have the experience to safely ride it. I wanted a more classic look in the end, something I could ride and tinker on. My choice was a 2005 Thruxton 900. Buying used, gives you more choices and also you won’t be as hesitant to make it yours.