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28 Jul 2014
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 11
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Thanks for all the advice and the welcomes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark manley
Given what you plan to do with it all of the bikes you list should be suitable
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Hehe, that was kind of what I was hoping for...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
BTW, How tall, heavy and mechanically inclined are you? V7's are better than Bonnevilles and W800's for mechanically inclined midgets, Bonnevilles have more dealers and feel bigger but include parts made of cheese, W800's should tick more boxes and have proper Japanese quality but Kawasaki dealers only want to sell you snot green road missiles.
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Well I'm not too small (1m80), but I'm rather light (65kg). I do hope to get some mechanical skills in the next years, but I doubt I'll ever become a proper mechanic. The Japanese quality is definitely a plus...
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond
Is this really going to be your first bike? Do you mean your first big bike or your first bike ever, never having ridden before?
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If you're ok with licences, experience etc, personally I'd suggest you go with the W800.
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Yes, it'll be my first bike ever, but I have ridden before, be it not much. I have got my license, but my experience limits itself to 3 days in Tibet on a 125cc and the motorriding classes (obligatory in Belgium). I actually did my exam on a BMW f700gs, so I know that would be ok. It rides very easily, easier than the BMW f800r which was the other bike I rode during the classes. And so I know the f700gs is a bike I'd be happy to ride... but the W800 looks so much better (although I don't know how it rides, should try to arrange a testride).
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond
Be aware though that retros attract more bigotry and prejudice than just about any other type of motorcycle (possibly 1200GS's excepted ). You'll be told it's a poor copy of a Triumph, that it's Japanese rubbish, you should have bought a modern Triumph...
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Yes, I read that a lot too... I don't really care about it, and don't even agree. Although, I've got an uncle who has a f1200gs adv. And though he doesn't say it out loud, I do feel he's not too fond of the retro's either and rather have me buy a GS. :P
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ridelightning
The short answer is : no contest, go for the W800.
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My conclusion here : the W800 does pretty much what the F700 does but gives me much more joy/happiness. Nothing rational about, it just does !
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I can definitely understand. And after all you guys' advice, the only think making me doubt (I'm an endless doubter), is the larger range and the ABS (which my riding instructor really advised...)
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