Considering an Italian Bike...
09-23-2008, 10:36 AM
#1
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Considering an Italian Bike...
But want something with a local dealer. Around here (upstate NY) there is no easy to get to Ducati dealer.
However, there is a dealer that carries Moto Guzzi, Benelli, Aprilia and MV Agusta. can anyone chime in on the relative merits of the brands? I really like the Guzzi's.
Thanks for helping a n00b out.
However, there is a dealer that carries Moto Guzzi, Benelli, Aprilia and MV Agusta. can anyone chime in on the relative merits of the brands? I really like the Guzzi's.
Thanks for helping a n00b out.
09-24-2008, 03:51 AM
#2
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MV Agusta > Aprilia > Benelli > Moto Guzzi
MV:
<img src="http://www.motorthanhcongsg.com.vn/hinhweb/SUPERSPORTS/MV%20AGUSTA%20F4-1000%20TAMBURINI/AGUSTA%20F4-1000.jpg">
MV:
<img src="http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/images/MV_Agusta/2007_MV_F41000R_3r.JPG">
MV:
<img src="http://www.khulsey.com/motorcycles/sportbike-images/mv-agusta_brutale-910s_lg.jpeg">
Aprilia:
<img src="http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/Aprilia%20RSV%20Factory%20m.jpg">
Aprilia:
<img src="http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/Aprilia%20RSVR%20Bol%20dOr%20Replica%20m.jpg">
Aprilia
<img src="http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/Aprilia%201000R%20Tuono%20Factory.jpg">
Benelli:
<img src="http://www.moto-newsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/Benelli%20Tornado%20TRE%20LE%2001.jpg">
I don't like Moto Guzzi.
<img src="http://www.motorthanhcongsg.com.vn/hinhweb/SUPERSPORTS/MV%20AGUSTA%20F4-1000%20TAMBURINI/AGUSTA%20F4-1000.jpg">
MV:
<img src="http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/images/MV_Agusta/2007_MV_F41000R_3r.JPG">
MV:
<img src="http://www.khulsey.com/motorcycles/sportbike-images/mv-agusta_brutale-910s_lg.jpeg">
Aprilia:
<img src="http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/Aprilia%20RSV%20Factory%20m.jpg">
Aprilia:
<img src="http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/Aprilia%20RSVR%20Bol%20dOr%20Replica%20m.jpg">
Aprilia
<img src="http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/Aprilia%201000R%20Tuono%20Factory.jpg">
Benelli:
<img src="http://www.moto-newsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/Benelli%20Tornado%20TRE%20LE%2001.jpg">
I don't like Moto Guzzi.
09-24-2008, 05:39 AM
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Way too many variables...
...like how much can you spend? What are you going to use the bike for (commuting, weekend mountain runs, track days, Xcross, stunting, etc.)? Monies for maintenance? What "look" appeals to you? Each brand (of Italian bike at least) does a good job of differentiating itself from the others is most aspects.
That said, I'd pick the MV 312 F4RR...if I had the money. Although, I don't really have $110k+ sitting around anywhere =D Still, even the ~$25k MVs are amazing bikes and much better than their Ducati counterparts...IMO. I think they're hotter, too........I'd do one.
Aprilia is a very decent bike and performs just as well as a Ducati for less money. Plus, I think they look better.
Benelli is still too "botique" right now.
Moto Guzzi is.....okay. They run and stand up on two wheels. It's a motorcycle so it's hard to go wrong.
BTW, where are you upstate that you're not close to a Ducati dealer? Not that I want to promote them at all but there's one here in Albany...they're not an amazing dealership or anything, though.
Lastly, why an Italian bike? The Japanese bikes outperform the Italians (with the exception of the $80k+ extremely rare superbikes) and are at LEAST $5k+ less expensive. Just curious.
That said, I'd pick the MV 312 F4RR...if I had the money. Although, I don't really have $110k+ sitting around anywhere =D Still, even the ~$25k MVs are amazing bikes and much better than their Ducati counterparts...IMO. I think they're hotter, too........I'd do one.
Aprilia is a very decent bike and performs just as well as a Ducati for less money. Plus, I think they look better.
Benelli is still too "botique" right now.
Moto Guzzi is.....okay. They run and stand up on two wheels. It's a motorcycle so it's hard to go wrong.
BTW, where are you upstate that you're not close to a Ducati dealer? Not that I want to promote them at all but there's one here in Albany...they're not an amazing dealership or anything, though.
Lastly, why an Italian bike? The Japanese bikes outperform the Italians (with the exception of the $80k+ extremely rare superbikes) and are at LEAST $5k+ less expensive. Just curious.
09-24-2008, 07:13 AM
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Well...
I am an hour and half West of Albany (utica area).
My primary use would be weekend blasts, plus some long rides 250+ to Cape Cod. I am looking at Dual sports, because I live near the Adirondacks and would like to go exploring some, plus our place on the cape is down the end of a bad dirt road.
My budget is around $10k. Not looking to spend more than I have to though.
I really like the BMW 800GS so I am not totally biased to the Italians. I have a shop locally that sells and services the bikes mentioned (just not Ducatis). I saw them, sat on them and really like the design, style and riding positions.
Of the Japanese bikes, I do like the KLR650 and the DL650 as well as the V-strom. The 650's are the logical, go anywhere, affordable, easy to maintain and fix solution, but they just don't "grab" me. Kind of like how a Miata is just as much fun as an S2000 and less money. Make any sense?
Right now I am looking at the Benelli Tre-K, the Guzzi Stelvio, the Aprilia caponord and still in the running is the BMW800GS.
Thanks for any insight
My primary use would be weekend blasts, plus some long rides 250+ to Cape Cod. I am looking at Dual sports, because I live near the Adirondacks and would like to go exploring some, plus our place on the cape is down the end of a bad dirt road.
My budget is around $10k. Not looking to spend more than I have to though.
I really like the BMW 800GS so I am not totally biased to the Italians. I have a shop locally that sells and services the bikes mentioned (just not Ducatis). I saw them, sat on them and really like the design, style and riding positions.
Of the Japanese bikes, I do like the KLR650 and the DL650 as well as the V-strom. The 650's are the logical, go anywhere, affordable, easy to maintain and fix solution, but they just don't "grab" me. Kind of like how a Miata is just as much fun as an S2000 and less money. Make any sense?
Right now I am looking at the Benelli Tre-K, the Guzzi Stelvio, the Aprilia caponord and still in the running is the BMW800GS.
Thanks for any insight
09-24-2008, 10:21 AM
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Ohhh....you're one of THOSE people =D
I have the bad habit of assuming every motorcyclist is partial to sportbikes like myself...sowwy.
First off, when people use the term "dual sport" it bothers me. Most of the time, the term is way too generalized. Technically, none of the bikes you listed are truly "dual-sports"...with the exception of the KLR...almost. Of the choices you gave, none of them would feel "at home" on gravel or "rough" terrain. In fact, they post fork travel numbers that aren't much higher than sportbikes! A true dual-sport is basically set-up like this: 75% off-road and 25% on-road. They aren't that fun on the street...or the dirt, actually. They basically exist to cover that small gap where people feel they need a bike that will be mainly used on dirt/gravel roads. The KLR650 is one such bike. The Suzuki DR-Z400S (not the SM super-motard model), DR200SE, the Yamaha WR250R, and Hondas XR650L and CRF230L are decent as well. Those are actual dual-sports (or as close as you can get). Dirtbikes with lights. Again, they are NOT as fun on the street...and you definitely wouldn't want to tour on one. It's still a dirtbike SEAT, remember.
It sounds like you're really looking for a sport-tourer instead of a dual-sport. The STs (yes, now I'm abbreviating) will still be a lot more stable on gravel than a sportbike and CERTAINLY more stable than a 700lb cruiser. If you've got an annoyingly bad stretch of driveway a ST isn't as good as a DS, but it's still better than a sportbike or cruiser.
$10k most likely won't get you any of those bikes new. Out of your choices, I'd still pick the Aprilia. Exceptional engineering and you have to take in to account that there are a lot more service locations for Aprilia than the others...except for BMW.
I totally get what you're talking about with the Miata comparison. I agree that there seems to be a lot more passion associated with the Italian bikes. Maybe it's exaggerated because of the sheer number of Japanese bikes...I'm not sure. I'm a firm believer that a motorcyclist creates his/her own passion for their particular machine despite what manufacturer/model it may happen to be. If you love your bike, and maintain it, you'll create your own unique bond with it. Even if it's some ratty old CB350 from the mid '70s. I mean, you're literally flying over the pavement seperated by two pieces of thin rubber and a hunk of metal...you'd BETTER bond with it! I guess the whole point is, look for what "grabs" you, but make your decision on form and function. The passion will develop with any bike you choose.
Oh, and unless you're a die-hard BMW fan I'd skip on them.
First off, when people use the term "dual sport" it bothers me. Most of the time, the term is way too generalized. Technically, none of the bikes you listed are truly "dual-sports"...with the exception of the KLR...almost. Of the choices you gave, none of them would feel "at home" on gravel or "rough" terrain. In fact, they post fork travel numbers that aren't much higher than sportbikes! A true dual-sport is basically set-up like this: 75% off-road and 25% on-road. They aren't that fun on the street...or the dirt, actually. They basically exist to cover that small gap where people feel they need a bike that will be mainly used on dirt/gravel roads. The KLR650 is one such bike. The Suzuki DR-Z400S (not the SM super-motard model), DR200SE, the Yamaha WR250R, and Hondas XR650L and CRF230L are decent as well. Those are actual dual-sports (or as close as you can get). Dirtbikes with lights. Again, they are NOT as fun on the street...and you definitely wouldn't want to tour on one. It's still a dirtbike SEAT, remember.
It sounds like you're really looking for a sport-tourer instead of a dual-sport. The STs (yes, now I'm abbreviating) will still be a lot more stable on gravel than a sportbike and CERTAINLY more stable than a 700lb cruiser. If you've got an annoyingly bad stretch of driveway a ST isn't as good as a DS, but it's still better than a sportbike or cruiser.
$10k most likely won't get you any of those bikes new. Out of your choices, I'd still pick the Aprilia. Exceptional engineering and you have to take in to account that there are a lot more service locations for Aprilia than the others...except for BMW.
I totally get what you're talking about with the Miata comparison. I agree that there seems to be a lot more passion associated with the Italian bikes. Maybe it's exaggerated because of the sheer number of Japanese bikes...I'm not sure. I'm a firm believer that a motorcyclist creates his/her own passion for their particular machine despite what manufacturer/model it may happen to be. If you love your bike, and maintain it, you'll create your own unique bond with it. Even if it's some ratty old CB350 from the mid '70s. I mean, you're literally flying over the pavement seperated by two pieces of thin rubber and a hunk of metal...you'd BETTER bond with it! I guess the whole point is, look for what "grabs" you, but make your decision on form and function. The passion will develop with any bike you choose.
Oh, and unless you're a die-hard BMW fan I'd skip on them.
09-24-2008, 10:45 AM
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Stay away from the Off-topic forum.
Your posts are way to informative, helpful and on-point. I appreciate the insight on the ST front - You are probably right on with that.
So on the Sport Tourer Front, what would you lean towards? (Japanese bikes included.) My budget is AROUND $10k but not higher than $15k. I do not mind a used bike that already has depreciated somewhat.
So on the Sport Tourer Front, what would you lean towards? (Japanese bikes included.) My budget is AROUND $10k but not higher than $15k. I do not mind a used bike that already has depreciated somewhat.
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09-24-2008, 11:53 AM
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Lol, thanks...
...most of the time I try and actually provide some sort of assistance, in this forum at least =D
I really should have asked how much experience you have. I'll just assume that you've been riding for at least 3-5 years. Out of the Italians I'd pick the Aprilia (because I'm fond of them). On the Japanese front (where most of my knowledge lies), I'd personally go with the Honda VFR800 Interceptor ABS. They're just a great bike with HUGE aftermarket (and OEM) support. Painted and detachable hardbags are a must for touring and are readily available from any number of different sources. At the shop I work at, we actually order new 07 ST1300As and sell them for $10,299. Or you can get a 08 model for $10,499...and those are brand new. To be fair, you could probably find a used 07 VFR800A for around $9000 if you looked hard enough. The non-ABS version is a bit cheaper and books for about $8300. The ABS is a big draw for touring bikes these days, though. It's pretty amazing actually. Anyway, the Interceptor is just an all-around fantastic sport-tourer. I will admit that it leans farther towards the "sport" aspect, but it's still a very capable tourer. It just sounded to me like you were looking for something a little more sporty for the times in between your touring stints.
If you don't mind spending a couple extra thousand dollars the Honda ST1300 ABS and Yamaha's FJR1300AE ABS are both extremely good choices as well. Brand new 2008s at the shop here are still under $15k at $13,999 and $14,199 repectively. PLUS, the FJR "AE" model has an electric-shift that is totally clutch free and basically is a Tiptronic auto trans on a bike. Both of those bikes can be had used at a couple grand cheaper...especially by the time next spring rolls around. At the end of the season it's difficult to find good deals.
We get a lot of people from Utica here. If you're buying a new bike, it's worth the trip to Albany. Here's a link (please excuse the dinosaur-esque website design)...and the price/availability is updated a few times a day so if it says "In Stock", that means we have it!
http://troycitygarage.com/
If nothing else, the site is a good reference on prices. The MSRP is listed right along side of our sale prices. If you find a used late-model bike that you like always check KBB.com to see what it's worth. Just like cars, people assume you have no idea what you're looking at and will totally inflate the price accordingly. There's been MANY occasions where I've checked the local Want Ads to see people selling USED motorcycles for more than we sell them NEW...seriously.
I'd research those 3 bikes and see what you think. You'd still have to slow way down on your troublesome road to the other house...but you should be doing that anyway =D
I really should have asked how much experience you have. I'll just assume that you've been riding for at least 3-5 years. Out of the Italians I'd pick the Aprilia (because I'm fond of them). On the Japanese front (where most of my knowledge lies), I'd personally go with the Honda VFR800 Interceptor ABS. They're just a great bike with HUGE aftermarket (and OEM) support. Painted and detachable hardbags are a must for touring and are readily available from any number of different sources. At the shop I work at, we actually order new 07 ST1300As and sell them for $10,299. Or you can get a 08 model for $10,499...and those are brand new. To be fair, you could probably find a used 07 VFR800A for around $9000 if you looked hard enough. The non-ABS version is a bit cheaper and books for about $8300. The ABS is a big draw for touring bikes these days, though. It's pretty amazing actually. Anyway, the Interceptor is just an all-around fantastic sport-tourer. I will admit that it leans farther towards the "sport" aspect, but it's still a very capable tourer. It just sounded to me like you were looking for something a little more sporty for the times in between your touring stints.
If you don't mind spending a couple extra thousand dollars the Honda ST1300 ABS and Yamaha's FJR1300AE ABS are both extremely good choices as well. Brand new 2008s at the shop here are still under $15k at $13,999 and $14,199 repectively. PLUS, the FJR "AE" model has an electric-shift that is totally clutch free and basically is a Tiptronic auto trans on a bike. Both of those bikes can be had used at a couple grand cheaper...especially by the time next spring rolls around. At the end of the season it's difficult to find good deals.
We get a lot of people from Utica here. If you're buying a new bike, it's worth the trip to Albany. Here's a link (please excuse the dinosaur-esque website design)...and the price/availability is updated a few times a day so if it says "In Stock", that means we have it!
http://troycitygarage.com/
If nothing else, the site is a good reference on prices. The MSRP is listed right along side of our sale prices. If you find a used late-model bike that you like always check KBB.com to see what it's worth. Just like cars, people assume you have no idea what you're looking at and will totally inflate the price accordingly. There's been MANY occasions where I've checked the local Want Ads to see people selling USED motorcycles for more than we sell them NEW...seriously.
I'd research those 3 bikes and see what you think. You'd still have to slow way down on your troublesome road to the other house...but you should be doing that anyway =D
09-24-2008, 12:16 PM
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Great recommendations .
I like the looks of the Yamaha. I will try and get by a Honda or Yamaha dealer and check out fit. Next time I am going through Albany I will stop in and see you guys. Probably looking at a spring purchase anyway. Getting my research done now.
Oh... and in terms of my experience. Its not as much as you indicated. Well I have ridden motorcycles for 3-5 years... back in 1991. Its been 10 years since I have been on a bike. And yes, I plan on taking an MSF course. Does my experience affect any of your recommendations?
Oh... and in terms of my experience. Its not as much as you indicated. Well I have ridden motorcycles for 3-5 years... back in 1991. Its been 10 years since I have been on a bike. And yes, I plan on taking an MSF course. Does my experience affect any of your recommendations?
09-24-2008, 12:51 PM
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Meh....yes and no....
...regarding the recommendations. It's been 17 years since you've ridden consistently, BUT you have ridden for a combined total of 3-5 years, so you're not a total newbie. You said you'll be taking the MSF course (which is awesome...and lowers your insurance) so you'll acclimate yourself to bikes again. With those factors, I still suggest the VFR800...but not the 1300s as much. They're a bit weighty and have a ton of power (especially the FJR which puts 120hp to rear wheel!). Those two things would make me shy away from recommending them to someone getting back in to the sport. Another year at least, maybe two and you'd most likely be comfortable enough. I'm still going to recommend the VFR, though...but now I'm warning you to watch your wrist! =)