Need recommendations for second motorcyle to replace ST1300

Hey Guys! I know this isn't rocket specific but I know that a number of folks here do have more then 1 motorcycle other then their rocket, just wondering what you guys have that make a good compliment to it.

I currently have a ST1300 that I've found to be a fantastic motorcycle but I've kind of been dreaming more of a more versatile motorcycle that can do more then just straight pavement. I was looking into a Triumph Tiger Explorer but the more I look at it, the more I keep thinking it may not be the one I am looking for. I've heard things like its too top heavy, too heavy in general, doesn't make as much power as other bikes ETC... It's also really, really expensive.

I did some test rides this weekend on 3 different motorcycles, I tried a Tiger 800XC which I absolutely thought was the most boring bike I have ridden in years, made decent power but it was just a "Sporty" off road-sh looking bike. I then tried a Bonneville Street Twin which was surprisingly amazing, I loved the sound of it, I loved the way it moved, it was a bike with soul.. I really liked it. After that I tried a Ducati Mult-strada which I do admit is a great looking bike, I fit on it, but I am not sure If I want to go down a Ducati route... I've had bad experiences with the brand.

The things that I really want most are Throttle By wire, cruise control, rider modes.... and the ability to occasionally go off the smooth pavement onto the gravel roads which are very numerous around where I live. The Tiger Explorer would fit this role but so would a KTM 1290 Adventure or a Super Tenere, I think I really like Twin Cylinder bikes for this purpose over a triple, they feel torquier..

Any recommendations? What would go well with a Rocket? I dont want 2 of the same type of bike, I want something else that will be able to 2 up easily, lot of space for luggage, cruise control and wont flinch at riding on gravel

You might really like the new BMW S1000XR. Seems to fit the bill for most everything you're looking for. I sat on one over the weekend and it felt pretty good.

alpental said:

You might really like the new BMW S1000XR. Seems to fit the bill for most everything you're looking for. I sat on one over the weekend and it felt pretty good.

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My brother in law has one, he let me ride it last week. I didn't care of it. Too little displacement, buzzes like a ***** above 6000rpm. I am simply not a fan of 4 cyl bikes regardless of how fast they can go, they feel enemic with no torque and the only way to have fun with them is to speed and break the law. Sure it is a fine machine, almost too perfect with its electronics but again it lacked soul and personality... It didn't bring a smile to my face.

I have a 2006 Bonnie parked along side my Rocket. I really enjoy the two different bikes I have because they are about as opposite on the spectrum as you could get but that translates into a very different ride on both of them. Makes the riding experience that much more dynamic IMO. And believe it or not, there are some things that I like better about the Bonnie too...it doesn't always translate into size/horsepower

BMW R1200GS.

Trumpeteer said:

I have a 2006 Bonnie parked along side my Rocket. I really enjoy the two different bikes I have because they are about as opposite on the spectrum as you could get but that translates into a very different ride on both of them. Makes the riding experience that much more dynamic IMO. And believe it or not, there are some things that I like better about the Bonnie too...it doesn't always translate into size/horsepower

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I believe you! After I took out that Street Twin I was really impressed. It was a lot of fun, and quite zippy too. I just wish I had the chance to try the T120 version. I felt like I was a little big on the bike but after a few minutes I was just loving it. I loved the sound of the engine and the way it felt while cruising. Pretty soft suspension though, could use some tuning.

Currently looking into the Super Tenere, its literally half the price of a BMW.

GPMAZ said:

BMW R1200GS.

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Yeah that seems to be the most amazing out of the whole group. Theyr'e still incredibally expensive, even used. In Canada here, the new one costs $27,000 before tax so thats more then $31,000 before other fees. Seriously, wow.

Royal Enfield.

The Super T might be the one that you're looking for. The Ogre has one and seems to really like it.

I personally would take a second look at the 800XCx or XCt Tiger. TBW, Cruise, etc in an affordable and fun package.

Also, with the new Tiger Explorers coming out, you can find incredible deals on the 15 and earlier models. Still lots of them around.

I like the Yamaha, Honda has the Africa Twin now too.