Good Lord that thing is fugly!

I sat on the new FZ-1 last week and thought the ergos were perfect. I have yet to ride it but visually that new exhaust would have to go. I'll bet it does almost everything better than the bikes currently listed but being a Jap bike will be classified as a "no soul" machine. I'm still trying to find a way to pickup a Boxter Replika and keep the S3 but it's looking like it will be one or the other. I think nostatic needs to ride a few more litre bikes. All that "salt n' peppa" hair translates to a torque machine.

And you are being kind... Both of them are fugly!

Even the Multistrada's looks are a bit controversial. I remember some guy commenting in a cycle mag's letters to the editor, that good thing the fairing's molded in color, as the bike is so ugly that paint would have a hard time sticking to it. But the Monster--Yowsa! That design is 13 years old, and I still don't get tired of looking at it. Simple and classy. I'd lean towards the new S2R1000 (or a leftover '04/'05 1000DS if you can find one). They'd go for about $9-10K.

Well, I rode a bunch of bikes today and got some clarity. No FZ-1 for me: too wide with the I4 engine anyway, but it just doesn't move my soul.

As for the 620 v. 1000, that one was easy. Actually the 620 is a quicker handling bike...I see why some people prefer it, especially newbies and smaller riders. But it isn't for me...not nearly enough grunt. The 1000 is where its at and will work just fine. Now I just have to decide red or black, new or used.

BUT...here's my fly in the ointment. I rode an Aprilia Tuono. HOLY CRAP!!! That's a frickin' bike. Made the MTS 1000 feel like a lawnmower. The engine is just brilliant. Handling perfect. Tranny smooth. The only problem is not enough leg room, and (maybe) not enough room with the exhaust to drop it enough with adjustable rear sets. Damn. Plus it aint worth a damn for 2-up. But I'm in love.

Oh, and one of the best Aprilia mechanics around is in Irvine, so dealer issues aren't. But I just don't quite fit on it. MTS with clipons, here I come...

here's a local one:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1143700873.jpg

and one like I rode today

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1143701028.jpg

and the more practical alternative:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1143701144.jpg

or

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1143701159.jpg

I know what you mean about the Tuono. I think it's the motorcycle equivalent to a crack pipe. I rode a friend's '03 with Penske shocks front & rear, an exhaust, and dialed-in injection. Like a superbike motor in a dirtbike frame. Dangerously addictive...

The lack of better wind protection would hamper it on longer rides, too. And no provision for hardbags. Wouldn't work for me, as it's not a great all-arounder, which seems to be what you're looking for as well. I'd also be concerned about how long my license would stay in my wallet.

Did you ride the new '06? It's even better than the previous version, and looks better as well, IMHO. My buddy's '03:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1143701910.jpg



The '06:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1143701972.jpg

Best ride I ever had was a test on a Falco. I still remember it clearly after a couple of years.

Of course, I still haven't managed to throw a leg over a 916/996/998 or a 748.

to be honest, I think the Tuono is too much hp for me. I'd either kill myself or lose my license. You're right about the crack pipe bit...it is the most amazing motor I've seen/felt.

The MTS 1000 is a lot more manageable...still plenty of torque but a bit more under control. Plus all the things you mentioned...better 2-up, etc.

So red or black, new or used? I know Ducatis are "supposed" to be red, and it looks fine, but I still think yellow is better (but not an option). I also still worry about visibility of a black bike, but I'm easing into the idea.

Do the MTS need the valve adjusts at 6K? As a commuter rider how often are you going to be in the shop with the Duc? I normally go for black bikes but in the pics the red MTS looks way nicer than the black. Have not seen either in person though.

yup....valve adjust every 6K. That's about every 8-9 months for me.

Just to muddy the waters...found this one:



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1143737711.jpg

Aprillia's are beautiful and exotic and pretty much a hassle if you don't have exotic machinery patience-parts wait, small dealer network etc.

The FZ1 is a really nice Oriental bike, but that can is hideous, and yeah, if you don't like an I4 (and I can understand why) its outta the question.

You like the Aprilla? Go ride an MV Brutale.

Tuono=Ugly.

Sorry boys, but it's true. And not a good kinda ugly like a Monster. Just ugly.

..and a wafer thin dealer network, etc.

Brutales and F1s give me more wood than the 998 and S4R. Sweeeeeet bikes!

Come on in.

http://www.apriliaforum.com/

I love my RS250 and have been eyeing a few Mille race bikes for a big/small Aprilia track combo.

Hey 5Axis, I hang out over there... motion screen name as well. I've seen your informative posts on 2-stroke tech. Over my head, but still a great read.

Hey Richard, I noticed you in a few posts. There are several folks there that really know two strokes. I did a top-end over this winter and had the arrows jet-hot coated. I just finished up reassembling the bike today and may start my break-in / heat cycle regiment this weekend. I am lucky in that I have Hankster and Ytak local to me and they are willing to help a Aprilia RS newbie.

I don't see the second track weapon listed. Did you sell the TZ?


Back on topic. If you like the Aprilia, don't be afraid to give it a go.

I'm heavily jonseing for the Falco. Seriously. The one in the pictured is an '03, still has 10 months on the factory warranty, is cheaper than any of the used MTSs I've found, and is drop dead sexy. I really like the MTS because it is quirky, is a Duc, and is utilitarian. But the Falco...damn.

As for dealers, we have a few in LA, and have a guy in Irvine who evidently is *the* mechanic in the region.

another shot

http://nostatic.com/images/falco1.jpg

Stock clear windscreen and dark double bubble screen
15 tooth front sprocket installed
stock and custom Sargent driver seats
stock passenger seat and gloss black rear cowl
Ventura pack system. 2 racks, large bag, small hand grip
Pit bull rear stand, swing arm sliders
Stock as well as (Helibar risers installed)
Staintune stainless steel silencers with removable baffles
Stock silencers (black)
Marsee tank bag
Battery tender with fixed leads installed on bike
Geelong large carbon fiber tank protector

Since when does Opinion=Fact?

Enough dealers in LA. Reliable bike, anyway. One can spend some time waiting for Duc parts...

the only thing holding me back is that when I sat on one yesterday I didn't have enough knee room (plenty forward, but not enough up...I was against the ridge of the tank). I'm going to go back down tomorrow and check again, and I'm thinking that adjustable rearsets that can drop the pegs an inch would solve the problem. There are guys 6'3"=6'4" on the apriliaforums boards riding these bikes, so I can't see how my 6'1" frame wouldn't fit...