Awesome StreetR!!!
I was torn between the StreetR and Speed, and went with the speed. I preferred the low end pull and single sided swing-arm of the Speed, so I went with that. I gave up the agility and "flickablility" of the StreetR by going with the Speed.
Between the two it really comes down to personal preference. Both bikes are absolutely stellar!
Although you shouldn't go out and spend a lot of money for your first bike. Most people ride for just a little bit and then they get bored with it. It is like they got the bug out of their system and then left the bike sitting in a garage for years.
It's fantastic. Riding position isn't super aggressive like on a sport bike so you are more comfortable but the bike is lightweight with gobs of torque, an excellent chassis, decent suspension and awesome brakes. The bike excels at riding through the twisties in the local mountains and canyons but it is also at home darting through traffic too. It just points so naturally and practically falls into a corner. 100hp in a bike that weighs around 420lbs wet makes it plenty quick (Ducati advertises a dry weight of 373lbs). It will scoot through the 1/4 mile at around 11 seconds and 120mph and cover 0-60 in about 3 seconds.
Standard ABS and traction control is nice too. I'm about due for a new rear tire at just under 5,000 miles.
I just got back from riding over to a friend's house. I helped him change the handlebar on his Ducati. He has a 2007 Sport Classic GT1000.
His bike is basically this model but he swapped the wheels for a set of Marchesini mag wheels mounted with Michelin Pilot Powers and front Brembos off a Multistrada. He also has a small windshield and Napoleon bar end mirrors to replace the stock mirrors. I've ridden his bike, it is a modern bike with a retro look. Very cool bike.
I have been keeping this in mind. I think it is something I would regularly use though.
Married? Kids? Is your wife okay with you taking off on the bike solo for hours at a time? Willing to take the time you spend with your children and use it for working on or riding your bike?
A bike is a serious investment. Time and money. That's why you see many times guys just let them sit in the corner of the garage. It's more likely you'll find a low mileage bike than ones that have high mileage.
Something to consider.
any hobby is a serious investment. A adult needs a hobby or life sucks.
Married? Kids? Is your wife okay with you taking off on the bike solo for hours at a time? Willing to take the time you spend with your children and use it for working on or riding your bike?
A bike is a serious investment. Time and money. That's why you see many times guys just let them sit in the corner of the garage. It's more likely you'll find a low mileage bike than ones that have high mileage.
Something to consider.
sounds great. I have about 10 tabs open at home with all the different bikes. The diavel looks too fast and aggressive for me. The streetfighter also seems to aggressive for me. I like the monster, hypermotard and the multistrada of course. What is up with the multistrada being so expensive?? What did you pay for your monster if you don't mind me asking?
What do you guys think about Used 748s or a 900ss for the OP? I have seen nice 748s for under 5k and 900ss's for under 2k.
They are great bikes, but you will want full maintenance records.
Also if you are handy (and I know you are), you can save a ton doing your own maintenance. The biggest ticket item is always valve adjustments.
while the middle of the lane can be oily, there is something to say about controlling your lane and being visible while in motion. If I'm at freeway speeds I'll ride in the center or on the inner lane of my travel lane to make myself visible to keep people from merging into me.
If i'm coming to a stop I'll always swing to the outside lane and watch my mirrors in case someone doesn't stop and tries to rear end me. saw a guy die about 5 years ago after getting rear ended while stopped at a stop sign, life changing experience.
No wife/kids, just a concerned GF who I doubt would ever ride with me.
personally I have decked my bike out with white LEDs (classily done though you can't see them only the light) no worries about getting hit here!!!!
Don't be a douche. Act as if no one can see you on your bike because there is a good chance they didn't see you.
after you get married, before you jump in bed or anything, slap her.
If she cries, slap her again.
Then I guarantee you will have no more problems.
No one gets out of this life alive.
The only question you need to ask yourself is how much risk are you willing to accept.
Riding motorcycles is risky, but you can mitigate the risk by riding smart and wearing proper gear. Situational awareness is your #1 tool when riding. You must be 100% focused and hyper aware of your surroundings. After a while you develop a "6th sense", and you can predict when some stupid cager is going to try to occupy your space or cut you off.
Statistically most motorcycle accidents involve excessive speed and/or drinking/drugs on the part of the rider. Safe and sane riders are much less likely to get taken out, but it can still happen. If you are a good driver that spots trouble early and avoids it, you are much more likely to be a safe rider.