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I’d love to hear some recommendations from you guys on the next moto dating game podcast! Im a 19 year old rider from Europe and i’ve ridden for about 4 years now, ive done my fair share of city riding but i have a passion for adventure riding on and off the tarmac. I started on a Honda CLR 125 from 1996, ive ridden the little beast for 2 years and some change and done some heavy touring with her. Eventually i’ve upgraded to a Honda CBF600S from 2008. The problem is that I will move to Australia in a couple months for University and unfortunately i will need to sell my CBF and get a new bike over there. I am heavily reliant on my motorcycle for commuting and iv’e developed my riding skills through some defensive riding courses, but most importantly throughout my years in riding through the most congested cities in eastern Europe, where road rules are formality, a suggestion. I am 175cm tall (5’9) and have a 85cm inseam (34 inch). I have a couple bikes in mind that are serious contenders, such as the Honda Hornet 600 from 2006, the Yamaha Tenere 700 and the Triumph street triple. Im looking for something that is great fun on the tarmac and that doesn’t have buffeting issues, because i will commute 100km (60 miles) to my campus each day. I am also looking for a fun bike for the twisties/occasional track day, as i love to go out every now and again to feed the adrenaline junkie inside. I have a cool little outdoor go kart track around here in my city with really technical turns and chicanes that is very affordable (7usd/10 minute entry). Some might say that 10 minuets is too little time, but on a tight go kart track that is only 4km long (2.5 miles), after 2 or 3 entries you get quite exhausted. I am considering the Tenere as I would love to do a coast to coast ride through Australia’s vast desert, but it’s not something i will get around doing any time soon, as it requires lots of planning. My budget will be around 7500 USD but im not keen on blowing the whole budget. Keep in mind that i have some back issues and i prefer an upright/sport touring riding position. The VFR 800 is also a great contender, but i havent sat on or ridden one before so i dont know how the riding position might affect me.
One of the reasons I'm so glad I took Zack's advice from the Daily Rider videos to get a Versys 650 is that as a new rider I can try things out and make mistakes on it without too much fear of breaking it, and when I do it's easy to fix, my heart doesn't break, my wallet doesn't empty, and since it sits so far in the middle of everything I can try different things out and see what kind of riding I *actually* like to do. It's plenty fun for me, plenty powerful for me - for now, and I don't get myself into too much trouble when I get a bit cocky for my skill level. The only thing that really is noticeable to me as a negative, at least I think it's a negative, is how high it revs relative to redline at highway speeds. Even so, it does just fine and I am a very happy camper. Thanks Zack!
For that last "contestant"...if he's not into dual-sport bikes, I'd suggest a '79 or later Honda 750. Air cooled, parts are readily available, and that basic engine was used for decades, all through the Nighthawk models. A 80 or '81 (K, C or F models) can be had in good condition for around $3K if you look around. Simple bikes in modern terms, but rewarding to ride and not _too_ difficult to wrench on with hand tools.
Joe would be well served by the Tiger 660 for the wind protection. Stock shield does exactly what you described of taking pressure off the body in the lower position and in Europe, many screen options are available. I also think the BMW R1200RS would be excellent used option.
Dave needs a T120 with a carb. I literally bought mine with 13000km on the clock for exactly 5000€. Plenty of bolt-on options, easy to wrench, and an overall good ride.
18:00 The FJ-09 is a great recommendation. I put 32000 miles on one as a 155lb, 5'6", 28" inseam man and it was a great bike in most situations. The throttle response issue was blown a little out of proportion. Just ride in the standard mode and it's as tame or as spicy as you want it to be. But Spurgeon was correct in that the short swingarm and rowdy engine can make it a handful. But it also has basic traction control that will keep the front wheel mostly on the ground
on my fj-09 when i upgraded the shock to the cheapest ohlins available it wheelied a lot less, almost not at all. (or it was the sqwatting that made it feel like it wanted to wheelies a bit) it was pretty much the ebest upgrade i did on the bike.
I agree! I have a 2008 1250 Bandit and I’ve changed the brake pads front and rear, all the brake fluid, the clutch fluid, the air filter, engine oil and filter, the fork oil and miscellaneous parts that were cosmetically blemished. I also installed Hyperlites flashing brake LED lights, a new windshield and eventually I’ll have to adjust the valves. Lots of cleaning and polishing too, so I think anything older but not damaged would still be a good choice.
This is gonna be a fun show! I really liked this last year, glad you guys brought it back! I don't claim to be an expert nor have I played one on T.V. but my recommendation for Nick is the Honda ST1100 . Seems like Nick is looking for something sporty and practical. While the Versys 650 is reliable and good for commuting and touring I don't think anyone would say it's sporty. The VFR is sporty but probably not the best choice for commuting/touring. The ST1100 I mentioned will hopefully be good enough at both to meet Nicks riding needs and is certainly reliable enough he can handle his own maintenance. Also, according to cycle ergo he can flatfoot it. Joe, and it may seem like it but I am not simping for Honda, Goldwing. Fully faired to cut the wind issues down, good luggage capacity, and super comfy. Other options the Harley Davison Road/Street Glide or Road King. Sarah Yamaha R3, Duke 390, GSXR 650, Triumph Thruxton. At 4'&7" I think the only bikes Ty will be comfortable on is a Grom or a Monkey. Yammie Noob did an adv style Grom so Ty can too and will be within budget. You should see the cycle-ergo images on your recommendations, hysterical. I think Zack is right I think its 5'7" with a 32" inseam. For Chris Im thinking just go whole hog and the BMW 1250GS or maybe the HD Dirt Glide. Both good for the mountain roads and some light chop. Plenty of luggage options and both offer good seating for two for those weekender trips. Then for something cruisery Chris could get the Ducati Diavel nice sport cruiser and I believe it can be outfitted with some bags. For Dave thinking something from the big 4. Maybe an old Magna or Intruder. Perhaps something even older like a 1970s CB series or whatever the Suzuki/Kawasaki equivalents would be. Although the HD 883 is, pretty much, the most modable bike in existence so that could be the most solid choice. Good ol' Lem, I would still really like to see an original line up show with Lem, big Joey Zeets, and the Spurgemeister A.K.A. The Gasholes! Zack a jazz cigarette contains little to no tobacco, but its contents are now legal in several states. 0 for 5 no clue. Doesn't sound like a Scout, Victory maybe? If you do ride off-road alone make sure to have a smartwatch that can call for help for you. Spurge nucular is not word its nuclear pronounced (new-clear). Have a good holiday old sports, see you in two!
Curious why believe the VFR800 would be "probably not the best choice for commuting/touring"? It is the classic all-rounder that does everything (short of dirt) well but nothing exceptional. I did 5400 mile tour on mine last year for my 50th birthday. Commuting is a ton of fun and cannot imaging the ST1100 being more so (owned a first gen).
@@michaelkrenzer3296 Probably not the best choice for that guy. The ST1100 has a far less aggressive riding position to the VFR. If you check cycle ergo you'll see his forward lean more than doubles on the VFR making it less comfortable on longer rides.. Horsepower and torque are similar, the ST1100 is a bit heavier but does come standard with hard bags. The VFR also only has one seat and while they did not mention a significant other he may at some point want to do one of those weekend trips with a pillion. The ST1100 also holds 2 more gallons which means it can go roughly 80 more miles between fill ups. I just think if you want a sport tourer get a sport tourer rather than try to turn a sport bike into one.
As a 2015 FJ09 owner, I bought it with 4 miles on it and still have it. Iv ridden it all over the country, moto camping, it’s an amazing bike. Once you get an ecu flash the throttle response is much better, I don’t notice any snatchieness any more. Very true tho it is a tall bike.
For final contestant Dave, what about a Royal Enfield Classic 350? That's under $5k new and there's a huge parts catalog for all the RE bikes through RE themselves or through Hitchcock Motorcycles. It's as simple an engine as they come, they look great, it'll run obviously, three year warranty and all that jazz. My GT 650 has been a great bike to learn on for valve adjustments and other basic maintenance.
SuperDuke GT is an absolute blast, great recommendation. Wind protection is... OK, it can be enhanced. But it can tear your face off. I love mine. 2016, I got it for sub-11K with 10K miles on it a few years back. If the electronics gremlins leave you alone, it is phenomenal.
Having met my perfect match recently in my own personal moto-dating game, I would tend to recommend a BMW R1200R to anyone who puts on a lot of miles and is also larger than your average bear. This bike is everything that my 6'5"/195lb self was looking for with a 55 mile commute that's about 1/2 canyon, 1/3 freeway, and 1/6 stop-light-to-stop-light. ABS, traction control, heated grips, plenty of OE and aftermarket support for wind screens and luggage (albeit pricey), loads of torque. Absolutely loving it.
Finally finished playing catch up on all episodes this morning. I've spent the last 2-3 weeks listening to every episode, and luckily for me the weather here in Texas has been great and I've listened to most of them while riding my Triumph. Love the content, keep up the good work. Looking forward to more to come and maybe I'll send in a couple of sound bites from my bikes for you to try and guess.
i know it is sort of a joke, but the 5th gen VFR800 is a great bike and i am very thankful i landed on one, by chance, about 5 years ago. Mine is a 98 model with over 60k in it. Aside from a worn master cylinder, regular maintenance, and some wiring repairs i had to do from previous owner making some questionable decisions, it has served me well. It was my 3rd bike i have owned, and i still have it along with 2 other bikes (that are currently projects) and i don't ride it as much as i would like, but it always makes me happy when i take it out. it is great for any kind of on road riding, and it is pretty good for 2-up riding. I plan on hanging onto it for a while, as i have not found anything newer that i really think gives me anything it doesn't offer.
Could you do the motorcycle dating game more regularly, but actually have the person on to question? It would be an awesome livestream watch. You could make the person actually choose. Or do it every year and actually give a bike away.
In Jostein's case, a few things you probably didn't know to consider: Norwegian roads are all curves all the time, speed limits are painfully low, speeding penalties are extreme, and everything is way more expensive than in the U.S. My bike is a SuperDuke, and I love it, but if I lived back in Norway I'd go for the Duke 890R instead. Most roads are way more tight and twisty than we're used to here in the U.S. The stretches of relatively straight highway that do exist are infested with speed cameras and unmarked cops. Hit third gear on a SuperDuke, breathe on the throttle, and you're already in lose-your-license territory. Insurance and taxes are also higher, so factor that in and I don't know that the SDR is even in that $9,000-$15,000 budget. My recommendation would be the 890R. It would be more nimble on all those super twisty roads. Slap a Puig or MRA screen on it and aftermarket cases, good to go.
It's incredibly easy to get luggage on a 5th gen VFR. Revzilla is even showing the mounting system from Givi in stock. 257FZ top case mount, get a Monokey plate to go with it. PL257 side case rack then bolts up second. Pick whatever top trunk and side cases you want.
It was great riding with y'all (for loose definitions of "with"... I'm not good offroad yet) out in the Mojave and I can't thank you two enough for signing my hat :) Can't make it to South Dakota this year, but you'll definitely find me out in the desert, sweating my ass off, picking my Tuareg 660 up out of the sand next year!
I'm Dave and I ride a svartpilen 401 and a NC750x 🙂 If 401 wasn't in the garage, I would've had a Royal Enfield Int 650 or Continental GT 650. I also find CB1100 the forgotten retro bike from 2013-14 attractive. Also, Kawi W800, Z650 and stuff like this.
Buying is such a commitment! If you are going to date.... spend a few $$$ renting motorcycles from a peer to peer site (like Ari's Versys 650), until you find what you like. The variety of motorcycles available to rent via these sites is impressive. Renting for a day, or several, wil let you decide much more accurately than a 5-15 minute test ride. Plus "dating" can be fun...
I REALLY think Ty meant to type 5’-7”. I’m 5’-8” 165lbs and have a decently proportional body, and I only have a 30-31” inseam. But if he is 4’-7”, best of luck. It’s hard to find a bike for people shorter than 5’ but there are options!
@@dualsportdadz lmao yeh either this guy Ty has a somehow super rare genetic disorder (besides Dyggve Melchior Clausen syndrome) that I've never heard of after years of studying medicine/genetics, or it's a typo
Ok ready for this idea… motorcycle dating game but you are matching the bike up with the revzilla crew but it doesn’t stop there they get the bike to review then the next episode we get to find out it was a dream match as intended or did it leave them wanting more and why. You have been practicing matching people time to do it in real life. We get to know the crew better you can review a bike get people to come back to see how it went ect. Full circle!!!
I love this "dating game", but it's hard for me to picture the person you describe, because I am not familiar with imperial measurements 😅😅😅still fun though. Greetings from Slovenia 🇸🇮
So here’s a pickle for you Zack. I ride a 2011 Kawasaki Versys 650. Mostly commuting (several days a week to work and back through the city, 25 minutes each way) but 3ish times a year I’ll put 500 miles on it over a weekend and go see a few forest roads. 95% on pavement but I do enjoy a spin up a bumpy dirt road here and there. So…if you already ride the perfect bike - what comes next? I do love my Versys but I have to admit, I pine for the sporty Vtwin in my old sv650 from time to time. I love the look of the z900rs and also the MG V85tt…but I open to anything. Where does one go next after having it all? Love to hear your thoughts…
My concern for BMW's is the price of replacement parts. A friend dumped a 1970's BMW many years ago because just replacing broken switchgear would cost him over $1000.
This is so much fun, and I learn a lot about motorcycles by listening to the dating game. The diversity of riders on this show made it interesting as well. The photos that you flash are really helpful. Also, it would be fun to watch a dating game for vintage motorcycles and vintage riders.
I've never understood all the buffeting and wind protection issues. All that talk seems to come mostly from riders of bikes WITH windscreens. I've always ridden naked bikes and never had buffeting issues in my life, never had an issue with the wind (being leaned slightly forward on most of my naked bikes the wind supports your torso with zero buffeting). It seems like buying a windscreen is the thing that CAUSES issues with wind not solves them. Besides, riding a motorcycle is all about being out in the breeze not hiding away from it like a puss who'd rather not have a real motorcycling experience.
Big disagree with this idea of starting on small bikes at the track. People talk about how "more horsepower covers up your mistakes and saves you" as if people are chasing lap times. But even on a larger bike, you can tell when you braked too early, you can tell when you didn't carry enough corner speed, and you can tell when you're in the wrong gear on exit. Additionally, small bikes can develop bad habits because you can wack the throttle whenever you want without any risk of getting it sideways because it's got such little power. Same idea for brakes in most cases. And it SUCKS getting blown by on every straight by inline 4s like you're standing still. Someone who's been riding for 15 years and has a 650 as a daily should be on something just as big for the track imho. Not an inline 4 or v4 but definitely something more than a ninja 400. Other than figuring out specific corners and getting comfortable leaned over, riding an R3 at the track did nothing to help my own development before getting on a street triple r.
I don't see why you couldn't do multi-day trips on lower displacement bikes. I would love to ride my R3 long distance. It's quite comfy and has more than enough power for the highway.
I think nick could also do well with a ducati st3 makes good power, good luggage options, very fun good handling bike. Only downside is maintenence. Also depending on mileage can be had for well within his price range
The Versys 300 has considerably more power than the Himalayan, which might make a difference if he plans to spend much time on roads traveling over 100kph (60 mph). Although the Honda 500's seem tame when compared to 650+cc motorcycles, it has almost twice the power of the Himalayan and considerably more than the Versys 300. I own a Z400 which has plenty of power to deal with expressways but is not the best offroad. It is a little quicker than the Honda 500's, largely because it is lighter and has about the same amount of power.
I’m sitting here totally enjoying your podcast. Good job! I’m trying to picture your Dating Game participants. You guys need to define inseam. Are they going with their jean size or to the floor? Younger people wear their trousers to the ankle. Always look forward to all of the Common Tread content. Thanks
If Sarah would be fine with a Ninja 400, it is easy to find a used one, at least in my area. That leaves some money for repairs, classes, or trade up. She could always sell the 400 and get something more powerful if she got bored on the 400.
I love Zack and SPURGEON DUNBAR!!!! But it seems so painful for them to recommend HD. A used Sportster would be great to tinker on with so many aftermarket parts and accessories
thanks for the advice! i really like the idea of a gps tracker, ordering one now from revzilla! also putting a post-it of my handlebar to keep it at 70%.
I’m having a hell of a time figuring out a second bike upgrade from my Duke 390. I need an upright mid control, with taller handlebars. I need to get the pressure off my wrists. Sigh… I want to spend 8-10k.
fj-09 / mt-09 maybe? (fj-09 / tracer will be more upright) also don t forget a handlebar swap can be done for 80-100$ it is really isn t that hard to change if that s the only part of the ergonomics of the bike you don t like. might be too much of a step up but i went from wr250x to fj09 so it s not that bad... (tracer 700 / or mt07 woulf be a more gradual change) prepare yourself for some so so suspension but o well...
Why do so many bikes with high seats also have very little legroom? I'm blessed with long legs, so reaching pavement is rarely an issue, but I also struggle to find a bike that doesn't have my bottom half folded like a pretzel. Please recommend me a bike for $2000 with a tall, room seating position, full suite of electronics/cruise control, luggage, lots of power, low maintenance, and is slimming for full-figured men like myself. Go!
Note to the producer: in the first segment for Nick you showed a 6th Gen VFR800 when they guys were talking about a 5th Gen. Your heresy has been noted in your permanent record.
Really? A simple bike for Dave, easy to mos, easy to work on. Not peep regarding a bike that existed from 84 to 2019, the Suzuki LS 650/S 40 boulevard. The 650 savage. Plenty of cheap parts, as they essentially did not change for the full run, never injected, cheap to buy, and cheap to mod. Or a late 70s, early 80s Yamaha XS 650.
Boys on Chris you guys shot all over the map and missed the bullseye. Instead of the Bobber why not the T120 or Speed Twin!?! 2 cylinder 270 crank for character and handling for twisties luggage carrying capacity More classic and tamer then the FTR or Diaval.
To KTM, the Chinese can do anything.. anything? ANYthing…including taking over your line of business. Learn to do it yourself and keep the brand and prestige at whatever level, or say goodbye to your business.
Ty (Thai?) #4 - measurements are tripping me out, 55 inches tall, 32 inch inseam = 23 inches from waist to top of head?!?! I'm not clowin', just really? does this person really exist? edit: actually less than 23 inches! because we are missing crotch to waist?
