What Bike Next? Episode 13

Hello you upstanding ladies, gentlemen and serial used bike browsers, and welcome to What Bike Next?, the YouTube series in which BikeSocial’s used bike nerds Michael Mann and Simon Hargreaves try to pick the perfect used bike for a BikeSocial Member... and this week it’s BikeSocial Member Jack Hannaford, looking for a change from his current KTM 1290 SuperDuke GT to something a bit different and a bit newer.

Simon and Michael, along with a Superbike Factory technician Devon Hutson, will be choosing three surprise bikes from Superbike Factory’s used bike showrooms – bikes we each think will tick all Jack’s What Bike Next boxes. Then, Jack will have the chance to test-ride all three on the What Bike Next Test Route.

Then, after all the riding is done, we find out how close Michael and Simon got to identifying Jack’s perfect next bike – and remember, next time we could be finding a bike for you too!

If you’re savvy enough to be a BikeSocial Member, why not come on the show by emailing enquiries@bikesocial.co.uk with your riding and bike history, what you’re currently riding, and an idea of what bike you fancy next – and you could be chosen for a day test-riding three surprise bikes with Simon and Michael on a future episode of What Bike Next? It’s a cracking day out with free food and bike riding, so get involved.

And, meanwhile, enjoy the show!

What Bike Next? (Ep 13)

BikeSocial Member Jack is looking for a change from his KTM 1290 SuperDuke GT.

This week, BikeSocial Member Jack Hannaford has written in asking for help choosing his What Bike Next? Jack is 32 and lives in Buckinghamshire.

“I’ve currently got a 2018 KTM 1290 SuperDuke GT, and I’ve been lucky enough to own it for around four years – but I’m starting to look into making a change. I’m open to the idea of downsizing a bit, as long as the fun factor doesn’t go away. But I’m overwhelmed by the options so I’m hoping Michael and Simon will help me out.”

Jack adds a bit more background and detail on his requirements: “I’m really looking for a change. I like a lot of things about the KTM – and there are certain things I’m not so sure about. It’s a great bike; very fast, lots of fun. But I’m not sure I need that amount of power to have fun; I don’t mind having it but I’m open to the idea of downsizing. I’m a bit concerned about reliability – I’ve had a few things go wrong, which the dealer I bought it from – KTM in Hemel – have been fantastic about and really helped me out. But it’s a long way out of warranty now and I’m a bit nervous about that. So I’m looking for a bit of a change.

“I use the KTM fifty-fifty for commuting and fun. Most of my riding is short-range and I don’t get the chance to do too many big tours – maybe once or twice a year I get the chance to go to Wales to see my dad, so I don’t want something that’ll break me in half. I can go a bit more canted forward than the GT – I’ve had two VFR800s in the past and they’re about as canted forward as I want to go. I know they’re not an aggressive bike but I prefer to be more upright.

“The main thing for me is the character of the bike. So if the bike can chill out that’s fine, but if it wants to have a bit of fun then that’s great too. In terms of must-haves – a little bit of comfort is fine, ABS is my absolute minimum but hopefully I’ll get a quickshifter and a few more gadgets. Cruise control and a top box would be a big plus – but I haven’t got anything I don’t specifically want.

“I’m not into SuperSports. I’ve had a go on a FireBlade a few times and it’s fun for 45 minutes, then it starts to hurt my wrists. And I don’t like Harleys or cruisers – a Ducati Diavel is about as cruiser as I would go. But other than that I’m really open. Adventure bikes are absolutely on the menu, or something retro-flavoured if it handles. Or a naked streetbike – a fairing isn’t a deal breaker and no problem with wind blast. I had a Honda CB1000R in the past.

“I don’t have a lot of time for riding – so I want a bike I know will start every time I turn the key. But otherwise I’m pretty open. Value-wise, I can go up to the £10,000-£13,000 mark, but it’s not a target!

“I’ve given Michael and Simon a problem – the problem is I love motorbikes. And I love pretty much all of them! So I’m easy to keep happy, but I have no idea what I want!”

And today is an extra-special day for Jack because it’s his birthday – so hopefully Simon and Michael will be able to help Jack with the best biking present he could wish for: his next bike.

Simon’s choice: Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT spec:
Year: 2022
Mileage: 715
Extras: factory topbox, heated comfort seats, fog lamps and engine bars
Price: £10,090 (£90 over budget)

Jack’s reaction:

“Interesting! Keeping with the GT theme. I’ve not had the chance to ride one before but I’ve always been interested in triples. It’s a good size, if I can convince my other half to come on a trip. I’m keen to have go – it ticks a lot of boxes.”

Simon says:

“So Jack, you want a bike with character, but not the kind of character that can get tiresome. You want something fun and light-hearted, but also a bike with a bit of an edge to its performance when you want to crack on. And it’s got to be comfortable and reliable.

“Let me introduce you, Jack, to Yamaha’s Tracer 9 GT. It’s a bike for all seasons, all moods and all kinds of riding. It’s got tons of character from its 117bhp CP3 inline triple – especially if your definition of midrange character includes more midrange grunt than a wild boar on steroids. This engine and chassis package can, if you’re in the mood, absolutely shred. There’s something about its power delivery, its gearing, its sheer thrust for a given level of effort that just eviscerates journeys like few other bikes. But it’s also rewarding to ride if you don’t feel like porking down the King’s highway like a streaky bacon – it’s comfortable and civilised, it can disappear into the background so you just enjoy a steadier ride.

And of course the Tracer 9 GT comes with the lot – it’s got ABS, traction control, up/down quickshifter, cruise control, heated grips, semi-active damping – and this bike, with less than 1000 miles on it, also comes with factory top box, heated comfort seats, engine bars and fog lamps. Shall we just stop right here? There’s no need to ride anything else today, is there?”

Michael’s choice: Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

Ducati Suzuki GSX-S1000GT spec:
Year: 2022
Mileage: 1897
Extras: none
Price: £8991 (£1009 under budget)

Jack’s reaction:

“Another GT! Wow – it’s quite a pretty thing, isn’t it! First time I’ve fully colour-matched a bike. Never ridden one of these before – but I have used an inline four before, and I’m looking forward to giving it a go.”

Michael says:

“What an inspired choice the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT is – but then I would say that, wouldn’t I? It arrived in 2022 replacing the pretty ugly old F version – and that was to take on the sales success story of Kawasaki’s Z1000SX. The Suzuki sports tourer was well received by media and customers alike with a comfortable riding position, decent tech, strong inline four and an agile chassis – and good looks too, as Jack has already noted. The GT was the UK’s best-selling sports tourer the year after its launch, which is a reflection not only of how fans of Suzuki products were desperately waiting for them to build such a bike, but also how right they got it. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable machine to ride and although it isn’t as technologically advanced as some of its rivals, what it does do is deliver no-frills practicality in a comfortable bike with a storming engine. Come on Jack! Get your chequebook out!”

Mystery bike: Husqvarna Norden 901

As chosen by Superbike Factory’s Devon Hutson

Husqvarna Norden 901 spec:
Year: 2023
Mileage: 3176
Extras: topbox
Price: £9790 (£210 under budget)

Jack’s reaction:

“It looks really nice actually, it’s got of a funky thing. And I’ve ridden a triple and an inline four, so now it’s a twin. I honestly never thought about one – it’s never come across my radar. KTM’s have an attitude about them, and I really enjoy that aspect. I like a bit of punch. So if the Husqvarna retains some of that it’s going to be really interesting. It looks comfortable, and could even do a bit of green-laning if I pick a nice day! I’m really excited.”

Simon says:

“The Husqvarna is a pretty cool leftfield choice here by Devon, hoping Jack will recognise the same commitment to honing that KTM seem to imbue all their bikes with – but also appreciate the 901’s extra veneer of class. Because the Norden is, of course, KTM’s potent 890 parallel twin making a lusty 103bhp, dressed up in a rather posh Austro-Swedish frock – rather in the manner of a European aristocrat. And you’ve got to love the 901’s style and swagger.

“As Jack noted, the 901 is on a 21in front and long-travel suspension so there’s a bit to get used to in terms of riding dynamic – and it’s a bit tip-toes. But a Norden – no prizes for guessing the name means ‘The North’ in Scandi – will give you access to a different flavour of riding if you choose to head off down a few green lanes. You can even take your sandwiches with you in the topbox. And as Devon pointed out, the 901 is a practical bike too – comfy for a few big trips and with a decent tank range. Only question is, is Jack really ready for this kind of adventure?”

Verdict

Jack’s classic problem in choosing a next bike is that he’s not picky enough – his net is too wide. When you’re thinking about moving onto something new, you need to have a better idea of what you want than Jack’s ‘I dunno, I love all bikes’! It’s a great position to be in – better to have too much choice than not enough – but, at some point, he’s going to either need a better idea of what he’s after or be prepared to spend a long time looking. Or possibly even run out of patience with himself and buy the wrong bike on impulse – plenty of riders have done that!

Simon’s Tracer 9 GT and Michael’s GSX-S1000GT both head down a similar sports-touring route, trying to find Jack a replacement for his sports-touring KTM. But that’s not necessarily what will turn Jack on – after all, they’re similar concepts to his existing bike. Maybe he’s actually looking for something that isn’t a sports tourer, and that’s where Devon’s choice of an adventure bike might carry the day. On the other hand, it is basically another KTM, and Jack has already spent four years with his.
Decisions, decisions. But Jack has to make one soon or he’ll miss the summer!

If you’d like to chat about this article or anything else biking related, join us and thousands of other riders at the Bennetts BikeSocial Facebook page.