That was good of them to help out. Looking through the list of bike models - and its no listed ! might have had to wait ages otherwise ! I just sent an email to SW Motech, but they are closed until Monday 05 Jan 2026. I just need some soft luggage for summer trips away to watch the MotoGP - enough to carry a change of clothing and some waterproofs ! How about the Streetfighter V2 ? It looks gorgeous. The Triumph Speed Triple RS - I think the overly harsh suspension (for the road) was sorted for the current version making it a better road bike. The S1000 R could be another contender ? I did sit on one and found the pegs quite high - but that might have been the "M" version. Anyway, I reckon it is better looking than the current Superduke. Plenty of choice.....
Streetfighter V2 is a bit underpowered compared to what I’m used to but yeah worth a try. Don’t like the BMW as you say pegs to high, and I’m just not keen on BMW‘s in general. The suspension on the new model Triple RS is top drawer same as the new Panagale and Streetfighter V4S, it’s the ohlins EC3. And I know I’m an old fart but anything looks better than the Superduke. It does grow you I think but in comparison the Speed Triple is beautiful.
@Mattie821 …The Showpony.. The Workhorse.. Got this updated Ninja in 2022 for my tour bike, been all over on it, 27,000 miles and it’s been totally bulletproof, quick, smooth and comfy.. Somewhere in Austria, …no complaints with it at all, really flexible, grunty engine ( yours will be even more so! ) and they are just so easy to live with which is exactly what you need on a long tour, great VFM so I’m not too precious with it, would definitely have another one,…Enjoy
@Poucher Nice pictures, nice bikes - a very nice Ducati and a well sorted tourer out and about. You are right about being punchy - mine probably doesn't need half of the gears in the gearbox - its party piece is bimble along in 5th and open it up ! I notice you have Michelins on your Ninja - probably put them on mine at some stage. Thanks for the pictures and the info.....
Yeah the Michelins suit it really well, I get about 5 - 6 k out of the rears and they keep a nice round profile all their life
A quick trip to France to try out the new bike. See what it is like to spend a couple of days on it. Cold here but mostly dry. Dumped the luggage at the Hotel in Laval - went to St Nazaire today - saw this mural at the shipyard. Bike - phenomenal
A cheeky little trip into Europe,is always a pleasure.... Especially on a new bike... Im guessing the bike has had its 1st service,and you can now open it up ? Depending on funds,im definitely intrigued,as im possibly looking at a new bike this year as a daily,and this is on my radar...
This trip was also to get the run in mileage done - which it did. According to the service manual you can go over the suggested revs for short periods - (which I did ! ) Dealer reckons it won't do any harm with these bigger engined bikes. I just made sure the motor was warmed nicely up before setting off and only did a couple of very short motorway sections. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 is a great bike - I have had two of them and considered getting a third. But it doesn't have cruise control and and it could do with a higher 6th gear for Euro motorways. The Kawasaki solves those two problems. The Kawasaki does not need any money to be spent on it. Front brake is a decent unit with braided hoses. The rear shock is an Ohlins adjustable shock. For road use I cannot see any need to swap it out for anything else - the same with the front suspension - I cannot see any need to swap that out for anything else. Even the tyres were ok, considering it was as low as 1' C and some heavy rain on the way back. Not exactly the weather for throwing the bike into corners - but lots of French roundabouts ! The tyres will be replaced, but they probably can manage without a need to change them. Not sure how much luggage you want to carry ? - probably the bike's weak point. I had a universal cargo bag that has been used on a few different bikes including the MT-10. It fitted OK, but the other cargo bag I have was too big really. I can live with that - used it on other bikes okay. I think Kawasaki have priced it really well. It is a better bike for sure, than the bargain basement bikes in the category - but not that much more expensive. I wish you good luck in arranging the funds to get one (or whatever bike you choose to get !) Ace bike....
This, https://kriega.com/sports/touring/uscombo-40, is my go-to set up and have on one occasion gone with a 30 + 2x10 on my Scrambler Icon. Andy
Interesting, thanks. I feel that not having high "adventure bike" exhausts gives me a few more options for throw over bags. Even looking at chancing something listed against the Z1000 as it is essentially the same build as the Z1100 SE. It was a bit of a worry - need to be able to carry some basic luggage and don't want to be relying just on a rucksack. I can manage with this if I have to - done it before.
Sounds like the euro trip was a huge success,and it definitely gives you an excuse to clock up those tedious break in miles,and also get a feel for the bike prior to going hell for leather lol..... Im probably a similar kind of rider,where a naked bike has always been my go too,and although I should really embrace an adventure bike with the miles I do ,alas as unfortunately only about 25% of my yearly riding is on euro jaunts. So naked bikes are where my heart is at,and I've owned everything from S1000R,Superdukes and Z1000 etc,and currently own a gsxs750,as a touring bike. But the luggage options on each bike has always been a deal breaker if I get the bike or not. So my luggage,has always been the SW Motech Blaze panniers, and a Kriega 30L roll bag for my camping gear..... But I can seriously say the blaze panniers are an option worth considering (although,after a quick search on Google,it looks like these are not made for a 2026 Zed just yet) But fingers crossed they will...... Ive already got a few trips booked this year on my baby Suzuki, but look forward to any updates you post with the new ride..... Enjoy loads mate...
