Natwerk Designs

Choosing the right motorbike suiting my needs...?

Choosing the right motorbike suiting my needs...? My dad is actually interested in getting a motorbike (since hearing my new scooter (motomia espresso 110 - same as the Vuka XL110) which has a fuel efficiency of 50km/litre!!!! He is looking at various good motorbike companies to buy one, since they're very fuel efficient for getting around town. We have looked at all major companies in our area in south africa (BMW, Suzuki, Vuka, Honda) and narrowed the list down to: 1. BMW K1300GT - which is a street tourer(http://www.bmwmotorrad.co.za/Web/Motorcycle/Motorcycle.aspx?bid=124) (notice the indicator lights are within the same casing as stop-lights and headlight, they don't 'poke out' separately. 2. Honda CBR125R9 (http://www.honda.co.za/main.aspx?id=72&pid=48) 3. Honda VX1000 Valadero 4. Honda ST1100 5. Honda VFR800 (http://www.honda.co.za/main.aspx?id=72&pid=51_ Compare the more upright ergonomics of the BMW R110RT to the Yamaha YZ600R. Note the higher rise of the handlebars relative to the seat, the shorter reach to the grips and the forward position of the footpegs. This results in the body weight being transferred to the butt. The full fairing displaces a lot of air thus protecting the rider from the wind blast. This is exactly what my dad is looking for. Specifically, we noticed the indicator lights of some bikes are actually separate from the headlights (front) and stop lights (rear), in that they are not built in the same casing as the head-lights and stop-lights. It's not a big problem, but in the worst case scenario that the bike DOES fall over, the indicator lights that poke out can tend to bend under the immense weight, while the indicator lights contained within the plastic casing within the stoplights or headlights will not tend to get damaged if the bike falls over, or if you were to ride close to a lamp-post. The indicator lights do not “poke out” separately, but instead they are located “within" the stop-light in the same plastic cover. The same is true for the front head-lights. The indicatr lights are built on the same cover as the headlights.The Vuka XL125 has this (check link: www.vukascuta.com). Notice the Honda VFR800 has NO bar supported the RIGHT side of the rear wheel. We want a motorbike where the wheels are supported by TWO axles linked to the suspension, so the front wheel is supported like the rear wheel, in that they are both supported by TWO bars (or pillars) each, on each side. Therefore, with this in mind, my questions are: 1. Which superbike or street-tourer or sport-tourer has the ergonomic seat height that makes it possible to sit upright relative to touching the handlebars, as in a scooter? And does this motorbike have the rear wheels supported by TWO bars? 2. Any suggestions for superbikes AND tourers which have the indicator lights in the same design layout as te Vuka XL125? The indicator lights are fitted within the same casing as the stop-light and headlight, AND which has the rear wheel supported by two bars on each side? (i.e. it must have the combination of Question 1 and Question 2 features). Sorry for the long question and all the finicky things we are looking for in a motorbike. My dad's not really concerned about engine displacement and speed, very interested in a sport-tourer/street-tourer bike, solely because in some circumstances they actually out-perform the superbike with bigger engine displacements, especially in quick acceleration in a hairpin bend. I appreciate your answers.

Public Comments

1. I'm sorry to say friend, that you and your father dont really know what you want in a bike, a single sided swinging arm is not a weak point in a bike, it has advantages with maintenance and no strength disadvantages. Indicators on stalks tend to be rubberised and can handle a knock or fall, the cost is in plastic damage, not lights. Go to dealers, go on LOTS of test rides, never think a tourer will be quicker than a sports machine anywhere, especially in tight turns or on acceleration, and for comfort and practicality and economy and reliability and handling and fun something along the lines of a Honda FMX might be more suitable than the 1300cc bmw or 125 cc cbr ????
2. right TBH i couldnt be bothered reading it, but i am a great bike fan, i have an idear for you my dad has a yamaha xjr 1200 ithink there not new but theres tons out there have a look x
3. You are asking about "Choosing the right motorbike suiting my needs...?" You mention choosing between superbike/sport-tourer/street-tourer; but you neglect to say where and how you will be riding, other than ". . . very fuel efficient for getting around town. . . ." Superbikes, sport-tourers and street-tourer are horrible choices for fuel efficiency while getting around town. The only suitable bike on your list is the CBR125R9, which Honda lists as "commuting/commercial."
4. There is nothing wrong with a single sided swing arm. My 2001 GL1800 Honda Goldwing is so equipped. If the bike is high enough in the air with a lift, I can remove the rear wheel in about two minutes. Only 5 lug nuts need to be removed to facilitate wheel removal. BMW, Ducati, and a host of others incorporate a single sided swing arm into their design. Design is used because it works. A lot of long distance riders use the Honda ST1100 and the newer ST1300. I do see many riders of these machines install handle bar risers to achieve a more upright seating/handle bar position. Another source to post your question is the Adventure Rider web forum. Good Luck
5. In the USA most turn signals are separate and do get damaged when you fall over but 1 cheap lens is better than 1 expensive lens covering 3 light systems.