Forum

[Fido]

Within a budget of, say, £8000, what new motorcycle would be a good partner for my Classic EFI? Bear in mind I like the Royal Enfield and I'm not looking for a sports bike.

[Craig]

OK: With Money to spare another Enfield : Classic Iron Engine From 1950's to 2001 (350cc Best)..........

Ok: Jap Kawasaki W650,Highly recommended by all & useful...
(If I had Your Money Triumph 750 T140e "Personal Choice").......All IMHO Ofcourse Cheers Craig

[Alex.]

Assuming you don't want a classic style bike, because you already have that, you're not looking at the latest Triumph Bonneville or Kawasaki W800. What about a BMW F650 or 800GS - I tried the 800 at the BMW test day, and it's great - quite a traditional engine, but in an economical everyday bike with plenty of go, I came away wanting one. In the naked bike side - Suzuki 650 Gladius gets a good write up in Ride this month (£6100 with ABS) or a Bandit, or Yamaha FZ6. Ride's favourite Triumph Speed Triple is probably a bit out of range, but maybe an ex-demo or pre-reg? Or an 883 Harley Sportster must be close too? What a nice problem to have!

[Fido]

OK, let me be a bit more specific. First, I want a new, not second hand bike. I want classic looks. So an obvious front runner has to be a Triumph Bonneville T100. I expected some to suggest that but want to make sure I tease out other options to check out. I'm not looking to race anywhere just a bike for occasional longer trips.

[Alex.]

What about the Triumph Thruxton - a Bonne with a bit more attitude - £7100......or if the Bonneville higher bars are more comfortable, what about the current Anniversary Edition, £7400 and a classic colour scheme, only 1000 being made. My question would be.....would you still use the Enfield if you had a faster, smoother (more reliable) classic like a Triumph or a W800? I think we may all say we would but.........

[Alex.]

Ha! You've got me surfing now - Moto Guzzi V7, from about £7000 brand spanking new and gorgeous - how exotic would that be popping out for the papers!!

[Craig]

OK: BRAND NEW CLASSIC: Moto Guzzi V7,or W800 Kawa Get My Vote (I Would go Triumph But thats Heart over Head)....Ok GUZZI

[Alan R]

Hi Guys --------- ALEX, I'm with you all the way on this one !! I miss my old California 1100i but age, costs, "'er indoors" all conspire etc, etc. Then I saw a modern V750 out on the road awhile ago and that ticked ALL the boxes. Classic styling.....torquey V-twin motor as only Guzzi( Aprillia? Fiat? General Motors?? NASA ??----who actually OWNS them now??--)....lightweight.....sporty tourer...... GORGEOUS !!!! AND----visually would sit comfortably alongside the existing EFI.

[Ian M Brown]

Guzzi V7 gets my vote, slightly better built than an Enfield, (I know a couple of owners of new Guzzi's !!) but surely one of the all-time best looking bikes I've ever set eyes on, sound lovely too !

[rustygman]

Do some research on the new Guzzi V7. I was reading a thread on horizons unlimited recently and it sounds like the bike is let down on the small details. Cheap fittings, long delays for parts and of course dealers thinly spread - the parts delay would be enough to put me off. If I had £8k spare I would load up my enfield and ride it around europe, stay in nice hotels, drink the finest wine and make love to some beautiful women until it all ran out.