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790D Upgrades, limitless?

5K views 14 replies 10 participants last post by  Stephano 
#1 ·
Ok, so you have bought a new 790D, now how much are you going to spend on farkles?

I've always worked on the 10-15% of the bike's purchase price theory with the idea that any more just becomes dead money at trade in time. I tend to buy things like luggage racks or bits that make the bike more comfortable and if the bike is really good then maybe a better rear shock.

But I notice that there are guys here spending serious money on accessories and tuning equipment - especially tuning gear.

Is there a rational to spending huge amounts or is it just because you can 😈
 
#2 ·
I’m modifying my 790 because it makes me happy. I’m at a stage in my life that I have some discretionary money to play with. Then there’s the fact that I have kept my previous motorcycles essentially stock. So, this is my first time sort of turning the bike into the bike I’ve always wanted. Also, since I tend to hold onto my bikes a long time, I’m not too concerned with resale value.

My advice is to follow your heart.
 
#4 ·
There are a few "it depends" elements.

How long will you keep it? - Once I decide I like something - I tend to hang onto it. Improving here and there is then (I think) only natural. If you swap about a lot - then I can see the problem being more intense. I have spent masses on my R3 - There's 2 grands worth of lighting improvements alone.

But I try always to be able to go back to stock. And sell the extras as extras - often to the same buyer. :wink:

The guys using bikes on the track - want every last ounce of advantage they can get.
Road users - honestly it's all about aesthetics and some hubris.

When you say TUNING gear - Other than exhausts - there is not (yet) much available - IMO. Limited offer means no competition, this means prices stay high.

Here's a bit of an example. Pretty much everything I have spent so far on my 790 is about minimal comfort and crash protection. Easily about 10% all in. Some of that I could have had by buying a 790ADV - but it would have cost more to start with.
 
#5 ·
For me, in the past I've spent **** loads on extra's only to sell the bike (bikes)18 months later for another model or bike. Now days i spend as less as possible, i have 4 bikes each requiring tires chains sprockets oil/filters tire warmers petrol, bike trailer etc, so I'm now tending to spend less on the bike as in little extra's other than pipe, mapping, bar end mirrors and tail tidy. Id love to put Ohlins on the 790, BUT, i just can't bring myself to spend the dollars on it, and plus the factory suspension is ok. I tend to ride more and spend less on them.
 
#7 ·
A loaded question.

The head says ride more, spend more on riding skills, etc. That is the right decision. This bike is great for the street, as is.

The heart asks: What about better suspension/brakes/more power/nicer pipe?

I always ended up upgrading my bikes, although I didn't have any problem riding them as is, especially on the street. I keep bikes for a long time and always enjoyed researching, installing and riding the upgrades. It is never worth the investment, though. You can't recover it.
 
#12 ·
Guess depends on how long you plan to own the bike. I tend to buy and heavily modify and never sell. Thus I could care less about accessories value loss on trade-in or selling of the bike. So for me upgrades like Ohlins, Exhaust, Brembo, PCV, odd and end PP accessories just add to the ride pleasure for me. Besides I like to tinker and ride a lot. This bike is awesome turning bike for its near 55+ rider. All the hoopla around and 890 is of no interest to me. This was the bike I wanted a year and half before we got it in US.
 

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