Joined
·
32 Posts
Hi all -
After 20 years on various 1000cc+ Beemers I happened to buy a Vespa last year for local stuff. I did the city commute a few times and next thing I know I was riding it more often than my ‘real’ bike. For those who don’t know, city traffic is a sh/#tfight and a narrow scooter is the best way to get through. My 30min commute was back to 25min but I felt like a sell-out. The R1200R cowered unridden in the carport.
Next thing I sold the R1200R and looked at the possibility that I was a scooter guy now.......
But I couldn’t give up on bikes - shifting, leaning, blasting... I don’t know what. I didn’t want a big bike anymore - I knew that. So I rode the 390 Duke. Wow what a bike. It weighs nothing, handles like a peach and is quite punchy. Engine tops out a little early for an experienced rider but would make a great commuter. Plus here in Australia they are so affordable.
Then I tried the 790D. So compact. Nothing in front of me but the speedo. That engine. That suspension. If it was adjustable I would have set it to ‘How it is Now’ because it is really smooth. At first I struggled - because it needs very little rider input. The bike goes where you look. I’m used to visually scouring a turn for multiple data points as I’m tipping in. This bike just wants you to look at an exit point and it will tidy up the line for you.
Anyway this jaded old man is loving the little 790D so far. The TFT is psycho, it runs as hot as a Mr Whippy van and the quick-shifter seems to choke on 3rd a lot but overall this thing is awesome.
Cheers from Tom in Sydney
After 20 years on various 1000cc+ Beemers I happened to buy a Vespa last year for local stuff. I did the city commute a few times and next thing I know I was riding it more often than my ‘real’ bike. For those who don’t know, city traffic is a sh/#tfight and a narrow scooter is the best way to get through. My 30min commute was back to 25min but I felt like a sell-out. The R1200R cowered unridden in the carport.
Next thing I sold the R1200R and looked at the possibility that I was a scooter guy now.......
But I couldn’t give up on bikes - shifting, leaning, blasting... I don’t know what. I didn’t want a big bike anymore - I knew that. So I rode the 390 Duke. Wow what a bike. It weighs nothing, handles like a peach and is quite punchy. Engine tops out a little early for an experienced rider but would make a great commuter. Plus here in Australia they are so affordable.
Then I tried the 790D. So compact. Nothing in front of me but the speedo. That engine. That suspension. If it was adjustable I would have set it to ‘How it is Now’ because it is really smooth. At first I struggled - because it needs very little rider input. The bike goes where you look. I’m used to visually scouring a turn for multiple data points as I’m tipping in. This bike just wants you to look at an exit point and it will tidy up the line for you.
Anyway this jaded old man is loving the little 790D so far. The TFT is psycho, it runs as hot as a Mr Whippy van and the quick-shifter seems to choke on 3rd a lot but overall this thing is awesome.
Cheers from Tom in Sydney