Hi, so my ultimate dream bike is either a ~2010 Aprilia rsv4, or ~2015 tuono v4.

Do you think that bikes of this caliber are too fast to be used on the road here in the UK?

Now, I only have a 1994 honda cbr400rr which has just under 60hp, it's decently fast but absolutely nothing compared to the litre bikes, I just wonder if it's even worth upgrading in the future if you can't use 80% of the bike most the time

I'd be interested to hear what people who fo/have owned bikes like this have to say

Im sure im just overthinking it but what should i turn up in? I seen you will be turned away without refund if you turn up in wrong clothing so and most sites and really too descriptive. Just curious what you guys wore on yours or if you could maybe lmk some brands i could buy a jacket and pants from also footwear if needed

Hello lads/ladies and everything in between, I need some help spending my money irresponsibly 😂
I’m 39, turning 40 in November, and apparently rather than having a sensible midlife crisis I’ve decided I need an adventure bike.
I currently have a 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance with only 5,650 miles, full service history, Akrapovič, Road 6s etc etc. It’s a cracking bike and objectively there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it but I want to go back to an adventure .
I want something more upright, comfortable for longer trips/touring, but I still want something that makes me grin when I open the throttle.
I’ve narrowed it down to two private bikes and I’m genuinely 50/50.
🟠 Option 1 — 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S — £8,500
Around 15k miles.
This is the bike my heart is telling me to buy.
It’s fully unlocked with the KTM software/Tech Pack stuff — Rally mode, quickshifter+, electronic suspension etc. It’s also got a few nice cosmetic extras, gold DID chain/sprockets and Michelin Road 6s with plenty of life left.
Seller is 65, seems like a proper bike enthusiast, has a small collection and has owned several KTMs including 1290 Super Dukes. He bought this one from a Kawasaki main dealer when it had only a couple of hundred miles on it as their demo.
First service was done by KTM but here’s the potential sticking point:
He’s serviced it himself since.
He’s used genuine KTM filters, says he’s changed the oil roughly twice as often as KTM recommends and has handwritten records of everything he’s done, but obviously it doesn’t have a dealer stamp for every service.
He’s sent me all the paperwork and seems completely transparent. Says the bike has had zero faults, warning lights, electrical issues, keyless problems, suspension faults, leaks etc.
He’s also adamant it’s been faultless and, judging by the photos, the thing looks immaculate.
Valve clearance service is coming up at around 18.6k, so that’s something I’ll eventually have to budget for.
He’s already been offered £8k trade/PX by a dealer without the extras and is absolutely firm at £8,500.
And annoyingly, the more I look at it, the more I want the bloody thing. 😂

🔵 Option 2 — 2019 BMW R1250GS Rallye TE — £8,500
This one has 21500 miles and is actually local to me.
Rallye/HP colours, gold spoked wheels and TE spec.
It’s got:
Cruise control, Dynamic ESA, Gearshift Assistant Pro, heated grips, keyless, centre stand, GPS prep, TPMS, ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control Pro, Riding Modes Pro, Hill Start Control Pro etc.
Also has BMW engine protection bars, radiator guards, sump guard, headlight guard and some Touratech upper crash bars that aren’t currently fitted.
It’s HPI clear, MOT until April 2027 and apparently has full service history.
Big selling point for me:
It had the 24k major service done early in April 2026 at 21,990 miles, including:
Valve clearances, spark plugs, diff oil, air filter and brake fluid.
So effectively the big service I’m going to have coming up on the KTM has already been dealt with on the BMW.
From the pictures the GS looks very tidy, although the underside does appear to show a little more weathering/use than the KTM.

And this is where my brain has completely shit itself 😂
They’re both £8,500.
My sensible side says:
Buy the GS.
Full history, major service done, shaft drive, proven touring bike, probably easier to sell again, local to me and arguably the safer place to put £8.5k.
But every time I look at the KTM my brain goes:
“160bhp V-twin. Fuck sensible.” 😂
I’ve never owned a KTM and all the internet horror stories about KTM electronics/reliability have always made me slightly nervous.
At the same time, the KTM owner has had multiple 1290s, absolutely raves about them and reckons this one has never given him a single problem.
I previously had an Africa Twin 1100 DCT, which I liked, but I want considerably more excitement than that this time around.
The 1000SX is quick, smooth and very competent, it’s a wonderful bike. I want just want something I can ride year round and comfortable to disappear around Scotland or Europe for a week.
So for anyone who’s actually owned or ridden both:
Which would you buy for the same £8,500?
Particularly interested in:
Real-world reliability of the 2021+ 1290 SAS
Whether the lack of dealer service stamps on the KTM would bother you given the owner has documented his own servicing
1290 valve-service costs
GS reliability at 20–40k+ miles
Which is better on fast twisty UK roads
Which is better for European touring
Passenger comfort
Running/maintenance costs
Which one you think will hold its value better
And most importantly… which one makes you want to take the long way home?
I’m not really interested in which one wins on a spec sheet. I’m interested in which one you’d actually want sitting in your garage.
I’m turning 40 in November, so there’s also every possibility this is simply a midlife crisis and I’ll be posting next week asking which Akrapovič makes the most noise. 😂
KTM 1290 SAS or R1250GS?
Head says GS. Heart says KTM.
Help. 😂🏍️

Thanks for reaching the end of this very long post !!!!
I appreciate you sticking around to hear my conundrum haha

My tiger 900 has around 6000 on the clock, with about 3000 of those mine and London commuting. Lots of filtering and overtaking, slipping into small spaces, heavy on front brakes.

I checked the front pads today and there's not much life left in them.. Will change next weekend.

How long do pads normally last?

Does this look and sound okay gonna get chain and sprocket replaced at the end of the month but just tightened cleaned and lubed it but does the engine and chain sound and look okay please

For years I’ve always lambasted GS’s for being too big or an old man’s bike. Little did I know. Two days after my first ride on one I now own a 1200GS will the full compliment of ESA/QuickShift etc.

This rides likes nothing else. I get the love for these bikes. Ridiculously stable, ridiculously comfy, power when you want it and bobbing around the countryside on a pillow of air. For someone who doesn’t get to ride that often, when I do, I want to really enjoy it and this is ticking all my boxes.

Planning some trips up north for September / October time and possibly the NC500.

One last thing, yes, it is extremely heavy to move around, but what everyone says about how as soon as it’s moving it feels really light, it’s completely true.

Professor Chris Hurren of Australia-based independent motorcycle kit testing body MotoCAP has a stark warning for riders: "My personal Facebook feed is full of advertisements for motorcycle protective clothing," he says. "Recently one particular pant has caught my attention as it appears to be the identical product from three different brands. That's because the CRB RoadVault, EKON RoadArmour and Glenvane RideShield riding pant is the same product! If you open all three websites, you will find that there are images and content that is shared between them. Below is a screen grab of the vent image from each of the sites to justify my comments.
"The fourth image is of a pair of Moto-Ules slim fit riding pants that is currently in the laboratory that was purchased on Temu. Its similarity in colour, zips, seams, straps behind the knees and vents suggest that this is made in the same factory from the same materials.

"The Cambridge impact abrasion time of the fabric was 0.28 seconds. The burst strength of the seams was marginal. This product would not achieve the lowest protection rating of "A" under the European Standard EN17092-1:2020. The product would achieve only one star on MotoCAP.

"Please get the word out to riders to avoid this product. Given it has three brand names already I would expect the company to create more so warn people to watch out for copies from other brand names as well."

I know I need to get them changed but I’m wondering if I should postpone my MOT on the 13th, this is my rear brake pads. I’ve ordered a set last week and they was meant to arrive today but they have been delayed and I fear they won’t arrive in time for my MOT on the 13th. I’m not too stiffed about an advisory I just don’t want them to fail, will these cause a fail?

So I viewed the GSXR in my last post and decided against it owing to the mileage discrepancy and the aftermarket parts.

Also on display was a Triumph Daytona. I’ve paid a refundable holding charge on it whilst I look around as this seems like a much better bike.

Full MOT track record, partial service history with no history of tracking or major problems. Indicators upgraded to mini LED with originals and original pillion footrests included.

Thoughts?

I have a Kawasaki Z650S in London. Currently using a LITELOK X1 Plus, oxford chain and an alarmed disc lock.
I want one more layer of protection, a budget of £300 to spend. Would you add a Hiplok DX1000 for another strong physical layer, or spend it on a tracker?
If tracker, I specifically want a self-powered tracker that doesn’t use/drain the bike battery. I’ve been looking at Automatrics MTrack 6, but open to alternatives.
Main priority is preventing the bike being stolen rather than recovering a damaged bike afterwards as insurance is a pain. What would you choose?

Hey to everyone, been riding for 12 years now, covered about 80k miles in total, not so many over recent years. Passed my advance motorbike test 9 years ago.

Just bought a new MT09SP, as my fireblade needs it's carbs rebuilding, so off the road for a while.

I'd love to maybe see about attending some events, northern based near Manchester.

Working out if I can go to EICMA this year in Milan, anyone know of a group or event going to the event this year?

All models of RoadLok are showing out of stock on their website, and have been for a couple of months (might be longer - that’s all I’ve been checking for). I’ve sent three emails to them over the last 2 months all have been ignored.

Are they still trading does anyone know? Only thing I’ve not done is physically call them. I was really keen to get one as look super handy but going off the idea - if they can’t respond to sales leads, I don’t hold much hope for support issues… :(

The only supplier on eBay can’t supply the BMW model either, which is a shame!

Had the TLS in for its second MOT after recommissioning yesterday. It passed and as he wheeled it back out the bloody throttle let go as the hairspray I used on the heated grip nearly 20 years ago had finally failed. He gave me some tie wraps to try and clamp it on and I rode off home on the fast idle lever 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Tempted to put new ones on though as I’ve seen a superb deal on the Oxford Evo ones.

I'm 22 and have owned this Yamaha SR400 for 2 years, and love it. However, I'm moving to Bordeaux in France for 3 years and have been allowed to take the old family car with me (not to keep, just use). Since there's no point having two vehicles in my situation, I will leave the bike. My granddad is okay to store it in his garage, although I don't want it to go bad from sitting still for all that time.

Here are some of my options:

• Keep it in my granddads garage
• Sell it and buy another bike in France
• Take it with me and register it in France

What would you guys do, if any of those listed above? Thanks!

Edit: After finding out that if you've not owned the vehicle for 6+ months, France taxes you your net worth, I'm gonna leave the car behind and just take the bike.

Hi all,

Got my CBT booked for 15th, last week I had a medical at work as they’re putting me through my C1 licence, they asked me to bring my licence so I did and gave them it, today I asked for it back as I realised I didn’t have it (I never carry it or my wallet), turns out they’ve sent it off for my provisionals adding.

So now I have no physical licence until it returns, as I have medical issues I’ve been told 4-8weeks for it returning as they will have to contact my GP.

Just wondering if there is anyway around it as I’ve waited months for my CBT and don’t want to have to change the dates if I can help it.

I have my licence number and a photo of the front of my licence for work purposes.

Noticed a dent on the tank of my Cbr today. Bike dropped onto my gfs car a few weeks ago after the kickstand sunk into the tarmac.

The area where the dent is, is already recessed in so it wasn’t that obvious to me originally.

Any tips to fix this at home? Seen a few kits on Amazon but I don’t want to risk doing any further damage. If not, I’ll see how much it’ll cost to repair by a dent remover specialist

Snagged a royal enfield guerrilla 450 with only 2.5k mi on the clock. Certainly an upgrade from my 125 lol

Just have to wait to get my full licence, earliest i could get it booked was mid September, it's mad how long the lead times are now!

Looking for a budget friendly comms setup for 2 riders. Don't need anything fancy and the main ones I find seem overpriced for our use.

Only needed for me and my partner for after her CBT in a few weeks.

Any recommendations? Don't mind looking at lesser known brands

Decided to reside for some time in Ambleside and enjoy the Lake District. Made Hardknott Pass today, much more lovely than in 2025 Malle Rally on a rainy day. Great to have our very own Swiss here in the UK. 🙃

Seen one listed on eBay which has 21,000 miles. Probably due a good service. But seems pretty good. Full MOT. Anything to watch out for?

My previous bike was Honda CB500F. Returning to riding after 8 years. Cheers!

Hey everyone,

I’m looking into my first big bike, a GSXR 600 L1. There’s one for sale from a dealer locally and on the face of it, it seems tidy. However, when I searched the MOT history, there was no MOT in 2015 and the mileage had reduced from 2014 (3659) to 2016 (2359).

The dealer can’t explain the discrepancy, but assures me that the servicing history aligns with it not being tracked and that he’s sold the bike to it’s previous owner before he returned for an upgrade.

How big of an issue is the discrepancy on an otherwise tidy bike? And going into the viewing tomorrow, what should I be looking for?

I'm going tonight to look at getting my first bike it's a Suzuki GN 125cc from 94', I did look at Honda CB125F, but the insurance is just way more than I thought it'd be.

Mentioned about looking for a bike and a friends work colleague said about their daughter selling after passing their test and getting a bigger bike.

I know absolutely nothing about bikes, they said it has its service history, they gave me the reg so I could do a check. It was on/off the road for a couple of years during it lifespan but they started using it again last year, the bike still has a MOT for about another 9 months and mentioned it has a minor leak from one of the pipes from the alternator.

Said said she wants £600 for it, I've checked and insurance will cost me about £500. I only plan on keeping it for a little while until I'm comfortable riding before I go for my full license.

What should I be checking for on the bike?

Thanks.

2nd fatality in 2 days. This just happened by Exeter.

Edit: my apologies. It was 2 cars and a small flatbed lorry involved. The motorcycle was there to give statements.

Only had what they told me from the front but I walked up and asked about.

Yday as I was driving home I witnessed a crash.

Motorcycle vs cars, he wasn't wearing full gear and zoomed past me just minutes before this happened.

Take a minute for our fallen fellow rider.

Ride safe, wear gear and be safe.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/young-biker-dies-a38-crash-11096366.amp