I've managed to blag a test on the new MT-09 with TC. Honestly comparing this to the original version is like night and day, it's gone to the top of my shopping list :D
I was blown away by how the subtle changes and tweaks have transformed the bike, I admit I hated the original but suspension...
I've had my "squidgy" custom ear plugs from Ultimate Ear for the last 9 months and they are awesome. I can still hear everything around me but muffled and massively reduced wind noise, I like biking but I like my hearing more.
I would recommend to anyone, ear plugs and back protectors are...
Righto, I went to the bike show at the NEC today and they had the MT-10 there in the flesh available to sit on and everything. Now, I really wanted to like this bike but the one on display just looked cheap. The horrible grey panels on the side and the tank are really flimsy tacky cheap ass...
This has got my name all over it if they get it right.
If the bike doesn't suit me an aggressive price point might cause a reduction for other bikes in the super naked arena. I'm looking at you S1000R & GSX-S1000 :p
I have always used ear plugs when I ride and it's nothing to do with the quality of your helmet as i've had an Arai RX7 & currently a Shoei GT Air. I have used disposables but currently use the Alpine Motosafe, but unfortunately they are getting a bit battered. Hopefully at the bike show later...
If I had to put the bikes I've tried recently in order with the most fun at the top :
Street Triple
MT-07 :)
BMW S1000R
GSX S1000F
Speed Triple
CB1000R
MT-09
Unfortunately for me adding the quick shifter as an option to the R version makes my insurance go up 3 times more than what it would be for the Rx.
The strange world of insurance :(
I liked it, the exhaust note was great.
After mulling it over for the last week or so, I tried to be practical in my approach for new bike selection and mapped out a list of my requirements and what bike would match these out of the box:
(not necessarily in order)
Refinement
Handling
Brakes
Price
Running costs
Practicality
Engine...
The looks seems to be a bit of a marmite thing, I'm not sure about them either. Riding it though, when i'm giving the STR some beans down a twisty country road I couldn't give a toss what it looks like.
It really is that good.
I avoided the Italian bikes after reading and hearing about running costs and service bills.
To be fair the Tuono is a little extreme to say the least, along with the KTM Superduke. I'm not "that guy" who wants to have the most powerful ride, I tried the BMW as a bit of a benchmark test to see...