Your reasoning is so logical :) I remember riding the RE on the launch, and christ we were sending it on the country roads and it made me think I'd have one of these over the 8S if I had to choose because it's more of a do anything bike and my fun levels didn't suffer. So I still think you will have great fun on the RE despite it's bigger front wheel then your 8S. Enjoy my friend!

@HippoDrones

16 күн бұрын

I bloomin hope I have made the right choice, the depreciation on the 8S was not a nice pill to swallow! 😀Hahaha But so far I am pretty sure it was the right thing to do, just wish I'd gotten it in the first place, but I didn't know the Yamaha was a thing back then. I've actually taken the screen off it for now, it is a nicer place without the noise that made... I might see about fitting the screen from an 800DE as they are a lot shorter. Cheers Kate 🙂

To be expected, from conversations we've had, but essentially quite a surprise - but your reasoning is spot on, and it is your choice, you who has to be happy. The weird fluctuation in vehicle prices hasn't done you any favours - we had the same selling Wifey's bike - had we sold it a year earlier we could have just about named our price! It is what it is Pete, congrats (hope to see it soon...) on your upcoming Suzuki :)

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger Aye, I think you were the only person I properly spoke to about it. I am gutted to have lost so much on the 8S, to be honest, I'd never have gotten the 8S had I known about the Yamaha first, and as soon as I took the 800RE and 800DE out on the demo ride I pretty much realised then the 8S was the wrong bike for my needs sadly. Here is hoping the "new" bike will be with me a good bit longer 🙂👍

The Strom 800RE would be at the top of my list if I were to get rid of the NC. I really do like those bikes...I tried the RE at ABR fest and didn't want to get off. Cracking bikes . The 800s is a cool bike but for me I need a bike to do more hence why I'd go for the RE . Depreciation is a real gutter, but is all part of your biking journey so try not to focus on that too much...All part of the process and its just part of evolving I think. Congrats

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@exeterrider I think I realised when I tested it against the DE in a recent vid that I'd made a mistake with the 8S. The RE is a fantastic machine. I've been lucky this year as have been able to save well. Meant it wasn't needing a loan to do the swap, had I needed to borrow for it, I'd have probably waited till spring as I can't imagine it can lose much more value

A bike change spices up the channel 😊

@HippoDrones

7 күн бұрын

@@martinlloyd7563 absolutely 😎👍

Hi Pete, Think someone has already said it.. You don't have to justify yourself for enjoying life. Biking is a passion. God I'm with you mate, I love it! As you know I own a few bikes and have been known to swap and change very often lol I get criticised alot, but the way I look at it, I'm 60 years old. Done the family thing, kids, house, mortgage etc. I bloody enjoying myself now. 😂 Keep up the good work. Catch you soon 👍

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@crocksontherocksify cheers mate and aye, it isn't something we should need to justify, but sadly some folk do judge. I'm really looking forward to collecting it, hopefully next week.

I change my bikes as often as I change my pants! V-Strom 800 RE is a solid choice, it's such a good bike and really capable.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@Englishbikerdan hahaha... as an ex submariner, that might not be as often! 🤣👍 Aye, the V Strom is a cracker, tbh, as soon as I demo'd it alongside the 800DE I kinda realised I'd made the wrong decision getting the GSX 8S... not that there is anything wrong with the 8S, it's just not the bike I was requiring 🙂👍

The quickening, the time between getting new bikes is getting shorter and shorter. Isn't life grand! Got the same "not a problem", six in my garage at the moment and love them all.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@BikesDrones hahaha... "there can be only one!"... TBH, I'd love to have a single do it all bike... I think my Aprilia Tuareg 660 was close, but it is a little tall and I'd need a second set of wheels and brakes to be able to enjoy road riding it, and the faff of swapping them would stop me doing so and I'd end up not trail riding which would make me sad

@VinCode17

21 күн бұрын

💪

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@VinCode17 🤣

Well done mate! I knew there was a V-Strom in your future! I bet you don't keep that 13 years like I've kept mine though! 🤣 There's nothing wrong with getting new bikes all the time mate. I wish I could do that! The Yamaha will definitely fill the hole of the 8S in your lineup so it makes sense to get something different. I'm looking forward to the Strom adventures mate!

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

Haha, cheers Strom-Bro 😀 The V7 was the longest I have owned any vehicle, had that just shy of 12 years... am hoping the new Yamaha is a keeper, I certainly feel like it is.... and I very much hope I keep the V Strom a decent time, although I do like to change bikes, I also don't like throwing money away, so it needs to be with me a good few years to absorb the hit I've taken on trading in the 8S. At least I am getting the 800RE for a good price being an ex-demo bike. I very much am too, it'll be perfect for road based Wales/Scotland trips etc 🙂

I'm terrible for changing bikes but I only ever have one at a time now. Good choice for what you want it to do. look forward to seeing it used in anger.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

I think I'd be swapping bikes constantly if I only had room for one! 😀 Thanks mate, am muchly looking forward to collecting it 🙂

I've always been a little jealous of the rider's who found one bike that is their forever bike. I can and have kept many bikes for over ten years but never with just one bike in the garage. I usually range from 3 to 6 but my arrangement with my wife is we have to pay cash for any new or used purchases. With bike prices as they are that usually means at least one in the garage has to go first. I have bikes for touring, short weekend rides, longer weekend rides and just short day rides. I'm always looking for the next bike but it has to pass the financial and emotional hurdle of the bike it will be replacing.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@flatcapcaferacer I agree, it'd be lovely to have a bike forever... I thought my Moto Guzzi V7 was that bike (although I also still had other bikes with it), but after nearly 12 years I realised I just wasn't riding it, so it went...I don't like debt either, so to fund the Yamaha I'd been saving as much as I could to afford it, which meant the money from selling the Moto Guzzi has allowed me to make this "swap" for the V Strom. The depreciation hit on trading the 8S was a bit of a wallop though, I'd not expected to take near on a 50% loss in 9 months. Way it goes though.

Very wise choice mate👍

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@Viper6-MotoVlogger 🙂👍

F the haters mate we're all just jealous of your bikes 😎 Looking forward to seeing how you get on with the Stromberg 🤙

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

Hahaha... here is hoping that I actually made the right choice! :-D hahaha It will most likely be 100% road only on it, so probs not the vids you enjoy, but I do hope it is a bike folk like, as I'm gonna be stuck with it a while! :-D When do you leave on your vanlife adventure?

@MVDBR

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones we're living in the van already but hitting the road maybe end of next week or the week after 🤞 and it's all good mate I enjoy listening to your take on stuff no matter where or what you're riding 🤙

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@MVDBR I am looking forward to your adventures and explores

Congrats dude. Its all about your needs and wants and if the 8S dont fit that then its got to go. And sadly this isnt a private sellers market anymore. I put the duke up for sale 2 months ago and not even had a scammer yet, let alone a genuine buyer. 🤣🤣

@HippoDrones

19 күн бұрын

@@dynamotightstar3472 ahh that sucks mate... normally the scammers are all over private sales

I must admit I will be sad to see it go. However the V-strom 800 is a great choice, essentially the same motor, as you mentioned. 😎

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@MRTPR you'll have to get yourself an 8S as a second bike mate 😁👍

@MRTPR

20 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones just can’t convince the wife 😕

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@MRTPR don't tell her, just get one the same colour as your current bike! 🤣

It’s a bummer that you took a hit on the price, but if you nitpick every choice in life to maximize your financial return, I think you’d probably miss out in some great experiences! It was a lot of fun to follow along with the 8S and hear your thoughts on it, but it makes sense to have something more practical for touring and general use. The V-Strom 800 should be an absolute winner for that!

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@markfortin8286 Aye I was a bit gutted at the depreciation, but is the peril of turning over bikes quickly. I loved the 8S, cracking bike... but I'd possibly never have gotten it had I known about the Yamaha XSR900 GP. The V Strom 800RE will be am amazing bike though, and hopefully one I'll have a lot longer! 😀👍

Hello mate, if you want to change your bike every five minutes it’s nobody’s business apart from yours, I have a tendency to change mine every 18 months. The V Strom in my opinion is a very underrated machine. I live about 3 miles from the Fuel Coffee house and never new it was there 😂 Enjoy the new bike, always exciting times 👍🏻

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@MrSTAdventures you should def pop in, great food

You don't have to justify yourself, bikes are your hobby!! I am guilty of wanting different bikes all the time, I have only had my GSX-8S for a few months and I already want to go back to a cruiser.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

Ahh that is a shame that you are not happy with the 8S... I'd honestly have kept mine had the XSR not taken it's place as the funday bike. What cruiser are you considering?

@Swatto

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones I like it but I would like to flat foot as I take pillion quite often, I am very short so am on balls of my feet when both legs are down. I am thinking the Honda Rebel 1100t. I wouldn't go with the DCT though as I like using the clutch, feels like I am actually riding the bike if that makes sense. I might keep the 8S for a little longer, great bike in general, I just think I am more suited to a cruiser.

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@Swatto ahh that is understandable, especially if you take a pillion passenger... I can't imagine it is very comfy for them on the 8S anyway?

@Swatto

20 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones To be honest, she just loves being pillion - she makes do with the uncomfortable seat on the longer journeys. I think I’m gonna get her to do her CBT. Do you ride cruisers at all? Any recommendations?

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@Swatto awesome stuff... yes def get her to do her CBT, she may still prefer riding pillion, but it could give her a whole new hobby too. TBH, cruisers have never been a bike style I have explored much. I had a demo on a Harley Davidson 48 around 15 years ago and struggled with the forward controls as I couldn't reach them with my short legs.

Blimey! You only had it five minutes!

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@CalmBiker I know, but in truth I'd not have got it had I known about the XSR900 GP and I also felt I had gotten the wrong bike back when I demo'd the 800RE and 800DE

@CalmBiker

20 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones I know the feeling. When I had the Z1000SX I took it in for its 600 mile service. They lent me a Z1000 while I waited. When I tipped in to the first roundabout I knew I'd bought the wrong bike. I think I had it for about six or seven months 😀

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@CalmBiker it is frustrating... but in 33 years of riding and we'll over 30 bikes owned, I've only gotten the wrong bike twice, so thankfully it doesn't happen often! 😁

The weather this year has been utter shite...my 2004 blade has been sat in the dry most of the year...got me looking for something that I will ride in any weather...

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@stubbk3 it really has, and my Yamaha is very much a dry weather only bike for me, so a utilitarian vehicle like the V Strom will give me grotty day riding fun when I want to stay on the tarmac 🙂👍

@stubbk3

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones I've wanted an 800de from the day I saw one something about it just looks right to me at least.. though the new 900gs is close on price too. Maybe in the future

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@stubbk3 the 900GS looks to be a cracking bike, I'd possibly have been tempted by that over the Aprilia Tuareg 660 had it been available at the time I got that!

I've had 6 new bikes since 2020, including an 8s. I needed to sort it out, the issue was I was buying the "wrong" bike and once I'd bought it, it always had a shortcoming of some sort. I've decided you can't go past an ADV bike, they do it all. I tried nearly all of them, and truthfully, most of them would have worked for me just fine. I ruled out all the high-priced European bikes, and it came down to Taureg, DE800, Transalp, Tenere. I decided to stick with the Japanese brands and chose the Honda. Any of those 4 bikes would have been great. I'm very happy with my choice and don't want to buy a new bike for at least a few years, too much cash just getting wasted. I also have a 300cc scooter for the "junk" city miles like errands and assorted useful functions.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@tonyjourneyman1944 adv bikes are very capable allrounders, the only thing missing from the V Strom is cruise control so I might look at fitting an aftermarket one if I can find one at a good price that looks solid

@tonyjourneyman1944

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones One of the things I liked about the Transalp was it had pretty much no add-ons so I could do the things I wanted to do. I added a bash plate, handguards, a usb port up near the handlebars, a top box rack and a taller screen and I've done all I'm going to do I think. Suspension is soft, but its a plush ride so I'm good with it, I have already done a lot of off-road riding, if you slow down to the off road pace I most enjoy riding at the suspension is well good enough. On the road, it's excellent. For some people cruise control is a must. I don't mind, maybe I'll end up getting it, maybe not, I don't know, I've never had a bike with it. That RE800 will be excellent, I'm sure and there's no need to explain it, you are preaching to the choir, everyone here already gets it! 🙂

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@tonyjourneyman1944 cruise control is only really a requirement for me due to a shoulder injury which limits my stamina on longer rides, if my shoulder was fine, I'd def not care so much about it, although it is super handy on stretches of road with average speed cameras mounted! 🙂👍

Dealer loaned me the vstrom 800re while my 8s was in for a service, cracking bike it handles great and so comfy so great choice. watch out for the side stand as there’s not much angle on it when it’s down, I felt the bike could run forward so left it in gear when parked. As for depreciation, you lose 20% due to vat as soon as your new bike leaves the shop and then another 20-30% after first year, it’s the price we pay for new bikes unfortunately.

@HippoDrones

17 күн бұрын

@@Trevster65 yeah, I noticed the RE stand vs the DE stand just has a bend in it LOL

No need to justify your purchases to anyone on the internet, mate. You work, you earn and you can spend your money how you see fit!

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@iansimpson8309 Aye, but to some it could seem gratuitous or wasteful, and I am mindful of that.

I NEVER SAW THAT COMING!!!😯 Is it because you now have an awesome Yamaha?🤔😀 I don't think anyone should have more than one bike, why would anyone need more🤔😀😁👍 Beta rules dude, plenty of lanes still to do down here👌😎

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@mellowr1 haha... well yes it kinda is... the Yam is now my funday bike, so the 8S needs to be more practical 😁 Haha... yeah more than one bike is mental... 😉🤪🤣

Lets be honest, buying new bikes is fun. I changed bikes regularly before buying my MT10. Do what makes you happy, so I look forward to seeing your new bike.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@Banditmanuk Cheers Richard, it is fun... but is also an expensive way to do things, so I am hoping to get a little longer out of the V Strom than I did from the 8S 🤣👍

That was a nice porque there, by the diner. I totally understand swapping bikes, when there seems to be something better on the horizon. I am already on my second, and lately, when I look at it, it has started feeling small. Not lacking power, or comfort or anything. But just visually small. Maybe my eyes have grown larger, who knows...

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@theodorstravels wow, to find your bike small... 😁 The Porker was lovely, I do have a soft spot for the 911 🤩

@theodorstravels

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones Me too, ever since I played Porsche unleashed, as a child

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@theodorstravels there used to be a Porsche dealership in the village my dad lived in, I used to love window shopping there in the '80s 😎

@theodorstravels

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones that's the Porsche shopping most of us could afford 😁

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@theodorstravels aye sadly 🤣

vstrom is a great choice mate.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@haggiswhisperer thanks bud 🙂👍

It certainly looks damp! Oh exciting!!!! Makes sense tho with your newest addition(well newest for now eh) I had a feeling you were going to get that Strominator :P Always sad letting go of a bike, I honestly wish i was better at it tho as I love trying new bikes too. We know you too well you serial bike swapper :P Nothing wrong with it Pete :) Question, does this put the Aprilia at risk? Or is that being kept more off road focussed. Ah, you just answered me :) Ah yeah sucks on the trade in, it's the market too though, prices seem to be coming down everywhere. At the same time I'm a firm believer in just getting what you want, once you can afford the hit. I'm surprised it's not in more demand. That granola looked very tasty. You have your house already mate so what would you be squirrelling away for eh. I personally really dislike the industry I'm on, so I'm the same, if I didn't have bikes and such I would give up on work too. I don't even like big holidays, I'm much happier pootling somewhere on the bike, the Blue ridge parkway trip opened Toaster's eyes to how cheap travelling on bikes is.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

It was pretty moist! 😛 I think I realised when I was test riding the RE and DE for the video I made that I had possibly made the wrong decision getting the 8S... there is nothing wrong with the 8S as a bike in it's category, but for me, I kinda need more from it. The V Strom pretty much covers those needs in all ways other than having cruise control, and I can get aftermarket kits that can sort that if I feel it vital. This absolutely does not make the Aprilia redundant, it possibly makes the Aprilia more useful, as I can keep it shod with more trail focussed tyres, which will allow me to trail ride it better and more than with the more 50:50 tyres that I have been trying, so it will still be my bike of choice for trail riding trips and things like the ABR I imagine, but will see less day to day use on tarmac. I will need to make sure it is happy for potential longer times between use though, and may need to disconnect the battery at times though. I find it crazy that I have not seen more 8S bikes on the road... although there are a few sort of local to me, so maybe they will get popular now the pricing of them secondhand has dropped. Hahaha... I do need new windows and doors on my house, and I might have spent the money I was saving to do that on bikes! 😀but I can always save for new windows another time! 😀 Traveling on bikes is amazing, and yup, you can do it on a shoe-string budget too, and if there is two of you doing it, you can share the kit being carried, so it cuts down on weight etc. I hope you and Toaster get plenty of little breaks away, I know the USA is a lot different than the UK for holiday allowances so it is harder to get time off.

@TheGorillaBiker

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones mildly moist. I get that, completely. It'd be like if I only had the Z900RS, it's a great bike but in a way isn't specialised enough at anything. Could I daily it? Of course. Yeah when you said it in the video that made complete sense to have the Aprilia for that since you do so much of it, and enjoy it so much, and it's such an awesome bike!! Could also do a battery tender!! Me too! Really surprised as most people just use bikes for fun times and it is 100% a fun time bike!!! Windows shmindows. Just duct tape up the gaps :P We both actually have decent holiday days, just have to negotiate them hard :P

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@TheGorillaBiker the Tuareg is a bit odd on a tender, I have a lithium specific one so is correct for the bikes battery, but it still has a hissy fit if I leave the bike a while... which it may still do if I was to disconnect it too, not sure. Haha... the window frames are almost beyond duct-tape repair (if that is possible) 🤣

It is surprising that you are getting the RE instead of the DE other than the seat height difference. I live the height challenged life, just not quite from your level. Thank you for posting.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

I have no need for the DE, my Aprilia is far more capable on the trails.... and both are too tall for me, so I may as well stick with the Tuareg for dirty riding! :-D The RE is for me a road bike, and is a far better road bike than the DE is, even ignoring the height.

@soilsmanadv6673

21 күн бұрын

I don't disagree. Just wanted your response. I would agree that for sports touring the Adventure light versions of these middle weights are the bike to buy.

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@soilsmanadv6673 if I had to lose the 8S and Tuareg, I'd possibly have gone for the DE, but I'd have possibly looked at keeping the Tuareg and getting a second set of wheels with road tyres fitted

Somehow missed this one Pete mate lol..and now I’ve seen the strom before you said you’re getting it 😂…great choice in my opinion. Absolutely no need to justify it at all, you’re an adult and can do what the hell you like with your own hard earned dosh mate!..losing half its value after just 9 months is a joke. I sympathise..lost about 6k myself in the last year trading in used cars after like 2 months of owning them. Never again (hopefully). I keep thinking I could’ve bought two bikes with that instead of just the cb500x, or, bought a brand new bike instead sigh..hopefully I’ll learn from it and build the funds back up for next year. But, funnily enough, we’re about to go on our first holiday abroad in like ten years soon..and yes, bloody expensive!..me, missus, two kids..over £900 each and that’s before spending money sigh. Anyhow..if I was in your position with no ties, I’d absolutely be doing the same..you can’t have too many bikes after all!..look forward to seeing the Strom buddy, ride safe 👏🏼👍

@HippoDrones

16 күн бұрын

Haha... It doesn't exactly have a clickable title or thumbnail 😀 Am amazed it got any views TBH 😀 I was pretty gutted about the part ex value, should have sold it privately, would have got more for it. Am gonna sell the exhaust separately though, so will get a bit for that 🙂 I lost in depreciation on cars enough to have got the car I ended up with new had I just got that in the first place... ended up selling that too, much prefer my van for 4 wheel antics. Holidays are expensive... and you still have to pay the bills at home while you are away too. I hope you have an amazing time though... is good to get away. Cheers Mark 🙂

@MarkOneMoto

16 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones thanks mate, appreciate it..yeah, the two cars of sold were our ‘second’ car, so just for me tottering about…I’ve just kept the old c1 I already had and will just stick with that as long as the old girl keeps going ha ha..cars are ridiculous too..buy an old’ish used one for like 4k and then try to sell it two months later and they’ll give you 1k..then they re-sell it for 4k…so much greed these days mind. I understand people are in business and have overheads etc etc..but surely if they can say make 1k on your trade in..is that not enough?..I remember when dealers used to make around £500 on each sale, these days they’re wanting to make 3k..absolutely nuts, but we the public put up with it..we should be more like the French sometimes I feel..and have a good old kick off now and again 😆…anyway, sorry for the vent..I’m sure you’ll love the strom, bloody gorgeous!

@HippoDrones

16 күн бұрын

@@MarkOneMoto TBH, they will probably only mark it up by £1k as there are others with less miles on them being sold by dealers for similar money. Is the way it goes though sadly.

Wow I couldn’t bring myself to take such a big financial hit! I think you are in a privileged and lucky position to be able to do that buddy, and of course it’s totally up to you what you do 😁. As a side note I’m not seeing a lot of 800DE or REs about so are you worried about being in the same position as you are with low residuals ??

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@iangriffiths9930 it was a sting for sure, and I was pretty grumpy about losing so much so quickly, but I learnt a long while ago to never buy a vehicle for its resale value, and to only buy the things that make me happy. Up until the 8S, that has worked perfectly for me in well over 30 motorcycles. I'm hoping that I'll own the replacement a bit longer so will also be able to absorb any depreciation, and as it is an ex-demo bike, I'm getting it for a good price compared to brand new too 🙂👍

Surprised that you are switching it out so soon, but I get your logic. I mist admit I don't think I have seen an example in the wild, which backs up your stance. As for changing bikes too often or having too many at once...is that even possible! I'm my 39th bike I think. I find the Grenola more worrying! That Porsche 911 was from the best period for them style wise

@HippoDrones

15 күн бұрын

Me too... but the reality is that I'd never have gotten the GSX 8S had I known about the Yamaha XSR900 GP at the time of ordering it, and I think I knew when I demo'd both the 800RE and 800DE that I'd kind of made the wrong decision, kind of funny that I have ended up on the exact bike I demo'd! 🙂 Ha... you are possibly the only person I know who is ahead of me on bike count... although I am catching up! 😀 The granola and yoghurt was yummy 😛 I think I prefer the late '80s 911 Targa as my era and style, but all the earlier ones were lovely... I'd not turn down a new one either TBH 😀

@anthonydonnelly8419

15 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones I am a Lotus rather Porsche guy! Yes you are catching me quickly. The new XSR is stunning and can see why you went for one

@HippoDrones

14 күн бұрын

@@anthonydonnelly8419 🙂👍

I would buy the tail tidy from you if you fancy changing it

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@stevedavey82 thanks for the offer, but the faff is not worth the time unfortunately as to fit it I had to splice a couple of wires.

@stevedavey82

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones ah ok it you change your mind please let me know , I only need the bit what’s bolts on under neath , I’ve sorted a tail light already . Thanks

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@stevedavey82 I think there are probably a lot cheaper options if you don't need the light 🙂👍

No need to justify yourself buying bikes. The only time it would be an issue was if, like some people do, it gets then into serious debt. Re the Beta. I think it's wise to give it another chance but it's just so much bike for trail riding. Perhaps a crf is worth looking at? Light, manageable and with sufficient power off road but able to cope with tarmac as well.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@MrSportster12 thanks mate. Aye, the CRF300 Rally is a consideration to replace the Beta, I'm kind of waiting to see how the other manufacturers respond to the new CFMoto MT450 Rally, because if they do and bring out a similar but very capable adv bike like it, then that could see me happily sell the Beta and the Aprilia for what could almost be the true unicorn motorcycle!

VSTROM bros (sort of)

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@tomstc your my bigger brother from another lover! 🤣

@tomstc

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@tomstc 😁

Hey Hippo, you need to move to Australia. Ride all year round, little shit weather & 6 months of summer. Going to miss the Suzuki beast! I'll keep mine for some time to come because I've toured with it, weekend blasts, commuting, everything. Plus, I'm poor! Cheers! Edit: What colour RE did you get & what are the first things to change/improve? Congratulations!

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@stevesanelli90 hey Steve, I really do... it will possibly happen too... am hoping the next time I visit my mate in Australia to save enough to buy a cheap bike for while I'm visiting, then sell it when I leave. The bike I'm getting is the black version, same bike I demo'd a few videos back. Am not entirely sure on mods yet. I'm going to see if I can make my Akrapovic from the 8S fit it, and if I can't, then a new exhaust will be on the cards. I don't need all the trail protection as it'll be a roadbike, but it would be nice to protect it a little from our winter grime, so a ceramic coat treatment and extended front mudguard and possibly a sump guard, but nothing more than a plastic thing just to stop the road grime flinging up onto the engine.

@stevesanelli90

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones super cool! That would be awesome! What state is he in? Do you know? I hope it's in Victoria? So many great roads! Remember, if you come in our summer, be prepared for becoming a lobster!😉

@stevesanelli90

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones plus, get some handguards & factory heated grips. Don't root around with other brands.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@stevesanelli90 my mate is in Queensland so it'd be that part of the country I'd be headed to 🙂👍

@stevesanelli90

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones you're going to sweat, boil & go insane. I swear, don't go in summer.

I commute and keep looking for something else and possibly dropping to one bike (I have a 98 Fazer 600 with 90k+ miles) I'm disabled and have throttle front brake and clutch on the left handlebar.. I can't have hydro clutch and I'd guess I can't have fly by wire throttle.... Although as an engineer I maybe able to sort but it would be a fkn expensive error if not. I do 70+ miles a day..... Any ideas? Preferably with a Suzuki esk gearbox (slick as fk(I have a gsxr 750 k6)) unlike the yam boxes I've had which are mainly a bucket of neutrals with apparently 6 years in it somewhere 😜.. obvs I can't road test either so ideally get some real world opinions not salesmen bs...

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@loonaticsrunningtheassylum hiya, ahh that does make bike choice complicated. Most bikes are now ride by wire, so the choices with new bikes are slim. Have you considered any of Hondas DCT bikes? I don't know how you'd be able to sort the throttle cheaply, but it'd allow you to just have a front brake lever on the left giving more room to sort the throttle.

@loonaticsrunningtheassylum

20 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones I'm fine with the gear changing the gsxr was mainly a track bike for 2/3 rds of its life... I've heard mixed reviews on the Honda man/auto g box.. plus Honda are/were known to be extremely capable but dull as ditch water lol.... I'm guessing it'll probably be no newer than 2010-13 for the throttle.. the bandit 650 is hydro clutch 🙄.. I quite like the 8 You're on, but you don't rate it for all weathers... 🤔.. I've only ever had yams or Suzuki and in my opinion the Suzuki wins (although not had a newer yam but spoke to a few owners)

@HippoDrones

20 күн бұрын

@@loonaticsrunningtheassylum I was not impressed with the DCT I rode a few years back, but have heard they have improved them.... but not everyone's cup of tea I know. Yeah, the 8S is not a great all weather bike, even before I fitted a tail tidy it was terrible for roost up my back in the wet. The V Strom 800RE has the same engine though, but is a proper all weather bike with a full tail fitted and a screen if that is important to you too. They both have an up/down quickshifter and a cable clutch, so reduces the amount of time you need to use the clutch. It is ride by wire though. I'd def suggest not discounting other brands, bikes from 10 years back are a different generation to current bikes.

Modern bikes just aren't as practical as they used to be. I guess it's because most are not Only transport now. Tails on modern bikes look great until you put the road legal stuff on. Having a wet back isn't a great design. That's a shame about the depreciation. Quite shocked really.

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@paulbudford yeah... I think we all kind of brought it on ourselves with how roadbike design has mirrored racebike design. Thankfully there are still some more practical options available, but it would be nice if the manufacturers could make the fun bikes a bit more usable in bad weather

why you dont go for the transalp?

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@thodoris3790 coz I don't like it

@thodoris3790

21 күн бұрын

@@HippoDrones and you like this vstrom?really?

@HippoDrones

21 күн бұрын

@@thodoris3790 yup, we all like different things and that is a good thing. Nothing wrong with the Transalp, it's just not a bike I like the look of 🙂👍

@iangriffiths9930

21 күн бұрын

I’ve ridden both, Suzuki is a much better bike while riding off road, on road the Honda feels easier to manage as I find the Suzuki to much, as in it feels like I have to concentrate a lot harder to keep it under control… not really sure how to explain it but if I was touring I’d rather have the Honda, if I was riding off road I’d take the Suzuki 👍😁

@thodoris3790

21 күн бұрын

@@iangriffiths9930 you speak about the de vesrion,with the 21" front i guess?