The S model came with Sachs suspension, and it's impossible to find a setting that isn't either really uncomfortable, or really unstable. Granted this has been my only Tuono, but the forums mention all the problems that I have with mine. Granted the gearbox is probably related to having been thrashed in a prior life, as these things don't tend to get ridden gently. I'll say that opening up the jet that oils the clutch pack helped a little bit with the shifting, but it's still super notchy. I think the gas tank is also starting to go as all the stickers are starting to bubble from it outgassing through the plastic. The starting is really mainly just a poor ground design in the electrical system, so if you don't have a super topped up battery it doesn't like to start. Getting a really high cranking amp battery helped somewhat. Does awesome wheelies though.
Looked at several bikes; man, there is a lot of overpriced junk out there. Ended up with a 2010 Kawasaki ZX6r, red. 11,000 miles overall, pretty good condition, and mostly stock. It will be 98% street commuter. Has a Yosh slip-on but still has the cat(maybe a cat eliminator crosses over pipe) and fender eliminator. Thinking I probably will leave it as is. The power seems solid. If I get back to the track I may mess with the suspension. What is the go-to mount for a phone on a sportbike for occasional GPS use? I also use WAZE daily to help avoid any blue light specials. I have a Bluetooth helmet, so should I stick with voice?
I know it was tempting, but the wife set a 5k budget. The RC51 is still on the bucket list to get back unfortunately, now wasn't the right time. I got the Kawi for $5200. Pretty sure from what you described and the miles on that RC51 you will get significantly more than that for it.
Sheesh, you only gave us 3-4 days to advise you. You must be in a lot better shape than me to consider commuting on a 600. For a mere $800 more you could be ripping wheelies in comfort on my GSXS1K
I stay off 1k for insurance and sanity issues... I had an r1 for about three months...best/worst three months of my motorcycling life. Passing my wife doing standup wheelies almost got me divorced. I can usually handle about 1.5 hours. My r6 was mostly a track bike I occasionally rode on the street. 20 minutes is about right!
I'd bet the ZX6 insurance is more than the GSXS, but you're 100% correct about it being stupidly fast for the street. The upright seating and saddlebags make it at least appear to be "responsible"
Misread and threw an R in there out of habit. Yes, the GSXS is a great bike! Yes, at almost 51 and commuting on a supersport may not be the best choice. Call it a midlife crisis!
its not the seating or bars... its the 10,000 rpm buzz to be a peak torque and somewhat legal speeds.
So the starter was made in Thailand. NBD Except for China, I think you'd be pretty hard-pressed to find one vehicle where all of the components that go into it are made in one country.
The point is the smug sales guy was convinced himself and trying to convince me every last nut and bolt was eye talian. Yes, I took pleasure in pointing out the sticker. It could have said UK and would have been just as rewarding
Yeah, I just saw this today or I was going to strongly advise looking at a Triumph Street Triple - that's the perfect bike for commuting (no better lane splitting bike exists) and for a few trackdays a year. Plus you can sit up like a human being while you ride it.
+1 I'm glad OP got a bike and seems to be happy with it, but man, seems like better/more comfy bikes are out there for commuting. Commuting on a 13 yr old crotch rocket ain't for me....to each their own though. I'm seeing several GSXS 750 in or within a few hours of Knoxville in the $5k range....Some with a scratch or two but nothing serious. I'm going to look at an FTR 1200 today, so wth do i know. You'd think my '16 Tuono would check that box.