So after doing a 1,500 overnight ride on my Duke 890R on almost 100% backroads last year I came away loving the experience but wanting more long distance comfort, better fuel range, and some more luggage capacity.
I then scored a great deal on a '21 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory and aimed to use that for touring and fun riding. But after doing some test runs locally I'm averaging 26mpg on the fun roads, which means fuel range is barely 120 miles and that's with constant worries about finding the next gas station when I'm somewhere deep in a national forest.
The obvious choice is a 1290 GT because it has the same kind of personality as the 890R (albeit a bit less frantic). The Tracer 9 GT is interesting because the CP3 900cc triple is very reminiscent of the 890R engine and is supposed to be lightweight and nimble for good cornering. The Ninja 1000SX is interesting because it leans to the sporty side of things with good comfort and a strong motor, but it seems more of a highway tourer than a twisty backroads kind of bike. Both the Yamaha and Kawasaki will most likely be more reliable.
I am looking at 3 local bikes, and seems like every hour I change my mind:
1. 2017 1290 GT, asking $10,700. 9k miles, Akrapovic, heated passenger & rider seats, bigger screen, new tires. Looks in new condition, very well maintained.
2. 2023 Tracer 9 GT, new, asking price would likely be $12,900 + $750 shipping. stock.
3. 2023 Ninja 1000SX, technically used but basically new, asking $13,100. 1k, Akrapovic, luggage (it's a $1,300 option if you buy a new Ninja), heated grips (also an option). Rich guy bought it and traded it in for an H2 a month later.
So the GT is the cheapest, but the other two bikes are basically new with full warranties. The Tracer doesn't need anything although I hear the seat is an issue and I may need to invest in an aftermarket one. The Ninja comes with the options you'd want.
I've not ridden the Ninja, I will tomorrow. I liked the Tracer on a demo ride, feels light and nimble, fun engine, but it's very adventure-upright and it doesn't feel like it makes me want to attack corners. The GT is obviously the rowdiest of the bunch but again, I have my Tuono for when I want to rip around on a weekend.
In an ideal world I would be able to tour on the Tuono, but barring that, what would make the most sense as a companion bike? I would use it for commuting, shuttling my wife to events from time to time, and a couple "big rides" a year.
I guess one thing that's telling - I am not posting this on a Yamaha or Kawasaki forum. I love the Aprilia and KTM online communities and I don't think I would join either of those even if I had one of their bikes.
