Thanks, that's helpful; so if I did get the MT09 and stuck it on B-mode until my confidence/skill level was up, then I'd have a fun, easy bike to ride - according to you and the reviews I just read of the DL650.MT-09 in B-mode reminds me my previous DL650... It is a light weight bike, easy to use on the road with progressive brakes.
But if i had to choose MT-07 i would prefer... Versys 650 !
Yep, but I only have one option; the 07 isn't available here, in a non-learner form. But how do you think someone with only 10,000kms of riding a 45hp 620cc bike is going to get on with handling the 09 in B-mode, before I'm able to master it a bit and move onto standard mode? Thanks.I've had both bikes. No brainer MT09 is king
That's great to know mate, thanks a bunch. I'll get a test ride sorted for next weekend! :-Ddon't waste your money on the MT07. Its a great great bike but you will get bored with it like i did. I had done less than 1000 mile son a 125 before I bought it. I then did 3800 mile son the 07 and now bought the 09. Its far more refined because its a triple. Yes the handling is a bit more tricky but thats because its more powerful, slightly heavier and the desire to go faster creeps in! Anyway thats my opinion. I have the deep armour will post a review video soon
I had an MT07 for 8 months. Crashed it lightly as I slid on gravel in a turn on a shitty road, the insurance company wanted to buy me a new one instead of repairing, the dealership didn't had the color I had and wanted, so I was a bit forced to go with something else, so I took the MT09.
Differences are quite a few. First thing you notice, as you push it around, the weight difference. Not a lot, but you feel it. I loved how light the MT07 was. If I dropped a glove, I could actually pick it up from the ground without getting of the bike, not worried it will fall over if I tilt too much. Not exactly the same with the 09.
Then, as you get on the bike, you notice a more upright position (which I like) and the foot pegs are located more backwards than on the MT07 (which I personally don't prefer, but it's ok).
The seat on the 09 is complete disappointment. On the 07 it has more padding, so you can ride at least twice longer without getting the butt numb. The shape and angle on the 09 makes you slide towards the tank when slowing down and it's not comfortable with such a narrow support for your ass and the groin being pressed against the tank. (I am trying to get the seat modified or replaced)
Road comfort is much lower on the 09 compared to the 07. You feel every fine surface irregularity in your hands and butt. And when going fast, it feels that the tires are not in good contact with the surface if the road is not perfectly smooth. Makes you want to go easier in turns. Crossing a railroad is quite uncomfortable on the 09 while it was no problem on the 07. It could definitely use some higher quality suspensions.
Still on the comfort topic, the throttle... Riding slow, at any speed under ~60 km/h, at a constant speed, is awful. On the 09, with the throttle perfectly still, the engine is so rough it almost jerks your head back and forth. So you end up varying the speed a few km/h up and down, so that it's either accelerating or decelerating, for the ride to be smooth. This behavior is not present with the 07, which provides a very pleasant city ride. (I am working on getting a few mods to solve this problem. If I don't manage, I will sell the bike.)
About the engine, there is no doubt about it, the 09 feels twice more powerful. I didn't feel the need for more power before, the 07 can definitely pull you properly from a stop light. But it's quite fun and exciting to have the bigger one. I can't wait to take the 09 to the race track this summer.
So, if power, acceleration is what you care most about, the choice is indeed a no-brainer. If you like to cruise in the country side, the 09 is definitely not the better choice.
Looks is a matter of taste, but if you ask me I still like the 07 better, with it's streamlined rear end and without any whole under the seat through which you can see on the other side (I bought an infill panel for the 09 to make it look more .. complete).