Yep, with discounts like that it's an incredible deal. Can't remember off the top of my head on the USB socket! There is a USB-C socket accessory though.

I got the 606s fitted straight up this time, but I still have the originals as a backup. That's what I did the first time before the bike was stolen, figured I'd wear them out first.

I'd personally go the Hornet of the three I've ridden, but would want to test the GSX-8S to see how it stacks up between those two bikes. I still like something a little sportier, despite how good both the Shotgun and Super Meteor are. I think I'd go the Super Meteor if I'd hit the cruising stage of my riding journey, it's incredibly comfortable, good power and should get a big tick of approval for two-up. The big factor in the Hornet's favour was the engine, I'd definitely be out getting into trouble with that bike more often, out of those options!

@@MotoJournoKris thank you Kris, believe it or not that’s the way I was leaning too. Thank to for the input. From what I can gather the RE’s have amazing personality but lack that reliability. With a 3 year warranty I’m not too worried but I still don’t want the inconvenience of constantly having to bring it to the shop. I wasn’t worried that they lack the speed but I do enjoy hitting limits in the corners so obviously that was a concern too. I like the Suzuki visually better. But I hear the engine of the Hornet is the most fun to explore every time you go for a ride. The electronics also seem slightly better. The weight is better. Cornering has better clearance. More nimble and easy to move around (off the bike). Better for filtering. I like the whole wolf in sheep clothing look to it. When I look at the naked hornet due to its size it excites me because it’s basically the engine with a couple of wheel thrown on. It’s the most naked bike of the naked bike category if you know what I mean. I’m gathering it’s the most playful with the thinner rear tyre, insane engine that will power wheelie, with egging you on sound, and balanced suspension. Whereas the Suzuki is the most sensible. Yet firmer ride, lower ground clearance, lacks a note, heavier but sturdier. I predict out of all 4 mentioned I wouldn’t be as excited to ride it. Looks Meteor Shotgun 8S Hornet Everything else Hornet Shotgun S8 Meteor Well, I’ll try and go for a test ride, hopefully this weather comes good soon. Thanks again!

@@florme6494 There's definitely that thrill factor with the Hornet if you ask me, although I'm a bit biased having bought the same engine in the Transalp! I think it'd benefit from some mods too, to try and spruce up the looks side of things, and with the price I think that's easy to justify.

650s are generally considered the top end of the beginner segment in places like Australia and America, restricted versions like A2/LAMS are pretty undeniably beginner-centric. There's some decent reasons to pick a 650, and some poor reasons, like ego, with lots of nuance in between.

Yep, it can be crazy how what you'd buy or ride changes over the years.

I just had these two scooters for a test, so didn't have either long term to give more in depth thoughts on either, but we think we'll replace the 250 cc Aprilia scooter we had a number of years ago with probably a 300 cc option (or similar) in the next year, mainly because we need something two-up highway capable as one of our personal requirements. Even when we lived in the city we often needed to use motorways so I tend to lean towards the larger capacity options which excel there, but I think that's largely a riding and lifestyle consideration.

I'm 5'11" and the screen is just a tad short. I'm sure one of those clip on deflectors would work. But I went with some $15.00 adjustable brackets from AliExpress. It turns the standard screen into an adjustable screen.

I am 176, and the stock screen is way too noisy at highway speeds. Just ordered a taller screen and side deflectors, as you get a lot of wind hitting your upper torso, not only helmet.

@@martythompson6509 Nice. Thanks for the tip.

@@rideinnl So, at 189 cms it would be useless! Even with a deflector. Appreciate your input. What did you end up ordering? I perhaps need to look at the Africa twin instead as even after 40 plus years of riding, they have predominantly been sports bikes and if I do go off-road it’s with a proper dirt bike.

@@marcusgeorge1825 Tyres... Tyres are fairly individual. Where and how you ride... As well as the feeling you prefer will normally determine tyre choice. Fwiw, I got 6000klms out of the OEM tyres. They were fine on tar and hardpack dirt. But they're a road tyre. I replaced them with Michelin Anakee Wilds. But I mostly do dirt. If I were riding more tar, I'd go with the Anakee adventure. But that's what I prefer. Your experience may vary.😁

Up near Port Macquarie now, so a bit of a sea change there compared to Sydney!

Yep, the focus on two-up riding on so many bikes really seems to have disappeared in favour of styling.

Yea, it's not really a bike that's focused on top speed. There's no doubt they could have fitted a more powerful engine, but I think a lot of the character would have been lost.

The Eliminator is definitely a more lively/sporty option, I think the Shotgun has more character though.

Sounds like it's time to expand the garage!

Thanks! Glad to hear it's helpful!

Didn't have any issues once adjusted to suit me.

I ran the Oggy Knobbs to suit a Duke 390, as the install points are the same.

Honestly, for the day I spent on the bike, the shock performed the best of any bike I've taken along that test route, but I may have just been lucky that it suited me really well. The stock exhaust is enormous though, definitely a priority to replace!

@@MotoJournoKris You’ll really start to notice how the rear shock is lacking if you push it in/out of corners. However, that aside it is an awesome bike. It’s just such a fun bike all around.

Yep, that makes the old model an absolute steal!

We can only hope we get a larger version later!

@@MotoJournoKris Please do a Review on the H2 SX. thanks. You might be one of the only people who can review that bike like a sane normal person.

Fair enough, you want to go with the bike you love the look of!

Not going to lie, I'm hoping the MT gives KTM a bit more competition for the 390 ADV, and we see them battle it out, fighting to offer the best option. It'll be great for riders.

The RE is a little more road orientated with the wheel setup, but probably the biggest aspect was I liked the looks of the Transalp. I think if I'd vastly preferred the Suzuki style I'd have gone the DE.

Yep the DE does seem to get all the accolades as the go-to choice, but I'm pretty happy. Hopefully I can do a comparison between the two at some point.

Yep, the bike sounds absolutely amazing. Hard to believe with so many bikes being very strangled standard! I haven't done a heap of stop/start traffic yet, mainly open roads, but did flick it into sport two up last ride to see if it was a bit smoother. It's a little more aggressive opening the throttle but did seem to help.

I thought so! It's much easier to balance with the extra wheel, although it's not quite at the level of a trike where the bike stands on its own.

I've got a quick onboard video on the way when we did the first two up ride, and I'll definitely be doing a more in depth video. We just need to do some more varied rides and longer rides to get a better idea of how we both feel. First impression was very positive though!

It's such a sleeper of a motorcycle, they really are amazing.

If I could get a really good deal on the '23 I'd go that bike, if it's fairly close between them I'd wait for a '24.

Glad to be of help!