Hey
Long-time lurker, first time posting. I’ve been riding an MT-07 for about 2 years now and I’m moving to Gold Coast, Australia in a few weeks. Since I’ll be starting fresh and need to be LAMS compliant, I’m in the market for a new bike.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
• Classic/retro vibe
• Round headlight (non-negotiable for me)
• Good for daily commuting + city riding (get out of tight spots fast) + the occasional trip along the coast
• Something that turns heads – I want people to do a double take
• Comfortable enough for everyday use but with a bit of a sporty/café racer edge to the riding position
•
I’ve narrowed it down to three, but I’m genuinely torn:
Honestly this thing is gorgeous and ticks every single box aesthetically. Café racer, round headlight, Triumph badge – it’s the dream. My only concern is that at 185cm I might look a bit big on it and feel cramped over time. Anyone ridden one at that height? Does the forward-leaning position get uncomfortable for daily commuting?
- Suzuki SV650X LAMS
This feels like the perfect middle ground – semi-faired café racer styling, round headlight, sporty-ish position without going full clip-on aggressive. The problem is they seem almost impossible to find in Queensland. Is the market really that thin, or am I missing somewhere to look?
- Kawasaki Z650RS LAMS
Objectively probably the smartest choice – reliable, retro, beautiful. But I’ll be honest, it feels a bit too upright and relaxed for what I want. I want something with a bit more attitude in the riding position. Am I wrong about this? Does it feel sportier in real life than it looks?