Help me choose a new bike!

[Matt V]

[cernunos]

Superglide? Love the GS and the forum.

C.......

[scratch]

I would think the DL would be the more upright and comfortable of the two; along with more torque available from the v-twin vs. the i4. Parts are getting harder to find for the Bandits.

[mastrind]

.....the SV isn't difficult to convert to more comfortable ergos....it'll cost some initially, but most of the cost can be reclaimed selling removed parts on the sv forums or ebay....

....the dl650 (little vstrom) is the same engine as the SV, but it's nowhere near as sporty looking or handling.....also there are a TON of aftermarket parts for the SV....(hint...hint)

....the other bike that you mike like is the katana.....I had a 2000 kat 750....sporty appearance....and comfortable ride.....the only thing I didn't like was the headlights.....which combined with insurance costs (I don't know why they were high for me) drove me to the SV....btw....I pay about $500 yr for FULL coverage on the SV....which is another important factor when you get a new bike....

[J-Double]

I have 2 suggestions; but I don't know how much you're looking to spend.  I would suggest either the Honda VFR or the Triumph Sprint ST. You could probably find a 2004 Sprint ST for a really good price since the 2005 are totally redesigned.  Also, the hard bags come standard.

I would also suggest checking out http://www.sport-touring.net

Hope this helps.

[cernunos]

Superglide Sport? Love the GS500 and this forum.

C.......

[Stephen072774]

Yeah I second the VFR if it fits your bank account... It won't fit mine

[Matt V]

Thanks for all the info, I do appreciate it.  Feel free to keep the commentary coming!
 
I looked at the VFR but sadly not in the budget.  
HD - not my cup of tea.  
Sprint ST  maybe, I think that's a near liter displacement, possibly a bit much for me.  
Modding an SV that's a possibility I'll look into that.  

Matt

[Daniely]

Im 6'2" and 220lbs. I know that sittin upright is nice, but with the GS i sat way to upright and caught alot of wind blast. I got this 99 CBR F4 now, and man is it comfy. Its got just the right amount of lean forward, not to straight up, not to laid forward, doesnt hurt my back. The seat is broken in and is VERY nice (even if it is ripped). I assume as soon as I get my plastics on it after they are painted (rollin streetfighter ATM) that the wind blast will be greatly reduced. I would recommend a CBR to anyone, however, not a 2003+ rr. I rode my buddy's new RR, most UNCOMFORTABLE bike in the world. The seat is like plywood, and the reach is just too dang far. I would HIGHLY recommend an F4 though, they can be had for around 3 grand. I got mine for around a grand . The bikes are out there, just dont jump on the first thing to come along.

[Sir Smapty]

I vote for the katana.  sporty looking, but not sport seating.  A good sport-cruiser.

[john]

The Kat 750 might be comfortable to you.  Also the YZF600 is considered a damn nice bike.

[gs2sv]

have you taken a look at a speed four, the ergos are pretty good and the flyscreen actually does a great job of deflecting a good amount of windblast. it's an I4 but is tuned for pretty good low and midrange. you can find a 02/03 used for around $5000.00 or so, and even brand new they are an awsome deal.

[mastrind]

The Kat 750 might be comfortable to you.  Also the YZF600 is considered a damn nice bike.

yeah....I like the yzf's too.....I've heard lots of good things about them......except for insurance....I've heard it costs the same as the R6....

.....other good bikes to look for are the kawi z-750, honda 599, and yamaha fz-6.....the only downside is that all three bikes are only in their second year of production....that means few used vehicles around and few aftermarket goodies available....

....your best bet may be a used SV (hey I just love the SV)....the first gen bikes (99-01) didn't have as aggresive ergos, plus you have your choice of naked or fully faired...

....you can change from clip-ons to handlebars for less then $100 (on 99-01 if you have the mechanical ability to do the work yourself and know where to buy most of the parts.....EBAY baby).....then you can recoup just about all of the expenses via ebay.....

.....