What Would/Did It Take to Switch Bikes?

[red_phil]

I'm currently looking into what bike I want to move up to.
I currently have a 94 GS500 E and definately prefer naked bikes.
I looked at 5 areas to compare them.
Price obviously.
Maneuverability (mainly looking at weight and wheelbase).
Power (looking at top speed and torque/weight ratio)
Economy (looking at MPG, reliability and insurance class)
Endurance (looking at range between refuels, reliability and seating)

My shortlist so far is (in rough order):
Suzuki SV 650 -
ok price, good maneauverability, good power, ok economy, poor endurance.
(unfortunately it's a bit ugly)

Yamaha XJ 600 N Diversion -    
cheap, ok maneuverability, poor power, ok economy, good endurance
(but I crave more power)


Yamaha FZS 600 -
bit expensive, ok maneuverability, good power, poor economy, ok endurance
(if I could afford one then probably)

Honda CB 600 F Hornet -
bit expensive, good maneuverability, good power, poor economy, Poo endurance
(too sporty, too high revving, too squidly)

Suzuki GSF 600 -
cheap, ok maneuverability, ok power, ok economy, good endurance
(could do with more power, but is what it's got enough?)

Kawasaki ZR-7 -
ok price,poor maneuverability, ok power, ok economy,    good endurance
(bit too heavy for where I park really)
   
Suzuki GS 500 -
dirt cheap, good maneuverability, poor power, good economy, good endurance   
(I crave more power, did I mention that?)

Ducati 600 Monster -   
bit expensive, good maneuverability, poor power, ok economy, ok endurance
(ok for in town, but it wouldn't cut it on the open road)

Suzuki GSX 750 -
expensive, poor maneuverability, good power, poor endurance, poor economy
(well it looks nice at least)

I think I might analyse these things too much, but I've got a year to kill before I can move up in bikes and I can;t really afford to get it wrong.

[DMac]

I don't know about you guys, but I just talked with my insurance guy and he mentioned the top choices for cheapest insurance (in Cnadada and Cali it is brutal) Here they are:
FZ6 , SV650S, SV1000, BANDIT 650, KATANA, ZZR600, Z750S, DUCATI MONSTER 620
This list is most likely different for each person but thats kinda everything afforadable for me and from that list I'm really looking at getting an F6, after some cosmetics work I think it'll be a great fit. Esp w/ the new untail exhaust.
Just wanted to post what I know for those that care (or don't lol)
Have a good one!

[RedShift]

A worthy list of contenders, Phil.

I like your criteria.  As you rhyme through them it appears that you may be favouring the Suzuki products -- noteably the SV650 and Bandit.

Your point of craving power is common to many, even me.  On a bike it seems less necessary that with four-wheeled transportation -- for sure it's easier to get.  Even the GS500 will beat the majority of the them off the line.  But to be the master of a machine that can lift the front or break loose if coaxed has a sinister appeal.  

The older I get, the less it seems to matter.  Having the wind in my face is the thing, though if it be achieved with that bit of Zing!, that's stuff smiles are made of.  

Roy...

[RedShift]

I don't know about you guys, but I just talked with my insurance guy and he mentioned the top choices for cheapest insurance (in Cnadada and Cali it is brutal) Here they are:
FZ6 , SV650S, SV1000, BANDIT 650, KATANA, ZZR600, Z750S, DUCATI MONSTER 620 ...

I'll have to run this list through the Progressive.com Quote Machine and see if it agrees with you for my case.