Bandit vs SVS for two up?

[ohgood]

DrtRydr23 -

Sorry, I don't have seat time on either bike other than showroom with the wife pillion. Figured I'd state that up front, since the thread is wandering.

From every bike she 2up'd with me, she liked:

Vstrom (I know you don't like it, but it has a following, and earned it)
Hayabusa (don't know why, but she did)
Ninja 500ex / 500r (actually said it was the most comfy, and didn't feel like sitting on a bus)
FZ1 (this one ran a very close second to the ninja and vstrom)
some cruiser POS (don't remember, no one would care anyway       )

That said, every dealer we've gone to had the same points to make. We suggested a 2up machine for FUN not SPEED and they walked immediately to a FZ1 or Vstrom. At the buell dealer, one decent gent actually suggested the same thing, and said the 4 cylinder bikes were smoother powerhouses, and wouldn't 'upset your bits' like a bit v-twin. Go figure.

We aren't the type to plunk $15-$20 grand on something to impress the neighbors. They can snub us for all we care. The FZ1 and Vstrom both have a heritage that is just shy of GoldWing big, in many ways.

I hope you can get some test rides on both, and give the looks a while to grow on you. After all, you can't see the thing while you're riding it. You sure can appreciate a reliable, fun ride as you're juicing it though !

Good luck, keep us posted please.  We're also looking for a larger ride soon. I'll not sell my gs unless dire straights upon us. It's intended to be my son's first ride in 15 years or so.