Pondering my next bike

[manofthefield]

I'll start by saying I love the simplicity and agileness of the GS500.  I'd like to carry this over into my next bike if possible. 

My reason for exploring other options is that my commute is currently about 40 highway miles each way at 75-80 mph and with the current ergonomics of my GS, my neck becomes permasoar from angling my head up to see and holding it there against the wind.  Most of my riding ends up being commuting.  Dare i say, I don't even find my commute enjoyable on the GS?  Maybe I just need taller bars and possibly a windscreen.

But being a brainwashed consumer, the best idea seems to be to get a new (to me) bike.  A cruiser seems like a good comfortable option, but I'm worried that I'd give up too much agileness.  Maybe something like a Sporty or Shadow with a shortish wheelbase would be ok though.  The Versys has really caught my eye recently though.  And they say it is pretty agile... I really like the Buell Lightnings, but don't think I'd be any better off as far as ergonomics go, but maybe I'm wrong.

Thoughts?

[Mk1inCali]

Shadows are not by any stretch of the imagination nimble.  Simple, maybe, but will feel weak (aside from the decent low-end torque) even in the 1100cc version.

I think you'd be fine with anything that had some wind protection.  The GS is not a long-distance freeway commuter, if you want to have any amount of comfort.  My parents live 2.25 hrs away if I take freeway miles, and I'm dead tired and mentally fatigued if I take the GS by the time I get there.  I take the Duc and it's easier than driving a car.

[PuddleJumper]

I put Gen-Tech risers on mine, just for that reason. Mine an '04 so I have the windscreen. However, it's not really tall enough. I can't decide between a tall ZG windscreen or going naked and putting a Plexistar III on. Or just getting a different bike.

If I go different, I'm looking at an 883 Sportster or a Honda 750 aero.
Most of my riding is also commuting, so a lot of power isn't really needed.

PJ

[manofthefield]

Yeah, I don't really know anything about Shadow's, I just pulled it out as a possible Sporty alternative, but I don't really know if there is such a thing.

[Kasumi]

ER6f - Light weight, sporty, resonable sized engine, plenty of power, more upright bars than a supersports, drop dead gorgeous, good mileage and relatively cheap. 

[spc]

Translated: ninja 650r......................................kawi version of the SV

[manofthefield]

Too much plastic, but they do look good for a plastic covered bike.  On the other hand, the Versys is kinda ugly, but I'd rather have a "unique" looking naked bike than a faired bike

[SmartDrug]

The lighning sucks, but it was my vote.  Save you nickles and dimes and buy this badboy.  I rode one at a dealer test day at Road America, friggin incredible bike and I really don't like Buells.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4221047.html

[Caffeine]

I just passed the 2,000 mile mark on my Wee-Strom (DL-650) and I farking LOVE the bike!   

Wind buffetting was an issue at first, which is a common complaint for the bike, but it can be fixed for a couple hundred bucks (Givi windshield and Madstad bracket).

There is no lack of power, but I'm no speed demon. 

My last 3 tanks of gas averaged 58 MPG, and I can go 250 miles before I hit RESERVE.

There are many options for luggage, bags, etc.   Lots of aftermarket parts of all kinds, as a matter of fact!

Did I mention I farking LOVE the bike?

[SmartDrug]

If you're considering a smaller displacement bike, you'd be foolish to not consider this peach:


As the former owner of a Speed Four (the younger brother of the Speed Triple and predecessor to the Street Triple), this bike is incredible and WILL be my next bike.  Smooth, ample amounts of power, comfortable even for my 6'2" 230lbs frame and will knock your socks off in terms of performance.


Hell, just buy my Daytona 955i and I'll buy the Street Triple now.

[pantablo]

vstrom suits your needs best...although that daytona 955i is HOT. So is that street triple.

[manofthefield]

Yeah, the Street Trip is sexy as hell, but like a Buell, I'm not sure how comfortable it'd be for my commuting

[SmartDrug]

The Street Triple has the upright bars just like the Vstrom, while I'd bet that it's a little more aggressive, it's not going to be anywhere near a SuperSport bike.

[The Buddha]

Yeah, the Street Trip is sexy as hell, but like a Buell, I'm not sure how comfortable it'd be for my commuting

OK you will have to stay with a GS.
I cannot tell you how many stories begin like yours, only to end in tears as they go back to the GS.
BTW, the bike I would recomend though especially cos you ahve thrown in cruisers in the mix - Yamaha Maxim 700 preferably water cooled ones, but air is fine too.
Trust me, they dont make them like that anymore, and you cannot buy anything better.
Oh my seca 2 is good as is B6 and B12, 96 and up etc.
Cool.
Srinath.

[DrtRydr23]

Cycle World had nice review of the Street Triple in the November 2007 issue.  It really made me want one, though I won't be buying it.  I can't imagine the Speed Triple's riding position being much different from a stock GS though.  In fact, it's probably a little more aggressive.  To agree with Srinath, don't count the Bandits out.  I've heard good things about the 600s, 1200s, and the new 1250.  I've heard that Honda VTX 1300's handle really well for a cruiser (that "for a cruiser" is the important part).  Besides possibly a sportster, you won't find a cruiser that will handle anywhere close to the same as the GS.  I'm voting for the versys/vstrom, even though I personally don't like either of them.  The v-strom gets great reviews here:  http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/review_list_vehicle.asp?veh=38089

[bettingpython]

I have ridden the VTX's. Seriously I find cruisers very uncomfortable to ride. The lightening is a good choice IMHO it has the upright more standard like seating position and really does handle very well plus that great V-Twin torque.
The new 1125's are supposedly the cat's ass a local rider went and did a Buell Demo day at Cresson MSR in Texas.
I test rode one of the firebolts last year before deciding on the 954, it was an impressive machine but just not my cup of tea.

Honestly of the choices you have listed the lightening is by far the best. You couldn't pay me enough to own a Brit bike right now.

[DrtRydr23]

I have ridden the VTX's. Seriously I find cruisers very uncomfortable to ride. The lightening is a good choice IMHO it has the upright more standard like seating position and really does handle very well plus that great V-Twin torque.
The new 1125's are supposedly the cat's ass a local rider went and did a Buell Demo day at Cresson MSR in Texas.
I test rode one of the firebolts last year before deciding on the 954, it was an impressive machine but just not my cup of tea.

Honestly of the choices you have listed the lightening is by far the best. You couldn't pay me enough to own a Brit bike right now.

What did you think of the VTX's, as far as the ride/performance goes?  Besides being uncomfortable that is.  I sat on a VTX 1300C at a local dealer, and I actually found it to be really comfortable...especially compared to the Harleys that I had demo'd a couple months back.  I did not ride the VTX, but static sitting it felt pretty good. 

[bettingpython]

Static it feels like your recliner at home nice and cushy, but once you add in irregular road surfaces it's not very comfortable, the unexpected bump or pothole at highway speeds especially while on a curving ramp can unsettle you enough to cause a few oh shaZam! moments. My unclle has the 1800 so I have more miles on that but I have ridden a 1300 for a few hours and it handled almost identical.

Now keep in mind though that my couple of exciting moments were at my normal ramp speeds, if you are going to slow down too or below the recommended curve speed it isn't so bad but still not really great. I was not factoring in the the extremely soft suspension and poor riding position for actually controlling a bike rapidly. My uncles  foot boards and crash guards had quite a few of scrapes from me dragging the side of his bike along the ground when I rode it the first time.

Just as an experiment I ran a 35mph ramp at 45mph through the same identical line through a rough patched section,(normally something I run at 90).

The VTX was like a mechanical bull and tried to spit me off.

[DrtRydr23]

Static it feels like your recliner at home nice and cushy, but once you add in irregular road surfaces it's not very comfortable, the unexpected bump or pothole at highway speeds especially while on a curving ramp can unsettle you enough to cause a few oh shaZam! moments. My unclle has the 1800 so I have more miles on that but I have ridden a 1300 for a few hours and it handled almost identical.

Now keep in mind though that my couple of exciting moments were at my normal ramp speeds, if you are going to slow down too or below the recommended curve speed it isn't so bad but still not really great. I was not factoring in the the extremely soft suspension and poor riding position for actually controlling a bike rapidly. My uncles  foot boards and crash guards had quite a few of scrapes from me dragging the side of his bike along the ground when I rode it the first time.

Just as an experiment I ran a 35mph ramp at 45mph through the same identical line through a rough patched section,(normally something I run at 90).

The VTX was like a mechanical bull and tried to spit me off.

You run onramps at 90 mph?  Damn man, I don't usually do 90 on the interstate, much less on ramps.

So it sounds to me like the VTX rides like.....a typical cruiser, but has a soft suspension (which most cruisers do anyway).  Thanks for the info.  I've been considering getting a cruiser to do commuting and to ride my girl around on, and keeping the GS for twisities and stuff.  I ride cruisers a lot differently than I ride more nimble sport/standard bikes.  I scraped pegs on the Harley Nightrod SE when I demo'd it in June, so I know that the lean angle on the cruisers is greatly reduced as you won't find a much sportier cruiser than that (other than a sportster or Streetrod).

Anyway, it sounds like you are a much more aggressive rider on the streets than I am, but if the VTX cruises well and is a comfortable ride I'll probably keep it in the running for a future purchase.

[spc]

I sat on a SV650S today and am going back in the morning to buy it   Very comfortable position if you want or a very aggressive position.  The fairing actually seems rather substantial.

On the other hand.................the place I'm getting the SV from has an 04 vtx for 1895.............needs a gas cap and a rider.
The manager got pissed of about all the trade-ins they had sitting around and dropped the price on everything...........SV is costing me 1900