New Bike Advice

[Villager]

I would have loved the have kept my GS500 even if I bought another bike, but after it was stolen I am moving on to pastures new. Problem is, I don't know what I want to replace it with. I know the qualities it should have, but it's difficult to test bikes so I want your sage advice.

It must:

- Be bigger than the GS, both in size and engine. Don't have to be the fastest bike around, but I want it to be substantially quicker than the GS.
- Be comfortable for longer journeys, but not look like a tourer.
- Look special. I want something different. To give you an idea of what I like, I love the Moto Guzzi Breva, the Triumph Street Triple, Ducati's Monster, the MV Brutale, but I've never ridden any of them.
- Be unfaired. I want to see that engine.
- Be forgiving. I know I'm an amateur, and I need a bike that's not going to throw me into the first tree I come across because of that.

[simon79]

Glad you're back on the market
if I had to get a new bike after the GS, I'd pick a Suzuki SV650.
Cheap, reliable, the natural step-up from its 500 cc sister. And reportedly one of the best engines (V-twin) around.
Downside, a soft front fork arrangement as they say in the GS, but after all my GS is stock and it's never bothered me. YMMV.
The Bandit 600-650 is also worth a look, bear in mind though that it's a 4-cyl (different engine behaviour) and is reported to be heavier.
Other brands...let me see, the Kawasaki ER-6 range is not bad IMHO. Parallel twin like the GS, but more oomph. The naked version (ER-6n) looks a bit quirky (headlight), but in the end you get accustomed to it.
Only my two cents, there's plenty of good bikes out there anyway.
Good luck with your search

[ohgood]

I would have loved the have kept my GS500 even if I bought another bike, but after it was stolen I am moving on to pastures new. Problem is, I don't know what I want to replace it with. I know the qualities it should have, but it's difficult to test bikes so I want your sage advice.

It must:

- 1) Be bigger than the GS, both in size and engine. Don't have to be the fastest bike around, but I want it to be substantially quicker than the GS.
- 2) Be comfortable for longer journeys, but not look like a tourer.
- 3) Look special. I want something different. To give you an idea of what I like, I love the Moto Guzzi Breva, the Triumph Street Triple, Ducati's Monster, the MV Brutale, but I've never ridden any of them.
- 4) Be unfaired. I want to see that engine.
- 5) Be forgiving. I know I'm an amateur, and I need a bike that's not going to throw me into the first tree I come across because of that.

1) sv650, ninja 500, fz6, honda hornet (599), vstrom

2) fz6 (way yes), fz1 (a little too big?), sv650, vstrom

3) pfffffffft, sorry, that's silly, can't help ya - those bikes are mega money, and not conducive to dropping/wrenching/newbies

4) sv650 (non-S model), hornet (or buy what you want and pull the plastics for later

5) sv650, fz6, hornet

i listed them in order of better match to less of a match for each request. the sv shines in commuting, touring, and reliability. the fz6 is a 4 banger, but smooooth. the street triple and ducati will cost you big time on the front end, and for any drops they suffer. did i mention big time $$$ ? ok, cool.

let us know what you pick

[Kasumi]

SV650 ruled out because everyone bloody has them. Get an FZ6 a beatiful and quick little bike, or the new Hornet or a Street Triple

[ohgood]

SV650 ruled out because everyone bloody has them. Get an FZ6 a beatiful and quick little bike, or the new Hornet or a Street Triple

hmm, never understood folks not wanting the best product, simply because their neighbor has one. :|

[Kasumi]

I agree with that, you shouldn't not get it because everyone has one if its actually the best out there. That would be stupid, like cutting of your nose to spite your face. There are many other bikes out there though that are as good if not better than a SV.

[AFMO]

I'm gonna run with criteria #3 on this--Look around for a 1-3 year old Ducati Monster, in either the 695, 696 or S2R800.  Sure, they cost more in maintenance, but they've got SOUL.  Incredible looks, something different, keeps the naked look (and does it the best IMO).  Thing is, your criteria of being a good long trip bike and a naked bike make it tough--naked bikes sacrifice wind protection for looks and less cost if you drop them.  I think you can get used to it--get a good helmet and use earplugs, and the naked thing isn't a big deal.  As for forgiving, research the ducatis that have the wet clutch and you should be fine (a ducati trademark is dry clutch, but the lower size models have wet clutches). 

Did I mention they look great?  Intoxicating to look at.  Most likely not the highest performer nor the cheapest maintenance wise for your dollar, but they sure do get you excited to ride.