My next bike should be?

[intergalactic]

OK, so I have 500 miles on the GS. I like it. But the fiance is 5'1" and she will want to ride it, too. So it will get lowered. And it feels a bit small. I am 6'1". And my commute ideally would have an option of 15 miles at 75+MPH or a 45-50 MPH commute. And 75MPH on a GS when you are a bit big for the unfaired bike is not ideal.

So I was thinking about the next bike.

V-Strom (not sure I like the look) edit: same crap suspension as SV650?

The gladius in blue/white looks nice but has the same crap suspenstion as a GS, more or less.

BMW 800 cc (one of the many flavors)

Hornet/ CB600f/ CB900f/919

Is there one I am missing that makes a decent commuter bike?

[bassmechanicsz]

I don't know about how well the bike performs but I like the looks of the kawasaki er-6n which is similar to the versys.  Also i like the looks of the triumph tiger and street triple.

[SteveM]

Gladius in blue (red looks too pink)
SV650
Versys 650
Triumph Thruxton
Triumph Bonneville

[scottpA_GS]

GSX650F AWESOME RIDE! Its like a grown up GS! Last year at our dealership Suzuki came for a large rally in town and took everyone from our 3 stores on a 120 mile demo ride! we would stop every so many miles so everyone could swap bikes... I never got off the 650. I loved it! Very smooth, quite and AWESOME!

That would be my choice unless you want to go cruiser 

[bikeboy08]

my two cents is the sv650.  i saw one the other day, all black, and it looked really nice. doesnt look uncomfortablt, and there are tons of aftermarket parts for the sv650 as opposed to the gs500, so modding is unlimited! (if your into that kinda thing)  if not, it sill looks like a good commuter

[The Buddha]

I'd definetly go with the 800 beemer if you can afford the scratch for it.

The ninja 650 is fne, except its welds and frame looks like it was welded and painted by lepers ... makes a GS look clean.

SV ... meeeeh ... I'd take a 1000 (there was one in Ohio a few months ago - new 07).

Maybe a TL-s ...
Cool.
Buddha.

[Suzuki Stevo]

GSX650F AWESOME RIDE! Its like a grown up GS! Last year at our dealership Suzuki came for a large rally in town and took everyone from our 3 stores on a 120 mile demo ride! we would stop every so many miles so everyone could swap bikes... I never got off the 650. I loved it! Very smooth, quite and AWESOME!

That would be my choice unless you want to go cruiser 

BINGO! I love mine, GSX650F FTW!! 

[commuterdude]

Ahhhh.....I'm having the same dilemma.   Just can't decide.   It's maddening.   Most days I like the Buells, but other days I just can't see how anyone could ride anything but a Triumph.   That new Triumph TBird kicks balls, and I'm not even a cruiser guy.  Or can you say Street Triple.....YEEEOOOOOWWW!   Then sometimes Im thinking FZ1.   Other days I just say screw it give me an SV650.   Or a Ninja 650r.   Dang it.

[Caffeine]

Love my V-Strom!  Lots of boxes and add-on's available, whatever your needs may be.   I have the 650, and it has more than enough power, is very nimble for a tall bike, and I average 56-58 MPG, even at high sustained speeds (80+ mph).

The seat could be more comfortable, but for a commuter, it'll be fine.   If you take a long trip, you might want more padding.

[intergalactic]

Yeah, i think I am down to a V-Strom with a race-tech emulator kit for the forks. Or a 800cc twin BMW (add the letter G, S, F and or X as required, I can't keep them straight)

Or a Triumph speed four.

Love my V-Strom!  Lots of boxes and add-on's available, whatever your needs may be.   I have the 650, and it has more than enough power, is very nimble for a tall bike, and I average 56-58 MPG, even at high sustained speeds (80+ mph).

The seat could be more comfortable, but for a commuter, it'll be fine.   If you take a long trip, you might want more padding.

[brickerenator]

the speed fours are pretty


but i'm partial to the triple

[jserio]

i think i'm a cruiser kinda guy myself. 

[trumpetguy]

Wee-Strom FTW!!!    One of my riding buds has one and its a hell of a bike.  Handles well, accelerates well, the whole deal.

[JStrube]

I'm diggin on the BMW K1300GT...

But I'd do one of the 800's for sure.

[97gs500e]

Have you checked out the Triumph Street Triple? 

[jdw03n]

I want: Vstrom 1000

[intergalactic]

Anything I get will be under $5K, that's for sure. Some days I like the V-Strom. Some day not. Last night I was dreaming of roll on wheelies in 3rd gear. I dunno why. I have never wheelied.

[jserio]

i dream of large breasted topless women cruising down the street holding beers between their knockers.   

[XealotX]

[trumpetguy]

I want: Vstrom 1000

I have read lots of reviews saying they like the V-Strom 650 better.  Rider magazine has a project feature Wee-Strom in the current issue (p.70).  The 650 seems to have that magical combination of handling and power:weight ratio.