Next bike. Advice Needed..!!!

[juggernaught]

Hiya guys,  I was hoping to get some feedback on my ideas for my next bike.  As some of you may know i hope to be selling my GS this spring and am hoping to get  a new bike just as soon.  The bike won't be too much larger in displacement as i really don't need it.  There are 4 that realli interest me.  Now before you say anything about my first choice i do know about it's reputation and expense to maintain..still...having ridden one; it's a really sweet bike and it's less expensive than 2 of my 4 choices.  Anyhow this bike being the Ducati Monster 620.  Next on the list is the SV 650..you all know this bike was rated well.  Then there is the Honda 599.  I sat on this one and it's a perfect fit (i'm 5'6" 135#)  And it's a sweet lookin' bike but the priciest (msrp $7,100) But everyone i know who owns a Honda say they are the most reliable bikes.  Of course they do own Hondas and i see a lot of old ones out there.  Last but not least is the Yamaha FZ6.  I haven't ridden one or even sat on one yet but the research i've done says really  good things about it and it's also easy on the eyes...i might even get to like the mini-fairing....

Anyhow.....feedback is appreciated ladies and gents..

:dunno:

Thanx in advance

Hey...maybe i'll take a poll....decisions...decisions...

[cozy]

Triumph speed four should be considered. like the yama it has adjustable front suspension. Way more powerful than monster, prolly honda too. Price = 6499. leftover 03's might be as low as 5499.
SV650 = 6299
Monster = 6499
Honda = 7099

[juggernaught]

Yikes...i never considered a Triumph..i thought it would be kinda pricey but i'll have a look...the speed four is a sweet lookin' bike.

Thanx  

[john]

The honda 919 (the 599 big brother) is always discounted at dealers -it isn't a very popular bike.  The 599 will end up the same way -too bland.  Wait on the 599.  Talk them down or walk because the Yam or even zzr600 are a better deal.

Last June I could have bought a brand new 900 for $7400 -thats $600 less than sticker.  They can't give them away I'm tellin ya.  Look at the new FZ6 it's cheaper -a MUCH better deal and Yam makes a hell of a bike and you will have better resale price.

I guess I am trying to steer you away from this particular line of Hondas because as a motorcyclist I find then very lackluster.

[juggernaught]

Actually the Yamaha is the one i've been leaning towards lately.  I need to look at a real one for sure.

[scratch]

Honda owns whaling ships!

[CasiUSA]

All those bikes are great choices. My pick would be the SV. You get the best bang for your buck, and great performance.
I am not sure about this, but I also heard a rumor that the first valve adjustment on the monster is close to $1000.
Not too familiar with the speed four, other than the fact that is sweet looking and relatively an exotic bike.
What can I say about the 599? It's a tried and true classic as the Hornet, but the price is a bit steep considering what you're getting.  The only justification is that bulletproof Honda motor.

Either way, Keep us posted.

Good Luck with your buy!

[pantablo]

I dont hink Triumphs are exotics...not by price, or reputation.

I've got a deal presented to me by dealer for new 03 at $5500, or 1k  miles demo 03 for $5200. Even their top tier 600 is on par with the japanese bikes, not the italians.

Worth a look.

[BanannaMan]

I would wait another year before getting an FZ-6.
Mototcyclist mag. says they have a Fuel Injection glitch causing big time  hesitation at normal riding speeds. (needs re-mapping)
I would wait till they got that sorted out if the FZ-6 is your choice.

My $0.02.....(like anybody cares)....Never buy first year anything.

If you're looking for a "bigger GS" get the 599 or the FZ-6
If you desire something a little sportier...get the SV or the duc.

For my money it's hard to beat the speed/handling/reliability of the SV's.
If you don't do your own maintenance....figure $$$ onto the duc price.

[JLKasper]

From what I've read, the '03 SV line were disappointments on the sales floor.  This might explain why the '04s have yet to appear.  You could probably find a holdover for less than any other bike you're considering.  However, I don't think you can go wrong with any bike mentioned up to now.  Do some research about maintenance expenses on the M620 before you buy.  It's my sentimental favorite among the ones you mentioned.

[vtlion]

I gotta say.... if style is what you're after, get the Monster620.  I was in the dealership last weekend and they had a Monster620Dark parked right next to a new 749.  I swear, the 620 STILL looked good.  Any bike that doesn't look like a pile of crap parked next to a 749 is ok with me  

the Honda 599 is a sweet little bike, but waaay overpriced IMHO.  When I went shopping, it was the first bike off the short-list.

don't know much about the FZ6.  They weren't in the showrooms when I went shopping.

and of course, you can't go wrong with the GS's big-brother  :mrgreen:

[ScottWV]

I would wait another year before getting an FZ-6.
Mototcyclist mag. says they have a Fuel Injection glitch causing big time  hesitation at normal riding speeds. (needs re-mapping)
I would wait till they got that sorted out if the FZ-6 is your choice.

My $0.02.....(like anybody cares)....Never buy first year anything.

I've read this too, but some reviews I read from people who bought one says they haven't had major trouble, and it seems to get smoother after breaking in.

Looks like DynoJet is on top of it, a Power Commander will be ready to ship next month:

http://www.powercommander.com/410-411.shtml

But yea, I'd never buy vehicle the first year either.  Although If I had the money for the FZ6, well maybe... I really love that bike!

Edit: Here's some reviews on State 8 Motorcycles' website:
http://www.state8.com/review_list_vehicle.asp?veh=8784

[500rider]

Juggernaught:

I've sat on the FZ6 and it is a comfy bike (in the showroom anyway).  I thought the faring was a little cheesy though ...   but how can you go wrong with a bike that has an R6 engine (albeit detuned).

If you're looking at the FZ6, what about Kawi's Z750.  I think it looks awesome ..  but that's all I know about it.  It has a few more ponies though.  If you have a couple years riding it should be Ok though.  I rode a Buell M2 after only one season.  You just have to be sure of where it's pointed before you crack the throttle!

Rob

[juggernaught]

Thanx yall...!!!
That's some awesome feedback..!!!
Like i said i havent been on an FZ6 but i do like it alot.  ANd the 620...the price is reasonable and it actually comes with a 2 year warranty...but even in NYC the nearest dealership is about 50 miles away (and a friend of mine said she paid 25 bucks for shims on her big "D".  that kinda freaked me out a bit.  The SV is also sweet but to be honest i never actually tried one out..so i will.  The Triumph i'll look at as well.  I'm trying to keep it under $7K for a brand new bike.  ANd i need something that won't burn out in NYC traffic but that can manage the NJ Turnpike if ya know what i mean.  First and foremost a reliable bike.  ANd she's gotta be pretty  

[mrslush50]

brand new SV's can be had at the right dealer for under 5K. (standard model)   it's hard to justify buying any of the other three bikes you mentioned when the SV is that low.  (Of course that may not be possible in New York State...)