OT: other bike suggestions

[llamakc]

On a sad note, I sold my GS500, on a happier note, I passed the bike on along to a new owner who was very excited to get her. I rode 1100 miles last week, up the east coast, stopping in Myrtle Beach, in Virginia, and Maryland.

I want to take long rides and 3-5 day trips averaging 300-400 miles a day. What style bike do you suggest? Keep in mind I do NOT want a big Gold Wing-styled bike. I like them naked, loaded down with saddle bags and gear.

Here's an image taken just before we left,

http://llamakc.org/albums/trips2k4/acz.sized.jpg

and the new owner:

http://llamakc.org/albums/trips2k4/aej.sized.jpg

[96gs]

You might want to get a cruiser. If your talking sportbikes the I would have to suggest the SV650/1000S.

[llamakc]

Yep, I figured as much. A cruiser it will be for this bike. Suggestions? I am 6' and lanky. Need a long wheelbase.

[scratch]

New or used? Price range? Size in cc's? Features (like shaft drive, hydraulically adjusted valves, passenger backrest (sissybar))?

[96gs]

If your looking for a good bike, look at a Honda Shadow Spirit 1100. My dad has one and is a little bit faster than our beloved GS. Its basically no maintence except changing oil, keeping it clean, and gassing up every 150 miles. My dad loves it. Brand new the price ranges from $7000-$8500 depending on who you get your from. I think retail is $8000 but he got a realy good deal. Hope this helps.

[JamesG]

I would suggest a YZF600R. Sporty, good gas mileage, decent insurance (for a sport bike), and comfortable.

But since you said naked, and I assume cheap. The SVs are out, both the new and old ones are a bit uncomfortable for different reasons.
DL-650? If you get past the ugly, they are decent bikes, made for eating up miles.
FZ6? Beautiful. up-right posture, fix the hard ass seat and it would be a good ride.

Honda 599 or 919? Over priced for what you get, but are nice bikes.

[Turkina]

Depending on how much speed you need... the FZ1 can be had for a good deal, usually there might be a leftover '03 or '02 model, and it's gotten very good reviews  And the 919 is actually comparable in price to the 599    cause honda overpriced the little one.  You do need to have some twisty fun when you're not loaded down with gear

[chris2992]

cant go wrong with the vfr800 by honda. awsome motor and plenty of sport power but the comfort of a touring bike. plus saddlebags are an option from the factory or aftermarket   and they look nice. i realize it isnt naked but it keeps the wind off the face and looks mean as well.
just my $.02 hope it helps

[Stime187]

Hayabusa?    Oh you said "long trips" not "long 200 mph trips"... nevermind

Scott

[llamakc]

Thanks for the replies. I plan on owning two bikes; one for short sporty rides (something similar to the GS, if not another one that I can talk the wife into riding), and a comfortable bike for longer rides.

By longer I mean 350 miles a day, for about 3 or four days out, and the same back. So a good week's worth of riding/camping.

I do want a sissy bar, long wheel base, CC's should be at least 750 and I'm not against something in the 1100 range. I don't care about chain/shaft/belt yet.

I'm going to go check out the suggestions. Thanks guys!