Given those needs in a bike, it makes less than no sense to go to an I-4.
Your dealers suck. I have always been able to ride any bike I wanted by asking. It's test rides that sell bikes.
For me, the main reason for switching was having a reliable bike that *I* don't have to work on (much). I love the Baby G, but I'm not exactly a huge wrencher (heck, I get all proud and cocky when I hold a wrench correctly and manage to screw in an allen thingie w/o hurting myself or the bike!). Another thing I was looking for was a slightly less standard riding position. I found everything I wanted and more in my SVS.
My Baby G has now gone to someone who could work on bikes in his sleep with both hands tied up! He's already digging around in the carbs. The Baby G will be purring and lookin' all purdy again in no time!!! :thumb:
Quote from: RedShift...If you switched bikes, what was your reason? Why did you Switch?
And for those that are like me, just thinking about trading up or out, what would it take?
for me, the gs500 was always a stepping stone between my MSF course and my sportbike. to that end it was fantastic. I dont miss it at all though (remember I do the opposite riding to you, I ride trackdays and canyons ONLY).
When I got my 600rr I thought it would be another 6 months of riding before I got my sportbike legs so to speak...nope, I was fully up to speed by my 3rd or 4th ride. it took me another 6 months before I got to the track but since that day, I've gone to the track almost once a month.
Quote from: RoadstergalGiven those needs in a bike, it makes less than no sense to go to an I-4. .
You may be right. The only real peeve I have should be easily solved with $170 for an AirHawk.
Quote from: RoadstergalYour dealers suck. I have always been able to ride any bike I wanted by asking. It's test rides that sell bikes.
Dealers around me have been subsisting reasonably well by selling to the already sold. With $2-$3/Gallon gas, they're quite happy not generating used vehicles or dealing with the paperwork to prevent law suits, or so they say. Sales are good -- why take chances?
I'm not disagreeing with you. I just get this "take it or leave it" attitude from my sucky dealers.
I'm half inclined to drive 3 hrs down to Toledo and visit
Honda East. These guys know how to move two wheels and are willing to win one's business. (Of course, I'd have to have more than no sense to switch.) 8)
I'm waiting to get a little more experience until I move up to my next bike which will more than likely be a YZF-600R. From what I read it seems like the perfect bike for me. At least from what I've read it seems like the perfect all rounder for me. I haven't ridden one, but I've sat on it and it's so comfortable. The GS does serve my needs well, but I want to run the 1/4 mile in 11 seconds along with daily commuting and track days as well. Concerning maintance, I don't know if this is a help or hindrance, but it is carbed.
And like Pantablo, this bike is my stepping stone. My original plan was to get the cool looking newer super sports and I will do as many track days as money will allow me, but I love riding and I love riding long distances and I just don't know how relaxing it would be for me to ride 100 miles up to the strip, race all day, and ride back 100 miles. I've done it on the GS already and I'm not sure how comfortable a 600 super sport will be like. I have a feeling that the YZF-600R is much more like the GS in that respect and it should be okay and comfortable to do every week.
Remember I don't know how the newer super sports will actually be after having gotten used to them so I can't honestly say. Take what I said with a grain of salt. It's my newbie opinion.
Quote from: pantablo... I dont miss it at all though (remember I do the opposite riding to you, I ride trackdays and canyons ONLY). ...
True. I am a recreational rider. I ride to work, I take off for a few hours or an all-day trip, but almost always end up at home again after the day is done. Someday I'll sign up for a track day, but don't need an SV650 to do that, just fresh tires. :)
For that kind of riding I don't need another bike. I haven't lost the thrill of riding the GS500, but still have this nagging feeling that there's something better over the hill.
Shoot, I can't really explain why I would want to switch -- it's not logical. Perhaps it's a form of greed. :dunno:
A longing for the new and hip. That's steered me wrong, and I ended up back at the 500. I have pretty much the same riding patterns as you.
Dealers are like that here to, no test rides what-so-ever. You can have them start it up and listen but they won't let you test ride, even the used bikes. The dealers here say it is an insurance thing, ok can't fault them there. I plan to go down to the dealer show and test ride my ass off, i think its in kentucky somewhere in the spring. I however won't be replacing the GS anytime soon.
That thread about the Ducati Monster's got me looking at them, not that I'll be upgrading anytime soon. But man I think those M750's are hot! :mrgreen:
I think my ZZR is on its way out the door come spring time...jus not what I want...
Well I am just getting my Katana on the road over the last week or so and put on about 150 miles. I still have the GS but the plan is to sell it in the spring.
The rush of the inline 4 at peak horsepower is amazing but it's going to take a while to get used to the extra weight of this bike. The GS is light and agile by comparison.
I think one thing I find annoying with the GS is that it doesn't have a lot of passing power past 75 mph. The other thing i bought the Katana for was to have a bit of wind protection.
I have ridden a CBR600F4i and they are not uncomfortable. You could prolly do the things you are looking for on that. I found that the VFR was not much more comfortable if at all. The CBR600RR is a little less comfy. Used CBR's seem to be a little pricey though.
for the next bike ... comfort is a primary concern. I will likely end up with a street bike, a sport touring bike or an older supersport. I would also consider the weight of the bike. Next would be HP.
Right now I like the SV650(street) and Z750 if I were to buy new.
The YZF-600R has the most useless speedometer in the world.
(https://webspace.utexas.edu/bah562/Photos/IMS2005/card2/IMG_0135.jpg)
I do the same type of riding as you do, RedShift (maybe a bit more canyons than commuting, though) and I too share that "hmm, I wonder what else could be out there" type feeling. I think it's caused by a desire to just try something NEW for a while, even if it isn't perfect. It's also probably because of the love for motorcycles we have. We love riding, and we might love riding even MORE with a different bike to tool around on. It's a mystery and an allure of the new and unknown. My riding experience has been limited to my dirtbikes, the two GSes I've owned, and a Ninja 500 I took for a ride, and a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 I used for the MSF course. After riding that 125, I deemed that cruisers were not for me. I couldn't deal with the forward controls or scraping the pegs in turns.
Anyways, it might not be a logical thing to want to get another bike, but is motorcycling in general logical? Sometimes not. That's what makes it amazing.
Is having a faired bike a problem from a 'need enough space not to scratch the plastics' perspective?
I bought my GS this past spring as a starter bike because it was reccomended alot online for a first bike. A few months ago I started to look at what else was out there. I use my bike for commuting to work daily and usually 3 to 5 hours worth of riding on the weekend on average. I need to travel at least an hour from home to get to the twisty roads. I generally take the bike everywhere unless I absolutely must take the cage. I decided I was going to buy an '06 SV1000S sometime this winter when they hit the dealers. Do I really NEED it...no not really. Do I REALLY want it...Hell yeah. A large displacement V-twin it seemed like a logical choice over an I-4 because if its (v-twin) amount of useable power and more "street friendly" delivery. I actually gave the idea of buying used very little thought, I guess I just like the "newness" factor. Is all this just an excuse just to buy a new bike? I dunno but the way I look at it is life is too short to sit and ponder. I want a new bike, I can afford the payments since I paid the cage off, so I am gonna buy one :)
My suggestion. If you want it bad enough then treat yourself to it.
Thats all :cheers:
I'm thinking about what's out there as well. Along w/ many I got the GS as a stepping stone to a bigger bike, beleiving I'd kill myself on anything bigger than a 500 right away, correct or not I decided to play it safe and don't regert doing so. However, as mentioned I'm pondering what may be..
To answer your questioin what would it take?
One That I plan to keep and modify for a long time. Do I need a 1000, or the new 1400? I really don't think so, and don't see myself getting one, or wantng one. But a 600 I-4? Yea they seem really nice, I've ridden a few and I find there is a noticable difference between that and the GS. My choice is based on timing, insurance in Canada is a Buddha Loves You.. and when it's affordable for me to upgrade I will. Also, what aspects you NEED (maybe FI?) or ones you just WANT (extra 400cc that leagally you can't use) And then find a bike that's in the middle of those!
But I don't want to pay 3,000 a year for a 600cc bike atm. So I guess I have to wait.
My advice, maybe take a day trip and get riding some other bikes from distant dealers, or try something else before you just buy. And just in response to someone (sry forgot who) who wanted to get the YZF600 I think this is the last year they are coming out. (Read it somewhere, but it's worth looking into)
no real reason to switch unless you honestly need the extra: power, speed, handling..etc....most of which we don't need in the real world.
That love burning in our hearts is typically materialism wanting new, more, better.
At least for me...the gs is everything i could want in a bike for its price range, style, and handling.
Hey, thanks for replying to my rambling thoughts. Appreciate the perspective of others. Helps me understanding if this thought is just me or an "us" thing.
I have a few questions/comments for ya though:
Quote from: Onlypastrana199I think my ZZR is on its way out the door come spring time...jus not what I want...
What caused you to get the ZZR over the other bikes you had?
Quote from: 500rider... The rush of the inline 4 at peak horsepower is amazing but it's going to take a while to get used to the extra weight of this bike. The GS is light and agile by comparison. ...
Having ridden a friends Ninja 600 was a treat -- the smoothness of that engine was quite a contrast to the GS500's buzz at 4900+ RPM.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5The YZF-600R has the most useless speedometer in the world. ...
:lol: You noticed that too? A bit too much ego on Yamaha's part. Strange as it may seem, that Speedo is the single most annoying item I have with the YZF600R -- why put something on a bike that never gets more than one-third use? Annyingly stupid in my books.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5]... Anyways, it might not be a logical thing to want to get another bike, but is motorcycling in general logical? Sometimes not.
I think Mr. Spock of Star Trek once said, "The wanting is sometimes better than the having..."
____________________
Gotta be getting to work -- by car. Raining and barely 40F outside. Answer more of your notes later... :thumb:
I moved up to a 2001 YZF-R6, which was an awesome bike. Very nimble, and I can't complain about the tranny or the handling (though many have). Ultimately, it came down to two things for me. First, it was used and I wanted a new bike so that I would know the complete history of the machine. Second, I commute in town mostly and felt that I was paying a premium price for power and handling that i wasn't using.
so..... I picked up an SV650. For those short, across town scoots it is unbeatable :thumb:
QuoteI'm half inclined to drive 3 hrs down to Toledo and visit Honda East.
if you have to drive this far south lemme know, i've been over to that dealer a few times, pretty nice and they do let you test ride.
as for me? mmmm Bandit 1200.
i've always wanted somehitng big, japanese, and oldschool (by modern standards). when i was 18 i decided i wanted a gs500 becasue a local dealer had one and said it would be a great bike to get started on, and it's good, it's old school and japanese, but not really big.
test rode a bandit, loved it, i'm a big guy, and like cornering, but not so much that you will find me in race leathers knee down in the twisties.
Quote from: RedShift
What caused you to get the ZZR over the other bikes you had?
A few things, I think I've posted about this before...mainly my gs is fun but didn't offer the wind protection I wanted. I wanted full fairings. I wanted something newer but not drastically different than my gs when it came to riding position etc My zzr is 11 years newer than my gs. I rode my squidly cousin's R6 and became addicted but didn't want an R6 cause Im really short, they're really expensive and I found it uncomfortable. The price for the zzr was right, but when it comes to my bikes...I'm insatiable which is why it's prolly going out the door come spring and a cbr is coming in...or to pay for that damn car I just bought. The gs won't ever be leaving though because I ride that the most.
[quote="Onlypastrana199"I'm insatiable which is why it's prolly going out the door come spring and a cbr is coming in[/quote]
Are you really just RG posting in disguise?
Speaking of annoying speedometers, I should post a pic of the DR's. At the low end, the distance between major ticks isn't uniform; 10-40 is all off on the lower left-hand side, harder to see, and the sweep ends at 3, so there's unused space in the easy-to-glance-at area.
Quote from: dionysusAre you really just RG posting in disguise?
umm NO
I am also looking towards an upgrade, but for more than a single reason. I have an old GS that is being held together by duct tape and bubble gum. Right now she is running beautifully but it may, in theory, buy it at any time. I use my bike every day for commuting, also do fun riding on the weekend, and for trips into SF (much easier to park and get through traffic).
I'm looking to upgrade to a sportier bike, like an R6 (damn, the new ones are beautiful). I likely will never use it for everything it is capable of, but I do intend to enjoy it as much as I'll be able to. And, like Pandy, reliability is key. The GS will probably never die because I have a back-up bike I can borrow if she does. But, with all the issues I have had in the past few months, I just want something that will consistently work and my GS would require more money that it is worth to get it 100% reliable, if that is even possible.
I've noted that most riders here are sport riders. Even though the GS is a "sporty bike" not a sport bike(borrowed from another thread), most riders here would upgrade to another larger, newer sporty bike. But I always like to be different, that's why I ride a GS. Hopefully when I graduate I'll be headed for newer larger bike. I've looked at SVs, VFRs, ZZRs Ducs and seriously thought about buying my friends 2004 Bandit 1200. Lately though, I've been stuck on a nice used 01-03 Honda Magna 750. Other bikes seem to be uselessly powerful, or uncomfortable for a 200 mile day with a passenger. I sure as hell don't want to start wearing chaps and leather vests and growing my hair into a braid that reaches my ass either so no Harleys are clones. But it seems to be the right bike with enough power and the laid back attitude that won't get me killed trying to carve a corner(no canyons in Delaware) with my lack of skill. Well I ranted a bit, hope I don't get thrown out for wanting my feet in front of my knees.
Quote from: Onlypastrana199Quote from: dionysusAre you really just RG posting in disguise?
umm NO
Um trust me. She is NOT RG posting in disguise!!!!!
I'd like a bike I don't have to worry about on longer trips. No more looking for loose fasteners every 500 miles :oops: Having FI would be very nice. More power? Definitely useful during highway riding, and more torque would cut down on the incessant shifting even during more relaxed riding.
I figure a FZ6, a CBR or a SV would do pretty well :) The SV is too small, ergo-wise though :(
Oops, almost forgot. Needs to be tour-able :) no full-on sportsbikes
Davipu is me posting in disguise. I leave clues.
Quote from: RoadstergalDavipu is me posting in disguise. I leave clues.
Your drunken alter ego?
Okay, it's my turn to answer the question. My bike would have to die before I bought a DRZ400S.
Quote from: RoadstergalDavipu is me posting in disguise. I leave clues.
No wonder!!!
That explains everything. :thumb:
now it's time i give myself a roofie so I can get laid.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5I deemed that cruisers were not for me. I couldn't deal with the forward controls or scraping the pegs in turns.
You're not supposed to go around turn on a cruiser, silly!
I have no desire to replace my GS, but I do have the desire to ride other bikes... As far as new bikes, I love my sister's Boulevard... If I had too much money, I'd go buy an S50. For some odd reason, it's fun to ride @ 25 MPH. I really don't get it... The GS is boring until about 35... The Boulevard is fun in straight lines, but not so fun in the corners... It's super comfortable and lazy... The GS is more uptight and anxious.
They're total opposites. Sometimes I feel like one and sometimes I feel like the other... I'd love to be able to have the freedom to choose.
Then... If I had even more money... Nah... I'll stop at that... I could go on for days.
(Thruxton, just about any pre-'70 JP bike, just about any pre-'60 English/German bike)
... Sorry for the interruption but had bills to pay. Where was I? Oh yeah,
To
cobalt135,
DMac and
banner, I think we're all thinking the same way. I followed the same course and got my GS500 primarily on a recommendation from others that it was the right bike to learn on and still use for most everything a bike is good for. In that, the GS500 has been the perfect steed.
RG said it straight away, there's no sense in moving up if you're looking for basic transport and the GS500 fits the bill.
Quote from: Church6360if you have to drive this far south lemme know, i've been over to that dealer a few times, pretty nice and they do let you test ride. ...
The earliest it'll be is sometime in the spring, but if I do decide to through money at a new ride, I'll take you up on letting you in to when I'll be in your neighborhood.
Quote from: jbeaberI am also looking towards an upgrade, but for more than a single reason. I have an old GS that is being held together by duct tape and bubble gum. ...
That's what it takes for me to let go of my four-wheeled transportation. I usually by them used and run them into the ground. Getting a new car is an event 'cuz it happens once per decade or so.
Quote from: dmanben... Well I ranted a bit, hope I don't get thrown out for wanting my feet in front of my knees.
Hardly, unless you start slagging everyone else's tendency to sit jockey-style.
Quote from: TurkinaI'd like a bike I don't have to worry about on longer trips. No more looking for loose fasteners every 500 miles Having FI would be very nice. More power? Definitely useful during highway riding, and more torque would cut down on the incessant shifting even during more relaxed riding. ...
As I mentioned earlier, for longer rides I'd like a more comfortable seat. On shifting, I've cut back some with a taller front sprocket, but isn't that part of the fun of riding a bike?
Quote from: RVertigoAs far as new bikes, I love my sister's Boulevard... If I had too much money, I'd go buy an S50. For some odd reason, it's fun to ride @ 25 MPH. I really don't get it...
I would count the S50 as one of five bikes currently in production which interest me (DR650/DRZ400S/Ninja650/SV650). Liquid cooled/shaft drive...I like that combination. And quite a bit leaner than its sister BLVDS. Low end torque is fun anytime. Sportbikes, OTOH, are all about the next corner--which are usually few and far between. But don't think the feet forward riding position isn't sporty; it may represent the future if mock-up prototypes making the show circuit are any indication. A set of extended shocks would do wonders for handling and ground clearance on the S50. :cheers:
I had no intentions of buying a new bike, but when my wife decided that she wanted to get into the sport and that she also wanted to start on my GS500F, I started to look around.
side note : she decided that even after lowering it 1.5 inches, it was a bit too tall and a bit too top heavy, and opted for a virago 250 instead. She's more than ready now for a bike that won't scrap pegs on most turns, and perhaps ready to re-try a GS :dunno:
Anyhow, I tried out a few bikes including the SV650S. I really wanted to try the unfaired version given that the seating position would be similar to the GS, but they didn't have any on the lot. I decided that the SVS didn't feel right for me.. I just couldn't get comfortable on or with it.
I'd heard a lot of positive things about the older F4i's (01-03), so I figured I'd have a try. I wanted a fuel injected bike, something with more power especially since I spend a lot of time on the highway commuting to work and back. And something that would be reasonably comfortable. And it had to be pretty, at least to me. I didn't much care what anyone else thought, but I had to like the way it looked.
I fell in love with the first F4i I saw. The fit was perfect.. more sporty than the GS but not scrunched up uncomfortable. I've since tried a '97 VFR and found that the seating position didn't really feel significantly different to me, although I've never really ridden much more than 5-6 hours at a stretch. The seat on the VFR is a ton more comfortable, but I've gotten use to the CBR's 2x4.
And to joerocker's credit, he often mentioned how the inline four mid range torque (or lack thereof) really wasn't an issue for newer bikes, and he was on the money. Up to 6000 RPM, the bike pulls pretty damn hard. And north of that will get you past any car's blind spot in a fraction of a second.
I've averaged around 2,000km's a month, mostly commuting to work (an hour to an hour and a half each day each way) and the bike has been an absolute pleasure to ride. The fuel injection on my '01 is a bit on/off, but that's what you get for buying a first generation FI bike. I'm sure the newer bikes are much better.
Whatever you decide, try the bike out first. If that means you need to wait for demo days or you need to come back up here to McBride's and scam your way to a ride , do it :).
Quote from: sys49152
I fell in love with the first F4i I saw. The fit was perfect.. more sporty than the GS but not scrunched up uncomfortable. I've since tried a '97 VFR and found that the seating position didn't really feel significantly different to me, although I've never really ridden much more than 5-6 hours at a stretch. The seat on the VFR is a ton more comfortable, but I've gotten use to the CBR's 2x4.
And to joerocker's credit, he often mentioned how the inline four mid range torque (or lack thereof) really wasn't an issue for newer bikes, and he was on the money. Up to 6000 RPM, the bike pulls pretty damn hard. And north of that will get you past any car's blind spot in a fraction of a second.
+1
I've only compared the two on test rides but I agree with your assessment. I preferred the F4i over the VFR. Handles much better and does not feel big and bulky like the VFR with about the same comfort level.
Honda Canada has a touring fleet of test bikes that travels all around Ontario all summer. Go to Honda Canada website and check out the "come ride with us" event.
I still say SV. When I'm parked downtown in the cycle-spaces I get a chance to walk behind the row of sport-bikes and see the difference in the width of the bikes. Those I-4 machines are all PORKERS compared to the profile of the SV. If you want useable power and a narrow chassis, the SV is the way to go.
I have toured on my SVS (600 miles, 2 days) without discomfort. The ergos are very agreeable for both spirited twisties and for highway eating.
I'm glad to find out about the Honda Touring Demos, gonna hook up w/ that for sure!
Also, Just to throw it out there b/c nobody I know on this form (few in general other than testers) have ridden a 650 Ninja. Fully faired, nick named the SV slayer.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this one work, because a huge focus of this bike was put to riding positions and development..
We cna only wait and see
I'm currently looking into what bike I want to move up to.
I currently have a 94 GS500 E and definately prefer naked bikes.
I looked at 5 areas to compare them.
Price obviously.
Maneuverability (mainly looking at weight and wheelbase).
Power (looking at top speed and torque/weight ratio)
Economy (looking at MPG, reliability and insurance class)
Endurance (looking at range between refuels, reliability and seating)
My shortlist so far is (in rough order):
Suzuki SV 650 -
ok price, good maneauverability, good power, ok economy, poor endurance.
(unfortunately it's a bit ugly)
Yamaha XJ 600 N Diversion -
cheap, ok maneuverability, poor power, ok economy, good endurance
(but I crave more power)
Yamaha FZS 600 -
bit expensive, ok maneuverability, good power, poor economy, ok endurance
(if I could afford one then probably)
Honda CB 600 F Hornet -
bit expensive, good maneuverability, good power, poor economy, Poo endurance
(too sporty, too high revving, too squidly)
Suzuki GSF 600 -
cheap, ok maneuverability, ok power, ok economy, good endurance
(could do with more power, but is what it's got enough?)
Kawasaki ZR-7 -
ok price,poor maneuverability, ok power, ok economy, good endurance
(bit too heavy for where I park really)
Suzuki GS 500 -
dirt cheap, good maneuverability, poor power, good economy, good endurance
(I crave more power, did I mention that?)
Ducati 600 Monster -
bit expensive, good maneuverability, poor power, ok economy, ok endurance
(ok for in town, but it wouldn't cut it on the open road)
Suzuki GSX 750 -
expensive, poor maneuverability, good power, poor endurance, poor economy
(well it looks nice at least)
I think I might analyse these things too much, but I've got a year to kill before I can move up in bikes and I can;t really afford to get it wrong.
I don't know about you guys, but I just talked with my insurance guy and he mentioned the top choices for cheapest insurance (in Cnadada and Cali it is brutal) Here they are:
FZ6 , SV650S, SV1000, BANDIT 650, KATANA, ZZR600, Z750S, DUCATI MONSTER 620
This list is most likely different for each person but thats kinda everything afforadable for me and from that list I'm really looking at getting an F6, after some cosmetics work I think it'll be a great fit. Esp w/ the new untail exhaust.
Just wanted to post what I know for those that care (or don't lol)
Have a good one!
A worthy list of contenders, Phil.
I like your criteria. As you rhyme through them it appears that you may be favouring the Suzuki products -- noteably the SV650 and Bandit.
Your point of craving power is common to many, even me. On a bike it seems less necessary that with four-wheeled transportation -- for sure it's easier to get. Even the GS500 will beat the majority of the them off the line. But to be the master of a machine that can lift the front or break loose if coaxed has a sinister appeal. ;)
The older I get, the less it seems to matter. Having the wind in my face is the thing, though if it be achieved with that bit of Zing!, that's stuff smiles are made of. :thumb:
Roy...
Quote from: DMacI don't know about you guys, but I just talked with my insurance guy and he mentioned the top choices for cheapest insurance (in Cnadada and Cali it is brutal) Here they are:
FZ6 , SV650S, SV1000, BANDIT 650, KATANA, ZZR600, Z750S, DUCATI MONSTER 620 ...
I'll have to run this list through the
Progressive.com Quote Machine and see if it agrees with you for my case.