Hey all-
So, my GS is going to go to someone else soon. I have not outgrown it, but it is at the point where it is hard to 100% trust it for long trips, which my girlfriend and I want to take this summer. So, the hunt for a new bike is on. I have two bikes in mind that I like and am looking to see if you guys know of other options.... So, the things I am looking for:
1. Nice low end torque for the inevitabilites of Bay area traffic, twisties, etc...
2. Fully faired to make highway speed a bit more comfortable.
3. Relatively reasonable price tag.
4. New bikes only, don't want to own some one else's problem.
I am looking to do a lot of touring around, lots of twisties. I will rarely have a passenger on the bike. My girlfriend has an SV and neither one of us likes to ride on the back. We're both control freaks.
i don't like the look of partially faired bikes. I know the SV is a great bike. I ride and SV regularly but I think the SVS and the Bandit are fugly. I want to get away from naked bikes, try something different.
So, two bikes I have found that fit this description (one still shocks me).
1. Triumph's new 675. It has a lot of low end torque from the reviews I have read. The seat height is comfortable for me (5'7" with kinda short legs). It looks DAMN good. The bad... First year of the model, kinks haven't been 100% worked out. Price tag is a little high but not out of what I am willing to pay at $9,000
2. Ducati Supersport 800. This one surprised me. It's Ducati's entry level bike into the superbike class. Again, rumored to have good low end torque, looks damn good as well. I haven't sat on one yet. It has been around for a while, so hopefully bugs have been worked out. Yes, it's a Duc. But, the reliability of Ducs has been improving dramatically from what I have been told. So, please don't bash this bike purely on Duc reputation, I've heard that all before.... Price tag, $8000 around here. Yes, more expensive maintenence. I'm fully aware of that. So, price between the bikes isn't a huge difference....
I will in time likely grab another GS (newer) because I enjoy it and it is nice to have a bike around that is a little more rough and tumble. My current one has a great anti-theft mechanism.... It's old, beat up and someone put these eyes on it from a monastary in Tibet....
So, I would love any ideas on other bikes, opinions on the ones listed above or other comments. My GS has been great, almost 4000 miles in 7 months. I've ridden a handful of other bikes and want to try something different.
Thanks!!!!
Hey jbeaber,
Triumph's new daytona 675 wuold be my choice, i have not read a bad review yet, plus i just LOVE it, its one of the nicest looking sports bikes around IMHO :)
However, what do you think of the CBR 600RR?
Don't know much about the CBR600RR. Is it geared to keep up with the other Japanese superbike or like the Triumph with the low end power?
I'd be more inclined to get the F4i than the RR. But, it's still a Honda.
FZ6.
Actully the CBR 600 RR is a race rep so it is more than likely geared a little towards the speedy side of things rather then going for good low-end grunt although I have heard it to be a nice ride (i.e. more comfy easy on the rider then some of the competition)
not sure if this helps much but i thought i would share the info :thumb:
Update: just a little more info CBR = 66Nm at 11,000 rpm/ 115bhp
675 = 72Nm at 11,750 rpm/ 123bhp
Quote from: scratch on February 17, 2006, 10:23:17 AM
I'd be more inclined to get the F4i than the RR. But, it's still a Honda. FZ6. Or a Couch-a-saki, ZX6E (if they still make it).
They replaced the ZX6E with the ZZR600, which has been rated as a fantastic bike. Looks great too. You could go for the Ninja 650R too, if it wasn't ass ugly.
The Duc SS800 is a great bike from what I've read. I was looking at them very seriously for a while and researching into their reliability. I didn't find a single thing about problems except something dealing with a pinched vacuum line from the tank. That's it. The valve adjustments are also pretty easy too, and only have to be done every 6000 miles, rather than 4000 with the GS. Also, since it's a Duc 2-valver it's a lot easier and more reliable than the 4-valvers.
Don't like the SV1000 or SV650 with full fairings on it? You can get full body work on them that looks really really nice.
You might also consider Honda's RC-51, unless you want to stay in the middleweight range.
I have a 600rr. steer clear if you want to do any "touring", even light touring and the passenger seat sucks. actually the riders seat is compared to a plank of plywood. Great bike, but not my choice for long rides. Mines a trackday/canyon whore only.
I'd stay away from the daytona 675, even though I think its a great looking bike with lots of potential. I wouldnt want to have the first model year of any bike. Wait a year until they work the bugs out-that bike is all new from the ground up.
You want full fairing, for some touring and some twisties, with a little low end torque?
The RC51 is not a comfortable bike for long distances either though. I would suggest the Triumph Daytona 955i. Its a triple too, but its been around a long time and is a great bike. People usually refer to it as a real riders bike, and is perfect for your needs. Not sharp enough for the track (regularly) but great for long distances, great for street twisties and good for the occasional trackday if you so desire. They're not popular so good deals can be had new or nearly new (you can probably find a 1-2 yr old NEW bike on the showroom floor. For mor info on this bike check out www.triumphrat.net
I've been thinking of the same thing recently, but more of a partial dirt situation, so I'm looking Multistrada/F650.
Before I moved to the great white north I was thinking along the same lines you are. I had pretty much settled on a yam yzf600r for insurance and expense reasons. The new Kaw650r would make me think twice. powerband of a twin, fuel injection, no exhaust issues for mounting soft luggage, could be quite nice.
RC51 if you can afford it. V-twin delivers lots of low end power, plus it has the looks of a Honda.
I am in the similar boat.....Love the Duc's, but I would go for older 900SS instead of 800ss, or better yet for SS 1000DS if you can afford it....unfortunately it is an expensive toy :( so jap bikes are always a "better deal".......at this point i am seriously considering ZZR600, if it was FI, I would've already owned it :)
My first thought was a YZF600r. It's comfortable, powerful (de-tuned 4cyl from the R6), and nice looking. On the other hand, if the only thing turning you off from the SV650s is the looks be aware that Suzuki offers a factory-fit lower fairing that you could add. They look damn nice with it:
(http://images.50below.com/facility/avesmotorcenter.com/e-bay%20sales%20stuff%20006.jpg)
-M
Wow, thanks for the feedback and keep it coming!!!
RC51, out of price range. That's a lot of money.
The SVS fully faired is a nice looking bike. Definitely has potential. One knock on it is that it is one of Suzuki's lower end bikes. The suspensions, like the GS, leave a bit to be desired. I could spend the money to upgrade it, but to do so to the point of the triumph or Duc would almost be the price difference. I'd rather buy a bike engineered for what I want than to rebuild the front end and the rear suspension to get it where I want it.
I haven't sat on the YZF600R. Definitely will check it out. The nice part is that the dealership I want to deal with is a Triumph, Ducati and Yamaha dealership.
I'm trying to avoid 5 figures on price tag. I know, the Triumph is right under that. But you have to put a cap somewhere. I also want to stick new, hence ruling out the older Ducs. Yes, you get a bike broken in if you go older, but I really want to know the entire history of my bike, know it has been treated right. The current Ducs are the 800 and 1000. There is about a $3000 difference. Right now that is not worth that price difference to me.
You guys are really helpful, BTW. I appreciate the efforts.
I'd recommend checking out the FZ6, but you're trying to get away from nekkid. :icon_twisted: :icon_mrgreen:
Look at the forums for the YZF-600R. http://www.yzf600r.com/phpBB2/
http://www.yzf600r.com/
People love this bike for touring and a do it all bike.
No-ones mentioned BMW yet...check-out the F 800ST, its at the top of my most wanted list.
http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/gb/en/index.html
I am assuming they are available stateside.
The BMW doesn't seem to be in the US. I couldn't find it on their website.
Will readup on the YZF-600R. As I said, they do carry it at the dealership I'll be goingto to check out the Duc.
fg3
I ride an SV all the time. I do enjoy it. I will admit I have gotten used to a more aggressive riding position (I'm on an 89 GS with the stock clip-ons). Again, suspension is one of the issues. Too expensive to upgrade. I rode a Monster 620 and the handling was so much nicer than the SV. I wa told that was largely due to suspension. Again, i love the SV, but it just isn't what I am interested in...
If you like the look of the SVS with the factory lowers on it, you'd probably like it even more with a sharkskinz fairing. My next bike will almost definitely be an '05 SV1000S, if my tax return would hurry up and get to my house! SVS with sharkskinz fairings:
(http://www.svrider.com/photos/sv-pics/112303/tremain/MVC-021F.JPG)
i don't believe they're available color-matched, so you'd most likely have to get them painted.
(http://www.svrider.com/photos/sv-pics/112303/tremain/MVC-022F.JPG)
(http://www.svrider.com/photos/sv-pics/110503/yun/frontSV.jpg)
www.sharkskinz.com
Doesn't Munroe Motors have BMW's? ScuderiaWest? I only really know of CalBMW: http://www.calbmw.com/ in Mountain View (also know as CalBMWTriumph: http://www.calbmwtriumph.com/).
Also, you know of MotoJava. You know that Paul there, is very thorough when it comes to the bikes he resells. I know you didn't want to go used, but I would definitely buy a used bike from him. Just my opinion, though.
You shouldnt be to critical of the modern Brit bikes.....ok it is true to say the old stuff was absolute crap and people like Triumph were ripping the punters off big time with their archaic technology and unreliable designs simply because at the time there was no alternatives on the market. When the Japs arrived the Brit makers were not in a position to design and manufacture similar bikes due to decades of under-investment in the industry. Buyers wanted style,performance and reliabilty, electric starters, disc-brakes and oil-tight engines, things that Brit makers couldnt at the time deliver. Thats basicaly why the UK bike industry went down the toilet.
These days things are very very different, Triumph is a very well respected maker here in the UK and Europe and their products have a high reputation for performance and reliability. The modern machines are a world away from the crap that was made in the 50s 60s and early 70s. The Triumph designers took the Japs on at their own game and the latest machines are a match for any potential Japanese competitor. I wouldnt hesitate for a minute to buy one.........but I would go for a BMW first :icon_lol:
So, talking to my favorite mechanic.... The selling point differences between the Duc and Triumph may boil down to front suspension. Please tell me if I am wrong in this, but it looks as though the front suspension of the Duc ain't adjustable. It is how it is. The suspension on the Triumph TT's is evidently reknown. That could make up the price difference right there... Yes, new model is an issue, but it does have a 2 year warranty on it.
I will look at MotoJava... Thanks for the idea, Scratch!
Nice commentary on Triumph...
So, BMW...
Looked at the bikes being sold around here and the bikes that would be in the style I want are much bigger than I really want and cost jst a bit into the 5 figure range. Good ideas, but not quite yet for me. Don't make that kinda money... yet...
This is a tasty looking bike........you have to admit it. It has an SV look about it, I wonder who copied who ;)
http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/3932.aspx
Even sexier with me on it....
(http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/jbeaber/Picture058.jpg)
Kind of OT, but I think Triumph needs to make a scaled down Speed Triple based off of the Datona 675... something to take the Speed Four's place. Might give the SV650 a run for its money. But maybe that is what they already have in mind??? I know I would be interested in one someday. [/OT]
If I were looking for a mid sized sporty touring bike for 2up riding I would probably be looking at the YZF600 and the Kawa ZZR600 and maybe the Honda Interceptor, though its just above 5 figures
r4
Fair comment. each to their own :thumb:
I would suggest you ride a Honda VFR Interceptor.
New or used it's a very comfortable bike and handles really well.
I have a 1991 VFR750 - I find the power delivery never ending and the motor "intoxicating".
Quote from: manofthefield on February 17, 2006, 02:50:00 PM
Kind of OT, but I think Triumph needs to make a scaled down Speed Triple based off of the Datona 675... something to take the Speed Four's place. Might give the SV650 a run for its money. But maybe that is what they already have in mind??? I know I would be interested in one someday. [/OT].
That's what I want too. I'd love a naked version of the Daytona 675, I hope one is in the works.
Honestly though, since I already have a Speed Four, I'll most likely add the Speed Triple to my stable at some later date. Unless a naked 675 looks damn good.
I've been looking at the 800ss for a couple years now. I almost bought one before I found the deal on my GSXR.
There always seems to be a dealer with some left over duc's from the previous year. Last fall I had a dealer down to $7950 out the door a couple days before before I bought my GSXR outright.
d35
Vfr ....I had an 87 model in the late nineties. You can't even find them used for under $2500 if you do get it. They are worth it. 87 and up models though. The 85-86 had oil issues. I put 12k on mine the first year I had it. Commutted to work on it in Atlanta. If I had a choice though I would get the pre VTEC and pre ABs version though. Like an 95-97 one. Porbably be aorund $4-5k. Single Sided swingarm. V4 engine (torque of a v-twin with Revs of a I4). Adjustable suspension. Although I think the Vtec versions are the ones with fuel injection. Another option would be a late nineies FZR and trade out the clipons to a handlebar. But if you want naked and fuel injection for the trouble free operation how about a honda 919 with a windscreen? I would say even the 599 but they are not FI. After all the bikes i had the one thing that cause starting trouble was the Carbs. and how many times do we see post about needing to clean carbs after the bike sits. FI is the way to go and get a power commander and remapp the fuel delivery for any aftermarket goodies. You pay the extra up front for the FI but it gives you back all those hours of carb cleaning time to put back in the pot for riding time. Just my 2 cents.
Quote from: jbeaber on February 17, 2006, 02:11:35 PM
Even sexier with me on it....
(http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/jbeaber/Picture058.jpg)
...no way....you got to sit on a 675 already? :cheers:....man...i thought most of those would be here by late march...thats gonna be my second bike too so you know.....
Yeah you can get a used Busa For around 8000, i recomend that if you wanna go all out. Ha Ha :thumb:
Quote from: JohnPGS on February 18, 2006, 05:39:57 PM
Yeah you can get a used Busa For around 8000, i recomend that if you wanna go all out. Ha Ha :thumb:
Not the best ride for twisties... Go 800ss
Quote from: scratch on February 17, 2006, 01:13:58 PM
Also, you know of MotoJava. You know that Paul there, is very thorough when it comes to the bikes he resells. I know you didn't want to go used, but I would definitely buy a used bike from him. Just my opinion, though.
Great shop. Bought my GS500 from them. Check their site for deals (and steals).
http://motojava.com/index.html
David.
I think you are looking at this all wrong, you seem to be wanting to go for the touring sportbike route but you are looking at more outright sportbikes. the 675 is a sweet bike but I think after riding it a couple hours your butt will be sore, (not as bad as the 600RR)In all honesty you should be looking at FZ6, FZ1, ZZR600, YZF600R, F4i or the Interceptor. All these bikes are sporty yet fairly comfy to ride on. I have an R6 as my main bike but my wife has a ZX6 which we take for long rides together, very comfy bike. And to top it off it handles the twisties nice when asked, this is a 99 bike I believe in 03 or 04 they took the ZX6-R 01 design and call it the ZZR now so I would stay away from that bike for comfort reasons.
Buy mine, its for sale.
My TL1000S is along the lines of the SV series (actually it came first) but used more race quality suspension. Unfortunately, the rotary damper out back turned out to be a POS so I like many people put in a Bitubo rear. I love the v-twin and the full Yosh together. I have taken my wife on some long rides, and she was happy with the comfort of the TL. It could be a strong touring bike with some Heli-bars if the clipons are too aggressive for you.
I am including unused Suzuki accesory tail bag and saddle bags along with the un-installed 6-pot front calipers and stainless lines. The bike has the Yosh full race w/ti cans, Yosh re-map, Geelong cf tank guard, new Metzler M1 rear, Bitubo rear shock, Targa lower, Intuitive frame, bar and swingarm sliders, manual fan switch, new battery, pit bull rear stand, moto power front stand, all stock parts, about 5400 miles. Delivered to the Bay Area for $5,500.
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a62/242brick/TLMOD.jpg)
jbeaber, if I may ask, why don't you trust your GS anymore?
Quote from: Egaeus on February 19, 2006, 01:14:09 PM
aplitz, if I may ask, why don't you trust you GS anymore?
I think someone else said that.
Quote from: aplitz on February 19, 2006, 08:00:41 PM
Quote from: Egaeus on February 19, 2006, 01:14:09 PM
aplitz, if I may ask, why don't you trust you GS anymore?
I think someone else said that.
Said what? Why are you changing my posts around and inserting typos? :laugh:
Sorry to disappear for the weekend on ths topic. We moved! Now renting a nice house in Piedmont, a small town completely surrounded by Oakland, CA. Much nicer.....
So, why am I getting rid of the GS.... She's old. 16 years old, 53,700 miles. Lots of things are starting to wear down. A few months ago the flywheel and the crank (I believe) became disconnected. My mechanic managed to get it bolted together again after doing some repair work on the surfaces that connect them. It's together, for now. It seems stable. But it could go again.... The towing fee and rapairs weren't too bad, but..... Additionally, a week and a half ago it wouldn't start in the AM. I fought with her, checked the spark on the plugs, checked the carbs to make sure fuel was there, all was as it should be. That evening, no problem, fired right up. I have no idea what was up. The bike doesn't like the cold. It works 95% of the time and is great to ride. But....
I did buy it with the intention of getting out of it what I could and it has treated me reasonably well for the past seven months. It's not worth putting the money into it that it needs to be what it once was when the engine could go. And my mechanic and another friend who has rebuilt bikes have confirmed that, essentially, if the engine has that problem I mentioned above, it would be cheaper to replace the engine than fix it. Yeah, lots of other parts may fail before the engine has issues. When I told my mechanic I was looking to buy another bike, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Good..."
So, that's a big part of why I want to get rid of it. She's old and having issues. She was totalled at one point, hence having a salvage title. Don't know when, how or what all happened. It could have happened any time in the past 16 years....
I am confident enough in my riding ability to feel I can handle a new bike without dropping it instantly or laying it down. We shall see.
So, again in talking to my mechanic, I discussed my two chief bikes of interest. We may have ruled the Ducati Supersport out. I want a bike that will be able to handle anything,track days, twisties, etc, as good as possible. The Ducati front suspension is not adjustable. To get the upgrade, would cost much of the price difference between the duc and triumph.
I will look into the other bikes suggested since my last post and really appreciate the discussion. I am still leaning towards new so I know the bike's full history. Thanks again all...
And I've been in the narrow assed little GS seat for hours without too much discomfort... :) The narrow seat f the Triumph doesn't deter me....
Then the seat of a DRZ400SM supermoto wont bother you either then. Ducati Multistrada? DL650 Vstrom? Bicycle shorts?
The dual sports look like so much fun. Just not sure it's what I want at this point. Thanks Scratch, aleways appreciate your input...
HOWDY ! I have just bought a HYOSUNG GT 250 COMET and am very impressed with the fit and finish [ I LOVE SMALL BIKES ] . I also got to check out the GT 650 COMET [ MORE hp than the SV ] the cost is [ ABOOT ] $6500.00 U.S. it may be something to look at. A two year warranty is quite good in this day and age. You can find out more info at [ www.nationalmotorsports.ca ] This is the CANADIAN distrubitor but you can link to other sites it also has 3 propaganda videos you can check out. CHEERS!
df