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Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: intergalactic on May 26, 2009, 08:13:56 AM

Title: My next bike should be?
Post by: intergalactic on May 26, 2009, 08:13:56 AM
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?
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: bassmechanicsz on May 26, 2009, 08:32:23 AM
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.
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: SteveM on May 26, 2009, 12:13:10 PM
Gladius in blue (red looks too pink)
SV650
Versys 650
Triumph Thruxton
Triumph Bonneville
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: scottpA_GS on May 26, 2009, 12:32:26 PM

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  :thumb:
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: bikeboy08 on May 26, 2009, 01:18:17 PM
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
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: The Buddha on May 26, 2009, 01:21:42 PM
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.
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: Suzuki Stevo on May 26, 2009, 01:25:40 PM
Quote from: scottpA_GS on May 26, 2009, 12:32:26 PM

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  :thumb:
BINGO! I love mine, GSX650F FTW!!  :woohoo:
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: commuterdude on May 26, 2009, 02:41:09 PM
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.
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: Caffeine on May 26, 2009, 04:48:46 PM
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.
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: intergalactic on May 26, 2009, 05:48:17 PM
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.


Quote from: Caffeine on May 26, 2009, 04:48:46 PM
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.
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: brickerenator on May 27, 2009, 12:07:08 PM
the speed fours are pretty


but i'm partial to the triple
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: jserio on May 27, 2009, 01:28:52 PM
i think i'm a cruiser kinda guy myself.  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: trumpetguy on May 27, 2009, 03:11:43 PM
Wee-Strom FTW!!!  :thumb:  One of my riding buds has one and its a hell of a bike.  Handles well, accelerates well, the whole deal.
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: JStrube on May 28, 2009, 07:26:55 AM
I'm diggin on the BMW K1300GT...

But I'd do one of the 800's for sure.
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: 97gs500e on May 28, 2009, 08:01:31 AM
Have you checked out the Triumph Street Triple? 
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: jdw03n on May 28, 2009, 08:12:03 AM
I want: Vstrom 1000

(http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/uploads/bike_VStrom-DL1000GT-Static.jpg)
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: intergalactic on May 28, 2009, 08:20:12 AM
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.
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: jserio on May 28, 2009, 02:23:45 PM
i dream of large breasted topless women cruising down the street holding beers between their knockers.   :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: XealotX on May 28, 2009, 02:54:19 PM
(http://www.wobblywheelers.co.uk/Main/News/Gilbey%20on%20small%20bike.jpg)

:thumb:
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: trumpetguy on May 28, 2009, 03:45:39 PM
Quote from: jdw03n on May 28, 2009, 08:12:03 AM
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.
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: intergalactic on May 29, 2009, 10:18:06 AM
eBay is the bane of my existence:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130309433694

:technical:

Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: respite on May 29, 2009, 12:06:15 PM
(http://www.apriliausa.com/upload/modelli/road/big_00125.jpg)

Aprilia RS 125.

I really wish one of the major manufactures would produce a 125cc street legal race bike. I want one badly, but not with a msrp of 5400.
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: jserio on May 29, 2009, 03:07:20 PM
now that's freakin sexy!
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: cafeboy on May 29, 2009, 06:41:37 PM
(http://www.zpower.com.au/catalog/images/2008_Ninja250R_Right.jpg)
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: jserio on May 29, 2009, 07:32:16 PM
cafeboy: have you been reading my mind? i was so close to buying one of those before i got laid off...but you know....   
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: cafeboy on May 29, 2009, 08:50:31 PM
Yep, me too.  :dunno_white:
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: jserio on May 29, 2009, 09:22:21 PM
i mean, people can knock it all they want....all i know, when i sat on that bike...omg....it was love baby. it just felt natural. really. i'm sure you have all felt that way about a bike. or a car. or you wife/husband/significant other. ahhh....dreams.....  :cheers:
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: cafeboy on May 29, 2009, 09:26:04 PM
TMI bro  :cookoo:
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: jserio on May 29, 2009, 09:30:32 PM
what? you saying you don't understand where i'm coming from?  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: cafeboy on May 29, 2009, 09:40:35 PM
Just sounds a little to well.........you know  :dunno_white:
Title: Re: My next bike should be?
Post by: jserio on May 29, 2009, 09:48:47 PM
 :icon_mrgreen: