Poll
Question:
Would you 'upgrade' to a bigger bike?
Option 1: Definately.
Option 2: Never.
Option 3: I already have.
Option 4: Indecisive.
Option 5: Other...
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Triumph Daytona for me.
I bought a new 03 GS and kept it until I went for a new 07 GSF650 Bandit. - I have dappled with a couple of projects but now just the Bandit, if I go anywhere from that it will probably be a 1250 bandit. The only thing I would say was a downside to a bandit is that they are pretty hefty.
Variety is the spice of life! You don't even necessarily have to go "bigger", you can just go different to keep things interesting. Sport bikes, cruisers, dual sports, super motos....even scooters! It's fun to ride something new every once in a while :thumb:
-Jessie
I am quite sure that after I've finished my studies and been working for some time, i will "upgrade" to something like Triumph Daytona 675 or Ducati Monster.
For now, when the second season with GS is about to end it seems like there is maybe four more to come.
I love the GS for commuting, running around town and the twisties. I plan to keep the GS for those purposes - daily driver so to speak - but add a 2nd larger bike for longer rides and touring.
A SV650 will be my next bike. Lighter than the GS500 and a lot more HP.
I already have a 2nd Bike. The GS500 is now for Daily Commuting, around town and occasionally, a weekend ride. The 900 Hornet is my main weekend ride.
I was stacking on the clicks so fast on the GS I would have been over 100,000km in about 3.5 years. But I want to keep the bike for Much longer cause it's such a good bike. So I bought a second bike for weekend rides (some weekend days would put more clicks on the bike than my entire week of commuting).
This 2nd bike was going to be 2nd-hand so the options were wider. For me, it Has to be naked. I detest fairings. And I had a price range - plus I would not pay a used price that could get me a different bike new e.g $12k for a used triumph when a new 1250 Bandit went for less. So my options became...
FZ6
Z750
SV650
900 Hornet
Speed triple
Street triple
1200/1250 Bandit
The ER6 never entered the picture. And while I do also like the look of the ZR7, they were few and far between for me to have a true selection to buy from.
Of the bikes listed I managed to ride them all except the naked 1250 bandit - though I did ride a Sport version with the half fairing. And the one time I set off the ride a naked, it started raining just as I got there and no test rides in the wet...
Cliff/Coles notes...
FZ6: More oomph than the GS500 but it really is a high revving engine to get anything done on it. (Note, this is not a Learner Approved Motorcycle bike like the FZ6R is - need a full license to ride it)
Z750: Ended up close contender. Less willing to dive into corners initially until riding adjustments were made. Very upright compared to the GS500. Throttle was smooth, nice power delivery (smooth) but the biggest drawback was the hardness of the seat. Best described as "a piece of ply with a thin layer of fabric over it". As comfort is paramount to me, this ended up being a no go. Shame, cause it really is a lovely bike.
SV650: Rode a naked and Sport. Sport suspension was rock hard so I felt every bump and don't like the aggressive riding position. But Vtwin vibes and torque were quite nice. Naked was much better/comfier but the shop hadn't serviced it, it ran like a dog on old gas and they had to Jump it to start it up. But by then, it felt tame compared to the Z750. And for the same money I knew I'd rather the Zeddy over it.
900 Hornet: I can best summarize this bike as "a way more powerful and comfortable GS500". Riding position felt almost the same. I felt right at home from the moment I sat on it, even scraping my boots on the test ride. Similar HP to the Zeddy, with a more sensitive throttle (this could lurch you forward while the Zeddy not so much) but way Way WAY more comfortable.
Speed Triple: Powerful. Uncomfortable. I got off with aching hip flexors as the position was Forcing me to lean forward without relief.
Street Triple: Bike sure has some get up and go. Handles well. But the heat from the exhaust radiating through the seat was a turn off. No way could I ride 500kms in a day with hotbum the entire time. More comfy then the S3 but the heat made it not suitable for my purposes.
1250s Bandit: So so easy to speed on this bike as you didn't feel you were doing the speed indicated. Upright position. I felt quite high for on a bike. Bike felt reluctant to go into even mild turns. But this only took five or so minutes to overcome then it was sweet. Easy to be lazy and enter a turn a couple of gears too high and just power out of it without the engine lugging. The seat did feel like it was sliding me forward into the tank. Made me want to try the naked bike but I was never able to find one available to test ride.
At the end of the day, the 900 Hornet won through with its comfort and handling. And when I get on it on the weekend I'm like "yeah, this is the sh!t". And then on Monday I get back on the GS and think,"Yep, this is why I love this bike." They're similar but different. Love riding either of them.
Ourea: You do know the FZ6R is a LAMS bike don't you? So you wouldn't so much be moving on as moving sideways from one LAM bike to another.
Michael
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As if a squid would wait till he had his full license. See mister this is where our bike fills the gap for the GS.
i gotta admit, if i had a restricted bike, so i know i can make it a shitload faster real easy and cheap, i wouldnt be waiting around for anything and id just do it
Quote from: Ourea on October 15, 2011, 04:27:12 PM
Quote from: mister on October 15, 2011, 02:23:36 PM
Ourea: You do know the FZ6R is a LAMS bike don't you? So you wouldn't so much be moving on as moving sideways from one LAM bike to another.
Michael
Correct me if I'm wrong (a newer model has come out since I last looked at it) but it was to my belief that the FZ6R is not a LAMS approved bike. The 'FZ6RL' is the LAMS model with a valve restrictor to reduce the power output. This ofcourse can be taken out once the owner has the correct licence to ride the unrestricted version.
Great post by the way!
http://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/products/motorcycle/road/sport/11-fz6r-0 "This all-new 600 is one of the coolest and most desirable models
in the important LAM category"
Yup, it's a LAMS bike. The FZ6S and FZ6N are not LAMS bikes.
Kawasaki adds the L to their bikes. The Ninja 650RL is the LAMS bike while the Ninja 650R is not.
With the LAMS Gladdy, if you want to unLAM it, it will cost you $2k for a new computer. Nothing as easy as a small washer to restrict air or fuel.
Michael
I'd love to go to a Honda. I've always had a soft spot for them. The 250 would probably do me though. The 600 would be way out of my power range.
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Quote from: missk8t on October 16, 2011, 04:59:10 AM
I'd love to go to a Honda. I've always had a soft spot for them. The 250 would probably do me though. The 600 would be way out of my power range.
Why not the CB400 then? Performance a little like the GS500, slightly lower seat height than the GS, better than either their CB250 or CBF250 which struggle past 110kph and better than their VTR250 IMHO.
Plus, if you get a CB400 you can do this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agt4XKlJZVw
Michael
Personally I'd be happy to upgrade to a bigger bike, were it not for:
1) finding $$$ (well, €€€) to purchase a new (used) bike
2) finding money to maintain it.
Going up with displacement makes insurance prices go through the roof, more often than not.
I recently asked to my insurance agency how much would it cost to insure a '99 BMW R850R I was falling in love with.
Current price (GS 500): about 270 €/year
BMW: like 440 €/year - Throw in maintenance costs, road tax (proportional to engine kW), fuel economy...
Bottom line: no thanks, at least not by now.
Quote from: mister on October 16, 2011, 12:49:34 PM
Quote from: missk8t on October 16, 2011, 04:59:10 AM
I'd love to go to a Honda. I've always had a soft spot for them. The 250 would probably do me though. The 600 would be way out of my power range.
Why not the CB400 then? Performance a little like the GS500, slightly lower seat height than the GS, better than either their CB250 or CBF250 which struggle past 110kph and better than their VTR250 IMHO.
Plus, if you get a CB400 you can do this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agt4XKlJZVw
Michael
I stumbled across the CB400 last night on bikepoint. Very nice bike. There was another Honda I stumbled across which looked good but I can't bloody find it now. :icon_rolleyes: Typical
I actually need to get something which will cope with a pillion easily. My partner and I are looking to take the kidlets around on the back but as they grow up I'm not sure that a bike under 600cc will cope?
Quote from: missk8t on October 16, 2011, 10:07:10 PM
Quote from: mister on October 16, 2011, 12:49:34 PM
Quote from: missk8t on October 16, 2011, 04:59:10 AM
I'd love to go to a Honda. I've always had a soft spot for them. The 250 would probably do me though. The 600 would be way out of my power range.
Why not the CB400 then? Performance a little like the GS500, slightly lower seat height than the GS, better than either their CB250 or CBF250 which struggle past 110kph and better than their VTR250 IMHO.
Plus, if you get a CB400 you can do this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agt4XKlJZVw
Michael
I stumbled across the CB400 last night on bikepoint. Very nice bike. There was another Honda I stumbled across which looked good but I can't bloody find it now. :icon_rolleyes: Typical
I actually need to get something which will cope with a pillion easily. My partner and I are looking to take the kidlets around on the back but as they grow up I'm not sure that a bike under 600cc will cope?
GS500 does just fine with a pillion. You won't pillion any better on a CB400 Honda. The Honda is pretty similar to the GS in power. It is much smoother and revs way higher and when you get into the Vtec rev range it can be fun.
Would a 600 do it better though? :dunno_black:
Other then machines like goldwings what are comfy pilling bikes?
I wish someone would make a true Fuel injected 400 or 350 twin. I'll be all over it.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: missk8t on October 17, 2011, 04:08:52 AM
Other then machines like goldwings what are comfy pilling bikes?
Yes, a 600 will do it better than a 400 or 500. A 750 will do it better than a 600. A 900 will do it better than a 750. A 1250 will do it better again. And the 1300s again will out do those beneath it.
Great Pillion Bikes?
Can of worms that.
Ok. For starters. Nothing under 400 for pillion. Yeah, sure pillioning in the 80s on my Kwaka 250 was possible but it really put a work load on the engine. Not so much for taking girls on rides but heavier guys (mates at uni) and the bike struggled.
For starters, how much total weight will be carted around? See, GS500 is rated, as are all bikes. So it will carry two 60kg people fine, will also carry two 80kg people ok. All that happens when you add weight is, it takes longer to reach a certain speed.
I ride with a woman who, for ages, rode with her 17 y.o. daughter on the back. She rode an older CB400 and did fine (now has a CB1000 and rides like it's still the 400 but doesn't take her daughter). She wasn't overtaking B Doubles or anything on the 400, but she could just as easily enjoy the weekend rides we did. She told me she Had looked at maybe an SV650 instead of the 1000, but didn't even take it for a spin cause figured the pillion seat would not be comfy. Of course, she didn't bother looking at the GSX650 with large seat like on the GS500 but more HP & torque and thus better for pillioning. Similar to the GS500, you might find you like that as the better option. Otherwise, seat wise, you'd need to go more towards a 900 Hornet, XJR 1300, Suzuki Bandit 1250, although a VStrom would also do well. (I am leaving out cruisers as I figured you'd not be interested in the. But Bonneville's Triumph America, W800, C50 Boulevard, would all handle a pillion well.)
But apart from being able to carry a pillion with the pillion being comfy, you need to be able to then put BOTH feet on the ground. So a bike like a VStrom would probably be out. Sit on and test :thumb:
If you just want a little something extra, then I think the GSX650 would be the one. In comparison with the GS500...
GS500 47 hp (34.3 kW); 29.5 ft·lbf (40.0 N·m)
GSX650 85 bhp (63 kW) 45.6 ft·lb (61.8 N·m)
As you can see, more horsepower and more torque = better able to deal with a pillion on the back in comparison with the GS500. Similar ergos to the GS so you wouldn't need to relearn again.
Michael
Quote from: Ourea on October 15, 2011, 04:25:26 AM
(http://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/sites/yamaha-motor/files/imagecache/lightbox/2011_XJ6-F_SMX_AU_4.jpg)
Actually, I should be getting a FZ6R around March. I'm finishing up my masters degree, so I get a guaranteed pay raise. Even the wife likes it. Fuel injected, sport bike styling with a 4 cylinder for sport bike sound, but with upright riding and a comfy seat. Been trolling their forums and seems like the perfect bike for me. Plus brand new I can get bike and insurance for under $300 a month on a 3 year loan. I can go on a 5 for about $150 a month, but the wife wants me to get it paid off faster.
Looked at the Ninja 650R also. Like the headlights and exhaust more, but I like the Yamaha better in every other category. Also want the 4 cylinder sound - I'm a music teacher, and that's music to my ears!
Don't get me wrong, I've been riding the GS500 for about a year now and it's my first bike. I like it a lot, but want something that looks and sounds cooler. The R6 was very cool, but probably way too fast. I'd get in trouble, and insurance is about 4x as much. I'll stick to it's little brother.
Thanks Mister, that info was fantastic. I shall keep the GSX650 in mind as a test ride when I get my black licence.
Quote from: MistahT on October 17, 2011, 06:29:39 PM
Quote from: Ourea on October 15, 2011, 04:25:26 AM
(http://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/sites/yamaha-motor/files/imagecache/lightbox/2011_XJ6-F_SMX_AU_4.jpg)
Actually, I should be getting a FZ6R around March. <snip>
That bike has a steel frame, rather overpriced bike for the steel frame. You are better off getting a FZ6 whatever that other thing is that has an aluminum frame.
Cool.
Buddha.
I voted Other. I would just add another bike.
I vote yes. In fact I'm shopping to see what I want. So far topping my list is the FZ8N.
Reason? Well I do like the GS500F. In fact I love it but its left me wanting more a little sometimes and I'm not really that big on making her into a project project. No one project at a time I say and my wife enforces that mind set too. Also the rules of the house are one road registered bike at a time too. I'm not sure how I'm allowed three cars but lets not argue.
Because of that want and a desire to ride the crap out of something different for a while, I'm going something a little bigger, a little more powerful but still in a style I like.
Cruisers ridden a few, can see the attraction, do instantly feeling cooler on the old school style cruisers but don't like the feel personally and couldn't use it as a daily for me.
Full blown tourers (ie goldwings) Love the idea of the weather protection, and a cup holder but when it chews more gas then any of my cars included my twin turbo 3.8L V6 I draw the line there.
Sports bikes. LOVE THE RIDE, hate the comfort.
Dirt bikes = not for road and I prefer road
ADventurers.Still out on this one. Till this year I wanted one. Suddenly the tide turned.
Sure one day I may come back to her and I honestly think I'll get another down the track but at the moment, to get that spice that means going to something different.
I went from a '75 KZ400 down to a '89 Ninja 250. Sort of an upgrade, similar hp but 100lbs less. I'm looking to eventually "upgrade" to the Ninja 500, GS500. But what about the Katana 600, 98+ preferably as I prefer it's looks to the older ones and prefer the screw and locknut adjuster to the shims, however from what I've read the GS500 is easier to adjust than other bikes' shim type valves. It seems like the parts from the Katanas are liked but not the bikes themselves?
From what I've read about them, they have more than enough power and comfortable for rider and passenger along with the more weather protection, and increased electrical power for heated gear.
Tony
A KZ400 with Fuel injection will be my idea of a dream commuter. Can you say 100 mpg ...
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: Ourea on October 15, 2011, 04:25:26 AM
Upgrade probably isn't the best terminology here but given the right circumstances would you buy a different bike?
I have been looking at bigger bikes for a while now and although I am looking to keep my GS for at least another year, I have come to the decision that I will be trading it in for a new bike.
The 'bigger' bike I have been looking at is one I probably should have bought in the first place, the Yamaha FZ6R. The FZ6R is cheaper, has a bit more punch than the GS but retains the stable platform I require to feel comfortable filtering through traffic with or without a pillion... I also prefer the looks of the FZ6R over the GS.
(http://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/sites/yamaha-motor/files/imagecache/lightbox/2011_XJ6-F_SMX_AU_4.jpg)
the fz6R will rust, teh fz6, not so much. totally different bikes. the extra "R" in this case translates roughly to : sucks
if you love the handling, ease of throttle and ridability, check out the sv650, ninja 650r (will rust too), f4i, and of course vfr800. the fz has them on lack of maintenance needed, but it's very rev happy. the sv will feel more in line with the linear feel of torque the gs has (don't laugh, the gs has torque, just not gobs). the 650r has frame rust/breakage problems, but a very very comfy bike otherwise. the f4i, my god what an excellent machine. the vfr, the most buttery smooth power thanks to it's v-4 engine and honda engineering. the torque of the viffer will leave you scratching your head, and if it has a pipe on it, the sound is wonderful.
fz6 - transmission is shaZam! from 1st to 2nd. it KALUNKS into 2nd, warm, cold, always under moderate acceleration. does not like to go slowly. very comfortable, with good grips.
650r - ergos ergos ergos ergos - this bike has em. good fueling, good power, nice manners going slower.
f4i - this bike will bore you for 100,000 miles at a time. hoooonder reliability. excellent machine, just put bar risers on it.
viffer - race it, tour it, do anything except dirt on it. omg the buttery smooth torque.
have you considered a dual sport ? (just planting a seed to grow an addiction) they are a blast !
keep the gs as long as you can. learn its limits. it is a very very fun bike. O0
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My wife had a GS500F. Now she has an FZ6R. It is heavier than the GS500, but otherwise similar in size. I like the seat less than the GS500's, but she is fine with it.
Her biggest comment is that it is nice not to have to work so hard to keep up with other bikes.
Oh god Ducati or triumph??? I think this is going to get very expensive!
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Ducati Superbikes can be expensive but if you shop around and do your research you will find that the 2 valve Monsters are pretty cheap, probably cheaper than the Triumphs.
Ourea, search for a thread about comparing your bike to aGS. I did a review of a S3 and a Striple.
I agree with Twisted, dukes are cheaper than triumphs. The few monsters I've sat on I felt morr like I was sitting In the bike than on it.
Michael
Quote from: Ourea on October 15, 2011, 04:25:26 AM
Upgrade probably isn't the best terminology here but given the right circumstances would you buy a different bike?
This issue comes up frequently and it demands another question:
Why is it deemed mandatory to sell your trusty, reliable, easy-to-ride GS500 before being allowed to "move on"? (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2wc9e/hmm.gif)
If you want more that's fine, but keep that GS in the family.
It's a fine little bike.
It's not worth much on a trade anyway.
Cheap to insure.
Easy to maintain.
Incredibly reliable.
GS500 - Best second bike ever created! :thumb:
-Ej-
Quote from: Electrojake on October 22, 2011, 10:55:19 AM
Quote from: Ourea on October 15, 2011, 04:25:26 AM
Upgrade probably isn't the best terminology here but given the right circumstances would you buy a different bike?
This issue comes up frequently and it demands another question:
Why is it deemed mandatory to sell your trusty, reliable, easy-to-ride GS500 before being allowed to "move on"? (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2wc9e/hmm.gif)
If you want more that's fine, but keep that GS in the family.
It's a fine little bike.
It's not worth much on a trade anyway.
Cheap to insure.
Easy to maintain.
Incredibly reliable.
GS500 - Best second bike ever created! :thumb:
-Ej-
Couple of answers.
Cost or either buying the next bike or keeping two registered.
Space to keep more than one bike.
Personal thoughts on whether it is truly worth having two bikes.
Significant other's sign off on two bikes.
To me its a combination of 1 and 4
Due to it's small displacement, GS500 insurance is about $169.00 a year for full coverage, and registration was about $25.00 a year. That's almost free!
Plus the GS500 with its center-stand can be stored against the back wall of a shed or garage till needed.
But I guess it's a matter of want.
If Ourea is simply bored with his GS500 then I guess he might as well trade it. A new bike energizes the soul. :thumb:
Ourea,
My 2 cents worth. . .
The FZ6R is a beautiful bike and a great upgrade but if your skill & need for power have got you bored with the GS500 already, chances are you'll master the FZ6R in a single season.
Something to think about.
Have fun shopping, :cheers:
-Ej-
Maybe after a few more years might take a slight step up to the GSX650F so its a little easier two up.
Quote from: Electrojake on October 23, 2011, 09:44:05 PM
Due to it's small displacement, GS500 insurance is about $169.00 a year for full coverage, and registration was about $25.00 a year. That's almost free!
Plus the GS500 with its center-stand can be stored against the back wall of a shed or garage till needed.
But I guess it's a matter of want.
If Ourea is simply bored with his GS500 then I guess he might as well trade it. A new bike energizes the soul. :thumb:
-Ej-
That would be nice costs but it just isn't so here in Australia.
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Quote from: Shaddow link=topic=57997.msg658739#msg658739
That would be nice costs but it just isn't so here in Australia.
Didn't realize the punitive cost over there.
As I understand it the licensing is bit complicated too.
Here in the US anything short of the village idiot can legally drive or ride (and it shows).
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Quote from: Ourea on October 15, 2011, 04:25:26 AM
Upgrade probably isn't the best terminology here but given the right circumstances would you buy a different bike?
The 'bigger' bike I have been looking at is one I probably should have bought in the first place, the Yamaha FZ6R.
Getting back on topic. . .
To properly answer the question: Yes, I would most certainly give up my GS500F for an FZ6R. The build quality on a Yamaha is superb too.
Nice choice! :thumb:
-Ej-