What would be the next bike after GS with these constraints:

Under  $10K (used or new)
Mainly for commute and occasional solo touring
Need to handle well at slow speeds (bad traffic), GS is very good at this
Need to handle well at 70-80mph, I find that GS is not that good at highway speeds
Need some wind protection
Good brakes, better than GS to avoid people who doesn't pay attention to bikers
No racing, stunting, canyon carving, speeding
Not a liter bike

My current considerations: Honda VFR800, Ducati ST3 or ST4S (OK liter bikes), Ducati Monster 620, Yamaha FZ6, Suzuki SV650S.  I'll still keep the GS after I fix the fork seals.

For less than it would cost you to get one of those others in stock trim, you could do up the GS to address all your concerns.
I don't find the handling at highway speeds an issue.  I have the Progressive springs and a decent shock.
The brakes are more than adequate.  I have braided steel lines and better pads.
For wind protection I have the National Cycles F-15 Sport windscreen and, at 6'2", it is fine.
Just something to think about.

Quote from: LEVO
My current considerations: Honda VFR800, Ducati ST3 or ST4S (OK liter bikes), Ducati Monster 620, Yamaha FZ6, Suzuki SV650S.  I'll still keep the GS after I fix the fork seals.

sit on all these bikes and see which is most comfortable, and go with that

of everything on your list i like the SV the most maybe because i don't really care for the others...  and the SV is the only one that i have ridden.  a lot of fun to ride and sounds really cool

but thats just my opinion

 

My Maxim        

get the vfr with abs

883's are quite lackluster. Used 1200R.

My best buddy is a master level harley tech that got a job at a salesman at our local Green Mountain HD. After riding both, the 883 just doesn't give me any push. The 1200R is much like mine with the powerband reversed due to the V Twin.

Used 1200R IMO.

I'm with Ed; get the 883 for 6495, put on a few Screamin' Eagle parts and you'll still be way under 10 grand and still cheaper than the 1200. But if you can get a good deal on the 1200 then by all means have at it. Plus, there are probably no bikes on the planet as reliable...seriously. And, unlike most dealers, a lot of HD dealers have some bikes around that you can try out on the road if you have a license. Like I say "everyone should own an HD at least once". I love my little GS500 and this forum.

C.......

Altought they are good bikes I am not a Harley person.

GS500 is an OK basic fun bike, but that's it.  Mushy suspension (it already has progressives), weird electrical problems, poor fuel system, etc..  I wouldn't be crying if it gets totalled.  

Some nice stuff on more modern bikes that I like:
Fuel gage
Fuel injection
Linked brakes
Gear indicators
Slipper clutch

VFR has most of this stuff and can be had around 10K.

Quote from: Michael
I don't find the handling at highway speeds an issue. quote]

Maybe it handles better on the wrong side of the road. :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

No frankly, we have all these funky concrete freeways with scraping on them for rain traction (as if it rains in San Diego, except this year).  GS tires are too narrow and they badly try to track the grooves.

a used vfr is your best bet. you can pick up a 2002 model for under $7k. My friend bought and sold his for under that. We're in L.A. so that's the market for them. Bike was mint condition too. I think he bought it for $6500 (on ebay, from sacramento) and sold it 6 months later for same. he didnt like the bike's VTEC. check vfr-discussion.com or vfr-discussions.com

Yeah, I have been checking the VFR forums.  Most people don't like the VTEC but for non-aggressive driving I think it is OK.  Hard to know without riding the bike a few days.  I agree that they hold their value pretty well.  It is a heavy bike though.

Quote from: LEVO[Maybe it handles better on the wrong side of the road. :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Well, you would know that better than me, as I ride on the correct side of the road.  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Yes, grooves are a PITA no matter what bike you're on.  I'm not sure whether wider tyres (or even tires) make a difference.
Let me also say that, my previous post not withstanding, I also am looking to replace my GS sometime in the not-too-distant future, and am looking at the Moto Guzzi Nevada 750.  My pillion is growing at an alarming rate (teenage boys tend to do that) and the GS is just a bit cramped for both of us on anything more than a short hope to the store.

Quote from: Michael

Quote from: LEVO[Maybe it handles better on the wrong side of the road. :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Well, you would know that better than me, as I ride on the correct side of the road.  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
quote]

Or maybe it is down under.  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:

I love your country, lived three years in Brisbane while working at the University of Queensland.  In fact my younger son is an Aussie because he's born there.  It is a great place to retire.

[quote="LEVO
I love your country, lived three years in Brisbane while working at the University of Queensland.  In fact my younger son is an Aussie because he's born there.  It is a great place to retire.[/quote]
What faculty?  I did my undergrad med degree at UQ, 1989-1994.  I used to ride in from Gatton every day (95km each way   ).  Where abouts in Brissie did you live?  I grew up there, on the south side.

Quote from: Michael
What faculty?  I did my undergrad med degree at UQ, 1989-1994.  I used to ride in from Gatton every day (95km each way   ).  Where abouts in Brissie did you live?  I grew up there, on the south side.

I was a researcher at the Solar Energy Research Center.   We lived at West End and later at St. Lucia.   We were there 84-89.  Loved going to Gold Coast and fishing.   Small world, isn't it.  Give me a call if you come to San Diego, we go riding.  

Quote from: VTNewb883's are quite lackluster. Used 1200R.

My best buddy is a master level harley tech that got a job at a salesman at our local Green Mountain HD. After riding both, the 883 just doesn't give me any push. The 1200R is much like mine with the powerband reversed due to the V Twin.

Used 1200R IMO.

. actually, if you went the hd route, you can get a new 883, get the 1200 kit, installed for less than the cost of a 1200, hell the only thing that gets changed in that process, is the jugs and the pistons :dunno:

 

My dad has an ST2.  Great bike.  Not my style, but I'm not a big fan of hardbags and bikes so equipped to handle them.  Too big/long/wide for my tastes, but I'm still coming off my motocross bike learning curve, I find myself still trying to slide the back end around in tighter corners like I used to while racing my YZ125.

It's 100 times better after adding a different seat, 1 inch bar risers, a different windscreen, Leo Vinci slip-ons and the Ducati chip.  Rides much better, gets better mileage, is much smoother, and has a great rumble.  PITA to get at the battery though, have to take off almost all of the fairings.

I think I am going with the VFR.  Pretty much picked as the best sport touring bike for many many years.  Now I need to go sit on one to see if I can flat foot it.