Ive been enjoying driving a car (rental SUV). I can get in it, it's warm instead of windy, I don't have to put on a jacket, helmet, gloves, and messenger bag. I dont have to worry about flying off it. I can smoke, drink coffee, listen to the radio, and talk on my cell phone, all at the same time. I can go to Vons and buy OJ, a six pack of toilet paper, and soy milk without worrying about how full my bag will be.

On the other hand its 2 tons too big. You get stuck in stop and go. Fuel consumption is double-triple. I have to hunt for parking, feed meters, pay for all day parking. And whenever I see bikes on the road I feel like I should be out.

So I am leaning toward getting another bike not a car. There is a naked 2002 SV650 30 miles away, carbureted, 10k mi, dying battery, asking $3500, probably pay $3000. Title lost and he's getting a new one from DMV. I almost went there today, this is my current top choice. But it doesn't excite me.

Or, one of the countless 600-ish bikes out there. Suzuki, CBR, Yamaha, etc. I dont think the crotch rocket plastic look is really for me though. If I have choice regarding style, my next bike will be a naked streetbike.

Any other ideas, or helpful tips on buying or negotiating for a new bike?

Mmmm  Street Triple .....    http://www.motorcycledaily.com/03august07_2008triumph_street3.htm

the street triple is ART. sure, it's got a super sexy exhaust note, fantastic good looks, and rave reviews, but it's art. you don't beat ART all the way to work, park it on the street, and beat it home again

then comes the thief value. a sv650 looks 'old' to your common numbskull bike thief. the triumph looks like a few pounds of dope.

then there are parts prices, availability, insurance, and the initial outlay.

as much as i love the looks, sound, and sex appeal of the triumph, the sv wins. she's cheap, doesn't mind serving you EVERY day, doesn't mind getting dirty, doesn't mind getting bumped over, etc

if you just have to have the ST it's understandable though. it is the secks.

I voted other, you should buy Terry's Gixxer so he can buy a Duc M750................

Go for the SV, there are shaZam! tons of mods out there for it and it's easy to work on/fix.

Easy.  DL650 V-Strom.

Oh wait, I already have one.   

a lot of ppl are saying the sv is the logical choice, and lots more fun to ride than it looks.

Plus it's cheaper (5500-6000 new).

Yes the triumph is sexy and it makes me say fock yeah, but it would be a little irresponsible to take on that much debt. So yea. Im in the market for an SV.

"Get a car, squidly mccrasherson " that's hilarious. I was half tempted to pick it, cause it gave me quite a chuckle. but my vote had to go to the sv. definitely my favorite, and hopefully next, bike.

Since I believe in a strictly hands off governance policy I feel I really have no right to tell you what to get.

But I say buy a honda

what style of riding do you intend to do wiht teh new bike? after that answer, i can recommend something, but i dont know what your intentions are