I thought that I'd post my thoughts on here for anyone thinking of buying a new replacement bike for their gs500.

Ducati Monster 696
I rode this on a demo ride last week.
Bike looks nice, though the headlight on the new model looks like it was impacted into the forks while the plastic/glass was still molten.
80 HP and 50 ft*lbs didn't feel like it was significantly more than the GS.
Aircooled engine at stops roasted my right thigh. 
Suspension?  Incredible!  Soaked up road bumps and rail tracks without transfer to the rider.  Biggest improvement here.
Brembo's were stronger but not a big deal compared to the hype the demo leader made about them.

Summary: Nice bike, but not worth the 10K CDN for what felt like 130% of a GS500.
The heat and rear high-mount exhaust was the deal-breaker here, burning your wife/passenger not recommended.


Buell XB12Ss
Rode this one two days ago. 
Buell dealers are so relaxed about their demos... "yeah sure, heres the keys.  Bring it back in a couple hours ok?"
Incredible engine.  70+ ft*lbs at 2500 rpm made for effortless take-offs.   Also very hot on the legs at any stop.
Loved the relaxed engine sound driving around town 3500 - 4000 rpm and it was happy to cruise on through.
Sit at a light though and you'd rattle the fillings out of your teeth.  I learned to stand at lights to remove weight from the butt.
Once moving it smooths out nicely.
Mirrors were useless at stops and nearly useless at speed.
Short wheelbase and wide bars made turning effortless.

Summary:  Engine heat and vibration at stops were brutal. All around useless mirrors.
Passenger accommodations on the Long version are not as bad as it would seem.
Would I buy it?  Maybe, if I didn't commute with it much and was a weekend biker.
For 12.5K, again, not worth it.


Here is my question,
What next?  I am looking for a bike that is exactly like the GS with some more torque and HP for my wife and I to travel around town on.
The GS500 just struggles on takeoff and suspension with two-up.
Maybe I should get an older GS850 or GS1100 and fix it up?  Would the SV650 be a contender?  FZ6? 

I was really hoping one of these bikes would grab me and convince me it was the right bike, but no luck yet.
I'd be glad to answer any other questions about the two bikes.  Keep in mind I've only ridden the GS500 and these two (and MSF dirtbikes).
Thanks for listening...
CliffHanger

Quote from: CliffHanger on July 03, 2009, 01:35:43 PM
I thought that I'd post my thoughts on here for anyone thinking of buying a new replacement bike for their
What next?  I am looking for a bike that is exactly like the GS with some more torque and HP for my wife and I to travel around town on.
The GS500 just struggles on takeoff and suspension with two-up.
Maybe I should get an older GS850 or GS1100 and fix it up?  Would the SV650 be a contender?  FZ6? 

I was really hoping one of these bikes would grab me and convince me it was the right bike, but no luck yet.
I'd be glad to answer any other questions about the two bikes.  Keep in mind I've only ridden the GS500 and these two (and MSF dirtbikes).
Thanks for listening...
CliffHanger

well, those that you test rode = 3 or 4 crap box cars (with AIR !) in my humble opinion. crapboxes keep you cool/dry, and have a little protection from other cagers at least !

the fz6 is awesome (check out the engine !) and the sv pullllllls very nicely. i'd buy either one (if/when i find one for 2500/3000) given the fuel injection and lack of maintenance needed.

the fz is smoother, but buzzy around (iirc) 4500 or so.

the sv pulls much nicer than gs, but not quite as smooth as the fz. clutch felt better on the sv too.

as far as two up, it's a toss up. throw the lady back there on that tiny seat and see what she likes better. the vibrations are better on the sv/fz than those expensive bikes any day

I've said it a few times, but check out the BMW F800S or F800ST.  They're a little on the pricey side, but they seem to be a natural step up from the GS500

I would think a GSX650F would be on the short list.  No personal experience for myself, just sayin'.

Quote from: Paulcet on July 03, 2009, 02:38:20 PM
I would think a GSX650F would be on the short list.  No personal experience for myself, just sayin'.

Yeah, I sat on one of those a couple weeks ago.
Very heavy for a middleweight inline 4 ( 531 lbs curb weight )
No brand loyalty here.   

I wasn't impressed, coming from the GS500's ~400 lbs??

Any opinions on FZ1 vs FZ6 vs FZ6R?

I think in terms of a money/performance ratio, nothing beats a used sv650. Everyone that's ridden one loves them, there's so much you can do with one, but it all depends if you like them. The only thing I can think of I wouldn't be sure of with the fz6 are the undertail exhausts. Do they still have undertail exhausts? That wouldn't be as pleasant with a passenger. I used to really like undertail exhausts too, but I've been paranoid about them lately since I heard you tend to smell like exhaust fumes longer since it's so much easier for them to get sucked up into that cloud of air that gets pulled behind you. I think if I learn to weld over winter like I'm planning, I'm going to make the V&H on my gs into a high mount, but I'm still not sure for that reason.

People always like those monster 600s because they look nice, but that's pretty much where it stops. If you're looking for something a little more unique(ie. not japanese, as your choices for previous test rides), I'd recommend a triumph. Street triple if you're looking for new, or a speed four if you're looking used. I had problems with my old one, and I wouldn't buy a british bike again, although if I saw one for a good price I'd be fighting myself not to, because I loved that bike, and it would stomp a ducati or sv650 any day performance wise.

Still though, my current top two picks as a step up for the GS, are a used kawasaki zr7, which can be had for $2000-3000, or a Z1000, anywhere from $3500 used, up to whatever they're going for new. They're both super reliable and smooth.

I need to find more demos around here! I don't even know if anyone sells buells here anymore.

there's the ducati streetfighter which costs more yet, but apparently it's the one that should be called the monster. it sounds pretty stupid fast. i haven't ridden one though.
it sounds like you might be happy with an sv650. i have ridden that one, and let me tell you, it's not slow lol. vibe wasn't bad, nor was heat.

Quote from: KasbeKZ on July 03, 2009, 06:22:44 PM
there's the ducati streetfighter which costs more yet, but apparently it's the one that should be called the monster. it sounds pretty stupid fast. i haven't ridden one though.
it sounds like you might be happy with an sv650. i have ridden that one, and let me tell you, it's not slow lol. vibe wasn't bad, nor was heat.

Thought about that too, but the local dealer only carries the SV650S.
I think that the clip-on bars are too low, but maybe I should take one on out for a trial before I rule it out.

The StreetFighter is ridiculously expensive and not exactly friendly for passengers or the insurance rate.
Maybe I'm a cheapskate at heart, but the GS500 does 90% of what I need it to.

Quote from: KasbeKZ on July 03, 2009, 06:22:44 PM
there's the ducati streetfighter which costs more yet, but apparently it's the one that should be called the monster.

They definitely should've called it something else, because calling it the streetfighter is way too corny, but at least they're being honest about trying to take advantage of a popular subculture...  The guy on the MCN test was making fun of it for it not actually feeling like a streetfighter.

Stealing the MV augusta tail was just a cheap shot though.

I agree with tt four.  The SV 650 is an unbeatable value, but if you're looking for something to ride with wifey on the back, why not keep the GS and get an old touring bike like I did?  Why buy another sporty bike and waste it by riding two-up?

My g/f LOVES riding on the back of my XS 750 because of its outrageously comfy seat, smooth shaft drive, lots of suspension, and hard luggage so she can bring more stuff.  I'm not recommending my bike over any other, but any touring bike.  They're way better for two-up travel.  A used Gold Wing or Concourse would be excellent choices.  So are BMW's if you have a pile of money.

If you want to do it really cheap like I did, XS triples are hard to find, but an old GS or CB 750-1000 with a Windjammer package on it would fit the bill nicely.  I learned something from shopping for touring bikes.  Many have higher miles but hardly any see hard use.  I'm glad I did it.  I now have two very different bikes to suit my needs or mood.  If I'm taking Naomi or I just want to tool around, I take the XS.  For daily commuting, errands, and zipping around I still have my GS.  Until now I was always a one bike at a time guy.  I did it for practical reasons, but boy, was I screwing myself!

a bike that can run a 12 flat or lower, didn't seem much faster than a gs500??? the ducati is no slouch. as far as sv650s go, my roommate has one, ran a 12.1 in it. it's awesome, i love riding it.

S4RS

I've had my second gen SV650S for a little over a year now, and I find it the perfect step up from a gs500. However, ergos for pillion are not as relaxed as they could be. You should consider something like a gsx650F, or the kawi 650R, or an FZ6, maybe?

oh yeah gsx650f would be a good one for you to check out too. good suggestion.

I dig the BMW F800S & for a retro bike, the Triumph New Bonneville.  Lots of people 2-up on that one.  1 big seat!  As a 900, it is pretty powerful too.

gsx650f sucks. i didn't like it at all. heavy, not easy to whip around like the gs or the sv.

Anyone ever ridden and Honda CBR600F4i? I was looking at them and would like to ride one to see what they are like. They seem to have a more upright riding position and some of the later models even had a 1 piece seat for somewhat comfy(?) 2 up riding

Yes I have an 06 F4i the same color as you pictured it's the wifes bike. Comfort is relative to what you're used to, in comparison to the GS500 it feels better beacause the bars are closer together for a sports bike it has a decently relaxed peg position. In comparison to my 954 it is extremely comfortable the seat is better for round town sit on the bike all the time and it's less of a reach to the bars. FYI that same burning thigh senstion the OP posted about won't be any different with the F4i if you're not gonna wear proper pants any sports bike is going to be uncomfortable on the inside of your thighs the perimeter frames act as a heat sink. The wifes F4i doesnt get quiet as hot as the 954 and it is slightly narrower but either one is a thigh cooker.

Now around town comfort is one thing but in the twistes the narrower seat profile of the 954 takes less effort to move around and thus means overall it is more comfortable for an active sport rider.

Of the original 2 bikes posted about the Buell would be my choice.

I haven't seen one in person, but what about the Aprilia SL 750 Shiver?