I've been thinking about this for a while... and will probably continue to think about it until I'm forced into action... but considering I've put 30,000 miles on my GS in two and a half years, I think I need to be thinking about an upgrade before I plain wear this bike out. I'm looking for something that's going to really be able to handle the mileage I throw at it. A little more power would be nice, a few more creature comforts, great fuel economy and reliability are a must.

I lust after the Triumph Street Triple... but given my REAL driving habits (commute 70 miles a day, every ice-free work day of the year)... I'm thinking it's going to not be such a great love affair over time. I've been thinking about BMW F800 ST among other bikes.

Any ideas, thoughts, recommendations regarding offerings in mid-range bikes would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

My first thought was the Versys, but since you said F800 ST I'm going retract that.

I don't want to be the cause of any one not getting an F800. Those are just plain nice.

Well from the similar experience of putting 22k miles on a 2003 Triumph Speed Four in all temperature and weather, I can say it definitely handles it well. It was a little chilly at times, but I got by with some heated grips and heated gear. I was also young and riding in the cold was just something that came with wanting to ride in the warm.

If you're looking into something to use as a commuter and want to actually plan ahead for the weather you would probably do better on something with a fairing. BMWs don't do a whole lot for me, and I don't know much about the individual bikes so I can't really comment there. There's a pretty good selection of bikes with durable motors and half fairings that would work for what you're doing, but it sounds like you're looking for something a bit nicer than all the japanese offerings like the fz6 and whatever other bikes they're making that are like it.

I'd say look around at a larger aftermarket windscreen you could use on the street triple for cold weather and toss some heated grips on it and you'll do fine. As long as you wear your rain gear I don't think a windscreen would ever really sway my decision as far as water goes, since it's pretty easy to stay dry with the right stuff on.

I'm kinda in the same boat as you. Have you looked at the DL650(VStrom)?

Y'know... I kind of forgot about the wee-strom. I've heard it's a very capable bike... and if I had had a little more green a couple of years ago... we might not be having this discussion!

Anyway... the things I value most are durability, ease of maintenance and fuel economy. I'll be the first to agree that he BMW's not the flashiest bike... their color selections are mostly pretty dull. But they have had a reputation for really rolling up the miles. I don't know if that's still true, which is one of the feedback points I'm trying to determine.

Same thing with the wee-strom... I really don't know about long-term durability...

Thanks for the input, I hope to hear some more!

Mike

If I was going for durability I'd try to find something that's been around for a while. Any of the bikes like the fz600 or the er6 all take motors from the last generation sportbikes and just tune them differently. They should all be pretty bomb proof at this point since they're no longer verge of technology and pushing the limits. If you want something sportier there's still bikes like the zzr600 and cbr f4i which are literally the top of the line sportbike 10 years ago, and now are just considered slow, but would be great for racking up some miles if you can do the low handlebars, which are still high by todays sportbike standards.

I'd recommend an FZ1 if they still made them. Not sure if you're looking for new or used, so it may still be an option.

Quote from: GI_JO_NATHAN on September 29, 2010, 05:34:28 PM
I'm kinda in the same boat as you. Have you looked at the DL650(VStrom)?

There are a couple of variations on the V-Strom that you could concider...

Mostly street use...





or you could lean toward light off road ability...





The F800ST is a nice bike as well, but the durability of the Suzuki 650cc V-twin is hard to beat...

If you still find the GS500 comfortable and want more power while still getting similar mileage...

The Suzuki GSX650F is basically the next bike up the ladder from the GS500 in the Suzuki line up...very comfortable and standard riding position (same as the GS), but it has 40 mor Hp and fuel injection...





Yamaha has the FZ6R, Kawasaki has the Ninja 650R, and Honda has the CBF600 (depending where you live...not sure if the Honda is available in the States)

They are all good bikes to step up to from the GS500, have full farings and get decent mileage.

Good Luck!

Later.

Man, you really pile the miles on.  You ride even more than me.  Your commute is way longer.  I was thinking "This guy needs a BMW" then you mentioned the 800.  There's your answer.

Same boat as you. Almost 19k miles in slightly over a year. So I'm averaging, something like 1300 miles a month. But it comes from weekend rides which can far exceed my commute miles, or at the least equal it.

I wouldn't even consider the BMW cause I can get similar for far cheaper. Same reasoning that brought me to the GS - overall value for $ - cheap, the 2nd largest tank on the market after the Vstrom so huge range, comfy for me, adequate power, etc.

IF - big if - I was to upgrade I think it'd be a VStrom or GSX650. The only thing I've heard from the Vstrom is... I wish the throttle grip was larger/thicker, sometimes I hunt for a 7th gear (get a larger front cog). Otherwise, no complaints. Good power, good engine breaking (so much so, following one I was gonna ask him if his brake light was out cause he was slowing and I had to use my brake).

Check out this guy's crazy ride on a VStrom http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=467557
And check out the http://www.stromtrooper.com/ website to ask about the bike.

I also have a soft spot for the Honda 919. BUT, I stick with the GS cause it does everything I want of it and the range and mileage is awesome and it's comfy for me. And I know the mileage has already killed any trade in value so might as well get my extra Value out of it.

As long as you have Mechanical Sympathy and keep your ride meticulously maintained/serviced most bikes should last you Very well.

I think Suzuki brought out the Gladius to compete with the FZ6 and Er6. All mid-ish range and if they were your cup of tea then worth considering also. Take em all for a spin and see which one you're most comfortable on.

Michael

The 919 is a tough bike. If you go oer to a sight called wristtwisters  you will find a crowd of guys some of which like me put 20+k a year on there 919s. Definitely an upgrade in power handling braking ect ect over a the gs500 weighs a bit though. gets mid to upper 40s mpg and if you try for it you can pull down low 50s mpg wise. Maintanance is almosttoo easy since there isn't any type of fairing on it at all. infact the only thing that makes if harder than the gs is you have to remove the tank to get to the plugs and coolant.

One of the coolest things about the 919 is the fact it can be lugged in 6th gear at less than 2k and still pull from that rpm.

I may be crazy but I have ridden mine to work when the high for the day was 22 Fahrenheit. It's all about proper clothing for the weather that's why I have three riding jackets cold and/or wet jacket, Hot and wet and one for when it's just stupid hot out.

I may be a little biased to the 919 since I own one but then again I am trying to sell it to get some thing faster and quicker. such as a buell 1125cr. I love the sound of a pissed of twin.

Quote from: Poorboy on October 01, 2010, 02:06:13 PM
I am trying to sell it to get some thing faster and quicker. such as a buell 1125cr. 

Another vote for the V-Strom 650. My 04 is the best bike I've ever owned and a great commuter/all around bike. It's simple enough that a hack like me can do basic maintenance and as others have noted, the 650 engine is bullet proof. The riding position is upright and comfortable, you can't go wrong with a Wee.