Quote:
Originally posted by dmoolenaar
Weekend riding, local areas, mountains, an occasional overnight road trip. Maybe an occasional Friday commute to work when I usually knock off by 2:00 pm and take the long way home. A must would be to accomodate a passenger (wife, son, daughter) easily.
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Okay. I'd rule out touring bikes. And I think full-on sportbikes, too because you want something that's practical going slow, carrying a passenger, and overnighters. So that leaves stuff like you've been looking at, naked or partially faired bikes with some juice. (Most fully faired bikes have too sporty a riding position and the plastic is expensive if you dump it).
Here's a suggestion: join
www.motorcycle.com for $12/yr and access their huge archive of bike reviews, comparision tests, photos and data. Some suggestions of my own:
- look for some wind protection or the ability to add it on. You'll want it and like it. Usually a small one can be attractive.
- avoid too much weight on the wrists from low bars. You can ride as fast as anyone without getting into that uncomfortable position that sucks after 20 minutes. (That's the main knock on the Thruxton).
- sounds like your budget is up to $12K? That'll get you just about anything new. I generally favor new...
- Honda. The 919 looks most apropriate. You'll need to add a windscreen.
- Yamaha. The FZ1 is often the winner of comparos. Does everything well.
- Suzuki. SV1000 is good; looks like seat comfort could be an issue. To avoid the lower bars of the S it looks like you have to find a used one.
Bandit 1200 would work well; a bargain.
V-Strom 1000. Funny-looking, but a great all-arounder.
- Kawasaki. ZRX1200R is an excellent choice. Z1000 maybe not enough on the comfort issue; doesn't do great in comparos, minimal wind protection, weird looking pipes.
- BMW. I'd recommend the R1150R or R1150R Rockster as before. The R1100S is outstanding (my current bike) as well, nice looking with the underseat exhaust.
- Triumph. Very reliable; lots of juice, great motors. '04 Speed Triple 955cc, lots of attitude, likely a bargain and perhaps preferable to the '05, especially financially.
Sprint ST. Competitor to the R1100S and Honda VFR. '04 likely a bargain. '05 to consider; all different. Factory hardbags available with these.
