Newbie here... thinking to upgrad. Suggestion?

[achung_M620]

Hi all!

In many ways, I am still consider myself as newbie... I passed MSF last year Aug, and got myself a used Monster 620ie as my first ride. Alway put on protective gear - leather jacket, leather pants, boots, helmet... I ride almost every weekend for few hours except in rain or in dark (which I think I need to face it sooner or later). So far so good - almost 3K mile on the clock... and thinking about upgrade into sport touring something next year. The goal is doing a longer trip on 2 wheels. My monster is a keeper for sure; but it is no touring bike (after 3 hrs of riding, I don't feel my butt anymore  !) Plus the wind protection is just nearly non-exist... so, I have some questions, and also have a list of bikes that I think it could work. BTW, I am 5'6, in early 30s, and 180lb (way over weiggggggggghttttttttttttt... thanks for asking  )

Bike on my list:
 Sprint ST (nice looking... right price)
 VFR 800 (nice looking... heavy on weight)
 F800ST (very nice in tech... but cost a lot when fully loaded)
 Future 1000 (hmmm.... don't know much about it)
 ST4s (basically out of the list... cost way too much  )

Q1: Is it too much to handle - jumping from little M620 to Sprint ST?
Q2: I guess I am looking for something that has good wind protection and reasonable power... what bike you would pick if that's the case?
Q3: I love twisty road... my Monster can do it fairly well (except the ground clearance). Is any of these bikes here not as good in twisty situation?
Q4: ABS or not? Which bike works better?
Q5: Used or new?

Thanks ahead!    

[Grainbelt]

1. I dunno. 3k in 11 months isn't alot of riding, but the 620 is a pretty responsive bike, so sure, why not.
2. The F800 is nice. Don't overlook the other 600ish bikes - a wee strom, versys, ninja650, etc. ST3 instead of ST4s?
3.  If you're scraping pegs or exhaust on the monster on the street, work on body position. Any of these will be decent for ground clearance.
4. Dunno
5. Its your money.

[Studad]

I love my VFR. Lots of character (for a honda) great comfort, performance, hard bags for everyday use. Good for trips, Very low maintenence. Mine only seems to be hard on tires and gas. Tires at 3-3.5k, gas is about 40 mpg.

BUT I'd also like to sell my VFR. New baby means no trips on my horizon. I hate to see anything sit unused, so it IS listed for sale. It's a really refined bike. Not blistering performance, but a smooth faster bike.

[BlueRidgeKat]

1. I went from a 750 to a 1200, took it kind of easy the first day never gave it a thought after that. Every bike is different no matter what the size, braking, handling, power, etc.... just take it easy for a little while to adjust to the new bike.

2. The Sprint certainly has good power and a number of different windscreen upgrades to change wind protection.

3. I have never rode one but from some of the reviews I would think the F800ST would be the one "not as good". They are calling it more of a entry level sport tourer but also say the more experienced rider would enjoy it as well.

4. ABS Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

5. Like Grainbelt said, its your money. There are some really good deals to be found on used bikes on the other hand there are some good deals to be found on leftover year models sitting in the showroom if you argue with them enough. As already stated 3k of riding isnt really alot. Get on that Monster and ride the hell out of it while your searching for your new or used Sprint. Keep a eye on the classified section here at STN as well or post a ad there that you are looking for a low mile like new Sprint.

[achung_M620]

Thanks for all the inputs. Good to know that there isn't a whole lot different from 600 to 1000cc (seems to be - other may not agree). 3K mile is not a lot of mile; but hopefully the number will increase faster since I have been doing 80 mile trip now every weekend... I am thinking either go with Sprint ST (if the insuracne is not too bad) or VFR with ABS. BMW... maybe next time since the one that I really like is kind of out of reach (R1200RT...super!). Still have a lot of time to think more... BTW, how much usually is Sprint ST cost with hardbags? I would like to get new; if a nice deal come, I will take it. Afterall my monster was a left over model too...

Thanks again!    

[cbsnbiker]

Thanks for all the inputs. Good to know that there isn't a whole lot different from 600 to 1000cc (seems to be - other may not agree). 3K mile is not a lot of mile; but hopefully the number will increase faster since I have been doing 80 mile trip now every weekend... I am thinking either go with Sprint ST (if the insuracne is not too bad) or VFR with ABS. BMW... maybe next time since the one that I really like is kind of out of reach (R1200RT...super!). Still have a lot of time to think more... BTW, how much usually is Sprint ST cost with hardbags? I would like to get new; if a nice deal come, I will take it. Afterall my monster was a left over model too...

Thanks again!    

I'm one who disagrees about there not being much difference going from 600 to 1000cc. Depending on the bikes in question, there can be a huge difference. That's not to say that one shouldn't buy the larger bike, but just recognize that you'll have to get used to handling the increased weight, power, etc.

From that list, I'd take another look at the BMW. If nothing else, it's the newest design. It's also lighter than the others (except the Ducati), IIRC. Of course, none of them are bad choices. It just depends on what you want a motorcycle to do.

I'm a big proponent of ABS.

HTH.