Yet Another "Which Bike Should I Get?" Thread

[Bravo12]

Well, I have my Bandit1216 naked streetfighter, and its plenty of bike, and versatile enough even without a fairing.  However, in light of it giving me some trouble lately (carb trouble, to be precise - a lean condition I'm in the middle of sorting out), I've decided that I need a second bike.  I could get my '87 EX500 running (and I will, soon, but I plan to sell it), but I figure that if I'm going to have a regular second bike, I can afford something newer and more reliable, and more suited to my riding.

Lately, I find myself doing very long days in the saddle (12-14 hours) when I just meant to go out for a short day-trip loop.  The pace is not Harley-parade slow, but I'm not racing anybody, and I don't get mad at traffic as much since I'm no longer going that much faster than they are.  I enjoy stopping to take pictures, I love the twisty sections of road even though I'm not going too fast, and I really want to give moto-camping a try really soon.  So, I'm looking for: a comfortable solo-tourer, long-range (large tank/good mileage), with available hard luggage, ABS, ok on insurance rates (gotta finance for a bit, so full coverage is mandatory here, and expensive), and less than $10k OTD.

My first inclination is the Bandit 1250SA (fairing and ABS); its everything the last generation Bandit was, only better (more power, smoother, ABS, better headlights, FI, 6-speed gearbox).  But for the price ($8799+) I'd have to hold off on the oem hard luggage for a bit, but maybe if I look around I can find a leftover '08.  Do I really need TWO Bandits?  They would serve completely different functions, though.  The naked would remain a streetfighter, and local riding toy, while the new 1250 would remain relatively stock (well, maybe a new seat and pipe from Dale Walker) and loaded up for a long haul at a moment's notice.

My second choice (and the one I'm looking harder into now) is the DL650 V-Strom (Wee Strom): adventure-type bike, 60mpg, 5.8 gallon tank (290+ mile range), loaded cost with oem luggage would be around $8k+, insurance would be cheap based on type and displacement, but they're hard to find in the showrooms around here (especially a left-over).  I am thinking I should look into the Kawasaki Versys as well, since I'm considering the Wee-Strom, but I know nothing about it.

On the sporting end, the local Suzuki shop has a few leftover 2007 SV1000S in stock for $7999 (and I might be able to talk them down a little more, or throw in a new helmet or something - they're not moving the SV).  Later this week, I'm gonna hit the Honda shop and check out their lineup, too, as a CBR600 isn't out of the question; I just think a supersport will kill me on insurance in Philly.

Any thoughts or other suggestions?  Please limit the discussion to new bikes or ones that I might be able to find as a leftover, as I've been pre-approved for a new-bike loan through my credit union already.  If I can't make a decision by the time I come back from work training the end of this month, I'll probably hold off until the spring, when the showrooms are full again and the new riding season is near.  If I do make a decision, I might have to travel beyond my local area in order to find what I want in-stock, rather than wait another month for it.

[chornbe]

Versys

[JonS]

As the very happy owner of a V2 engined motorcycle, I think you should seriously check out that SV1000S. For that price, you could buy hard bags and upgrade the suspension, if it needs it. That would result in a very nice, reliable bike. A set of pipes would be icing on the cake.

[Bravo12]

As the very happy owner of a V2 engined motorcycle, I think you should seriously check out that SV1000S. For that price, you could buy hard bags and upgrade the suspension, if it needs it. That would result in a very nice, reliable bike.

The SV my get added to the short-list once I check out insurance prices.  If my insurance company puts it in with the "sport" bikes, well, that would more than negate the bargain price.  It does look awesome in black, though!  

I spent some time today researching the Versys online.  It's definitely worth checking out, and sitting on one in the dealership.  MOTY, fully-adjustable suspension, and looks to be much sportier on the road than the 'Strom.  It looks kinda tall for me (5'7" with a 30" inseam), and the lack of a centerstand is an issue for me on what will be my touring bike, though.  I'm guessing there eventually will be high-mounted exhausts and centerstands available in the aftermarket?  No ABS available?

What I really need to do is get away from Philly and find a dealership that has all these bikes in the showroom, so I can sit on them and ogle them nearly side by side.  I have yet to see the new Bandit1250 in silver, but I think I'll start drooling when I do.

[Z50a]

If I can't make a decision by the time I come back from work training the end of this month, I'll probably hold off until the spring, when the showrooms are full again and the new riding season is near.  

Don't any dealers near you do
an "Early Winter - we have a boat-load of new stock" sale or
a "Christmas - come in and buy some gear.... Oh btw, we'll make you a great deal on a bike" sale  ??    
......some near here, do that.



btw, last week (at a dealer) saw an '08 Bandit 1250 in Silver, they look really, really, really Sweeeet !  
If I didn't have a bike to sell first......, I would have definitely thought about it !
might be a little far for you, thought (almost 200 miles).

[GooseMan]

You might wanna cancel out that SV1000...its a great bike, but its more sport that touring. A buddy of mine just got a black one...its H-O-T!!   Looks great, and sounds KILLER with Yosh pipes!  

I've ridden it, and it feels as sporty as my ZZR (which is 99.9% a ZX-6R) if not MORE, and vibrates quite a bit. Also, the thing doesnt get much more than 120-140 miles on a tank

[UFO]

Coming off you Bandit I don't think you'd be happy with the sport SV1000.  Not exactly comfortable.

Do you really like your Bandit?  If so I would put the new 1250 right at the top, check it out first...then go from there.

[Bravo12]

Do you really like your Bandit?  If so I would put the new 1250 right at the top, check it out first...then go from there.

I do like my Bandit, but I already have one.  And I won't get much for it if I sell it as it is.  That's why I'm still open to different bikes.  If I was still only gonna have one bike, the new Bandit would be it.  I'm just thinking that if I get a new 1250 Bandit, the old streetfigher 1216 won't get used at all, and I won't be able to sell it without putting more money into fixing it up.  Now, if the Bandit came in silver with ABS, this debate might be over.

I think its the "Long Way Down" series that has me wanting a budget adventure-tourer.  

[XLR8]

I've been looking for a sporty tourer for loooong rides as well.

After a lot of research and thinking I wanted a ZX-14 but would have to wait a few years because they are expensive, then thinking about how much power do I really need, I decided to try and find a used 6th Gen VFR with ABS. There are many great deals out there right now. Not sure why.

[Carl_T]

Had a black SV1000, cross it off the list given what you've written about your riding. It's a shorter trip, aggressive pace bike. Ride it slower or longer and all you think about is how uncomfortable you are. I got a seat, converti bars etc. rode it long distances. It was better but never right for that. Nice motor though.

Seriously buy the new Bandit, find a way to finance the factory hard bags. Then futz with the old one next spring and sell it for what you can get. After that buy something else old and used that is different yet still interests you. Maybe even a dual sport or whatever that is also cheap in $ to purchase and adds variety to the ride.

The bulk of your riding will be happier and more maintenance free on the Bandit since you're starting new again.

[Norwegian Blue]

New F650GS?

Nice comfy upright seating position, lightweight and fun, excellent gas mileage for your longer trips, light off-road capability for reaching out of the way moto-camping sites.

Starts at $8,255....

[Orson]

when god created V twins, he said "it is good".  

[BlueRidgeKat]

I'm gonna hit the Honda shop and check out their lineup, too

Honda has a lineup to check out ?

You are a much better man than I if you can sit on a SV1000 for 10 or 12 hours.

I'd go V-Strom or Bandit.

[VAbikeguy]

Tell you what... get the EX500 running, I'll buy it off you for $800 and use it as a down payment for the Bandit 1250.

 

[Bravo12]

Tell you what... get the EX500 running, I'll buy it off you for $800 and use it as a down payment for the Bandit 1250.

 

That's part of the plan, too.  If I finance the Bandit, I can always get the hard bags when I get the EX running and sell it.  Anybody want to buy a '91 Taurus SHO+ (after I get that running, too)?  

As far as the Honda lineup, I just want to check the local Honda shop for any deals.  A few years ago (when my S-model Bandit was still in great shape, and I wasn't looking for anything else), they had about a dozen leftover Blackbirds (black and silver) still in the crate, and were trying to clear them out for $8500 each!  I tried like hell to talk my buddy into buying one, but he picked up a very clean '94 CBR1000F for $3500 instead.

[GoneRacin]

I had a bandit 1250. I highly remoccnd the SV1000 over the bandit.  Yes it had great power, but the dang thing was top heavy and power was never a smooth delivery.

[cantride55]

http://www.apriliausa.com/modelli/road/modello.asp?id=123

sump'n different  

[Lawn Dart]

Why buy new?  Obviously I'm biased, but I've found no better bike out there than BMW's when it comes to long, long days in the saddle.  A used R1100GS or R11xxR would go a long way towards your cause...I wouldn't worry too much on buying a used BMW either.  Find a reputable seller (ie:  some anal retentive freak with full records and dealer servicing) and buy there.  ABS, Hardbags, etc.  It's all there.

Another option is a used VFR with bags and abs...but if you are coming off the Banding the VFR is always going to be lacking in torque.

Vstrom isn't a bad choice either...but if you are looking at the Wee650Strom you should definitely look at a solid, used F650GS Dakar - much, much more ADV ready than the Wee. *The Wee motor is gonna be smoother and a bit more powerful though...still, an F650GS old-model will top 105mph...err, on a closed track of course!)

Like I said, I'm biased.  If you want to drop weight and go ADV, IMO, the F650Dakar is damn tough to beat...

[Norwegian Blue]

Why buy new?  

Please limit the discussion to new bikes or ones that I might be able to find as a leftover, as I've been pre-approved for a new-bike loan through my credit union already.  

[Spiffious]

The Sv1000s is a sport bike.... You can turn it into a sport-touring bike without tooo much drama. (new seat and higher bars a must.)

But, from your description, it may not be the best fit.  See if you can work a test ride on some stuff, that always seems to give greater insight.

[JamminJere]

Honestly... I think you'd love the Weestrom. Its a great bike. I've toured with a couple of guys that have one and they are an excellent mount for touring. Smooth, good gas mileage, and plenty of power to honk in the twisties if you want to...

How much for the SHO+?

JJ

[rauchman]

I picked up a 2007 SV1000S used a couple of months ago.  It was between a Bandit 1250 2007 leftover and the SV.  If the Bandit would have come in at the same price as the SV, I'd be on the Bandit and probably happier.  I put on Convertibars (highly recommended, but quite involved to install) and have a Sargeant seat on order.  Did a light trip w/ my buddy on Labor Day weekend (1150 miles total) and my ass was singing the blues the whole time.  I'm 6' w/ 34" inseam and my legs never got too cramped.  Loved the engine but it's definitely not a bike that likes to go slow.  We found ourselves obliterating speed limits quite frequently unless on the slab.  At least at high highway speeds the wind lifting me kept me more comfortable.  I sold a Yamaha Roadstar earlier in the season.  I wasn't tame on the Roadstar by a long shot.  It had no windscreen but did have drag bars and I could literally ride that thing all day long, whereas with the SV, I have to get my macho on to see how much I can endure.  I'm sure the Sargeant will help immensely, but on retrospect, I think the Bandit would have been better as an all around bike.  While I'm not going to sell the SV, I've started saving for another cruiser.  Bandit 1250 probably cuts the difference between the SV and a cruiser very well.

[GoneRacin]

As a previous owner of a bandit 1250. i didint find it to be a good happy medium. It is a powerhouse in all RPM ranges, but the power was not smooth, and was very unpredicatable. I sold it after 9 months. I am currently riding an FJR adn repairing a ninja 500. When the 500 is finished i am going to ride it a bit and try to sell it and throw some money with it and get an SV650. Thats where I would recommend you look. Very inexpensive, Very agily. Comfortable power.

[Hardware]

New F650GS?  Hard cases available and we run the wife's with a tailbag.  Go with the higher windshield and it's pretty much set to go for longer distances.  

[ctbandit]

I've really taken a liking to the versys and the broad appeal range it has. Looks like TwistedThrottle has an SW-Motech(   ) rack for it for givi hard bags too. You'd be nearing 1k with a full bag set up for it so tack that on if it's the way you want to go.

As far as purchasing, I know Northern dealers really hurt for buyers in late fall winter, although they might say they dont, and I bet you could wrestle down the price or maybe even get the bags thrown in.

Since you ride solo for the most part you really have a broad range of bikes to look at (not making it easier) getting lower into the displacement range. The SV seems a bit uncomfortable to me, but I haven't ridden it so I could be wrong. I really like a lot of things about the new bandit, but like you said having two is weird.

On moto camping -  . There's something to be said about being able to pack lightly and live out "on the road" It's a cool feeling. Plus, solo w/bags you'll have tuns of room for stuff so you won't even have to worry about space.

There, I've done nothing for helping you to decide haha.   sorry..

[vtbandit]

Bravo12 (another jumper from Max Zuk).  Loved my 1st gen Bandit.  Bought a hold over 2007 1250 yesterday... $7444.  The fuel injection is... fuel injection it is on when its on and off when its off. Other than that I'm thrilled with it.  I test rode several - husband has an FJR - very tour-able to be sure.  For me, the Bandit has the immediate power and mine (all 200 miles) has been extrodinarily smooth.

[Prog Rocker]

Looks like the V-Strom is a popular option (see my intro thread regarding that)!    




Cheers