Yet Another "Which Bike Should I Get?" Thread

[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