Have Heart need Bike

[hobbner]

My first bike was a 1976 Honda CB 400F I bought for three hundred bucks Fun little town hoper I owned it for one year, I found myself going on longer and longer rides with it. The bike was old it would shake at 60 but not at 70 Brakes would sometimes fade, Long story short after a few close ones I decided to sell the bike and wait until I could afford something with more modern equipment that would keep me safe. That was two years ago, I am now positioned to get a bike this spring probably. A used bike under 5,000 even better 4

1. I want a bike that is first comfortable for long distances 400 plus miles in a day
3. Storage, I am a photographer and I want to haul enough gear to shoot and camp 2-3 days ( I can pack really light)
4. I will mostly be riding one up for now as I am single.
5. Something that I can feel confident in on a short gravel road that must be driven occasionally
6. Seeing as I am in College and because of number four, the bike needs to look attractive
7. Insurance is an issue I dont want an exotic rocket that will cost me an arm and a leg to insure.

Ive been thinking a lot about a Kawasaki Councours. Of course I would Love a BMW GS or K series but $$$ any other suggestions?

Help me find a bike and ill see you guys on the roads this summer!

[basco]

How about a used ST1300? Got 3 1000k+ days on mine.

[shawn and gwyn]

preferably under 4K.. deffinatly the concours.. you probably wont find a st1300 or a GS of any year under that price.. but you can find a very good concours for that price or even less..

good luck in the search

shawn

[cbsnbiker]

The Concours is a bargain sport-tourer, but isn't necessarily the best for gravel roads. Ditto with many other bikes.

The combination of the gravel roads and cargo needs suggests a dual-sport/adventure style bike with hard bags.

The price range knocks out the bigger bikes, unless you go for an older bike.

How about a mid-size dual-sport with luggage, such as a BMW F650GS, Suzuki V-Strom 650, etc.? In fact, there's even a used F650 in the classifieds section.

Styling is very subjective, and I don't know what you like, so you'll have to be the judge of that.

[Lon]

I wouldn't jump to a Concours as your first bike since "years ago".

What about a Pre-Givi'd 2002 DL650?

-- and by that, I meant 2004.  

[hobbner]

I wouldn't jump to a Concours as your first bike since "years ago".

What about a Pre-Givi'd 2002 DL650?

....Anything out there with decent one up storage long distance comfort a good break from the wind and a lighter set up...say a 600 something?

[Grainbelt]

....Anything out there with decent one up storage, long distance comfort, a good break from the wind, and a lighter set up...say a 600 something?

Hard bags generally only come standard on litre-plus touring bikes. But you can add hard bags to most standards. Assuming $1k for bags and other items, you should be able to find the below for 3-4k. All have at least a 1/2 fairing.

Suzuki Bandit 600
Kawasaki ZR-7s
Suzuki V-Strom 650
Yamaha YZF600R (not the R6)
Suzuki Katana 600 or 750

Or you can go with an older (read: 80's) BMW, most came with hard bags. K75, R90, etc.

[andmoon]

BMW airhead RT or RS.

[Rabidsnipe]

I would love to suggest the V-Strom 650 but for your #6.  Some folks think they're ugly as sin; I think it grows on you.

[cworley5150]

650 GS or older R1100, R100 or R80GS?  There are deals to be had out there if you look.

The DL650 Vstrom is a great bike, but may run a little more than your budget.  If I remember correctly, they didn't introduce the Weestrom until 2004.  I don't know what they are going for now.

All are great bikes that can go the distance and do light off-road duty.  Bags available too.  

Beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder.  I've never had a problem with the looks of any of the GS's or teh Stroms.  Kind of utilitarian, function over form for sure.  They are the Hummers of the bike world.  (OK, that can be taken two ways, but you know what I mean)

All good bikes.  Good luck.

[cyeager]

How about something like an SV650 with some bags? It is almost a direct-line descendant of the CB400 with modern features that you are looking for. It is an attractive bike (either naked or with the lower fairing added) and it is great for light one-up touring. There is a massive aftermarket for the bike so getting any kind of luggage you want wont be a problem, and even better it still looks good without the bags for commuting to classes. You can find *excellent* examples of the bike in your price range in perfect condition with low mileage and have money left over to put some of your own touches on the machine.

[h2000fb]

How about a DL1000 VStrom?  You should be able to get a 2003-2004 for $4300-4900, though people will ask more.  Just bought a 2004 with 6800miles, suzuki luggage, engine guards, tank bra w/quick detach tank bag, heated grips, center stand, and extended warranty til 2009. Paid $5200 and sold luggage for $575.  That's $4625.  Had several others spotted and prices were similar.  This one included a couple more accessories is all, but more importantly, was closer.  I realize this is at the top end of your $$ but is a lot more bike.

[Lon]

I would love to suggest the V-Strom 650 but for your #6.  Some folks think they're ugly as sin; I think it grows on you.

The V-Strom was one of the first bikes I introduced my wife to when I was shopping originally, and she had no pesky "stylistic taste" to deal with    She still thinks they're beautiful.

How about something like an SV650 with some bags?  It is almost a direct-line descendant of the CB400 with modern features that you are looking for.

Well, yes, except for... well, not being a Honda CB-series... and being a Suzuki...  The closer-descendent is more likely the Honda CB600F, aka the "Hornet" or the "599" depending on what part of the world we're talking about.

Anyway, I agree with all the rest of what you said, except to clarify that only the 'S' model has fairing lowers available, and the SV650S has fairly extreme ergonomics due to low clip-ons (which can easily be fixed using bar risers, of course - like you said, "massive aftermarket").

[photomd]

If you're in college, get something that works. Don't worry about looks. I've never picked up a girl because of my bike. It might have started the conversation, but if we didn't get along, nothing would happen...know what I mean?

I'd also get cheap. A 90's Nighthawk 750 comes to mind. It has hydrolic valves, you can put Givi's or soft saddle bags on it and lots of windshields are availible. You'll have lots of time get the bike of your dreams. Nighthawks can be had for $800-$2000, they're cheap to insure and reliable. HTH's.  

[emmajoe]

The v-stroms a good idea, but My Girl tours on a SV650 and uses the "bags connection" tail bag. It a really comfy/sporty ride, she's had a few 400+ mile days and had no complaints.

if you find a bike w/o bags this is a great luggage system.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/915/340/

[cyeager]

Well, yes, except for... well, not being a Honda CB-series... and being a Suzuki...   The closer-descendent is more likely the Honda CB600F, aka the "Hornet" or the "599" depending on what part of the world we're talking about.

Descendant based on purpose, which is what he liked about the bike.

[county]

I posted about this in GD the other day.

Take a look at a 98-99 R1200 C BMW.  I saw one sold at the BMW dealership near me the other day for $4000.  ~6000 miles on the thing.  Near new looking.  Get rid of the ape hanger bars.

[Grainbelt]

I posted about this in GD the other day.  Take a look at a 98-99 R1200 C BMW.  

Did you miss the part about him wanting to get laid at some point?  

[hobbner]

Did you miss the part about him wanting to get laid at some point?  

Maybe half my problem is I actually found that bike cool looking.......lol

[Black Ice]

Maybe half my problem is I actually found that bike cool looking.......lol

Dude, if you have a bike and enough confidence, you will get laid.  If you just have confidence, you will get more pussy than a speculum.  BTDT.