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.

[Field Marshall Sir Ron Pig]

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.

Trouble with German bikes, they always end up taking you to Poland.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

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.

Hmmmm - that's almost signature-line worthy  

[RBEmerson]

+1 on the Concours.  I'm biased as hell, of course, being a Concours owner, but I am one because the bike really does work.  Much of the time, it's my daily ride for local go-ferring as well as longer hauls.  I can do a grocery run with the stock saddle bags and a big Givi trunk and almost never need to use the cargo net for the overflow.  The order includes serious quantities of cat food, the usual milk, juice, veggies, etc. and often a couple of 12-packs of Coke.  Heck, I've even hauled cedar planking (cut down to 2-3' lengths, to match the job).  I don't carry a lot of photo gear (just a SLR digital camera and some battery charger stuff) but that and my laptop have never suffered from spending a few hours in the Givi trunk.

The engine (basically a Ninja with less top end and more mid-range torque) is strong enough to haul stuff and still haul down the road at speeds that will get LEO's attention in many states.  Other bikes may be better in the twisties but the Concours won't embarrass its owner, either.  +1 on the bike not being good on dirt and gravel.  It can be done but I've had more fun in my life.    

The one big knock against the Concours is it's top heavy.  In the Concours community, "there are those who have 'tipped Connie', and those who will".  The prime area of risk is parking lot maneuvering.  The range the handle bars and front tire swings through is a bit limited and the bike must, must, must be upright or very close to it or...   BTDT(x 3 ). 

But There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch and the top-heavy issue is Connie's charge for lunch.  Accept it, get used to it, and you've got a bike that will take you down a lot of roads and leave you wanting to do it again real soon. 

BTW, in case nobody else mentions it - see the Concours Owners Group site for more on these bikes.  Or feel free to PM me for more info.   

Added:
Re: price.  "Under $5K" is relatively easy.  "Under $4K" is certainly possible.  There are basically two Concours versions: '86-'93, and '94-'06.  There are a host of incremental changes (see the COG site's history of the bike for the details) but the three changes that stand out for me are the later version has better brakes (four pots / rotor vs. two pots), a saddle that favors the rider (pillion space is slightly smaller but higher), and a speedo with dual trip odos which make tracking travel and gas use much easier.  However, many of the parts for an '86 will fit a '06 and vice versa.  For this reason, buying, for example, a '95 with 15-25K on it doesn't mean you're buying a near-orphan.  You could get into an earlier Connie with 40-50K and still do well, although thinks like adding Galfer stainless steel brake lines to improve braking might be worth thinking about. 

"The Buzz".  Frankly, much of this story is, IMHO, BS.  Yes, there are some buzzy Concourses around.  But many of them do just fine, thank you, once the engine mounting bolts are tightened properly, the adjustable balancer and cam chain tensioner are set up, and the carbs are synced up.  The rest of it, to be blunt, is whining.    

Steppers and Risers.  I don't get it.  When I bought my '99, it came with both.  The steppers made the shifter and rear brake access difficult.  The pedals and their travel were just flat wrong, no matter how much I tweaked their positions.  I yanked the risers, put the shifter and brake back where it should be and "life is good".  Understand that every morning, after I get out of bed, I pop a pair of Excedrins to quiet down my knees and have been since before I had the Concours.  Steppers (AKA "knee savers") did zilch to help that. 

Risers are another thing I don't get.  Heck, if you want to fork a bike like it's a Gold Wing, buy one, don't screw up a perfectly good bike with those aluminum blocks that stretch the bejeebers out of the brake and clutch lines.  In fact, I mounted a set of '86 Concours bars on Barney (a '99) to drop the bars another 1" (one of those incremental changes in the line - the '86 Concours windshield and bars are 1" lower or shorter than the '87-'06 parts).  The bike seems a little more responsive with the bars closer (lower) to the triple trees.  That may be wishful thinking but that's how it feels.  But risers...?  Shoot, might as well attach the bars with bungee cords for all the improvement in steering that gives. 

As I said above, TINSTAAFL, and the lower bars do have a price: more pressure against my hands as I support my upper body on the bars.  On long rides, I use a throttle lock and changing my grip for relief.  So far, so good.  I haven't done any Iron Butt-scale rides yet, so I may still go back to the stock bars, but not yet. 

And the point of all of that stuff about steppers and risers is?  When buying a used Connie, there's a pretty good chance the PO('s) will add them and some other farkles that, IMHO, actually hurt the bike more than help it.  They can come off and you can sell them.  But it helps to know this stuff going into the deal.   Shop accordingly. 

[hobbner]

+1 on the Concours.

Thanks for the write up.  With all the snow outside I have lots of time to research and think my decision through, I have been thinking about a 650 GS, A Concours, and I have seen a few ads for some older BMW R1100's with saddle bags for an okay price.  I am afraid of the maintenance costs on the BMW's though.

Would you recommend the Connie to a novice rider? What about THAT much displacement is that too much too soon? is the top heavy aspect of the bike going to be a huge crutch for someone still mastering how to handle a bike?

[evilmedic13]

Trouble with German bikes, they always end up taking you to Poland.

 

Or a quick tour of Europa. Stalingrad to Paris anyone? Last stop ........Berlin!

[Lowlander]

On the Concours , how tall are you ? whats your inseam ?

Taller people usually have very little issue with the connies weight , my buddy is 5f, 7in and he bitches all the time "its too tall and its a fat pig" .
I dont have that problem at 6,1

Dont take it on dirt roads , only 2 times I dumped mine was both on dirt , maybe Im just not a dirt rider ?

Maintenance is fairly easy , a spin on oilfilter adapter is a must for easy oil changes (Burgmen engineering , look for info on the COG website ) save lots of time

its not a modern bike by any means , is a late 80s bike , but its proven as a good starting point to build the bike around what you need, accessories abound on the internet !

[RBEmerson]

Thanks for the write up.  With all the snow outside I have lots of time to research and think my decision through, I have been thinking about a 650 GS, A Concours, and I have seen a few ads for some older BMW R1100's with saddle bags for an okay price.  I am afraid of the maintenance costs on the BMW's though.

Would you recommend the Connie to a novice rider? What about THAT much displacement is that too much too soon? is the top heavy aspect of the bike going to be a huge crutch for someone still mastering how to handle a bike?

I can't comment on Beemer maintenance costs directly but everything I've seen suggests "if you have to ask how much, you can't afford it" (or close to it). 

How novice is novice?  "Never ever" or "just rode around the block on a scooter" or...?

It's not the Concours' displacement that's the real demon; the engine is tuned for more mid-range torque and a little less top end HP.  Which is not to say the front won't come up if you wind up the motor and drop the hammer - oh, my, yes, it will come up.     (I'm not sure who was more surprised by that, me or the dweeb next to me, hoping to squeeze me out at a lane merge.)  But use a bit of common sense (or a small dose of fear) and all will be well.

Where the Concours is a real challenge is the weight (650 lbs plus rider) which is carried high (big tank up top and an engine that isn't very low in the frame), and the "keeps you honest" low speed handling.  At any speed below a fast jogging pace, the Concours will demand you keep it absolutely upright and that you stop with the front wheel pointed almost straight ahead.  Get away from that and... boink.  It's axiomatic in the Concours owners community that "there are those who've "tipped Connie" and those who will".  But once the bike's rolling at a fast jog or better, life gets easy real fast.