Honda NT700V

[scooterlawyer]

I have been riding a Piaggio BV500 for about 4-5 years.  I do love it, but I think I am ready to move on.  I have been thinking about picking up a Honda NT700V to ride to work and for weekend rides with the boys.  Any thoughts regarding the move ?  I learned to shift years ago, so I guess I need some time in a parking lot also the Honda is about 100 lbs heavier than the Piaggio.  Should I be concerned with the additional weight ?

[shawn and gwyn]

na.  i think that would be a good step up.. pretymuch just a bigger scooter..

shawn

[bassjones]

It's a half-sized ST1300    I looked at one at my local Honda dealer the other day and it looks pretty cool.  I was thinking that'd be a cool bike for my wife - if I could ever talk her into riding, that is...  It's been in production for years as a Euro model so the kinks should be long since worked out.

[Zerosum]

Go ahead!  It's the perfect commuter bike for a guy who chooses "scooterlawyer" as a screen name!  

Kidding aside, it does look like a great "real world" bike.  The shaft drive is certianly nice from a maintenance perspective.  People seem to be dismissive of the bike due to its weight, but weight is a subjective thing.  A "heavy" bike that's well-balanced doesn't feel heavy when it's moving - it feels stable.  The powerplant is definately proven, my '88 Hawk GT has the same 52* V-Twin engine.

For me, the main hang-up is the price.  You can approximate most of this bikes features with a Suzuki or Kawasaki twin and a set of Givi luggage, and still come out WAY ahead.  But, if you want a mid-sized, shaft-driven bike with integrated wind-protection and luggage "out of the box", here's your bike.

[nater]

I wouldn't worry about the extra weight.  

[UHOH]

another to consider would be the Suzuki Gladius, which is a new remake of the unfaired SV650 using a slightly smaller frame and more attention to styling.
 everyone who has one of these, or the SV650 ancestor, really speaks highly of them.  can add a windscreen for some protection.

where are you riding from?   and welcome.

[falconati]

You've got plenty of experience - you'll be fine!

[Rabidsnipe]

Should I be concerned with the additional weight ?

As others have said, don't be concerned.  This was my primary concern regarding the NT.  After a test ride, however, I found it to be a non-issue once under way.  Moving around the garage will be a little more difficult though.