So I'm stumped...

[Ryan381]

I'm riding around on a 99 GS500 right now and looking to get a new bike. I'm having trouble meeting my criteria

Bike requirements

•   Fuel injected
•   Not chain drive
•   Liquid cooled
•   Standard touring or Adventure touring
•   Highway capable
•   Under 10k
•   Dealer support

I don't want nothing to sporty more along the lines of my GS500 but with more omph and some wind protection having the wind blast me the whole time is very fatiguing. So if anyone has any info that meets this let me know. I'm hoping to ride back from Colorado later this year, have to help family move..Will be trucking it up and riding it back.

[caddydaddy]

Whatcha got against chains?  

[Wistrick]

Honda NT700V  $9,999  ding ding ding!!!!!!

[Ryan381]

I don't really like lubing and making sure they are tight, changing chains and sprockets.

[J-Mac]

I don't really like lubing and making sure they are tight, changing chains and sprockets.

Honda Accord...

[JReazor]

Honda Accord...

 

I'm confused, should chain maintenance be a requirement for riding a motorcycle? Because they're two different things.

[caddydaddy]

 

I'm confused, should chain maintenance be a requirement for riding a motorcycle? Because they're two different things.

No, but I wouldn't let a minor thing like chain maintenance cause me to exclude a bike that I may love!

[shawn and gwyn]

not water cooled. but they have been around for a realy long time in all kinds of climates..  BMW R bikes. usualy come all set up for touring.  can be had with low miles for way less than 10k.  RT, RS, GS,  and they last forever.. and very easy valve adjusts..

shawn

[falconati]

A used FJR, Honda ST, or Connie should fit the bill (I think they're all shafties, though I could be wrong).  Also, you could get a used BMW F800ST, which is belt-driven.  The only caveat there is dealer network may be limited, depending on your location.

[Ryan381]

I would be willing to budge on the no chain aspect...My biggest criteria is must be fuel injected though

[Tyrroneous]

Yeah, I think BMW F800 bikes meet all your criteria.  If you can budge on the chain issues, check out the Kawasaki Versys, Yamaha FZ6, Suzuki V-Strom, Buell 1125 CR (not much wind protection though but it is belt driven).  

[burnergold2B]

Kawasaki Concours.    

I'm riding around on a 99 GS500 right now and looking to get a new bike. I'm having trouble meeting my criteria

Bike requirements

•   Fuel injected
•   Not chain drive
•   Liquid cooled
•   Standard touring or Adventure touring
•   Highway capable
•   Under 10k
•   Dealer support

I don't want nothing to sporty more along the lines of my GS500 but with more omph and some wind protection having the wind blast me the whole time is very fatiguing. So if anyone has any info that meets this let me know. I'm hoping to ride back from Colorado later this year, have to help family move..Will be trucking it up and riding it back.

[bomber]

the chain thing will excllude a large number of bikes--

as will the liquid cooling --

Your list seems to be a series of specs, rather than capabilities . . . . for instance, a Buell Uly would fit exactly, except it's not liquid cooled  . . . . And older BWM would fit, except it's not FI, etc . . . . might one ask the whys and wherefors of your requirements?


•  Fuel injected
•   Not chain drive
•   Liquid cooled
•   Standard touring or Adventure touring
•   Highway capable
•   Under 10k
•   Dealer support

[caddydaddy]

the chain thing will excllude a large number of bikes--

as will the liquid cooling --

Your list seems to be a series of specs, rather than capabilities . . . . for instance, a Buell Uly would fit exactly, except it's not liquid cooled  . . . . And older BWM would fit, except it's not FI, etc . . . . might one ask the whys and wherefors of your requirements?


•  Fuel injected
•   Not chain drive
•   Liquid cooled
•   Standard touring or Adventure touring
•   Highway capable
•   Under 10k
•   Dealer support

I'd suggest a V-Strom if you can live with what little maintenance is required for a chain drive!    It meets everything else on the list.

[Rabidsnipe]

Yeah, I think BMW F800 bikes meet all your criteria.  If you can budge on the chain issues, check out the Kawasaki Versys, Yamaha FZ6, Suzuki V-Strom, Buell 1125 CR (not much wind protection though but it is belt driven).  

If you can live with the chain, you can throw in used: Gen 2 FZ1 & Spring ST.

Out of the box new, the only thing I'm aware of is the NT700V.

[Kootenanny]

Find a Buell Uly XT--on sale now for ridiculous prices--and just pretend it's water cooled (honest--you'll never know the difference).

[Sputnik]

GSXF650F???

new, less than $8K for 2009.
new, less than $7K for 2008.
http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/GSX650F/2009/GSX650F.aspx?category=sportbike


Probably about $5K for a decent used one, even less for an older Bandit 650.

Meets all your criteria except is chain drive.

Throw on a Scottoiler if you don't like the hassle of lubing chains.

And a set of Givi luggage for about $500.

Hard to beat for extensive dealer network, interchangeability of many parts with other Jap bikes (e.g. parts like fork seals are often the same across Suzi, Honda, etc.)

And lots of aftermarket stuff, e.g.
http://holeshot.com/

[Ryan381]

Honda NT700V  $9,999  ding ding ding!!!!!!

From the quick stats I pulled it will be slower than my current GS500 and weigh more...My GS500 is around 9lbs per HP and the Honda is 10lbs per HP. Let alone the honda will really be putting quite a bit less to the ground with a shaft vs a chain.

[Zerosum]

Yeah, I don't understand all the chain-hate, either.  Just carry a can of Teflon Spray and hit the chain with it at every fill-up.  On my V-Strom, I only need to tighten the chain every 1,000 miles or so.  It takes like 10 minutes.  

As for sprocket/chain replacement, if you lube at every fill-up, they'll last you way past 15K miles.  More lube = less heat =  less wear.

[shiney]

The best benefit to a chain is the ability to change the final gearing. Cannot do that with a shafty. (easily)