Too many choices ahh!! - - FZ6 / SV / Strom / etc etc

[JonUSN]

I think I've been over thinking my motorcycle purchase and need to just buy one of the options I've been considering when I see a good looking well treated one for sale.  I thought I was settled on one of these: FZ6  / SV650  / V-Strom 650
. . .  i'm young-ish (27) but ergonomics off the bike is one of the most important aspects to me.

Aesthetically I really like the newest gen SVs, and while I haven’t ridden one I THOUGHT one of their primary features was a more standard seating position, but after sitting on a few at local dealers they don’t feel like they’d be as comfortable as some of the other options. Boo on that.

I also realized there are some good models that would suit me well that I hadn’t even been considering… Suz GSX650F or even a Ninja 650R I think would meet my requirements. But when it comes down to it finding a nice V-strom hopefully with a bunch of extra's and around 5000-9000 miles on it is what I think i should pursue. . . . Then again those GSX650F are a sharp bike (i think) . . AHH!H!



Previous experience and other random crap:
I haven’t owned a bike in a few years, I made the 250cc mistake a couple of years ago and owned one of those for about two years (put 8,000 miles on it and somehow sold if for 200 more than I bought it for!), and whenever I visit my brother I ride his extra bike which is an extremely stripped down 197X CB750, and have had a friend naïve/trusting enough to lend me his R6 for a couple afternoons to treat ‘the itch, not my style but damn those things are a beast.
 Purpose of the bike will be leisure only; touring the hills in the  state of WA and errands as my commute to work is only about 2000 feet.  Also I believe 90% of the riding will be solo , but the mrs is actually excited for me to get a bike because she knows how much I've been wanting another one, and will want to go on some long rides with me.  So it's 2-up riding abilities is another consideration . . .

edit: also, i just discovered this site about two days ago, but I think I'm going to enjoy it.

[JonUSN]

. . . I also need to to cruise on the highway comfortably and don't want to "outgrow" this bike quickly as well. So I'm also in the back of my head wondering if I should consider the 'big brothers' of all these bikes. (fyi 6'1" / 180lbs)

[UHOH]

Aesthetically I really like the newest gen SVs, and while I haven’t ridden one I THOUGHT one of their primary features was a more standard seating position, but after sitting on a few at local dealers they don’t feel like they’d be as comfortable as some of the other options. Boo on that.

You'd have tried the SV650S at the dealer, S being for sport - it has a factory windscreen.  
 The unfaired version SV650 (naked) has different ergos by quite a lot.   Not made for about 2 yrs now, so a dealer wouldn't have one - look used for a 2003 or later SV650 naked/std.

  Good luck and welcome.

[B]

I'm pretty comfortable on my FZ6. I'd add the Versys to your list to look at.

[JonUSN]

Yeah I didn't realize the ergonomics were reworked beginning 2003. thanks good to know.

and damnit the Versys does look like the exact kinda thing i'm looking for, just what i need, another option!

[coho]

Don't forget to include the Kaw ER6n, same powerplant as the 650R & Versys in a street standard kinda package.



Personally, I think you'd like the longer legs on the Versys for some of WA's more 'vintage' backroad pavement.
And don't worry about 'outgrowing' a modern 650, they've got plenty of power where you'll (legally) need it most, especially the twins.

[Uncle Leo]

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,50907.0.html

[phoenix]

. . . I also need to to cruise on the highway comfortably and don't want to "outgrow" this bike quickly as well. So I'm also in the back of my head wondering if I should consider the 'big brothers' of all these bikes. (fyi 6'1" / 180lbs)

you do not "outgrow" these bikes. You may want more power, but there's nothing wrong with any of those models that would stand between you touring with or without a passenger.

I saw a leftover Honda 599 in a dealer yesterday too.

[buls4evr]

 JonUSN....welcome to the asylum. Do not overlook the 650 V-Strom(WEESTROM) or the Versys. They have good dual saddles that the sport/street models often do not have . If you want to take the wife along the seat makes a big difference. Also the passenger peg placement is better on these models. They have plenty of power and your insurance agent likes the small cc better and so will your wallet.

[jadziadax8]

At the risk of recommending my own bike, I'll recommend my own bike.  

Seriously, Kawasaki's 650 offerings are all great bikes.  I've ridden my Ninja 17k miles in the last 2 years.  I've got full hard luggage on it.  It's done the Gap and gone around the lakes.  I commute on it and am doing a track day next week.  Oh yeah, and it crashes really well.  

I would expect that sort of performance from the Versys or ER6N.

[UHOH]

 Oh yeah, and it crashes really well.  

    I like your style!

[bucktownbilly]

I'm on my second FZ6.  A does everything bike for this 6ft, 200 plus rider.  25k on last one, every kind of rode riding and even a couple of fire roads.  Should be able to get a good deal on it since they are now discontinued.  I picked up a new one for a song

[rayian]

As stated above, it's the sv650 naked model that has the more upright seating position due to the higher handlebars but this particular model has been discontinued in favour of the Suzuki Gladius. The Gladius has the same v twin engine as the sv650 and the 650 v strom. It's a wonderful torquey engine. So, there's another one to add to the list.

[Zerosum]

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any 650 by Suzuki or Kawasaki.  They're all great.  (Well, except for the SVS, I don't dig the GSXR ergos.)  I own a V-Strom 650.  Just turned 10K on it and I'm still very happy with it.  I toyed with getting a Ninja 650R, but opted for the Strom because of the crappy Baltimore streets.  The Strom is an awesome urban commmuting machine, IMO.  Handles great in tight situations and eats potholes for breakfast.   Don't let the height of the bike deter you, you get used to it in about 5 minutes.

I've never ridden any of the Kawasaki 650 twins, but they seem to get abusrd gas mileage.  I also hear that they're noticably smoother than the Suzuki V-twins.   They're tuned more for the mid-range, where the Suzukis are a little biased toward the bottom end.  The Versys looks like a really neat bike... I'd love to take a ride on one.

I've sat on the GSF650 before... I thought it was extremely heavy for a 650.  But, I've read lots of good things about it here on STN.  Which goes to show that there's a world of difference between sitting on a bike in a shop and actually RIDING one.  I know that that my VFR750 seems to magically lose 75lbs as soon as I get it rolling.

Like I said, you can't go wrong.   Just get one and ride the crap out of it.  Chances are you'll be itching for something else in a year or so anyway!

[Zerosum]

Wow, I'm sorry, but that is one fugly bike.  The manufacturers need to figure out that no one outside of Japan wants a bike that looks like a Transformer.  

And I own a V-Strom!  That's how ugly this bike is!  Why does it even exist?  Why would you chose this thing over a Versys?!  

[JonUSN]

uniquely shaped headlight . . . other than that I don't find it that special looking, let alone ugly . . .

Anyway, i'm still trying to find my perfect next bike . . . still looking for that 04-07 Wee-Strom with less than 10K miles, and aftermarket exhaust, luggage, and hopefully a few other farkles for about 5000. Too much to ask? Probably, but i'm gonna keep looking.

[Blunder]

Too many choices? Like that's a bad thing.  

Everything you're looking at is good. SVs have been around for what seems like ages and are good solid bikes yet Kawi has a good bike in that 650. I don't think you can go wrong. Have you thought about a KLR?

Welcome to site.

[JonUSN]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/mcy/1799464711.html

This looks perfect!! And only a two-ish hour drive (or abouts there)

Gonna look into this one!

[falconati]

That windscreen also doubles as a cow catcher.

[bassjones]

You've got enough experience that a VFR800 would be a pretty solid choice as well.  They are readily available used for good prices with ABS.  Add some bar risers to better the already pretty comfy ergos, get some Givi luggage and you're ready to tour quite comfortably two up or solo.  The Suzuki 650F is also really nice two up, as is the Strom (which is also available with ABS if you want it).  Personally, those are the 3 middle weights I would look at if you're doing much two up riding.