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.  

[Zerosum]

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.

You could probably do that for less than $5K.  I sometimes like to "shop" for the bikes I already own, to see what they're going for.  I see Stroms like mine (3-piece luggage, misc. farkles, 10K miles) go for between $3.5 and $4K.  I've seen a few posted for $5K, but they sit for weeks.

That said, if $5K is your spending limit, it's entirely possible that you could find a brand new Wee Strom, leftover from '08.  I paid that much for my '06 back in '08. I had been shopping for a used one, but couldn't find a deal, so I started shopping for a new leftover. The rural dealers tend to have more leftover inventory, my Strom was at a po-dunk dealer outside of Pittsburgh.  They even had two of them, I had my pick of colors.

[JonUSN]

*First one picture/side comment



I've put like 500 miles on my friend's XR650 this last week . . . At first I though this bike was a great dual sport, but now i'm not really sure what it's usefulness is. It's a bit heavy and tall for serious offroad/trail riding . . .  I mean it was A LOT of fun trail riding with this, but I'm guessing a CRF would be a lot easier/more enjoyable . . . I don't know I don't have much (any?) off road experience . . . . I do know that i"m 6ft tall and still find the seat height a bit uncomfortably tall . . . but i digress b/c this is not anywhere near close to what i'm looking for.


But anyway I test drove a used FJR today, really because they really wanted me to test drive it . . i mean this was after I had explicitly and repeatedly told them it was more than I wanted to spend (i loved it and wish i had the money though) . .

And I was saying how I was probably going to continue looking for an FZ1 or Strom ; preferably a Strom . . . the guy couldn't stop talking shit about the Strom especially saying how top heavy it is.  
As much as i think the Strom is the bike for me, i've never actually riden one. So even if we concede (which we're not) that it is a bit top heavy, how as anybody noticed this effecting their ride?

[garry]

I had a Wee Strom for a season (10K miles). The top-heavy bit only mattered when it started to lean over and you had to fight it to keep it upright (foot slips on gravel at a stoplight, etc). Then you notice the weight as you try to keep it from taking a nap. It was a fine swiss army knife of a bike. Cheap, reliable, versatile. The biggest beef most people have with it (aside from looks) is buffeting from the wind. There are many possible solutions out there, you just have to find the one/combo that works for you. Suspension is soft, but $250 in new springs will sort that out.

[jadziadax8]

And I was saying how I was probably going to continue looking for an FZ1 or Strom ; preferably a Strom . . . the guy couldn't stop talking shit about the Strom especially saying how top heavy it is.

You need to find a different salesman, then.  Anyone who won't sell you what you're looking for isn't that serious about getting paid.

[stromgal]

I can't believe how many times I've read/been told that a Strom is too tall for someone my height (5'6" & shrinking).  Yes, if it starts to tip, it's going down; I've dropped mine many times 'though not (touch wood) for the last year.

On the other hand, sitting up high makes for better sightlines, and the longer-travel suspension eats up crappy road surfaces that just beat me up on my sport bikes.

[Grainbelt]

The Strom is both top-heavy and physically larger than any of the other middleweights.

If you're planning to ride 95-100% paved roads, the Versys would be a better choice, IMO. I had the Ninja 650R, sold it for an FZ6, already thinking about selling it to buy a Versys.

[JonUSN]

Anyone who won't sell you what you're looking for isn't that serious about getting paid.

. . . well they were not an authorized Suzuki dealer . . . the were a Honda/Kawasaki/Ducati dealer. . .

[jadziadax8]

. . . well they were not an authorized Suzuki dealer . . . the were a Honda/Kawasaki/Ducati dealer. . .

Well you shoulda mentioned that.

 

[JonUSN]

I've had a chance to test ridge an SV650 and a GSX650F, and i've decided I definitely want to go the 1000cc route.

But it's going to be September for you know it, land I'm GETTING MARRIED in November. So I'm just going to shoot for finding an awesome "it's off-season and i'm desperate to sell" deal sometime this winter to be ready for next season.

Think I'll be focusing on FZ1, Bandit 1200, & DL1000 . . .

I've noticed when comparing FZ1s/Bandits of equal year, mileage, farkles etc. Bandits are always cheaper.  
Do you think FZ1 is a better bike?

EWWW also going to be looking for VFRs, never riden one, but like them. How's top gear cruising at highway speeds feel on the 2004ish VFRs?

[nater]

VFRs have about 95hp, which is less than the FZ or the Bandit you mentioned.  Not sure what you mean about how it feels cruising in top gear at highway speed.  Most bikes above a 250 cruise at highway speeds very nicely.  

[JonUSN]

well the SV650 I rode when cruising around 70, didn't feel like it had much left for passing power

[Bowtie76]

If your going up to 1000cc you should really look at the Triumph sprint either pre '05 or a good deal on an '05 or later.  I see a lot of low milelate model sprints going for $6000 or less.  The VFR is also a good bike.

[coho]

well the SV650 I rode when cruising around 70, didn't feel like it had much left for passing power

Downshift once (or even twice) and there is ample power for passing.

[Papa Lazarou]

I'm thinking of getting a 1963 AJS 650 CSR.

[fastdadio]

Excellent recommendations, all of them. Now, lets think outside the box. Do you enjoy working on your bikes? If your gonna ride, you gotta wrench. (words of wisdom from my pappy) The reason I ask is to maybe look at some older bikes. I'm thinking a nice old late 70's to early 90's BMW r-60. Price is right. size is right. Comfy 2-up. Fun alone. Toss some gear on it, no problem being gone a couple days easy. Parts are available and reasonable too. It's different. Claw hammer reliable when looked after. Whats not to like? You didn't say you wanted to go really fast. Lots of other older bikes fit this description also. Anyone else want to throw in a couple excellent older suggestions? Nighthawk, Virago, ect. yada...

[Grainbelt]

Downshift once (or even twice) and there is ample power for passing.

I was going to mention that Suzuki saw fit to equip the SV with a transmission, but I see you've covered that already.  

[Mastros2]

+ another for the VFR.  Used prices are very good now.  

[sslangs]

I've got a 2008 gsx650f.  This is a great bike.  I looked at all the others and this bike beat out the others.  Really should consider this bike.   Good luck.

[JonUSN]

yeah i've resettled on a liter bike . . due to lots of two-up highway riding.

And also since i'm deploying in January I've decided buying something so that it can sit for 7 months is retarded.
I swear on cold beer that I'll be getting something IMMEDIATELY upon return. . . .

[gritsngravy]

I've had a chance to test ridge an SV650 and a GSX650F, and i've decided I definitely want to go the 1000cc route.

But it's going to be September for you know it, land I'm GETTING MARRIED in November. So I'm just going to shoot for finding an awesome "it's off-season and i'm desperate to sell" deal sometime this winter to be ready for next season.

Think I'll be focusing on FZ1, Bandit 1200, & DL1000 . . .

I've noticed when comparing FZ1s/Bandits of equal year, mileage, farkles etc. Bandits are always cheaper.  
Do you think FZ1 is a better bike?

EWWW also going to be looking for VFRs, never riden one, but like them. How's top gear cruising at highway speeds feel on the 2004ish VFRs?

The VFR has a wonderfully tall 6th gear that allows smooth high speed cruising.    Years old vfr's retain their tight rattle free character and make great all round bikes.