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

[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.