seeking advice on a replacement bike ...

[ferenc]

would it not be nice to have an interactive 'which bike is best for me?' ap?
even better would be help from the fellow riders on the forum:

i've been riding for almost 40 years on and off and am about to hit 00000.0 on my old 91 VX800 odometer, at which time i'd like to retire it or at least put it on 'backup' status.  i also currently have an f650 backup (don't like suspension for street riding), that i will probably sell soon.

here are my top 10 qualities for a replacement bike (this is where the forum expertise chimes in, hopefully):
1.  upright seating position, knees tucked in (i'm 5'11" with a 32" inseam, 34/5 sleeves, weighing in at 180)
2.  centerstand
3.  efi
4.  decent suspension (rear damping adjustment, for example)
5.  under 1 liter, flat curve but under ~80foot pounds of torque, under ~80HP
6.  6 speeds.
7.  reasonably narrow for lane sharing
8.  200 mile range
9.  top case
10.  available in usa

thanks in advance!
ferenc

[Papa Lazarou]

The BSA M21 meets most of your criteria but not all.


Otherwise, have you considered a Moto Guzzi Norge (the new one, not the old one)?

[jfusaro]

Disregard stipulation #5 and you have a Multistrada 1200

[Papa Lazarou]

Ah, but that's Italian

[vulcanbill]

wee

[Scratch33]

Disregard #3 and you have a 1st gen FZ1.

[Rincewind]

200 miles is a bit of a stretch for my Triumph Street Triple - it maybe doable, but a definite stretch.  Also it makes a bit more than 80hp.  

But other than that, it's a match and a helluva good time, too.

Otherwise: FZ6 or V-Strom 650 or Versys (but w/o centerstand).  

[cbsnbiker]

BMW F800R, F650GS (2 cylinder version), F800GS.

I think they meet every one of your specifications.

The F800R probably will fit your size the best (with the knees tucked in), but you'll have to sit on them to confirm that.

[timbo813]

You may have to modify the suspension on most bikes in order to get the ride you want.  You could do that on your f650 or look into a wee, fz6, sv650 (naked), etc.  I think a wee would be an excellent choice as long as you budget some money for suspension work.  

[Papa Lazarou]

[ferenc]

sorry, i did not sit throught the whole thing - was there some appropriate content worth waiting for?
enjoy,
ferenc

[ferenc]

Ah, but that's Italian

yeah, but it is _available_ in the us - i almost bought the ms800 a few years ago.  at the time the sexy italians had no range and a lot of maintenance (latter not listed in my top 10) ...
ferenc

[ferenc]

Disregard stipulation #5 and you have a Multistrada 1200

verrrrry interessting - great suggestion - by looking at the lit - the multistrada appears to be a mulit-bike, with 4 presets, the 'urban' being 'only'
100bhp.  it's worth looking into - wonder if i could get one more present for my b'day ;-)

any particular option/year to look for?  disable abs if need to?

thanks for the tip,
ferenc
ps  i recall reading some review article (pike's peak edition race???) where i think the ms hit a pothole and bent the rim and messed up the brake caliper - well, i don't plan to take if off-road, but ... being in cash strapped california, all roads are off-roads lately!
pps  on a lighter note - being of cal (blue&gold) lineage, does it come in colors other than stanf*rd red ?

[Biking Sailor]

Tiger 800XC   .  That's what I'm drooling over right now.

[ferenc]

The BSA M21 meets most of your criteria but not all.


Otherwise, have you considered a Moto Guzzi Norge (the new one, not the old one)?

 hi, you guys across the pond get all the nice toys - are these available in the usa?
there used to be a dealer up in seattle a friend of mine bought a guzzi from - as i recall they were pretty bulky (not ideal for lane sharing).
thanks for the suggestion, still.

more on the bsa ...???

[ferenc]

BMW F800R, F650GS (2 cylinder version), F800GS.

I think they meet every one of your specifications.

The F800R probably will fit your size the best (with the knees tucked in), but you'll have to sit on them to confirm that.

i went to a couple of local dealers to sit on bikes etc.  the f800r seemed like the bike for me, at least on paper - but they had none.  i'd love to find one to take out for a spin.  any first hand reviews welcome (is it as busy as the 800cc 650gs?)

enjoy,
ferenc

[ferenc]

wee

possibly the somewhat naked '12 - the '04 (jimmy 'buffet' fame) i had had way too much plastic up on top, was wide and top heavy.  i guess the center stand could be added on.

when is the '12 coming out?

ferenc

[ferenc]

Tiger 800XC   .  That's what I'm drooling over right now.

yeah i red some reviews of the f800r vs. the 800xc and went to check them about a week or so ago.

turns out the tiger 800 was more to my liking - narrower, but as i recall the rear shock lacked - will check my notes tonight - perhaps i missed something.

[ferenc]

200 miles is a bit of a stretch for my Triumph Street Triple - it maybe doable, but a definite stretch.  Also it makes a bit more than 80hp.  

But other than that, it's a match and a helluva good time, too.

Otherwise: FZ6 or V-Strom 650 or Versys (but w/o centerstand).  

i lost track of the yami's line when i passed up an fz6 for a wee back in '04, but also recently read that the fz6r rear shock was a dog, and there was no room for a center stand ...

corrections on above are welcome, as my memory is not 'what it used to be,'
ferenc
ps  the speed triples i hear are great bikes in the hands of great hooligan riders - i woudn't trust myself on one ;-)

[jfusaro]

I'm new to the Ducati family but my 2011 Touring S can turn off ABS as well as the traction control, as far as bending a rim any rim will bend on impact it all depends on speed, tire inflation and type of pothole. don't believe all you read about the MTS, so far I have nothing to complain about except the weather. The Pikes Peak is expeeeensive and I felt the Touring model was the better value as it comes equipped with panniers, heated grips and a center stand, and I sprung for the S model with the Ohlin's suspension. It comes in Red, White and Black I chose Red of corse