Spend $10,000 of my money.

[KodiakRS]

Hypothetical question for ya'll.  You recently moved from Arizona out to Chicago.  You hate it.  You miss the mountains, lack of endless corn fields, warm weather, and curvy roads of your homeland.  You also severely miss riding because you had to sell your motorcycle when you moved.  You happen to have 3 weeks of vacation in May and think that the cures to all your problems would be to buy a motorcycle and go on a multi week trip back to the west.  

So you start looking for a bike.  You're 6'4 so it has to have a lot of legroom.  You enjoy being "one with nature," and plan on camping a bit so it has to carry a bunch of gear.  You make next to nothing but enjoy living on top ramen so you've saved $10,000 to spend on the bike plus farkles.  Most importantly you enjoy sporty rides on twisty roads, so the bike has to be at least somewhat sporty.  

You realize there are multiple categories and hundreds of types of motorcycle to fill this roll but can only pick one. What do you buy?

[mugwump58]

It was the 650R that you sold?

[KodiakRS]

It was the 650R that you sold?

Yup, sold out of necessity.  Would have kept it if I had the option.  Wouldn't be too opposed to a second one but would rather try something else unless it turns out the 2012 is a colossal improvement or I find an incredible deal.  

[SummerLove]

For 10k..

I would do a sport tourer and a fun standard.
For me that would be an ST3 or Futura and a Street Triple or Tuono. I'd also consider something the Norge and a Street Triple or Tuono.
My housemate just picked up a new old stock 08 Norge GT and she loves it. She's also 6'4" and has a 34" inseam and it fits her very well.

[mugwump58]

Look what's in Chicago

[wibornz]

buy an 08 or 09 C-14.  Should be able to get one for 7500 or less, pull the flies, add buel footpegs to it so you have the leg room you want if it is needed.  Then take off.  

[DogBoy]

Buy Jeff's Sprint http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,65747.0.html

You can do your big tour, have a blast in the twisites (look good doing it) and still have a few thousand dollars left over.

[Rockin SV]

I'm a little biased, but I'd go for a Gen 1 FZ1 (01-05) . You can get a really good one for around $4k and have one heck of a vacation on the remainder! If you want to spend more then the Connie is a great bike.

[staedtler]

 

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2010-Honda-VFR1200F-97289065

[Fourstring]

2nd on buying Jeff's Sprint- he's got an awesome ride there.

Or borrow my ZX9 for 3 weeks and live large on the vacation.  Seriously.

[jsanford]

Find an old Superhawk? I suppose I suggest it as I know someone your height who looks comfortable on one.

[keepergale]

What endless corn fields. Did you really live in Arizona?

[bassjones]

Come spring, head north to Wisconsin for a few day trips. LOTS of good roads not too far from you... For $10K used FJR and used FZ1...

[Rogue]

2006-2009 VFR800.

BMW F800ST.

[Mac]

A Ninja 250. Ridiculous amounts of legroom, just ask Bluepoof!

[squeezer]

How about atadaskew's ST4s? That bike inspired serious lust in me. You could do the fly and ride and only have to haul through the cornfields once, on your way home.

You'd even have enough money left to pay for the valve job.

[Frankienuckles]

For $10000 there are alot of possibilities.
How 'bout a Buell Ulyses or a Ducati ST2 or ST3 or ST4. All these bikes have "personality" and reasonable leg room and nice luggage.  Spend the rest to travel in style!

[Jeff]

2nd on buying Jeff's Sprint- he's got an awesome ride there.

Or borrow my ZX9 for 3 weeks and live large on the vacation.  Seriously.

I 3rd that!   Thanks for the suggestion Steve and Nate.
Here's the link again: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,65747.0.html

And welcome to Illinois. If you want corn fields, head W/SW out of Chicago. You'll find them when you're out of the burbs. And there's even a few curvy roads around the Ottawa area.

Jeff

[stromgal]

He misses the lack of endless cornfields, dudes.     Get the Sprint.  

[KodiakRS]

Guys I'm saying that I miss the LACK of endless cornfields.  The three types of terrain in this part of the world are cornfields, a giant lake, and urban sprawl.  None of which make for exciting riding.*  

As far as the ST is concerned, I need to investigate the leg room issue.  If it's anything like the legroom on the GT it's a deal breaker for me.  



*The notable exception being attempting to ride on the lake.  That becomes exciting very quickly.