Euro brand small bikes... what to get?

[2DFlyer]

The Bonnie has been a short lister for awhile.  Triumph changed the bars on the Thruxton with the '08 or '09 model year.  I've not ridden on but do remember the clip ons being an uncomfortable reach.  The new bars look to be much more reasonable for the bike.  The SE is a great looking bike.

[YamadogR1]

How about one of these? My wife loves her Brutale.

[KenH]

Be forewarned: The "Let her get ..." and the "Get her a  ..." tone of some of these posts is very dangerous. Take her around and let her ride as many as possible. After all, it will be her bike, not yours.

If she is a beginner she may not be comfortable on a 1000cc+ bike and will then stop riding.

[Rincewind]

How about one of these? My wife loves her Brutale.

Bella!  

[Norwegian Blue]

Of the ones you suggested, I think the Bonnie would be my choice, with the Ducati 696 a close second.

Now I know you said that suggestions of the SV650 and Wee-Strom would fall on deaf ears, but howsabout some of the newer Japanese naked bikes? The Kawasaki er-6n looks pretty cool to me:



The Suzuki Gladius also might be intriguing to her:



My personal choice, however, is another one that isn't on your list (I especially like it in white):

[UFO]

This bike is completely impractical, NOT an every day bike, or in any way a reasonable choice. 373 lbs, 155 hp.

But I've been spending a lot of time look at it lately.  Wonder how well it tours?  Do eeeeeeeeet.

[DogBoy]

Triumph Street Triple with everything else a veeeerrrry distant second.

[Rincewind]

Triumph Street Triple with everything else a veeeerrrry distant second.

I would agree with that.  At least, it may be more fun for you versus the other options listed.  If your wife does not appreciate revving out an engine, it may be lost on her.  The opposite of Street 675 is the Buell CityX - short grunty powerband, but a good handler and worth consideration at today's deals IMHO.  I tested both of those bikes, and they are like opposite sides of the same coin.

For me, it would be the Street Trip, but you're wife has her own preferences I'm sure.

[Wanderer]

Is there a reason behind the Euro brand qualification?
Looking at the list it seems like shes looking for a UJM without the J + cafe racer
The Bonne, the Guzzi and the GT1000 say standard ergos plus retro style
The sport 1000 and the Thruxton are cafe racers pretty much
The monster says naked, simple and light
What disqualifies either displacement of SV?

Have you considered the Versys?
It's light and narrow with a fairly low and comfy seat, the 650 parallel twin is a fantastic motor, no lower plastic to destroy, nuetral seating position, and can have factory removable hard cases.  There are 2 at my local shop, a new green one and a 1 y/o green with the factory cases. They are both priced under 8k.  
It is 'Strom-esque' I'll admit.
I understand no one wants to own an ugly bike (Busa, Strom, Vrod?) but it seems like there are alot of similar choices out there that could satisfy you both.

[Papa Lazarou]

Shame you don't import Benelli.

But, of the original choices, the Bonneville or the Guzzi V7. Me, I'd buy the Guzzi.

[JIMLARCH]

I think you should forget those, and get a Bandit or V-Strom

He can't hear you, he's deaf.

[Dave the slave]

I know it her bike, so I'm taking all suggestions and simply relaying them.

I personally really like the ER6n that was posted.  But it doesn't appeal to her.  Same with the Versys!    hell, I want a Versys!  

She can ride quite well, she's inexperienced, but not a total newb.  She's had an SV650S and a Hawk GT.

That's bmw looks really nice, but is out of the "under 10K" price range.  

[hmadams]

My vote:

[Magnarider]

That's bmw looks really nice, but is out of the "under 10K" price range.  

Not necessarily...  Just a couple weeks ago my dad picked up a silver 2007 R1200R for 9,300 with ABS, heated grips, and IIRC traction control as well.  And no, I haven't conned him into letting me ride it yet...  Hopefully this weekend.

[Norwegian Blue]

Not necessarily...  Just a couple weeks ago my dad picked up a silver 2007 R1200R for 9,300 with ABS, heated grips, and IIRC traction control as well.  And no, I haven't conned him into letting me ride it yet...  Hopefully this weekend.

May I assume you're talking about a used bike and not a leftover 2007?

[DrD]

Ducati 696.  Test rides are available at some dealerships.

[Schneegz]

My vote:

That's a cool bike, but I must add my voice to the chorus of Street Triple supporters.  It's one of the coolest bikes out there, has a relatively low seat and lots of aftermarket support from Triumph.  Unfortunately, it no one makes hard cases for it.

[Medic09]

I had good, albeit limited, experience with the Bonnie SE.  Dealer gave me one for two days (about 175 miles) while my Sprint was in the shop.

It had all the advantages my genuine classic Honda 750Four doesn't.  Modern technology with the classic good looks.  Handled well on the mountain roads on the way home (NM 14).  On the interstate the next day it was fine as long as I didn't expect it to run at the speeds the Sprint does.  Even had a state trooper pull up and pace me just to admire it (scared the hell outta me!).  It did remind me at 80 mph why I now like a fairing or at least a windshield in my old age.

If I didn't own two genuine classics, I'd consider it.  I found nothing bad with it, as long as you like that sort of bike.  I do.

[jadziadax8]

She can ride quite well, she's inexperienced, but not a total newb.  She's had an SV650S and a Hawk GT.

I'd go with the Bonnie, then.  It's not a fire-breathing dragon, but is light enough and has enough power to be fun.  It'll suit her quite well.  Bomber's wife has one and she kicks all sorts of ass on it.

[Baz]

Oh my, I think I just made a mess......