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Login to post Forums » Sprockets » My what bike thread......

June 2, 2010 7:05 a.m. teamdixonracing Dork

I currently have my 883 Sportster up for sale. I'm looking to free up a little cash and change direction a little with the style bike I own.

I don't know as much about the makes and models of motorcycles as I do cars so I'll give a little information on what I'm looking for and let you guys give your thoughts.

My list of what I'm looking for:

(1) $2500 or less

(2) Comfortable enough to ride for 2-3 hours at a time.

(3) Handles better than the lead brick I'm riding now.

(4) Enough power to get up and go but I don't need CBR1000 type power.

(5) Light. I'm tired of riding a 600lb bike.

I like the looks of the ZRX1100 but still need to see/sit/ride one to know if I want something that big.

I'm not opposed to older bikes but it seems like the price difference isn't that great to buy a modern bike. So, I'm leaning toward something from the last decade or so.

And go..........
June 2, 2010 8:28 a.m. CarKid1989 HalfDork

Well miata may not be the answer but an SV650 may be the ticket
June 2, 2010 9:03 a.m. teamdixonracing Dork

CarKid1989 wrote:

Well miata may not be the answer but an SV650 may be the ticket

A coworker said the same thing. I'll have to do a little more research into them. What years are best or are they all about the same? I don't like the fairing on the S version but might be interested in the base model.
June 2, 2010 9:18 a.m. pinchvalve SuperDork

Do you want a cruiser, standard, dual-purpose, sportbike, scooter....

In that price/year range, you are going to see a lot of the Suzuki Savage and Boulevard, Honda Shadow and Magna, and the Kawasaki KLR dual-sport.

I would check out the Kawasaki Concourse. They made the same bike for like 20+ years, so you just go older until you hit the price point you want. They have a loyal following with lots of resources and parts. Great for touring, great for semi-sporty riding, and pretty darn reliable. Very big change from a Sportster I would imagine.

(Photo has been Hotlinked for your convenience)
June 2, 2010 9:23 a.m. nocones Reader

I have a ZRX1200R. It's a great bike. I would imagine that 1100 version is just as nice.
June 2, 2010 9:35 a.m. teamdixonracing Dork

Pinchvalve:

Haven't completely made up my mind on style of bike. I want something sportier than the sportster but I'm not sure I want to go to a sportbike.

I'll do some research on the Concouse.

nocones:

How does the ZRX feel weight wise? Is it pretty well balanced through turns? There's a ZRX1100 on the local CL for $2500 right now.
June 2, 2010 9:43 a.m. pilotbraden New Reader

FZR 600 or SV650.
June 2, 2010 10:10 a.m. Xceler8x Dork

If you want a middle weight standard....you can't go wrong buying an SV650.
June 2, 2010 12:21 p.m. townsend7 New Reader

+1 for the Concours. I've got a 86 I bought brand new. Nice examples can be had cheap.

+1 for the SV650. The ex-wife rode one and I miss it more than her. Good examples can be tough to find under $2500 around here.

I'll also throw the Suzuki Bandit 600 or 1200 into the mix. I've got a 2005 Bandit 1200S that's been fun and reliable.
June 2, 2010 3:41 p.m. MadScientistMatt Dork

How about a Honda VFR750? Sporty but a bit more emphasis on the touring side. Or maybe a Katana.
June 2, 2010 4:28 p.m. minimac SuperDork

pinchvalve wrote:

I would check out the Kawasaki Concourse. They made the same bike for like 20+ years, so you just go older until you hit the price point you want. They have a loyal following with lots of resources and parts. Great for touring, great for semi-sporty riding, and pretty darn reliable.

+11billionty
June 2, 2010 4:34 p.m. 96DXCivic Dork

I was going to say Triumph Sprint but then I looked at the prices.
June 2, 2010 4:44 p.m. teamdixonracing Dork

So, I use KBB all the time for the sibe-by-side car comparison thing. Is there anywhere I can go to do a side-by-side motorcycle comparison?
June 4, 2010 2:05 p.m. TucoRamirez New Reader

Save an extra $700 or so and get a Yamaha FZ1. Modern, nimble, fast UJM. Or if you want more modern, sharper handling & less torque, look for the FZ6.
June 4, 2010 6:00 p.m. 914Driver SuperDork

Oo, oo, pick me, pick me.
June 4, 2010 9:33 p.m. teamdixonracing Dork

914Driver wrote:

Oo, oo, pick me, pick me.

watcha got?
June 4, 2010 10:04 p.m. CarKid1989 HalfDork

two Sv650. a bit more then budget though...
June 5, 2010 8:53 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

teamdixonracing wrote:

914Driver wrote:

Oo, oo, pick me, pick me.

watcha got?

Naked GoldWing or BMW K-75.

I had a K-100 for years, bullet proof, quick, rides two-up well and has heated grips.
June 5, 2010 9:29 a.m. teamdixonracing Dork

I must admit I really like your goldwing.
June 5, 2010 11:04 a.m. stroker Reader

If not SV650 then 750 Katana.

If you're really lucky, you might find a TL1000S in that price range, but I expect that's faster than what you want.
June 5, 2010 11:31 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

teamdixonracing wrote:

I must admit I really like your goldwing.

Off the list based on criteria #6.

Take a serious look at the K Bikes.

Dan
June 10, 2010 4:59 p.m. oldopelguy Dork

stroker wrote:

If not SV650 then 750 Katana.

If you're really lucky, you might find a TL1000S in that price range, but I expect that's faster than what you want.

I've got a 6500 mile '06 Kat 750, loaded with Corbin saddle, saddlebags, trunk, and aftermarket taller handlebars and windshield for sale right now. I'm trying to get just a bit more than your budget, but am open to trades....
June 10, 2010 10:42 p.m. 2.0dohc Reader

stroker wrote:

If you're really lucky, you might find a TL1000S in that price range, but I expect that's faster than what you want.

they are out there(got my 03 sv1k for 1700)...but its ALOT of bike

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