Brainstorm with me- What used hooligan bike?

So, let's just say theoretically I want to replace my 1125CR with something more reliable, but I feel that the 1125CR is perfect in every way when it's working. What do I want that I can get my hands on for $5k or less?

Ducati Monster?

In reply to EvanB:

Maybe I should ride another one- I tried an M900 S4 and was unimpressed. I also thought Aprilia Dorsoduro might be the answer but was underwhelmed by that as well. Maybe the Italians focus too much on the look and sound, not enough on the actual ride?

FZ1? There's tons of those with 50-60k miles on them for sale for super cheap, and lots of really nice ones with 5-15k for ~$5k.

In reply to Bobzilla:

I should try one out, they've always intrigued me. What about the SV1000? I really like V-twins in general, although the little brother SV650 had me wondering what the hype was about- anybody know anything about them?

Triumph Speed Triple?

KTM 690 Enduro with Super Motard wheels/tires. I rode my friends 690 on the stock wheels/knobbies and couldn't stop giggling. That thing is a total in town hooligan bike.

Tuono. I test rode an SV1000S back when I had an SV650S and came away unimpressed.

To the Triumph I say- I need to try one out.

To the Tuono and KTM- where do you find either of those for <$5k?

The Aprilia Tuono has been out since 2003 & got redesigned for 2006. The early bikes go for under $5k easy and sometimes you will see the redesigned bikes for close to $5k too.

DRZ400SM

/thread

GSF1250s

Husqvarna SM510/610? - Whenever anyone mentions hooligan bikes - supermotards come to mind.

McTinkerson wrote: Husqvarna SM510/610? - Whenever anyone mentions hooligan bikes - supermotards come to mind.

I actually have a 610 I would sell. May require some travel since I'm near Chicago.

NONACK wrote: In reply to EvanB: Maybe I should ride another one- I tried an M900 S4 and was unimpressed. I also thought Aprilia Dorsoduro might be the answer but was underwhelmed by that as well. Maybe the Italians focus too much on the look and sound, not enough on the actual ride?

Italians focus too much on the look and sound coming from a rider on a H-D Motor Company bike??

I love my monster. had three so far and I can't think of any other bike at under $20k I would choose as my only street bike.

Great all day comfort, easy wheelies, great handling, love the look and sound as well. Plus tons of mods available to personalize.

PM is not cheap, but I have not had any unexpected expenses other than batteries that fail suddenly.

In reply to Rusnak_322:

berkeley you, you berkeleying berkeley!

I'm actually thinking that 2 bikes may be the answer right now- you know, so I have something to ride while the 1125 is broken. I will give the Monster another chance if I can get my hands on one.

Replace the Buell with a Buell--an air-cooled one; XB12STT would be my choice. Get a pipe and a tune and enjoy the torque.

Speed Triple or go home.

Speed triples are sweet. One of my business partners has one and it is dead reliable and great fun. He came from an XB12 Buell that was horribly unreliable. I thought that the rotax bikes were better, oh well. Avoid anything with a Harley motor, it will shake itself to death!

You should buy my drz400s for $3400, imho it doesnt get more hooligan than a dualsport.

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Then get one with bigger balls like the Husqvarna smr 511. I have the txc 449 (same bike with dirt wheels and slightly less displacement). The smr can be replicated for about a grand and a half with aftermarket wheels and a damper. I got txc for 3300 so totally doable.

I always liked the Z-1000. That engine has been around for decades.

http://www.visordown.com/reviews/motorcycles/naked/kawasaki-z1000-2003---2008/79.html

You can find a 625SMC for under 5k if you look hard enough. That's the 690's carbureted older brother, essentially. DRZ400's are overpriced right now IMO, seems like everyone wants 4k+ for them, when you can get a much more capable Husqvarna or KTM for close to the same price. You'll have to do your own research about maintenance/reliability.

I'll throw another vote for the speed triple. I have an 09 with full arrow titanium exhaust and for a hooligan bike it's hard to beat.

$4,000 can get you a nice early 955 Speed triple. Just saying.

Bam!