Missus wants new bike - options please

[davebullet]

Here are the requirements (girls like lists after all)....

Not heavy (eg < 180kgs dry)
No spinnaker for a fairing. Small fairing ok. Naked bikes ok.
Must have a windscreen / wind deflector of some description. Preferably factory rather than a generic aftermarket (they never look right)
4 stroke
V-twin preferred, IL4 consdered
Standard / upright riding position - eg. one piece handlebar rather than clip-on "superman over the tank" position
Suitable for commuting
Bit of pep - eg >= 600cc
New-ish (<3 years old)

That ought to do it. Of course I missed the most important aspect - colour, but we can sort that out later.

Sensible / conscious replies welcome. Un-sensible / unconscious replies expected.

Update. Here's the list so far. I will present to Mrs B. for approval tonight (yes... I DO know who wears the pants):
2 cylinder machines:
Ducati Multistrada
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki SFV650 (Gladius)
Ducati Monster (various)
Aprilia Shiver
Cagiva Raptor (650)
Suzuki V-strom (650)
Ninja 650R
Kawasaki ER-6N

3 cylinder machines:
Triumph Street Triple (R)
Triumph Speed Triple

4 cylinder machines:
Hornet 600
Hornet 900
Suzuki Bandit GSF 650
Yamaha XJ6 (N or S)

[Herman Jelmet]

Multistrada. Just a thought

[slofox]

You could buy my SV650S although it does have clipons...(sigh)

However, a standard SV would be the go.

[2wheeldrifter]

DUCATI Monster..

Aprilia Shiver...

Triumph triple speed....


Then I think the japs make some bikes too.......???

[Quasi]

Ducati Monster

[JimO]

Ducati Monster

cagiva raptor 650 looks like a monster but reliable

[kevfromcoro]

Suzuki v strom...........................

[TOTO]

600 hornet the new or the old shape. Versitile naked bike that does everything - commuting, good in the twisties, can take a screen for touring, you can even take it to the track do laps there :D

[Urano]

ninja 650r. she'll like it.

il4: yamaha diversion.
v twin: v strom. a bit higher though....

[carbonhed]

Street Triple R

Only problem is you'll be jealous.

[DJSin]

cagiva raptor 650 looks like a monster but reliable
I've had both and find the monster more comfortable

[JimO]

I've had both and find the monster more comfortable

really why??

[kiwifruit]

Hornet 900

[Ronin]

Wot about a Gladius? I thought this was pretty much what they are intended for?

[Mudfart]

er6n. they look hot naked.

[Headbanger]

Street Triple R

Only problem is you'll be jealous.

That.


.....

[Slyer]

+1 for ER6 or Gladius

[jasonzc]

You could buy my SV650S although it does have clipons...(sigh)

However, a standard SV would be the go.

Agreed! Prob cheaper than most options too i think..

otherwise the trumpet :scooter:

[NZsarge]

Yamaha XJ6 or Kawasaki ER6

[kit]

Go for a Ducati Monster!

[Lilly2w]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=266148606

looks like good deal, bhp, about 76, only weigh's bout 175kg, peppy enuf!

[bungbung]

+1 for the ER-6

My wife has had a ER6f for almost 2 years so far, it is remarkably good fun with very low running costs.

[snuffles]

Here are the requirements (girls like lists after all)....

Not heavy (eg < 180kgs dry)
No spinnaker for a fairing. Small fairing ok. Naked bikes ok.
Must have a windscreen / wind deflector of some description. Preferably factory rather than a generic aftermarket (they never look right)
4 stroke
V-twin preferred, IL4 consdered
Standard / upright riding position - eg. one piece handlebar rather than clip-on "superman over the tank" position
Suitable for commuting
Bit of pep - eg >= 600cc
New-ish (<3 years old)

That ought to do it. Of course I missed the most important aspect - colour, but we can sort that out later.

Sensible / conscious replies welcome. Un-sensible / unconscious replies expected.

ooohh. so its the bike thats 180KG dry??? thought so, cause my wife would have shot me i f told all the boys how heavy she was

[blackdog]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=266148606

looks like good deal, bhp, about 76, only weigh's bout 175kg, peppy enuf!

not a bad deal at all!

or something like this.....
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-284269085.htm

[Ronin]

not a bad deal at all!

or something like this.....
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-284269085.htm

Now that would be a good bike. If I remember, Mrs Hitcher has one of those

[davebullet]

ooohh. so its the bike thats 180KG dry??? thought so, cause my wife would have shot me i f told all the boys how heavy she was

You are damn right! I was warned not to provide vital statistics or marital privileges would be revoked!

PS: Thanks for all the really useful suggestions people.

[shafty]

Now that would be a good bike. If I remember, Mrs Hitcher has one of those

Haggle the Scorpian in to the deal......

[YellowDog]

Wot about a Gladius? I thought this was pretty much what they are intended for?

+1 for Gladius, perfect for the ladies due to its manageable size.

It's a good bike plus they do some girlie colours too!

[DJSin]

really why??

The cagiva's clutch was hard on my hands (I think it was cable as opposed to hydraulic)
The duc is about 20kg lighter and the seat height is a little lower.

Also the reach too the handlebars is a little more forgiving on my back on the duc

[Ronin]

Haggle the Scorpian in to the deal......

That sun is hot over there huh?

[lanci]

Mine http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-286201283.htm

[Whynot]

+1 for the SV650

[AllanB]

Hornet 900 - find some poor sap on Trademe who really really needs the money and steal it off him. Debaffle the stock pipes or buy some cans to give it a bit of aural personality.

[davebullet]

+1 for the SV650

She's ridden mine several times, but I think she wants to choose something for her. She definitely doesn't want my hand me down :laugh:

[davebullet]

Hornet 900 - find some poor sap on Trademe who really really needs the money and seal it off him. Debaffle the stock pipes or buy some cans to give it a bit of aural personality.

A hornet 900? Bloody good idea! She already has a red honda (VTR250) so would be an easy transition. Dry weight this side of 200kgs. Seat height only slightly more than the SV650 so she's tall enough.

This one on trademe looks all right:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-284374447.htm

[DesmoDAZ]

A later model monster is a pretty good option.
Sensible power and delivery, superb ergos, factory bikini fairing, good height for a woman and good adjustability in ride height. A tad heavy but made ok by the easy by being easy to manevour, good sound w pipes, looks kinda ok, good variation with engine capicity. pretty good range, good for pack racks and luggage, pleanty of parts around, soild handeling and reasonable engine proformance. many color options.
What does she want?? it's gona be her bike.

[blackdog]

dam those hornets are value for money!

bloody cheaper than the 250's :rofl:

spend the extra bucks for this one i reckon, it looks all but brand new......
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-285688801.htm

[nico]

i hear the gladus is the perfect ladys bike

[shrub]

I would find the Street Triple hard to go past. They're very nimble and responsive, outstanding braking and very predictable handling as well as a masterpiece of an engine. Silky smooth, torquey and they pull right through to redline. Take one for a ride, you'll be impressed.

[raftn]

I would find the Street Triple hard to go past. They're very nimble and responsive, outstanding braking and very predictable handling as well as a masterpiece of an engine. Silky smooth, torquey and they pull right through to redline. Take one for a ride, you'll be impressed.

+1 wel,l worth a look.

[shrub]

And there is nothing that sounds as sweet as a triple at full noise.

[nico]

nah mate a vfr at full noise prety sexy

[vdog]

the Doris has a Cagiva 650, which we bought last year. We've replaced the mufflers (Remus), airfilter (K&N)and done the compulsory airbox mods. Made 73hp at the rear wheel on Triple X's dyno. She's done a couple of track days, and heaps of pub riding. Pretty neutral handling and doesn't appear to have any bad traits, has a low seat, and is really easy to work on and maintain. It's kind of a SV 650 that someone that liked motorcycles has put together - with proper suspension, rims and brakes, never mind a really well designed frame....and it's RELIABLE!

[davebullet]

She likes naked bikes and is leaning towards a street triple. I myself am also a naked fan so would like a speed as my next bike. Matching bikes, isn't that nice :puke:

Anyway - she wonders how much protection the little flyscreen / pixie hat on the triples offers - any advice? Putting a big old after market screen on there would kinda kill the look. It would be like giving Elisabeth Shue a bowl cut

[shrub]

the flyscreen is really effective. I've done a lot of Ks on Street triples (used to sell them) and my son owns one and I much prefer them with a flyscreen.

[DR650gary]

We bought a monster 800 and a Cagiva Raptor 650 (non injected) for my wife to try. She rode both but loved the Raptor. She is 5'1" and about 50kgs so ergonomics are an issue. The Raptor has a better power spread for her and seating, pegs and bars were also slightly better. I found the Monster to be a bit of a monster whereas the Raptor is just smoother all round. Probably similar speed and stats but we sold the monster and the Raptor is still in use. She says it is the best bike she has ever owned. There is a small fly screen fitted and it provides more than enough protection for her. We looked at the ER6N but it was a bit taller and harder to lower due to the offset rear shock. Was able to grab some drawings online to fabricate some lowering suspension mounts and that made all the difference. I also love to ride it but it can be a license looser due to the smoothness.

[bungbung]

OP - have you made any progress?

[Tunahunter]

Ducati Monster But that might be too many monsters in the household!