Just got a full licence. What to upgrade to?

[bod_dhb]

So I've just done my full licence CBTA test and it's now to upgrade to a bigger and better bike. I've been riding a 2004 Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan cruiser, and I like the cruiser style bikes, but am also open to trying a naked bike and/or other options. Really like the new Yamaha Stryker, but it' s a bit expensive and don't know if I should go so big just yet. So, does anyone have any suggestions as to what would be good to try. I'm 6'2'', 110kg. Looking to spend around $10k-$12k and am open to all sorts of suggestions. There is just soooo much choice!

Cheers

[Gremlin]

It's a fun time... start test riding, rule off stuff you don't like, but bikes are personal, so it has to suit you.

You can't even narrow down a style, so yes, that's going to leave your choices wide open.

[Kelz]

A Triumph Speed Triple's a good naked ride. Decent suspension, good brakes and power. Just so happens I listed one for sale yesterday in the classifieds :)

[mrchips]

Take your time, try everything & anything two wheels (or three wheels for that matter).

Don't forget to check out what Harley have to offer... in particular the XL883 & the XL1200's (& XL1200T) sportsters. Low maintenance, affordable with heaps of after market goodies & not to mention......look & sound awesome.

[breakaway]

The only advice I can give is to buy quickly. Summer is almost here and the summer tax will jack bike prices up 10%-20% soon.

[caspernz]

It's a fun time... start test riding, rule off stuff you don't like, but bikes are personal, so it has to suit you.

You can't even narrow down a style, so yes, that's going to leave your choices wide open.

Yup, what he said :2thumbsup

May as well go for a wander to a few bike shops and work on your inspiration :banana:

[FJRider]

A quick look in Trademe ...


My picks ..


http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-786009228.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-785289944.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-785049831.htm

[Erelyes]

Really like the new Yamaha Stryker, but it' s a bit expensive and don't know if I should go so big just yet.

Yeah best to work your way up - that also means riding a variety of things which rounds you out as a rider a bit.

Could always give an SV650 a go, I have found it fantastic as a first big bike.

11k brand spankers (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-737211003.htm) for the sports style?
Perhaps nekkid is more your thing? (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-756598192.htm) About half your budget though.

Really tho, 11k, the world's your oyster. Take a bank statement to the dealer and go test ride some stuff :banana:

[george formby]

Really tho, 11k, the world's your oyster. Take a bank statement to the dealer and go test ride some stuff :banana:

With 11k in my pocket that's what I would be doing.
In the OP's situation I would also be very honest about what kind of riding I'm doing and would like to do in the future. Strictly tar seal, touring, fanging, latte cruise, all roads, ect.

[bod_dhb]

Cheers for the advice. So many bikes I want to test though. Now got to find the time!

[DamianW]

It's a good sign if you're still smiling a few days after test riding a particular bike. Good luck :thumbup:

[avgas]

Twin turbo harley sportster. Just because.

[GrayWolf]

So I've just done my full licence CBTA test and it's now to upgrade to a bigger and better bike. I've been riding a 2004 Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan cruiser, and I like the cruiser style bikes, but am also open to trying a naked bike and/or other options. Really like the new Yamaha Stryker, but it' s a bit expensive and don't know if I should go so big just yet. So, does anyone have any suggestions as to what would be good to try. I'm 6'2'', 110kg. Looking to spend around $10k-$12k and am open to all sorts of suggestions. There is just soooo much choice!

Cheers

If you've already been tootling around on the 500 Vulcan... and IF you feel confident riding it, then The biggest real issue going up in the cruiser market would be weight. The big Cruisers are 270kg+. Engine power is not 'startling' for the CC, but they are about grunt, torque (whatever word you prefer to use)
I've owned several cruisers over the years, first was the Yam 1100cc Virago.. looks like a tarts boudoir, but a good solid engine, not too heavy and was the best handling cruiser of it's day. Not as heavy as todays 'behemoths' and came in either 750 or 1 litre+ sizes. 750/1000+ weigh the same. IF you want a cruiser?? A good step up inti the BIG bike market. Suzuki Boulevard 800, Vulcan 800, Triumph America/speedmaster, all these would be a good 'step up' and certainly not daunting, with enough power to open up some real distance riding 2 up.

[Swivel]

So I've just done my full licence CBTA test and it's now to upgrade to a bigger and better bike. I've been riding a 2004 Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan cruiser, and I like the cruiser style bikes, but am also open to trying a naked bike and/or other options. Really like the new Yamaha Stryker, but it' s a bit expensive and don't know if I should go so big just yet. So, does anyone have any suggestions as to what would be good to try. I'm 6'2'', 110kg. Looking to spend around $10k-$12k and am open to all sorts of suggestions. There is just soooo much choice!

Cheers

1st of all congrats on getting your 6F, our suggestions could be tricky, we all have different tastes of bikes and makes likes and dislikes, read up on reviews and take some bikes for test rides that interest you thats my advice.
Happy riding

[mossy1200]

m109r

6"2 110kg
Don't spend 11k buying a bike you will want to replace soon.