An Extension To Buck's Update - Discussion About Moving Up From A 250cc

[Terminated]

I would like to throw this into the mix. Hear is an overview:

I have been riding since May 2006, I am a 'young fella - 1952', my Golf November Two Five Zero and I are getting on really well together.

Of course emotionally you start looking for your next bike, and I suppose we can be pulled in all directions: [in the nicest possible way]

Kawasaki ER-N 650cc
Suzuki Bandit 650cc
Honda Hornet 900cc
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki V-Strom 650cc
Suzuki Boulevarde S50 800cc

These are some of the bikes that, when I get my Full Licence I would like to 'test ride'. Being the young fella that I am the S50 may be my pace given its style easy into the corner etc. The ER-N on the other hand has had some good comparative reviews. The inline fours rate well too. Say if you want to discuss the difference between the V-Twin and Inline Four pleae do....

My Golf November is a bit of a mix between the street bike and the cruiser so it is a bit of a puzzle at the moment. Of course there is not the power band with Golf....shhhh two five zero didn't hear that..............

I would be really interested in your feedback.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[limbimtimwim]

While it isn't very exciting, I had a brief go on a Hornet 900 (Current model, Skelstar's) and thought it was good. The engine was friendly enough for you to wonder if was asking for a hug after you switch it off. You'd have to be pretty ham-fisted to catch yourself out with the engine. Comfy seat, brakes that worked. I remember thinking that a few laps around the block and pretty much anybody would be ready to ride a Hornet from Wellington to Auckland in the same day, it was so cuddly. Less than $11k new with a warranty, you can't really go wrong if you did buy one.

The same day I rode a Kawasaki Z750 and thought that was pretty good too, then Jim2 informed me that his had an Ohlins shock and tricked up fork internals, so perhaps my impression of said vehicle would not be indicative of a regular Z750. It had many of the same qualities of the Hornet, except the engine was was a little less cuddly and was more willing to have it's arse kicked (Or at least, spanked) to keep it going. I thought that was points in it's favour.

I rode for a long weekend with a guy who had a Suzuki Intruder 800 and he loved it, I think he had a GN250 before that too. rfc85 is his name on this site.

Allow me to digress here:

Kawasaki also allege to import the W650 here, which would make for sedate progress, but it is a cool looking bike! Think 60's British bike, but not.. err.. British!

And then of course there are the modern Triumph 'classic' bikes.

Like everyone else is going to say "Ride them all". Hopefully one of them will grab you by the short and curlies and make it obvious that it is the machine for you.

[SwanTiger]

I think what you really need to consider is the type of riding you want to do and what you enjoy most and then base a decision on the answers.

Just to give you some insight, when I purchased my Hyosung GT 250R my main priority was to find a nice road bike that was comfortable and accomodating for my physique.

I've since learnt that it wasn't the best choice of motorcycle as I really enjoy riding down remote sealed and gravel roads with no real destination or route in mind. Something like a V-Storm would better suite me and probably enhance my enjoyment by making it easier to do what I love - exploring on a motorcycle.

So I suppose to summise, my advice would be to think hard about what you want to do, what you enjoy doing and which bike would be best suited and help to enhance your experience.

[Terminated]

Thanks for the feed back on the Hornet and Z750. The brother in law has the Z750 and in time, for the moment don't go there, but in time will have a ride for a few days/weeks.

I am fortunate because all my riding will be purely recreational, hence the cruiser style bike does come into the mix and I look forward to riding that bike too.

I must say, I will be remiss if I don't try Kawasaki's ER-N, numerous writes up give this bike a good wrap.

[twinkle]

Kawasaki also allege to import the W650 here

that is such an awesome bike

[Terminated]

that is such an awesome bike

Twinkle the older style is one I would not discount either.

[TerminalAddict]

my short list last month was very similar to yours.

A bunch (more than 10) people said don't buy the bandit 600 .. "its shit" .. so I didn't bother .. but tried the 1200 instead.

Swanny's post is the bizzo tho'
I went to bike shops, and said "I want a bike I can ride slow" (to which most smart arses suggested I keep my xv250 :) ) ..

Once we got past the BS .. found out that what I really want is a bike I can comfortably commute on, plus tour on the weekends .. and possibly have a quick blast on too (when I grow into the bike)
The short list soon got shorter.
Hornet 900
Bandit 1200
ER6
FZ1 or FZ6

So the shoppng started:
The guys a hamilton motorcycles are a bunch of plonkers ... short list gets shorter:
Hornet 900
Bandit 1200
FZ1 or FZ6

The Yamaha's were just too expensive .. not that they are priced badly .. just out of my league budget wise.
List gets shorter:
Hornet 900
Bandit 1200

The bandit was like an armchair in the country. I reckon I could have slept through the ride at 140kph on the bandit .. a totally awesomely comfortable ride .. in the city however it was different. Heavy, and hard to get around, u-turns sucked etc etc etc .. (I'm just a wee fella)

List gets shorter:
Hornet 900

then I spent a few days here, posting messages, getting opinions, asking questions .. lots of people commended the hornet.

After a few days I revisited my original list, ignoring the findings I had, and ride experiences, and thought to myself .. which bike gets me excited ...
I have to say that I fell in love with the high, dual exhausts, and loved the naked look . .so it left the fz6, and hornet

Plus I had read big dave's review in kiwi rider .. and the hornet was stared at for 2 weeks before I took the plunge and bought one.

No regrets so far ;)

[twinkle]

here's the link for the W650 :yes:
http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/kawasaki_custom.cfm?modelcode=EJ650-C7&do=list
now I'm torn between this bike and travelling overseas... :confused:

[cowpoos]

I would like to throw this into the mix. Hear is an overview:

I have been riding since May 2006, I am a 'young fella - 1952', my Golf November Two Five Zero and I are getting on really well together.

Of course emotionally you start looking for your next bike, and I suppose we can be pulled in all directions: [in the nicest possible way]

Kawasaki ER-N 650cc
Suzuki Bandit 650cc
Honda Hornet 900cc
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki V-Strom 650cc
Suzuki Boulevarde S50 800cc

These are some of the bikes that, when I get my Full Licence I would like to 'test ride'. Being the young fella that I am the S50 may be my pace given its style easy into the corner etc. The ER-N on the other hand has had some good comparative reviews. The inline fours rate well too. Say if you want to discuss the difference between the V-Twin and Inline Four pleae do....

My Golf November is a bit of a mix between the street bike and the cruiser so it is a bit of a puzzle at the moment. Of course there is not the power band with Golf....shhhh two five zero didn't hear that..............

I would be really interested in your feedback.

Heads Up and Enjoy
All I will say is....over the next year or so...you will change your mind plenty of times about what you like and dislike....its one of the biggest joys of bikes...so many to choose from!!! for so many different reasons....

read mags...read reviews....chat to other bikers on top of the takas on sunny sundays bout their bikes....

[Terminated]

The short list soon got shorter.
Hornet 900
Bandit 1200
ER6
FZ1 or FZ6

So the shoppng started:
The guys a hamilton motorcycles are a bunch of plonkers ... short list gets shorter:
Hornet 900
Bandit 1200
FZ1 or FZ6

The Yamaha's were just too expensive
Hornet 900
Bandit 1200

The bandit was like an armchair in the country.

List gets shorter:
Hornet 900

so it left the fz6, and hornet

the hornet was stared at for 2 weeks before I took the plunge and bought one.

No regrets so far ;)

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. I must say the Hornet has that little extra going for it in the overall market stakes. I am a purely recreational rider and wonder how the Hornet would stack up on an eight hour day.

[TerminalAddict]

if you mean how knackered do I feel after riding for 8+ hours ?
I feel tired but not exhausted.
the wind is a major factor to how tired I feel.
if I sit above *insert license loosing speed here* the wind wears me out after 2 or 3 hours.
120 I could do all day :)

[TerminalAddict]

WARNING ... you may suddenly find yourself with nothing to do on rainy days.

I used to browse trademe, and bikepoint, read specs on bikes, read other opinions on how great they thought XXX bike was, search the web for reviews of bikes that were on my list, swap emails with insurance companies about how much XXX bike would cost, find pictures of bikes on my list from different angles .. the list goes on.

Now I am an absolute fan of the hornet, and everyday love the descision I made to buy one .. except on rainy days when I have nothing to do, and must while away the hours talking to my wife .. :D

[Terminated]

All I will say is....over the next year or so...you will change your mind plenty of times about what you like and dislike....its one of the biggest joys of bikes...so many to choose from!!! for so many different reasons....

read mags...read reviews....chat to other bikers on top of the takas on sunny sundays bout their bikes....

"And the beat goes on, and the beat goes on, lardi lardi lar"

Cowpoos you are so right, I reckon like the old song it will be a good 12mths or so before I take the plunge and in the meantime I will hear so many different opinions - this is one of the real intriguing things about bikes isn't it? Time marches on and we will hear so much and sooner or later take the plunge. In my case it is early days and I am sure my mind will ebb and flow, as it has already with serveral bikes.... there is no rush and through this coming summer I look forward to meeting and chatting with a lot of riders up there on the Takas.
Heads Up and Enjoy

[Terminated]

except on rainy days when I have nothing to do, and must while away the hours talking to my wife .. :D

"Rainy days and Sundays always get me ....."

Hey TA good to hear you and the Hornet are one.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[Kendog]

[QUOTE=limbimtimwim;733560]The engine was friendly enough for you to wonder if was asking for a hug after you switch it off. [QUOTE]

I do that :o :hug:
Mrs KD.

[Matt]

My short-list was similar (SV650, VStrom, ER6, Hornet) and test-rode them all apart from the VStrom as I couldn't get a demo - SV & ER6 very similar in most respects, found the ER6 a bit easier to ride at low speed and the local Kawasaki dealer was much better. Liked the Hornet, just felt a bit too fast for me tbh - awesome engine though, first time I've ridden anything that revs so freely! and really wish my ER had the Hornet's mirrors!

Matt

[Terminated]

My short-list was similar (SV650, VStrom, ER6, Hornet)

Liked the Hornet, just felt a bit too fast for me tbh - awesome engine though, first time I've ridden anything that revs so freely! and really wish my ER had the Hornet's mirrors!

Matt

Thanks for that Matt, the ER is potentially my first pick, but like you, will certainly be riding all the different bikes when the time comes.

[gijoe1313]

I reckon its a Hornet thing, I always give me bike an affectionate pat when we get home! Heck, somedays I even catch myself talking to her! I love the red so much on my bike, I'm going to get matching red kit to go with it! :love:

Must be something about it I reckon - though the passion I've seen others for their bikes is special too :yes:

[MikeyG]

Suzuki GSR600 has had a few good write ups as well. Otherwise my list is similar to yours with ER-6, hornet 600, SV650, FZ6 or maybe a 400cc sprotsbike

[TerminalAddict]

oohh . .the gsr600 is damn sexy in mat black .. dag nam it mr suzuki, that's some fine designing ;)
forgot about that one .. and it was on my list (but haven't ridden one .. no demo :( )

[Uncle B]

I agree with Poo's.
You will change you mind many times on what sort of bike to step up to as your riding develops.
You need a bike to match the sort of riding you want to do.
When you get your full test ride as many bikes as you can to know what feels good and suits your needs or desires.....it's bloody good fun too.

[Jantar]

Definitely try all the bikes that you consider may be suitable. From the descriptions you have posted so far of what you have been doing and where you have been riding, I would suggest that you would find a cruiser rather limiting. The Bandit the Hornet and the WeeStrom would appear to the most suitable. Here are some comments on the DL650

In the most recent issue (September 2006) of Cycle World magazine they have a head to head comparo between the Ducati Multistrada 620 and the Suzuki DL650. The VERY 1st sentence of this 4 page article says..."Okay, let's shortcut this thing. Bottom line, The Suzuki wins.." later on they say.."The Vstrom (DL650) may just be the most shockingly competent machine in the world today.."...............later on, when comparing the 2 motorcycles handling characteristics they state...." On paper, the 620 (Ducati) should be the better handler. It's lighter and has a shorter wheelbase, wider rubber, stiffer suspension and a more aggressive ass-up, elbows-out riding stance. And make no mistake, the little Duck slingshots around corners, but the V-Strom is absolutely unreal in that regard. It lays into a corner so easily and holds its line so effortlessly that surely the laws of physics have been supended and countersteering is no longer needed. Not the case, of course, but there is some kind of magic going on here. "

[Terminated]

Suzuki GSR600 has had a few good write ups as well. Otherwise my list is similar to yours with ER-6, hornet 600, SV650, FZ6 or maybe a 400cc sprotsbike

Thanks MikeyG. I looked at the GSR600 and the FZ6N, I liked the look of both the bikes, but my gut reaction was 'they may take me to places I never been before - and don't want too go there'. Then again through autumn 2007 I will try out a ride on each of these if possible.

[Terminated]

I agree with Poo's.
You will change you mind many times on what sort of bike to step up to as your riding develops.
You need a bike to match the sort of riding you want to do.
When you get your full test ride as many bikes as you can to know what feels good and suits your needs or desires.....it's bloody good fun too.

Gidday Uncle B, yep will be spending some time testing when I get the full in 2007, also saving up too in the meantime.

[Terminated]

Definitely try all the bikes that you consider may be suitable. From the descriptions you have posted so far of what you have been doing and where you have been riding, I would suggest that you would find a cruiser rather limiting. The Bandit the Hornet and the WeeStrom would appear to the most suitable.

Gidday Jantar, hey thanks for those comments much appreciated. I recently read a British magazine at the library about the V-Strom, also spent some time talking to Steve D. at Wellington Motor Cycles about the bike too.

The long term aim is to complete the Sth Island over the next 6 years [at profile] and the V- Strom in that regard may have the edge [fitted with panniers etc].

Appreciate the comment about the cruiser too. I rather liked the S50 - Boulevarde, actually sat on one at WMC and was surprised the pegs were not as far forward as I thought they were going to be. They are a lot lower of course and this is the trade off I supose when thinking of general handling and longer rake compared to the other street/touring bikes.

[Devil]

This is my vote for the VStrom. Make sure you try it before you commit yourself to buying something else. I've had a go on the demo 650 twice and ask for it whenever my bike is in for a service. Seems to be the perfect bike for NZ roads, while being uber comfy it'll go almost anywhere. I was blown away by the on road performance, the SV650 engine is just perfect in the DL.

I think i'll seriously be considering the VStrom 1000 for the next bike.

[Terminated]

This is my vote for the VStrom. Make sure you try it before you commit yourself to buying something else.

Gidday Devil, that's for sure, I think to achieve the Sth Island it could be the bike for the job.

[imdying]

You'd never destory the hornet 900 motor, it's a well proven lump. The SV650 has the advantage of being plentiful in NZ (due to racing), so there's plenty of stock parts (the kind you might break) about :)

[Terminated]

Both the Hornet and SV650 are good bikes for sure. Though it is around 6 months away, I will certainly be looking at a lot of bikes. Today sat on the GSR and hmmmmm :yes: but this will be one of many different bikes to get up close and personal.

[yob_ymmit]

Dont disregard the FZ6. I'm really surprised there aren't more of these around, or that the GSR600 seems to be the more popular of the two. I have been riding mine since late August, and it has proven brilliant around town and brilliant on a couple open road forays that I have managed to fit in. I'm not sure how it will fare on longer day rides, but thats to come..

Anyway, the FZ6 does a great job of providing you with both a usable around town bike, well behaved at low speeds with good fuel economy, and then once you get it up to speed and revving, the R6 engine screams into full awake mode, and you start lifting the front wheel all over the place! There are absolutely no worries about acheiving silly speeds, although anything past 150 and you lose that stable feeling...

I spent a few days on an SV650 a short while before the FZ6, and I would still pick the FZ6 as being better at low and high speed environments, as well as being more flickable and manageable. It reminds me strongly of my CBR250, in terms of power distribution (just multiply it all by 5) and handling...

[kiwifruit]

I used to browse trademe, and bikepoint, read specs on bikes, read other opinions on how great they thought XXX bike was, search the web for reviews of bikes that were on my list, swap emails with insurance companies about how much XXX bike would cost, find pictures of bikes on my list from different angles .. the list goes on.


its a sport looking for a new bike! great fun, we really are spoiled for choice in this day and age.
look forward to seeing what you get buck.....
ive never riden any of the bikes mentioned apart from the sv650, which was great :)
i like what the w650 stands for.....
good luck with your decision! :D

[Terminated]

Thanks for your replies, still early days, I see that Kawasaki have a 'multi-strada' style coming out in November and this could stack up against the V-strom, could be interesting to see.