View Full Version : After the EL?
Yungatart is giving serious thought to her next bike. Her parameters are...
Mid-size, (Semi-)naked, Sport-Tourer, 90s+. Advice seems to be - best to go with a twin.
It appears that the Suzuki GS500E would be more or less ideal.
Leads or other suggestions, anyone?
TRX850 would be a good bike. Not massively powerful, not too high, cool sound!
Not too expensive.
Nice one over the road for sale atm.
James Deuce
2nd May 2007, 11:26
Suzuki GS500, Kawasaki ER-5, Honda CB400, Kawasaki GPz500, Kawasaki Zephyr 550. They're all low seat height, naked or semi naked with good to excellent handling and brakes, and all of them have comfy seats.
Make sure you install heated handgrips. That might stop the constant stream of comments about being cold.
Hmmm, hadn't thought of anything bigger than 600. Seat height and weight are very important too.
Keystone19
2nd May 2007, 11:27
SV650 naked. Seat can be lowered if height is an issue (talk to Madduck). ER6N is also a really nice option.
Make sure you install heated handgrips. That might stop the constant stream of comments about being cold.
Wouldn't it just?
James Deuce
2nd May 2007, 11:32
TRX850 would be a good bike. Not massively powerful, not too high, cool sound!
Not too expensive.
Nice one over the road for sale atm.
Too tall for Janet. I used to tippy toe a bit on my TRX.
Spent a day on a GS500 (Ronins one). Nice and comfy, upright position (not right for me but this is compared to a CBR250RR), handled well, good engine with lots of torque.
Ronin would be able to give more info on that bike.
She has sat on several GS500s and declared it to be perfect. Has to have the standard bars tho - U4EAs one has clip-ons and that made it too much of a stretch for SWMBO
Too tall for Janet. I used to tippy toe a bit on my TRX.
Really?
The one I rode many times I was flat footed and me only 5ft 7.
You did'nt look much taller than me.
Mind you, the ride height could of been altered, but the guy who owned it was not much bigger than me.
ManDownUnder
2nd May 2007, 12:03
Budget? I know the SVs are surprisingly cheap for what they are... She might get summat this decade
Budget? I know the SVs are surprisingly cheap for what they are... She might get summat this decade
This sort of thing? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-97569605.htm?p=2
Nothing to compare with and it's in ChCh.
Still - is a valid looking option
The GS would be a good choice. I loved both of mine. They are low enough to be comfortable if you're on the shorter side (I'm 5'6"), and are great for building your skills and confidence.
I'm really enjoy my SV, but I'd be happy enough to own a GS again. If you can get a K1 model onwards as they have uprated carbs, and better suspension.
ridetwins
2nd May 2007, 12:26
can definitely recommend an SV650N. Their low weight (165kgs) and narrow frame make it really easy to manage no matter what your height or strength. plus as mentioned before you can get seat lowering kits. in fact if you want to pay me $9500 you can have my red K6 with 2000kms on it (just worn in!), scorpion pipe. new they are $11k plus $500 for pipe. I just dont get time to ride like I used to.
Did you misplace the . ?? Meant to say $950.00 ? If only....
ridetwins
2nd May 2007, 12:47
Did you misplace the . ?? Meant to say $950.00 ? If only....
ha, sorry i didnt see any value parameters so assumed a newer one would be an option. My car is worth $950, you can have it for that much!!?? at least i have my priorities straight!
You know my thoughts YT
Dirtbike all the way :Punk: :laugh:
Then I will have someone to romp in the gravel with :laugh:
My thoughts
Scott
... value parameters .....
Flexible but prefer in $4k-down region
Then I will have someone to romp in the gravel with :laugh:
:spanking: :argue: :bash:
yungatart
2nd May 2007, 15:57
You know my thoughts YT
Dirtbike all the way :Punk: :laugh:
Then I will have someone to romp in the gravel with :laugh:
My thoughts
Scott
Ahhhh, gravel rash! Not the most romantic proposal I've ever had......
Yungatart (Semi-)naked
Dont know why these words jumped out at me.....:whistle:
Would Janet like to become NEDWN II ?......:blip:
yungatart
2nd May 2007, 16:20
Dont know why these words jumped out at me.....:whistle:
Would Janet like to become NEDWN II ?......:blip:
I thought marriage was supposed to settle blokes down!
I'll tell Mom, if you continue to misbehave.:spanking:
Scouse
2nd May 2007, 16:27
Back on topic now. I know somone that has a Cagiva 650 Raptor for sale it has the Suzuki SV 650 engine in it but handles way better than the SV 650 I think he may want somwhere between $6500 and $7000 for it.
yungatart
2nd May 2007, 16:38
My own personal preference is to step up to a 400-500 cc, rather than 650 straight away.
I know that lots of you jump from a 250 to a thou, but, hey, not this kid (or old nana, if you prefer). I like to eat my elephants one bite at a time....
A GS500 would be ideal I would imagine. Very underated bikes.
Mrs Busa Pete
2nd May 2007, 16:47
I like to eat my elephants one bite at a time....
Oh you wanton hussy you
Scouse
2nd May 2007, 16:54
I like to eat my elephants one bite at a time....
Oh you wanton hussy youDo you like your wantons with sweet and sour sauce but to get back on topic again I would go for a v-twin over a parallel twin all the time cos they just seem to offer a better torque spread.Any ways this is what daves bike looks like same colour etc.
HenryDorsetCase
2nd May 2007, 17:27
If you could find one a MuZ660 or SRX600 might fit the bill. single cylinder but cruise all day at 100+ kph, not too vibratory (counterbalanced Yamaha single) and really good handling, light weight and in your price range.
I rang this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=97670419) dude today with a view to buying this (I had a plan....). He told me that notwithstanding the running auction AND the bid on it, he sold the thing for cash on Monday night. Fair pissed me off.
Deviant Esq
2nd May 2007, 23:36
GS500s are pretty good bikes. No real nasties in the rev range, though some have a bit of a flat spot somewhere between 4000 and 6000rpm with the standard can on them. Apparantly an aftermarket can solves that problem... if you'd put an aftermarket can on a GS. :mellow:
What about a Yamaha XJR400? Something like this? (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-96926966.htm)
People don't buy the GS500 for its HP rating, it's the lack of HP that actually enhances its excellent cornering ability making it a quick twistie bike for newbies and oldbies alike.
Image: Dyno chart of a 1999 GS500 with a K&N filter and aftermarket can. Flat spot is clearly evident even with the mods. Wonder what it's like standard?
What about a Yamaha XJR400?
Grunty bikes. Thought about before, but they are a 4cyl and have a reputation for bad carbs.
The styling is perfect tho
riffer
3rd May 2007, 13:04
John and Janet - this is perfect (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-97737790.htm).
And its got suspension upgrades too. And its in the price range.
edit: arse. Looked at the comments. Its been sold. Sorry...
this could work though - an SRX400 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-98029256.htm)
or a GB400 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-98563582.htm)...
or what about a Bros400? (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-98316744.htm) Here's another one (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-92887525.htm) too.
Yea Riffer, the GS was good. The others are not really in the hunt as they are too much cafe-racer type, not terribly suitable as the perfect all-rounder.
HenryDorsetCase
3rd May 2007, 14:38
Yea Riffer, the GS was good. The others are not really in the hunt as they are too much cafe-racer type, not terribly suitable as the perfect all-rounder.
I think you'd be surprised at how usable that list above was. also if you get an SRX400 surely its just a bolt up to make it 660 (IF you could source the bits)..
of course its your money and your call... taking as many as possible for a spin will let you sort out what you like or not pretty quick.
I think you'd be surprised at how usable that list above was. also if you get an SRX400 surely its just a bolt up to make it 660 (IF you could source the bits)..
of course its your money and your call... taking as many as possible for a spin will let you sort out what you like or not pretty quick.
Ahhh...this is YT we are looking for. And she is very definite about what she wants. I agree with you that there are plenty of candidates out there, but you don't have to live with her...
yungatart
3rd May 2007, 16:01
Ahhh...this is YT we are looking for. And she is very definite about what she wants. I agree with you that there are plenty of candidates out there, but you don't have to live with her...
Sheesh! You make it sound like living with me is hard work....remember that I am the love of your life, the mother of your son, the lady who pushed you into getting back on to bikes, the one who cooks and cleans and washes for you.....(amongst other things):love:
I guess some could say I'm fussy, but why put up with just any old bike when I know that there will be the perfect bike for me.
I want something not too tall, not too heavy, not too powerful. It has to be have an upright seating position and be able to carry some luggage on the pillion seat or wherever.
I don't want a faired bike, I don't want a cruiser and I don't want a sports bike.
I would prefer something mid - 90's on.
Mstrs is the one that has put $$$$ parameters on it, not me!!
Now, am I really that difficult to please?
I think not!
robertydog
3rd May 2007, 18:54
:shit: :2thumbsup :2thumbsup :2thumbsup :2thumbsup :2thumbsup A woman that knows what she wants.
Hey YT. Why not try a 750? The step up is fine, I assure you. In fact it's just right !:yes:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=97415616
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=97494182
yungatart
3rd May 2007, 19:30
Gorgeous, Drum - but not too heavy was what I said - that has a dry wt of 201 kg!!!!!
Horney1
3rd May 2007, 19:33
SV650 naked. Seat can be lowered if height is an issue (talk to Madduck). ER6N is also a really nice option.
I've heard the SV650 is a good bike to. Find a shop that's got one and take it for a ride. You don't have to buy it if it's not right. I'm not suggesting it over any of the many other choices though, but it's worth a ride I think.
Be careful if you try a TRX850, they're high geared so a little tricky off the mark and I burnt my leg a bit on the exhaust of the one I test rode back when they were new. Guess I shoulda been wearing long pants but I wasn't too concerned. Have fun.
Cheers
Yea Riffer, the GS was good. The others are not really in the hunt as they are too much cafe-racer type, not terribly suitable as the perfect all-rounder.Those "cafe racer" types might be just ideal. Tart just needs to give the ones suggested a try out. A mate and I have toured, commuted and more on our GB400s with no bother at all. The dual seat on a GB would be more suitable for alround usage though. They're cheap to purchase and run. They're no rocketship but a fun ride non the less.
It's been mentioned that the GS500 has a flat spot at a certain rev range. In reality it's probably illevent in the big scheme of things. A shit load of GS500 related stuff here- http://gstwin.com/
Colapop
3rd May 2007, 20:13
Str8's looking at an SV650...
Gorgeous, Drum - but not too heavy was what I said - that has a dry wt of 201 kg!!!!!
How about the four hundie then? Dry weight of 185kg. Still too heavy? Only 40kg heavier than the EL.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-97908250.htm?p=1
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-97581590.htm?p=2
paturoa
3rd May 2007, 22:41
My own personal preference is to step up to a 400-500 cc, rather than 650 straight away.
There is a Jap import SV400 version that has a good reputation as well - like this http://www.suzukicycles.org/SV-series/SV400-SV400S.shtml
yungatart
4th May 2007, 08:27
How about the four hundie then? Dry weight of 185kg. Still too heavy? Only 40kg heavier than the EL.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-97908250.htm?p=1
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-97581590.htm?p=2
Nice, eh?
But I heard a rumour that the engines are 'weak'..anyone care to comment?has anyone got one of these?
Nice, eh?
But I heard a rumour that the engines are 'weak'..anyone care to comment?has anyone got one of these?
Take comments like that with a pinch of salt - I was told the 600ss would be gutless - it has twice the power of the VTR which I used to hoon around between 120kph and 140kph - the Duc scares the bejesus out of me at the moment.
coming off of a 250 Twin anything 400+ will feel powerful.
Surprised you haven't looked at a mid nineties Ducati Monster 400/600 though - you can get some of them around the $5,000 mark and it's a pretty special looking bike (remember to go for one with riser style bars not clip ons - yes - there ismore than one version) they ae economic on fuel (I worked out I would save $1,000 per 20,000km over a 400cc 4 cyl!) and the service interval;s are 10,000km rather than 6,000 or 8,000 like the jap bikes.
the Monster is not a sports bike (the GS500 is more of a sports bike than the Monster!). It has no fairing. you can get it in 400cc and 600cc.
It basically fulfils all the criteria you have described. Comfortable upright position and they are proper sexy looking bikes.
I have a stron Italian bias though - and I am appealing to your Italian bias - get a Ducati - you know you want one....
James Deuce
4th May 2007, 10:56
Nice, eh?
But I heard a rumour that the engines are 'weak'..anyone care to comment?has anyone got one of these?
I don't know where that would come from! It's a sleeved down GPz 500S (the 400 - the 500 is the same as the GPz) engine, and they are most definitely not weak. Half of a GPz1000RX engine. Fork sliders should wear out before the engine does IF they are looked after properly.
I don't know where that would come from! It's a sleeved down GPz 500S (the 400 - the 500 is the same as the GPz) engine, and they are most definitely not weak. Half of a GPz1000RX engine. Fork sliders should wear out before the engine does IF they are looked after properly.From memory those motors are sleeved down KZ/GPZ/ZR550/4 motors. There is a cam tensoner issue, got this from a gent who's had his a few years now, with the engines but thats about all.
The GPz500s is a parrallel twin which has been replaced by the ER5. Both of which are another pair of bikes to consider. Basicly the ELs big brothers.
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