Getting new bike....recommendations?

[Clean_up]

Hey,
yeah i know that this could wind up being a "my bike is better than yours" thread, BUT DON'T DO THAT!
What i'm after is genuine advice, cause i have no idea where to go to from here as far as my next bike will be.
A bit about me and my riding:
I currently have a Honda Hornet 250cc, have been riding for 5 months now. Really love it, and will be getting my Full licence on the 10th of March next year. Wanting to start looking now, so i have a better idea of what to get.
What i want in a bike: Something that i can commute on, and enjoy :P Something that is able to handle long rides (comfortably), and maybe some touring round the country. Want something that handles REALLY well, and is a lot of fun, and lastly, was thinking of going straight up to something 1000cc or more (just cause the power is there doesnt mean you have to use it).
Looking to spead anywhere up to around 15-20k, and have kinda been looking at BMW, KTM, Kawasaki ZX12/14, that sort of thing...(only online atm) havent actually been to a bike shop yet to look at them.
Kinda like the naked sports look, and also the sports look.
Just wanting some idea of what direction to head in.

Some guidence would be really appreciated

Thanks

[Mystic13]

For guidance you might want to add, how much you want to spend, what you generally like at the moment etc.

[Clean_up]

For guidance you might want to add, how much you want to spend, what you generally like at the moment etc.

thanks...done

[ital916]

thanks...done

for 15-20k the world is your oyster. Your licence is still a bit off so start writing a test list and when the time comes, test ride every bike under the sun. You would be suprised what will float your boat!

[Swoop]

Perhaps a larger Hornet??

[Insanity_rules]

I have one word......Ducati!

[avgas]

BMW F800 or similar.
Or XTX660

[2wheeldrifter]

I have one word......Ducati!

x2 Ducati

[Clean_up]

a good friend of mine from the uk, who has ridden and owned numerous bikes has actually recommend a BMW 1100 or 1250, or a KTM Superduke or superduke r.

[EJK]

They are good bikes too.

[AllanB]

Perhaps a larger Hornet??

Yeah

Heres my 2c worth.

5 months on a 250 then to a ZX12/14 or similar is a jump. If you are spending new then that jump may prove expensive in repairs ......

I'd look at the pre-loved market - you can pick up something like a Hornet 900 on TM for silly money $6-$9k depending on kms and condition. Spend the summer on that and if you feel the desire to move on you'll still own a tradeable bike.

At the end of the day with $15-20k to spend there is mega choice.

Make sure you look at the Triumph triples as well - these hold their value well on the used market too.

[Dropped]

Make sure you look at the Triumph triples as well - these hold their value well on the used market too.

well i guess that depends on the rego costs coming ?

[The Stranger:Me]

XTX660

Having one of these I would agree with you, however, at the prospect of being on the highest ACC rating I couln't recommend it.

[Clean_up]

Yeah

Heres my 2c worth.

5 months on a 250 then to a ZX12/14 or similar is a jump. If you are spending new then that jump may prove expensive in repairs ......

I'd look at the pre-loved market - you can pick up something like a Hornet 900 on TM for silly money $6-$9k depending on kms and condition. Spend the summer on that and if you feel the desire to move on you'll still own a tradeable bike.

At the end of the day with $15-20k to spend there is mega choice.

Make sure you look at the Triumph triples as well - these hold their value well on the used market too.

thanks for that, your 2c worth is sort of the exact type of advice i was looking for, sounds like a very solid idea, i like, no LOVE my lil ol hornet, and a 900cc of it would be an easy step. thanks heaps for the thought

[Mystic13]

I'd drop BMW from the list. I own one and they're not reliable. Outside of that, I ride with a few, and frankly you're better off with another brand. This comment is based on experience and ownership.

I'm a big fan of the smaller big bikes (less than 200kg). So that generally means 750 to 1000cc. They give you the best of both worlds. The FJR1300 is meant to be real good value and reliable.

KTM, Triumph or Japanese seem to be the go. But like someone above said. Take them all for a ride. When you find the ones you like then visit the owners forums you'll get the goss on how reliable they are from the number of complaints.