Best Type of Bike for NZ?

[Winston001]

There's gotta be about as many "ideal" bikes as there are "ideal" bikers! My own old GSX600F was not my first choice when I decided to return to biking, Yes, though old now, the GSX is streets ahead of the old T500 Suzuki I had back in the dark ages, and my old XS750 Yamaha, could only dream of! I've racked my feeble old brain trying to decide what to upgrade to, and each time I ride it it just does everything I want, so with the staggering choices available today, I just can't seem to better it!

Well said. Really my reason for the thread is to find out what other people think. I used to have an XS650B which was a lot of fun but in all honesty wouldn't go back to it.

Life would be boring if we all agreed. I'll admit to a irrational bias against Japanese bikes whilst also admiring their style, performance, and reliability. Indeed at the right price a Jap bike could discover my garage.

If I have a complaint about the BMW it is that with a full RT fairing it is underpowered. But on the other hand the weather isn't a problem so even if I moved to another bike I'd probably get another fairing anyway.

Ultimately two bikes - a sports bike and a cruiser would be the business. Like that will ever happen.

[TONO]

The best bike for most New Zealand riding conditions? No contest. It would have to be the "Forgotten Suzuki" -- the DL1000K6 V-Strom.

Here, here, I have the DL650 V=Strom and it has a ton of guts and is comfortable on both tar-seal and metal roads. Which if you are going to go touring around NZ is a must.
It is comfortable and economical to ride. Great allround bike.

[Hitcher]

Here, here, I have the DL650 V=Strom

Presumably you mean "Hear, hear"...?

The wee-strom looks the goods and reviews well.

[terbang]

Get a 1200 Bandit..! Does everything including loose metal.. Be Carefull it may also find the hoon lurking in you..

[TONO]

Presumably you mean "Hear, hear"...?

The wee-strom looks the goods and reviews well.

Yes i do.....Freudian slip, actually not paying attention, must have been tired.
My apologies.

[Mooch]

Couple of mates have made the recent change from years of sports bikes. One owned a 636 for 9 months the other an R6 for a similar period (Jim2).
Both have chosen the Kawasaki Z750 as replacements (See Jim2's ride report). They are both enjoying the Z's which sound far easier to live with.
One bike you may want to consider is the GSXR1000, These are easy to ride and are reasonably comfortable. Handling is very neutral. They are fine if you want to do 500- 600 kms a day and they have no trouble carrying gear. Forget the speed potential, can be ridden sedately when required. Pricing isn't that far a jump from a 600.