Upgrading From A 250

[Alive]

Hello everyone

Yup another n00b to KB

Now for the serious stuff...

I am a couple of months off getting my full licence. I have a Suzuki Volty (TU 250) and a GN 250, but i'm now at the point where I want to upgrade to something bigger.

I ride every day and love it

I have been looking at a Suzuki Boulevard (600) they're just over 7k new, but I really want a late model Triumph Bonnie or similar.

So my question is, What would you recommend as a good upgrade in the way of a naked bike in the 5-8k mark thats fairly new (less than 5 yrs)

Thanks

[Sniper]

As much as I hate to say it. The SV

[skelstar]

Yep. The SV650 iis widely regarded as a excellent 'first big bike'. It doesnt really look like its the type of bike you personally want though...does it?

Welcome to the site BTW.

[limbimtimwim]

I have been looking at a Suzuki Boulevard (600) they're just over 7k new, but I really want a late model Triumph Bonnie or similar.

Buy a bike you could fall in love with. Look at it and ask yourself if you could.

[Lias]

I also really wanted a non-japanese heavy cruiser in that price range for my first big bike.. I just couldnt find anything.. Cheapest i was seeing <5 year old Triumph's or H-D sportsters for was 9-11ish, which was just too far over my price range.

I ended up scoring a low k's 1997 Suzukui VZ800 Marauder, and its bloody brilliant. Keep your eyes out on trademe and you'll find a good deal eventually.. took me 2 months to find smoething in the price range I wanted that was a good deal.

[Crisis management]

Buy a bike you could fall in love with. Look at it and ask yourself if you could.

This is the important bit.... If you don't really want the bike you are going to be forever bitching about it. Find the bike you want then see if it fits.

[Alive]

I've had a bit of a look on trademe and the SV is not really what I am looking for but thanks for the suggestion

The VZ800 is much more along the lines of what I am after, i'll keep an eye on them, cheers

If by chance I did end up with something I didn't like (not that likely, but worth considering), I would just sell it an move on

[Cajun]

Alive really any 600-800 cruiser should be fine. there be plenty more torque there than your 250, and alot of extra weight, be ready for that.

but other than that, get a bike that turns you on, cause thats really what its about. Not the price it costs, the amount of hp it got, etc, its gotta turn you on, you love looking at it, or your not gonna be happy with it

[Alive]

Alive really any 600-800 cruiser should be fine. there be plenty more torque there than your 250, and alot of extra weight, be ready for that.

but other than that, get a bike that turns you on, cause thats really what its about. Not the price it costs, the amount of hp it got, etc, its gotta turn you on, you love looking at it, or your not gonna be happy with it

Thanks for that... the only problem is I have to consider cost as I do not have a big budget, so it's a matter of finding something I like that fits in to my budget....

Thankfully i'm in no hurry so have time on my side

[bugjuice]

welcome to the gargre

why don't you make up a short list of bikes that fit the crit, then take them for a 30 min ride. Then you can judge for yourself, which you find better, since you'll be the one riding and paying for it

[Alive]

welcome to the gargre

why don't you make up a short list of bikes that fit the crit, then take them for a 30 min ride. Then you can judge for yourself, which you find better, since you'll be the one riding and paying for it

Great suggestion... I'll be doing that, cheers

[DemonWolf]

Welcome to KB...

If ya make up your list and post it here.. I'm sure there be people with lots of comments and opinions for ya.. but as Buggy suggested.. go take them for a test ride... see which one suits you the best

[monkey99]

Go 4 it..

I have gone from big bikes 750cc super sport back down to a 250..mostly as i had abreak of 4 years..([ I]cos the woman made me[/I]) back into it..and the advice you have is good..find what really turns you on and go for it..nothing else should matter..if your going to pay 6k..why not pay more and love it as you live it..its just money..and you can always stretch payment over longer if required..

go the Bonne me thinks..super cool bike..have you had a look at an HD sportster? etc etc

personally i prefer my little Jap rockets..but would not turn down a Bonne, or most Triumphs..and well someone just offer me a duke 748sp ; )

[Alive]

Go 4 it..

go the Bonne me thinks..super cool bike..have you had a look at an HD sportster? etc etc

; )

Hey Monkey... I have thought about a sportster, but I just don't like them... I would rather have a Softail or Fatboy, but they are way over what I am ready to pay... and besides I can get a brand (or near) new Bonnie for the same sort of money

[Colapop]

Another to consider is a late model Suzuki LS650 or S65 I think they're called now. Good solid cruiser with good torque, comfy too. I had an older one that I sold and enjoyed it while I had it. You can pick them up at around $7k- $8k range.