Hypothetically, what?

[onearmedbandit]

My vote went to the M109R. If you're getting a new bike Mr H, you should really get a new bike. The Buell looked too dual purpose to me, don't know about its long distance comfort. The Kawasaki looks like another clone bike (from what I've seen of it), and the GSX and FZ1S just don't appeal to me. So my money would be on the M109R, amazing bike to behold, from what I've been told apparently quite impressive to ride, and the fact it is unmistakable.

[Edit] - BD just blew my 'comfort' theory regarding the Buell out the door. [/Edit]

[avgas]

Join up on the dark side, FZ's have center stands and 20v's!!!!!!!

[Colapop]

Sir, I would suggest you maybe narrow your search to a M109R, ST or the Buell. The Buell, although from what I've read is an excellent all round bike, may not be 'you'. I could see you on either of the other two options.

[2much]

I can't find the GSXR1000 option? I don't understand?

But seriously, here's my 2 cents... be warned that my opinions are very ill informed, very personalised, contain very little common sense and will probably change completely tomorrow.... so you best ignore them.

You're obviously very touring orientated, with that in mind I wouldn't recommend the buell as it's not an outstanding pillion bike, the gearbox is shit and desperately needs a 6th gear.

The meanstreak is an excellent bike, very sporty, capable cruiser with outstanding brakes and can be alot fun to ride. However, it's not that comfortable over long distance, the rear suspension is shit and the 1500 was gutless so I suspect the 1600 is much the same.

The Bandit? it's an old bike now, when was the last time they changed it? It's a bike that tries to do a bit of everything but is good at nothing.

The Boulevard? I know nothing about it except that it would probably look better after it's run into the side of a bus.

The Fazer is much the same as the Bandit except maybe even uglier if that's at all possible?

The ST is probably the best tourer out there. It's a very comfortable bike over a long distance 2 up., but it can actually still be alot of fun and is suprisingly capable when thrown through the twisties riding solo.

So imho, if your not man enough to step up and buy the GSXR1000 that you know you've always wanted.... then the ST would be the next best choice of what's listed there.

Before you make your final desion, please do yourself a favour and go take a new Triumph Sprint ST for a test ride first, you may be pleasantly surprised (until you here the extra price for the hard panniers). They're definately not in the same boat as busa's, Blackbirds and ZZR's

I can't believe I've just recommended a Honda! I hate myself right now.

[Hitcher]

Buell, but not the big Harleys? Beamer? Moto-Guzzi? Ducati ST4 ?

Too expensive for what you get, or not. And reliability? (Everything but the BMWs that is)

[2much]

[Edit] - BD just blew my 'comfort' theory regarding the Buell out the door. [/Edit]

Ditto...

10 char

[terbang]

The bandit will leave you some change for all your hospital bills and new riding gear.

[Big Dave]

Too expensive for what you get, or not. And reliability? (Everything but the BMWs that is)

Harleys are very reliable. Ask Lou about the rental fleet.

>>not an outstanding pillion bike, the gearbox is shit and desperately needs a 6th gear.<<

All that's just wrong.
The geabox is clunky compared to a jap multi - a hot knife through butter compared to the m109.
It desperately needs nothing (if you want to ride within 40 of the speed limit)

i'll edit that - some of them desperately need a different front tyre - the Dunlop 616 on the front is shite. It's why they have copped such bad press - a pirelli on the front and it's magic.

[Hitcher]

Take a (long) look at a GSX1400

Too naked. If I wanted a naked bike I'd buy another ZRX1200R -- the best bike in the big naked musclebike class by a country mile.

[James Deuce]

You need to 6'1" to get the best out of it - ?

He's that and more. Suffice to say that the XXXXXXXXXL head should be a giveaway.

[Dragon28]

Personally, I would take a long hard look at the Buell.

I am over 6'2" and no lightweight, and when I rode one from Nelson to Gore (thanks Craig) (and back) they are just absolutely a great bike.

They handle like a dream and are really comfortable. Even after a reasonable haul like the trip I didn't have any sign of the old numb bum syndrome.

It rates as the next bike I am going to spend my hard earned cash on ... as soon as I can convince the wife that a new bike is a high priority.

[Big Dave]

He's that and more. Suffice to say that the XXXXXXXXXL head should be a giveaway.

'It ain't the meat - it's the motion.' - But i can't remember who sung it.

[Hitcher]

You need to 6'1" to get the best out of it - ?
For an ST rider, not much in the way of protection.

Is that anything like 182cm? All I ask in the way of protection is a screen that keeps the wind off my chest.

[roogazza]

BANDIT !!!! But you'll have to cut down on those BIG Breakfasts !!!!!

Gaz.

[Big Dave]

Is that anything like 182cm? All I ask in the way of protection is a screen that keeps the wind off my chest.

No - that's only 6'1/2" innit? (unless it's in a basketball programme - then it's 6'4") But it would do.

Cee Baileys do a tall screen.

There are some very good threads about the XB12X on http://www.advrider.com/forums/index.php
in the 'Beasts' section.

Anyway - here's hoping the ST is all just cosmetic and it's not an enforced decision.