An Extension To Buck's Update - Discussion About Moving Up From A 250cc

[Matt]

My short-list was similar (SV650, VStrom, ER6, Hornet) and test-rode them all apart from the VStrom as I couldn't get a demo - SV & ER6 very similar in most respects, found the ER6 a bit easier to ride at low speed and the local Kawasaki dealer was much better. Liked the Hornet, just felt a bit too fast for me tbh - awesome engine though, first time I've ridden anything that revs so freely! and really wish my ER had the Hornet's mirrors!

Matt

[Terminated]

My short-list was similar (SV650, VStrom, ER6, Hornet)

Liked the Hornet, just felt a bit too fast for me tbh - awesome engine though, first time I've ridden anything that revs so freely! and really wish my ER had the Hornet's mirrors!

Matt

Thanks for that Matt, the ER is potentially my first pick, but like you, will certainly be riding all the different bikes when the time comes.

[gijoe1313]

I reckon its a Hornet thing, I always give me bike an affectionate pat when we get home! Heck, somedays I even catch myself talking to her! I love the red so much on my bike, I'm going to get matching red kit to go with it!

Must be something about it I reckon - though the passion I've seen others for their bikes is special too

[MikeyG]

Suzuki GSR600 has had a few good write ups as well. Otherwise my list is similar to yours with ER-6, hornet 600, SV650, FZ6 or maybe a 400cc sprotsbike

[TerminalAddict]

oohh . .the gsr600 is damn sexy in mat black .. dag nam it mr suzuki, that's some fine designing
forgot about that one .. and it was on my list (but haven't ridden one .. no demo )

[Uncle B]

I agree with Poo's.
You will change you mind many times on what sort of bike to step up to as your riding develops.
You need a bike to match the sort of riding you want to do.
When you get your full test ride as many bikes as you can to know what feels good and suits your needs or desires.....it's bloody good fun too.

[Jantar]

Definitely try all the bikes that you consider may be suitable. From the descriptions you have posted so far of what you have been doing and where you have been riding, I would suggest that you would find a cruiser rather limiting. The Bandit the Hornet and the WeeStrom would appear to the most suitable. Here are some comments on the DL650

In the most recent issue (September 2006) of Cycle World magazine they have a head to head comparo between the Ducati Multistrada 620 and the Suzuki DL650. The VERY 1st sentence of this 4 page article says..."Okay, let's shortcut this thing. Bottom line, The Suzuki wins.." later on they say.."The Vstrom (DL650) may just be the most shockingly competent machine in the world today.."...............later on, when comparing the 2 motorcycles handling characteristics they state...." On paper, the 620 (Ducati) should be the better handler. It's lighter and has a shorter wheelbase, wider rubber, stiffer suspension and a more aggressive ass-up, elbows-out riding stance. And make no mistake, the little Duck slingshots around corners, but the V-Strom is absolutely unreal in that regard. It lays into a corner so easily and holds its line so effortlessly that surely the laws of physics have been supended and countersteering is no longer needed. Not the case, of course, but there is some kind of magic going on here. "

[Terminated]

Suzuki GSR600 has had a few good write ups as well. Otherwise my list is similar to yours with ER-6, hornet 600, SV650, FZ6 or maybe a 400cc sprotsbike

Thanks MikeyG. I looked at the GSR600 and the FZ6N, I liked the look of both the bikes, but my gut reaction was 'they may take me to places I never been before - and don't want too go there'. Then again through autumn 2007 I will try out a ride on each of these if possible.

[Terminated]

I agree with Poo's.
You will change you mind many times on what sort of bike to step up to as your riding develops.
You need a bike to match the sort of riding you want to do.
When you get your full test ride as many bikes as you can to know what feels good and suits your needs or desires.....it's bloody good fun too.

Gidday Uncle B, yep will be spending some time testing when I get the full in 2007, also saving up too in the meantime.

[Terminated]

Definitely try all the bikes that you consider may be suitable. From the descriptions you have posted so far of what you have been doing and where you have been riding, I would suggest that you would find a cruiser rather limiting. The Bandit the Hornet and the WeeStrom would appear to the most suitable.

Gidday Jantar, hey thanks for those comments much appreciated. I recently read a British magazine at the library about the V-Strom, also spent some time talking to Steve D. at Wellington Motor Cycles about the bike too.

The long term aim is to complete the Sth Island over the next 6 years [at profile] and the V- Strom in that regard may have the edge [fitted with panniers etc].

Appreciate the comment about the cruiser too. I rather liked the S50 - Boulevarde, actually sat on one at WMC and was surprised the pegs were not as far forward as I thought they were going to be. They are a lot lower of course and this is the trade off I supose when thinking of general handling and longer rake compared to the other street/touring bikes.

[Devil]

This is my vote for the VStrom. Make sure you try it before you commit yourself to buying something else. I've had a go on the demo 650 twice and ask for it whenever my bike is in for a service. Seems to be the perfect bike for NZ roads, while being uber comfy it'll go almost anywhere. I was blown away by the on road performance, the SV650 engine is just perfect in the DL.

I think i'll seriously be considering the VStrom 1000 for the next bike.

[Terminated]

This is my vote for the VStrom. Make sure you try it before you commit yourself to buying something else.

Gidday Devil, that's for sure, I think to achieve the Sth Island it could be the bike for the job.

[imdying]

You'd never destory the hornet 900 motor, it's a well proven lump. The SV650 has the advantage of being plentiful in NZ (due to racing), so there's plenty of stock parts (the kind you might break) about

[Terminated]

Both the Hornet and SV650 are good bikes for sure. Though it is around 6 months away, I will certainly be looking at a lot of bikes. Today sat on the GSR and hmmmmm but this will be one of many different bikes to get up close and personal.

[yob_ymmit]

Dont disregard the FZ6. I'm really surprised there aren't more of these around, or that the GSR600 seems to be the more popular of the two. I have been riding mine since late August, and it has proven brilliant around town and brilliant on a couple open road forays that I have managed to fit in. I'm not sure how it will fare on longer day rides, but thats to come..

Anyway, the FZ6 does a great job of providing you with both a usable around town bike, well behaved at low speeds with good fuel economy, and then once you get it up to speed and revving, the R6 engine screams into full awake mode, and you start lifting the front wheel all over the place! There are absolutely no worries about acheiving silly speeds, although anything past 150 and you lose that stable feeling...

I spent a few days on an SV650 a short while before the FZ6, and I would still pick the FZ6 as being better at low and high speed environments, as well as being more flickable and manageable. It reminds me strongly of my CBR250, in terms of power distribution (just multiply it all by 5) and handling...