What to get...

**stelartia** · 11th February 2007, 18:40

well ive been riding a Gn 250 for almost 2 years - spent a fair bit of time away from home - and yes its tiome to upgrade. ive asked around alot and have been getting great advise.
i have finally come up with a general what i want and would like some final advise before i go get my full and go for some test rides :-D

what i have decided is to go for a sports touring bike but im not sure what best options are available. i do like the classic style but its really time for a change! although another suggestion was a v-twin...

being so many to choose from im not too sure where to start

pref 650cc
im short in the leg and would like one either not tooo heavy or with its weight low on the bike
not interested in a honda

i want to have this bike for quite sometime thus im going for the 650 option but if you know any 400cc about that would be just as good id appriciate that too

cheers

**Madness** · 11th February 2007, 18:43

Buy this.

**Hitcher** · 11th February 2007, 19:09

Don't know what you want? Get a Hornet.

**skelstar** · 11th February 2007, 19:39

Originally Posted by Hitcher

...Get a Hornet.

Yep

you can ride it like a v-twin. Remove the baffles (some of them) and it sounds great

... very easy bike to ride if you've been riding a 250cc.

**stelartia** · 11th February 2007, 20:04

itll be a couple of months before i purchase a bike. as ill be overseas for a shortwhile.
im looking forward to test riding and will make a final D on a bike then.

not a decision i want to rush.

**Pwalo** · 12th February 2007, 08:16

Head down to your local shop and sit on everything you can. If you're not in a hurry to get a big bike you could always try something like a GS500 or ER500.

They're not the flashest, but they are both reliable and cheap to run, easy/cheap to maintain, and will give you a good introduction in sporty biking. (And they aren't too tall seatwise).

**Joni** · 12th February 2007, 08:22

OK how short in the leg is short?
If you are as short as me... then a Hornet would not help you what so ever... its slightly higher seat wise, and the seat is slightly thicker which also compromises height...

That SV650 would actually not be a bad choice... there are some newer model SV650's around... they also lower quite well if its needed, without compromising performance... really nice bike! pretty good in most ways really...

Bit left field - but another bike thats pretty nice would be a Monster! Seat height being 770 mm , have a lookie here ==> http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-m...s/monster-695/ However you dont have to get a new one... some stunners available that are a few years old.

MHO of course

**shafty** · 12th February 2007, 08:34

Why not a Honda?

**imdying** · 12th February 2007, 09:12

Could find a F or G series ZX6R. Not too bum up head down

I'd be trying an SV650 though... injected, ok brakes, handles pretty well for doing some touring

**Pumba** · 12th February 2007, 09:18

600 or 650 suzuki bandit would be well worth a looking at or maybe the kawaka er6n

**Macktheknife** · 12th February 2007, 11:59

Originally Posted by Pumba

600 or 650 suzuki bandit would be well worth a looking at or maybe the kawaka er6n

Go for a ride on the Bandit, great allrounders!
Having said that, put a leg over anything you can and try it for size, even if you don't immediately like the look of it.
The more you trry the more you will understand what you personally prefer. Good luck.

**The Stranger:Me** · 12th February 2007, 12:15

Originally Posted by stelartia

what i have decided is to go for a sports touring bike but im not sure what best options are available. i do like the classic style but its really time for a change! although another suggestion was a v-twin...

pref 650cc
im short in the leg and would like one either not tooo heavy or with its weight low on the bike
not interested in a honda

i want to have this bike for quite sometime thus im going for the 650 option but if you know any 400cc about that would be just as good id appriciate that too

cheers

The Cagiva Raptor 650.
They use the VTwin SV650 Suzuki engine, have a low seat (775mm) and good gear (suspension, brakes etc)

**stelartia** · 12th February 2007, 14:58

i dont really like the style of honda

**Alice** · 12th February 2007, 15:26

The Suzuki SV 650 looks pretty good, its gotta be a consideration because who is going to buy a bike they do not like the look of for starters.
Its quite light, about 169kg, has a top speed of just over 200kph. It has an upright neutral ride position and is avalible either naked or with a front windshield. The V twins have nice even smooth power output, very nice to ride (says she that has only ever ridden a VTR 250 ), others that know better than me like the way the Vtwins preform (the VTR is certainly nice to ride) and they recieve good reviews. On the downside, the suspension is not adjustable on the front, the rear has preload adjustment only, the brakes are only 2 piston, it keeps the price of the bike down. From what I have been reading they are a better spec than the Bandit which is a more budget model.
If you want a lightweight high spec fast bike then consider a Honda CBR 650, its light, has adjustable suspension front and rear, 4 piston brakes and a higher top speed for those days when you feel like winding it right out.
I have been considering 650s, I like the SVs as a possible option but still need to find out about some of the other brands. My consideration when buying a bike are, weight, speed, stopping power, quality of the suspension which is probably more important if you are a fat barstard.