I'm looking around

[coreys]

I have a 2003 VTR1000f. You can pick good models up for around 8,000k if you are prepared to look around. I am 5'8 and 80kilo, and it hauls my old ass around at a fair old clip. Leave about $800 for a front fork upgrade (go for 0.95kg springs. the standard are 0.55kg, so they can be a bit soft) and better front discs.(braided lines are a good idea as well)
Plenty of low down grunt, good tank for a magnetic tank bag, and it aint to hard to add a pack rack. For really long rides get a sheepskin.
It really depends on what you want...I say test ride them all.
Having owned little and big Jap 4's as well as couple of exotic twins, I say go for a twin...but i'm biased. None of the bikes that you are looking at will let you down

[vifferman]

The 2 V's (SV and VTR) would only just be warming up on your short commute, though they both would be great for pillion and touring with the low down torque. But at the end of the day, take em for a test ride and see what meets your needs...

Yeah, that's the key.
I don't agree about the VTR though: mine was OK for commuting (once I raised the bars, as it was the early model), but not so good for touring with a passenger. We managed OK, but once we tried the VFR, the VTR felt very cramped and uncomfortable in comparison.

[vifferman]

anything I've missed that I just 'have' to test ride?

Yeah, the VFR: it's a good all-rounder.
And if you're looking at that sort of bike, you could consider the RF900 and GSX750. They're not as classy as the VFR, but good value for money.

[marty]

i'd second the VFR. quite possibly the best all-round machine for the $$$.

like this one - ex-rental but underseat pipe model and like all VFRs, single side arm

http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/De...rcycletradernz

[Deviant Esq]

Third the VFR800. Heard nothing but good things about them - if I allowed myself more to spend on my next bike, I'd definitely be considering one myself. Only difference for me is I'm not ruling out bikes like the CBR and ZX because I probably won't be doing as much touring, nor do I need a comfy pillion seat.

Test ride everything in sight!

[pyrocam]

I was pretty much settling (although pre test ride) on the VTR, Coreys your bike sounds awesome do you have pics?


I haven't thought much about a VFR and TBH I dont know the difference
motorbikes.be to the rescue!
http://www.motorbikes.be/en/compare/3564/3561/
similar HP, quite a different design, what IS primarily the difference? just design