BuckBuckNo1’s transition 650cc to:

[Dodger]

Buy the Bandit!

The 900 Hornet has been on my wish list for quite some time, and if I ever do buy one it would be nice to have something different to you

[Hitcher]

I'll put my usual plug in for the Kawasaki ZRX1200R, if it is indeed a large naked bike that is being sought here. In my opinion nothing else comes close for all-round riding performance. The new Z1000 looks way cool too, and folks what own them love them (well, the ones I've met do).

But given that the 650 Strom suits your needs so well, one could enquire as to why you think you want to sell it? It's unlikely to be worth much less in a year than it is now.

[Wasp]

Bandit 1250........... no im not biased!

[Clivoris]

Haha. I've been waiting for this thread mate. I might have misunderstood some of your logic though. You're selling the V-strom because you don't get to do enough touring? I would have thought that the V-strom would make a better local tourer/commuter than the bikes you're looking at. Either of the bikes you're looking at will be great but the Bandit will have a heap more torque=easier riding.

[KoroJ]

A comfy tourer needs big boxes and an electric windscreen!!

[ceebie13]

If you are thinking Bandit, another option is the CB1300. Like the 900 only bigger.
Ask Ceebie13, he raves about his and has done plenty of k's on it.

Yep! Does exactly what it says on the tin... and more. I love it. Big and lardy when stationary but nimble as ferret up ya trousers once its on the move.
Come stick your leg over my CB, Guy, if you are at all interested in a comparison. And there's a write-up on the 'S' Model (with half fairing) in the latest Kiwi Rider Mag. Excellent VFM too. Motomart will be glad to get rid of one so you might land yourself a bargain. Think about $14500 brand new.

[Drum]

What about the XJR1300 Guy?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...706175.htm?p=2

I think if I had the cash I'd be going for the Z1000.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...619891.htm?p=1

Edit: Both the bikes you're looking at will suit your riding style mate. I see I'm just posting links to the bikes I want.

[Terminated]

Thank you for your replies, and Ceebee13 your offer for me to get my leg over the CB1300.

My main focus is the auction that runs through to Tuesday.

In the meantime I do have a few contingency plans, one which includes a long weekend ride up the North Island on VStrom, another is to indeed look at the CB1300, XJR1300 and GSX1400 around xmas/new year, if I postpone selling. By then I will have done a few 'summer time - early morning distance rides' and this could be a significant factor down the track.

In the meantime both the Hornet and Bandit are in the frame and I would like to think that the auction is well within the market price and hopefully will move during auction.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[90s]

Good on you BuckBuck - showing its never too late to get seriously into biking, and to take a planned approach to getting what you want out of it.
Hope your new bike - whatever it is - gives you plently more thou ks pleasure touring around. Wish I had time on my hands for more.
Your'e a great inspiration - and I even like your schnauzer (that's a dog people). The missis is thinking of getting one.

Take it easy!

[Devil]

Like a couple of the others here, i'm trying to understand why you'd want to sell the VStrom for one of those two. It does everything and from my experience, commutes better than the other two (what kerb?).
Plus I found the strom to be more fun on a tight road that those other too, what a hoot getting the back out under power.

[Terminated]

I even like your schnauzer (that's a dog people). The missis is thinking of getting one.

Take it easy!

Thanks for your feedback 90s. Here are a few pictures of Arnie for your missis. Arnie when he came home at 8weeks, and now just turned 7yrs this month.

i'm trying to understand why you'd want to sell the VStrom for one of those two.

Thanks Devil. All my riding is purely recreational. During the week generally this side to the top of the Rimutaka Hill, Paekakariki Hill and around the inlet, and the occasional ride around the harbour and bays about 100-150km a time.
On the weekend then over to the Wairarapa to Martinborough/Carterton about 200-250km.

The VStrom is an excellent bike, ideal riding position for me, however unless I do get in some long distance overnight rides for me 500km maximum a day, it begs the question is this the right bike for me. Having said that, come summer time then the longer rides will be more probable, hence the 1300/1400's are worthy of a look. But, on the balance of things it will be a case of looking at and reviewing my riding patterns if I shifted to the bigger bikes.

The Hornet and Bandit, as I said are in the frame, and will see how the auction pans out.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[RantyDave]

Like a couple of the others here, i'm trying to understand why you'd want to sell the VStrom for one of those two.

He wants to go faster, man. He's just trying not to admit to it

Read between the lines: He bought the VStrom to go on long lolloping rides around the country ... but instead finds himself thrashing over the takas like the rest of Wellington. Has: 650cc Vtwin with many kilograms. Wants: 900cc IL4 with fewer kilograms. Good on 'im, I reckon.

Dave

[90s]

He wants to go faster, man. He's just trying not to admit to it

Thanks for the doggy pics BuckBuck.

And Dave, I think you've got it!
Guess BuckBuck might not want the wifey to read the real reason for trading up ?

[Devil]

He wants to go faster, man. He's just trying not to admit to it

Read between the lines: He bought the VStrom to go on long lolloping rides around the country ... but instead finds himself thrashing over the takas like the rest of Wellington. Has: 650cc Vtwin with many kilograms. Wants: 900cc IL4 with fewer kilograms. Good on 'im, I reckon.

Dave

Heh well the hornet and the 650 strom aren't far off in weight! As for the bandit...well... dont drop it on yourself if there's no-one around to help you pick it up!

Go try the bandit 1200 while you're at it. Appears to have even more torque on the bottom end than the 1250...

[Terminated]

Has: 650cc Vtwin with many kilograms. Wants: 900cc IL4 with fewer kilograms. Good on 'im, I reckon.
Dave

RantyDave, I think you pretty well summed it up however, believe it or not the DL650 VStrom and the CB900 Hornet both weigh the same at 194kg dry weight.
Each bike has its own characteristics but I think the coffee will taste better over the hill, you know what I mean.

The Bandit, clocked up near 200km in two rides, it is certainly in the frame for selection, and yes is heavier.

I am waiting for the day that Mrs R asks to go for that ride.

Heads Up and Enjoy