Quote Originally Posted by jafar View Post
.... After sales backup is also a major consideration, keep this in mind when talking to the different dealers & riders of different brands of bike. A Suzuki might be best in chch because of the dealer but the kawasaki may be a better bet in say nelson.
Very true for major work, but minor stuff can be done by any brand dealer - my son-in-law takes his Ducati to a Kwaka dealer who looks after it very well. However if you've got warranty work, or even for the first few services it's a long way to CHCH.


Quote Originally Posted by P38 View Post
You wont even notice the 100cc difference between bikes.
Yes you will ... no you won't ... yes you will ... no you won't. Depends who you're talking to.



Quote Originally Posted by P38 View Post
As for brakes, the Suzuki is pretty tourquey cruiser, just shut the throttle down, drop one gear and you are slowing up pretty fast. Even two up I got plenty of braking power, let the engine do most of the work, save the brakes for when you really need them.
A V-twin has huge engine braking, so often the brakes aren't necessary at all. Just to let anyone behind you that you're slowing down quickly.