900 Diversion or FJ1200?

[Carldav]

Okay, I need some guidance. I need to buy a bike for my father in law (who lives in the USA, and ride a V-Strom). We have a around-the-South-Island trip planned over Christmas and the New Year, and I need to get him a bike.

The original list was (i) Fj1200; (ii) Triumph Trophy 900; (iii) XJ900 Diversion.

And the criteria for the list are (i) comfortable on long trips; (ii) enough giddy-up to put a smile on his face; (iii) reliable; and (iv) around $6k (negotiable).

So ... if the choice was between the FJ1200 and the 900 Diversion, which one would you buy and why?

And are there any bikes I've missed? (Note that I've dismissed from the 1200 Bandit; the 900 Monster; the ST2; the TDM850; and the VFR750).

[Hitcher]

Older FZ1s would almost meet your budget criteria. Ditto for a Kawasaki ZRX1100.

[FROSTY:Me]

Ive owned a few of both. Either or are bloody good bikes. BOTH would be great for what you wanna do.
personally if the mans riding a vsrom I think he'd be more comfortable size wise on a Divvy. The divvy is also a bit lighter -although the FJ is really well balanced.
Tyres are a concideration-the FJ has a 16 inch rear which can be a pain to source.
I'll toss another suggestion into the pot.
RF900 suzuki. weight wise it FEELS like a divvy but has the power of the FJR. Fit the F1 engineering bar raiser kit ($250) and the ergo's are about the same.
I (cough) happen to have a really nice one in stock

[rocketman1]

Apparently the good old DL 650 V-strom is hard to beat for that sort of touring,
You probably need something thaT can go off road

[martybabe]

Of the two, my preference would be the FJ1200 a great bike, however the 900 is cheaper on fuel and has shaft drive, so it may be the better bet in this instance.

Both are comfy, both reliable, both adequately faired, so I guess the answer should be go for the best bargain of the two that you can find when you come to buy.

Good luck, he's in for a treat whatever he rides in this country.