Next bike selection?

[Ants]

Hello everyone.

Looking for a little advice on my next bike. Currently on a Suzuki GN250 which I have been riding since I learnt 5 years ago. Finally have the $$ for a step up

A quick browse through TradeMe shows me the following are within budget ($5k):

'99 Suzuki GSX750F
'04 Suzuki SV650
'99 Honda VFR800
'04 Honda CB900

This bike will be 90% commuter, so key factors are ease of riding (will be every day rain or shine), reliability and running costs (maintenance & fuel).

I'm leaning towards the SV650 as it's (probably?) the most frugal, cheapish to maintain being a twin, and relatively modern compared to the others. Also probably a more comfortable ride with the more upright seating position?

Thoughts? Is there something else that should be on the list but just happens to not be up for sale right now?

Cheers,
Ants.

[Maha]

My choice on that list without question, would be the Hornet....
Food for thought...I felt (not long after buying my YZF600) that I should have gone bigger...before the year was up I had.
Its on your list so give it some thought. The CB900 will not fail to meet expectations.

[Toaster]

How far do you commute? 30min to 1hr plus each way? Do you do it in peak hour traffic?

If you do, a high upright seating position is best for comfort AND visibility for you.

Test ride as many as you can.

[blackdog]

I'm with maha on this one. The 900 Hornet does everything well, is reliable and easy to service. One of the best bang for bux bikes you'll find without a doubt.

[Toaster]

I would have thought the SV twin a little thirstier than the Hondas actually, but I may stand corrected.....

[martybabe]

Unreservedly the Hornet IMO, all the bike for everything you outline. The choice and the money are ultimately your's of course but if it was me, with the same criteria..the Hornet.

[tigertim20]

Hello everyone.

Looking for a little advice on my next bike. Currently on a Suzuki GN250 which I have been riding since I learnt 5 years ago. Finally have the $$ for a step up

A quick browse through TradeMe shows me the following are within budget ($5k):

'99 Suzuki GSX750F
'04 Suzuki SV650
'99 Honda VFR800
'04 Honda CB900

This bike will be 90% commuter, so key factors are ease of riding (will be every day rain or shine), reliability and running costs (maintenance & fuel).

I'm leaning towards the SV650 as it's (probably?) the most frugal, cheapish to maintain being a twin, and relatively modern compared to the others. Also probably a more comfortable ride with the more upright seating position?

Thoughts? Is there something else that should be on the list but just happens to not be up for sale right now?

Cheers,
Ants.

get the cb900. reliable, solid bike, good at everything. Youre going to be paying the over 600cc rego for anything up there, so you may as well have the extra power of the cb over the sv.

[Urano]

sv650

no doubt, considering your use.

[Renegade]

kwaka er6n, cheap as chips to run and cheap to service

[Urano]

kwaka er6n, cheap as chips to run and cheap to service

+1 hands down.
but it's not in choice...

[zeocen]

Of all the bikes I've owned, I've only regretted selling one of them. The Hornet 900. Luckily I filled that void with a 2010 Hornet 600! But yeah, Hornet 900. It's a beautiful commuter.

[zeocen]

I'd also put a vote in for the ER6N. Great machine, plenty of power, less cylinders to service :P

[TIBLE_90]

I'd also put a vote in for the ER6N. Great machine, plenty of power, less cylinders to service :P

I 2nd the ER6N, good bike that but i see it's not on the list

[blackdog]

Er6n is also a fantastic wee day to day bike, in fact the choice of m/c couriers all over the world.

My only concern with them is if you want it for more than just a commuter you will soon be wanting for the few extra ponies you get with the hornet.

[Urano]

Er6n is also a fantastic wee day to day bike, in fact the choice of m/c couriers all over the world.

My only concern with them is if you want it for more than just a commuter you will soon be wanting for the few extra ponies

ya, everyone talking about the er6 has concerns about the "extrapower"...
then you look at stuff like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_mVqJFRuiw
(which is actually a versys, but the engine is exactly the same)
and understand that 99% of people (especially those on very powerful bikes) use their bikes at maximum 70% of the possibilities, so it actually does not matter...

the only concern you should have about the er6 is the crappy suspensions, but a matris kit in the front and some magic soup on the rear should be just fine.
at the end you'll have a good bike spending less than other options.

the er6 engine is by far one the best twin on the market, and absolutely the best part of the bike.
i really think they rode out of money after design of the engine, and finished the bike the way they could...


ANYWAY is still not on the list...