Firts ever: What bike thread

Ok, I should be selling the hyosung this afternoon (we all know about CL flakes)

So when I get back from Afghanistan, I want to get another bike. I'm budgeting 5000 for my bike (either as a down payment or total cash outlay).

I'm into Touring 2 up, so crotch rockets are out.

My thoughts so far are

vStrom1000, VFR800, Bandit 1200, and the ZRX1100 (Eddie Lawson).

So what are your guys thoughts, experiences with these bikes.

ps. Woody we're still going on that ride!

I rode my friend's V-Strom, a little strummy, vibrationey. I don't think I would like it two-up for any distance.

You could have one of these for $5k.

For the same reasons I would steer away from the 1200 Bandits. great bikes, but smallish seats anf buzzy for 2 up.

Yamaha FJs, older big Ninjas (ZX10 od 11, 12 if tyou can geta decent one for that money) The VFR is a great bike.

I know you said no crotch rockets (which BTW, the term is sporbike) But the big older liter bikes can easily be made into a very capable sport tourer.

Don't forget to ask about military discounts. My friend just got a hell of a deal on a BMW leftover. He arranged the whole transaction online from Iraq and had the bike waiting for him when he got home.

Be safe.

Thanks, and that's a great idea, I ask about that discount everywhere never thought about a dealership hmm...

Buell Ulysses XB12XT. It consistently gets high nods for passenger comfort. Bullet-proof motor w/ low maintenance requirements (hydraulic lifters, belt drive).

Hmmm buell forgot about them. There's so many bikes, I just thought of the cbr1100xx blackbird those should pretty easy in my price range, maybe even a Busa but they scare me. Most powerful bike I've ever owned was a 1983 gs750e, I was too young to properly utilize that bike or maintain it. Actually I think it is technically still mine hmmm....

Yeah, lots of options.

Do you want full bodywork? That will eliminate a lot of bikes.

Full body work doesn't matter to me. Brother tells me that the GS750 wasn't salvageable and went to the scrap yard years ago lol. Though having some protection from the elements is nice.

Whats a Firts?

whoops

Capt Slow wrote: Whats a Firts?

What comes before secnod.

if you are getting your first real bike

but it out right, don't finance that crap, payments blow especially when you dump it or someone dumps you off it

ZRX's are nice.

FJ's are supposed to be rockin tourer's

heard great things about concours

VFRs always seen so cool. Never heard any real bad things about them except the newest series' V-Tec weirdness. I'd shoot for a pre-2003 edition, myself.