In reply to pres589 :
That slip-on fell out of the sky for $50. I couldn't pass it up!
In reply to pres589 :
That slip-on fell out of the sky for $50. I couldn't pass it up!
If you are looking at smaller displacement bikes, FWIW, I've been very happy with my Kawi Versys 650. It's not the sexiest bike, and it's exhaust sound won't put your hair on end like a Ducati, but it does everything well---- really well.
A buddy of mine has a Harley Sportster of some type. It's some rare- special edition. We joke because the only things my bike doesn't do well (sound good and look good) are the ONLY things his bike does do well!
The Versys is worth a look---- for me it's the Jack of all Trades, master of none sort of bike.
I've heard that about the Versys.
I sat on the Z650 and Ninja 650R; passed on both. I made need take a look at the Versys.
FZ. I have the big brother -09 and love it. I almost bought the -07, but at 6' 240lbs I looked like a bear on a unicycle. So I went with the -09. That triple makes such amazing noises and the power.... oh my... you're never left wanting more.
I don't think the 07's twin sounds nearly as nice as the 09's triple.
Still seems like a great bike.
Agreed!!
The 07's twin with stock exhaust is meh at best. However, add an exhaust and it sounds deliciously mean. The 09's triple sound pretty good with stock stuff. I need to watch a video of one with an aftermarket can.
The FZ-07 is a parallel twin, like a bunch of weezy stuff. I'm listening to 'tube videos off the FZ-07 with a Yoshimura exhaust and it sounds quite nice.
Me myself and I, I'd rather have the Z900rs than the FZ-09; better exhaust from the factory, a bit more relaxed ergo's, bigger fuel tank. Downside is the tuning seems off from what I'm reading, kind of like what happened with the 6th gen VFR, with some bikes being quite jerky and showing extreme lean-miss issues. There's solutions, of course, for this as well.
D'oh corrected LOL!!
I'll chime in for the Vulcan S. If you want a comfortable, fairly light cruiser with enough umphhhh and easy highway manners, it might fit your bill. Got it after having a couple BMW boxers over the years. The low center of gravity and easy handling was a nice change. And I dig that old school lime green. Also I have short legs so its easy to live with - a short inseam excluded several other candidates for me. No - its not a crotch rocket but at my age I enjoy the comfort of sitting on my butt not my wrists. And you wont see yourself coming and going. I do suggest a flyscreen of some sort (made my own) - reduces the highway blast. Regardless - be careful out there, wear your gear and enjoy.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, $6200
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, $6200
GPS, you're a bad, bad man.
Trans_Maro said:GPS, you're a bad, bad man.
Other than the spindly single disk front brake I very much like the look of these. They are probably a little more style than substance but as an around-town toy a little style never hurt. I'd probably buy a lightly used Ducati or Triumph scrambler for the same money and bigger displacement though as I am not all that enamored of poor acceleration.
Sv 650s are cheap sound awesome with good exhaust and pretty tourqey. buy one for 2k sell it for 2k.
Versys is an option but they are just hideous.
For those that are following along with my indecision:
Those are OTD prices.
Used market FZ-07 (2015-2017) are $5-7000 and disappear within 3-4 days of ad being posted.
In reply to Strike_Zero :
I only know the CB and the FZ. Of those two the FZ is more entertaining to me to ride. better handling and brakes. The Honda gets redonkulous fuel economy though. A friend of mine is getting 80-85mpg.
Doubling down on my suggestion of an SV650. But I really think I would just keep your VFR if you are comfortable on it.
Giant Purple Snorklewacker said:Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, $6200
I have been looking at this. The engine is a KTM 390 based. The bigger sibling, the 701 is a real sweet spot, but something like 12k. That is Triumph Truxton territory, that is a looker too, especially the R.
Mid 2000's up triumph streets would hit the bill. 675 motor is sweet, reliable, style. I love my older Daytona, but it is a more aggressive seating position. I try to limit riding to 8-10hrs a day.
And the verdict is . . . BMW G310R
I picked it up yesterday after a test ride.
I got caught in a down pour heading home and snapped two shots. I'll have more later today and a small first impression right up later.
Cool bike!
What are you going to do with the VFR?
In reply to pres589 :
Mrs. Zero gave her blessing to keep it 
I going to repair all of the niggles on it and use it for long highway trips.
That's one reason went with a small bike.
I like that plan a lot.
In reply to Nick Comstock :
Thanks Comstock! This little bike blew my mind when I rode it.
220ish miles thus far!
Pros:
Cons
This little machine does not have any problems at speed on the interstate. The sweet spot of the single is 5-7500 rpm. It will also putter around at 3-4000rpm in lower gears and return obscene fuel mileage; getting the advertised mpg is easy!
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