What V-twin?

I decided I don't need two cars right now and I am going to sell my WRX. With part of the money I want to buy a nice/fun motorcycle. Budget is around $4000, $5k at the top end. I like V-twins a lot and want something comfortable for 400-500 mile days as well as sporty for the twisty bits. I had a SV650 and loved it but I want to try something different now.

My top picks so far:
Moto Guzzi V11 Sport (sexy)
Ducati M900 (always wanted one)
Suzuki SV1000 (maybe a bit more boring than the other ones)
Honda Superhawk (also a bit more boring than the Italians)
Aprilia (wildcard)

Thoughts, input, other options?

Forgot one:

Buell XB12, perhaps a Ulysses.

I want a Moto Guzzi badly and they make one of the sexiest noises of any motorbike ever.

Which Aprilia?

DL1000.

The Aprilia I would likely go with would be the SL1000 Falco.

This Guzzi is on my local craigslist and is haunting me.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/2516440377.html

mistanfo wrote: DL1000.

That is also one I have been considering. I go back and forth from sport to touring about every minute.

Honda Pacific Coast Suzuki VX800 Or if you want old skool kool

I don't know if you have rode the SuperHawk but it has a pretty rearward weight distribution.

Toquey V Twin and rearward weight...WEEEEEEE

get the goose! I'm head over heels for the V7 Classic personally, but to each his own.

I love the V7 Classic as well but they aren't quite in my price range yet.

Of those, the only one I've ridden is my 07 Buell XB12Scg. Good torque, handles well...when the suspension is properly adjusted. Gets pretty good gas mileage, very simple to work on. The only bikes that might tempt me away from it are a Triumph Street Triple (maybe a Speed Triple, but I'm leaning toward the lighter Street Triple) or maybe a newer Ducati Monster of some sort. Even then, I'd probably still keep the Buell as I like the neat ideas it has (oil in the swingarm, gas in the frame, and underslung exhaust, perimeter front brake) think it might be collectible in the future.

EvanB wrote: The Aprilia I would likely go with would be the SL1000 Falco. This Guzzi is on my local craigslist and is haunting me. http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/2516440377.html

I would have to change that front fender to something less ugly.

Yea I think a small fender that doesn't cover the forks would look better. Overall I think it looks great though.

EvanB wrote: Yea I think a small fender that doesn't cover the forks would look better. Overall I think it looks great though.

I am with you there. Honestly the only modern bike that might tempt me away from a Guzzi is a Speed Triple.

Yes, those have tempted me quite a bit as well. I am considering them but I really love V-twins, especially 90degree twins.

More then a few people use these on longer rides

I vote Ducati Monster.

I just sold a very nice s4 this spring for $4,900. Not as good looking as the air cooled bike, but the motor more then makes up for it.

I don't know about 500 mile days - to me that means lots of highway. But I have done a few 300+ mile days on back roads that meant 8+ hours on the bike. My old S4 came with a Corbin seat but I preferred the stock one.

Not a twin, but definately up for a 500 mile run.

Evo FXR, "Lowrider", FXRT, FXRS, "rubberglide" etc. from the 85 through 99. Also, a FLHT from the same era, which has basically the same frame and is set up for comfort. You would be very surprised at how well they do in the mountains.

Why I did not suggest my earlier ride before I have no idea.

Cagiva Grand Canyon

500 miles days on any of those is going to be rough. Touring comfort with luggage space is usually the opposite end of the spectrum from something that handles the twisty bits. The exceptions are sport-tourers, so look at the BMW camp, the Honda ST, perhaps a Kawasaki.

Kawi Concourse.

*Moto Guzzi V11 Sport (sexy) - Love these. But they were built before Guzzi got the QC under control. They are beautiful but can be labor intensive.

*Ducati M900 (always wanted one) - A bit expensive to own. A friend had one and sold it. It just didn't inspire him.

*Suzuki SV1000 (maybe a bit more boring than the other ones) - I hear these are rock solid tourers. Great motor with plenty of power. You're right to suspect it may be a bit boring.

*Honda Superhawk (also a bit more boring than the Italians) - Fun bike. Not an original Hawk in ride or design. They are thirsty. I hear 100 miles per tank. I'd rather have a TL1000S with heli-bars.

*Aprilia (wildcard) - A buddy has a Futura. Awesome bike. Fast, comfortable, reliable, gorgeous in a spaceship kind of way. The problem he has had is in parts supply. His was down for 4 months due to a leaking o-ring he couldn't get a replacement for. I'm sure a GRM style person could fix that easily but he's not a wrench turner.

My bike of choice is a Buell S3T. I like it because it's simple, comfortable, gets good mileage, and I can work on it. I don't have to see a dealer for this bike, ever. But it's not for everyone. If you want the fastest and bestest you should pass. If you want a bike with stump pulling torque, nice exhaust note, and cheapish compared to other bikes with the same stats - this is the one for you.

Fastest and bestest? Yamaha FJ1300, Bandit 1200. Got to be a V-twin? I'd go mid-sized and say a DL650 (Wee Strom) or a Kawasaki Versys/ER650. These smaller bikes will be easier to handle, cheaper to ride. They'll have enough oomph to do what you need in traffic and, if well ridden, keep up with most guys on backroads.

Don't forget the 180-degree V-twins!

BMW R1200S

EDIT: Sorry, got caught up in the moment. Probably not going to hit the $4k budget.

Another vote for the ST3 Buell.