I currently have my 883 Sportster up for sale. I'm looking to free up a little cash and change direction a little with the style bike I own.
I don't know as much about the makes and models of motorcycles as I do cars so I'll give a little information on what I'm looking for and let you guys give your thoughts.
My list of what I'm looking for:
(1) $2500 or less
(2) Comfortable enough to ride for 2-3 hours at a time.
(3) Handles better than the lead brick I'm riding now.
(4) Enough power to get up and go but I don't need CBR1000 type power.
(5) Light. I'm tired of riding a 600lb bike.
I like the looks of the ZRX1100 but still need to see/sit/ride one to know if I want something that big.
I'm not opposed to older bikes but it seems like the price difference isn't that great to buy a modern bike. So, I'm leaning toward something from the last decade or so.
And go..........
Well miata may not be the answer but an SV650 may be the ticket![](/media/img/icons/smilies/wink-18.png)
CarKid1989 wrote:
Well miata may not be the answer but an SV650 may be the ticket
A coworker said the same thing. I'll have to do a little more research into them. What years are best or are they all about the same? I don't like the fairing on the S version but might be interested in the base model.
Do you want a cruiser, standard, dual-purpose, sportbike, scooter....
In that price/year range, you are going to see a lot of the Suzuki Savage and Boulevard, Honda Shadow and Magna, and the Kawasaki KLR dual-sport.
I would check out the Kawasaki Concourse. They made the same bike for like 20+ years, so you just go older until you hit the price point you want. They have a loyal following with lots of resources and parts. Great for touring, great for semi-sporty riding, and pretty darn reliable. Very big change from a Sportster I would imagine.
(Photo has been Hotlinked for your convenience)
I have a ZRX1200R. It's a great bike. I would imagine that 1100 version is just as nice.
Pinchvalve:
Haven't completely made up my mind on style of bike. I want something sportier than the sportster but I'm not sure I want to go to a sportbike.
I'll do some research on the Concouse.
nocones:
How does the ZRX feel weight wise? Is it pretty well balanced through turns? There's a ZRX1100 on the local CL for $2500 right now.
If you want a middle weight standard....you can't go wrong buying an SV650.
+1 for the Concours. I've got a 86 I bought brand new. Nice examples can be had cheap.
+1 for the SV650. The ex-wife rode one and I miss it more than her. Good examples can be tough to find under $2500 around here.
I'll also throw the Suzuki Bandit 600 or 1200 into the mix. I've got a 2005 Bandit 1200S that's been fun and reliable.
How about a Honda VFR750? Sporty but a bit more emphasis on the touring side. Or maybe a Katana.
I was going to say Triumph Sprint but then I looked at the prices.
So, I use KBB all the time for the sibe-by-side car comparison thing. Is there anywhere I can go to do a side-by-side motorcycle comparison?
Save an extra $700 or so and get a Yamaha FZ1. Modern, nimble, fast UJM. Or if you want more modern, sharper handling & less torque, look for the FZ6.
Oo, oo, pick me, pick me.
teamdixonracing wrote:
914Driver wrote:
Oo, oo, pick me, pick me.
watcha got?
Naked GoldWing or BMW K-75.
I had a K-100 for years, bullet proof, quick, rides two-up well and has heated grips.
![](http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/photos/photophotos/K75S.jpg)
I must admit I really like your goldwing.
If not SV650 then 750 Katana.
If you're really lucky, you might find a TL1000S in that price range, but I expect that's faster than what you want.
teamdixonracing wrote:
I must admit I really like your goldwing.
Off the list based on criteria #6.
Take a serious look at the K Bikes.
Dan
stroker wrote:
If not SV650 then 750 Katana.
If you're really lucky, you might find a TL1000S in that price range, but I expect that's faster than what you want.
I've got a 6500 mile '06 Kat 750, loaded with Corbin saddle, saddlebags, trunk, and aftermarket taller handlebars and windshield for sale right now. I'm trying to get just a bit more than your budget, but am open to trades....
stroker wrote:
If you're really lucky, you might find a TL1000S in that price range, but I expect that's faster than what you want.
they are out there(got my 03 sv1k for 1700)...but its ALOT of bike