The short list got a lot shorter - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

NCxM50 · 07-21-2008, 11:47 AM

First off, I wanted to thank everyone who gave advice/opinions on my previous thread regarding moving to a different bike. I took a lot of that info under advisement, put together a list, started researching online, narrowed/refined that list and after donning a suit of armor, took the list and my reasoning to the wife. Surprisingly, she was fairly open to the idea, and even made a suggestion I hadn’t considered that could result in a purchase sooner than I’d thought (august/september instead of next year, which would be perfect timing considering Sept/Oct is prime riding season here if we have a mild t-storm season)
So, I spent the better part of the day on Saturday at dealerships, hopping from one bike to another, getting a feel for each, narrowing my list further until I had it down to 2.5 bikes. What I’m hoping to get now, is feedback from anyone who has ridden any of these bikes. Once I’ve sorted the financial side out, I’ll be looking to test ride each if possible in the next month or so.

1. Suzuki Bandit – The jack of all trades, it’s at the top of my list right now mostly because of price. I was only able to find 2 ‘08s in the area, and the dealers won’t move much on the price, but they’re still the best deal. I did find an ’07, but all things considered, the deal wasn’t sweet enough to make me choose it over the ‘08s. The Bandit has more or less everything I am looking for in a bike, I’d just have to add some luggage.

2. Yamaha FJR 1300A – This bike wasn’t even on my list initially, I’d considered it too expensive. But the dealer had an ’07 he’s letting go for 11.5k OTD which is 2.5k less than MSRP, though still 4K more than the Bandit. It’s more than I’d intended to spend, but within the realm of affordability without stretching myself. It’s a gorgeous bike, and while the Bandit would probably make a better commuter (about 75% of my miles) the FJR would, I believe, be the better bike for the longer trips, and the more comfortable bike for the wife (though I’m not sure how long this will matter, the wife has decided to take the MSF course next spring and thinks she’d like her own bike), and the seating position on it was very comfortable (just slightly more so than the Bandit). The question is whether or not it’s worth the price difference. Even after adding the brackets and the bags, the Bandit would still be 3K cheaper.

3. (aka 2.5) Kawasaki ZX-14 – Someone here mentioned it first, and since I didn’t leave any options off, I put it on my initial list. Research kept it there, as it actually got a lot of good comments regarding it’s long distance comfort and around town manageability. I love it’s looks, and the seating is as comfortable as the Bandit imho. But, it’s more expensive than either of the above bikes, and that’s without adding any luggage. That’s why this one is the .5. It’s the bike one side of me keeps goin “come on, you’re at a rare point where you could afford it if you want it, be selfish, get it for yourself!

” then the sensible father of 3 side kicks the other side in the gems and has unkind words

.

I know all 3 are from different classes/styles of bikes, but on the other hand, all three are more similar than initial appearances might let on. They’re all mostly upright with a slight lean forward with the feet up underneath (the ZX has the most tuck, but only slightly, and with a 30” inseam, I’m perfectly comfortable like that). They’re all somewhat sporty, though one is blazing in a straight line, the other two are no slouch and probably handle better to boot. All three come with luggage or can have it added on easily enough. All three would appear to provide a decent ride for a passenger.

Any and all opinions are welcome, though I’m particularly looking for input from anyone who’s been on any of the three bikes in question.