Need Advice on new bike - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

NorthernYankee · 07-05-2007, 10:17 AM

Ok I am looking to trade in my 05' M50, I put about 5,000 miles on it and it was great for me to get a feel for riding again after not riding for over 7 years. But after spending a fair deal of time on it I realized that a cruiser is not what suits me and I realized that its a bit small for me(6' about 250lbs). So I am looking for a standard so that I can do some Sport Touring.

So in my quest for a new bike for me...I came up with a few criteria and I can't find anything that fits tham all, though a few come really close. First I will list my criteria then i will list what bikes I have considered. Hopefully you guys can give some opinions on what I have and I bet there are some bikes I have not considered that my fit for me, so feel free to toss out any ideas you may have.

Criteria:

1) 2005 or slightly older
Reasons: Would like to keep the price around or under $6k and want to keep the insurance down.
2) Fuel injected/water cooled
Reasons: Better starting on cold mornings, easier to maintain(IMO) and won't overheat on those hot summer days.
3) Comfortable riding position
Reasons: I am old(well 31 is old enough...lol) So no R class and shouldn't have clipons or high/rearset pegs.
4) Preferably have a some sort of fairing in the front...so no naked(but this is not a deal breaker)
Reasons: I would like to do some touring so this would just be a plus.
5) Should have good Power and Torque around 90-100HP and 70ft/lbs or so.
Reasons: I plan to do some touring so I will be hauling extra weight with bags and will be doing some 2-up with the wife.

So to me I figured I should be able to find something, well guess what...nothing. I can't find anything that fits all 5.

So this is what I have looked at.

FZ1
I really like this, it fits 4 out of the 5...twice. But 2005 and prior are carbs and 2006 and up are too expensive, cost and insurance wise.

FZ6
Basically a smaller FZ1 so it fits 4 of the 5. It just lacks the torque and I think this will be pretty important with the touring and 2-up.

Bandit 1200/1250
Just like the FZ1 2006 and prior are carbs and the 2007 is too expensive.

SV1000S
This bike is really close has everything I want...but it has clip-ons. I haven't sat on it but I did sit on a SV650S and it was a reach to the controls...I have kinda short arms.

Z1000
This bike on paper seems to fit all categories...but its uncomfortable to me and 2-up and touring might be a stretch for it.

Also looked at Buell Lightning and Honda 919 they both just don't have the wind protection or the long ride comfort that I need.

So right now I am leaning towards a SV1000S, I think with a handlebar conversion it might just fit all 5 categories...I should be able to get a 2004 or so for about $5000.

So what do you guys think, anyone that owns these bikes, I would live to hear your thoughts or do you guys think some other bike that I missed may fit this criteria? Any and all feedback will be appreciated.