Poll: Which bike $6k-$8k

[tricker]

whoops... i guess i started on too big of a bike?

[07M50zAllDaWay]

Originally Posted by MikeHump

Really? I've sat on an SV650 and it was WAY more comfortable than my bike. Of course, I have a race-replica so pretty much every bike on the market is going to be more comfortable. But the seat position was very nice and the bars were fairly upright. I've never ridden one though.

Just based on reviews, not first hand riding experience on one. I understand the SV is more of a track bike you can tour with, where the GSX and Bandits are touring bikes you can take to the track.

[aeagles]

Originally Posted by tricker

whoops... i guess i started on too big of a bike?

maybe not, but most reputable websites tend to stay away from recommending inline-fours as beginner machines. and face-it, the OP, with 3 months of riding experience is still a beginner. I too was tossed-up between cruiser v. sport-looking bikes - and was talked out of a kat750 by my dealer. it was more expensive than the M50 he suggested.

2 things come to mind or the OP:

1) ABS or not, technology doesn't overcome the laws of physics. you can get into a great deal of trouble with a 90+ hp bike

2) a 600 or 650 should be fine for your needs. I don't see a need for a liter+ bike based on your limited experience.

YMMV
aLLen

[07M50zAllDaWay]

Originally Posted by aeagles

maybe not, but most reputable websites tend to stay away from recommending inline-fours as beginner machines. and face-it, the OP, with 3 months of riding experience is still a beginner. I too was tossed-up between cruiser v. sport-looking bikes - and was talked out of a kat750 by my dealer. it was more expensive than the M50 he suggested.

2 things come to mind or the OP:

1) ABS or not, technology doesn't overcome the laws of physics. you can get into a great deal of trouble with a 90+ hp bike

2) a 600 or 650 should be fine for your needs. I don't see a need for a liter+ bike based on your limited experience.

YMMV
aLLen

I appreciate the input, but keep in mind:
1- experience is more then just how long you've been riding for on the calendar. I know people who have ridden for 5 years or more but don't have my experience. I ride every day. I ride in heavy traffic, on the freeway, and have been caught in severe storms. Takes decades to get that experience if all you do is Sunday strolls on rural roads.
2- Displacement is not the only factor. I would not even consider a 1000cc GSXR, but I feel very safe in in control on a VTX1800. Weight of the bike, how its designed/geared also factor into the safety. Rider maturity also factors in. There is no law of physics that says I have to use up all available HP, or to ride like a pro racer.


Not trying to argue with you guys, just want you to know where I'm coming from in my thought process. I may never end up with a ST, but if I put out the money for one I want it to suit my needs. I also want it to stay with me till it dies of old age and natural causes.

[aeagles]

1) three months is three months. 90 days of riding does not make you ecxperienced.

2) it's easier to get in big trouble with big HP.

[bigE]

He's obviously already made up his mind that he wants a big bike. I completely agree with you but there is no point in trying to convince eachother otherwise.

I would suggest he take a look at things like power to weight ratios of the big bikes vs the 650's. They are not all that different. Plus the 650's will get 10+ more mpg's.....

[07M50zAllDaWay]

Don't overassume. I'm trying to gather as much info as possible. I want a bike I will be comfortable with. I want a bike I will have for a long time. I like the Bandit because I fit on it well, not because it is a large displacement machine. It's also only a few MPH faster then the GSXF that was recommended on this thread. It's lighter then my current machine, so weight is not an issue. To rule out bikes solely on displacement to me is silly. I was much safer starting out on my current 805cc machine then I would ever be on a 750 or even 650 GSXR. It's not like I'm looking at race bikes.

I also want a bike I can travel 2 up with comfortably. It doesn't look like I will be able to get a bike I want and keep my M50, so I can't buy something the wife can't ride on with me. I took advice from here and sat on the GSX650F, and wasn't comfortable. I sat on a B-King, and was, as well as the Concours 14. NO, I don't plan on purchasing either anytime soon. I'd feel better about purchasing a bike that fits me, and work my skill set up, then to buy a bike I won't be happy riding. I also have a budget and other factors to consider. I'd like to think I'm at least 20 years away from purchasing a Gold Wing, and will probably never want a supersport. I'm just looking for something that can stay with me for the better part of the 2010's.

[bigE]

I too like the Bandit and it will be more comfortable for touring and 2 up riding. I just dont think its the best beginner bike.

[07M50zAllDaWay]

Originally Posted by bigE

I too like the Bandit and it will be more comfortable for touring and 2 up riding. I just dont think its the best beginner bike.

Thanks for the input. I'm looking for the best value for my dollar, certainly not trying to put myself in the hospital or worse. I'm not in a hurry to do anything, but I can say the M has lost some of it's fun factor. It does alot, just does none of it very well. It's comfy 2up, but has noticable lag. It's good cruising on the freeway, but is noticably buzzy. I have put a good deal of money in it to get it like I want, but it would require a windshield, 7500 mile service, and dyno tuning if I'm going to keep it. If I do that, I'm afraid I'd have to keep it at least a few years. With it already being not as enjoyable to ride, I'd like to avoid HAVING to hang on to it. If only money weren't an issue, and I could just but one of each. I want a bike that I can control, and keep the rubber side down, but that will have all I'm looking for in a few years.

[Rickster]

The 1250 Bandit is a nice bike, but comfort isn't one of it's strong points, the seat gets verry hard after about only 75 miles. Comparing it to the SV 650 I sold last year, I would rate them the same, in fast if you were to sit on the two bikes with your eyes closed, I doubt you could tell the difference.

Riding the two is a whole different story, the 650 has good power (way more than your M 50, I had one of those too), but not so much that it's going to bite you. I have 20 plus years riding experience, and it always put a smile on my face. The Bandit on the other hand does have liter bike performance, and can & will bite you if your not paying attention.

The 650 Bandit has the same seating position as it's big brother, the only difference being a slightly lower seat. The seats by the way are interchangeable.

If as you say, you arn't just after the big power, the 650 Bandit would be just as good a choice as it's big brother, even two up.

I don't know anything about your skill level after 3 months of riding, but most would not be ready yet for a 1250 Bandit, and FYI, a lesser skilled rider can ride a lower HP bike faster than he/she could ride a high HP bike, if you have any question at all about your skill level, do your self a favor and get a lower HP bike.

[07M50zAllDaWay]

OK, I've started a new thread with a poll. I've decided I better look to go smaller than a Bandit 1250, for fear for my life. Not from riding, but I think my wife would kill me if I spent that kind of money right now!

[ORBrit]

I'd consider myself to be a fairly proficient rider for my relatively short riding experience (2 years) or at least 5 of my Team Oregon instructors thought so as they asked me to come join them.
When I test rode the Bandit I was so intimidated by it's power. If you've never ridden anything other than a cruiser, you cannot even begin to compare. Test riding bikes with brand new tires is pretty scary by the way!

The SV 650 I rode was much quicker and more nimble than my S50, but it felt manageable. Yes it can get you into trouble in an instant, but not as quickly as that Bandit.

As far as sensible progression goes I think my next bike will be a SV650 or VStrom 650.

I'm still a little ways away from the Bandit as far as proficiency goes.
Look forward to seeing how your decision making process develops.

[Rickster]

I've been thinking about how to describe the feeling of riding a big HP bike, and I think I've come up with a prety good comparison.

Think back to the first few times you rode in the rain, the way you were all nervous about how much throttle you could give the bike when starting out, or when you were leaned over in a turn & how just the slightest bit of extra throttle could break the back tire loose, that's kind of what big HP is like. In higher gears, or when going in a straight line, it's not a issue, but when leaned over in a turn, or starting out from a stop you have to be very cairful, just like when it's raining.

[tricker]

Originally Posted by Rickster

Think back to the first few times you rode in the rain,

What about riding in the rain where its hard as hell to see and trying to get under the overpass and not seeing the raised edge to the construction side of the road?

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by tricker

What about riding in the rain where its hard as hell to see and trying to get under the overpass and not seeing the raised edge to the construction side of the road?

You left out the part about the 16 wheeler that was right behind us & may or may not have figured out what we were doing, but yep, that figures in too, because when your sitting on big HP, you need to be very smooth all the time.

[mikeh74615]

hey man get the bandit if thats what u want ur going to be riding it not any of these guys on here and the displacment of the motor dont have anything to do with it its not like ur going to be riding it around wide open all the time but if and when u become more comfortable the power is there if u want it! if u get something to small or not what u want u will just end up getting rid of it! be safe!

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by mikeh74615

hey man get the bandit if thats what u want ur going to be riding it not any of these guys on here and the displacment of the motor dont have anything to do with it its not like ur going to be riding it around wide open all the time but if and when u become more comfortable the power is there if u want it! if u get something to small or not what u want u will just end up getting rid of it! be safe!

[Tuck_a_da_Phil]

The Suzuki SV1000S is a great bike and well worth the money. New they were only $8,500 and you can still buy low-mileage used bikes in excellent shape anywhere from $4,000 to $5,000. It has plenty of get-up-and-go with over 110 hp and 75 lb.-ft. of torque.

[Rickster]

Guys, this thread is from last Sept, if you look under his avatar you can see that he already sold his M50, and bought his new bike, it's a GSX650F.

[aeagles]

Originally Posted by Rickster

Guys, this thread is from last Sept, if you look under his avatar you can see that he already sold his M50, and bought his new bike, it's a GSX650F.

true, true...

and I need a decoder ring for this:

Originally Posted by mikeh74615

hey man get the bandit if thats what u want ur going to be riding it not any of these guys on here and the displacment of the motor dont have anything to do with it its not like ur going to be riding it around wide open all the time but if and when u become more comfortable the power is there if u want it! if u get something to small or not what u want u will just end up getting rid of it! be safe!