What bike to get?

[wiggiebear]

I've been riding an M50 for the past three years now, and while it's been a great bike, I'm feeling the urge to ride something more...well, utilitarian? That's maybe not the word I'm looking for, but I'd like to get something a little sportier, better for riding long distances (and on the freeway), good for 2-up riding, a little more suited to adverse weather, and that doesn't require chrome polish. All that has led me to this category.

So basically, I'm looking for some advice on what I might try that's suited to me. I'm thinking that something in the liter range would be ideal for my demands and my riding skills, but I'd like to get some advice on that. I've more or less boiled my search down to the following bikes:

• Ducati Multistrada 1000DS - Ridden one, liked it. Not sure about the dry clutch older models (which is probably what I'd end up with due to cost) and the costs associated with Ducati ownership.
  
• Triumph Tiger - Might be a bit tall for me, and the '07 and beyond are on the edge of what I feel like spending.
  
• Suzuki Bandit 1200 (or 1250) - Price is right and it seems to fit my height, but I'm not sure about the riding position (more "sport" than standard--can be tweaked with new bars and windshield?), and that's a BIG engine. Not sure I need (or can quite handle) that much power.
  
• Buell Ulysses - A little tall (though they make a shorter model?), and again, at the edge of what I want to spend.
  
• Suzuki V-Strom - I'd probably look at the 650 (the 1000 is too tall and top-heavy) and I'm not needing anything in the way of off-roading capability. Plus, it's kinda ugly (insert adminishments about "looking cool" here)--maybe that's part of the attraction.
  
• Kawasaki Versys - Fits right and the price is good, but have some concerns about how well it would support and perform carrying 2 people plus luggage.
  
• I've also gone back and forth about looking at the FZ6 or FZ1. Don't really know much about them, but I'm not sure if they're more in the "sport" side of the equation (like the Suzuki SVs?).

I'm about 5'9," and one of the concerns I have in this group is the seat height of the various models. Obviously, this would be an upgrade in both engine size and performance, and I want to be able to ride safely. I'm not interested in screaming anywhere at triple-digit speeds, I just want something that can get me away from trouble on the freeway and can cross the Cascades with me and a passenger.


Note: I came about *this* close to buying a Mutistrada 1000S DS a couple of weeks ago, but the sale fell through. Gave it a test ride, and it was great (other than nearly dropping it when my pant leg caught on the peg on an uphill stop)--I didn't feel like I couldn't control it. Made an offer, but the guy wanted me to buy all of his accessories, and I wasn't interested. So that ship has sailed.

I'm not in any hurry to make this decision, but would like some thoughts on what's worked for some of the other folks around here.

Thanks in advance...

(It's entirely possible that I'm not even posting in the appropriate forum)

[chadrob30]

By the sounds of your criteria you should maybe check out the Sport Tourer section.

[omegajim]

the v strom or versys looks to be your leaders if your m50 doesn't seem to be versatile enough for you.

but that's just me.

[womper]

a few people in my area have the versys and they love them...

have you tried looking at some sport touring machines?

[wiggiebear]

Originally Posted by womper

a few people in my area have the versys and they love them...

have you tried looking at some sport touring machines?

I have, but the true ST (Honda, Concours, BMW, etc.) bikes are bigger than I'd like--I'm shooting for something that's relatively compact once you take off whatever luggage you're carrying. I like some of what they offer, but I'm not shooting for the full-on sport touring experience.

It might help if I prioritize these items:

1. Sporty, fun riding (just me--no passenger) in a relatively light package.
2. Touring capability; preferably with hard-mounted, lockable luggage (as opposed to soft bags and the bungee cord packing approach).
2a. Commuting (I have a relatively short commute, but being able to see over traffic on a somewhat taller bike would be a plus).
3. Ability to carry a passenger and luggage.

I've heard nothing but good things about the versys, but the one question I have about it is its ability to carry me and a passenger (about 400-420 pounds after gear and stuff) over a mountain pass in relative comfort and safety, without beating the heck out of the bike. This isn't an absolute necessity, but is something I've been trying to figure out as I've been doing research.

Thanks for the info!

[womper]

i've been toying (not very seriously) with that same thought in my head... almost the same priorities though...

then again... with the same priorities i've been thinking adventure biking... or sport..

[DaveAlvarado]

Check out the BMW F800ST, it's a sport-tourer in a smaller package. Might be right up your alley.

The FZ6 and FZ1 are definitely sporty, but they have upright seating positions and are designed to be all-around bikes.

[BlaznBlu]

I'll jump in here before ORBrit and Rowdy/Peaches/Clint and say:

Bandit

[tricker]

no love for the ZZR?