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| Super Standards There's a new wind blowing, and it's coming off the front end of the modern UJM! Talk about the versatile standards with the big hearts in here. |
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| | #1 (permalink) |
| In Training ![]() Joined: Jul 2007
Bike: '08 Bandit 1250 ABS
Location: Seattle
Posts: 124
| 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:
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) Last edited by wiggiebear; 07-15-2008 at 11:19 PM. |
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| | #3 (permalink) |
| M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award ![]() Joined: Jan 2007
Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850
Location: Washington County, WI
Posts: 6,530
| 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.
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| | #4 (permalink) | ||
| No Significant Other ![]() Joined: Jul 2007
Bike: 2006 grey suzuki M50
Location: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Posts: 2,331
| a few people in my area have the versys and they love them... have you tried looking at some sport touring machines?
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| | #5 (permalink) | |
| In Training ![]() Joined: Jul 2007
Bike: '08 Bandit 1250 ABS
Location: Seattle
Posts: 124
| Quote:
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! | |
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| | #6 (permalink) | ||
| No Significant Other ![]() Joined: Jul 2007
Bike: 2006 grey suzuki M50
Location: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Posts: 2,331
| 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..
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| | #7 (permalink) |
| TurtleWax Taster ![]() Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Ft. Worth, TX
Posts: 591
| 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.
__________________ Current Mods/Accessories: OEM short sissy bar, MC Enterprises engine guard, Mustang Vintage Wide Touring seat, Kuryakyn Dually Iso highway pegs + Longhorn mounts, Highway Hawk floorboards, Tsukayu Corner hard bags |
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| | #8 (permalink) |
| Clutch Cadet ![]() Joined: Mar 2006
Bike: 2008 Black/Silver GSX650F. 2005 Black M50 with blue ghost flames.
Location: West Melbourne, FL
Posts: 917
| I'll jump in here before ORBrit and Rowdy/Peaches/Clint and say: Bandit
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