Decisions decisions...

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mimico_polak

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[TD="class: alt1, bgcolor: #FFFFFF"]You guys are probably tired of my posts on the topic but I can't decide for the life of me! LoL

I can't decide what to do....whether to upgrade to the bigger motor, seat, 2up capability, probably better luggage setup. So many great bikes out there and it's difficult to choose! Sport touring is at the top of the list of functionalities....gs650f, cb500f, Versys, gsx650f are all in the research zone.
OR
just keep the 250 and continue on with it as its proven itself to be a good bike with some shortcomings and very few complaints. make a few small upgrades (seat, luggage etc and it's a great bike)

I got a bit of the touring bug and plan on extending my touring distances next year. My biggest complaint is the seat, and the fact the gf complains about the rear seat within 2hrs of starting. Outside of that the bike is great, speed wise, functionality wise, and financially wise.
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If you really like touring and want luggage and comfort, the bike that comes to mind is a V-Strom. The only potential issue there is seat height - it would be better suited to a taller rider. Maybe the X version of the CB500 would be suitable too.

I bet you could really improve your bike's comfort and tour-ability with hard luggage and an aftermarket seat. This would cost about $1000. You would be making a pretty big investment to an entry-level bike - if you decide to do this, you'd be advised to keep the stock parts and if you sell, part out everything.

I started with a Bandit 600 (similar to the GSX650F, without fuel injection, water cooling and a fairing) and now have a VFR800. I didn't necessarily make the move up for more power but I sure don't mind! (The VFR, other than being faster, also makes a lot more power at lower RPM.) I had an issue with my Bandit and sold it off non-running. We found the Bandit comfortable and tourable with a different seat and hard luggage, but it was heavy and carried its' weight high. I test rode the last generation V-Strom and could definitely see the appeal. The VFR is just awesome for power, handling, comfort (with a Corbin seat), and the noises it makes, but I find my passenger really leans up on me.

The lowest-end BMW has been revamped (F700GS) and got a good review in Cycle Canada this month.

I think this is an issue that will have to be solved by test-rides, or at least test-sits. I think that any bike you buy will need a bit of tweaking to get just right. I'm surprised you're so content with the 250 single and having made a power/displacement jump, I like the extra torque and responsiveness.
 
The 250 is not the ideal choice for 2up and distance touring, then again no sportbike is...
Get a Corbin seat and look into some luggage for it, it can definitely be made more comfortable. I have about 60k km on mine with no intent to upgrade for at another few years, by then she'll probably be back to 0 km.
 
Sorry I should also clarify the following:
- 80% commuting
- 15% touring
- 5% with the gf as a 2up (this would probably increase if she's more comfortable)
 
Super sports / sport bikes make excellent touring bikes.

Most of the Kms on my creamsickle bike has been due to long distance touring.
 
I guess technically one can tour on any type of bike but it comes down to ethos Nd having the best tool for the job. I've had a chance to sit on some bikes and I was surprised how easily I was able to fit on the sv650 and the gladius 650. The versys on the other hand I almost knocked over trying to get on!

Great thing is there's the bike show coming up so ill get a chance to look at all the bikes in one spot and see how they fit.

thanks everyone for the input I will keep you posted. Just wish I had more space so I could have more than one bike at a time!
 
Why not wait until spring/summer and all the demos then? All manufacturers will have their demo rides, so you can try out all those bikes on your list and make up your mind then. This way at least you'll ride each bike. Of course this means probably at least another half summer on 250, but I'm sure you can live with that!
 
ViperZ said:
Why not wait until spring/summer and all the demos then? All manufacturers will have their demo rides, so you can try out all those bikes on your list and make up your mind then. This way at least you'll ride each bike. Of course this means probably at least another half summer on 250, but I'm sure you can live with that!
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I think that's the best idea. No point in rushing this type of decision and frankly the 250 serves me well for the majority of my needs anyway. Think ill just outit it with some hard luggage though as that may make it even better.

Is that the fun of rising for some of the members here? Just trying out new rides until you find the rift fit for your rising style and lifestyle?
 
mimico_polak said:
Is that the fun of rising for some of the members here? Just trying out new rides until you find the rift fit for your rising style and lifestyle?
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I went to all those demos two years ago, mainly to compare different bikes to VFR800 and to check out VFR... and ended up with F4i. Go figure.
 
earditi said:
Yamaha FR6R???
I meant FZ6R
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well... in that case, i'll recommend the fz6, or even an fz1.
both sporty-ish bikes. and great tourers. they come with or without fairings.

the fz6r is an updated fz6 with less top end power.

R6>FZ6>FZ6R, from a performance standpoint. Although i think they stopped fz6's around 2008/9, making the most recent ones pushing 5 years of age now.
 
How low do you all think a 650 Vstrom could be made to be? By suspension changes/tweaks and seat adjustments. Curious!
 
mimico_polak said:
Sorry I should also clarify the following:
- 80% commuting
- 15% touring
- 5% with the gf as a 2up (this would probably increase if she's more comfortable)
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If you went to the cruising extreme ie Goldwing how would those numbers change?

I went as far as Vickburg Mississippi in July on my wing. mostly on interstates. If I had a 250 the trip would have taken longer and I would have met more people because I would have taken secondary roads. The difference is mostly in the mindset.

My numbers are totally different. I don't take the bike out unless I plan on doing at least 200-300 Km. I have used a bike for practical transportation at the most, once a year and my wife can't ride pillion due to a leg problem.
 
wait till spring, sell the 250. get a sport touring bike and love life.

the buzzy 250 will be hell for serious long rides, like over 1000km

but upgrading the 250, dumping the cash in to a bike that has a very small displacement is kind of a negative. 250 buyers wont care that you upgraded this and that, the prices are pretty set on ninja 250's. So like i said, sell it in the spring, or march or so. get top dollar, and run.
 
You could pick up a set of the soft throwover saddlebags, keep riding the 250 until you find what you want next. The bags will transfer over.
 
I made the upgrade from a 2008 Ninja 250 to a 2008 GSX650f. I found the 250 too buzzy and too light; got pushed around at higher speeds.

The GSXf is definitely a much better bike for touring and 2-up, but sometimes I miss the light weight of the 250.

I'd say wait until the demos and find one you like. You'll make more off your 250 selling in spring rather than now anyways.
 
alvin545 said:
I found the 250 too buzzy and too light; got pushed around at higher speeds.
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I had the same issue with the CBR250R, otherwise it was a fantastic bike.

Mimico, it sounds like you're looking for more capability overall from your bike... More comfortable ride, more storage, which calls for a little more grunt. It was hard for me to give up the CBR as well. It's such a smart bike. But I really do believe your money is best spent on upgrading to that sport touring bike rather than buying expensive accessories for the Honda. Which tourer? Go to the December show and sit on all of them. Take it from there.

Good luck.
 
earditi said:
Yamaha FR6R???
I meant FZ6R
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this is what I'd recommend. seating position is very similar to the ninjette. Not sure what's out there for luggage, but I'm sure someone makes some. Maybe look at the GSX650F as well, I found it to be quite comfortable as well, and there should be plenty of aftermarket touring goodies for it.
 
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