Looking for bike suggestions | GTAMotorcycle.com

Looking for bike suggestions

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Caboose87

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I'm thinking about getting a new (used) bike before next season, but I'm having trouble finding something. This would be my second bike, I currently have an 07 CBR 125 with nearly 14,000 km on it. This is my fifth season riding, but I guess that's a decent amount of riding given the type of bike that it is. I have my full M license now and next year my insurance should take a pretty significant drop (due to my age and riding experience). I'm looking at a new bike because the 125 is just too small for the type of riding that I like/would like to be doing. I seldom go out for less than 1-1/2 to 2 hrs when I go for rides, and by that point my butt is already getting sharp pains from the narrow and thinly padded seat of the 125. Not to mention the lack of power makes highway riding less than ideal, which often restricts the routes I can take and the roads that are accessible (not that I haven't taken it on any 400-series highways however).

What I'm looking for in my next bike is mainly comfort, power, and ease of maintenance/parts availability (I like to do my own maintenance). I'd like to be able to cruise and pass comfortably on the highway, and take a passenger at highway speeds. I want something that is comfortable on long rides (in terms of both seat width/padding and riding position) because I hope to do some camping trips in the years to come, and also hope to go to the east and west coasts. It also can't cost a fortune in parts and needs to have shop service manuals readily available (preferably in PDF format online, but I can worry about that later).

I was thinking something along the lines of a smaller mid-size cruiser, 750cc or less. I'm not too sure how I feel about air-cooled engines though, do they get hot between the knees in the summer? I like the styling of the Virago. I certainly don't want anything with too much chrome, in fact, the less the better. I'm open to different styles of bikes though. I was also considering the Ninja 500, but I'm not too sure how well it holds up in the comfort department on long rides. The SV650 would be good too, but I think that the riding position is too aggressive and don't want to spend a lot of money on upgrades (I would also end up with a Corbin seat).

So really, what I'm looking for is an older (90s) bike that can be picked up used for less than $4000, but even that is getting a little high I would prefer less than $3500). I'm really looking for suggestions and I was hoping some of you guys would know of good bikes that suit my criteria.
 
By the way, I'm 5'11 and 160 lbs, with fairly long legs. Just thought I'd throw that in there because I know cramping can be an issue on some bikes as well as seat height. Really though, I'm leaning towards a cruiser. The only things that concern me are the air cooled engine getting uncomfortably hot in the summer and the seating position hurting my back (upright can put a lot of pressure on the spine).
 
I dont think the sv650 is going to be any more aggressive than the cbr125's riding position. While it is a low cc bike, its still got the supersport stance to it, and with its tiny size can seem more cramped.

I'm not trying to sell you on a supersport, but perhaps going to a larger size engine in that same style will feel a lot more comfortable to you?
 
The sv650 is a sport touring not supersport....so it may be a perfect fit or the 650R.....not so cramped as an SS, but still sporty, and comfortable for long rides....
 
Look at older(year 2000+) jap cruisers and don't get too hung up on the cc's. Some are liquid cooled. Regardless of cooling methods, the heat from an engine can get hot if putting around. Once you start rolling beyond 2 gear, there is sufficient wind to cool the engine/rad and yourself.

The SV and other "standard" or "naked" bikes are great choices too. SV, Bandit, Vee Storm etc. All are pretty reliable, have strong ownership followings, and offer plenty of aftermarket accessories for touring/comfort etc.

It really comes down to what appeals to you presently. Sit on a few, how does the controls feel, does the bike fit you. What is calling your name. What one seems to fit you. Narrow it down to a couple or few......research the one or two you have an eye on. See if existing owners validate what your feel or maybe they provide some information that makes you think twice.


Just for the heck of it, and not in any particular order search out............................. Suzuki Intruder/M50......................Honda's Shadow lines.....................Star's Virago line............Suzuki's 600/1200 Bandit or their SV650 as mentioned...............Kawi's EN6/Versys/Vulcan................



There are others. The more common listed above will have plenty of information, common issues, solutions, modifications.

For cruisers in general, under 1000 cc's are "lighter" cruisers that tend to enjoy back roads and mostly single rider. They navigate the parking lots and parades pretty easy. Bigger gets heavier, not neccessarily faster. They typically tour better on 400/interstate roads and manage 2 ups better for longer trips. Bigger can sometimes not be better if you just want to sneek out for a toot to get some milk or meet up for a casual ride. They just might be too heavy. So, it's hard to find one bike that does everything well. Even those that can do things well, may not have the appearance you might be looking for. There are exceptions to this of course. It's just to kind of help maybe establish which direction to go, get a few brands/models in mind and take things from there.

That's the magic of having so much to choose from.
 
I would recommend looking for a V-Strom 650, or 1000 if you can find in your price range. Dependable rock solid bikes, plenty of aftermarket and I believe its a pretty simple bike to work on, though not 100% on that as I don't own one. Has an upright seating position and sits pretty tall, so you can look down on traffic.
 
OP
Don't get hung up on your budget as it is plenty. I have a 2009 Vstar that I bought for $6k with 4k KMS on it. You can go older and slightly more KMS and you will be fine. Here is what I would consider If I was you.

1. Get a bike that is customized already since this crap is expensive ( saddle bags, windshield, engine crash guards)

2. Get a liquid cooled one, mine Is air cooled an it gets pretty hot in traffic, if I was more knowledgeable I would have bought a liquid cooled one.

3. Get a 750 plus CC, like the Honda shadow for example because at 650 I find it just adequate for me (5 11 280lbs). Since you would want to keep it for a while.

4. Be weary of straight through pipes as they are LOUD, but that's up to you (I didn't know that either before I purchased mine).

5. I like drive shaft bikes because of the very low maintenance requirement but that's up to you.

Get ready for more power but heavier bike so take it easy on turns until you get used to it. Good luck in your search.
 
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Thanks so much for the input everyone, I'm going to look into the suggestions and try to narrow things down a bit.
 
ZX7!
yes im biased.
 
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