Time to replace my 'uninspiring' motorcycle... | GTAMotorcycle.com

Time to replace my 'uninspiring' motorcycle...

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mimico_polak

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So I got to thinking after the last thread where @Trials found the perfect word for my motorcycle experience with the Rebel 500....uninspiring. I like it...but I don't enjoy it as much as I was expecting, even though I really enjoyed the CB500F before I foolishly sold it. Maybe I'm just not the cruiser guy and the segment isn't doing it for me, I'm not sure.

Any recommendations for my next ride, budget will be around $6500-7000 as that's what I'm planning on selling my bike for.
I prefer longer rides with needed highway comfort as it takes a few hours to get to anything good. Unfortunately with 2 kids, house, working away, my time is usually limited to 1 day/month of riding at this stage.

I've always loved the CB500X but never pulled the trigger on one for one reason or another. Would like to try a more sporty bike (CB600 F4i?) at some point in my riding career, and outside of that bikes that have been on my radar previously were the: Nina 650R (ABS), Suzuki Gladius, ER6-N, CB650R, Sportster 883, MT-07 and one that's had my eye and thought forever is the VFR800.

I looked at the recommended Scrambler from Ducati...but the pricing is beyond my range. Maybe a Monster 696?

I want something that I can throw some hard luggage on as I will use it as a commuter once I return from BC as well. Guess I'm looking for a do-it-all type of bike which may not exist ;(

Thanks!
 
A well taken care of GSF1200 should fill all your needs, fit your budget, put a smile on your face, and make you incredibly glad you didn't buy a vfr.
 
Sadly there isn't a one size fits everything bike, you will have to prioritize your needs. Except for the Sportster and Scrambler, the rest of your list is are middleweight ST bikes. You could also include the Suzuki SV650, and maybe the rough road friendly Kawi Versys, Suzuki Vstrom.

Any of those bikes will be sportier, and deliver a lit more power and tick all the boxes you listed so far. And they are all great bikes, so no matter what you pick you can't lose.

  • If you never plan to run or explore dirt or rough roads, scratch the Vstrom and Versys. If you need a little dirty adventure, scratch the others.
  • If you commute, the VFR and Vstrom have the best weather protection
  • All have hard luggage available
  • All will tour nicely, although the more uprights will be most comfortable. To see how ergos work for you, try Motorcycle Ergonomics
  • The CB500x is a sister to the Rebel 500, that whole 500 series share the same adjective IMHO - great bikes but uninspiring
  • Most will be in your budget if 1-2 years old.
 
Thanks for the quick response guys.
@Gary I think I'm still not comfortable going up over the 1L mark.
@madmike thanks for the note that's helpful

Another option I just came across is the KTM RC390 which looks really nice and is high strung, and the BMW GS320 as I'm not too worried about too little power.

I guess I'd like to replace 'uninspiring' with something that has more 'character' and puts a bigger smile on my face.
 
VFR800 is a great choice, current gen is on the border of your budget.

I would definitely say MT-07 if the goal of putting a smile on your face. However being a naked you should give some pause to highway comfort. Wind resistance never bothered me on the fz09, but i know some people can't stand it.

You could pick up an fz09 in that price range as well.
 
I'm a big fan of the VFR's too and there should be a fair amount in that price range. The seem to hold their value pretty good as well.
There's always a bunch for sale too.
You want character you say?
$_59.JPG
 
LoL @shanekingsley ….a little bit too much character on that one! But I've always loved the look of the VFR and I've read good things. Thanks for the suggestion @Evoex
 
Did you see the Moto Guzzi V11 Sport on kijiji asking 5850$
 
MT/FZ/FJ 07/09 take your pick. All are great bikes. Everyone that I know who has one, really likes it. Likewise with the Ninja/ER/Z 650. Re the Suzuki Gladius 650, IIRC this was meant to replace the SV650, except it wasn't as good, so they brought the SV650 back and that's another great bike that will do just about everything.

I'm nervous about KTM reliability/durability. I rode a friend's RC390 a few weeks ago and he rode it at Deals Gap week before last. It lacks refinement - yes, it "adds character", but it has some vibration and driveability issues that I'm not sure I would want to live with. This bike isn't really in the same displacement/power category that your other choices are; it's competitive to a Yamaha R3 ... and for a daily-ridden bike, I'd take the R3. (Or the Ninja 400. Or the new naked version, the Z400.) All of these are great bikes but I don't think any of these are good choices if you want to carry luggage.

The BMW 310 series isn't very impressive. The H-D Sportster isn't good on highway trips. (FWIW that model has the distinction of reaffirming that I would never buy any sort of H-D that bore any sort of resemblance to any of their old-school designs.)

As for the VFR ... At least for me, this is the type of bike that I always recommend for someone else to buy, but I would never buy one for myself. If you thought your Rebel 500 was "uninspiring", you might be in the same situation. It's just like when someone you don't know asks you what car they should buy. A Toyota Corolla is always highly recommended ... for someone else. I'd never be happy with one. "Does it work" yes, "is it practical" yes, "is it economical" yes, "is it reliable" yes, "do I find it interesting" no.
 
I'll second on the mt07.

It'd be a great do it all bike. Put a little windshield on it, and it'd be much better on the highway.





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Trials said:
Did you see the Moto Guzzi V11 Sport on kijiji asking 5850$
Click to expand...
There's one at Corsa Mechannica for cheaper than that.

Just looked up the one you're talking about.



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lol the majority of people recommend Japanese bikes,
I ride euro Italian and spanish motorcycles because I prefer the way they handle. ymmv.
 
Trials said:
lol the majority of people recommend Japanese bikes,
I ride euro Italian and spanish motorcycles because I prefer the way they handle. ymmv.
Click to expand...
What italian or spanish bikes would you recommend for long comfortable hwy trips?
 
Wow thanks guy, great to always ask for some suggestions around here. I forgot how much fun this is.

How are the Europeans for maintenance / reliability? I'm scared I'll end up with another Honda just simply due to familiarity.

My buddy had a Triumph Thruxton but said it was stupidly uncomfortable for anything over an hour.

@Brian P .. thanks for the great response, always appreciate the input. I've read that the VFR is a bit 'boring' but I think it's something about that style that always spoke to me.
 
Wee.
 
Evoex said:
What italian or spanish bikes would you recommend for long comfortable hwy trips?
Click to expand...
Moto Guzzi is very Italian.

They are all easy enough to work on.
Moto Guzzi is particularly easy to work on considering the cylinder heads are hanging out both sides and there are only 2 of them. Good cooling, shaft drive too and that suits the longitudinal engine layout. Great brakes and suspension in a slightly heavier engine bike then some.
 
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