Capable small (ish) sport tourer

[YoungOne]

Ok, Well I'm looking for something in the 600-650 range (bigger is fine, just probably nothing smaller), that is good for daily riding, but would be a capable tourer if the opportunity presented it's self...

Right now the bikes I'm looking at are

The SV650
and the Bandit


What are some other options?... stuff that have the hardbag option from the dealer would be a pluss... cuz I like the factory sport tourer look... I'm sure there are others than I've listed.

Also, my budget is gonna be about 3500-4000... so It will be used for sure



Thanks,
Marshall

[SuperSherpa197]

yzf600r
cbr600 f2/3/4/4i
bandit will do fine
katana 600/750
older zzr600's
vfr 750/800, imo the ideal pick of the bunch

[YoungOne]

Alright thanks, I like the look of the vfr750

[YoungOne]

Hey guys... I know this isn't small, but it looks nice, and is priced right...does anyone have any experience wit this bike?

http://springfield.craigslist.org/mcy/1196661576.html

[David 1]

1100 is not small.
My old favorites were Honda Shadow. Used to be 500 or 750. Real nice mid sized cruiser.
dc

[YoungOne]

Thanks

[SuperSherpa197]

that bike is, more or less, the ZX-11, which i do believe was the fastest production bike in the early 90's, doing some 170 mph. i've ridden a zx-11 and it was wonderfully comfortable, very torquey and could certainly ride two up all day with lots of baggage.

that being said, it is a beast that should be respected, the front end will lighten up rather easily. made about 15 less hp and 7 lb/ft than the zx-11. only problem will be finding parts aside from paying big money at the dealer.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...z1100%2095.htm

that review by bike magazine, '95, doesn't really tell the whole story. i disagree with them saying that the seat isn't suitable for touring, or that power tails away in the high revs and it goes limp. 129 hp isn't exactly what i call limp

[iamgumby]

Suzuki DL650 V-Strom.

[FictionalCharacter]

v-strom is a good pick. i may be in the market for one of those next spring.

kawasaki versys is also a pretty good pick, though it's tough to find those used in the states since they've only been around a couple years. if it's not sporty enough for you , a ninja 650r is actually cheaper and can (or at least used to be able to) fit some decent hard luggage. i think it also actually gets better mileage. if that's still not sporty enough for you, an fz6 might be worth looking at. any one of those will likely need an aftermarket seat, and will probably stretch your budget. the ninja 650r will likely be the easiest to find used and cheap.

an sv650s with some luggage and a new seat is a solid budget option, i'd wager.

[YoungOne]

Alright thanks... I'm seriously thinking sv650..i've sat on one and it seems like it is upright enough to bear for longer rides, but still has a sporty stance, plus you can pick them up CHEAP around here lol

[Gohot229]

Higly underated bike. Like the KLR 650 Kawasaki. Both good bikes, and can be set up with panniers, metal boxes and look ready for Paris Dakar.

Originally Posted by iamgumby

Suzuki DL650 V-Strom.

[Avocet]

Honda has a new 700cc bike with a fairing and shaft drive. I don't remember what it's called but you can find it on the Honda web site. Also, as has been suggested, a V-strom 650 can take you places. I used to have one and enjoyed some trips as long as 2 weeks with it.

[goofyexponent]

I have a shadow 1100, bought it for under 2 grand and its the most comfortable bike I've ever owned. Will run circles around any 650 around here, but is still tame and will cruise down the freeway at 75-80 without breaking a sweat

[tbird98]

think you pretty much had it right with your first 2 picks. sv 650 or bandit.

[tbird98]

older and likely cheaper a yamaha seca 600 would also do the job.

[primalmu]

Originally Posted by goofyexponent

I have a shadow 1100, bought it for under 2 grand and its the most comfortable bike I've ever owned. Will run circles around any 650 around here, but is still tame and will cruise down the freeway at 75-80 without breaking a sweat

650cc cruisers, maybe. But it couldn't hold a candle to an SV650 or V-strom 650.

[vtwinn]

I have had 3 sv's and a bandit 1200, plus a PC800( Honda Pacific Coast).
It all depends on if you want more emphasis on the Sport, or the Tourer part.
Hard luggage that is lockable or soft luggage that is easy to take on/off.
If you haven't heard of the PC before they are V twin 800 cc Honda Shadow powered tourers with 5 speed and , shaft drive and good gas mileage, low seat height , and an auto style trunk with 100 liters of storage.
Plus I have a nice one for sale cheap
2600.00 and ready to ride.

[bajakirch]

I like your initial choices.

The SV650 is one of the more versatile bikes produced in the last 20 years, IMO. Throw some bags on it and it's a sport tourer. Take it to a track day and it'll put up some respectable lap times (with the right rider). And I see several for sale every month around here right in your price range.

The Bandit will give you a more upright, standard riding position. Also a versatile bike, that can serve as a comfortable daily commuter or a long-distance rider.

If you're looking at the GZ1100, you may as well also consider the ZG1000 Concours. I just picked up a '98 with 29k miles for $2700, and it was in ready-to-go condition. The Connie's basically a detuned Ninja that comes with factory bags and a great fairing. Plus, they built them for 20 years with virtually no changes, so there's lots of support and parts availability.

[jrw69]

Vtwinn, can the pacific coast be lowered? I only have a 31" inseam and really want to try and be flat footed. If I was able to buy today, I would take yours. Really nice looking and I have always loved the look of them. There is only one close by here about the same price as yours but not near as nice.

[momule]

I can't believe noone has mentioned the Suzuki Burgman 650 option for touring and around town use. I broke off a 15 year love affair with full sized cruisers (Goldwing, BMW) and bought a Burgman and absolutely love it. I've done 3 major trips and countless 500 mile one way trips and it fullfills every need that I've had. It easily cruises at 70 mph all day long, still has plenty of pickup and go at that speed, is far easier to handle in town, has all the storage room one could want with the Givi bags I installed, has an automatic tranny with a semi manual option, and gets around 45 mpg or better highway. I've put on 36K totally trouble free miles. You can also pick up a creampuff used one for under 5K. Since it's a scooter I pay dirt cheap insurance through Progressive. There is little not to like other than the onus of riding a scooter.....and by the way, with the powerband the way it is it will beat many cruisers off the line and for a block or two while they shift and spool up.

I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

[TRVersys]

A Kawi Versys or an older Connie (Concours).

[momule]

Originally Posted by TRVersys

A Kawi Versys or an older Connie (Concours).

Both of these are great bikes but I have found the 31 inch seat height to be difficult for me to deal with. Amazing what difference an inch or two makes when one is in city traffic.