Author Topic: Ever get the itch for a "modern" bike? (Read 6477 times)

Scott S · « **on:** June 10, 2012, 03:33:45 PM »

I think I'll always have something vintage in the garage. And, unfortunately, I like projects....something to do.

However, lately, I've REALLY been kicking around the idea of thinning the herd and getting something a few years old to really pile on the miles.

Don't get me wrong....I LOVE my CB550's, and I've always had an XS650 in the garage ever since I started messing around with motorcycles. But after a recent trip to the North Georgia mountains (in my cage), I really started wanted something.....else. Something modern, not needing constant tweaking, something that I could really put some highway miles on....

Trouble is, I don't know what I'd get rid of. I LOVE my '71 CB500, but with the 400F bars and rear-sets, it's not good for 300 mile days. The '78 550K is super comfy and fun to ride, plus I just finished it about 200 miles ago. The XS is down right now with an undiagnosed engine noise, but I don't want to get rid of it, either. An XS was my first bike and it's getting hard to find nice examples for a decent price.

Then.....what to get?
- A Triumph Bonneville or T100? LOVE the Thruxton, but I already have a bike with low bars.
- BMW GS? Not quite my style and a little spendy.
- Kawasaki Versys oe ER6N? A little odd looking.
- SV650?
- V-Strom?

If you were in the market for an affordable standard style bike, what would you look at? Something with handlebars, NOT clip-ons. Preferably a twin of some sort. Something, say, less than ten years old. Has luggage or can be fitted without much trouble. And semi-affordable....~$5500-6500 range, max. Something not quite "dual sport" like the Tenere', etc.

srbakker · « **Reply #1 on:** June 10, 2012, 03:45:19 PM »

Used Speed Triple?
Tuono?
Shiver 750?
CB919?
FZ1? Or 6, if that's your thing?
Bandit?

Stev-o · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2012, 03:59:37 PM »

I'm sticking with my CB's, but the Honda Phantom is a pretty good looking bike.
Fits most your criteria.

http://fayetteville.craigslist.org/mcy/3044865439.html

hondaface75 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2012, 04:19:37 PM »

VFR maybe? Not sure what years would be good.

Really? · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2012, 04:24:58 PM »

I know I want to get something newer than my Venture. I just can't find one that can replace what I already have. Keeping the CB's.

jamesb · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2012, 05:09:38 PM »

i miss my 03 ace deluxe it was very comfortable good gas milage been thinking about getting another one

brandEn · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2012, 05:13:22 PM »

I LOVE my 03 FZ1. Fast, reliable, and very comfy.

Sparked · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:51:43 PM »

I got the itch yesterday. I went for a demo ride at the honda dealer yesterday, wanted to try out the new CBR250. It was a fun little bike to ride, the kind of small bike ride I want to get out of my 350f one day. But the itch came when next I got the chance to take a CBF1000 out for a ride. I think that is the next bike that I want.

ofreen · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2012, 08:40:58 PM »

Just get an air-cooled 1200 Bandit or a Z-Rex.

754 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2012, 11:07:04 PM »

I dont get that itch..
You forgot the sorta classic looking Guzzi...

MUwarrior · « **Reply #10 on:** June 11, 2012, 12:47:52 PM »

It happened to me a couple of years ago. I sold my '81 CM400A and my '76 GL1000 LTD and used the proceeds to pick up a 2001 Kawasaki Concours. I sometimes regret selling the Goldwing, but whenever I take the Concours out on a run it just reconfirms that for me, I made the right decision. To feed my old bike habit, I picked up a '77 CB550F

. I can work on it with no pressure and take my time.

Really? · « **Reply #11 on:** June 11, 2012, 12:54:24 PM »

The closest I have come to with replacing my Venture is the 2nd generation Venture and the Concours 14 but they both lack for me still. Too much of one part and not enough of the other kind of thing.

flybox1 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 11, 2012, 01:12:57 PM »

VTR1000 (tank size sucks tho)
2001 or older VFR
FZ8

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #13 on:** June 11, 2012, 01:34:51 PM »

Quote from: hondaface75 on June 10, 2012, 04:19:37 PM

VFR maybe? Not sure what years would be good.

My 86 2nd gen VFR is about as modern as I care to get right now. Geared cams are great and make sweet sounds.

70CB750 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 12, 2012, 04:11:24 AM »

A colleague of mine rides BMWs. I dont really care for his scooter like all plastic commuter/tourer, but last week he had a loaner from the dealer - R1100S in yellow. That thing gave me hard-on first time I saw it.

The rest of rides by our office building are boring cruisers - HD and such.

dhall57 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 12, 2012, 05:02:20 AM »

I get the itch every now and than like last weekend when I rode mt K6 to the Blueridge Parkway. It was around 300 miles round trip and not that my 6 didn't do well it did, ran great. But saw a bunch of different modern bikes. One that caught my attention was a brand new 2012 BMW1200. I couldn't afford anything like that but was a very nice bike. Here's a pic of it and my K6.

cben750f0 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 12, 2012, 05:47:27 AM »

always always ALWAYS wanted/Want a BIG CB1300 in red and white....

aaaaaaaaw yeah

motocyconomad · « **Reply #17 on:** June 12, 2012, 07:58:35 AM »

I like it.. I've been daydreaming about a 2010 speed triple

cj750 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 12, 2012, 10:18:02 AM »

You shouldn't have any trouble turning up a well-cared-for Moto Guzzi Jackal or Stone for under 5K. (Or even one of the more blinged-out EV models, if that's your taste. ) Excellent handling and brakes; reliable, torque-y engine; low-maintenance drivetrain, and you won't see yourself coming and going on every corner. I've owned a Y2K Jackal since 2002, and can honestly say its been a great bike.

DarkRider · « **Reply #19 on:** June 12, 2012, 11:47:56 AM »

Quote from: DukieFrankenkit on June 11, 2012, 01:34:51 PM

Quote from: hondaface75 on June 10, 2012, 04:19:37 PM
VFR maybe? Not sure what years would be good.

My 86 2nd gen VFR is about as modern as I care to get right now. Geared cams are great and make sweet sounds.

I agree with the VFR comments! Even the older chain driven cam model has a sort of SC sound to it when you put different cans on it lol.

Scott S · « **Reply #20 on:** June 12, 2012, 05:11:55 PM »

I'm REALLY digging the Versys. Second up is the V-Strom. Both in 650 guise.....don't need/want 1,000cc's.

I would possibly consider the ER6-n and the SV650 (but not the S model...no clip ons for me, thanks), but those are the naked bike/street-fighter versions of the aforementioned bikes. I like that the Versys and V-Strom are more upright and tuned for mid/low range power. Good weight, good MPG and both are twins

srbakker · « **Reply #21 on:** June 12, 2012, 05:58:04 PM »

That Versys wheelies like an animal, too! Total hooligan in disguise.

(Not that I'd know... *cough cough*)

Old School Honda · « **Reply #22 on:** June 13, 2012, 10:13:48 PM »

How about a buell ulysses? Seems to fit all your requirements.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #23 on:** June 14, 2012, 03:04:52 AM »

Another vote for a VFR, '94+. They lost the geared cams after '97 though. Pretty much all of them require little to no maintenance, chain adjustments and tires aside. No foibles that are dealbreakers.

K5owner · « **Reply #24 on:** June 14, 2012, 03:49:42 AM »

Had a new ST1300 in 2006. Was a left over 2005. Great bike for cruising and handled very well. Good fuel economy. I believe you can still get them for a decent price. Wish I had it back...

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Author Topic: Ever get the itch for a "modern" bike? (Read 6477 times)