moving up from a vlx shadow, to a yzf6, yyzf6r, or ... ???

greetings. i've been considering getting a bike that has a bit more
punch (>40HP - perhaps 70?), a bit better clearance (>vlx shadow), a
bit bigger tank (>2.9G), similiar mpg (~50), and allow me to go to
seattle and back (from east bay).

the bmw 650 single cyll felt good, but one cyllinder for long
distances? i'm also cheap, and bwm-s seem overpriced for my
pocketbook.
the vstrom seating was too high for me - i'm 5'11" 175lbs), felt a bit
heavy, and i had trouble seeing the front wheel.
so the other two bikes i've been thinking of are the
sv650
yamaha yzf600r
and now i see on yamaha's web page
yzf6
what do y'all suggest?

for long distances, a faring sounds right (cafe?), but what about
seating position?

anything else to consider?
ferenc
ps i mostly ride moraga-berkeley rain or shine, night or day, with
occasional trips to sili valley/peninsula. the trip to seattac is in
early july.

 

Give the Yamaha FZ6 a look. More power, more comfort than my YZF600R,
similar engine to the YZFR6, and made for distance riding, at least
compared to the YZF's.

 

I suggest that you take another look at the V-Strom. At 5'-11',
you're tall enough for it. The Strom is a fabulous all-around bike
with handling nearly as sharp as a dedicated sport bike and comfort
nearly as good as a dedicated touring rig.

 

The big dual sport type bike is great for a complete
all-round bike.... commute, backroads riding, touring.

I have a BMW GS 1150, which is larger and heavier than the
V-strom. I'm a good 25 lbs lighter (but pretty fit)
and about the same height as you. I don't have a problem handing
the GS. I did think that the GS was freaking huge when I
first rode one, but that feeling went away after a couple
hundred miles. I can't see the front wheel unless I stand up
but thats never bothered me.


Eric

 

Mike Solis would get a laugh out of that. I'm sure the V-Strom is an
enjoyable bike, but that's a bit much.

 

yeah, i'll call around and see if i can get a test ride (hopefully
that's common) on a fazer, and possibly another look at the vstrom.

how do they measure ground clearance and seating height (like pants
inseam)? the vstrom has lower seat height, but seems to sit up higher
than the fazer, but i may be wrong.

i take it the honda 599 is not a contender. i've learned a lot from
the http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval.asp and it'd be good to find
out something similar written up on the vstrom.

enjoy,
ferenc

 

Maybe it has been updated since you last looked, but the web page you
url'd above has their latest review of the 650 V-Strom. Motorcycle
Consumer News is the only publication that I can actually trust to give an
honest review. They take NO advertising, paid or otherwise.

I'd summarize their views as the 599 is a nice try but distant third
place, the FZ6 if you tend toward the sport side of a sport/tourer, and
the V-Strom if you tend toward the tourer side of a sport tourer. This is
a bit of a simplification, because I think the FZ6 has better wind
protection and a center stand. The biggest advantage of the V-Strom is
it's great engine/trans for laying down long stretches of smooth miles.
The FZ6 has a bit of the buzziness of most inline 4's but still "will run
like a scalded cat if revved high, but is surprisingly torquey and
responsive at much lower engine speeds..."

The FZ6 has the looks; the V-Strom has, well, I guess it gets the job
done, if nothing else.

 

OTOH, the V-Strom has the mounts for the center stand (one from Motech
is $150 + s/h), the ajustable windscreen, the rack on the back (a
topcase mount is thus $70 and it actually (gasp) looks good with a
topcase), and the monstrous tank.

Smoother than my VFR, and that's saying alot.

If you own a Vstrom, you think its cute after a while. It looks
actualy OK in blue if you put CAL scripts on the side and an Oski head
on the front fender.

I think the choice is VStrom vs FZ6. The hornet lacks the wind
protection or the EFI (push the button and go is nice on a commuter:
no choke, no warmup), and the SV lacks wind protection and is pretty
buzzy.

Whichever ends up being more comfortable is the one to go with.

 

I noticed that the MCN article mentions a Kawi-branded VStrom that
comes in a better color (OK, I like yellow bikes). Anyone know if
the 650 version is in Kawi's line, and what name it might be hiding
under?

Thx,

 

It's know as the KLV1000 and KLV650. Google doesn't give much info on
the 650, but does find a few pictures of the 1000.

Personally, I'd like to see it in green.

-B

 

It's not out yet, it may be euro only as well (the 1000 has been
announced, but is not in the US yet).

 

I'll also weigh in with another "go for the Strom" vote. Lot's more
options for hard luggage and probably more comfortable for long hauls.
I did a 500 mile day and then a 400 mile day two days later with no
ill effects.

There are pics of mine at these sites. Same pictures, posted two links
in case one site required registration.

http://11109.rapidforum.com/topic=103781738661
http://www.stromtrooper.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=638

Plus I'm sure that somebody is making lowering links for it if you
need them. Both sites have active VStrom forums and there's a DL650
specific group on Yahoo.

--Joe

04 DL650
93 EX500
93 GS500

 

when I sat on various FZ1's at dealers trying to decide if I liked it, I
noticed the pegs were rather tucked high for a 'naked' style bike and the
handlebar wrist and seating angles just didn't seem to match the fairing
style. Now, I didn't ride one so this is just a showroom-floor
impression. the top of the tank indents were right on my kneecaps too.
I'm 6'0, overweight, and wear 30-31" inseam pants.

 

Yours actually looked pretty good - it did not look like a dual sport
- it even had a center stand (aftermarket?).

Today, I sat on the honda 599 and it was somewhat small but rather
comfortable. I really liked the way it felt. I then sat on the
Fazer, and it was a very good fit - I straddled the bike and my heels
were both on the ground. I did not like the wider handlebars,
compared to the Honda. The mirrors also looked awkward and the faring
looked like it needed some BMW engineering. It was a bigger bike, so
it may actually do better on long trips. It's MSRP was less, had the
faring, a strange electronic panel (how visible would it bein the
daylight?), and it was the one the dealer suggested over the Honda.
He also said for luggage I'd have to give up the rear seat, which
would be a problem, as I often have my son on the back along with a
strapped backpack, etc. I have since been told by friends that there
are better aftermarket solutions for both.

I plan to check out the Vstrom tomorrow. You guys convinced me it's
worth a second look. I'll ignore the dealer's comments, as he's
pushing the SV650 with the optional faring and last year's Bandit600.

Another guy's been pushing the Kawi ZR-7, not sure what that's about.
I'm having trouble finding data on it (used only?).

Incidentally, I saw a brand new Fazer for $56xx total from some
midwest dealer - if I buy it out of state, will there be added
costs/smog issues? Not that I don't want to support our great golden
state, but I am cheap (want a good value), what can I say ...

Ferenc

 

I was not impressed with the first look at the Strom, but who knows,
maybe it grows on you.

Another thought is insurance - I see the Fazer is termed a sport and
the Strom a 'standard.' I'll contact Progressive and see if there is
a huge difference in their eyes.

Ferenc

 

Why are sales droids such morons? There are a number of good luggage
solutions which don't involve covering up the rear seat. RKA, Wolf, and
aerostich make good soft sided saddlebags which hold lots of gear, are
easily removable, and allow a passenger.

snip

That is a decent commuter bike, a kind of retro engine that'll run forever
because of its simplicity and good design, but little in the way of
touring protection, a bit underpowered and buzzy, and not much in the way
of sizzle.

Some bikes are sold in California models and 49 state models; some are 50
state models. If the FZ6 is a 49 state model (and I don't know if it is or
not) you won't be able to register it in CA unless it is brought in to the
state used--and the DMV defines used as having at least 7500 miles on the
odometer. You can probably figure out the options...

 

Really? If the FZ6 is a sport bike, where does that leave the YZF600R, and
the R6? The mag. reviews tend to compare the FZ6 with the other
"standards" such as the 599 and the SV650...

Progressive can have some of the highest rates (but they're one of the few
companies that offer dirt bike insurance). Check GMAC/National General,
Farmers, and State Farm too.

 

the sales guy said no side luggage due to the muffler, so i'm thinking
that the only passengers i'll be able to take of would be w/o legs.
the line i've seen is www.givi.it, but most of the time need something
smaller to carry some personal items and papers to/fro work.
ferenc

 

The mufflers have heatshields to protect peoples legs and luggage.

And a givi topcase is god's gift to commuters. I love mine, it makes
life so much easier, as I can carry a fair amount of stuff, it locks
to the bike, I can keep gloves etc in the topcase, clear visor, etc.

 

I agree. My only regret is getting the 46L case instead of the 52L. I've
had mine for 4 years and 2 bikes.

It's also very water-proof. I've never had water leak in while riding,
though a little will slip in when I open the case.

-B