My second motorcycle - choices

I'm a relatively new rider, but a few months ago I got my 'R' licence
too, and am now starting to look at what to buy for my second bike. My
current one is a VTR250, which is fine for a first bike, but not
really up there in meeting my needs. I'm no hoon, but I need something
with a little more power, and more importantly, more carrying
capacity. And a bigger fuel tank so I can use a tank bag safely (the
VTR tank is too small, the tank bag either is pushed up against me or
interferes with the bars)

I'm getting on a bit, so a big heavy bike is out of the question,
given that I won't buy a bike that I reckon I could not pick up if I
dropped it.

I'm looking at something like a CBR600F (the Hornet) or ER6N, or
something of that ilk. I like the weight of the Hornet, but not the
complexity, plus I've never come across a Honda gearbox I liked in my
short riding experience.

I'm in no hurry, I'll probably wait till early next year but would
appreciate any input you much more experienced folk would have to
offer

Karen

 

You really need to examine them in person... but off the top of my head
perhaps this list might give you somewhere to start -:

Suzuki SV650 or SV650S
BMW F800S
Kawasaki ER6 (faired or unfaired)
Suzuki GSR600


G-S

 

I'm surprised by the tankbag comment. I've never had a problem with the
tankbag on my VTR. It is a dri-rider one like this:-
http://www.mcleodaccessories.com.au.../LUGGAGE/$file/dririder_lugg_tank-voy_lrg.jpg

You can't got wrong with either of the bikes you've just mentioned.
Also look at the Yamaha Fazer. Go ride them all and see what fits. For
fuel range, a bit of poke and lots of comfort you can't go wrong with
the DL6750 V-Strom. I love mine. And with the current deal from Suzuki
with a free Givi luggage set you can carry half your house with you.

Fraser

 

No you don't, you *want* "something with a little more power". Be
honest now. ;-)

Somebody better let BigIain know that you can't tour on a VTR250!

They both sound fine. The important thing would be to do plenty of
test-riding on assorted bikes before you set your heart on something.


BTH

 

Exciting times, Karen! All the bikes these blokes are suggesting sound
fine - depending on your size! You talk about "getting on a bit" and not
wanting a bike you couldn't pick up...While people tell me it's all about
leverage and technique, I think there's still a certain amount of strength
involved, especially if your bike falls over with a fencepost or flowerbed
in just the spot you would need to be to get the most out of leverage and
technique!

The Weestrom that Fraser loves is no lightweight, and it's pretty tall, too.
I imagine it'd be a hell of a stretch for anyone under about 5'7". I sat on
one once, while the side stand was down (I'm 5'3"). I managed to get just
the toes of my left foot on the ground while my right leg dangled in the
breeze... There's no way I could've hauled it upright and managed to get
even the tiptoes of both feet down... YMMV depending how tall or long-legged
you are.

I love my SV650S - it seems just right for me - light, nimble (bloody
uncomfortable seat though, even without a busted butt(tm)!) It's lighter
than the Kwaka ER6 as well. With a tank bag and a couple of the big Ventura
bags zipped together I can pack heaps - if I'm not carrying camping gear
there's enough room for at least a fortnight away, no probs (I don't carry
make-up/hairdryers/variety of shoes etc, although the laptop takes up a bit
of room.)

Are you after something faired or naked? I guess that will certainly affect
your choices...I was always a big fan of "fully faired for weather
protection" - I find the weeny fairing on the SV is just as good as a full
fairing, though - better actually, because my bike doesn't turn into a giant
sail in a strong wind, but it still gives me some protection from the
elements! I suspect it's not as vulnerable either, if your bike happens to
fall over...

As you say, though, there's plenty of time to look around - sit on as many
different bikes as you can... Oooh, what an adventure! Happy looking

betty

 

BMW R1200GSA


http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/bmw-tech/r1200gsa-everything-you-wanted-know-8332

Boxer

 

A pretty versatile tankbag then. I use the same one on my Thunderace,
a bike with a tank almost big enough to fit a VTR inside!


GB

 

You're gonna' have to wok hard to find a better bike than the little VTR
Karen!
The ones you mention seem to be good choices and the Suzuki SV650 could be
added to the list if it "fits".
Just visit a few bike shops or, better-still, large bike parking areas and
have a stroll around sussing out apparent size, weight, seat-height and
luggage options .....
Cheers .... Clem

 

No that's Hammo.
Big toured on the predecessor to the VTR; the mighty Spada!

 

[chortle] I'm surprised we haven't heard from Zebee or Theo yet!!

 

Yes, Clem, I suspect you're right. Most VTR owners I know bought their
second bike as a truly second bike, keeping the VTR rather than
trading it in!

Karen

 

Heh last time I got a response from Theo on another unrelated matter
it was rather unconstructive ....

Karen

 

In aus.motorcycles on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:53:50 +1000

you need a Guzzi you do!

Specifically a 750 Breva. Sure it doesn't have the horses of a 6cyl
600 sportbike, but it's light, it's easy to ride, give it a fistful
and it can move along quite nicely.

You can get a low seat kit for it that makes it the same seat height
as the cruiser version.

Zebee

 

True, I do *want* more power, among other things. But I bought the VTR
with every intention of only keeping it a year or so, knowing it
didn't fit my longer term needs but chose it as a good way to get
some experience up before buying something more suited but potentially
more harmful to a raw novice.

Karen

 

Good advice there Betty, many thanks. To be a bit more specific, I'm
in my 60's, but pretty fit - I ride MTB's & road bikes (have done off
& on for 45 years) and still compete on the treadlies, though of
course the over 60's age group isn't too competitive. I just aim to be
still breathing as I stagger over the finish line with my heart rate
at a not too insane rate!

At 5'6" even the VTR is a bit of a problem at times, for example the
other night I was stationary at red lights on a steep hill pointing
downhill - had a job to keep the bike upright there. So nothing taller
than a VTR.

I did try a Hornet & found it so much easier to ride, especially at
very low speeds, much to my surprise. I gather this is a common thing
though.

Only thing I do dislike on the VTR is the gearbox. That second gear is
going to drive me nuts one day, either won't go in on the way up, or
goes in & pops out as I accelerate. Bike's only 6 months old so I will
take it up with my friendly dealer at the next service. I'm told all
Honda gearboxes are clunky, that's certainly been the experience I've
had in the 4 different ones I've already ridden.

The ER6 is at the extreme end for me, it's a pretty heavy bike for me
at near 200kgs. And a BMW 1200 is NOT my idea of a 2nd bike for a
beginner like me ..

Karen

 

I'll have one of those 6cyl 600 sportbikes please

Bill

 

Yes, fairing is one of the things I rather fancy having for my next
bike. Wind blast on the VTR is pretty severe once I'm over 80 km/h

Karen

 

Have you investigated other alternatives for carrying stuff on your
bike? I've never really liked tankbags, mainly because of the reasons
you've outlined above, real or perceived interference with my control of
the bike and therefore rider comfort. Of course it depends on the bike
and the rider. On my current bike I could quite comfortably manage with
a tankbag but have plenty of other storage on the bike so it's excess to
my needs.

What you can pick up when tackling the problem correctly, what you think
you can pick up, and what you actually can pick up are completely
different things. You should investigate the first and third and
concentrate much less on the second.

Nev..
'07 XB12X

 

Fraser Johnston wrote:

....snip...

I can't afford the running costs of the DL6750 :-(
Had ot make do with a DL650

 

[phew] Normal service has been restored!!