Today is my birthday! Help me decide on a bike!

[TurboWraith]

Well, today I'm 29. I sold my project SV about a month ago to get into more of a sport touring type machine. I had (and still do have) my heart set on a 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000....but due to unforeseen crap, that's probably not going to happen this year - I've got about $3500 to spend.

What I'm looking for is something in the sport touring segment - something that leans sport more than touring. The idea is that next year I'd like to trade up to the Ninja...or whatever else has my attention at that point.

What I've come up with so far is.....a 5th gen VFR.

I've found a few on cycletrader and CL. One nearby for $2200 with 5k miles. It is bone stock and likely needs forks/shock rebuilt and tires. There is another 400 miles away with 35k miles for $4000 - but it has a nice looking slip on, updated mosfet R/R, new tires, penske shock, upgraded fork springs, and new brake pads.

What I'd like to hear is options/experiences with the VFR or other bikes that I may have overlooked that can be had for $3500 or so. List of basic requirements;

Can be had for $3500 or less
800cc or larger
Full fairing/Can handle long distance rides
Able to affix saddlebags and magnetic tank bag (I own already)
Fun to ride

Pic of second VFR

[romano258]

I have a 5th gen VFR. Fun bike, sounds like it fits what you're looking for. Great, smooth engine, very nice, neutral handling, a bit on the heavy side, but the only time that really effected me was when I was riding the Dragon. $4k seems a bit high, for that kind of money, I'd want hardbags for sure. Their resale value is really not that great, I bought mined fo $3,700 3 years ago and it had a bunch of goodies like hard bags, heated grips, rebuilt fork/shock etc... Should be able to get a nice example for $3k.

[mad8vskillz]

1) happy birthday
2) vfr is a good answer
3)others that might work or might not.
-older sprint or tiger
-cbr600 f4i + bag setup
-yzf600r + bag setup
-vstrom 650
-ducati st4 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducat...item460300a927

[Spinnaker]

You can't go wrong with a VFR. I'd go with the first one that's closer, if you're looking to upgrade after a year throw some new tires and fork oil in there and save a grand.

[mrothwell]

Have you thought about an SV1000S? I know you just came off of an SV650, but I think it was a naked one, right? I've always thought the SV1000's were cool.

[TurboWraith]

I have a 5th gen VFR. Fun bike, sounds like it fits what you're looking for. Great, smooth engine, very nice, neutral handling, a bit on the heavy side, but the only time that really effected me was when I was riding the Dragon. $4k seems a bit high, for that kind of money, I'd want hardbags for sure. Their resale value is really not that great, I bought mined fo $3,700 3 years ago and it had a bunch of goodies like hard bags, heated grips, rebuilt fork/shock etc... Should be able to get a nice example for $3k

Good to know, I'm not on the up and up on the value of these things. I'll keep the cheaper one in my sights here over the next few days.

1) happy birthday
2) vfr is a good answer
3)others that might work or might not.
-older sprint or tiger
-cbr600 f4i + bag setup
-yzf600r + bag setup
-vstrom 650
-ducati st4 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducat...item460300a927

Thanks!

I did look at F4i's though I had problems locating anything nearby that wasnt a stunt bike or wrecked. I will keep an eye out though, its a good option - as well as the Yammy.

I did not consider the ST4, I just figured they hadn't gotten that cheap yet. I supposed the ST3 should be there too.

You can't go wrong with a VFR. I'd go with the first one that's closer, if you're looking to upgrade after a year throw some new tires and fork oil in there and save a grand.

Noted, probably best not to overspend - especially if I plan on trading up in 12-14 months.

Have you thought about an SV1000S? I know you just came off of an SV650, but I think it was a naked one, right? I've always thought the SV1000's were cool.

The SV1000 is a good bike for sure. But as you said, I did just come off one (albiet, a naked one), I'd like to get on something different.

[ANSAracingb]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
(no bike input here)

[romano258]

One bike I'd suggest adding to your search is the Aprilia Futura. It's kind of a rare bird and I'm not sure if you'll find one in your price range, but I've always dug those bikes. Basically an Italian VFR with stealthfighter plastics and a stonking 1 liter twin instead of a V4. Keep an eye out.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bi...ura-2001-2003/

[mad8vskillz]

One bike I'd suggest adding to your search is the Aprilia Futura. It's kind of a rare bird and I'm not sure if you'll find one in your price range, but I've always dug those bikes. Basically an Italian VFR with stealthfighter plastics and a stonking 1 liter twin instead of a V4. Keep an eye out.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bi...ura-2001-2003/

buy two since that's the only way you'll have spare parts

[TurboWraith]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
(no bike input here)

Thanks.

One bike I'd suggest adding to your search is the Aprilia Futura. It's kind of a rare bird and I'm not sure if you'll find one in your price range, but I've always dug those bikes. Basically an Italian VFR with stealthfighter plastics and a stonking 1 liter twin instead of a V4. Keep an eye out.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bi...ura-2001-2003/

I do like these, a lot. But...

buy two since that's the only way you'll have spare parts

^^ that.

I may have to read up on them though.

[TurboWraith]

Well, the cheap one nearby is sold. Booo.

I'm never quick enough.

[atomicalex]

Happy birthday!

That is all. Go buy a bike.

[nhbubba]

I have a raging hard-on for the VFR right now. Can't even explain it, but I want to find a mid/early 90's one as a 2nd bike myself. My aim is to find something in the $1k-1500 range that probably needs some serious TLC.. maybe even paint.

I see the V-Strom listed above. I have one of those myself right now. I think they are sportier than most people think. I jokingly call mine my 'sport tourer'. But I suspect it goes too far tour for you. And if you've had the SV, you've been there, done that with the engine.

That said, the DL650 takes a set of hard bags real nice. The screen is just the right balance of wind protection and still having some wind on you. And I've been complimented by guys on sport-bikes for how it goes.

But yeah, VFR seems like the sweet spot. I wish they still made 'em.

Another option is the Suzuki Bandit 1200 or 1250. I had a 1200 before this. Mine was nekid and that was probably the worst thing about it. The wind protection on the faired -S models isn't bad though. Mine was $6500 brand new ~10 years ago. So they are definitely in your price range these days. Similar hp/weight.

[03GTI4Me]

Some ideas

1997-2007 Yamaha YZF600R. Has the sportbike style but with a more upright riding position. I believe that it would meet your requirements. Plus, they are right around your price range. No major changes throughout the years.



1999-2002 Kawasaki ZX6R, which is the same bike (with exception of tamer colors) as the 2005-2008 ZZR600. Sportbike style with more upright position, similar to the YZF

ZX6R


ZZR600


I have owned both of these bikes. Great power, and you do not get that sore wrists/back that you get on some of the more modern race replicas.

edit: reading comprehension > me. These are all 600's. Still valid options though. These things get up and move.

[Knock Sensor]

Triumph sprint with the 955 engine. 02 and up has more horsepower too. Only hear bad things about 1050 sprints.

[aintnowookie]

Happy birthday!

What about an FZ6? Honestly, I think it's the most middle of the ground bike you can get that would be awesome for touring and cheap.

I used to ride an SV650N, toured with it 2500 miles through 4 states one time. It was truly a great all-around bike. I liked it better than the FZ6 because of it's off the line torque and it's flickability. However, since you don't want another SV, you want a good sport-like bike, I'd say the FZ6 is a good compromise.

[nhbubba]

Or an older gen1 carb'ed FZ1.

[VWCoop]

Triumph Sprint ST 955 or a Tiger 955. Ridden both quite a bit as my dad has owned both. Seriously awesome bikes! I had used my 2000 S3 for a long distance trip and was comfortable enough on it. 1400 miles in 4 days.

[path0s]

Ducati sport classic 1000?

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[path0s]

But don't mind me I think it just looks good in person. But many aren't fans of ducati.

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[TurboWraith]

Wow, lot more suggestions.


Not really excited about the prospect of a 600cc I4. Though I know those are fine machines.

Sprint 955 is a great idea. Will search for those.




I've got no issue with Ducati, someday I'm sure I'll own one. But the sport classic 1000 isnt exactly the sport touring type.

[nhbubba]

'Busa. /thread



Seriously though, is an Sprint ST 955 attainable for < $3500? My cheap-ass is perpetually leery of European bikes.

[path0s]

Wow, lot more suggestions.


Not really excited about the prospect of a 600cc I4. Though I know those are fine machines.

Sprint 955 is a great idea. Will search for those.




I've got no issue with Ducati, someday I'm sure I'll own one. But the sport classic 1000 isnt exactly the sport touring type.

Yea I know. But they do have some touring bikes that are just amazing. Nice and light l, but like I said some don't like them due to less fairings... but I personally love it.

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