Thread: motorbike Q

Suzuki DL650 V-Strom?

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I like the kawasaki ZZR range. I was riding one to work(55km's) everyday and I found it really comfy to ride.

Best thing to do is test ride as many different bikes as possible, and get a feel of what you want in a bike. You will first have to work out -Is it for long trips or for commuting? Will you be having a pillion very often? Will it cope with the extra weight of a pillion and extra baggage for the longer trips? Do you want shaft, belt or chain drive?

Have a look at the older Yamaha FJ and XJ series. The XJ 900 would be in your price range, shaft drive. Not the prettiest of bikes but keep on going, easy to work on, reliable, upright seating postion. The Bandits seem comfortable, only ever had a short test ride on the 1200, when they were first released.

Take a refresher course before hitting the road if it's been a while since you rode.

BMW K100RS, Honda CB1100F, CB1000, Kawasaki Zefer, Suzuki Bandit, BMW R100RS, BMW R80RS Dakar, 80s Kawasaki GPZ 1100 or GPZ900R, Susuki GSX1150EFE, GS1000G/1100G.

This is IMHO is the best Honda ever made, it just looks great, it's reliable fast and comfortable.


Bandit these are a great bike, fast handles brilliantly and looks good.

R100RSWhat can I say, the RS range of BMW is the best, whether it's a K or R version

Originally Posted by V8Ian

I'll take a dozen at $4-5k each thanks Brian.
I think he's after something a tad more practical.

I was suggesting he look at a 1950's Matchless twin as the high example of a comfortable cruiser, a true gentleman's bike, not suggesting he buy one. By the way, they sell for about $7000-$8000 for a good example, an older restoration. Higher maintenance and not practical for daily use.

I was suggesting he look at a Moto Guzzi Nevada or California. Very comfortable, very reliable and long lasting. Engines often do 200,000-300,000 K's. I rode a Nevada not long ago and it is the most comfortable bike I have ridden in the last 20-30 years. Nevada is 750cc and 180kgs, and the California is either 1100 or 1200ccs and 250kgs. Not expensive as a used buy either. Miles more class than anything oriental.

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

... Miles more class than anything oriental.

Nicely put! But I think you need to be of a certain age to see this. My youngest brother thinks my old fashioned Triumph is rubbish. He loves the Jap stuff and can't see my point about being "gentlemanly"

It is surprising to me that noone has mentioned a Honda 900 Hornet or 600.

The Hornet 900 has a comfortable riding position , is the lightest of all resonabley priced big bikes, has great performance and great economy.
I rode one for 5 years in Sydney traffic.
A courier I met on the way to work swapped a Kawasaki 600ZZR for one and was rapt .
BUT because the are naked and not the latest hyper hyper CBR , very few people bought them and the have poor resale value. they are very popular in Europe.
BUT I had really serious trouble with mine. I actually had to replace the headlight bulb and the dash bulbs in 5 years.
Regard sPhilip A