Thread: motorbike Q

I'd go one of these big bangers

Kawasaki ZRX 1100 1999 model $4,900 on bike sales



Personally I want one of these

I'll second Ron's suggestion about the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom.

That is not because of some personal prejudice towards Suzuki. I fact I have only ever owned Hondas, apart from the 125 Maico I used to race and the Hodaka 100 I bought because I needed a bike to fit in the back of a Series II LR.

It is based on the experience of a couple of very enthusiastic and capable riders I know.

Two friends of mine turned up on my doorstep last year on a pair of identical DL650s on the way home to northern NSW at the end of a trip through Vic.

The have both raced motorcycles in Short Circuit (as it used to be called) and Road Races and Scrambles (before it was called Motocross). They were both A grade riders and enjoy riding bikes.

They have owned BMWs, Gold Wings and a host of other large bikes so they have some personal experience of a range of bikes.

They were about to buy another pair of BMWs but couldn't ignore the DL650 at the enormous difference in price.

They were both singing the praises of the Suzukis. They found them comfortable and extremely fuel efficient, but most importantly, very good value for money.

Sure the BMW is a better bike, but is it really worth that much more money?

Originally Posted by vnx205

Sure the BMW is a better bike, but is it really worth that much more money?

yep

Sure the BMW is a better bike, but is it really worth that much more money?

Definetely.
Had a GS1150. Sold it to put the deposit on my Defender. Absolutely love the Defenender but really miss the GS. Super reliable,very easy to ride, heaps of power and very very comfortable.
Mine was a 99 model which I bought second hand for 10 and sold after two years for 9.5.
More than you want to spend, but much more of a bike. Those hand protectors and heated grips are not a silly gimmick.

Good luck
Kenley

Originally Posted by vnx205

Sure the BMW is a better bike, but is it really worth that much more money?

Originally Posted by Heggs

yep

Originally Posted by kenleyfred

Sure the BMW is a better bike, but is it really worth that much more money?

Definetely.
Had a GS1150. Sold it to put the deposit on my Defender. Absolutely love the Defenender but really miss the GS. Super reliable,very easy to ride, heaps of power and very very comfortable.
Mine was a 99 model which I bought second hand for 10 and sold after two years for 9.5.
More than you want to spend, but much more of a bike. Those hand protectors and heated grips are not a silly gimmick.

Good luck
Kenley

OK, I'll try another tack.

Even though the BMW is a better bike and worth the extra money, do you really want to spend that much extra when the DL650 does a pretty good job?

As I said none of this is my opinion. I am simply passing on the comments of a couple of very experienced riders who had owned a few BMWs and were considering buying one again.

I was surprised myself that they would settle for the Suzuki over something like the BMW, but they were adamant that it represented much better value for money and was a very good bike for the price

I would buy a jap bike before i bought a European bike . Mainly because of the prices for spares and the amount of jap bike shops that are around . Most country towns will have at least a Honda or Yamaha shop .

Originally Posted by gofish

.... would like a sports-tourer. I want something thats good on the wrists & back.

I had this 1995 Honda CBR1000F:




A lovely bike but it needed (for me) bar risers. 25mm would have been enough. The colour scheme might have been a bit over the top but it was a very nicely styled bike and still looks good today.

The sports/tourer requirement might make your back and wrists work a bit.

I mentioned the Suzuki V-Strom because you might buy one within your price range and it will be easier on your back and wrists. I have my late son's V-Strom and his Yamaha XJR1300 naked muscle bike. The latter bike is great but heavy - but earlier carbied versions would be in your price range.

PhilipA mentioned the Hornet. I nearly bought one myself.

I'd recommend the Bandit or V-Strom....

Fantastic bikes....