Yamaha XV535 or Kawasaki GT550

[tstwebdesign]

Hey guys,
So I'm getting my first unrestricted 'big' bike.

I've narrowed it down to the Yamaha XV535 or Kawasaki GT550 which I've found one each with tax/MOT for around £1000.

The faster/better bike is the GT BUT bearing in mind this will be an everyday commuter with minimal maintenance being key, an under-stressed V-Twin is in favour in that sense.

If anyone has any for/against arguments for them both that would be a massive help.

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The XV535 has limited tank size/range. So maybe not that much use as a commuter as you might think.

Both bikes shaft drive so that's good for low maintenance. Both are easy (ish) to work on maintenance wise.

IIRC the tyre choice is limited for the 535. Something like the Harleys in that they're imperial size. Not a deal breaker though, just limiting.

Both bikes getting a bit long in the tooth but parts still available. Both have their owners clubs too so advice can be sought.

The GT550 can take a fairing, top box and panniers (soft or hard) imo easier. The GT550 performance isn't inspiring. I never thought the IL4 got stressed at any point though. I believe GT is built with spare girders from the Forth bridge, heavy sod. It's a plodder though. You'll keep on going long after the sports rider has stopped to ease their riding position. I found the brakes not inspiring but you get used to them, anticipation is the key (or learning to ride not using the brakes, it's an accepted advanced technique you know).

I took GT550 around the east coast of Scotland. Worked well, no hassles. I couldn't get on with the 535 seat position (was a friend's). I'd say go for the GT unless you have a hankering for a cruiser style. I'm rather fond of mine (have not ridden for years, still have on sorn, it's in need of tlc, i.e. money thrown at it).

Now wait for replies that don't answer your question but suggest totally different bikes.
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

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The small fuel tank is a worry but if that's the only fault, I reckon something I could live with.

Looking at the distance on the GT, it's looking like it's not worth the money anyway unless I can find one at a shorter distance.

The only other thing that caught my eye for the same price is the HONDA VT500E.
Does anyone know anything about that?

[nowhere.elysium]

[tstwebdesign]

[nowhere.elysium]

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[tstwebdesign]

This is probably the most helpful thread I've seen on here.

I've got a viewing with the XV on Sunday and if all looks good, I will be bringing it back to start work on the old gal. I might go for the GT if this one doesn't work out.

I just can't pass up the unlimited things you can do to an XV and the understressed engine that can potter along all day.

I'll keep you updated with what I choose in the end!

[Muldoon]

[tstwebdesign]

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The three bikes in question are attached here:

[Northern Monkey]

This is what bike aids looks like

https://cdn.bikechatforums.com/files/__80_147.jpg

Dont do it
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Fisty: after polishing the tank with the glistenng beads of sweat from my full hot scrotum, I filled the headrace bearings with 10cc of my manmilk

[stevo as b4]

I don't know much about the Virago XV535, other than it has far to much chrome to clean and polish for me!

If shaft drive is not important to you, I'd sack off the average GT550, unless it says Suzuki on the tank instead.

The GT is 53bhp, heavy, basic and has outdated brakes and suspension. The shaft drive might have made it popular with Dispatch riders who must have ran most of these into the afterlife by now. But it also means you waste too much of what power you have, and on a 50odd bhp bike that's 200kg or more, it's too much IMO!

The Zepher 550 is a slow bike, but I bet it feels a fair bit quicker than the GT does!

Are you just looking very locally? I would have thought that within say a 50mile radius of where you are there would be plenty of middle weight circa 500-600cc bikes for your £1000?

More modern for a daily rider is a good attribute, and so is still getting easy parts availability and something that is plentiful second hand. The CB500/ER5/SV650/Diversion 600 etc etc are just some examples of plentiful bikes that should slot into for budget for a reasonably good one!

[Amber Phoenix]

[MCN.]

OP is really Smiler and I claim my five ponds.

[tstwebdesign]

Thanks for the info.
The main reason I feel split between the two is for totally different reasons.

With the GT, it's a reliable, capable bike which I would use for trips/touring. I actually like the styling even though everyone thinks they're boring and with a new paint job and a play around, think it could look really nice.

With the XV, it may look like it has bike AIDs, which it probably does, but as a base frame and engine, it would be a hell of a lot of fun to tear down and turn in to something else.

I'm a fan of classic bikes so I'm aware I could get a cheap, modern, capable bike but to me, the classic bikes have a bit more heart and I personally prefer the styling.

Help!

[Rogerborg]

[tstwebdesign]

Haha, Stockport chopper.
That actually made me laugh.

[tstwebdesign]

So, after reading through a fair bit, I'm swaying towards the GT550.
If anyone knows of another bike that has the same classic styling as the GT, I'd appreciate the suggestions.

I'll be using it for commuting and nice little holidays so it seems like a perfect fit.

[wr6133]

Not classic styling but look at a CB500. You can mod/customise it all sorts of ways, it's cheap, goes forever, returns decent mpg, shouldn't require too much maintenance.

If you want a cruiser sack the virago it's shit and for £1k you will probably get one that's near fucked or a shitty old old one with the fake fuel tank. Double your money and look at XVS650 for a cheap cruiser.

[bikertomm]

ER5? GPZ500? GS500?

All mundane as fuark & cheap as chips.
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

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[Pie-Roe]

https://i.imgur.com/eSkgyts.jpg

GT all the way. Watch out for grinding the exhaust join out going round corners though.

You can get a decent nick one for about 700 with a top box.
They can have carb rubber issues, but I never experienced it with 3 of them. None of mine were at less than 70k miles.
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