Best of budget bikes.

king kong · Nearly there... Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Karma :

Remember me...No, never mind. Anyway, I really fancy buying a new bike to replace my Teapot. If some of you may have read my account of my France trip, whereby I suffered bad neck crush which ruined the a brilliant trip. Even now after about an hours ride it kicks in again,a nd my legs start to ache, from being tucked under.

I too old for sports touring style bikes. FACT.

Coupled with a bit of new bike cudos and a very limited budget I would like a new 650 sized bike, mainly to keep insurance and to fuel consumption down. I commute every day, go on the accassional Sunday blatt and would do an annual big camping trip.

I live by the coast, so salty air is an issue and I would have to leave my bike kept outside (I have no garage)

I have narrowed my search down to a choice of 3

A Suzuki V-Strom DL-650 (Would love a Grand Tourer) but just out my budget.

B Kawasaki Versys - Read rave reviews and I like the upright riding position.

C Suzuki GSX650F - Also rave reviews but built ona budget, but weary of the the sea environment.

I have test ridden alll these and like them equally the same, if I could choose at this moment in time, the Versys would be my current choice. And please don't say buy a decent higher spec second hand bike, I would like the manufacturers warranty and peace of mind.

Harold_Shand · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Karma :

Buy a decent second hand bike Thumbs Up

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bazza · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Karma :

Funnily enough, I've been test riding too. Option C for me, the Versys is just a tad too tall but I can flatfoot the GSXF.

I have almost the same usage pattern, and I could do with something more upright without the feet forward cruiser thing.

The narrow bars seem weird though...
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wristjob · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Sep 2005 Karma :

what is neck crush?
how old are you?
have you tried a different helmet?
on the bandit i had a cheapo lid and it was crap,i used to get neck cramps.i then got a cabbage justismo(sp)and it was fine.
same lid on the r1 useless,lots of noise and buffeting.
got a shoei xr1000 that works for me at the moment.
but it might be crap if i get a different bike.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

mark83 · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Karma :

If you're too old for something sporty and you want piece of mind, get a bus pass.

Razz

Only joking mate.

The only sensible bike for you is a ZX10R. Take one for a test drive.
V. relaxed tourer.
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SpicyBlimp · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Karma :

Option C, not that I am biased Wink

The narrow bars don't really serve a purpose, they could be useful during filtering, but the exhaust adds 3 foot to the right of the bike anyway Laughing

Great for commuting, fairly decent weather protection too, quite heavy handling when caught behind sunday drivers on your favourite roads though

As posted above though, the BMW does everything you asked for and can be had with decent discounts from list price

Also as a reference I got my GSX650F for £4600 with datatool S4 fitted Thumbs Up

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

I got my TDM 900 for 2.5k second hand, 20k miles it's an 02 bike. I was looking at DL1000's at the same time, I'm so glad I didn't get one I saw a bloke on one the other day it had 10k miles less on it(mine has 25k now) and looked far worse. Maybe his hadn't been taken care of maybe mine had but mine has next to no corrosion on it his had a fair bit. If I clean it up it looks mint, being a commuting tool it doesn't get cleaned often.

I would recomend it to anyone it's a great bike with excellent handling you have to be fairly tall though.
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SoulRider · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Nov 2005 Karma :

If you don't want corrosion i would advise staying away from Suzuki unless you have the time go go over it every couple of weeks with acf 50 etc
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Kal · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Karma :

Honda Transalp - Or too far out of budget?

From the Italians we have the Aprilia 650 Pegaso Endro and the SL750 Shiver. Running zero percent APR at the moment.
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bazza · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Karma :

Sorted. Pick up the GSX650F on Sat. In black. Thumbs Up

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sagalout · Nearly there... Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Karma :

I'd say the Versys over the wee strom. I was very impressed when I took one for a test ride - juts a fun bike to ride.

Havent tried the GSX650.

Would also recommend looking at the (800cc) BMW 650GS
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