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What will your "upgrade" bike be?

Fri, 07/25/2008 - 20:16 — WeaponZero

With a few exceptions, I'm sure all of us are planning on eventually trading in our beginner bikes we currently own on something bigger, better, faster. Our "dream bike" you could say. What is yours? Tell us what about it makes it so desireable to you =)

Mine is a current gen or previous gen Honda VFR800FI Interceptor. I've always liked the Idea of a bike that had the look and performance of a sportbike but is comfortable enough and practical enough and smooth enough for touring and commuting, plus V-Fours are the coolest engines on the planet.

When I do eventually buy an Interceptor, I hope for it to be the last bike I ever own, and if something were to happen to it, I'd replace it with another just like it.

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Fri, 07/25/2008 - 20:32 — ShannonG

I keep upgrading the one I have!

Fri, 07/25/2008 - 23:56 — megaspaz

Same dealio as shannon... I've just been "upgrading" my current bike. I mean really... how much more than 650cc/135mph top speed do I need? The only thing I might be planning in the future is to get another sv, sv650sf, and use that soley for track.

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If there's anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now...

--- AFM #998 If there's anything more important than my ego around, I want it caught and shot now...

Sat, 07/26/2008 - 01:43 — Matt

I was going to say "my next bike will have adventure aspirations, a Wee-Strom or a Versys type bike"... except, I prefer the seating style of my ZZR-250, and I've already learned it can do dirt and gravel roads... so yea... I have no upgrade plan. I'm simply enjoying what I have (I just wish they made Trail Wing tires for it!)

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The problem with the internet: Everyone gets the same font size.

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"The two seconds between 'Oh S**!' and the crash isn't a lot of practice time."

Sat, 07/26/2008 - 04:16 — CityHunter357

Maybe if I get better at this I'll upgrade to a slightly larger cruiser...900 - 1100 range maybe? I don't know... :(

--"You don't get to be old bein' no foo, see? Lotta young wise men that's deaaad as a motha!#@% ain't they?-- Richard Pryor as "Mudbone"

--"You don't get to be old bein' no foo, see? Lotta young wise men that's deaaad as a motha!#@% ain't they?-- Richard Pryor as "Mudbone"

Sat, 07/26/2008 - 04:30 — Amoryl

I've been wanting to upgrade to a Virago/Vstar 250 from my current bike which is a NilSport Zed :D

Sat, 07/26/2008 - 07:25 — WeaponZero

Well, my main reason for wanting to upgrade to a VFR is because i mainly want a sport touring bike, and an SV650 no matter how you mod it will never be a great sport tourer. Unfortunately there are no real sport touring oriented beginner bikes on the market. Sure, they can pull it off, but it'll never be able to do it like a bike that's purpose-built for it, no matter how you upgrade/mod it. I'm fairly certain there's a reason that only large displacement bikes are made into sport tourers.

Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:52 — Matt

Technically, they did make a 250cc sport tourer, the ZZR-250.

What is a "sport tourer"? A bike that can tour comfortably for a long distance and be sporty in the twisties.
Frankly, there are two types of sport-tourers, big touring bikes with big sport bike engines (Concours, FJR, F800ST) and then are smaller sport bikes that are last gen, and have their head angles slackened and a more padded seat added (ZZR-600, Katana, VFR, although it was last a race bike 15 years ago and has just kept being developed as a road oriented bike).

A motorcycle is a motorcycle. People ride up to Alaska on cruisers, gold wings, CBRs, R6s, Ninja 250s and DR200s. People have circumnavigated the world on old 350cc Enfields and Nortons.

What can a VFR do that an SV650 with a windscreen and luggage cannot do? Or a Ninja 650 with locking givi bags (which btw, really is all it takes to turn that bike into a sport touring ride, lots of people really like the 650R as a sport tourer).

Take pretty much any motorcycle, change the seat to an aftermarket, and maybe put bar risers on it, and then add luggage, and you have a bike capable of taking you across the country.

Heck, a guy just posted on Advrider about his multiple trips across the US on a stock 'busa, with his girl friend pillion the whole way!

The reason big bikes are used as sport touring bikes is simple: People want to load up everything they can, while still accelerating like the bike is unloaded and cruise smoothly well above the speed limit.

If you want one of the best sites dedicated to sport touring (and in fact, the people who designed the Sport Touring Advanced Rider's Training course) look at CanyonChasers.net - Read their trip reports, and look at the bikes that come with them on their trips. Yup, lots of proper sport tourers, but also full on sport bikes, old standards, everything but cruisers in their ranks ( http://www.canyonchasers.net/travel/2008/md08.php ).

Read the roadwarriors section of advrider, or the quest section of ninja250.org - every bike imaginable has gone on a long, fun and rewarding trip.

Thinking bikes have to fit into some nothing more than specific niche is glossy marketing.
Ride what you bring.

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The problem with the internet: Everyone gets the same font size.

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"The two seconds between 'Oh S**!' and the crash isn't a lot of practice time."

Sat, 07/26/2008 - 13:28 — Budd

I don't know how you upgrade from a 'busa. I thought my next bike would be a ninja 500 but I sat on the 650 after having been riding and it felt really comfortable.

"I am the best I am at what I do, and what I do ain't nice."-Wolverine

"I am the best there is at what I do, and what I do ain't nice."-Wolverine

Sat, 07/26/2008 - 15:44 — CBennett

If I can get a 500 Ninja,Vulcan,or GS 500( E or F) I probably will never upgrade..why would I need to? they will go the speed limit and give me decent MPG. Heck if I get a 250 Ninja,nighthawk,or Rebel and find it will do 65-70 MPH just fine im golden..thoes are the typical highway speeds everywhere I ride and they will get good MPG. So to be honest if I can get something that i find decent at 65-70 MPH(and more like 65 to be honest) and it gets good MPG Im good with that.

Sun, 07/27/2008 - 04:10 — Jim

Been eyeing a SV650 or a Ninja 650 in 2 or 3 years.

Tue, 07/29/2008 - 17:25 — mikestang89

Im going with either a v-star 650 custom or a boulevard s50. Man I love cruisers

Wed, 07/30/2008 - 03:52 — six-shooter

Thinking about either a Suzuki C50, M50, or the Vulcan 900 custom... of course my 7 year old son wants me to get a Goldwing trike. Lol, I'm not that old yet... no offense to any Goldwing owners out there ;)

Wed, 07/30/2008 - 04:20 — SuperMotoRider

Aprilia SVX 5.5

*drools*

Thu, 07/31/2008 - 20:17 — Anonymous

According to all the reviews (of people who've actually seen and ridden one), it's just about the perfect all-rounder.

Thu, 07/31/2008 - 22:45 — BoOZe P-ti Motard

ok... but there's not much diff bet the 600r and 650f except ur more 'at ease' on the latter and your passenger has more space for butts ;D of course, I-4 are not toys

BoOZe
Solomolo Rider ;D

BoOZe
Solomolo Rider ;D

Fri, 08/01/2008 - 22:02 — kirk

I just went from a Suzuki GS500F to A Honda CBR1000 RR. Love that thing. It was kind of hard riding at first. In a way it was like learing to ride all over again but I have the hang of it now. I'll post some pics later.

Tue, 08/05/2008 - 01:39 — Cole

I have a Suzuki GS500F right now, got it about 2 months ago and have put aroudn 2k miles on it. Already looking at my next bike: Suzuki GSXR750 soooo nice

from everything i've read/seen it's just about the perfect bike.

Tue, 08/05/2008 - 02:44 — Matt

If I was ever to get a high end sport bike, the GSXR750 would probably be it. Awesome mix of power handling etc... but man... where will you ever get open it up? That's my issue with them. At least you can wring your 500's neck every once in awhile on the street... can't do that with a bike that tops out at 165+ mph

Bikes like that lead to "track day" addictions - addictions which make heroine look like a social drink :P

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"The two seconds between 'Oh S**!' and the crash isn't a lot of practice time."

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"The two seconds between 'Oh S**!' and the crash isn't a lot of practice time."

Tue, 08/05/2008 - 02:50 — megaspaz

Dammit... i'm slowly falling into the temptation of track days too... but lucky for me there's time... all the novice classes are done for the year... :-D

---
If there's anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now...

--- AFM #998 If there's anything more important than my ego around, I want it caught and shot now...

Tue, 08/05/2008 - 09:06 — BoOZe P-ti Motard

you again? hey till you don't know the gs500 well (max stopping acceleration handling at high speeds and slow speeds n etc) sit back and learn...

BoOZe
Solomolo Rider ;D

BoOZe
Solomolo Rider ;D

Tue, 08/05/2008 - 09:09 — BoOZe P-ti Motard

if u dnt bliv anyone here, go for the gixxer and when the C-day will come, dont say we didnt warn you...

BoOZe
Solomolo Rider ;D

BoOZe
Solomolo Rider ;D

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 01:46 — WeaponZero

Reactivating this old thread to state how my plans have changed. Now that I have had some riding experience under my belt and tried different bikes, I've discovered the beauty that is SM-type bikes.

For those of you who don't know, Super Motard bikes are essentially on/off-road dual-purpose motorcycles that have had their wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension components with sportbike ones. And there is NO experience on 2 wheels quite like riding one. Even the little 250cc ones absolutely blow my SV650 away in pure giggle-factor.

My new dream bike is a KTM 690 SMC, but if I'm never able to afford one, I imagine I'll be quite happy on something along the lines of the new Yamaha WR250X...

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 13:40 — Matt

It is amazing how everything changes in a year...

"wow... i didn't really say all that above did i? famous last words... :-P" - QFT
Spaz (a few posts down) is dead on...
Hey Spaz, how many track days did you end up doing last year?

I'm really pleased to see WeaponZero talking about SMs. I haven't ridden one, but I want to. I'm avoiding them because I spend too much time on open roads and most SMs don't have the fuel range I want (no sense falling for a bike that would make doing what I love much harder). The KTM seems to be the only real choice for a SM that can go on long trips. Which, when I look back at Weapon's earlier posts makes me laugh, because an SM and a Sport Touring rig are pretty much polar opposites (big range, good comfy seat, vs no range and a 2x4 for a seat).

I have to roll my eyes at my own replies. I know what I meant, and I still stand behind it (you don't need a purpose built big power sport touring bike to enjoy long sporting trips), but I really sound overly down on the bigger engines. It sounds like I'm arguing against big bikes, when I'm actually trying to argue for doing it on whatever you've got.

But I have upgraded (and I think WeaponZero will appreciate this).
Yes, I have moved up from my 250 (power wasn't the big issue, vibes on long trips and leg room were the big factors - though I'm sure I'll enjoy the new found power).

I didn't move to an adventure bike as originally planned - It is a 2005 SV650 Naked.
It's been slightly hooliganised by the previous owner (Power Commander, Yosh pipe - man is that a rude sounding bike with a snap of the throttle). It now makes just shy of 80hp at the wheel - which is a real change from the roughly 30 I'm used to...
My plan is to give it a centre stand, touring seat, and saddlebags as time and money allow. And probably a few scrambler elements like a skid plate.

Hooligan Touring.

I think that should be the next big bike niche. Take a hooligan bike (SV650, Street Triple, 690SM, Duke, etc) and give it hard bags and a comfy seat. The sensible and practical totally irresponsible ride for the kid who wants to see the world and just won't grow up.

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"The two seconds between 'Oh S**!' and the crash isn't a lot of practice time."

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 16:34 — megaspaz

Did 1 trackday last november. Scheduled for 10 this year so far. There's a couple of more events I'd like to get to, but it depends on my schedule which I won't know until the time gets close. First trackday this season is feb 23 @infineon. \o/

--- AFM #998 If there's anything more important than my ego around, I want it caught and shot now...

Fri, 02/13/2009 - 21:35 — WeaponZero

Ive been completely infatuated with SMs ever since I took my day 2 of MSF on a little Yamaha TW200 dual sport. The way it handled and the way it felt was everything I envisioned motorcycling would be like back when I was a bench racer. I would gladly trade my SV650 for a DR400SM if I could, but right now it's not a possibility. Suffice it to say, the KTM has become my new dream bike, and I WILL own one someday.

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 02:13 — Loki

Honda Interceptor baby! VTEC!

Really hope i enjoy this bike. Its a tourer with super sporty look, laid back riding style, and got power.

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 02:57 — megaspaz

wow... i didn't really say all that above did i? famous last words... :-P

--- AFM #998 If there's anything more important than my ego around, I want it caught and shot now...

Fri, 02/13/2009 - 15:11 — WeaponZero

Thats right, Mr. Ducati repli-racer =P lol.

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 03:14 — Jon D.

Well, been riding for 20+ yrs now, had a bike as my sole mode of transport for 3 of those years. I guess as time goes by fit and feel are more important than cc's or looks. I actually was lookin' for a bike when I started searching again,not a cruiser or crotch rocket, just a bike. The Yamaha FZ6 suits my needs so I guess that is my current upgrade. I am 5'11' at 150lbs (36" inseam) so a little tall and light is perfect for me. Time marches on. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 03:56 — PhilUp

I have always liked naked, standard type bikes. I am thinking of maybe a naked sv650, honda hornet, or a fz6. Who knows? By the time I need to upgrade, I might go cruiser all the way!

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 04:17 — briderdt

My wife is into the whole cruiser thing. I have an SV650s. She thinks our "next bike" will be a Goldwing. I have NO desire to have one.

But I really think my next bike will be something like a Ninja 250, or a Hyosung 250 and make it into a rat bike. But I also like the set-up of the Aprillia Mana. Not so much the "semi-automatic transmission, but I like the "trunk" instead of a gas tank, and the actual gas tank under the seat.

I've also got some mods planned for my SV. Sport-touring wind screen to cut some turbulence, a disk-only muffler to replace the stock cannon, frame sliders (hardle a mod, but I think they're needed). And long term will be a new tank with more capacity. That'll have to be a one-off.

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 09:30 — smokeizfire

Vulcan 900

Shadow Aero

950

HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOYS WINS

Fri, 02/13/2009 - 03:45 — Munch

Hmmm other then the 2 into 1 pipes.... looks alot like a current Vulcan 900 custom.

****Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but, rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy Shit....What a ride!!!"****

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 19:56 — Clay Dowling

For the comfort factor. My daily commute is an hour. The new goldwings look nice, and I'd love to just take some time and ride around the country on a bike known for comfortable riding. Wouldn't mind trying out some of the BMW offerings either.

For something intended more for fun on the weekend than daily ride, an old, naked GL1000 Goldwing would be cool. I absolutely love the look of a naked Goldwing, and came close to buying a couple of them when they were available very cheaply last summer.

Thu, 02/12/2009 - 21:47 — chaiya

I'm hoping for a Ducati monster 696 sometime in my future... I know someone who might be looking to part ways with one... I just need to see if I can reach the ground on it with my little legs =)

Fri, 02/13/2009 - 15:52 — Sangria7

I cant decide whether to say with cruiser (V-Star 950) or go with a sporty like the Buell 12X Lightning.

Fri, 02/13/2009 - 17:08 — Matt

Those are two mighty different paths.

The nice thing is you already know what riding a cruiser feels like, and Buell offers demo rides :)

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"The two seconds between 'Oh S**!' and the crash isn't a lot of practice time."

Fri, 02/13/2009 - 22:55 — Sangria7

Yes two different paths....power or comfort LOL! I am leaning towards the Star 950 though.

Mon, 02/16/2009 - 04:56 — nau_lax21

Im planning on hanging on to my gs500f until i finish college (spring 2011, hopefully) after that. At least right now, I really like the Ducati 848 and see that as a possible upgrade in the future. well see in a few years tho

Mon, 02/16/2009 - 07:56 — megaspaz

The 848 is a much different seating position. That'll take some getting used to coming off the gs500. It's also a skinny frame. If you're around my height or smaller with around my inseam you'll have to work to grip the tank. You'll be raising your feet higher to get your knees to grip the tank, so change the rearsets to something with adjustable foot pegs. Most likely, if you don't want to change how your foot rests on the foot peg, your knees will be gripping the frame instead of the tank. The 848 has a lot of kick and pull so be prepared to do a lot more clutch modulation for speed control in first gear. It's got good pull though in the friction zone. On certain elevated hills being stopped, I can just use the friction zone to get going as opposed to holding the rear brake to keep from rolling back on my sv. The 848 is a tight cornering machine. Took some time getting used how much tighter the 848 can turn opposed to the sv. In the beginning, turning the 848 like I would on the sv had me running inside quicker. A really great bike that you won't even come close to using its full potential on the public roads. While road legal, it's pretty much a bike you take to the track. Still a hoot to ride on either the public roads or track though.

--- AFM #998 If there's anything more important than my ego around, I want it caught and shot now...

Mon, 02/16/2009 - 05:04 — Munch

TBH I think I have my near final bike with the 900. Will see how it goes in 8 more years after the least kid is on her own.

****Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but, rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy Shit....What a ride!!!"****

Mon, 02/16/2009 - 21:45 — Elwood1960

I have to be honest, I am with you. Unless I hit the lottery, or otherwise find some serious money so I can retire and tour the country . . not sure I see a need for any more bike than I already have. I might do the 1200 kit down the line . .but that's kind of cheap as compared to buying a new machine. Pretty happy where I sit.

However, like pretty girls .. I do plan to widow shop and dream some. (-:

2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store

Tue, 02/17/2009 - 12:19 — smokeizfire

V-Rod anyone???? Lol

HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOYS WINS

Tue, 02/17/2009 - 15:55 — Sangria7

VROD = Nice bike with nice expensive sticker price. Also maintenance costs for the bike is a pita according to someone that I know that owns one.

Tue, 02/17/2009 - 16:18 — Elwood1960

I like the V Rod . . it would be a good "additional" bike if I had a lot of discretionary money. It is "pretty". (-:

But . . . with a 1200 upgrade, the Sporty is nearly as fast from zero to 80, 2nd fasted in the HD line up under 80 . . and I have no desire to go 140. Never a time for that on the street on a motorcycle to me. I get better millage, can customize and personalize the Sporty more, she is more agile around town as a commuter . . . she cost half as much . .

Sooo . . . . where is the value of the added 8 or 10 grand? (-: I work for a living . .so when the rubber meets the road, value matters too. Just like I would like a big touring bike . .but, for one or two truly long rideing opportunities a year . .I'll suffer the short comings of the Sportys 5 speed. She has no problem doing 90 all day long, she is just a little more buzzy than the BT's are. Again . . 10 grand or more in additional cost for what amounts to a small percentage of my riding.

As an all around, around town commuter that is not only practical, but that I LIKE and enjoy . the Sporty really is one of my favorite bikes. (-: She hits my needs and my desires . .pretty happy with her.

I have to tell ya . .that 900 Munch has is a NICE bike too . . and his will be smoother on the slab than mine by far. I was down to 3 bikes, and that Vulcan was one of them.

2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store

Tue, 02/17/2009 - 22:01 — Munch

Yea I am really happy with the 900. As Elwood says about his sporty she will 90 all day long and then some if I ever need her to. I got a wild hair the other day after her break in period and decided to push it a touch... in a lil over 1/4 mile with my limited quick shift and intestinal fortitude I easily got her to the 3+digit mark, she had more left in her but my turn was coming up and my "courage" ie: maturity kicked in and backed off. V-rod? Nah... thats good for bar hopping and race tracks. My speed days are for the most part way behind me. Took the 900 in for service today and looked at the meanie. Honestly...anything over 900cc's is more for the midlife crisis group that needs a pick me up.
Me an Elwood are on same thinking... Value and use are huge deciders in the bike decisions.

****Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but, rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy Shit....What a ride!!!"****