Thinking of my next bike...
I have been riding my GS500 for a couple of months now, and I love riding.
I don't like the sore knees that I get after about 90 mins riding. If I wiggle my butt back and just hook my heels on the pegs, the pain fades but I am thinking of my bike for next year...I like the performance level of the GS, maybe a little more grunt but not too much.
I have been drooling over the Suzuki Bandit GSX1250S,
but I don't know if that will fix my knee problem. Two years ago I really liked the Suzuki M50 Special Edition
and I still do, but the performance of that bike is nearly identical to the GS...last year they came out with a new design with a different head light...I hated it.....but now it is growing on me to the point that I actually prefer the new look, and this year they came out with an M90.
Better performance and still decent fuel consumption. I sat on the bike yesterday and wow...comfortable...I think I will take one for a test ride to see if I could get used to the feet forward position.
I mentioned to the "Boss" and that I was glad we bought the GS when we did, as the season is in full swing and the prices are reflecting the demand. Then I told her about my plan to look into a cruiser (which she prefers) and she said "we should just buy the cruiser in the early spring and worry about selling the GS in June"...I am having a great year!! I just hope I get a really good bonus next year...lol
Later.
Next bike
I haven't stopped thinking about the next bike for a moment over the last 17 months that I've been riding.
A big guy like you looks good on a heavy cruiser. I'm not a cruiser person, but I like the looks of the Harley Nightsters a lot - trim and understated.
The knee pain - I get that after a couple hours of riding, to the point of not being able to straight my leg for a few seconds. Only my right knee's like this; my left knee is totally pain free through out a typical weekend ride lasting 4-8 hours. This happens even when riding the DRZ, which has a bolt upright position, and plenty of leg room. The only way to deal with it is to straighten my right leg periodically while riding. I suppose a foot-forward riding position would not give me knee problem, but I've heard some people say the cruiser riding position is hard on the back. Not being able to weigh the foot pegs means you can't dance with the bike for high performance cornering.
so a "little more grunt but
so a "little more grunt but not too much" means to you going to a 1500cc m90??!:!:! wow. that does 82horses, the bandit does 104.. The GS500F does 47... I'd say the bandit and M90 exceed your "not too much". The M50 has 56... but you know your capability best.. and the bandit is sure sexy looking :)
--/\-[ Stu ]-/\--
Your probably right...
I am actually going to test ride the M50 SE...horse power is about the same, but with more torque. I really don't need to have that much more Hp...but it isn't much more money...lol
The M50 only weights 25% more than the GS500 and has 50% more torque, so it should be a little faster...I'm really more concerned about the comfort (read my knees). Speed has never been a big thing for me, I crave accelleration...I really like the look of all three of those bikes...atleast I didn't say I was concidering a B-King as a second bike, which is rated at 170Hp ish...I'm just not ready for that kind of kick...
I still really enjoy riding the GS, so I may decide to keep it longer. Who knows...the only real downfall with the GS is the physical size and the suspension doesn't like my weight (275lbs), I just feel too big for it...like a bear on a bicycle...
** If you're not having fun, you're doing it WRONG...**
Riding since May 2010...
Be sure to check insurance before you buy...
I was "looking" to replace my SV650s a few months ago (actually, my girlfriend wanted my bike, so I'd be shopping for another bike for me). My short list started out as the Honda RC51 or the VFR800. I called my insurance company (Safeco) to get quotes... The Viffer was about 50% more than my SV, and the RC was just over twice what I'm paying now.
Then I saw a pristine Triumph Daytona 675... I'd been told by the insurance company that the premiums are based on engine displacement, so I figured the Daytona would be pretty close to the SV (675cc vs. 650), and was JUST about to call the seller. I called the insurance company first, just to be sure... That Daytona was over FOUR TIMES what I'm paying for my SV, for the same coverage.
So I still have my SV...
And now you know why I don't insure my GSX-R
Damn supersports cost an arm and a leg to insure. Then again, no insurance means I can only ride on the track...which is ok :D
If track racing is anything
If track racing is anything like my competitions you still pay big bucks for insurance, they just call it entry fee's :(
if you like the Daytona, look
if you like the Daytona, look at the Street Triple R. Same engine re-tuned for a lower end torque and more consistent power band. The riding position is more upright - which I prefer, and the insurance is less than a Daytona. It has been a blast to ride.
Nice
I think those are all nice looking bikes. I'd listen to the "Boss", she seems to have it all figured out. Remember, not all cruisers are bad in the corners.
A note on insurance: For me, through Progressive the GS500 was less than the Ninja 250, the SV was a little more than either, but still not bad. Even the Monster wasn't ridiculous.
____________________
Nate
2007 SV650
It's not about getting somewhere, it's about going somewhere.
Interesting thoughts about
Interesting thoughts about those bikes. I had similar impulses. After nearly 4000 miles, I went from my Buell Blast to a C50. I rode my Boulevard for about 13,000 miles and bought a Bandit 600. I have had tons of fun on both. Not sure what is next, but I rented a HD Road King while on vacation this week. I am now thinking again about a cruiser.
Best of luck with your decision, and enjoy the process!
just a thought Madjak
If you appreciate quality, performance and you're looking for a more comfortable ride, you should check out BMW
I like the BMW bikes...
With their "unique" head light treatments and their styling in general. A buddy of mine at work has a BMW and says it is worth the extra to get the quality...but I really don't know if it has that much quality over the Japanese bikes. The other downside, I would have to drive 1.5 hrs to get to a dealer...that would kinda suck...all the Japanese dealers are within 20mins of my house...
The F800R model is nice though...
** If you're not having fun, you're doing it WRONG...**
Riding since May 2010...
What about a GSX650F
You might consider a Suzuki GSX650F instead of the Bandit GSX1250F.
It's essentially the same bike but with a 650 c.c. FI engine instead of the 1250.
I've had one for almost 2 years now (~25,000 miles on it) and for street riding, unless you're very heavy, it's almost certainly as much as you'll need in terms of power and speed (I weigh ~200 lbs). It's also just fine for the week-end two-up ride with my (slimmer than me) Wife.
Looks like a sport bike but has a more upright riding position, goes 130+ mph and is very smooth and comfortable at any speed I've taken it to (including over the ton). Very sure-footed too.
You'll get better fuel mileage (~50 mpg freeway), lower insurance, less heat and less weight.
Extracts from reviews below:
"It’s aimed at novice riders looking for their first sports bike and older riders after something less frantic and ergonomically challenging than a GSX-R600; it deals with both tasks supremely well. The riding position leans you forward slightly without imposing too much weight on the wrists, while the seat is a reasonable height and comfortable too." – telegraph
"The new motor is the same 656cc, water-cooled inline four that powers the Bandit. It’s a strong, solid motor that made a notable difference to the Bandit, and it works here, too. To quote Al, from his launch report, it’s “reasonably spunky”, and a vast improvement over the air-cooled unit it replaces. The power delivery is fairly linear, with plenty of low- and midrange, albeit lacking sparkle at the top-end." – superbike
"For really defiant overtakes and a more focused feel, you can stir the silky smooth six-speed box and keep the revs between 6,000 and 8,000rpm, only licking the 12,500rpm red line if the buzz of the ride takes over. During the launch in France, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the bike adapted to my various demands." – cars
"The Suzuki GSX650F’s chassis is, for the most part, Bandit 650, too, being centred around the same, no frills, cost-conscious steel tube cradle and conventional forks. Yet in GSX-F guise it gets a more sophisticated shock for added sporting ability and subtly adjusted poise thanks to the fairing, new one-piece, rubber-mounted..." – MCN
"Overall handling on the Suzuki was quite balanced and agile. It turns in well, sticks to a line, and can be gassed hard out of a turn. While not being the most sophisticated chassis, the GSX650F isn’t going to do anything to get you in trouble. That is, of course, if you don’t push it far beyond its limits." – motorcycle
"The Suzuki GSX650F, in my opinion, felt like the perfect motorcycle for somebody who wants a mean-looking bike that’s not a mean ride. Think of it as a kindred spirit to the ever-popular Kawasaki Ninja 250R, only heavier and more powerful." – motorcycles.about
I do really like the GSX650F...
But it has the same riding position as my GS500, which in itself isn't a bad thing...but my knees take a beating after more than an hour on the bike. The one thing the Bandit has is a higher seat, so my bend of the knee is less...I have decided (the Boss told me) that I will wait until next year before buying my next bike. It is a good idea, and I may just get used to the riding position...especially if I lose some weight (which is another issue with the GS), I might become more flexible...and the 650 would be a nice bike to step up to. I am planning on doing some longer rides this summer, if the weather ever cooperates...
But right now I am leaning towards the cruisers...I just have to go on a few rides to see if my butt will get sore riding more on my tailbone...I am also finding that I am being more aggressive on the "sporty" position, which is another reason to concider the cruiser. I have lowered my taste a little and am leaning toward the M50, instead of the M90...but if I wait until next year...who knows where I will end up.
The one thing I do like about the GSXF bikes is the full faring...I like the idea of the wind protection, not that you can't get windshields for cruisers...they just look more natural on the sporty bikes...
** If you're not having fun, you're doing it WRONG...**
Riding since May 2010...
Might just be me but if your
Might just be me but if your riding on your tailbone on a cruiser. Your posture needs a bit more work. I know I have read this over and over and especially on this forum so I paid attention to it the past week or so. Not once does my tail bone come into play to have any pressure on it. Now I am sure if I am trying to look all OCC on it and have my legs stretched straight in front of me and my arm so far out that I look like a cartoon that just slammed into a fence I could see where the tail bone comes in with the style of seats most cruisers have. Because at that point your using the rise in the rear of the seat to keep your butt in place.
Riding a cruiser is no different to me then say sitting in an office chair. Its even better if you find one that offers floor boards. Like with my V900, and you can even add a back rest for the driver (odd calling it a driver....anywho) to make it that much more comfortable. The floor boards will offer you a range of positions for your legs and feet. On mine I can stretch them out to where my heels are resting at the furthest forward part to get that pain in the back OCC look...or ...if I am feeling a bit squidish I can pull them under me to more of a standard position....... or for the first weeks of spring do it to get under my fairing during June Bug season.
****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!!!"****
cruisers
I have rode a cruiser for 8 years, and before that a standard for 6 years. The main problems with cruisers are:
1.your butt gets sore- buy a Mustang brand seat, or add a gel or air cushion seat pad. I have a Travelcade gel pad with a gardener's foam knee pad under it.
2. you have to use your arms to lift up off the seat for bigger bumps, which somewhat compromises your handling while you are holding up most of your weight with the handlebars.
3. the footpegs scrape very early, but this is good for making you do corners at a saner speed on the street. They would make terrible track day bikes. The upright seating position is good for seeing further on public roads, because your head is higher.
#2....... ummm..... never
#1 Interesting with the knee pad thing... Though I am haven't found too much issues with a sore rear after riding I will have to keep that in mind when it happens.
#2....... ummm..... never have I or would I try that.
#3 Accurate.....very.... Cruisers were made to do what their name states. Though just because you hear a scrape... don't panic most if not all manufacturers have the pegs/floor boards on a hinge to give you a little more if you should need it. Its when you scrape the hard parts is when you have your oh shit moment.
****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!!!"****
I was hoping more cruiser riders would chime in on this one...
I have been checking on the cruiser chat sites, and none of them seem to mention the - sore butt syndrome - but on the magazine sites they do. I am wondering if the magazines that are probably more used to the standard or sporty position are complaining because they just are not used to the position...I was hoping that it was more like sitting at my computer in a chair (like Munch mentioned) than the "sporties" complaining about their butt after 20 mins...
I am hoping that my knees stop hurting after a while and I get used to the riding position of my GS500...I really do like my bike, but my knees...I am kinda dreading some of the longer rides that I am planning this summer...I guess I had better work on my flexibility and maybe exercise more...it will only help with the power and handling anyway...lol
On the cruisers, do you not try to lift your butt when going over bumps (like train track crossings)?
I really like the Custom cruiser look of the Suzuki M50, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom and the V-Star 950...but I don't want to change bikes if I won't be able to walk after a "few" hours in the saddle...I also like the sport touring bikes...Concours, FJR, Bandit (the Euros are nice too, but the price jumps and the dealers are only in the major centers...)
Thanks.
** If you're not having fun, you're doing it WRONG...**
Riding since May 2010...
For me and everywhere I ride
For me and everywhere I ride in ....no .... you won't need to lift your butt off the saddle. I would contend that if you get caught in a situation where you think you would need to your not looking far enough ahead to avoid or following too closely to avoid. Train tracks are a non issue. Most cruisers are designed for a more comfort standpoint. Meaning the rear suspension is adjustable for varying weights and ride feel. Also tire pressure adjustments can be made to help further the adjustments.
As far as your knees go I would Highly recommend a bike with floor boards because as I said earlier ...it allows you to move your legs and feet in different positions. Thus alleviating the pressure on your knees. Pegs tend to leave you in a stagnant position and though you can rotate your legs from one side to the other redistributing pressure.... it won't resolve the issue for long.
The seat thing is a personal preferrence and I suspect a body type thing to. If you have a bad case of the "Goneass" then yea your putting a lot of pressure down in a solid area.... if you got more .... padding to spread... the better off you may be. I am 5' 10' at 180 lbs not exactly solid but don't have far to go to push that category. I have no issues with my seat and it is the stock seat. Sit on them ...like it was your first bike and see whats comfortable.
****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!!!"****
I'm 6'2" and ride a Ninja
I'm 6'2" and ride a Ninja 250R so I know what you mean about a tight knee bend.
When I first starting riding this spring my knees would start aching after 10 or 15 min. By an hour I could barely stand.
However I have put 2000 mile on the bike in the last few months and I've noticed that my knees don't have nearly the discomfort any more. Especially if I stop and get off the bike once or twice and hour. That makes a good excuse to stop and take some pictures occasionally.
Now I still wouldn't want to ride 500 hundred miles a day on my current bike. With another inch or 2 or opening I could do it easily.
Craig
Well, I went in and had a test ride today...
I took out the Boulevard M50 and the Bandit 1250S...
Both nice bikes...the M50 made me feel pretty cool, and I liked the sound of the bike better than the Bandit. The torque and Hp of the M50 were a little better than my GS500, but not a big difference. The Bandit on the other hand...holy crap!!! Yup, not ready for that...piles of fun, and a goofy grin plastered on my face. But I could see the power getting me into trouble...maybe for a third bike...
I think my knees are getting used to the bend, because the longer rides aren't causing as much discomfort as they were just a couple of weeks ago. I am going to be keeping the GS500 atleast until next season...then I don't know what I will do...I was looking at some Katana 750 bikes on the net, but I would prefer fuel injection...GSX650F, as Rab suggested, but it is a smaller bike similar in size to my GS...and if I am going to "upgrade", I would like to have a little more leg room.
Aaah...I have a year to decide, and Demo Days are in the spring...maybe I'll just keep the GS...??!!
Later.
** If you're not having fun, you're doing it WRONG...**
Riding since May 2010...
