They had a Hyosung booth at the bike show I went to on the weekend, and I found them a little tighter riding position than the SV650S which I find too tight already…I saw a comparison between the new GT650 vs Gladius vs ER6-n…the reviewer prefered the Hyosung for a fun toy since it felt more “raw” and sporty, but over all picked the Gladius because he found it more user friendly and comfortable, just barely edging out the ER6-n…
I’m actually leaning back toward the Bandit line of bikes…comfort and touring ability…just have to decide if a more than adequate 600S will come to my house or the “now that’s a blast” 1200S will come to me…I’m thinking the 600 (or newer 650) would be fine, it should be plenty fast considering what my point of reference is…GS500…45Hp, 25Ft/Lbs torque…to 70ish Hp, and 40ish TQ…more than 50% increase on both…
I’m thinking that the 600 will keep me happy for atleast a couple of seasons, since I was considering keeping the GS for another year while I decide…but the last ride I took reminded me of why I’m ready for the next step up…passing at hiway speeds needs to be planned, there is no twist and go left after 110kph (70mph)…wind and hills also will slow you to this speed unless you shift down to fourth to accellerate and fifth will hold the speed, but you are turning around 7500-8000rpm doing it…instead of 5500rpm in sixth…where the 1200S would keep me happy for a few years…100Hp and 70 TQ…there would be no problem with that bike…other than I might scare myself a couple of times getting used to it…it’s quite a big step up from where I am…
The other option that I am considering is the Katana 750…a little less leg room than the Bandit, but more than my bike has…and the power is between the two Bandits, plus a full faring to keep the wind/weather off…I just don’t know if I want to be leaned that far forward (although it is more upright than a VFR and lots of guys tour on them)…yes I know…I seem to be stuck on Suzuki, but I just find them more comfortable than the others…??
Decisions, decisions…
Later.