[wbsprudels]

I’ve got a Suzuki Bandit (600) that fits what it sounds like you are looking for. It has fairing, upright riding position, and a large enough tank to get at least 200 miles between fill-ups. I have put nearly 7,000 miles on her this season. She is fun on the twisty’s and I am just learning to appreciate her on longer trips. I took her on a 500 mile trip over Labor Day. Mine is a 2000. Today’s version is the GSX650F. That may be my next bike–I may need the fuel injection for cold starts in Indy this winter.

Always fun to dream of future rides!

[wbsprudels]

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!

[wbsprudels]

My experience was similar to SantaCruzRider. I bought my bike from a dealership 45 minutes away on a 4-lane highway. I was so nervous about riding it home that I actually had dreams about it prior to buying the bike.

Everything worked out fine, but I would not recommend it if one has a choice. It was very stressful.

[wbsprudels]

Thanks, I was looking for a Bandit forum, but not finding one.

[wbsprudels]

Thanks, owlie. It keeps me smiling.

[wbsprudels]

I do see what you mean about wanting more lower end torque with the 600. It seems that I start slowly from stops at lights. Thanks for posting your pics; those bikes look great.

[wbsprudels]

Thanks, eon. No longer own the Blast, but I do have two rides now. Plan to spend this summer trying to decide which to keep.

[wbsprudels]

Sorry to hear of your accident but happy you are healing up. Thanks for sharing-hopefully it helps us all be more vigilant.

[wbsprudels]

Thanks for everyone’s advice on this. I rode a 2004 SV650s last night and was very uncomfortable. I felt like I was concentrating too much on operating the bike rather than on the road. That is as unsafe as I have ever felt on a bike. It was a beautiful bike, but it’s just not for me.

If I pursue an SV650, it will need to be the naked version.

[wbsprudels]

The Riders Edge course tests you at its completion so there is no need to go to licensing branch to be tested (at least in Indiana). Still need to go to the branch to get your endorsement on your driver’s license, though.

[wbsprudels]

My current ride is the C50 and one of the first differences I noticed to the Buell Blast was feeling the bumps in the road. I found that if you pull your chest forward and sit straighter, then you don’t feel the jolts of the bumps in your back. Works for me, anyway.

[wbsprudels]

I got my first ride in over a week this morning. It was 28 but the roads were pretty dry despite the overnight snow dusting. We’re supposed to get 2-4 inches today so I wanted to get a ride in before that hit. I was riding in a light snow that was not sticking to the roads or my helmet.

I bought a pair of Gerbing G3 heated gloves that are awesome. I have ridden as cold as 14 degrees to work in the morning–hands feel great! I highly recommend them.

[wbsprudels]

I have bought basketball shoes, running shoes and roller blades from Zappos. Their customer service and free overnight shipping is amazing. They also are the one place I consistently find And1 basketball shoes. I love Zappos!

[wbsprudels]

Actually, the Suzuki M50/C50/S50 replaced the Volusia back in 2005; the S40 replaced the Intruder. Owlie is the person to ask.

[wbsprudels]

My feelings today upon hearing this news are of loss. I took the Riders Edge course back in September of 2008 and earning my endorsement on a Buell Blast. I then proceeded to buy a Buell Blast to continue my motorcycling education. Though I no longer own a Buell, the Buell Blast was “the girl that brought me to the dance.” Just the other day I was daydreaming of owning a touring XB12XT.

A sad day, indeed.

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