Standard/Naked Shoot Off

[CurveSurfer]

New? Used?

If I was buying new I'd look at the FZ-07 and FZ-09 in the budget category, they seem to punch way above their weight with regard to "fun." This generation's SV650.

Big KTM twins are my favorite street motors, and the carb'd 950SM was the most fun bike I ever owned. Long travel suspension is awesome on back roads. But folks have had mixed reliability experience, and the FI versions have had annoying fueling issues.

I'd choose a Hypermotard over a Monster for the long-travel suspension. I like the older air cooled motors too, but range can be a problem (can be solved with aftermarket tank).

I have an older Brutale and really like it (gorgeous and makes an ungodly howl), but it couldn't be my only bike. It's tiny and MVs are hard-edged bikes dialed in for the track.

I've seen a few of your threads, and the FZ-07 seems like a good starting point. Cheap, reliable, low maintenance, fun!

 

[Smilygo]

Mine doesn't. 1st and 2nd gen FZ1s are much different bikes. Which one was yours?

You can take off on mine with clutch and no throttle if you like.

The one I test-drove was 2006, the 1st version of Gen 2. Everything was original on the bike and it looked really beautiful. It was pity that the bike wasn't smooth in the low rev range.

Suzuki Bandit 1200 was a good alternate but heavier than SV1000.

 

[corndog67]

What about those big adventure bikes? I know they want some image of them being dirt bikes, or close to one, but they're not. But what they are, are big, soft, cushy street bikes. Whether 1190 KTM, 1200 Yamaha Super Tenere, Triumph 1200 Explorer, the BMW G/Ss, if you want a big, understressed, comfortable bike, they are all good. I just wouldn't want to throw one down on some gravel road trying to be Jay Springsteen, and watching the value of it drop with every spark you see coming off the guards as it slides or cart wheels away from you.

 

[Allroads]

Triumph Tiger 800. I see it as a street bike with longer suspension and a longer wheelbase. Very upright. Good on the freeway and crap roads. $.02. Not as nimble as the Streetie, of course. More stable and forgiving.

 

[Blankpage]

There is only one that matters, Suzuki B-King

That bike looks like a cartoon, hard to take it serious. Would really like to take one for a spin though.

 

[bpw]

Any of the multi-cylinder ADV type bikes would do quite well in this role. Being upright and high enough to see over traffic is really nice. My Multistrada is a way better bay area bike than the Triumph Sprint it replaced. Long travel suspension makes crappy roads fun.

I have been though about 15 bikes now, and I keep coming back to ADV/dual-sport types for daily riding around the bay area.

 

[Daviderandolph]

New? Used?

If I was buying new I'd look at the FZ-07 and FZ-09 in the budget category, they seem to punch way above their weight with regard to "fun." This generation's SV650.

Big KTM twins are my favorite street motors, and the carb'd 950SM was the most fun bike I ever owned. Long travel suspension is awesome on back roads. But folks have had mixed reliability experience, and the FI versions have had annoying fueling issues.

I'd choose a Hypermotard over a Monster for the long-travel suspension. I like the older air cooled motors too, but range can be a problem (can be solved with aftermarket tank).

I have an older Brutale and really like it (gorgeous and makes an ungodly howl), but it couldn't be my only bike. It's tiny and MVs are hard-edged bikes dialed in for the track.

I've seen a few of your threads, and the FZ-07 seems like a good starting point. Cheap, reliable, low maintenance, fun!

I'm glad you had a look at my other posts (few, but they've all helped me). Between the fz7 and fz9 I am partial to the 9. I'm not a fan of parallel twins, (my experience being kawasaki's 07 ninja 650) and I adore triples. I like how the third cylinder smooths out every cycle at low revs. The twin would lug unpleasantly where my xsTriple would purr.

But a new bike is not on the table. My budget is $4500, and I've found that there is still a lot that can be had for that price! I am enjoying the exotic suggestions this thread has generated even though they are out of reach

Something that is at home on the highway and also at home in the twisties pretty general, but that's why I'm asking for opinions and experience. I could always rush out to get the beloved, tried and true SV650 but I like the less common option, which ever that may be. Hypermotard options have peaked my interest! But some of the best don't strike me as highwayable. Small tanks, or simply not meant to cruise at that speed. Duel-sports are also a consideration but I don't find myself gravitating towards them just yet.

I'm glad to hear contrasting opinions on the FZ low rev performance. I've found that when I'm not pushing a bike I like to cruse at the lowest revs the engine is happy. I'll pay close attention to which generation I look into.

The street triple is a great choice I think, but I haven't seen the right one come up yet. The -+ 1000cc bikes are also on the table, but they do tend to be heavier which is slightly less appealing.

Alas, could it be so, an Fz09 would be the one. An SV650 or even 1000 probably should be my ideal choice but I am stubbornly avoiding them to find something different (for no good reason). I'll probably cave in and get one and love it like I know I would

But for now, $4500 is my mark and anything fantastic to ride and loveable to live with is my goal (that's not an sv650....) [albeit my criteria and price describe exactly the sv650...] {and I know I would love one} ((but that's not the point))

I'm not looking to narrow down the list just yet but instead widen it! I want to know what's out there! And so far you lot have thrown some delightful surprises in the mix :thumbup

 

[bpw]

$4300 is what I spent on my multistrada including tax and registration.

Not saying its a practical, low budget commuter, but if you are interested in something a bit exotic they might be worth checking out. Decent hard luggage, comfy at 75 mph, 180 mile range, very nimble in the city and a blast on a tight bumpy back roads. The stock suspension is quite good so no need to upgrade and the chassis is wonderfully confidence inspiring.

Otherwise the various Triumphs are pretty sweet, if you are looking for cheap the early 2000's Triumph are pretty undervalued I think. Its possible to get a lot of nice bike for $2000-2500. Not quite as light an awesome as the new ones, but good solid bike.

 

[RightCoastBias]

I don't think you'll ever find a working street triple for $4,500. If you're interested in a triple for your range, look at Speed Triple 955. They have some issues, but they're well known and easily sorted. Folks who've owned the 955 have sung it's praises quite loudly, though most concede the 1050 motor is better. Alas, that's out of your price range as well.

 

[Daviderandolph]

What would you guys say for a SV650 against an SV1000? Is there much difference in weight? suspension? or are they essentially the same besides displacement...

 

[RightCoastBias]

sv650 is far more nimble and has a much larger knowledge base for upgrading, as far as I've seen.

There's a good reason they've attained cult status. But that doesn't mean it's the bike for you.

 

[navy8ret]

Talk to a bunch of SV riders and see what they have to say http://www.svrider.com/forum/
Its a very easy to ride moto and capable all rounder course that's just my opinion :teeth

 

[Killin_ix]

maybe these will help


youtu.be/nTNCI7hFBaY

youtu.be/4BieJAiXSNY

 

[edzx6]

The new Hypermotard 821 is a lot of fun if you don't mind spending the amount for 2 Japanese standards

 

[bcj]

The SV650 naked bike is the cockroach that will never die out of the list above.

I'm still pleased with the k3 I picked up 6 years ago as a second bike.
Was out photo tagging with it this morning.
Theme for October is cemeteries 8)



The price is right, and I like the L-twin torque over a wide band.
edit: Went back and re-read the OP.
The SV does the goat trail thing very nicely. I've had it up into dirt forest service roads with no issues.
It can idle along weaving between potholes and cobbles very easily and has enough torque low down if you need it to pop up over something.
It's comfortable enough to ride all day doing the circumnavigation thing too.
Got the t-shirt. (did have the saddle carved though, because I could)

edit2: !! 50 miles to the gallon !!
or the NV700 for 70 I guess.

I'm liking the look of the new (unavailable) Ducati Scrambler, but it would involve Duc pricing and mechanicals. Metal gas tank hopefully.

 

[CurveSurfer]

I wouldn't dismiss parallel twins based on one experience. I used to dislike 'em but lots of new bikes use this configuration and with clever timing or exhausts they can be very satisfying.

Anyway, at $4500 I'd be looking at:

650 twins: Versys, V-Strom or SV (naked)
FZ6 or FZ1
Funky choices: Multistrada 620, Aprilia Shiver 750, Buell Ulysses 1200

 

[crazyirv]

Kawasaki z750s. Mine has 38,000 miles and runs great. Great commuter, w/fairing. Pretty light, much easier to flick aroung than my old z1000. 100HP at the rear wheel. Bought it for $3500 w/8,000 miles. Rare (only sold here for 2 years) but there's 3 on Craigslist right now, 2 w/low miles.

 

[PowderToastMan]

Does Honda still make the 919 or the 599?

Nope. CB1100 may be the closest thing to the 919, and the CBR650F is probably the closest thing to the 599, though the naked version is not sold in the US, damn it!

I love the CB1100. Great retro look, and a good reliable and basic bike.
The stock rear suspension is not that great, that would be my only complaint about the bike. It otherwise takes corners very nicely, and has more giddyup than I (as a very mellow rider) need. I think it may not be for everybody; if you want a really aggressive bike, then there are better choices. That said, the '13 CB1100 is reported to do 0-60 in 3.3 seconds.. I would not know, it takes me much longer :x

 

[danate]

I learned to ride on an SV1000S and wished I hadn't. Ended up selling it after only about 6 months and moved onto other bikes.

Now I just acquired an SV650 and I'm absolutely in love with it. Handles like a dream and is extremely nimble, yet has enough power and speed to not be lacking for every day riding.

 

[DTM74]

I learned to ride on an SV1000S and wished I hadn't. Ended up selling it after only about 6 months and moved onto other bikes.

Now I just acquired an SV650 and I'm absolutely in love with it. Handles like a dream and is extremely nimble, yet has enough power and speed to not be lacking for every day riding.

:thumbup