[33129]

The Honda ST1100 has Zero charachter but it can be had used, will go forever, has a huge gas tank, good luggage, a ton of aftermarket support, a dealer in every neighborhood and handles pretty well despite weighing a bit over 700 lbs. I prefer it over the ST1300. But those new Guzzis would be hard to turn down.

 

[52685]

ducati st3.

 

[35244]

Having had one for 6 yrs, I can agree 100%. As for lots of dealers...well, you wouldn't be needing one at all unless you need someone to spoon on new shoes. Its that reliable...really.



But sounds like you want something with character.



Guzzi's lookin better & better. A nice, used fairly late BMW would be great, too. But you'll need a good dealer. A GOOD dealer.



If you get a Guzzi, get a cc of Guzzilogy & join MGNOC.

 

[Magpres]

Honda VFR you pick the year. 750 or 800

 

[acecycleins]

Duc st3, BMW r1150rt, honda st1100, Yam FJR, Truimph sprint st- All great sport tourers. All easy to insure

 

[fool23]

I just picked up an '05 Breva 750 for about $1700 off of msrp. They're clearing out stock in preparation for the new model year. It'll do all you ask and more.



If you're in the Seattle area, Google Moto International and check out the specials link at the top of the page. I know they've got a couple left.



I just took delivery last week and haven't been able to get off of it. ;-)

 

[36581]

I'll add my vote for the Kawasaki Concours. They are certainly priced right, even new. I think it has character, but then, it might just be the straight cut primaries talking to an old Z1 rider. Fast enough, handles great (compared to CB750/Z1 vintage iron), but it's heavy. First bike I've had with a fairing, very noisy with either of the 2 stock screen, but great with the Rifle windshield. I do my own work, and I found the valve cover and carbs hard to get in and out. The bike was nearly impossible to start below 40degF (pretty much a new problem for me, see comments on fairing), but I r/r carbs, drilled out primary caps, found same set at an average of 1.25 turns, set to 'overseas' setting of 2 turns; and that seems to have remedied the starting problem. Oh, and I found that it is pretty hard to r/r your own tires anymore. Most of this probably goes for most new stuff.

I was leaving the bags off except for trips, but now I leave them on as it facilitates running kids around, doing errands, etc., even though my middle son (high school) mocks me for being an old man. What does he know, he wants a 'tuner' car. I'm considering installation of a trunk to gross him out some more.

I also have an Elefant, a Solex, and am rebuilding a Honda C70, so I'm not immune to the character issue. Just financially and lifestyle challenged. The ZG1000 has been approved by SWMBO, as long as the backrest is in place.

I have been thinking that the BMW and Guzzi's do look do look good, though; with their easily accessed valve gear and carbs, and low maintenance requirements. I AM getting old!

 

[27580]

I don't suspect that there is a Guzzi dealership near by. I had a 850-T3 1978 and had it for four years w/o any problems and they're supposed to be better now as are all bikes. I loved mine and would consider another if in the market. They do set you apart. I went to a MC rally in Nova Scotia and was the only Guzzi there. I got lots of questions, complements and the Cabot Trail was a blast. Plenty of motor to motor around.

 

[32324]

Suzuki Bandit 1200S

 

[55418]

Buell! You MUST try one. If you are looking for a "town bike" you owe it to yourself to check it out.



Yeah, the dealers suck. Yeah, you go in and nobody will talk to you. Yeah, yeah, yeah.



But the bikes absolutely kick a$$. When somebody asks if I got a Hardley, I say "sort of......"



At least consider it. Go to some dealership and sit on one. Look at one for sale from and individual.



Do NOT not consider one just cause "It's a Hardley...."



Good luck & shiny side up!



Rob

 

[55418]

Oh, Yeah.... Look at Progressive for insurance on the little beastie. Shop around for motorcycle insurance, as different companies score bikes differently. ALL my other stuff, (house, 2 cars, live insurance, windstorm, flood, etc, etc.) I have with State Farm, and I REALLY wanted to hook up with them, but they were about 3 TIMES what Progressive was.



I picked up a new stock, 2004 Lightning XB12 for $1500 off the sticker. They are not the cheapest out there, but I could not be happier after gettig thru the break in period.



Good luck again.

 

[3917]

Ducati ST3.. I'm waiting for my wife to go out of town so I can bring another Duc home to roost in my stable..

 

[adaleb]

Buell Uly or Buell XB12SS Long with soft bags

 

[45324]

sprint st fits your specs perfectly- ~450 lbs, lower than a tiger but not quite a sportbike, bags available, 3-cyl 955cc engine has character and is reliable, cheap insurance despite being very very fast, great for (sport) touring or weekend scratching or riding around town...

 

[40524]

Agreed. Plus the 3 cylinder Triumphs have character galore...

 

[36284]

VFR, by all means. I like the ones with the gear drive for the cams, and they have an exhaust note that's a bit different from the herd, if that's what you mean by 'character'. If it's quirks, look elsewhere. A friend has an ST4 and loves it, but he's also got a Monster and doesn' think the maintenance is all that high on it. He is a bit more enthusiastic about getting his hands dirty than I am, however. ST3's are all pretty new, I think.

 

[stoney8888]

I really like the 2005 era triumph speed triple

 

[12er]

I hear good things about progressive but they wanted $3000 a year for my KLR 650 (web quote), I found $250 a year elsewhere. Same thing with my BMW, their site scared me away twice with outragous quotes.

 

[seruzawa]

Check out the Trumpet Sprint ST.

 

[DArmst6829]

I would just "update" your Lightning with an electronic ignition, new carb etc. No one will notice you on a new bike.