I want to make sure I'm not missing something I should be considering.
I am most interested in a standard-style bike (new or late used) that includes an upright riding position, super smooth tranny and power delivery across the board, strong torque. I like the naked look, but also would appreciate a bit of fairing, although my riding is almost all in town.
I currently have a '91 Yamaha Virago 750 and an '05 BMW F650 GS. The virago is ready to be sold. I love many things about the BMW, including riding position, light weight, low CoG, ABS, low seat height. But here's what I don't like: *terrible* local service (e.g. they damage the bike and try and hide it when you give it to them for service), clunky tranny, not enough torque/power.
Bikes I'm considering are: Bandit 1250, Honda 919, Ducati Monster (800 or 1000). Unfortunately, the local suzuki/honda dealer doesn't carry either of the first two, and the closest Duc dealer is about 100 miles away. I'd consider the BMW R1200R, but with the rotten service I can't really consider it unless I'm willing to take it over 2 hours to the next closest BMW dealer.
Seat height is a real issue for me. My F650 is a lowered model with 29.5" seat height. It's very comfortable. I'm 5'7" with a 27.5" inseam, so I can't do anything too tall. I'm hoping I can fit on a Bandit, but haven't tried it yet (found one close by to check out soon). I don't need flat foot, but I need enough grip to back up and be safe.
Thanks for any suggestions of other bikes to consider.
I am most interested in a standard-style bike (new or late used) that includes an upright riding position, super smooth tranny and power delivery across the board, strong torque. I like the naked look, but also would appreciate a bit of fairing, although my riding is almost all in town.
I currently have a '91 Yamaha Virago 750 and an '05 BMW F650 GS. The virago is ready to be sold. I love many things about the BMW, including riding position, light weight, low CoG, ABS, low seat height. But here's what I don't like: *terrible* local service (e.g. they damage the bike and try and hide it when you give it to them for service), clunky tranny, not enough torque/power.
Bikes I'm considering are: Bandit 1250, Honda 919, Ducati Monster (800 or 1000). Unfortunately, the local suzuki/honda dealer doesn't carry either of the first two, and the closest Duc dealer is about 100 miles away. I'd consider the BMW R1200R, but with the rotten service I can't really consider it unless I'm willing to take it over 2 hours to the next closest BMW dealer.
Seat height is a real issue for me. My F650 is a lowered model with 29.5" seat height. It's very comfortable. I'm 5'7" with a 27.5" inseam, so I can't do anything too tall. I'm hoping I can fit on a Bandit, but haven't tried it yet (found one close by to check out soon). I don't need flat foot, but I need enough grip to back up and be safe.
Thanks for any suggestions of other bikes to consider.