A Little Advise

2LZ · 07-27-2012, 04:49 PM

Hey gang.... As much as I LOVE it...I'm thinking of making a change from my Victory TC.

The bike has been flawless since purchased in late 2001, but now with where we live, no longer bike camping like we used to love doing or going on any extended road trips like we used to, it's not exactly fitting the bill. (or Bill)

In other words, what was once an agile, multi-functional torque monster that could haul half our Earthly belongings....is now becoming kind of "Barge-ish" on our constant tight twisties and canyons on our day rides.

Mrs 2LZ will never part with her Kingpin so I'll always have a Vic in the stable when I need a fix.

I don't want a crotch rocket (I'd never stand straight again) and I thought 'larger dually' or super-moto, but Mrs 2LZ pinches her eyebrows at the mention of it, thinking I won't ride over 100 miles in a day on one.

My brother mentioned possibly a V-Strom but I'm not even sure how you'd classify that bike.

Here's the deal:
Twisties, canyons, lots of open 2 lane highway and possibly 4 lane highway once in a while passing through.
Doc knows my area well as, well, he's lived about everywhere!

If it's going to be an overnighter, I'll take the car. Other than an 18er of beer strapped on once in a while, I've retired from the "52 Bungee Cord Club".

I don't want new but I'd be open to 'well-maintained, newer, used'.

Any suggestions?

katoranger · 07-27-2012, 05:14 PM

I always liked the vstrom. Never ridden one though. For me it would be the 650 version. From what I have seen they are lumped into the the dual sport category.

MICRider · 07-27-2012, 06:31 PM

The Stroms are nice bikes! Another bike kind of in a similar vein that I really like is the Kawasaki Versys... It has nice straight up ergos and is supposedly very nimble and fun to ride. I came this close >< to trading my KLR on one last fall

SpudRider · 07-30-2012, 01:17 AM

I think either the VStrom or the Versys would be good bikes. Personally, I prefer the Versys.

Spud

dmmcd · 07-30-2012, 09:04 AM

The V-strom, versys are both good suggestions.

If you want a bit more sporty but still upright and super comfy, check out the Yamaha FZ bikes. They have the FZ1 and the new FZ8, or a nice used FZ6.

I think they are classified as adventure touring or something like that.

2LZ · 08-01-2012, 12:58 PM

All great suggestions! Thanks guys! I knew I came to the right place...... :wink:

FastDoc · 08-01-2012, 01:38 PM

Sorry I'm late to this thread, been away.

You are blessed to live in one of the best street riding areas on Earth, and indeed I know the area well and can make some recommendations.

You have received good council so far. I like the Versis but in person, to my eyes, it's a bit ugly...

Everyone likes the V-Strom for good reason, it;'s a great bike. The downside is everyone has one, and it lacks a bit of 'pizazz'.

Don't rule out the 650 Ninja till you sit on one and ride it. It has a pretty good riding postion.

I also like the line of BMW parallel 850cc Twins.

I really like the Triumph Twins also. great bikes for your area, and very cool and inexpensive as well.

If you want to take a chance, There are a few used Buells that fit the ticket.

Lots of good choices.

I'd lean toward the BMW's, but all are good.

FastDoc · 08-01-2012, 03:14 PM

Can't believe I forgot the obvious.

KLR650. 8)

You can get a new one for what the other bikes I mentioned would cost you used. :wink:

Leave it stock for a 90% on/10% off-road bike. That way you don't have to wonder, "where does that dirt road lead?" :P

pete · 08-02-2012, 07:17 AM

............. XT660R ...........

FastDoc · 08-02-2012, 12:48 PM

great bike Pete but I don't think they were available here.

pete · 08-02-2012, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

great bike Pete but I don't think they were available here.

WOW 8O ..... really

SpudRider · 08-03-2012, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

great bike Pete but I don't think they were available here.

WOW 8O ..... really

Yes, it's really so. :(

Spud :roll:

pete · 08-03-2012, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

great bike Pete but I don't think they were available here.

WOW 8O ..... really

Yes, it's really so. :(

Spud :roll:

Thats a shame... Your sort of open terrain / long
distances would suit them..

FastDoc · 08-03-2012, 12:16 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_XT660R

Seems similar to a KLR but with the advantage of being about 30 lbs lighter.

Krasi_BG · 08-03-2012, 04:27 PM

New Aprilia Pegaso use the same Yamaha engine, if you have them.

And if you want to remain on the exotic side - MZ Baghira or MZ Mastiff. They are second hand only, though. Same Yamaha 660 water-cooled engine, WP suspension, Brembo brakes (I think), Acerbis plastics, and Made in Germany

07-27-2012, 04:49 PM	#1
2LZ Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Volcano, Ca Posts: 7,075	A Little Advise Hey gang.... As much as I LOVE it...I'm thinking of making a change from my Victory TC. The bike has been flawless since purchased in late 2001, but now with where we live, no longer bike camping like we used to love doing or going on any extended road trips like we used to, it's not exactly fitting the bill. (or Bill) In other words, what was once an agile, multi-functional torque monster that could haul half our Earthly belongings....is now becoming kind of "Barge-ish" on our constant tight twisties and canyons on our day rides. Mrs 2LZ will never part with her Kingpin so I'll always have a Vic in the stable when I need a fix. I don't want a crotch rocket (I'd never stand straight again) and I thought 'larger dually' or super-moto, but Mrs 2LZ pinches her eyebrows at the mention of it, thinking I won't ride over 100 miles in a day on one. My brother mentioned possibly a V-Strom but I'm not even sure how you'd classify that bike. Here's the deal: Twisties, canyons, lots of open 2 lane highway and possibly 4 lane highway once in a while passing through. Doc knows my area well as, well, he's lived about everywhere! If it's going to be an overnighter, I'll take the car. Other than an 18er of beer strapped on once in a while, I've retired from the "52 Bungee Cord Club". I don't want new but I'd be open to 'well-maintained, newer, used'. Any suggestions? __________________ "Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350
	0

07-27-2012, 05:14 PM	#2
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	I always liked the vstrom. Never ridden one though. For me it would be the 650 version. From what I have seen they are lumped into the the dual sport category. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
	0

07-30-2012, 01:17 AM	#4
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	I think either the VStrom or the Versys would be good bikes. Personally, I prefer the Versys. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

07-30-2012, 09:04 AM	#5
dmmcd Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Souderton, PA Posts: 367	The V-strom, versys are both good suggestions. If you want a bit more sporty but still upright and super comfy, check out the Yamaha FZ bikes. They have the FZ1 and the new FZ8, or a nice used FZ6. I think they are classified as adventure touring or something like that. __________________ 2008 Yamaha WR250x 2006 Honda CRF250R Sold: 2002 Suzuki SV650S, 2009 Qlink XF200
	0

08-01-2012, 12:58 PM	#6
2LZ Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Volcano, Ca Posts: 7,075	All great suggestions! Thanks guys! I knew I came to the right place...... :wink: __________________ "Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350
	0

07-27-2012, 06:31 PM	#3
MICRider Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 3,274	The Stroms are nice bikes! Another bike kind of in a similar vein that I really like is the Kawasaki Versys... It has nice straight up ergos and is supposedly very nimble and fun to ride. I came this close >< to trading my KLR on one last fall
	0

08-01-2012, 01:38 PM	#7
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Sorry I'm late to this thread, been away. You are blessed to live in one of the best street riding areas on Earth, and indeed I know the area well and can make some recommendations. You have received good council so far. I like the Versis but in person, to my eyes, it's a bit ugly... Everyone likes the V-Strom for good reason, it;'s a great bike. The downside is everyone has one, and it lacks a bit of 'pizazz'. Don't rule out the 650 Ninja till you sit on one and ride it. It has a pretty good riding postion. I also like the line of BMW parallel 850cc Twins. I really like the Triumph Twins also. great bikes for your area, and very cool and inexpensive as well. If you want to take a chance, There are a few used Buells that fit the ticket. Lots of good choices. I'd lean toward the BMW's, but all are good. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

08-01-2012, 03:14 PM	#8
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Can't believe I forgot the obvious. KLR650. 8) You can get a new one for what the other bikes I mentioned would cost you used. :wink: Leave it stock for a 90% on/10% off-road bike. That way you don't have to wonder, "where does that dirt road lead?" :P __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

08-02-2012, 07:17 AM	#9
pete Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: ChCh , NZ Posts: 2,261	............. XT660R ........... __________________ 09 XT660R ... 06 TTR250 ... 80 Montesa H6 125 Enduro... 77 Montesa Cota 348 MRR "Malcom Rathnell Replica"... Current resto projects.. 81 Honda CT110... 80 Kawasaki KL250A1... 11 Husaburg TE125 enduro... "sold" along with another 31... Lifan 125 Pitbike.. "stolen" ... KIWI BIKER FORUM...... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/content.php All the best offroad rides in NZ... http://www.remotemoto.com/ E-mail... xtpete1@gmail.com
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08-02-2012, 12:48 PM	#10
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	great bike Pete but I don't think they were available here. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

08-03-2012, 12:16 PM	#14
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_XT660R Seems similar to a KLR but with the advantage of being about 30 lbs lighter. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

08-03-2012, 04:27 PM	#15
Krasi_BG Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Sofia, Bulgaria Posts: 436	New Aprilia Pegaso use the same Yamaha engine, if you have them. And if you want to remain on the exotic side - MZ Baghira or MZ Mastiff. They are second hand only, though. Same Yamaha 660 water-cooled engine, WP suspension, Brembo brakes (I think), Acerbis plastics, and Made in Germany
	0