Stopping by to say "Hi"

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

Having had the loaded-up SV650 (V-Strom-my brother has it now) and the RE, I can tell you the V-Strom would kill the Interceptor. It has lots more power and are completely different bikes. The V-Strom was sweet, handled well, and was fun in the twisties. That said, it was covered with Tupperware and needed a lot of ergo adjustment for me, regarding peg extenders, bars and risers. It was also a royal pain to wrench on. I liked the more naked style of the SV much better because of this reason.
The RE is a true, pure retro-styled bike. It's not fast, BUT the power is completely usable. It's a super friendly bike and is like dancing with an elegant lady in an evening gown, as opposed to mud wrestling with an Amazon. Also, as opposed to many of the newer Japanese bikes, the RE's are designed to be worked on by the owners. All of my RE's are super easy to wrench on. Everything is accessible.

They are definitely very different bikes, but both of them are fairly easy to work on. The RE is definitely a much much easier bike to work on for sure, but I wouldn't call the SV difficult either. Remove the seat and lift the tank and you can pretty much do most of the maintenance work that would need to be done.

The SV650 is kind of what I consider to be the definition of "motorcycle" if you just want a bike with the right amount of power, weight, and size to suit almost any and every rider. It's quick, but not extremely fast. It has great ergonomics that suit both sporty riding and just cruising around. It makes a great noise, and has been around so long that parts are cheap and easy to get and all of the gremlins have been worked out.

[Thumper]

Yeah it's true that DL650 and DL1000 have higher center of gravity and steeper front end geometry. I don't know why I got sucked into the adventure sport craze. The TL1000 might be similar in orientation, but much heavier. At least the DL650 has the same engine.

I rode the DL650, and liked the engine a lot. I can see how it would have good manners and range in a road oriented frame. It would be great on those high mountain highways NW of Boulder, and especially fun in Boulder canyon (better than the DL1000!).

That bronze frame and black body do beautiful too. Both bikes (RE650 and SV650) have proven engine designs. Whatever you decide, you'll be happy. Of course there's always door number 3... a used BMW R65

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Thumper

Of course there's always door number 3... a used BMW R65

A used German vehicle? I'd rather have a horse kick me in the scrotum...

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by Megadan

They are definitely very different bikes, but both of them are fairly easy to work on.

Never done a valve adjustment on the rear cylinder, did ya? Worst motorcycle job I did (motor in the bike). Unfortunately, it was mine!

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

Never done a valve adjustment on the rear cylinder, did ya? Worst motorcycle job I did (motor in the bike). Unfortunately, it was mine!

I did on an SV1000 I owned years ago. I would rather do that rear cylinder 1000 times before the front cylinders on my VFR again.

[Magician16]

Congrats on the new job, Dan.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Magician16

Congrats on the new job, Dan.

Thank you! It's been a bit of a rough couple of years for me, and the economy turning to crap didn't really help my situation either. I finally feel like I am back on my career path again and not hating to go to work every day. That started even before losing my last job that I was at for 7 years. That place was turning to hell for the last 3 or 4 and it was affecting my health due to the stress.

[Megadan]

So, after a ton of thought and deliberation and more thought... and more thought...

I came across a bike I didn't know was a thing entirely by accident and it's entirely related to he Interceptor 650 from Royal Enfield, but it's a little bit bigger and more relaxed than the Interceptor, but not quite full cruiser of the Super Meteor.

The Shotgun 650.
https://www.royalenfield.com/us/en/m...s/shotgun-650/

I went in today to talk to them and see if they were in, which they are not. They have 4 coming in in a week or two and I am going to get a call when they have it ready. I love all of the colors except the grey.

As long as it fits me ok and doesn't feel too cramped I am going to buy one. My Honda will be going up for sale this weekend.

[TominMO]

Watched a review on the Shotgun on YT. Impressive, and I also like it a little bit over the Interceptor. But I'd still want to compare them side by side at the dealership.

[JerryHawk250]

I like it.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by TominMO

Watched a review on the Shotgun on YT. Impressive, and I also like it a little bit over the Interceptor. But I'd still want to compare them side by side at the dealership.

I do too. I would have put a deposit to hold one, but until I can put my butt in the seat and feel how it fits me I won't know for sure. If I don't like it I will be getting the interceptor