I'm in a quandary

[whistler]

I've got an '03 Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 cruiser in great shape that I just don't ride anymore due to the HUGE fun factor of my Wee (hmm, maybe I should re-phrase that...)

Anyway, I've been thinking of trading in my cruiser for something else. Therein lies my problem...I've been window shopping and looking at:

1. The new Bandit 1250S.
2. A new Honda VFR800 in bitchin' Pearl White.
3. Any other bike that's not a cruiser, a crotch rocket, or a dirt bike (not too much left, is there?).

I sat on a VFR800 yesterday, and couldn't wrap my brain around the riding position i.e., the forward lean relative to the Strom's position. I know nothing about the Bandit's ergos.

I'm a daily commuter in almost all weather (14,000 of my own miles since I bought Hannah in April '07), and don't really tour . . . yet. Weekend riding is mostly daytrips to the mountain twisties or along Maryland's waterfront shores.

If you were me, what might you do?

[Jstrom]

If I was you I'd look for a good used 1200 Bandit because IMHO its a better bike than the new Bandit. Faster, quicker, more powerful, larger fuel tank and better looking. Only major downside is the piss-poor headlights on the S model. Conversly, any large displacement late model UJM standard or BMW R model would be a good choice as well. Or you could get a Caterham 7 and just ride it with the top down all the time.

[Stromin'Nroman]

Do you have a Significant Other whom you might try to lure into riding?

My wife rides a Harley Sportster and she just informed me of her interest in getting a 250CC dual-sport bike !!!!!!!!



BTW: I like your first two choices.

[roger123]

How about an older bike? I've been thinking of an older Honda XR, XR or some other enduro type bike to just play around with and fix up.

[Mike D.]

If you have time, have a look at the Triumph Sprint ST. 120+ hp triple. Great sport touring bike. Comfortable ergos, light weight and handles like a sport bike. The Triumph is at the top of my short list for next bike.
My boss ... I mean my wife, likes cruisers. She would have me buy a land yachet of some sort. Man I loathe cruisers. You sit low with your feet high and wide like a gal having a gyno exam. It just ain't natural.:mrgreen:
There are many cool bikes out now. The Triumph Street Triple, Aprilia Shiver. and the soon to be available Ducati 696. All mid displacement,standard,naked bikes. Good Luck finding you next mount.
Regards my friend, Mike D.

[BHazz]

...I sat on a VFR800 yesterday, and couldn't wrap my brain around the riding position i.e., the forward lean relative to the Strom's position. I know nothing about the Bandit's ergos...
If you were me, what might you do?

Hey Whistler,
The Bandit 1250 is more cramped than the V-Strom and the knees are bent at a greater angle. Both things I don't like.

For a second bike, I would suggest a FJR1300 or a new Concours 14 but that's maybe overkiill if you don't do long trips.

For your type of riding, it sounds like you already have the perfect bike. Maybe you've become a 1-bike man.

[Big B]

The Bandit 1250 is just simply a wonderful bike....I would love to have one. I loved my Bandit 1200, sometimes I wish that I still had it "along with my Strom of course". Mmmmmmmm.....Honda VFR, what a drop dead sexy bike!!!!

[SCraig]

2. A new Honda VFR800 in bitchin' Pearl White.

I sat on a VFR800 yesterday, and couldn't wrap my brain around the riding position i.e., the forward lean relative to the Strom's position. I know nothing about the Bandit's ergos.

If you were me, what might you do?
You mean what DID I do? I bought a VFR.

First off, if you are sold on the Pearl White then don't plan on getting a new one. The 2008 models are only available in Metallic Silver. You'll have to go back several years to get a white one. Last year the only two colors were Dark Candy Red and the 25th Anniversary Red, White and Blue.

The seating position grows on you. It's kind of in between the V-Strom and a true lay-on-the-tank sport bike position and once you get used to it it's actually quite comfortable. You can also add Genmar bar risers (about $95 for 1" rise) or Helibars ($269 for 1" up and 1 1/2" back) to make things more comfortable. I went with the Genmar risers.

[whistler]

You mean what DID I do? I bought a VFR.

First off, if you are sold on the Pearl White then don't plan on getting a new one. The 2008 models are only available in Metallic Silver. You'll have to go back several years to get a white one. Last year the only two colors were Dark Candy Red and the 25th Anniversary Red, White and Blue.

The seating position grows on you. It's kind of in between the V-Strom and a true lay-on-the-tank sport bike position and once you get used to it it's actually quite comfortable. You can also add Genmar bar risers (about $95 for 1" rise) or Helibars ($269 for 1" up and 1 1/2" back) to make things more comfortable. I went with the Genmar risers.

Yep, the Pearl White VFR is an '06 that's in my local stealer's "Clearance" section. Zero miles on the odo, and it's verrrryyy sexy, indeed. There are also 2 of the 25th Anniversary RWBs in the Clearance section. Just wish this dealer would allow test rides.

Decisions, decisions . . .

Thanks for all the feedback, Fellas! I value your input and expertise very much!

Best regards,
Whistler

[sturgeon]

BMW Xmoto. More fun than the proverbial barrel of monkeys. (And "not a cruiser, a crotch rocket, or a dirt bike").

[K1W1]

I'm a daily commuter in almost all weather (14,000 of my own miles since I bought Hannah in April '07), and don't really tour . . . yet. Weekend riding is mostly daytrips to the mountain twisties or along Maryland's waterfront shores.


Ducati Hypermotard.
Ideal commuter for zipping around in traffic, huge grin factor for the weekends, comfortable enough for day trips in the twisties or along the shore.
...and it's Red and Italian. :):)

[Packa-strom]

Whistler -- are you considering going to the International Cycle Show in DC... it's coming up January 11-13th. You might get some ideas... I'm just saying.

[whistler]

Whistler -- are you considering going to the International Cycle Show in DC... it's coming up January 11-13th. You might get some ideas... I'm just saying.

Nah, I'm gonna be outta country. I'm already doing some heavy window shopping based on all this feedback from the 'trooper gang, though.

I'll think of something, I'm sure! :D

[SCraig]

Yep, the Pearl White VFR is an '06 that's in my local stealer's "Clearance" section. Zero miles on the odo, and it's verrrryyy sexy, indeed. There are also 2 of the 25th Anniversary RWBs in the Clearance section. Just wish this dealer would allow test rides.

Works for me! I wasn't sure what year they made the Pearl White but I knew it was before '07. They do look good.

If you have questions about them check out the VFR World (http://vfrworld.com) forum. Great bunch of guys, but not quite as active as this forum. A lot of VFR knowledge there though.

[whistler]

Hey Whistler,

For your type of riding, it sounds like you already have the perfect bike. Maybe you've become a 1-bike man.

Profound words indeed, BHazz. I sometimes don't see the forest for the trees, and you just added some clarity to the issue.

Sheesh, my head's spinning like Linda Blair's now! :-D

[jakethesnake]

Whistler- I also have a sabre (04 black/ghost flame) and have been reading about the wee or v-strom after sitting on one at a local dealer. The riding position felt perfect.
How does the 650 compare to the sabre in comfort, acceleration and highway riding at 80-90mph.
I just hit 30,000miles on my sabre and have gotten spoiled by the low/no maintenace required for the bike. Just change the oil regularly and go.The bike runs as well, if not better, than the day I bought it. It even has the original brakes and battery ( A LOT OF HIGHWAY RIDING).
I cant decide if I should get a strom when I consider the low maintenance, reliability ,and low insurance cost ($105 yr. for full coverage) of the sabre.
I like the look of the v-strom 1000 but am leary of the tuning issues I have been reading about. One dealer told me that he cant sell the 1000's while he can't keep the 650's on the floor.
Anyhow, it sounds as if you prefer riding the wee over the sabre and I was hoping that you could provide some insight for me on the wee.
Everything I have been reading about the wee sounds positive and I wanted to get the scoop from someone who actually went from the sabre to the wee.
Thanks

[Oldschooler]

I have a 1996 Bandit 600. That new 1250 should be a great alrounder as far as the street goes. It has all kinds of power in a usable power range and you sit up more than you do on the VFR. My old 96 Bandit is bullet proof. I just change the oil, lube the chain, and put gas in it. Never ever has it let me down.

[SCraig]

Just to stir the pot a bit further, have you looked at the Suzuki GSX650F (http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GSX650FK8/Default.aspx)?

[whistler]

Whistler- I also have a sabre (04 black/ghost flame) and have been reading about the wee or v-strom after sitting on one at a local dealer. The riding position felt perfect.
How does the 650 compare to the sabre in comfort, acceleration and highway riding at 80-90mph.
I just hit 30,000miles on my sabre and have gotten spoiled by the low/no maintenace required for the bike. Just change the oil regularly and go.The bike runs as well, if not better, than the day I bought it. It even has the original brakes and battery ( A LOT OF HIGHWAY RIDING).
I cant decide if I should get a strom when I consider the low maintenance, reliability ,and low insurance cost ($105 yr. for full coverage) of the sabre.
I like the look of the v-strom 1000 but am leary of the tuning issues I have been reading about. One dealer told me that he cant sell the 1000's while he can't keep the 650's on the floor.
Anyhow, it sounds as if you prefer riding the wee over the sabre and I was hoping that you could provide some insight for me on the wee.
Everything I have been reading about the wee sounds positive and I wanted to get the scoop from someone who actually went from the sabre to the wee.
Thanks

Hey there, Jake!

I can't really address owning the big Vee for fear of starting a big snot-slingin' knockdown dragout, but I CAN tell you that I truly, thoroughly, wholeheartedly enjoy riding my little 650! The comfort and ergos suit me just fine (5ft 10", 33" sleeve, 30" inseam), and the acceleration is quite positive with substantial torque. Highway cruising at 80 can be a little busy with the stock sprockets (15t front, 47t rear), but most guys replace the front with a 16t and are reporting lower rpms with improved mileage. The motor is damned near bulletproof, and redlines at 10,500 (I've never been remotely close; my hwy cruising speed is around 75 indicated with plenty of room left to pass or avoid threats, and the motor just keeps puttin' out more than my first high school girlfriend. It's a super machine!

Every since I bought it in April 2007, I've pretty much neglected my Sabre, which is why I'm looking to either trade it in or sell it outright. It's my first bike, and it's an outstanding ride for an affordable cruiser that the HD boys in my neck of the woods love to hate, but I've found that I'm no longer "cruiser" material. I get such an immense rush from riding the Wee under most all conditions (except drenching downpours) that it's hard to imagine that same feeling on a heavy cruiser. It's just not the same.

My only regrets with owning the 650 is that I didn't start riding 20 years ago. I'm trying to make up for lost time now, though!

I'm thinkin' that if you do wind up buying a Wee, you'll be very pleasantly surprised. These babies come with a MONSTER "grin" factor, too! :D

Hope this helps ya!

Stay healthy out there!

[whistler]

Just to stir the pot a bit further, have you looked at the Suzuki GSX650F (http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GSX650FK8/Default.aspx)?

Dude, you are NOT making this easy! :D

BTW, I rec'd your email, and really appreciate your info! Many thanks!

[Big B]

I freakin love my Suzuki DR650, that bike is a blast to ride.:cool: Another bulletproof engine, and lots of farkles for it too. It is a true dualsport, no poser bike!;)

[jakethesnake]

Thanks for the input on the wee. Thats pretty much what I needed to know.
I was leaning towards the wee and you pretty much sold me on owning one.
I will most likely trade in the sabre ( a new tax law in MD for 08 lets you deduct the trade in price on a used vehicle off of the purchase price for a new one. for instance if I buy the wee for $7,000 and get $4,000 for the sabre, I would only have to pay sales tax on $3,000)
Let me know if you run into any deals on a wee in your travels since I also live in MD (Gaithersburg).
Thanks again - Happy New Year!
PS- I actually had a 01 Bandit before I purchased the sabre. Very reliable and more power than a human needs. Wind protection above 70 was non-existent, couldn't see the road from the buffeting. I tried diff. shields but was never able to eliminate the head shakes.
Also the riding position was very cramped for me (6' 32 inseam), after about an hr. the pain in my back and neck made it feel like I was hit by a truck.
The ergos for me were just not right- that's why I sold the bike.
I sat on the new 1250 bandit and the riding position seems identical to the older Bandits-thats why it hasn't made my short list of my next bike.
I'm also pushing 50 so take this 2 cents for what it's worth-the riding position would probably work for someone younger who is used to riding crotch rockets

[TouringDude]

i've been drooling over the new B-King.

[Jstrom]

Thanks for the input on the wee. Thats pretty much what I needed to know.
I was leaning towards the wee and you pretty much sold me on owning one.
I will most likely trade in the sabre ( a new tax law in MD for 08 lets you deduct the trade in price on a used vehicle off of the purchase price for a new one. for instance if I buy the wee for $7,000 and get $4,000 for the sabre, I would only have to pay sales tax on $3,000)
Let me know if you run into any deals on a wee in your travels since I also live in MD (Gaithersburg).
Thanks again - Happy New Year!
PS- I actually had a 01 Bandit before I purchased the sabre. Very reliable and more power than a human needs. Wind protection above 70 was non-existent, couldn't see the road from the buffeting. I tried diff. shields but was never able to eliminate the head shakes.
Also the riding position was very cramped for me (6' 32 inseam), after about an hr. the pain in my back and neck made it feel like I was hit by a truck.
The ergos for me were just not right- that's why I sold the bike.
I sat on the new 1250 bandit and the riding position seems identical to the older Bandits-thats why it hasn't made my short list of my next bike.
I'm also pushing 50 so take this 2 cents for what it's worth-the riding position would probably work for someone younger who is used to riding crotch rockets

I'm 5'9" and 32" in the leg and liked my ' 03 1200 Bandit alot except for the fuel mileage and crappy headlights. Rode it out west in Sept. of ' 06 for some playing in the Rockies and Utah canyons and Yellowstone on the way home. A Laminar touring lip worked fine for my hieght. Traded it on the Wee and have not looked back. Its still in the family though and I get to ride it now and then.

[hotshoetom]

You sit low with your feet high and wide like a gal having a gyno exam. It just ain't natural.:mrgreen:
There are many cool bikes out now. The Triumph Street Triple, Aprilia Shiver. and the soon to be available Ducati 696. All mid displacement,standard,naked bikes. Good Luck finding you next mount.
Regards my friend, Mike D.

God that is too funny LMFAO

Has anyone ever pondered what a cruiser bike really is? It is a marginally comfortable phallic symbol that is more about style and appearance than real functionality. Not trying to start a flame war, but I bet most of you know what I mean.

The Vstrom is actually a useable bike that is capable of really long distances with a couple of grand in farkles. Bags, windshield, seat, etc...most of us actually ride our bikes too, several days a week, if not every day. That is not to say that cruisers can't be set up to be useable, but I think the ergonomics of the cruisers are inferior to the stroms. And that may be why so many people don't ride what they have...they can't get past the poor ergos and so many of those in the cruiser ranks have bikes that are garage queens. Even with the stock seat and windshield I have ridden almost every day since I got mine and intend to keep doing that as weather permits. Can't wait to get a decent seat and a 'winter windshield'.