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considering swapping bikes


smashweights

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I knew I was opening a can of worms here. I'm 5'9" 150 and my reason for looking to swap is I just don't use the R6 like I feel it's meant. I mostly just ride to school/work/etc. and not much in the way of twisties. I do love popping the throttle open on a back road and shitting my pants a little, but every time I take it out I feel like I should be riding spirited, but I just don't.

So I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for exactly. I like the idea of something a little more capable of taking a trip on comfortably with a more neutral riding position, but I don't like the idea of taking all the fun out of the wrist. I don't like the idea of a heavy, tough to handle bike. I'm thinking about the Bonneville actually, but I fear the 67hp is going to take too much fun out of the ride. I like the idea of a little darker, less sporty/modern look too. Uggh...

Edited by smashweights
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you sound like a perfect candidate for a viffer...

not as hunched over as your 6, can still do everything you're capable of in the corners, and is a pretty decent long distance rider, too. Not as heavy as a cruiser. V4 still has plenty of power when you need it.

honda-vfr-800-interc-2_1280x0w.jpg

Edited by magley64
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you sound like a perfect candidate for a viffer...

not as hunched over as your 6, can still do everything you're capable of in the corners, and is a pretty decent long distance rider, too. Not as heavy as a cruiser. V4 still has plenty of power when you need it.

honda-vfr-800-interc-2_1280x0w.jpg

I was thinking the same thing. Very good all around bike with a more forgiving riding position.

Mary

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I can't speculate on the Harley.. because I don't ride garbage motorcycles. However' date=' I imagine it's fairly boring and unresponsive. Everyone I see on a Harley looks angry, so I would steer clear of those.[/quote']

I love this comment so much.

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I like it, but I've never heard of Norton. Where could you even get one? Seems like it should be a lot nicer than the Bonnie with the Ohlins shocks, better engine, etc.

Edit: looks like they're fairly new in the USA and selling around $20k... way out of my league

Edited by smashweights
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Fjr1300...you still have plenty of power,better ergos,hardcases for storage and commuting,good handling and an decent long distance tourer.

Only real drawback is weight.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking, an FJR1300. Weight???? After a Goldwing, the FJR IS lightweight :D

OTOH, I am seriously considering selling the FJR and going back to a Goldwing. The FJR just isn't as comfortable for long distances like the Wing is.

Instead of adrenaline-filled revs from stoplight to stoplight

You HAVE to find better places to ride! What's this "stoplight" you mention? They are very few and very far between where I ride :)

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I like it, but I've never heard of Norton. Where could you even get one?

Falcone in Indy and MCC in Chicago are dealers. None in the states at this time that I know of. Depending on model, $16K is the starting MSRP. The 916SE with BST wheels is sold out and already in the unobtainium category. Bloody euros have all the fun.

Guzzi Racer 7 is pretty cool and is supposed to get a new motor in 2013.

You might want to be on the lookout for a BMW R1200R or one of the F800R/s/st models. Very capable of doing what you ask and won't challenge your inseam more than it already is. Weestrom might work but starts to get a bit high. Harley Deluxe would make a nice cruiser and touring ride. Quite a few Ducati Monsters on Craigslist. SV650 might be a winner.

A few options:

http://limaohio.craigslist.org/mcy/3079966199.html

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mcy/3129564831.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/3127036109.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/3128337393.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/3142347082.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/3081293943.html

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mcy/3113205715.html

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mcy/3087531169.html

Edited by Revelstoker
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  • 2 months later...

Actually warming up to the idea of a Victory more. Really like this one I saw on eBay last night:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Victory-Hammer-S-Cruiser-/160903863591?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item25769e1d27

My only concern is my dad briefly had a Honda Shadow 600 and I really didn't like the way it handled. Seemed like it really liked to tip over suddenly in turns. How do these handle relative to that? What difference can I expect coming from an R6? I'm not sure how i'll like nearly doubling the weight of my bike.

Edited by smashweights
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Actually warming up to the idea of a Victory more. Really like this one I saw on eBay last night:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Victory-Hammer-S-Cruiser-/160903863591?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item25769e1d27

My only concern is my dad briefly had a Honda Shadow 600 and I really didn't like the way it handled. Seemed like it really liked to tip over suddenly in turns. How do these handle relative to that? What difference can I expect coming from an R6? I'm not sure how i'll like nearly doubling the weight of my bike.

Pretty sharp, but would take a Star Raider over that anyday.

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Rationale?

Japanese reliability compared to the obvious, although Victory aint too shabby. I cant see owning a primary ride that isnt going to be comfy and capable of long distance touring, but I bet it is a blast to ride. :cool:

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Are cruisers typically not comfortable to ride?

Depends on the model, but baggers are a whole other animal in comparison. I favor ADV style or sport touring bikes, cruisers and the likes of just dont do it for me. Those power cruisers handle pretty good, but lack severely in the creature comforts and saddle time. Good luck with whatever you go with!

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Not really concerned for storage, just something i wouldn't mind riding for 4-5 hours on some day trips. The R6 just has me cringing at the thought of 3+ hour rides. Not a huge fan of the sport tourers or touring bikes from a styling perspective anyway. The NC700x isn't a bad looking bike.

Anyone own a victory who can comment on the comfort and ride?

I should also mention, my entire in-law family (extended, and grandparents) are all living in and from a small town in Iowa, so buying a bike made in Iowa would score some brownie points.

Edited by smashweights
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