Shopping for a new bike...

[CYLax]

I'm starting to shop for a new bike (it's a long process, I'm picky). Right now I'm riding a '95 Suzuki RF900R. It's a good bike, but for my 6'5'' body and 37'' inseam, it doesn't give me as much leg room as I'd like.

I'm looking for some advice on bikes to look at. I want to stay in the sport/naked bike category for no other reason than I just like them. I rode a BMW K1200R and absolutely loved it. It fit me well, good power, great balance...couldn't have been better. But before I settle on that, I'd like to compare to a few other makes/models...I'm just not sure where to start.

Are there any other sport/naked bikes out there that are comparable to the K1200R? Any tall guys out there have a sport/naked bike that'd recommend I look at? I want to look at as many bikes as possible to make sure I get exactly what I want.

[moto_hanki]

A friend of mine who is about 6'4" just bought a 2006 Suzuki V-Strom. He said it could be a bit taller but he loves it just the same. Although, he had been riding an old 70's dual sport with a kick starter, so maybe he is just love with the electric starter.

Good luck.

[M109R]

Does anyone know how to find what a reasonable purchase price for a new bike is? I want to buy a 2006 Honda VTX1300 C and I can't get a quote from any dealer. They all say, "Come in with a quote from another dealer and we will beat it by $200...." Catch 22 no one will give you a quote!!

Very frustrating to do competitive shopping!!

Thanks!

[xsyamahadg]

We have two dealers in the area advertising VTX1300's at $7,999.00 plus sales tax, no freight or set up charges. You have your choice of any color Honda makes. Sales tax in this area is 6.5 %. That should give you an idea of purchase price. XS

[Hojo4816]

I'm test riding a new Mean Streak at the dealer today. I'm also going to take a Warrior out for a run. Realizing that everyone has a subjective opinion regarding style, can someone respond that has experience with both bikes please? I'm looking at this from a handling and maintenance perspective as I know that a Warrior has the performance advantage. But I've heard that the Mean Streak has better handling characteristics. My wife doesn't ride and I won't be doing that much long distance traveling.

While I'm looking for the best bang for the buck and how well they hold their re-sale value, I can't help but think I'm going to want the performance. I'm 56 years old and my last bike was a Kawi Ninja that I drag raced with my son (never could beat him). I do have a need for speed, but I wanna see 57, too.

Thanks

[Bachstrad37]

There's a bunch of us on this forum that owns the Meanie. I've never ridden a Warrior, so my input on that is nil.

The Meanie has hydraulic valves which auto adjusts its clearance, the warrior has to be manually adjusted periodically. That was the biggest selling point for me. My 1500 cranks out around 67hp without any mods. I dynoed it last weekend. The 2004 1600 Meanie is rated 73hp stock. Zoo has after market Cobra 2 in 1. Not sure what he'd get if he dynoed his, but I gather 80-85hp. The stock pipes really restrict the Meanie's capability.

The Meanie is also pretty compact for its engine class. Most classic 750-800 are larger physically. The 1300 VTX is way bigger, but weighs about the same. The 1800 VTX is ridiculously large compared to the Meanie. The Warrior is about the same size/weight, but a bit longer. I think the warrior is also faster, but harder to turn. In the class, the Meanie shines on handling. It's got good amount of power, but there are faster bikes in its class.

If you want minimal maintenance, swept look, very good handling for a cruiser, price, depreciation value - I don't think you can beat a Meanie in those categories.

[M109R]

Check out the M109R.

Just picked one up from the stealer yesterday. It's incredible!

Very well balanced at low and high speeds. Seat is very comfortable (tried the VTX1800 and felt like sitting on a rock.) SOUNDS AWESOME at 4000 rpm. Power in every gear.

Big bike for big guys. Sit on one and you'll know what I'm talking about.

[earwig]

The Buell Ulysses is the perfect bike/fit for you! Check it out http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/u ... /index.asp

Check out the "Ulysses" Video on the bottom right hand side of this page: http://www.buell.com/en_us/mania/videos.asp

Then check out the Psychobilly Freakout video on that page too.

[High_Side]

The Buell Ulysses is the perfect bike/fit for you! Check it out http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/u ... /index.asp

Earwig, are you on commision?

[DivideOverflow]

If you like the K1200R, I would get it. Honestly, that would be my pick out of that class.
Comparo with that bike: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadt ... yling.html