Advice: Don't ever want to move down in CC (Engine Size)?

[Shorts]

As for short people getting on your bike, my g/f is 5'4'' and can get on the Vstrom. She has to mount it like a horse, it has to be smooth and you need to be braced for it, but it works like a charm!

+1

When I hopped up on the ST2 it was like getting on a horse. Left foot on the peg, then stepup and throw the right leg over. I put my hand on DHs shoulder to help steady me as I got on. So long as the pilot is ready and steady, a pillion is good to go.

[Brackstone]

Oh I wanted to mention that the dealer was actually very nice to me. He talked to me for the hour or so. When I expressed my skepticism about upgrading to 1k he said he understood and was happy to let me test drive both he 696 and the 1200, he just wanted to offer his 2 cents.

[RC Fan]

If I recall correctly, the 696 produces 80hp. I think the 1100 produces about 95hp. The 1100 is slightly heavier, and has a two inch higher seat height.

I guess I am technically going up in displacement, as I am selling my Bandit 650S in favor of the 696. I do believe I am losing 3 to 5 hp, but the Monster is about 130lbs lighter than the Bandit, so I doubt the Monster will seem less powerful.

[radak5osu]

Just wanted to throw this out there. I'm not familiar with the Shiver's suspension setup, but you can probably get some different links to lower the bike at least a couple inches to make it easier for both you and passenger to ride. Maybe a cheaper, quicker fix until you can afford a new bike? Just a thought.

[wmg1299]

I disagree completely. CC is irrelevant to me when compared to the bike's other attributes. I love my 1586 cc Softail for cruising around town and riding two-up with the wife. That doesn't mean that I don't also get a kick out of taking my 748 cc Ducati out for some quick twisty fun.
My wife bought a 250 cc Ninja as a starter bike after I bougth the Softail. I did some of the break in mileage for her, and fell in love with the baby Ninja. It's what made me want a sportbike in the first place.
Even if I owned a literbike, I'd still love a Monster 696 or BMW 800 GS. I'd also take a Boneville over a Rocket III any day of the week.

[paul246]

Went from a 1520cc six to a 650cc single. Different for sure but no regrets.

As others have suggested, the dealer is trying to get more cash out of your pocket.

[JC Viper]

I'm pretty much at the low end in terms of power and CC's. My Vulcan 500 can speed up pretty well stock but I felt it could use a bit more oomph. I modified it to the specs of the Ninja 500 and it can really go but the weight and geometry of the bike is holding the engine back.

At this point I'm considering getting a Ninja 250, Ninja 500 (proper) or a BMW F650GS. The ninja 250 may be smaller but it is still faster in turns compared to my bike. Same goes for the Ninja 500 but it is also tuned differently since I cannot get my engine to fully match the Ninja.

A positive of getting a bigger engine is more torque and better power band. I want the bike to top out at 110+ so that way when I'm cruising at 65 - 80 it won't feel like the bike is struggling should any wind come up.

[RhadamYgg]

Want you old Kawi back? I'll sell it to you for a good price... I still remember it!

Hehe

I'm looking for an Honda Interceptor - I can flat foot it and the sales guy says that I won't wheelie myself to death if I'm a 'little' ham handed with the throttle.

The Honda 919 - also is another option I'm looking in to. It is ever so slightly lower in the seat height than the Interceptor and loads cheaper.

RhadamYgg

[Tennif Shoe]

I could not find it but someone did a write up when he had taken someone else's 250 ninja for a weekend ride and if i can remeber correcty he stated that he is use to 1000 cc sport bike but had a blast with the 250 because of the handling in the twisteys. very good write up if someone can find it

[Wrider]

Can't find it right now but it's a Busa owner and a Ninja 250 he took on a road trip.
Wrider