I'm so torn - my bike or no?

[dean owens]

ok guys,

i posted this thread trying to find options for a new bike. well, i'm still vacillating, but i'm much closer. i would like your unbiased opinion.

as it goes, i like my current bike (gl650 interstate) but it is heavy and old and always needs some work. so i'm looking for something a little more commuter friendly but still up to the task of the occasional long ride. i've narrowed my choices to

A - keep my bike, get it running and strip it naked - taking off the fairing and all the bags.
B - sell my bike and get an FZ6.
C - sell my bike and get a random cruiser

if i ask this question on the forum devoted to honda CX's and GL's i'm going to be told to keep the GL. if i ask on a fz6 forum i'm going to be told to get an fz6. i'm looking for an unbiased opinion. i like my bike but i'm tired of always having to work on it and muscle it around. but i like being able to ride when it's cold.

if you vote for the fz6 i'm looking at these three bikes. any opinions?
option 1 - 06 with 1200 miles, lowered and flush turn signals. i wonder about the flush mount turn signals from a safety standpoint.
option 2 - 04 with 5200 miles, givi trunk, flashing break lights. can get the lowering shock and stand - and i personally like the silver over the blue.
option 3 - 04 with 5800 miles. it has a few cosmetic things that aren't biggies to me. only thing going for it is the price. cause if i were to go blue i like the black engine/frame over the silver engine/frame.

these are all about equal in my book. any reason you'd pick one over the other?

thanks guys.

[Wrider]

Well if riding in the cold, commuting, and long distance rides are all important to you and you're finding the GL isn't quite working for you, I'd say sell it and get the FZ...

As for which one I'd vote for the second option. Mainly because it's got the safety brake lights, you wouldn't be worrying about the flush-mounts, and it already has the very expensive Givi trunk on it, which would make it perfect for commuting/traveling. Why lower it though? You ought to be able to at least toe each side and you'd probably get used to that fairly quickly after the Wing's weight. Centerstand would definitely be nice though.

So re-cap... Get the second FZ6...

[fireguzzi]

I agree with wrider. Get the one with the trunk and brake lights. FLush mount signals look good but they tend to be a little small for my comfort level. Plus its the color you want.

[blues2cruise]

Simple really.....do you want to ride or stay home in your garage fixing things?

You may as well sell your bike and get the one you really want.... Top bag for commuting and back off lights.....
Ya know you want it.....

[RhadamYgg]

I agree with wrider. Get the one with the trunk and brake lights. FLush mount signals look good but they tend to be a little small for my comfort level. Plus its the color you want.

I see bikes in NJ with the flush mounts - I can barely tell they are flashing. Big downside for safety from my perspective.

I would go with the FZ6 - with the Givi Trunk.

The flashing brake lights may not pass inspection - so make sure the person tells you how to temporarily disable this feature.

I actually really liked a silver with black flames FZ6, but the seller turned out to be a scam.

It seemed that I could get an '06 for $4400.


Besides - you even asking the question means that you aren't in love with it anymore.
RhadamYgg

[MZ33]

Besides - you even asking the question means that you aren't in love with it anymore.

That's a good point. Time to change bikes. And while I know that I have new-bike-itis, let throw one more model at you: The Kawi 650 Versys. You can get the 33 inch seat down to 29 inches for $500-600 bucks, and there are variations in between. It is an awesome ride.

When I sat on the FZ6, it still seemed tall to me (I'm 5'3"). Having ridden the Versys, it is still taller but doable.

Versys can be had on ebay, sometimes for about 4-5000 smackeroos, but since it is so new, there are not a ton of them. Give me a minute, let me switch computers, and I'll upload a pic if I can.

[MZ33]

I was going to put this in your previous thread, dean, but I couldn't figure out how to resize it. Then I realized I have to do it from tinypic.



Oh, and let me clarify my above post: After having the Versys, I sat on the FZ6 again. And although tall, it seemed more do-able. Having said that, I still like the lower height of my ride.

[Big B]

i'd go with fz-6 #2

[RhadamYgg]

I was going to put this in your previous thread, dean, but I couldn't figure out how to resize it. Then I realized I have to do it from tinypic.



Oh, and let me clarify my above post: After having the Versys, I sat on the FZ6 again. And although tall, it seemed more do-able. Having said that, I still like the lower height of my ride.

Sweet! Nice pic.

RhadamYgg

[dean owens]

well guys (and gals),

you, along with some others, helped push me over the top. i'm getting an fz6. now it's just figuring out which one and the best deal. i do like the silver, and it has the top case, but it's 3.5 hours away. found out that the lady selling the blue one (who is 2.15 away) has the original turn signals. i still like the look of the silver better, but trying to not let looks be my determining factor. i sat down last night and made a chart... cause there is now a silver one 30 min away. you guys have been kind and patient so i'll throw out my thoughts on the bikes and if something jumps out at you feel free to speak up.

Blue
year - 06
miles - 1250
distance - 2.15 hours (one way)
cost - $4800.00
extras - engine crash bars ($150.00), lowered an inch ($200.00), flush mount turn signals (?? - i'd just sell them).
positives - being an inch lower is good for me. this is a pretty big +. also, this woman has been very helpful in answer all of my questions and taking a few extra pics of the scratches for me.
negatives - scratch on the fairing, little scratches on engine, crash bar and frame.

Silver (top case)
year - 04
miles - 5250
distance - 3.5 hours (one way)
cost - $4200.00
extras - engine sliders ($40.00 ?), givi top case ($250.00), hyperlites ($80.ish), front headlight mod to have both on during the day
positives - like the color. it has a trunk that i'd get later for one of the other bikes. seems to be in pretty good shape.
negatives - at least 7 hours ride time. not a neg, but it's a little older with more miles. still not bad to me though. and it's out of state. still not a biggie, but i wonder if this means any extra work with dmv.

Silver (local)
year - 05
miles - 1950
distance - 30 min away
cost - $4800.00
extras - none
positives - color and distance. compromise on year and milage
negatives - scratches on the tank. said it was from an ex trying to make a point. one of them goes through the paint. i haven't had a chance to go by and look at it though to see how bad it is. he took a pic of it but it was hard to tell.

well, any one of those jump out at you (either good or bad)? thanks guys. and if you're getting annoyed and thinking "just make a decision already" - imagine how my wife feels.