Looking for a new bike............ :D

[pchast]

I need a standard style motorcycle. I've got a bad back and leaning on a sport bike gets painful after about 20 minuites. I recently tried a friend's to check. So lately I've sat on a few bikes in the showrooms and the closest to a fit was a 2010 Ninja 650, nice seat. When I sit on that bike the grips should be about 1.5 to 2" further back to the seat and a half inch higher for me to sit upright.

I need to know if anyone has modified the handlebars on such to find out what's possible. Yes I talked to the parts dept and a mechanic. There is a $340 kit to raise the bars but no specs on what it will do that I can find or they could provide.

Any comments on this situation or suggestions of a different motorcycle that would be a similar size for me to check would be helpful.

Thanks,
Pete

[gsJack]

I had a lot of backaches putting 230k miles on four 80's standard Hondas; CB400, CB750K, CM400, CB650SC. I've since put 150k miles on 2 GS500s over 11 years without backaches even doing quite a few 400-500 mile interstate days. The leaning forward slightly position on the GS500 was just right for my back but I got numb hands from leaning on the bars so I added GenMar risers 10 years ago, just right for me that way.



I've sat on the Ninja 500 and Ninja 650 bikes quite a few times at bike shows and find the reach to the bars a bit too long. The only risers for these bikes I'm familar with are the SW-Motec and GenMars that just move the bars up but they go back a bit too, both are less than $100:

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/pr ... /5275/787/

http://www.zianet.com/GenMar/

Try the new 09 GS500F for fit, looks like a sportbike but is really just a standard bike wrapped in plastic. They were naked for the 89-02 years if you want a used bike. The new GS500F bikes were recently marked down from $5900 to $4400 by Suzuki and some dealers are giving even better deals. Many are converting them from fully faired to naked. A "real" sportbike is unthinkable for a person of my age, I get a backache just looking at them.

[pchast]

Thats all good information!

Thanks

[JC Viper]

Did you check out the ER-6n which is the naked version of that Ninja? The Versys has a somewhat upright riding position but it's higher off the ground.

You could also try an SV650 without fairings or the pre 2001 models.

Other than that you could get another set of handlebars or risers for the Ninja.

[pchast]

JC

I did check the ER-6n. Sitting on it my knees were 'more' cramped than on the Ninja. I was surprised that there seemed to be a difference when they are supposed to be the same frame. The seat is wider and a little stiffer too, which affected how tall it was. The specs show identical seat heights. I'm looking for a GS500 to try out. So far there are none at the area dealers.

Are there any bike shows posted for your area. I'm not adverse to a short road trip for a chance at a larger variety to try.

Pete

[Wrider]

I'd go check out the Versys. Might be a bit tall, but is VERY comfortable.
Otherwise yeah go check out a SV650N, perhaps a Honda 599 or 919, or a Yamaha FZ6 or FZ1.
If none of those work, go check out a supersport and just lay on the tank!

[jstark47]

You didn't say what your requirements for performance are, but the Triumph classic twins (Bonneville, T100, etc.) have absolute bolt upright standard seating position. Bulletproof engines, beautiful looks, and lots of fun to ride, too. Just a suggestion.

[pchast]

Ah well performance....

The 550 I'm riding has 54 hp, more than enough for the local riding I'm doing. Its 560 lbs is about all the weight I can pick up, and I've struggled with it a couple of times. I've only been on the t-way once and have no urge to use it again. This bike was more than enough to keep up with traffic and pass a slow poke. That was the last time I had her up to 8000 rpm. It woke me right up.

Pete

[jstark47]

Ah well performance....

The 550 I'm riding has 54 hp, more than enough for the local riding I'm doing. Its 560 lbs is about all the weight I can pick up, and I've struggled with it a couple of times.

A Triumph Bonneville or T100 has just a bit more horsepower (62 at the crank) and 100 lbs less weight.