Second Ride?

[riseandfall]

Hi all,
I'm in need of a little bit of advice. I have been driving around a Honda CBR 125 since last year. I admit, it's a great bike. It handles well, is easy to turn around and you can do a lot of fun stuff without having to worry about fuel consumption. Where I live that's saying something. We pay almost 2.5$ per liter here:D But now I think about upgrading to something bigger. There are a couple of reasons for this. First is, I commute using a highway. And cagers here are absolute nightmares. My little CBR can't handle that. I frequently escape with my life to the safety line. So, I figure I need something that can handle itself really well on a highway. The second reason is that I really want to start touring. I want to go out there and feel the world through my bike:)

So here is the question, considering my reasons which bike would you recommend? I'm not into cruisers/choppers. I'd love to have a supersport but that's only in fantasy:D Because traffic with those bikes in Istanbul would be more than a nightmare... Also let's admit it they are not great for touring around.

I have in mind;
Honda CBF 600,
Kawazaki Z750,
Honda VFR 800 because it's on the sporty side:),
Yamaha FZ6,
Honda NT 700 V Deauville,

and a couple more. But I have really no idea what I'm doing. So I'd appreciate it if you offer your two cents on it.

Thanks a lot...

P.S: Sorry about the long post.. I'm really grateful if you've read this far.

[jstark47]

Mind telling us where you're located? You seem partial to Hondas, and I'm thinking of a bike not in your list, but not every bike is sold in every market.....

[riseandfall]

Istanbul, Turkey. Yeah, I'm partial to Hondas, I guess. It must be because my first bike is one and it really didn't give me any trouble, even when I neglected it.. I really don't know about the other brands. But if you advice me on another way, I'd happily listen to good advice...
thanks alot..

[Wrider]

I have 2400 miles on a 2005 Z750S since January. If I were to do lots of highway I'd cut down the windshield a little, possibly change out the seat, but it's not bad out of the box. Mine is bone stock at the moment. I'm thinking of getting a different windscreen though. Have frame sliders and a throttle lock on order.

[jstark47]

If you're considering the Deauville, I'd recommend the NC700X instead. I checked the Honda Turkey website, it's sold there. It's almost 100 lbs lighter than the Deauville, and the engine, although about the same size, is a new design unlike the Deauville. It doesn't have the Deauville's integrated sidecases, but it does have a big storage area where the gas tank is on most bikes.

[riseandfall]

Hi jstark47,
Thanks for the advice. I examined the bike, it is superb. Alas, i don't have enough money for it. I forgot to mention that I can only buy these bikes second hand; model years between 2005 and 2008. The NC 700X is about 11500$ without expenses here. I have a budget of up to 8000 -8500 $s. So any other suggestions? And what do you think about Kawasaki Z750 S? I'm concerned it might be too much of a step up for me....

[riseandfall]

Hi Wrider,
thanks for the advice. I have heard a lot of good feedback about Z750 S. If I weren't concerned about fuel consumption and the slightly bigger engine I would have already gone for one. May I ask, how is your gas millage? And if I go for one would I be able to handle that much torque&horsepower? it is a big step up from my 125 cc. So, I'm a little concerned.

[Wrider]

It's definitely a big step up from a 125, but you've got the basics down, and the Z750S has a detuned motor, so it's very easy to ride compared to the ZX7R it's based off of.
As far as mileage, I'm 300 lbs with gear, and I'm not easy on the throttle. I average around 38 MPG in town, and 44 at 75-90 on the interstate. Definitely an efficient bike, considering that's slightly better than I got with my VL800 cruiser... lol

[sapaul]

My vote would go to the DL 650, very forgiving easy to ride and a good bike to advance your skills on. They are tough, easy to maintain, will do on road , highway and gravel all with ease.

[Wrider]

My vote would go to the DL 650, very forgiving easy to ride and a good bike to advance your skills on. They are tough, easy to maintain, will do on road , highway and gravel all with ease.

But they're soooo oh wait... I like the looks. NVM, carry on.