Help in choosing a new bike

[Kuurus]

Hi there !

I own a beautiful and very fun Suzuki SV650SA (2009). It pulls nicely, it doesn't eat up too much gas and it's very fun to drive, plus it's my first bike. But it has one down side that ruins it all: riding it more than one hour kills my back. So I'm in the process of trying to fix the problem one way or another... I've considered to take off the clipons and switch to a helibar, but the seat wouldn't be better and knees wouldn't be in a better position. Budget wise, I'm kinda limited: I don't want to spend 20k on a bike like a FJR1300, plus I feel like it's overkill for my commuting.

I've looked at the Versys and the V-Strom, both 650 and 1000. I'd like to have a liter bike, but do I really need it ? Both bikes are high and I'm kinda short (5'8) but I like the look of both bikes, and they are reasonable priced.

What's your take ? Any advice for me ? Or other bike suggestions ? I'm looking for a comfortable ride two up with my wife (80% of the time), good for commuting but also capable for longer rides (3-4 hours max). I am not going on dirt roads, so this is not a factor at all.

Thanks for the advices and long live Totalmotorcycle

[Wrider]

Honestly even just the heli-bars will help quite a bit.
Out of curiosity, how many miles have you put on the SV? I've got a good friend who rides an RSV, and that thing murdered me the first few times I rode it, but after a while I got used to it and could ride it for 2 or 3 hours without a problem.

[Kuurus]

Owned it for 3 seasons, about 10 000km done. My back never got used to it.

[Wrider]

Huh, fair enough. I'd definitely start with helibars and if that doesn't help, get some adjustable rearsets to compliment them. If you can find a way, try to get a ride on a SV650N, they have bars versus clipons and are a ton more comfortable IMO.

[BRUMBEAR]

Triumph Tiger 800 would do nicely.

[MTexile]

Another thing to consider is watch the dealerships to see if any one nearby might be having a demo days on a (usually) weekend. At least you can hop on a bike you thought about buying and see what it's like.

[blues2cruise]

If you want a comfortable ride for your wife..(80% of the time), and to be able to flat foot at stops...then try a cruiser.

[BRUMBEAR]

oh yeah the Kawasaki 650 line isn't bad either they have 3 to chose from I think?

[sapaul]

DL 650 probably the most versitile of the 650's out there right now, the new ones are stunning

[Grey Thumper]

DL 650 probably the most versitile of the 650's out there right now, the new ones are stunning

This.

Or pretty much any midsize dual sport(ish) bike should have back-friendly higher bars and an upright riding position. Strom, Versys, KLR, F650, Tiger 800, DR650. Since you're not interested in dirt, the more street oriented ones should be fine.