What's the bike for me?

[haulin' daze]

New at this, thanks for any input. I live in the Boston area and plan on riding to work (into the city) as often as possible starting this spring. I started looking at a Tiger (right price range) then a GS, Capanord, Multistrada, V-Strom, and eventualybegan looking at sport-tourers; ST3, VFR, etc. I've been riding a 94 Intruder 1400 (NOT a good highway/commuter bike!) for 5 years.
I'm 6 feet, 195 lbs. I ride fairly conservative. I don't need to go 120 mph, but wish to have plenty of power for the highways. I would like good, locking, removable bags. I want pretty decent mileage (above 40mpg would be nice). I want good protection from wind/rain. I would also like a bike that doesn't mind if I forget to cover it all the time. Something that won't cost an arm and a leg for routine service. There are dealers for every major manufactuer within 35 miles.
Funny, I came full circle to the Tiger in the last couple of days.
Any thoughts?

[britishjoe]

dont spend alot of money on your first bike, get something thats easy to repair, cheap for parts, and easy maintenance, I wouldnt go out buy a ducati, they are really enthusiasts motorcycles, and exspensive if you drop um..a Susuki GS500 small and easy to learn on. a Kawasaki EX500. if your tall, may a duel purpose like a Kawasaki KLR 650, easy to ride and good for building your skill level.

[haulin' daze]

Thanks for your input. As I wrote earlier, I've had a 1400cc bike for 5 years, and I've been riding for 6. I've ridden Harleys and tested the Multistrada, so going toa 600cc bike is going backwards. I guess I'm just looking for someone who has ridden some adventure/touring type bikes to tell me what they think. I figured a guy named "BritishJoe" would praise the Triumph!

[ZooTech]

It sounds like you've made your decision and are seeking confirmation. The Tiger sounds like a great bike, and I believe it will do what you need it to do. I also think the V-Strom 1000 would be an excellent alternative since it's set up about the same but would be much cheaper to maintain.

[haulin' daze]

Have you ridden any of those types of bikes? I've read so much in magazines, I just want an opinion from some "living", "breathing" riders who may have spent some time on one or more.

[britishjoe]

The trouble I find with the triumphs Now is the finishing is bad, the paint isnt great, stickers replace paint, that kind of fing, Thoug I do have a soft spot for the speed tripple