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NWTrtle wrote:Dragonhawk, The reason I left out the true sport touring bikes is they tend to be much bigger bikes, both physically and engine size. I don't feel like I am ready for some of those bikes even though that is where I would like to end up. I view this next bike as a step towards that goal. I also feel like a bike in the 600 - 750cc range will fit the bill for everyday riding and starting down the road of sport touring for me to get to the 15-20,000 mile experience range before I consider upgrading again.

Ah. I see.

Well, that's a smart and prudent approach. Good luck in your decision.

NWTrtle wrote:Of course, if I missed a sport tourer in the 600 - 750cc range, please tell me what it is so I can research it and find one to check out.

New interceptors are 800cc. old ones are 750cc. Not sure which years are what though, sorry.

I don't think we really helped narrow the choice down at all, just gave the good marks about a lot of the bikes. My suggestion, get one of each!

NWTrtle wrote:Of course, if I missed a sport tourer in the 600 - 750cc range, please tell me what it is so I can research it and find one to check out.

BMW F800ST? Might be a little pricey, though.

I would not recommend Katana anything. It's waaay too heavy for the power output. It has neither the torque of the twins nor the power of 4-bangers.

Sprint ST weighs about the same, but it has a lot more power, torque, and comfortable sport-touring ergos. This is the only sport-touring bike I would get.

If you are unsure about Sprint ST -- after all it's a big jump from what you have now -- I would go for either Ninja 650 or SV650. (Disclaimer: I own SV650S). I don't really like the naked look, so I prefer either ninja 650 or fully-faired SV. Note that the seating position of SVS is fairly sporty whereas ninja 650's is relatively neutral and much more comfortable on long rides and around town. Also, being twins, these two bikes have better fuel economy and more low-end torque than something like 599, which helps in city traffic.

Vstrom is fugli. But to each his own...

599 is more sport than touring. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But you can get an RR bike for almost the same price.

Suzuki Boulevard M50 - sporty cruiser. or Katana 750

Thanks for the replys everyone. Although I may not be much closer to a final choice, I have decided to eliminate both the 750 Katana and the Sprint. Mostly due to the major increase in power over what I ride now.

The top of my list seems to be the Ninja 650, SV650, Vstrom 650 or the FZ6. The FZ6 got thrown in after reading an article comparing the 599, sv650 and the FZ6. All three did really well, but the FZ6 came out on top for longer trip comfort.

Now, if I could just win the lottery I could buy one of each and play with them all!

I vote 650R, but I'm biased. I know where you can get a used one!

NWTrtle wrote:The FZ6 got thrown in after reading an article comparing the 599, sv650 and the FZ6. All three did really well, but the FZ6 came out on top for longer trip comfort.

The SV650 actually has a more comfortable seating position, but the seat on the SV650 is not designed for a human "O Ring". So, I'm not surprized the FZ6 would be more comfy.

Dragonhawk wrote: The SV650 actually has a more comfortable seating position, but the seat on the SV650 is not designed for a human as.s. So, I'm not surprized the FZ6 would be more comfy.

depends on the size of your as.s...

V-Strom is a great platform. Ninja Geoff doesn't know what he's talking about when it comes to it's ability in the twisties, bless his heart . With it's large front wheel, wide bars and amazing cornering clearance, the V-strom eats it up. The only limitation from the factory are the TrailWing "dual sport" tires.

The Strom lasts for miles (Some guys at stromtrooper.com are over 175,000 with no major repairs), is super comfy, has no trouble carrying full luggage while two up, plenty of available power for accessories (I run GPS, comm system [music, cellphone, cb, fms], heated grips, two heated jackets, extra lights). Not to mention it's easy enough to get the front wheel in the air if you're so inclined.

Oh yeah- when I push the bike HARD it still gets 50 mpg