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The wife is considering exchanging her '02 Honda VLX for something with a bit more pep, upright riding, and easy handling. After some research she's decided she loves the unique look of this class of bike, so I'm asking y'all if anyone has any strong opinions, positive or negative, on these bikes. I know not all are current models anymore but we plan on buying used. We've visited the local dealers but have yet to find any of this type of bike in stock. I did have her sit on a Ninja 500 and she dismissed that for aesthetic reasons.

So far her favorite from looking online is the Yamaha FZ6. The Suzuki Bandit 600S and SV650S are ok, and I've just found some shots of a Kawi ZR-7S to show her.

Are these bikes all so close in design and performance that the best deal on any of them is the way to go? Technology isn't the key factor for her (us), reliability and decent performance is. Gotta be a faired or partially faired bike, and the more upright riding position, the better.

Any advice or tips on these machines would be appreciated. In the mean time I'll keep researching. Life ain't all that bad sometimes.

V4underme wrote:Are these bikes all so close in design and performance that the best deal on any of them is the way to go? Technology isn't the key factor for her (us), reliability and decent performance is. Gotta be a faired or partially faired bike, and the more upright riding position, the better.

For upright riding positions, eliminate the SV-S (great bike, but not what she is after). The FZ6 will work if she is tall and it is a stronger performer than the Bandit, but the Bandit is a great bike and likely alot cheaper. I haven't ridden the ZR7S, but the Z750S is likely a good choice as well. They should all be very reliable so that is not really a factor.....
My $.02

Therein lies the problem... she's 5' 5". Can an FZ or Bandit be lowered easily? Interesting to note that the Bandit 1200 has a seat listed about 1" lower than the 600. Go figure.

Some people from another board went through this a while back. She is about 5'2" I think. Also with a 600 Bandit. Results- it can be lowered pretty easily. New dogbone for the rear shock. Lower the forks. New or modified side stand to compensate for the reduced height.
At 5"5" she might not have to lower it.

Might consider a Honda 599 (hornet/cb600) all the same bike. I'm loving mine. Upright seating position, agressive engine, naked styling. But tons of aftermarket fairings and windscreens as a result of it's popularity in the UK. I've got comprehensive ride reports in my blog. Check my sig.

The FZ6 is nice, if you can get it lowered a bit she'd love it. At least, I love mine. The Honda is a nice option as well. I was debating between the Z750S and the FZ6 when I bought. Overall I'm happy with my selection. Personally, I think the FZ is the best looking of the bunch, but opinions will definately vary on that.

Has she considered (or will she consider) the Kawasaki Concours? It's comfortable, powerful, versatile, durable, and the aftermarket is flooded with goodies for it since it's been out quite a while. You should be able to find ANYTHING you need for it online and on eBay and there are a lot of loyal owners out there ready to give advice about repairs or concerns.

Just a thought.

Thanks for the replies everyone. She and I both read this and are finding it quite helpful. We called the Honda/Yam dealer 40 minutes down the road and they actually have an '05 FZ6 on the floor, so she's goin gto go sit on that today. I asked to to try out the 599 while she's in there, too. At the least we could put the deflector screen on it off the VLX. Time permitting she'll hop on an SV650 at the Suzuki/Kawi dealer down the road from the first stop. As has been pointed out here, even the dealer said to me over the phone it's a fairly leaned-over position.

As for the Concours, it has the looks she likes, the seat doesn't appear to be too far out of reach, but the weight is going to be tough when compared to the other bikes weighing 150-200 pounds less. If they have one I'll see if she'll try it out.

To give an idea how this all started, she saw the picture of the Triumph Sprint ST on the cover of the latest RoadBike and fell in love with it.

Again, thanks for the help so far. Any more advice/opinions are always appreciated!

As a side note, the new Bandit 650 has an adjustable seat height. When at the dealer, ask them to put it on the lowest setting for her. My wife was in love with the new Bandit, until Mrs. TotalMotorcycle took her over to the Ducati booth You might want to show her the Ducati Monsters as well, but maintenance does end up being more expensive. On second thought, steer her clear of the Ducks and save yourself some$$$$$$

We live in WV, finding something like a Ducati dealer here is like looking for a swimming pool in the Sahara. There actually is one, but I don't think they've had a bike on the floor for years. The bar/saloon half of the place keeps the money coming in.


Just got off the phone w/ wifey. The FZ6 is too tall, even with her boots on she was on tip-toes. Dealer told her no lowering kit is availabel for that model.

However.... they had a 1998 Honda Nighthawk 750, 2,300 miles. She sat on it and it fit. She loved the ride, handling and power of the Magna I just sold but the ergos weren't good for her, however this Nighthawk might fit the "egro bill". Apparently it's in mint condition, the wife thought it was brand new at first.

Anything good or bad to say about the Nighthawk? They're asking $3,999 I think.