what bike to save for...

[roadkill0000]

I have a 1006 Kawasaki 650R. It is absolutely perfect for me, but when ive got the skills and money, I'm gonna want to move on, no matter how good the 650R is.

what im looking for:

- some wind protection
- not a super sport
- not a dual sport
- not an inline 4

some bikes I have looked at:

ducati monster 796 - everything great but no wind protection
Triumph speed triple - no wind protection
ducati 848 sportbike - may be to sport oriented ergonomics

any ideas? Im not super fond of inline 4 but that may change with time. Thank you.

[acecycleins]

Suzuki DL1000, Kawasaki Z1000, Kawi Conni, Any BMW R bike, Moto Guzzi Griso, Ducati Multi-Strada, Triumph Tiger......
RK- what type of riding are you into and where do you live? It may make a difference in what you buy.

[mscuddy]

You can buy an old KZ400 Kawaski for around $100.00. Might look a little ratty, but a couple rattle cans of blue paint, and bingo, new bike!

Jawa 90's are good too. Anything esoteric and cheap in this economy is a good bet. I have a '77 XT500 Yamaha I'll sell you for $400.00. Runs fine, just needs some cosmetic work. I'm in Los ANgeles.

[roadkill0000]

( Suzuki DL1000, Kawasaki Z1000, Kawi Conni, Any BMW R bike, Moto Guzzi Griso, Ducati Multi-Strada, Triumph Tiger )

the suzuki and kawasaki's are inline 4. the ducati multistrada is dual purpose.

question: how sporty is the ducati 848 superbike?

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by roadkill0000

( Suzuki DL1000, Kawasaki Z1000, Kawi Conni, Any BMW R bike, Moto Guzzi Griso, Ducati Multi-Strada, Triumph Tiger )

the suzuki and kawasaki's are inline 4. the ducati multistrada is dual purpose.

question: how sporty is the ducati 848 superbike?

The duck 848 is as sporty as they come.

[trenttheuncatchable]

Actually, an SV650S would fit the bill. If that doesn't have enough torque for you, you could go for the SV1000S.

[ejis]

Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Sprint, Honda VFR...

[acecycleins]

The Kawi's were the only 4s. The DL is a twin. You aren't exactly helping us help you, though. 848 Superbike would imply "sport" as sport as it gets. But it didn't look like you wanted to go that deep into "sport" on the first post.

Honestly, a Triumph Tiger (currect generation) is a great blend of bike. Not too sport to be uncomfortable but sport enough to hang tough in the twisties. Or a KTM 990 Duke might fit you. Either way, wind protection isn't high on those bikes. Adventure-tour is sound but you don't seem interested in that. A BMW R1200RT might fit but that's steep in price. Got any more clues for us?

[roadkill0000]

yes, ill give u some more clues, so far very helpful.

I was thinking of the 848, but since its as sporty as the rest of em ill pass.

some more clues

1) not full supersport ergo's, like 848, gsx, zx6r, etc.
2) nothing as standard as the dl1000, multistrada, enduro, etc.
3) no inline 4 or cruiser
4) wind protection ( possibly added later? )

Ive been comparing the Monster 796 and the Street Triple R... like em both alot. The italian styling and twin wind me over, but the cost and hassle of maintaining one is driving me away. I dont know if the street triple is any better on maintenance but I suspect it to be atleast some... anyone know anything about this?

But once again... neither has the wind protection needed for all the highway riding I do. I don't know if any aftermarket windshield would do anything significant for the Monster or Street Triple. All I want is some chest protection, so I can go comfortable on the highway for an hour or two.

Thanks

[Kenneth_Moore]

Whats your gripe with I-4s? It's not my favorite engine, but you cut a lot of great bikes that could fit your other requirements out of the running.

Some of your requirements seem a bit contradictory too. "Not full supersport" followed by "nothing standard." What does that leave? I consider the Monster and Street Triples "standards," marketing hype notwithstanding.