I am narrowing down some choices, and would like some input.
06 Suzuki Katana 750: I can grab a new 06 for around $6800 OTD. The bike is faired and the smaller displacement is better for me being an inexperienced rider. I think outfitted with side cases and a travel trunk, I could hang on to this a very long time.
07-08 Suzuki Bandit ABS: I like the Bandit, especially with ABS. The stock seat height is actually lower than the 750 Katana, which is great for me. I would want to put fairings on it, which would significantly increase the price, plus these are real white whales in my area. I cant find one used anywhere, and all new ones are selling for list price.
06 Triumph Sprint ST: I can pick one up with 14k on it for around $6000. I saw the nike, liked it, but I'm certainly not in love with it. It seems a bit top-heavy, especially with my lower center of gravity, but I like that it has ABS.
I also like the VFR800, but I don't think I'll be able to find one "lightly used" in my price range. If I go much higher than what I'm looking to spend, I'd have to let my M50 go, and I'm not sure I want to do that right now. I would rather wait a year, then buy a 1-3 year old FJR or Concours 14 and have it lowered.
If there is a bike I should look into besides these, PLMK what you'd suggest. I rode an older (93) FJ1200, and couldn't stand the high footpeg placement. I can live with my feet being under me, but the FJ drives your knees up too high.
I'm 5'7", 28" inseam, and have been riding street bikes for about 3 months, so monster displacement bikes and 31+ seat height bikes are out. Like I said, I'd rather wait to get one of those till I have the experience and can afford to buy one then have it lowered.
06 Suzuki Katana 750: I can grab a new 06 for around $6800 OTD. The bike is faired and the smaller displacement is better for me being an inexperienced rider. I think outfitted with side cases and a travel trunk, I could hang on to this a very long time.
07-08 Suzuki Bandit ABS: I like the Bandit, especially with ABS. The stock seat height is actually lower than the 750 Katana, which is great for me. I would want to put fairings on it, which would significantly increase the price, plus these are real white whales in my area. I cant find one used anywhere, and all new ones are selling for list price.
06 Triumph Sprint ST: I can pick one up with 14k on it for around $6000. I saw the nike, liked it, but I'm certainly not in love with it. It seems a bit top-heavy, especially with my lower center of gravity, but I like that it has ABS.
I also like the VFR800, but I don't think I'll be able to find one "lightly used" in my price range. If I go much higher than what I'm looking to spend, I'd have to let my M50 go, and I'm not sure I want to do that right now. I would rather wait a year, then buy a 1-3 year old FJR or Concours 14 and have it lowered.
If there is a bike I should look into besides these, PLMK what you'd suggest. I rode an older (93) FJ1200, and couldn't stand the high footpeg placement. I can live with my feet being under me, but the FJ drives your knees up too high.
I'm 5'7", 28" inseam, and have been riding street bikes for about 3 months, so monster displacement bikes and 31+ seat height bikes are out. Like I said, I'd rather wait to get one of those till I have the experience and can afford to buy one then have it lowered.