as some of you might have been reading, a new bike is coming up for me pretty soon.. so i've been taking lots of trips to the dealerships so I know what i'm looking for before I get sucked in with money in hand. I really likes the way the cb250 nighthawk by honda sits but they stopped making the 750! grrr, so I sat on a sv650 and it sits the slightest little bit of me leaning over. i'm not straight and i'm not crouched like on my gsxr. so that to me is even more uncomfy than being in the gsxr for long periods of time. I love the way the suzuki savage feels too, but it's just a little small. I wish suzuki would make something like the kawasaki w650 or the nighthawk. Where have all these bikes gone? it seems like your either on a cruiser now and comfy or crouched over on a sportbike. all I want is something that is small, powerful enough that I don't get bored with it... and sitting upright and comfy.. seems like wherever I look it's a tradeoff. the sv650 is perfect except that it is slightly slouched over for me.. maybe even 1 degree but it's weird... who knows maybe I have to get used to it. but I don't wanna spend 5 grand on something I don't like. ok, just needed to vent that. i'll post what I finally end up getting!!
it's really hard picking out a new bike!
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*ahem* bandit *ahem*
There's a reason these things are so popular. Just like you want, they're neither too forward nor too laid back. And you'd never be happy on a Nighthawk. They're a light year backward in suspension. I rode one for several thousand miles, and my Bandit is a slotcar in comparison. I'm quite sure you could find a late model Bandit 600 dirt cheap. They are a discontinued model, so demand is low. Don't let that lead you to believe that customer satisfaction is low, however.
There's a reason these things are so popular. Just like you want, they're neither too forward nor too laid back. And you'd never be happy on a Nighthawk. They're a light year backward in suspension. I rode one for several thousand miles, and my Bandit is a slotcar in comparison. I'm quite sure you could find a late model Bandit 600 dirt cheap. They are a discontinued model, so demand is low. Don't let that lead you to believe that customer satisfaction is low, however.
Bandit 600 and Nighthawk 750 are both something i would definetly buy, too bad I hadn't started looking a year earlier! as soon as I start looking they discontinue all these models.. I'm not concerned with carving corners or racing cars on the highway. I just want to relax and have a good time. maybe 2-up on a motorcycle sometimes too. The other requirement.... new. I want to be the only owner so I can break it in how I want it done and i'll know everything that was every done to the bike. that's why I like the sv650. Plus, I really want fuel injection and liquid cooled. Sooo, i'm thinking of getting something small like the nighthawk 250 because that was soo comfy and looks like it's comfy 2-up as well. Then after a year or so something that fits my requirements may come along and i'll trade it in. It's just so hard finding something that suits my style. I was looking at the bandit 600's on cycletrader but there are none close by that I could have a seat on and possible test ride before I buy, so that's out of the question too. My other option.... wait till next season and hope... which sucks cause i've been waiting all winter!
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The Nighthawk 250 is a glorified scooter. The suspension is mushy and the bike itself is quite small. Two up on it would be a joke. As I said, even the 750 is terribly outdated. Good supension is as much about safety and enjoyment as it's about "carving corners".
As for the Bandit 6, I'm sure there are new ones around for rock bottom prices since it was discontinued. You say you like liquid cooling and efi. More to go wrong, if you ask me. A person looking to "relax and have a good time" needs neither. You will have a tough time doing your own maintenance with them, too.
Don't get me wrong, the SV is a great bike - if you like v-twins. I just find it odd that you seem so interested in an archaic bike like the CB250, yet you want cutting edge tech. :?:
As for the Bandit 6, I'm sure there are new ones around for rock bottom prices since it was discontinued. You say you like liquid cooling and efi. More to go wrong, if you ask me. A person looking to "relax and have a good time" needs neither. You will have a tough time doing your own maintenance with them, too.
Don't get me wrong, the SV is a great bike - if you like v-twins. I just find it odd that you seem so interested in an archaic bike like the CB250, yet you want cutting edge tech. :?:
what about the gs500f. I just started looking at that again... seems like a nice simple 40 or so hp bike that is good for beginners but keep you entertained. not much to worry about the oil/air cooled engine and only 2 sets of brakes to worry about too.... hmmm. I think it's now between the gs500f and the sv650 if that 03 is still there when I go. but first I still have to sell my bike 
don't forget on the SV650 (i assume you're referring to the fully naked version), that the slightly forward ride position will pay off at speeds over 50mph, when the headwind will hit you in the chest and shoulders. being very slightly forward will mean the wind will hold you up, as opposed to you holding on.
and that you can always angle the 'bars back a little, or try a different bend
and that you can always angle the 'bars back a little, or try a different bend
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