Getting new bike

[rbond]

Just throwing this out there..... Thinking hard about getting a new bike, something a little bigger than my GT500. So far looking at a Moto Guzzi V7 Classic, Suzuki GS650G, or a '80 something BMW R65. Most of my riding is in town (work - home), would like something a little larger that can handle my wife and I on little day trips or rides in the country. The way my house and property are laid out, my 'parking' spot requires pushing the bike in backwards, then doing a 90 to the right, and finally up on the centerstand. No sidestand, it would not permit anyone to walk in front of my wife's car and the way the concrete is under the car port, the bike would fall over. The stand on GT500's is very short (why?) anyway....... So, anybody have any thoughts? The opinions, recollections, from everyone here is appreciated as more info I get, hopefully I can make a (slightly ) more intelligent and logical decision. I will of course NOT let my wife influence my choice this time.(crossed fingers) Thank you.

[johnakay]

the GS range are good bikes,bullet proof engines ,
well the big uns are.
oh if you need a rack I can make one

[parksie]

You would make a good car saleman Johnny

[GreenMachine]

Haven't got around to a test ride yet, but those new V7 Guzzis look and sound magic, and Bike magazine said they were pretty decent... That's my $0.02

[jabcb]

You might like the new Triumph Bonneville.

Gets good reviews with the exception of the seat. Triumph sells several replacement seats that are much better. As with a lot of other new bikes, the centerstand is a dealer installed option.

[Suzsmokeyallan]

Well give me the Japanese stuff anyday, especially with the way these 'other' companies fold up, re-organise or just plain disappear for awhile leaving customers without any parts or a way of getting them at reasonable prices.

So,after that, if you are sticking with Suzuki heres a list to consider.

Later 70s to early 80s
GT750
GS650
GS750
GS850
GS1000

Mid 90s to early 00s
DL650
GSF600 or 650
SV650
RF900
DL1000
GSF1200
SV1000

All of these bikes are around the 500 pound figure and while its not a stock item you can get a centre stand for the DL models. I'm sure there is also a version made for the SV, along with a top tree so you can mount regular handlebars on it as well.

[kettle kid]

I Think the best bike you could buy to fit your needs, would be the suzuki GT750 J, as you have a wealth of knowledge on here, and you could buy a rack off johnakay (for your wifes bag) and i could do you, a nice set of switches (exchange) job done!

[h2okettle]

You might like the new Triumph Bonneville.

Gets good reviews with the exception of the seat. Triumph sells several replacement seats that are much better. As with a lot of other new bikes, the centerstand is a dealer installed option.

I will agree on the Triumph.. Though I have put over 175K miles on the GT... MY wife wanted me to get a newer bike, and preferably a "non smoker"... When I saw the new Bonneville T100, it reminded me of my old Triumph I "pushed" alot in the 70s.. They retroed a 1969 Bonnie, but without the Lucas electronics (AKA, failure).. We test rode one and it did everything I wanted it to do.. They gave me a 2 year unlimited mile warranty.. I told them "are you sure"... I ride a lot !! I brought the bike in for a valve adjustment sevice after 1 month of ownership.. They told me to come back in 2 years, or 12K miles.. I looked at them and said I am almost at 14 now... They then said not hundred but thousands.. I told them I had 13.8K miles on it.. Not believing me the owner came out to look at my odometer.. Kinda shocked he asked where the H*ll you been?? I told him not California, Oregon, or Washington state.. Easier to say, than to tell him where I have been. In just over a year I put 33K trouble free miles.. I am telling you this cuz, the bike is so nice to ride, and so reliable.. By the way, the valves have not needed any shims yet... One guy on the Triumph board has over 100K miles and the valves have been within tolerance every time he checks them.. What is funny is that I was up riding in Colorado one day and a Harley guy at the gas station wanted to take a picture of my bike.. He said it was the nicest Triumph he seen in years.. I did a beautiful restoration he said.. I wanted to tell him it came this way, all I did was wash it when it needed.. But I didn't.. I get over 50mpg.. Mine is fuel injected, but it looks like it has carbs on it.. This was great going up Pikes peak.. It never had any issues.. My GT had to be in 1st gear the closer I got to the top.. Like me, it was outa breath.. ..... My other choice was the Guzzi V7 classic, but the Triumph made a better two up tourer... I have Hepco-Becker hard bags for the adventure/camping rides... I did put one tooth larger front sprocket, and did not even notice any power loss.. It helped on gas mileage..

Allen...... Rides without adult supervision !!!