Looking for an intermediate bike

[firebrick]

Im looking to replace my goldwing 1500 and ninja 250 with one bike. I know that no bike is the best all rounder but beasts seems to be the nearest to what im looking for. I wont be off roading unless its an iowa class B road or gravel. I only make one or two long distance trips a year anymore so I dont need the big goldwing. Every bike Ive owned has been either huge or really small or a hack. So I dont know much about these middle weight options. Are these bikes comparable? strom 650, t100 or scrambler, ural solo, and honda nc700? So far thats whats Im looking towards. I know I have to get out and get some seat time on them but with the wealth of knowledge here Id like some opinions on these middle weights. Ive even thought about a dr650 since im only riding short distances anymore. Thanks.

[showkey]

Self serving:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...light=transalp

[firebrick]

Very nice but I'm leaning more towards new so I can trade in the wing and avoid Craigslist nutters.

[nbsdave]

I think you would enjoy the Wee strom for sure.
But, the Bonniville and Scrambler are way much fun too.
You may want to spend time visiting bike specific forums to learn a little more about each.

[firebrick]

I have been visiting here and various forums a lot and everyone always likes their own bike so just checking to see if anyone thought these bikes were actually comparable or too dissimilar .

[FirstPath]

DL650 Wee would be a great choice. A bagged up Versys would do the trick too. If your heart stirs towards a more vintage look than go with a Triumph. May feel a bit cramped coming from the 'Wing.

I love Urals but I'd pass on the solo. 4 spd and you'll never find one to test ride. Now only available in black. There are more functional choices for the money out there.

I'm looking for a bike as well for commuting and weekend riding/exploring.(some gravel roads). Lot's of options but the money and value factor brings me to the NC700x. Fits me better than the WeeStrom but has less 'get up and go'.

Scott in Shoreview
'79 Suzuki GS550

[scott123007]

Actually, the group of bikes you are interested in are quite diverse amoung themselves. I have ridden all, except the Ural. I have spent the most time on the DL650 Strom, the 650 Versys then the Triumph, and then just a medium ride on the Honda. Overall, Vee Strom was my favorite. For me, it was the most comfortable (least cramped) and the most versatile (very happy on road, quite happy off road). They are all great bikes though.

[firebrick]

I really think I'm down to the triumph, for pure coolness, the honda, for the mpg and cool storage tank, and the v-strom, idk why. Guess its time to see what dealers have to offer.

[Big Jon]

Don't forget to check out a Tiger 800 while you're at the Triumph dealer.

Word of warning though. Don't test ride one unless you're ready to buy...

[damasovi]

amigo,

the bikes mention are great, but if you could mention your details of size, weight and such, that could make things easier for us to mention something in specific

I ride a KLR 650 and I am 5'7ish with a 30 inseam and the KLR is tall for me, but after many miles on it, I do not see a problem on road, off road it takes a like more time, but all in all I like it.

If I were going to search for a new bike, I will go with the Dl650, it is everything I want including low cost of maintenance, and is good for 2 up and easy 70-80mph rides.

As mention other bikes are the tiger 800, Versys and look the BMW GS 700 (or the 800). The nc700 is lower and everything will feel different! so go and try them all!

Damasovi

[regg]

Where in Iowa are you located?

[firebrick]

Im just north of des moines. Im 5-8 175. Been through a of bunch of bikes and none seem to keep me interested too long. My favorite so far has been the smallest and cheapest, my trusty 2005 ninja 250. I bought the goldwing for some long distance comfort but found out I wont be doing any more long trips with a 15 month old. The wing and ninja seemed like a perfect combination but with less time to ride Im looking at something that strikes a good balance between fun(ninja) and ridability(wing). I also want to be able to take it on gravel and level b roads but there is no hardcore offroading to worry about here. Thanks! If it gets nice out here in the next couple weeks Ill be swinging by our local suzuki, kawasaki, triumph dealer here in town.

[Precis]

If you've owned mostly Jap bikes until now - I'd counsel you to stay there: unless you really, really like fixing stuff - and often quite far from home, occasionally in the dark, the rain and lying in the gutter - I'd avoid the Ural.
The bikes you have now are quite smooth - you could find a big single tiring to ride: they do vibrate a bit more and it's surprising how draining that can be.
If dealer support is important to you, find a dealership that's convenient and that you like and buy from them - nothing will make you hate a bike like an indifferent-to-poor dealer experience if you're dependent upon them. (I know all dealers within 10,000 miles of me are bums, so I do all work myself).
Great thing about Suzukis is that both their 650 models have been around a long time - so bugs have been ironed, fixes found and a good after-market for farkles exists. Their engineering is rugged but perhaps a bit uninspiring; Honda tend to use technology to answer questions no-one asked, use twenty parts where one would do, then whip up the Marketing Dept to sell it. But their stuff is well-made - as you'll know from owning a GoldThing.
Triumph have historically had a few issues, but minor ones and the 800 is getting a fantastic reputation.
Note that while I've ridden much of what's out there, I don't currently own any of these brands - thus I'm uniformly biased!
Good luck in your final choice!

[firebrick]

I owned a ural gear up is the only reason Ive thought about a solo. They do have issues but tend to be easy to work on. The wing is massive and as much as I like it on the road its just to big for me. I need to do some research on the mainenance schedules for these bikes to see if there is anything I couldnt do and would have to leave to the dealer. Do most beasts have tubeless tires? I got used to changing tubes in the ural but doubt Id be changing my own tires if they are tubeless.

[Domromer]

If you are looking for a goo all around bike it's hard to beat the 650 vstrom. I commute, camp, and go offroading on mine. All this and it gets 50mpg.