New Bike Recommendations?

O

OpenGambit

Banned
Forum Sponsor
Friends.

It appears that I am going to be leaving Toronto, a shame that I wasn't able to get to know this community better, but I will probably continue to be around at least the HTA forum.

Long story short I got a new job and I am moving to Calgary, I am also looking to upgrade my bike.

2 bikes is an option but I am looking for the possibility of getting 1 bike that can do 2 things well.

1. Ride from Calgary to Vancouver and back without too much back cramping
2. Boot around town, ride to work etc.

I am considering the new Gixxer 750. Anyone have suggestions for what else I should look at?
 
Here's a place you have to visit in Calgary if you're shopping for a bike. In my opinion it's the best in Canada.

http://www.blackfootonline.com/

They have a great selection of European and Japanese machines.
 
If you're looking to do a lot of commuting, I don't think any SS will be easy on your back.
I ride an 06 750 and any time I get out, I have to break every 2 hours or so.
Maybe something like a sport touring?... VFR?
 
2live&ride said:
If you're looking to do a lot of commuting, I don't think any SS will be easy on your back.
I ride an 06 750 and any time I get out, I have to break every 2 hours or so.
Maybe something like a sport touring?... VFR?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately the VFR is not something I am too familiar with. any basic points about it?

I plan to do the van ride probably 3-4x a year. the rest will be just city.
 
Never rode one, so I can't comment, but I always like them and no, I can't tell you why either. lol
How far is Vancouver from Calgary!?
 
It's about 1000KM. Not a sprint. Some great scenery and a few different options as far as routes. Ninja 1000 might be an option for you.
 
Have you looked into one of those BMW-esque adventure bikes? They seem to be all the rage these days.

Other considerations would be a v-strom or a bandit 1200.
 
I'm a big fan of the GSXR 750. I don't find SS for the long haul a problem. I do find lots of stop and go a bit annoying but I presume that's true for any bike.

Make sure you do a lengthy test ride if you're switching to a type of bike you aren't familiar with. You may find it seems comfortable for 5 minutes but sucks after an hour or that it sucks for 5 minutes but is great after 20 minutes (my personal experience with SS types). I rode a standard BMW (R1200R) with an upright sitting position and I hated it after 5 minutes and my back was aching after 20 minutes. Meanwhile I ride my S1000RR for 6 - 8 hours routinely with no discomfort. I rode my brother's Harley about a block before I decided I wanted off.

Good luck and have fun deciding.
 
Sorry to see you go so soon. I enjoyed your posts as you already know :P

I can't remember exactly what you were riding, IIRC it was a GS500... If your just going to tool around town a DRZ400SM or similar bike would be one of my suggestions.

If you want a bike that can be two bikes in one, and you have big money to spend you could look at a Ducati Multistrada - look at US models and import to canada it may be worthwhile. Even after taxes and paying a broker you will likely come out ahead. If you like the multistrada but can't digest the price, I like the bandit 1250 with hard bags or a zx14 with risers, seat and hard bags.

Alternately you can look at something similar to the Z1000/ninja 1000. Powerful, relatively comfortable compared to an SS, cheaper than an SS to own and operate.
 
NP6000 said:
Sorry to see you go so soon. I enjoyed your posts as you already know :P

I can't remember exactly what you were riding, IIRC it was a GS500... If your just going to tool around town a DRZ400SM or similar bike would be one of my suggestions.

If you want a bike that can be two bikes in one, and you have big money to spend you could look at a Ducati Multistrada - look at US models and import to canada it may be worthwhile. Even after taxes and paying a broker you will likely come out ahead. If you like the multistrada but can't digest the price, I like the bandit 1250 with hard bags or a zx14 with risers, seat and hard bags.

Alternately you can look at something similar to the Z1000/ninja 1000. Powerful, relatively comfortable compared to an SS, cheaper than an SS to own and operate.
Click to expand...

haha I really liked your z1000 when I saw it. I was definately looking at the Multistrata tho. It does seems very cool. I'm going to take another look at it today. I originally was leaning towards a streetfighter before I considered this Calgary - Van thing but that probably wouldn't be ideal.
 
hey tommy,

sorry missed your call.

wow, congrats on your new job! calgary is very well paid. and the gixxer 750 will very well suit u, insurance is cheap, maybe even consider 1000cc bike! go for it! i upgraded myself too, picking up my new ninja this friday, yeppy!

keep in touch, maybe i'll visit vancouver and calgary again sometime in the near future. my sister's bf ride harley davidson 1200, i'll borrow it and let's ride! :>
 
Flashmonkey said:
Have you looked into one of those BMW-esque adventure bikes? They seem to be all the rage these days.

Other considerations would be a v-strom or a bandit 1200.
Click to expand...

The GS/A will eat up any miles with ease and in my opinion would be best for the job, I am not biased at all :D but if your looking for sport bike performance, its not the bike for you. There are a few options I would be looking at outside the GS/A, that would be the new Yamaha Super Tenere 1200:
yamaha-super-tenere-xt1200z-0.jpg


Or the Duc Multistrada which will give you that sport bike performance:
Picture-2011-Ducati-Multistrada-1200-white-side.jpg


There is the V-strom of course, and a new one from Honda that is definitely worth looking at:
conceptv4crosstourerav.jpg


My favourite:
0b170d10.jpg

Nothing can beat the GSA in terms of range. You could do the trip from Calgary to Vancouver on less then a tank and a half.
 
Thanks a lot! that is very helpful

I am still around for another month =D too bad I missed all the demo days!
 
The VFR800 has pretty good ergonomics for the long haul, if you're 5'8" and above. The V-Four engine has good torque and good 'nuff horsepower. It's a little heavy, at 500+ pounds, but you don't feel it when riding it. Single sided swingarm makes for trivial tire removals, to get a new tire mounted.

You could also think about a BMW, like the F800ST, which has good distance ergos. The factory luggage options are good, for touring oriented riding and very useful for commuting. A nice, tractable twin engine.
 
OpenGambit said:
Thanks a lot! that is very helpful

I am still around for another month =D too bad I missed all the demo days!
Click to expand...

If you're looking at a Multistrada, GP Bikes let me take one of their own out on a demo. I came close to pulling the trigger and buying one. I'll probably stick with the Bandit a bit longer.
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom