Love my GZ.. but when time to move on... What to choose?

[Kalel]

Just wondering, as many of you have or have had a GZ, Iand then later a different model what did you choose or what would you choose.... Right now I love my GZ and the MPG.. that is awesome... just was looking at this one that is coming out next year.... and people said harley would never make a 500CC ha....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoMtLTHNvMY

[5th_bike]

.... and people said harley would never make a 500CC ha....
Those people should look up the history of HD, they produced several smaller-than-500 cc models initially and throughout the years.

[jonathan180iq]

There was also a time when you couldn't give away a Harley Davidson...

I don't think you'll be all that overly impressed with 500s if the 250 has already run it's course in your life. Most people like cruisers because of their comfort and straight line gliding ability. As part of that, they like the immediate giddyup and punch when they roll on the throttle in a straight line. This, I believe, is why you see 2,500cc crusiers and not 2500cc sport bikes. Are you more of a laid back rider or do you like the bike to be more nimble and flickable? That makes a big difference in what you should shop for.

[Water Warrior 2]

Your next bike will be determined by what you want to do in the future. Do you want to do some longer rides/trips? New or used? Budget concerns will likely determine the final decision. How big do you want to go? Brand loyalty or just pick what turns you on? Japanese only is probably the best option as they are reasonably priced and normally make excellent bikes. Do you want a relatively maintenance free bike??? Do some research on any promising bike by lurking on websites and getting a general idea of problems, traits, comfort and wrenching concerns. Can you do normal servicing yourself??? Where is your nearest dealer??

As for the H-D concepts I would have reservations. Will they be any less weight than the 883 Iron? Will they be any cheaper than the competition or more or less comparable in price? Being another starter bike like 883 Sportster(but smaller) is usually thought of, will it retain any value after 2 or 3 years?

[Goose51683]

Since the 883 has been mentioned, what do you guys know about them. There is one in my town for sell around $3000. In general I'm not an HD fan simply because I think it's more name than anything but for the price it did make me look twice.

[Water Warrior 2]

I don't have any experience with the H-D bikes but a lot of friends have the bigger models and love them. Would I buy one? Not likely. I like Japanese bikes because they are more affordable and reliable as can be. Suzuki, Honda, Kawi and Honda make a wide variety of bikes in the 500 to 1000cc range that will keep you entertained for a long time. Take your pick according to your needs. Do some research on the models that tickle your fancy. Sport, cruisers and adventure, sport touring are all available from Japan.

[Plavanchy]

Check out the new Suzuki gw250-nice ride

[Kalel]

Hey Guys, Nice thoughts... Well as I said my GZ is awesome, and has not run it's course in my life. not planning on changing it anytime soon.... I was just wondering what some of you guys moved to... I like cruiser style bikes, and If I were to move right now, had the chance, would def pick up a Suzuki S-40, I like japanese bikes, and suzuki is good, reliable and simple....

Now as for
"" Are you more of a laid back rider or do you like the bike to be more nimble and flickable? "" I am laid back, but the city is tough, so that is why I posted that about the HD... :)

By the way, this forum is awesomee........ :) and to me even Suzuki's sound Thum-Thum - Thum..... beats HD's pot - pot - pot :)

[Water Warrior 2]

I do like the S-40 and it's simplicity but if I were in the market I would be looking at a C-50. It is more bike and not a great deal more money overall. Lynda graduated to a M-50 from her GZ and loved it. I rode it and really liked it a lot but my thoughts were leaning towards a C-50 for the added comfort and even greater aftermarket stuff. They are(C-50 and M-50)basically the same bike with the same engine and powertrain but the M-50 was more of a muscle cruiser with better handling.
The C-50 is more of a laid back cruiser with better accommodations for touring with different bars, floor boards and a larger seat. Also had a heel toe shifter that was real easy to use after a couple miles in town.
2 very popular Yamahas are the 650 and 1100 Star models. Either one would be a reliable bike with decent fit and finish.

After all that, if I run across an old Suzuki Intruder 1400 in good shape I might jump on it. It is really neat looking and a torque monster with some very well done styling. A very clean uncluttered bike that is good for shorter rides but likely wouldn't make a great touring mount. I was asleep at the switch and missed a nice 1993 for $2,200. It would have been great to hit the road with a massive engine just loafing along at it's own pace.

[Goose51683]

I just saw an article about Harley coming out with a 500. Do a google search. It doesn't look to bad, probably ridiculously priced though.

[alantf]

I was watching American restorer (I think that's what it's called) last night. Someone brought him a 1967 50cc Harley to restore. Seems like they used to make mopeds, years ago.

[blaine]

I was watching American restorer (I think that's what it's called) last night. Someone brought him a 1967 50cc Harley to restore. Seems like they used to make mopeds, years ago.
I believe this is the show you are referring to.

http://www.history.ca/americanrestoration



;) :)

[alantf]

Yes, that's the one. :)

[jonathan180iq]

I've never owned anything larger than a 250. It's a societal statement against "bigger is better" for me.

[Water Warrior 2]

I've never owned anything larger than a 250. It's a societal statement against "bigger is better" for me.
Good for you. Many folks just bend and go with the flow.

[northsidegz]

For the OP, speaking from experience, I'm very glad I bought an 800cc. For my commute (where I have on ramps and off ramps as well as frequent stretches of 70mph - all during rushhour), it's exactly what I needed as an upgrade over the GZ. The one thing I've found hard to swallow is the 40mpg vs the 70mpg I was getting with the GZ. My 800 has aftermarket pipes (yes, loud), and if I had to do it over again, I probably would have purchased a bigger bike with standard pipes resulting in slightly better mpg.

[Water Warrior 2]

800 cc's will take you anywhere on the planet. A strong 500 will do the job too if it is a good fit. I have my sight set on an old 1400 Intruder if a good one comes along. Don't need the size so much as want the look and the least amount of maintenance involved.

[JWR]

Still like my bike very much.
30,000 miles and counting


.https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kQQzlSmSeQQ/UjJxtg6mNII/AAAAAAAADDY/-sQNoaoujG0/s576/image.jpg

[Water Warrior 2]

Still like my bike very much.
30,000 miles and counting


.https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kQQzlSmSeQQ/UjJxtg6mNII/AAAAAAAADDY/-sQNoaoujG0/s576/image.jpg
The SV650 is a jewel on wheels. Any bike that has it's own race series has got to be good.

[steelpix]

I've been looking at the Star Bolt. Competing with the HD 883. Look nice and good pricing
.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/274/16205/Motorcycle-Article/2014-Star-Bolt-Comparison.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INnA7UXwcLs

[jonathan180iq]

That's a good lookin' bike.

[Water Warrior 2]

I've been looking at the Star Bolt. Competing with the HD 883. Look nice and good pricing
.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/274/16205/Motorcycle-Article/2014-Star-Bolt-Comparison.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INnA7UXwcLs

The Bolt is a nice looking bike and has some nice features. The H-D is also a nice bike. I do like the Iron 883 for it's appearance and would likely choose it first if only for the resale value down the road.

[Cathy]

+1 for SV650

[Water Warrior 2]

+1 for SV650

Cathy, do you ever ride up to Squamish for a coffee??

[Goose51683]

That's a tough choice, they are both good looking bike but as mentioned above the 883 would probably hold it's value better.

[Water Warrior 2]

Did a little reading about the new H-D's. They appear to be a better bike than the 883 on paper and likely worth a look when available. The one thing H-D did with the new models is changing the valve train to adjustable valves(read maintenance). All other H-D models have hydraulic lifters and need no periodic maintenance. Just thought I'd mention that in passing.

[Cathy]

Cathy, do you ever ride up to Squamish for a coffee??

Nope still gotta learn first, some of these post are helped by the boyfriend so I am not that smart. TT_TT he does most of the technical work.

Though he did just take the GZ to Squamish for his Birthday on the 16th, did you spot him ?

On topic: GS500 is cheap as well.

[Water Warrior 2]

Nope still gotta learn first, some of these post are helped by the boyfriend so I am not that smart. TT_TT he does most of the technical work.

Though he did just take the GZ to Squamish for his Birthday on the 16th, did you spot him ?

On topic: GS500 is cheap as well.

Only seen a couple bikes in the last few days and a GZ was not one of them. Boyfriend must be tough. The temps have not been rider friendly.

A GS500 is a good bike but not to my liking. It was in the running years ago before I found the Vstrom 650 in a dealership. It was so fugly I had to buy it to give it a home.

[kongjie]

I have been thinking about this question for a few months now. I'm waiting until after my taxes are done to see what the damage is. For now I'm considering the following upgrades:

Kawasaki Versys ABS: not my idea of a beautiful bike, but I went to the IMS and took a test ride, and loved it.

Triumph Scrambler: love the looks, but it's heavy, expensive, and lacks ABS.

V-Strom 650 ABS: not quite as ugly as the versys…or is it? Still, a solid machine.

Honda NC700X: again, not my style preference, but a lot of people rave about this bike. Great fuel economy. My issue is that I would like ABS but the only U.S. ABS option on this bike also has DCT and I can't imagine not shifting my bike.

BMW G650 GS 74 mpg and includes ABS. Not sure how this would be as a daily commuter or on a longer tour. And with a BMW my service costs are going to be high, probably. Still, one can dream.

Moto Guzzi V7 Stone: love the way it looks, and reportedly a lot of fun to ride. But the mileage is average, and the price high considering ABS is not an option.

so that's where I stand. The taxman will have the last word…possibly leaving me on my GZ250 for another year LOL.

[Water Warrior 2]

I have been thinking about this question for a few months now. I'm waiting until after my taxes are done to see what the damage is. For now I'm considering the following upgrades:

Kawasaki Versys ABS: not my idea of a beautiful bike, but I went to the IMS and took a test ride, and loved it.

Triumph Scrambler: love the looks, but it's heavy, expensive, and lacks ABS.

V-Strom 650 ABS: not quite as ugly as the versys…or is it? Still, a solid machine.

Honda NC700X: again, not my style preference, but a lot of people rave about this bike. Great fuel economy. My issue is that I would like ABS but the only U.S. ABS option on this bike also has DCT and I can't imagine not shifting my bike.

BMW G650 GS 74 mpg and includes ABS. Not sure how this would be as a daily commuter or on a longer tour. And with a BMW my service costs are going to be high, probably. Still, one can dream.

Moto Guzzi V7 Stone: love the way it looks, and reportedly a lot of fun to ride. But the mileage is average, and the price high considering ABS is not an option.

so that's where I stand. The taxman will have the last word…possibly leaving me on my GZ250 for another year LOL.

Oddly enough I was just reading a comparison(last night) about the Vstrom, Kawasaki and Honda. The Honda was dead last in most categories but it was an auto model. It did rate high in the comfort level though. The Vstrom was the power bike of the 3. Yeah, I like the Vstrom a bunch after having one for 7 years. They are virtually bullet proof and a great bang for the buck. You might also might want to take a good look at the SV 650 by Suzuki. Cheaper than a Vstrom and a bit more powerful by 10 ponies. A low mileage used SV would be an excellent bike and won't break the bank. It has a good power to weight ratio and will provide decent gas economy. There are 2 SV's, one has a fairing and the other is a naked bike. Take your pick.
Right now in Canada the SV is noticeably cheaper than a Vstrom but all Vstroms come with ABS since 2007 in the GWN.

[grasshopper]

My two cents is to definitely do the research on the bikes you have your eyes on. I first read hours of reviews on different bikes. Price was a major factor for me and comfort, handling, maintenance, and the weight of the bike. Remember, your going to need to be able to handle the new heavier weight of the bike if you choose something bigger than a 250cc. My current bike weighs about 210 pounds more than the gz250. I can also do all my own maintenance on the bike like I did with the gz250 which is a major plus factor to save more money in the long run :tup:. I hope this helps. Take care and ride safe:ride:.

[Kalel]

I do like the S-40 and it's simplicity but if I were in the market I would be looking at a C-50. It is more bike and not a great deal more money overall. Lynda graduated to a M-50 from her GZ and loved it. I rode it and really liked it a lot but my thoughts were leaning towards a C-50 for the added comfort and even greater aftermarket stuff. They are(C-50 and M-50)basically the same bike with the same engine and powertrain but the M-50 was more of a muscle cruiser with better handling.
The C-50 is more of a laid back cruiser with better accommodations for touring with different bars, floor boards and a larger seat. Also had a heel toe shifter that was real easy to use after a couple miles in town.
2 very popular Yamahas are the 650 and 1100 Star models. Either one would be a reliable bike with decent fit and finish.

After all that, if I run across an old Suzuki Intruder 1400 in good shape I might jump on it. It is really neat looking and a torque monster with some very well done styling. A very clean uncluttered bike that is good for shorter rides but likely wouldn't make a great touring mount. I was asleep at the switch and missed a nice 1993 for $2,200. It would have been great to hit the road with a massive engine just loafing along at it's own pace.


How about the VS800 now called S-50 Water Warrior? . I want your opinion. As I said earlier I am happy with my GZ. But still every now and then I see bikes and prices and that model seems pretty good and if it's as simple and reliable as the GZ with more power, for the price they are sold is something good... :-)

[Water Warrior 2]

The S-50 is a nice bike. Liquid cooled and has a nice clean shaft drive. Balanced look with a pipe on each side. This is the only 50 series Suzuki with carbs while the rest are FI fuel systems. A little lighter so it should go like a bat out of hell. Have a test sit on one if you can. Also so do a search for S-50 forums. You should get an owners opinion about it.

[Deafbiker13]

Well buell does have 500 cc made by harley

[Water Warrior 2]

Well buell does have 500 cc made by harley

The Buell is out of production and there is little dealer support available for them. They were a good idea but didn't really make it to the short list for most folks. Too bad really. They might have evolved into a fine bike with a large following.