Lightweight yet more powerful bike?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

That Shadow looks pretty nice actually. 2.9-gal tank? How many miles do you get before you hit reserve?

In town, I figure 100; highway, 120.
Either way, my bony butt can't stay in the sadddle more than 2 hours at a stretch anyway.

[Water Warrior 2]

Yup, I can relate to Broken Butt Syndrome. After 90 minutes I need a stretch, a smoke, coffee and a walk around or different seat in a coffee shop. Older riders can't dredge up reserves like we used to. Another bonus is we get to talk to fascinating folks along the way.

[dhgeyer]

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

Yup, I can relate to Broken Butt Syndrome. After 90 minutes I need a stretch, a smoke, coffee and a walk around or different seat in a coffee shop. Older riders can't dredge up reserves like we used to. Another bonus is we get to talk to fascinating folks along the way.

:plus1: :2tup:

[frempath]

Personally my preferred bike would be 4 cylinder, shaft driven, fuel injected, with an old universal japanese motorcycle seating set up, probably in the 650-750 range.
Why?
4 cylinder - I have an old wrist injury that is very vibration sensitive, so more cylinder keeps the hand from going numb as quickly.
Shaft - having owned both chain and shaft, I like the feel of a shaft, lower maintenance, less noise.
Fuel injected - less fussy with outdoor conditions.
UJM set up - What can I say, its what I prefer.
650-750 - I want a nice utility bike. One that will easily run errands around town, commute, and go for an all day ride in the county.

So why do I have a GZ? Hey a free bike that runs errands about town for a couple bucks a week is hard to beat, especially when the alternative is the bus.

Now if Honda starts importing the CB1100 or the Hornet to north america.....

frempath

[alanmcorcoran]

Re bony butt syndrome... Had numb ass on the Honda Aero after 60 odd miles. However, same ass can go 500 miles on the Strat no prob. Conversely, no neck upper or lower back issues on the Honda but a problem after about an hour or two of highway on the Strat. Might not be your ass but the bike (or seat) that is the problem.

[dhgeyer]

Originally Posted by frempath

Personally my preferred bike would be 4 cylinder, shaft driven, fuel injected, with an old universal japanese motorcycle seating set up, probably in the 650-750 range.
Why?
4 cylinder - I have an old wrist injury that is very vibration sensitive, so more cylinder keeps the hand from going numb as quickly.
Shaft - having owned both chain and shaft, I like the feel of a shaft, lower maintenance, less noise.
Fuel injected - less fussy with outdoor conditions.
UJM set up - What can I say, its what I prefer.
650-750 - I want a nice utility bike. One that will easily run errands around town, commute, and go for an all day ride in the county.

So why do I have a GZ? Hey a free bike that runs errands about town for a couple bucks a week is hard to beat, especially when the alternative is the bus.

Now if Honda starts importing the CB1100 or the Hornet to north america.....

frempath

Except for the fuel injection you just described the Honda Nighthawk 650 as produced from 1983 to 1985. Those years only. Four cylinder shaft drive UJM, 6 speed with lots of features that would still be considered advanced today, like an LCD display including the gear you're in. No FI, though. If you ever see one of those with low miles in good condition, you might want to take a look.

[alanmcorcoran]

I think Moedad has something like that...

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by dhgeyer

Except for the fuel injection you just described the Honda Nighthawk 650 as produced from 1983 to 1985.

And the Kaw Eliminator 600, around that same time.
Ninja racing powered; really quick.
And a low seat too.

[Water Warrior 2]

Frempath, you might want to consider something with a 90 degree V-twin. They are easily one of the best balanced smooth power plants available. Vstroms, SVs and the Gladius all have a nice smooth delivery with the Gladius being the most UJM of the 3. The only drawback is the chain drive. A belt on the Galdius would be super.

[Pete7874]

Originally Posted by greenhorn

I'm not positive, but I have heard that they may phase the 500 out of production...which , if you are set on getting one might work in your favor price- wise. They'll want to get the 2009 s out the door.

That's what I've heard too - no Vulcan 500 for 2010. Supposedly it would need fuel injection in order to pass the latest emissions requirements. This means more expensive bike, and Kawasaki doesn't think they'd sell enough of them at this higher price point.

In any case, I am looking for used ones... 2008 maybe.