Maim: I’d suggest a Suzuki SV650. I’ve got one and it is dead nuts reliable, goes like stink (75 HP vs ~50 on the XS650) and it only weighs 428 lb.
Just my $0.02....
Just my $0.02....
The folks I know..of whom i would bring my vintage bikes to are all old school mechanics and bikers..some have modern bikes too but are all old school at heart and knowledge and passion...That is one helluva nice bike! I think you made your decision....search for another bandit. These old bikes need attention and care. It may cost you plenty if you need to get someone to fix and maybe they dont fix it if they dont know these bikes. Good luck with your search. JC
what year? Oh its in your sig. line 2017..too new methinks prolly too much for $$$..LOLMaim: I’d suggest a Suzuki SV650. I’ve got one and it is dead nuts reliable, goes like stink (75 HP vs ~50 on the XS650) and it only weighs 428 lb.
Just my $0.02....
Royal Enfield's Interceptor for 2019 is brand new and it is a totally bitchin retro ride but brand spankin' new...The y have nailed it first time around...A modern Twin that i could own if i could afford the $6K sticker price which is really an excellent deal IMHO...Triumph is the only one that came close to succeeding in the retro market. I’ll pull up and say ‘ Damn, that’s an old Bonnie ‘ But no. It’s a retro. And then... a 79 CB750F perfectly restored. No it’s a 2014 retro. Do you guys see where I’m going? There is no substitute. I’m sorry. Call me a crotchety old goat. I am.
Yes...This is how i used to operate..New and old bikes in my stable side by side...my limited fixed income is the impediment...Owned a couple of the 1200 bandits and they are great bikes and stupid cheap. to buy used. But... I've been looking at the Honda CTX700, not for everyone, but maybe more suited for the "next 10 years" than a 1200..... Guess like the Griz my point is the 700 class makes a lot of sense. There's plenty of fans of the FJ FZ Yamahas in 7,8 and 900 cc versions also. Several guys here run the FZ's, the FZ1 is a serious contender as well. Buy a $3000 newer bike find a "decent" XS650 in the 1000 to 1500 range (they're out there, run em both with liability only insurance, vintage plate on the XS learn the basic mechanics with our help, gain hundreds of new friends, win, win, win. Lots of XS650, vintage, bike rallies near you also. http://www.xs650.com/threads/2019-vintage-yamaha-rally.53399/
I have Arthralgia in my arms..shoulders and hands..I have lost a good deal of strength in those area so anything over 500# is too heavy. I am trying to keep it to 500# max. 900# is out of the question...I am in your age bracket, 64, still have the itch for stupid big power, EBR, like the comfort of the Royal Star for cross country but sure wish I could find a comfy full feature camping class, touring bike that's closer to 500 than 900 pounds.
I have done this in the past...limit your new bike to $2000 let it be known that you are looking for a decent vintage bike. There are plenty of guys will let a vintage go to a "good home" for a song cause they care more about seeing it well loved, than a cash windfall.
Oh I nearly didnt see this..Yes i know about the VYR..I have been going since 2010 although i have missed a few years in between...as it is i am not going to make it this year..My original plan was to bring a trailer and a wad of cash to the VYR...but its clear to me now that plan is flawed..LOLOwned a couple of the 1200 bandits and they are great bikes and stupid cheap. to buy used. But... I've been looking at the Honda CTX700, not for everyone, but maybe more suited for the "next 10 years" than a 1200..... Guess like the Griz my point is the 700 class makes a lot of sense. There's plenty of fans of the FJ FZ Yamahas in 7,8 and 900 cc versions also. Several guys here run the FZ's, the FZ1 is a serious contender as well. Buy a $3000 newer bike find a "decent" XS650 in the 1000 to 1500 range (they're out there, run em both with liability only insurance, vintage plate on the XS learn the basic mechanics with our help, gain hundreds of new friends, win, win, win. Lots of XS650, vintage, bike rallies near you also. http://www.xs650.com/threads/2019-vintage-yamaha-rally.53399/
My mind is pretty much set on another Bandit1250...I still have unfinished business to attend to. My budget and savings are geared for $3000-$3500 tops. I have seen 2007 bandit 1250s well within that range. They must have hard bags because theres no storage on this bike otherwise..and i do like to carry my raingear..etcthere are some great bikes out there cheap.
Oops, sorry, this one's a scam! https://sheboygan.craigslist.org/mcy/d/fredonia-2012-black-kawasaki/6906317609.html