Back to an old hobby - Motorcycles

Hi all,
Sold my last bike (VTR 1000 Firestorm) about 5 years ago when i got my first kid, but i'm getting the itch again!
Managed to stay away from wow/boxing for about 12 months but I think I need something to keep me busy and a new bike might just do that!

Any of you riders?
Had a few bikes in the past, GSE500, GSX750 Inazuma, VFR 800, VTR 1000.. now looking for something simpler but with grunt.
Don't care about top speed, I just want ease of use, comfort, and a big torquy heart. Typical use will be about 30kms daily for work and a few more kms when I have time :-)
I'm just shy of 40yo - if that helps in any way, living around Manly/Sydney (Australia)

Any suggestions? second-hand bikes only
Looking at XJR1300 / CB1300 / GSX1400 / Bandit 1250 so far. Seems they have engines that last forever.
Looks like i'm a 4-inline type of guy. Didn't like the VTR much (V2), loved the VFR (V4) but probably because of the bike itself, not just the engine, and loved the Inazuma (4inline). The GSE (2inline) was just a learner's bike.

Open to any suggestions though. Might go for a big road/trail bike (GS1200 / Triumph Tiger etc) but they look pricey. Not too sure how they age.
Not looking for a Sports bike.

Cheers,
Zub.

I guess there aren't too many riders on the forum :rolleyes:

Nevermind, I found myself a nice, fat, CB1300 for real cheap. Very happy!
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My dad had this big rusted bucket of bolts he called a motorcycle, he was restoring it but it was never running.

I believe he sold it unrunning for $20k+, since it was an Indian brand they don't make anymore.

I'm currently working at Bombadier Recreational Products.

One of their products is the Spyder.
The three wheel motorcycle, with two wheels at the front and one at the rear.

http://www.spyder.brp.com/ca/spyder-st/overview

I would recommend a Kawasaki Z1000. I have a 2010 and it's a joy to ride. The riding position is comfortable and it looks amazing. From the bikes you listed I think the Z1000 will fit the bill.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pinotnoir

I would recommend a Kawasaki Z1000. I have a 2010 and it's a joy to ride. The riding position is comfortable and it looks amazing. From the bikes you listed I think the Z1000 will fit the bill.

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yep looked at those, but the position is a bit too sporty for me.
That said, I'm really happy with my CB1300. Big engine, nice riding position, nice seat for the lady at the back
I'm not sure why I have 5 speed on that, I can do everything with the first 3!

I have a 83 Suzuki GS 850 sitting on my porch. I pretty much bought everything to make the bike run. I rebuilt the carbs, new tires, seat cover, etc. I am having a tough time getting the boots off that go between the carbs and the heads. Till i get that done im sol. Wish I had more time to put towards games and projects these days. Can't wait till i finish college again.

Zub the riding position is the same as the CB. However, the passenger seat is much smaller. It looks sporty but you sit up straight.

I have a Vulcan 1500 Nomad in the garage that needs a new battery, rear tire and registration/inspection. Not planning to get it out until the weather warms up, though. Much as I like the drier air in Dallas, down on the gulf coast is much easier weather for riders. Frozen bridges up here are skeery.

Omg dallas is not a big deal bro...like 4 hours south of me...Come up to OK and enjoy our mood swing weather.