Time for a change -3-4k budget for next bike

[VR_Rider]

After covering some 8,000 miles on the versys 1000 I just haven't connected with this bike and find myself not enjoying riding at the moment. Decided partly due to financial reason and part to get my biking Moto back to change to smaller CC bike around the 650cc.

Bikes that have caught my eye is triumph Bonneville, Suzuki bandit 650, suzuki gladius, or Yamaha xt660z. Open to ideas for any reliable fun to ride all round bike for max 4k. Just want to get my biking love back.

[RH_SCOTLAND]

Dont overlook the V-Strom 650. Same engine as the Gladius.

We used the Gladius for our Direct Access students and when I could, I'd take the Strom 650 as my instructors bike. Very surprised the first time I rode it.

[Mosel Bikes]

Hi Dave - hope you're both well.
Sorry to hear about your fall-out with the big V - thought you both really liked it.

As for alternative, do you still intend using it for the two of you for touring? If som you probably want to think carefully about the Gladius, as they are tiny and great bikes as they are, I don't think two-up touring is their forte. Should you decide to buy one, I have a mate with one, a beauty, for around £3k. He bought it a few months ago but quickly replaced it with a 1250S Bandit and just kept the Gladius.

As you know, I have an XT660Z Tenere. Great bikes. Do-it-all. Would be fine, if a little thumpy, for you, and as you're both small, would be ok two-up touring. It is a very tall bike, so try one first if you can. I know how good a rider you are, so not suggesting it's a no-no, but it can catch you out on off-camber roads and awkward junctions - ie, at a standstill.Happy to sell you mine, if you want to fly over, have a beer, stay over and ride her back. pm me if you want details.

Bandit 650S good, if basic and dated bike. Will do it all, especially on a budget, great value for money, but don't set many people's imagination alight. Workhorse and easy to live with.

Bonneville. Marmite bike, some love em, others don't. Not the most practical of choices, but can be a cracker if you really fancy a change- but be aware that you'd need to recalibrate. Not ideal for two-up touring.Can be dear, like-for-like.

As has been said, V Strom 650 great bike, but would you find it a bit samey? (not engine of course, but big, adv touring style.

Just thoughts.

[Oldie]

Best bike for £4k? Should get you a 2005 CB1300 SA and is everything you ever thought a motorcycle should be (on tarmac anyway). Mojo returned.

If you want a similar all-rounder, on a budget, a mint Diversion 900 for £2k is the one to go for.

[VR_Rider]

Hi all, thanks for the comments. I do feel a little silly as I have the ideal 2 up touring bike but doesn't move the soul. Still a little cut up about the GS being stolen!

I am a little worried about adjusting back to a 650 for 2 up touring but my little GS got us everywhere a abbie and I like lowere milage days with more stops anyway. In the next few months we should be getting our first mortgage and we both work at the same place so I don't need to have a 2 up missile! Be nice to have a bike I just love riding, the next couple of years will probably see less touring over great distance so I thought I might a sell change bikes.

V-strom has come highly recommended and in the list of things to check out. Always lusted after the tenere but always thought it wouldn't be the best for 2up touring! Need to test ride one, you are right Mosel biker, I am on the short side so a test ride is important. Been fine on 650 single daker, but I think 660 are taller still. How much you selling yours for? Pm me a few pics and details?

Bandit is a bike that I had a few years ago as hire bike. 3 Months and 4,000 miles later I loved it, felt like me and the bandit could go anywhere! Need to test ride one to see if they are as good as I remember!

Got a lot of test riding to do!

[V_King]

versys 1000 never looked like a very exciting bike :whistle:

if you want more excitment take gladius of the list at least :sick:

bonnie is more for the style concious

apart from that imho it is best to get you ass on as many bikes as possible and see which one puts a smile on your face.

p.s. rode the latest CB1100EX. what a disapointment for a 10k bike. there were unpleasant vibrations in the seat and tank which is very surprising for those inline fours. also the ride was so bland, engine barely breathing due to emissions. honda is just cashing in on nostalgia.

[Capt Slow]

My son had a Gladius which I rode many times, it was fun and very different to my 800GS. Led me to try the 650 Vstrom and I would have happily replaced the GS with it had “events” allowed.
Son did 30k mls in 3 years ownership, Gladys never missed a beat - as expected with Japanese bikes - BMW take note
Go do as many test rides as you can and you'll find what you like, good luck

[Mosel Bikes]

Want a dark horse? KTM950SM. You can get a decent one now for around the £4k mark. If it doesn't stir your soul, you're beyond help. Put a small screen on and it's surprisingly able as a tourer too.
I'll pm you about details and price my Tenere. Here it is:

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[Godspeed]

Don't discount the Bonnie...

I've put 44,000 miles on mine and it still runs sweet. Never uses any oil, tyres last well, lovely power delivery, loaded up will take two comfortably. Its not the quickest of bikes and though it costs a bit more initially, the depreciation is much lower.

Loaded up....

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Half loaded...

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And just looking good!

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[ReaperX]

Sorry about you fell for the bike is not what you disire, but I have the same now and I need something new, well to me.
will you be look to buy a BMW 650 GS? I got mine that I will be looking to sell :whistle:

Let me know and it will sell a good price lol, with paniers and all, just saying (thumbs)