[gazoo]

another one to consider is the yzf600r .

["K"]

Having ridden coast to coast a handful of times on different bikes, in general, if you want a two-up moto that is stable at highway speed, you need a heavier bike than a middle displacement V-twin.

Bandit 1200 is probably the least expensive for a two-up ST moto, considering your college student budget. I picked up my 2001 Bandit 1200 w/9,xxx mi. Dale Walker exhaust, Stage 1 jet kit, new pair of Conti. tires for $2000.



VFR is also a good choice, older versions could be less expensive, somewhat mode desirable without VTEC.

if you're really stuck on the V-twin idea, look for an Aprilia Futura.. they are not lightweight, but very nice ST moto.

[H-2 CHARLIE]

Looks like you got a killer deal on the bandit ....you scored

[Psycho1]

Sport-tourer with the emphasis on sport.

[woobie]

Gotta chime in... 'cause I just went from a Pre-Kat to a 5th Gen VFR. It weighs about 50 lbs more, but also cranks about 20 more hp than the Post Kat 750; ergos are comparable, favoring the VFR... V4 growl (go 2Bro slip on and it's like hearing music every time you turn the key); gear driven cams; FI; LBS; very good for 2-up (though I'd recommend a shock swap if you're larger than your average japanese rider) and all day riding.

(and they make a supercharger kit for it... mwwahahahahaha)

If you're considering a VFR, can't say I'd recommend the 6th Gen (it's likely beyond your budget and then there's that stupid V-tech), though it is by most accounts prettier than the 5th.

The 5th Gen (1998 - 2001) can be had in exceptional shape for well under $5K.

I just picked up a 06 VFR with 2500 miles out of Virginia for $5000 yesterday. I've been watching them on ebay and cycle trader and you should be able to find a low mileage VFR's for for under $5K. Also the 07's have been marked down bigtime to clear the floor of NOS.

The only bad thing I've heard about the VFR is the Vtec ones are big money for a vavle adjustment. I'll be sourcing out a service manual ASAP lol.

[Waltari]

I heard dealers are being instructed to mark down current VFR800's to clear the showroom floors for the new VFR1200. Might be able to score a great deal on a new one.

"But, you can now attain a similar level of sport touring ability from Honda for nearly half that price. It's slashed the official MSRP of its remaining stock of tri-color 2007 VFR800s to just $7,939 in an effort to clear them from showrooms ahead of the vfr1200's arrival."

[il_ragazzo]

also in the running are 3 bikes i over looked....
zrx 1200 (not fuel injected)
82 gs1100 (not fuel injected)
bmw r1200gs (a lil expensive and heavy)

[squiggy]

bmw r1200gs (a lil expensive and heavy)

Those are nice bikes.

[tdrcomm]

also in the running are 3 bikes i over looked....
zrx 1200 (not fuel injected)
82 gs1100 (not fuel injected)
bmw r1200gs (a lil expensive and heavy)

Might I offer a suggestion:



Minus the geeky backrest.

[mdoe8]

Since this thread was bumped, I'm going to chime in!

I've owned a first gen fz1 and currently own a bandit 1200s.

I will say without a doubt that the bandit 1200 is a better all around bike. The bike isn't too fast from the factory but the torque is far better than any bike i've ever ridden, even more down low torque than my vmax! It's also extremely comfy, stable, has good wind protection, is solidly built, reliable, and has an extremely massive aftermarket. It also responds to mods very well. bolt on a full exhaust, jet kit, ignition advancer, and some pods and you're 120+ rwhp! Slap on some katana 750 heads and old stock gsxr cams....85 ft lbs of torque and 140+ rwhp! All while sitting straight up and having your wife on back for an all day comfy trip

[il_ragazzo]

yeah i've been looking at bandits and thinking fuel injection is pretty important.... but i agree i like the bandit.

and i really like the bandit 1250! with FI .... if i can i'll wait till i can get one of those!

[mdoe8]

Why so fixed on forced induction? Cabs run just as good if not better when tuned properly

[scottynoface]

Why so fixed on forced induction? Cabs run just as good if not better when tuned properly

You mean fuel injection?

Fuel injection > carbs

Neither is honestly any better than the other when in top shape, they each have their drawbacks, but this is the modern world, injection is king and is much more desirable than carbs to all but the purists.

[Psycho1]

EFI will almost always have an advantage over carbs performance wise due to better atomization, especially in the low to mid rpm ranges, and the fact that the fuel injection can adjust itself more precisely to changes in atmospheric pressure when riding over a wide variety of elevations. A extremely good mechanic may be able to tune a set of carbs to run great on any given day, but change anything environmental, and the tuning is off, EFI is more fool proof.

[mdoe8]

I understand the benefits of fuel injection (not forced induction haha, my bad). My point was the benefits for the price difference you'll have to pay are not worth it in my opinion. I've owned fuel injection as well as carbed bikes and i actually liked the carbed bikes better. Fuel injection on bikes is just now starting to become smooth and without hesitation at partial throttle and low rpms and such. Definitely has advantages, I just don't think you shuold base your decision on what bike you get becuase of it.