11-01-2015, 11:41 AM
Suzuki has some very good bikes out there worth looking at, many based on the same motor the 650 V-Strom has, Not so sure about the 1000.
I like the V7 and the new V7ii is very very nice - but for me she is simple too small to be a good fit. A buddy that is much taller and older rides his V7 all over the West - he's tough. Just goes to prove - your mileage may differ. Ride one.
I prefer the Griso for road trips, but just took the CB on a 1000 miler and she surprised me with how well she was to live with. Friends that have ridden my CB comment on how easy she is to ride. She is just a very pleasant bike to ride.
The Bonnie is a good bike with many happy owners, ride one, you may like it! I rode one. I bought the CB (to be fair, the CB had me hooked a while back, so there was a LOT of emotional reasons for picking her and those reasons may not fly for you).
There are a LOT of really good machines out there and I think the CB is grossly over looked so I'm glad you are looking at it. An excellent choice if you buy for the right reasons (not looking for a hot rod, she is more of a Buick, a very nice Buick).
Now if you want more of a hooligan bike; the Griso would be and excellent choice. I'd recommend the 1100 unless you find a 1200 that already has the roller tappet conversion done. The Breva is also a good choice. Be warned, a LONG test ride on a Moto Guzzi they have a habit of getting under your skin (I think it's the steam engine pulse of the big V twin) and many guys have been seduced by them. I'm on my second one.
Most of these bikes won't have ABS, I think the 2016 or 2017 will have them - but that puts it out of your price range.
I like the V7 and the new V7ii is very very nice - but for me she is simple too small to be a good fit. A buddy that is much taller and older rides his V7 all over the West - he's tough. Just goes to prove - your mileage may differ. Ride one.
I prefer the Griso for road trips, but just took the CB on a 1000 miler and she surprised me with how well she was to live with. Friends that have ridden my CB comment on how easy she is to ride. She is just a very pleasant bike to ride.
The Bonnie is a good bike with many happy owners, ride one, you may like it! I rode one. I bought the CB (to be fair, the CB had me hooked a while back, so there was a LOT of emotional reasons for picking her and those reasons may not fly for you).
There are a LOT of really good machines out there and I think the CB is grossly over looked so I'm glad you are looking at it. An excellent choice if you buy for the right reasons (not looking for a hot rod, she is more of a Buick, a very nice Buick).
Now if you want more of a hooligan bike; the Griso would be and excellent choice. I'd recommend the 1100 unless you find a 1200 that already has the roller tappet conversion done. The Breva is also a good choice. Be warned, a LONG test ride on a Moto Guzzi they have a habit of getting under your skin (I think it's the steam engine pulse of the big V twin) and many guys have been seduced by them. I'm on my second one.
Most of these bikes won't have ABS, I think the 2016 or 2017 will have them - but that puts it out of your price range.