New Bike Suggestions

[Drunken Monkey]

So my wife scored a job, which means I am free to consider spending some of my "Great Recession" slush funds on a new bike.

Ideally, I'm looking at getting a great handling, nimble bike that also makes a reasonable amount of power.

Current contenders:

• Hypermotard - nimble enough, and has great power. A bit pricey when bought new. Also I know Ducatis (duh)
• KTM 690 (prolly the Duke model) VERY nimble. Less expensive than a HM, reasonable power. Hard to find used
  
• DRZ 400SM  - Very Nimble. Relatively Cheap. Would have money left over for some serious goodies. Ugly unless I give it a cosmetic makeover. Low on power. On the flip side, I wouldn't hesitate to let my wife ride it.
  

Anything I'm missing or should consider in addition to these?

[DanTheMan]

Id say the 400 is a dog, bullet proof, but low on power. In and around town, sure its fine and you can beat the shit out of it on dirt or whatever and you wont care cause it was cheap to get into. Best dirt bike out of the three. If you have the money get something better.

Here is a hyper for 8,500, I would have gone with this but i wanted more of a true motard. This would be the better choice for an all around bike, smoother freeway riding and still good handeling.

There was a nice '08 duke not too long ago for 6,500. Jimbo was it still around? Same motor across the 690 line (SMC/DUKE/Enduro) so if you want a feel for the power, hop on my 690. Never been on one, but i imagine a little more planted on the f-way. Less ground clearence than the hyper if your thinking about dualsport. The white one looks very cool. Can be pricey KTM owners seem to want a preimum price for their bikes. Here's one 08 is the same bike as a 09.

I considered the Husky 610 for a while, but i think you get a lot better bike in the KTM.

[jimboecv]

I've got a duke demo and I've got twistys right off the parking lot.  I can call on the used duke, it's a customers.  Let me know if that's where you want to go.

[desmoquattro]

Turbo 'Busa?

Get the 690...SF County Jail needs more professional types

[rafa]

Bet you can get this Duke for 7k.   http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/mcy/1420533277.html

[MendoDave]

I had a blast on a F650. I'm not sure what the F800 is like but I bet its nice. You could also go the XR650 route and put street tires on it.

[Le Piou]

Handling huh? with "H" like Husky SM 510R???
This is really really BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD bike.

[herm]

wait a few months...
then score a cheap multi 1100.
and mod the crap out of it so it looks decent.

[Michael Moore]

If you've got the inseam for it, the Hyper is tons of fun. Corbino had a Duke and the hyper, and I really loved the Duc. The seat is a plank tho after about a hundred miles. But that can be fixed.

Or would you like to try the SF in the twisties to see if that would fit the bill? 

another cool bike is the Honda XR650r. If you can find one CA plated, they're indestructible. I know b/c my kid had one and he couldn't kill it.

Congrats on your wife's job btw.

[Drunken Monkey]

I rejected the Husky after reading some reports about reliability / fueling issues.

As for the SF. Yes, it's an awesome bike (thanks for the demo ride Michael  ) but while I love it's flickability and riding position, and while it feels lighter than it is, it's just not quite the same as a genuine 300lbs bike. Plus, there's the price tag... 

[Spidey]

Is this more as an in-City bike or a twisties bike or both?  I assume it's not a long distance rider, but needs to be freeway capable. 

[DanTheMan]

You know what the hyper would be like, go ride demo duke.

Make plans for early next Saturday, ill be there getting my water pumpseal replaced.

[desmoquattro]

I rejected the Husky after reading some reports about reliability / fueling issues.

As for the SF. Yes, it's an awesome bike (thanks for the demo ride Michael  ) but while I love it's flickability and riding position, and while it feels lighter than it is, it's just not quite the same as a genuine 300lbs bike. Plus, there's the price tag... 

Compare that to the bail money you'll need on the SM...

[Le Piou]

Aprilia SXV 5.5?

[jimboecv]

Aprilia SXV 5.5?

Grenade in a washing machine