I would go for a Duc 1098 if money wasn't a factor... I rode a friends 996 back in the day when they first came out and it was FUN to ride

 

sorry, cheating. The 675 was not made in 05.

But now that it is available, I would have to change my answer to the 675 also.

 

you mean the MT-01.
The 'mericuns didn't get that one, and it will never fit under that $9K limit, but what a sexy bike!

 

I've been wanting a Z1000 lately. I think it would be awsome.

 

How about a Bandit 1200S or a ZRX1200 (has to be green).

 

It seems that the price has gone up to $15K.......so:

I would buy either a VTR1000F and trick it out with ST2,3,4 bodywork and some hard bags, and a Moriwaki 6 gal gas tank, Ohlins, Racetech, etc.....

OR a new Moto Guzzi California, either an EV or a Cali Special with bags and a windscreen


Put SWMBO on the pillion and go touring!!!!!!!

Geoff in Almonte
99VTR

 

Ok. I wasnt a member when this thread was started, but since it was resurrected, I want in. A whole bunch of replies to this thread forget the original criteria. Anybody that has ridden one of the commonly mentioned bikes so far - your duc's, rc51's, speed triple's, etc- would know that you could not use those bikes for "cruising fun and long distance vacations". RC51 is a rack. You COULD not use it to go on vacation, or touring, or two up, or anything like that. Same with 916/996. (and I havent sat on a 1098 but im sure that its a rack too) Speed triple= no wind protection whatsoever, and did you see the passenger seat on those new ones?!? Wouldnt fly.

I'd say that very few bikes would meet those original specs. To last 10 years, trouble free? And combine long-range comfort and accomodations with twisty road capabilities? And have the ability for some hooligan fun every now and then? (ok I just threw that one in there, but hey it shoulda been there) I humbly submit this list for consideration:

Honda F4i
Honda VFR800
Honda CBR929/954/1000RR
Honda CBR1100XX
Honda ST1300
Honda GL1500/1800




Sorry. Clearly, I like hondas. Yamaha's are great bikes but IMO have weak clutches. You could make an argument here for the FZ1, which is a great bike, or the FJR1300. Kawi's are ok, I know theres a couple you could make an argument for, ZX14, ZRX1200 maybe. Suzuki's roost but every one I've ridden feels like its designed for some short legged, long armed mutant. Havent ridden a Bandit, but those are probably ok. V-Strom maybe? And Ducati's? Throw them right out before you even sit on one and try and rack up some miles due to the $$$ to own and maintain. Oh yeah, Triumph. Sorry. Uhhh.... Daytona 955, ST maybe?.. So... there you go. Cheers!

 

I would go with a Tuono. It is just a really nast Hawk with great handlebars and I really like the looks

 

1098

 

An RC would be nice too, if outfitted with more human ergos (and maybe placed on a diet too). I actually have a pic of one done up into a streetfighter and it is sweeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!!