which bike to buy...

No doubt, the V65 had cam issues. Crazy expensive to repair. 2Gs

 

LOL ya gota love a Nubie. First off get off the high horse on cc displacement there's a many 600 that well blow the bars of a many 1300cc machine so really cc doesn't have a thing to do with it as you're just starting to understand. If serious go find an older 500 ascot or similar, go put on the miles, it will be the only way to get smart, from there you'll get a handle on what will work for you. Good luck.

 

JC

You have received lots of useful advice, but I thought I'd add my suggestion. A few years back I went straight from a 125 scooter to a 1200 yamaha FJ1200. This is a sports tourer with power, comfort and a bullet proof engine with big tank. There is also a fantastic club you can join. The FJ1200 was phased out in 1995 and has been supersceded by the FJR1300. Check them out, they are excellent and shaft driven. I never had a problem with the switch to such a big engine and used it daily for a London commute. It is happy at low speed and very reliable. There are loads about, often with full luggage included for between £1000-£1300. That's a lot of bike for bugger all. I also have a Blackbird, which is great, but not as comfortable. By 2010 there should be some good secondhand FJRs available, but until then an FJ1200 would give some enjoyable experience in preparation...in fact, it could easily do the trip.

Good luck

Walkerlord

 

Just thought I would throw my input in too. A good cheap starter bike is a Suzuki Katana 600. Sport touring ergonomics with power, but not GSXR power. And it should be easy to get into cheap. I bought a Katana off ebay for $1800 this spring because I couldn't afford the VFR I wanted. Loved it but sold it when I got rid of my gas guzzling truck and bought my VFR. Not only was it fun to ride but was comfortable for a good days riding. It is light and nimble as well. Just another option.

 

SV 650 is a great bike to start and end with, if you are not careful. hell a scooter will kill you if you are not careful. Loads of great bikes to learn on, you do not have to go "brand new" for a starter bike. another great bike is a FZ6 if you are worried about "image of a larger CCed" they look alot like the FZ1 1000cc standard, as does the SV650 look like the 1000. you got to realize that a 600cc bike today has close to the same power as a 1000cc bike did 10 years ago. 600cc bikes are not a "girl's bike". An old nighthawk is another good bike. there are plenty of bikes you could buy for under 2,000 bucks to learn on and not lose much money when it is time to upgrade. a supercharged G/W sounds like throwing your money away to me, especially you being new to bikes, that heavy thing would end up on its side at the first off cambered stop sign. I also highly reccomend you go to the book store and get a copy of "sportbike riding techniqes" or something to that effect. do some chiar riding in the living room . read and practice on your scoot. just always remember to counter-steer, newbie!!!! just be safe brother and enjoy the ride. much more to motorcycles than just going fast. and remember any idiot can go fast in a straight line. you are not going to impress anyone, hauling ass down the highway.