Potential Buell convert

Been riding my XB9R for the past four years, and have always ridden twins since I started.

I no longer hit the twisties like I used to and am more interested in a bit more distance comfort, more highway wind protection and hard bags. Not into a ST1300 as of yet.

$10,000 grand in my pricepoint and I want to buy find an '07. I can add bags later. ZX14 is a strong consideration due to price/performance, but I don't need that much power and a VFR would be cheaper to insure than my XB. I would like a bit more power than my XB had though.

What leads me to the VFR is a co-worker rides his every day for the past 15 years.

Obviously this group is partial to the VFR's but just curious as to whether you ever tried the XB's and why, maybe, you picked the VFR over something like a Hayabusa.

 

The VFR has the least amount of torque of all the bikes you mention. It does have more HP than your XB though. So it won't have the roll on punch you are use to but it will leave the XB behind in a run through the gears.

The VFR will have more comfort, range, weather protection, ABS/bags (available) and smoothness than the XB.

Triumph ST should also be on your radar.

 

Triumph would be a consideration. It was a consideration before buying my Buell. Dealer is farther away but not too far.

Ever tried one? I know that wherever I go, there will be a Honda dealer. Also read that the Sprint servicing can get expensive. Part of the Buell attraction was the low maintenance.

 

Ducati st3 should be on the radar too. If I had had the cash I'd be riding one now.

Can't beat the torque, lightness, nibleness. And parts are, contrary to popular belief, cheaper than Honda (!). I know, because my girlfriend rides a ducati monster.

That helps you stay with the twins, too.

K

 

I hated my ride on the Duc st3, but vtwins don't float my boat. I passed on a Busa/ZX14 because I need my driver's license to make a living, and I know myself too well. The Vfr is more comfortable - it has more legroom and less reach to the bars, and from what I've read it's more nimble.
It's just a great streetbike, it'll be whatever your mood want's it to be.

 

I love that analogy. Most of the time I ride mellow with the general flow of traffic and even get passed, but sometimes my inner squid comes out and I gun it. On the twisties....fuhgettaboutit....shavin off the chicken strips the best I can.