Thinking Nekkid

[Porkchop]

So its been a few months since I've been able to ride now, with the Honda being broken down and all. Maybe a few rides here and there on my buddies 636. But I've done a good job about not thinking about riding, or buying a new bike. Then I went to Indy this weekend..... and saw all these bikes and people riding all over the place, and its crept back up into my big head again. I may decide to do the smart thing and wait until late winter to buy, but I want to start planning now so I can look for super deals as it gets cold.

I've been thinking naked recently, but don't know a whole lot about the segment. I still want to stay kinda small to keep ins down, and keep me out of trouble. My preliminary thoughts for exotic and budget are...

Ducati Monster 696
Triumph Street Triple / R

Kawasaki Er-6N
Suzuki Gladius

Anybody have any personal experience with any of these bikes??? Anybody have friends with them? Any reson to avoid any of them?

[Porkchop]

Lol, look who I found on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhO_X_UhSOU

[Cutty72]

Buell XB's???
Suzuki SV??

Unless you want brand new.

[Porkchop]

Originally Posted by Cutty72

Buell XB's???
Suzuki SV??

Unless you want brand new.

I have been thinking about the XB9S a bit. I do remember jumping on one at the Cleveland show a couple years back and feeling very cramped, not sure if it was the 9 or 12, or in what trim level. The seat was way too cramped for my fat ass and I felt like my knees were up at my chest. If I want the SV, I'm going to want it in the S trim. In naked form, I am hearing that the Gladius is a much better bike than the nekkid SV.

[Particle Man]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

I am hearing that the Gladius is a much better bike than the nekkid SV.

Depends on who you ask. I like the SV better myself - there are some center of gravity differences and I found the pegs on the Gladius to be awkward for me (though others have said something different). The SV has a lot of aftermarket support as well, though the Gladius is getting there

Don't rule out some other bikes like the Honda 599 either - I found the one I rode very comfortable (though badly in need of a brake upgrade - SS lines and some different pads would probably make a difference there). I could corner that bike like it was on freaking rails.

[Hydrant]

I don't know the budget, but what about the Honda CB1000R??

There was one in the Honda tent at GP. Sharp looking. Detuned CBR1000 motor.

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

I have been thinking about the XB9S a bit. I do remember jumping on one at the Cleveland show a couple years back and feeling very cramped, not sure if it was the 9 or 12, or in what trim level. The seat was way too cramped for my fat ass and I felt like my knees were up at my chest. If I want the SV, I'm going to want it in the S trim. In naked form, I am hearing that the Gladius is a much better bike than the nekkid SV.

Try the XB12Ss... longer frame and swinger...

[Porkchop]

Originally Posted by Hydrant

I don't know the budget, but what about the Honda CB1000R??

There was one in the Honda tent at GP. Sharp looking. Detuned CBR1000 motor.

I sat on that black CBR1000 in the Honda tent. I kinda want to stay off big bikes for the time being though. Save some money on ins, and I'm not quite ready for a litre bike. The FZ8 and GSR750 (if it comes to the US) would be as big as I want to go.

[Porkchop]

Cutty and OSP, this is the bike I am remembering. It may be the Sx???

[Cutty72]

Not an X, no handguards. At least to the best of my memory.