Re: [St] I can't decide...

[John Ulizzi <jaulizzi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dave,
 
No one will banish you from anywhere. It is interesting though that out of three responses, the score is SV-3, RS -0, and this on a Sprint list !!!
 
As far as visiting Costa Rica, you or anyone else on this list would be most welcome once I am a bit more settled in. Perhaps by this time next year that will be the case. Among other things by then I would expect to have two wheels of my own, as well as access to other bikes to rent/borrow for when visiters come. The best time to be there is December thru March. It is the dry season there, and coincides with the "party to mostly shitty" season here...
 
:-)

--- On Mon, 11/24/08, David Bardell <bardelld@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

From: David Bardell <bardelld@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [St] I can't decide...
To: ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Monday, November 24, 2008, 8:32 AM

John,

At the risk of being banished from the ST list, I personally would go with
the Suzuki.  Owning a Sprint ST and having owned a V-Strom 650, the Suzuki
was a better commuter and much easier to get around in traffic.

I sold it to get an 07 Tiger that I really like, but still wish I had the
Suzuki back quite often.  Probably will someday sell the ST and get a
used SV or V-Strom.  Gas mileage was about the same, but the strom was much
more enjoyable in close quarters. I envy you going to Costa Rica, would love
to visit these and or retire there if my IRA ever comes back.....

Dave Bardell
in snowy/cold/miserable Central PA

On Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 10:24 PM, John Ulizzi
<jaulizzi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>wrote:

> OK folks, here's a nice motorcycle thread for wintertime when we cant
be
> riding. I need to make a decision on a bike purchase, and soon, I have
> narrowed the field to two, and am weighing the merits of each. Here's
the
> story:
>
> I spend a significant portion of my time in Costa Rica. My significant
> other is there and eventually I will move there. We have a car, a Suzuki
> Gran Vitara, that is absolutley perfect for our needs there. But there are
> two of us and only one vehicle. Vehicles are expensive there and so is
gas,
> so I would like our second vehicle to be a bike. It will be enjoyed to be
> sure, but unlike my bikes here in the states that are pure toys, this will
> be my daily driver. I need something that is flickable and manuverable for
> inner city traffic, congested on tiny little pothole filled roads, that
will
> also handle the occasional weekend two up trip. Out in the country, the
> roads are tight and twisty and small, like the goat paths so many of us
ride
> in West Virginia at Mail Pouch. My two choices are an 01 Sprint RS that is
> already there, owned by someone I am acquainted with, and I am familiar
with
> the bike, at least I was a few years ago. Bike is, or at least was,
>  in good shape the last time I saw it. About 5000 miles, bone stock except
> for maybe the OEM can and tune, and has mostly sat since 03. The other is
an
> 01 SV-650 standard, owned by a good friend that I know and trust here in
> town. 4000 miles, great shape, lots of goodies, pipe, jet, fox shock,
> emulators, give top box, sitting for a year or two. The total cost to have
> either bike on the road down there, factoring in transport, import
tariffs,
> etc, is similar, about $5000-5500. Budget has narrowed my choices to these
> two, but the decision between these two isnt about money. Its about which
is
> the better horse for the job.
>
> Pros for the Sprint are:
> -Higher performance machine with similar fuel mileage
> -Higher residual value , athough I am not sure that matters...
> -Better two up
> -I am familiar ( put 5k miles on this bike's brother, and own a 02 RS
> myself)
> -Better headlights ( but I can augment either)
> -Much less screwing around. Write check, register, title, ride.
>
> Cons for the Sprint are:
> -It's heavy and has a long wheelbase. Not really flickable
> -Clutch pull is hard. Only a problem in city traffic.
> -Long reach to bars, leaned over a bit for city riding.
> -I trust the american owner, but not so sure about his associate I need to
> deal with down there.
> -I already have one. (Which I may sell...)
>
> Pros for SV:
> -Smaller, lighter, more flickable
> -Cute as hell. ( Yes, the RS is gorgeous too...)
> -Upright riding position.
> -Givi top box. Read: Lockable hard luggage in a land where one doesnt
leave
> things unattended
> -Probably easier to work on.
> -Probably wont shred rear tires like the Sprint
> -Plenty of power, not the equal of the Sprint, but that may keep me out of
> trouble...
> -Light enough to put on 80/20 tires and handle dirt roads ( no, it's
not a
> dirt bike..)
> -I just picture the SV being a better street fighter, where I will spend
> most of my time. Safety is an issue here.
>
> Cons for the SV:
> -I am guessing not as good two up. I dont know that for sure. ( Not alot
of
> two up riding, but some)
> -Carberated. Could be pro or con. easier to work on, doesnt deal with
> altitude changes so well. Most of my time will be spent at 4000-5000 feet,
> but I will go from sea level to 13,000 feet occasionally
> - I have to go through the hassle of importing it. That is probably the
> biggest, and perhaps only con for the SV. HAssle factor and time
> constraints. Part of me really thinks the SV is the better choice.
>
> Opinions please !
>
> John
> _______________________________________________
> Triumph Sprint ST/RS mailing list
> Send list posts to ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Change your list options at
www.Triumphnet.com<http://www.triumphnet.com/>
>
_______________________________________________
Triumph Sprint ST/RS mailing list
Send list posts to ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Change your list options at www.Triumphnet.com
_______________________________________________
Triumph Sprint ST/RS mailing list
Send list posts to ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Change your list options at www.Triumphnet.com