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
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