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

["David Bardell" <bardelld@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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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