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

[Rangerscott]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

Lol, look who I found on youtube.

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

I don't know who that could be.

[Porkchop]

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

I don't know who that could be.

So what do you think of it now that you've had it for awhile??? Anything you overly like or dont like??? I'm hearing the Gladius is almost all of the editor's picks between the two. But they are saying the Er is a smoother ride, is sprung for a heavier rider, and doesnt start scraping things as early as the Gladius.

[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.

[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???