Can't find a conventional mid size bike for me...

[Alexander]

"Fun to drive" does not take 100+ hp for me. I appreciate the smooth controls on the Shadow, along the flexible engine, the well chosen gear ratio, low center of gravity etc. More power is mainly needed to drive safely on the highway.
The Yamaha is in many ways a more capable bike but it also much more flawed and gives me very little joy to drive.

Versys = adventure bike with fairing = not an option.
Shadow = too small and too slow, no ABS

[GDI]

Originally Posted by Alexander

Versys = adventure bike with fairing = not an option.

Oh, now you're grasping at straws!

Versys ain't much of an adventure bike. Well, not without lots of upgrades to wheels, tires, fuel capacity, radiator guards, case guards, etc. And, as far as fairing goes, it doesn't have much of a faring either. In my country, it doesn't have ABS, though I think it does most everyplace else.

It is a fun, lightweight bike, though. I think you're trying a little too hard to *not* like it.

GDI

[mblosch]

You want to avoid hyusung. This is not a time to look at cheap. Look at over all life of the bike. From what you say you are looking for, the Speed trip, Aprilla shiver, and the Versys all fit the bill.

I can't say enough about my VFR, but I love the shadow and my triumph also. I had to get three bikes to fit my needs. If I had to choose just one, the VFR would be my choice. It is a great do everything bike.

[C.W.]

I want a bike that has power, good gas mileage, is comfortable, corners by it self, light weight, good looking, perfect, inexpensive, shifts good, has a good ride, will get me laid, goes fast, nibble in the parking lots, cooks, cleans, takes out the garbage, and a with a shield that raises up at 60 mph.

I found one, but damn, it was the wrong color.

[harpomatic]

Alexander, you can customize the bike that has fewest number of "cons" - in your case customization may be perfectly justifiable, since there is no ready made solution.

[mblosch]

Originally Posted by C.W.

I want a bike that has power, good gas mileage, is comfortable, corners by it self, light weight, good looking, perfect, inexpensive, shifts good, has a good ride, will get me laid, goes fast, nibble in the parking lots, cooks, cleans, takes out the garbage, and a with a shield that raises up at 60 mph.

I found one, but damn, it was the wrong color.

You just described a VFR! You can paint it white.

[tflaim]

ST1300 sounds like what you are looking for.