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

[Alexander]

I am seriously considering another bike than my 2007 VT 750 C2 with fuel injection. It is a very fine bike in many ways; very well made, good fuel economy, cheap insurance, low maintenance etc

The search for another bike is due to these three reasons:
I do not sit that well on this bike - it is too small.
It is a bit short on power to feel safe at highway speeds.
There is no ABS.
My other bike is a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F with ABS (very similar to the US model FZ6R. This bike adressess the above shortcomings but has other major issues:
I had to remove the screen as the turbulence was so bad it hurts my ears. And please note that I use either Arai or Schuberth helmet. No quieter helmet in the market. Plus ear plugs.
In legal speeds, to boot.
The other issue is the crappy gearbox and clutch on this bike. Bought it new and it was never good.
The dealer will have a look at it again, though.
Higher cost for maintenace, insurance, tires, fuel etc.
I also do not like the design, but that is not a big issue. And it is very boring to drive, too.
Any suggestions on a new naked, reliable, mid size bike with decent running costs and without too much of the current "insect" design? And preferrably with ABS and shaft drive?
Like a smaller version of the Yamaha XJR1300?

[rieckena]

NT700V? Or maybe the new CB500

[Alexander]

Thank you for the super quick reply! (And nice vintage CB in your profile by the way!)
In Sweden the NT is called NT700VA. I might give it a chance but I doubt the fairings will work for me - I still have not driven a bike with fairings I liked.
The CB500 seems to be no more powerful than the VT.

[rieckena]

Ah I didn't know your location.
Number wise maybe the VT and the CB are close (I know mine are) but they feel a lot different. My tiny out of tune CB still pulls great as you rev it out by my VT only pulls relatively low in the rpms. Then again mine is an I4 and the new CB is a parallel twin so that's apples to oranges really.

[ZackDaniels]

There's the new CB1100 coming down the pike as a solid option. It won't be affordable for another few years though if you're not looking to buy new. It will have FI and ABS I believe though.

Otherwise you have to go back to the 80's or deal with high maintenance rides to get something mid-weight, in a cruiser-like frame, with high performance. That means crummy suspension and handling, no FI or ABS.

Settle for the idea of needing to go up to something with 1500+ cc's to get all this on a cruiser, because the closest thing made in the last decade would be sport standard models.

Like the Honda 919.


Or the Guzzi Griso.


Neither of those have ABS though.

[SkullCrusher]

Yamaha fz1, upright seating, great power, abs, handles nice, only thing is no shaft.

[Lukeduck]

Shucks, you just gonna have to keep riding the old one for now. Gotta keep shopping and haunting the showrooms. You'll find what you want, never know maby you already got it. Have fun.

[honeys money]

Kawasaki Vulcon 1500 Classic, messed up and sold mine, wish I had it back.

[rieckena]

Originally Posted by SkullCrusher

Yamaha fz1, upright seating, great power, abs, handles nice, only thing is no shaft.

+a billion, but as you noted no shaft. Whenever people talk about "what bike should I get?" my response is either sv650 or 1st gen fz1. I would say they're tied for the two best bikes ever built, the only difference the fz1 is overkill in the power department oh darn

[Alexander]

Thanks again.
Was the kawi a joke?
It is old, big, not quick, no ABS, no FI etc. It has shaft, though...
The FZ 1 is too much bike - power, insurance, running costs, fuel etc. Plus speeding tickets... I did try the FZ8 and like my XJ6 is so much less tight and precise compared to the Shadow.

CB1100 has some dumb features like too short range. Thirsty Honda engine as often before and small tank = bad combo. Reviewers also seem moderately impressed by handling. And it is pricey.

I did look at the ghastly Griso and some other oddities (like the Harley XR1100) but awful design aside, I also do not like the italian ergodynamics (works better for folks with short legs and long arms.) It is also expensive to buy and to ride and maintain.