2nd bike choice

[Papa]

I've been thinking about getting a second bike for quick trips to town and shorter trips around here, like OzarkSTOC. I rode a CTX 700 yesterday at the Honda dealer. It was, compared to the 1300, super light and low speed handling was great. Of course, the power was lacking, but for as light as it felt, it was fairly stable at 65 mph in the wind. This board has always shortened my learning curve by others sharing their experience. Can I get some suggestions on second bikes others have purchased for the reasons above? Thanks.

 

[Mellow]

I would do the VStrom 650 again in a heartbeat, cheap to buy, own, maintain and takes the same size tires as the bigger adv bikes so those choices are good. It's a vtwin and one of the smoothest engines I've ever had.

 

[ChucksKLRST]

I would do the VStrom 650 again in a heartbeat, cheap to buy, own, maintain and takes the same size tires as the bigger adv bikes so those choices are good. It's a vtwin and one of the smoothest engines I've ever had.

I concur. Of course my second bike is a 2009 Wee 650. Bought new 5 1/2 years ago and now with 40000+ miles. Never once an unscheduled repair. I have only done the preventive maint at 15k mile intervals. I have changed the chain and sprockets at the 30k mile mark. Great machine for exploring the Colorado mountains. Will blast the curves on the pavement in comfort and then hit the dirt roads with out even slowing down. If I was unfortunate enough to have to get rid of my bikes and only keep one, The Wee would be the one to keep. It does it all. Good luck with your search.

 

[Gerhard]

I think if I was to get a second bike my choice today would be a KTM 690 Duke, there is one in town and I love the angry bark when he revs it. Maybe it is a midlife (old age) crisis thing but it really appeals to me.

Gerhard

 

[IpswichST]

I picked up a '95 Triumph Trident 900 from the original owner ... 8600 miles on her clock for my 2nd bike. Best part... $1,300. I have always liked the look, wanted a naked bike, a bike to take on short hops without my bride on the back. No real storage except for the backpack. She is quick and fun to ride. I did take her to work one day... hiway driving at speeds of around 70 is not that fun on a naked bike.

My recommendation, get a bike suited for what you want to do with it.

 

[thekaz]

My second bike is a ST1300A with my primary being a 2001 ZX12R

 

[Allen K]

I have to agree with Joe, Chuck, and the others. I have a 2008 Wee Strom and it has truly been bullet proof. No troubles, no work other than normal. And the bike just does it all.

Allen K.

 

[SupraSabre]

My second, and third choices are '04 ST1300s! , my primary is a 2010 ST1300A

 

[troystr68]

My second Bike is an amazing 1999 VFR 800 LOVE THIS BIKE

 

[Mondo]

Love my 08 Wee. It has kept 25,000 miles off the ST and they were fun miles.

Greg

 

[ChucksKLRST]

My 4th bike might just move up and be my second bike. It is a blast to ride around the City.

 

[roginoz]

My 4th bike might just move up and be my second bike. It is a blast to ride around the City.

I think you're going to need a more manly color scheme, Chuck. At least get some black fork gaiters...

 

[ChucksKLRST]

I think you're going to need a more manly color scheme, Chuck. At least get some black fork gaiters...

I am secure enough in my masculinity so I really don't need to worry about it. Also I am too old to care what others may say anyway.Just call me an old curmudgeon. The colors lend them self to some interesting conversations.

 

[roginoz]

As to the original question:

A KLR650 makes a great second bike. It's really handy around town; not a road bike, but I've used mine for a hundred miles each way on occasion. And, they're very affordable (probably due to the simple 1980's technology.) If I didn't have the KLR, I'd be looking at a 650 V-Strom, based on what I've heard from everyone who owns one. A bit more expensive, but more road capable for trips. (Chuck rode with me from Moab to Mexican hat on his once, and seemed to do just fine. He'd have to click down one more gear when passing uphill...)

 

[ChucksKLRST]

As to the original question:

A KLR650 makes a great second bike. It's really handy around town; not a road bike, but I've used mine for a hundred miles each way on occasion. And, they're very affordable (probably due to the simple 1980's technology.) If I didn't have the KLR, I'd be looking at a 650 V-Strom, based on what I've heard from everyone who owns one. A bit more expensive, but more road capable for trips. (Chuck rode with me from Moab to Mexican hat on his once, and seemed to do just fine. He'd have to click down one more gear when passing uphill...)

Yes, I went from 6th to 5th. Can you do that with your ST's?

 

[broc11]

My second Bike is an amazing 1999 VFR 800 LOVE THIS BIKE

Same here, 00 Vfr800, fantastic bike and such a great engine,I use the vfr for local runs, any long distance touring the ST comes into her own.
My mrs. just bought a Kawasaki ER5, she's just starting to ride,have to say I love the ER5 myself, it's a great little bike,brilliant in the twisties.

 

[Craig Miller]

Not trying to get off topic, but, does anyone ride the big VStrom?

 

[roginoz]

Not trying to get off topic, but, does anyone ride the big VStrom?

People seemed to like the old 650 better than the old 1000, but the new 1000 has been getting good reviews in the magazines. (Of course, almost everything gets good reviews in the magazines...)

 

[bowtie39]

Yes, I went from 6th to 5th. Can you do that with your ST's?

As with your FJR.....there is no NEED!

 

[Mick]

Same here, 00 Vfr800, fantastic bike and such a great engine,I use the vfr for local runs, any long distance touring the ST comes into her own.
My mrs. just bought a Kawasaki ER5, she's just starting to ride,have to say I love the ER5 myself, it's a great little bike,brilliant in the twisties.

I'll second that! For a number of years I had 5th gen VFR's as second bikes ('93,'99, & '00). Reliable, lots of fun, a strong engine, lots of character, and the ergonomics were fine for short to medium range trips around Texas. Here's a pic of my last one, an '00 Viffer, taken while on a trip around Central Texas: