What should my next bike be? Help spend my money :)

[Loun]

So I am at the point where I get every year before spring, I want a new bike but this year is different... my GF is actually the one pushing me to get a new bike...

Let me explain what I have now, what I wanted, what the situation is and then maybe you all can chime in with some help.

Here is what I currently have:
2001 Triumph TT 600 - Owned for 3 years and ride on the street
2001 SV 650 - Track bike, done 3 track days
1995 GSXR 750 - Runs but bodywork was in bad shape so fixing to sell

I have like 5 years 40-50k miles under my belt at this point, 1 accident (gravel in a turn). Im not into wheelies, I dont drag knee, I like riding, getting out having fun, going quick but not a speed demon, and will usually have my gf on the back.

Ok so... I now live in CT and work in NH twice a week so that is a 2.5 - 3 hour ride on the highway, late nights usually. All my friends that ride are up this way in MA and I will be coming up for bike week as often as I can.

So I REALLY want a 2010 Daytona 675 but im afraid of the comfort for long trips. I spoke to someone today who started to steer me in the direction of a bigger bike 1000cc bikes due to long highway riding, bike wont be wound out, less vibrations, more torque, less banging gears, still fun on the side roads etc as long as I can still toss it around in the corners and be comfortable on it. If I went the bigger bike route it would be a used bike maybe 2 - 3 years old, let someone else absorb the first hit.

So here is my question, what should I do? What bikes would you recommend based on the above. I want something full faired, I dont want a street fighter, it needs to be fun AND comfortable. If I buy anything but that 675 Id like it to be under 7-8k. Anyone?

Im headed out for a bit, long day so will respond when I get back, I really appreciate the help and the added unhelpful humor im sure some of you will add Also I tried to run the "I need a sport bike AND a cruiser" idea by my gf it was veto'd

-Lou

[Pittenger5]

Busa

[Loun]

lol go to Florida already! Its funny because thats what all the girls down there ride because of the seat height.

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

06/07 GSXR 1000.

An Sv1000 would be fun as well

[markbvt]

Triumph Sprint ST.

--mark

[McBiggity]

speed triple!

[Danz19899]

VFR 800 wicked comfy great for 2up, and still fun as hell

[Loun]

While both are comfortable, the sprint and speed triple arent "sporty" enough for me. I dont want a naked bike or really a touring one Speed Triple is a sweet bike though lol if I could get past how it looks.

[reiobard]

well, the Sprint ST is supposed to be a great option and looks awesome if you ask me, PLUS you can get it in the blue that you are aiming for.

I am a Yamaha guy though, so you could easily go with an R1 that is a few years old (i find them very comfy) or for an even cushier Yamaha you could go with the FJR1300, but that is a bit heavier than you are looking for i think.

[Wanderer]

Something down the large Dual-Sport/Aventure end of the spectrum?

[slammp]

My 2 cents get a naked. Sounds like your into enjoying the bike for the sheer fun more than the speed or the full leaning anyway - speed triple or better yet a brutale - i've never heard anyone complain about either.

[Loun]

I cant imagine fighting the wind with no real windscreen for 2.5 hours straight. Its literally a 2 hour highway ride when I come up. I dont want to deal with that, I laugh at my friend on his buell getting blown around at "highway speed" 80-90. Not sure what would be classified as a dual sport, part of the reason im asking for suggestions is because other than what i see at the track when I corner work, I dont know a ton of whats out there and those bikes really arent all "1 bike" lol.

Someone mentioned an Aprilla RSVR1000 which I actually expected from Pete not this other person but that might be an option. as well if I lean towards the larger CC

[Doc]

Triumph Sprint ST.

--mark

I was gonna say that of the Street Triple...

[slammp]

The Aprilia's are sweet. There are a couple members here with the RSV1000 - very nice looking and sounding.

[Danz19899]

as i said earlier you should take a look at Honda VFR 800's full fairing sport touring

They are comfy and offer great wind protection while still being fast and fun, I just almost bought one

[Doc]

Sexy tail.

[butcher bergs]

Yamaha FZ1 with the fairing kit.

The Gen1 (2001-2005) is better for crusing with comfort whereas the Gen 2 (2006-present) has a shorter range and is a bit more sport-oriented.

I've owned both versions of these machines and I can say with certainty they are rock solid. Both versions can be had well within your price range.

This is not mine. I just like the pic.

[Hauptman]

Sprint ST, VFR, or Full Fairing FZ1. All of these meet your criteria and most importantly will give you more comfort than something like GSXR1k or R1. Plus you can probably find them cheaper too. The Sprint ST is a great bike and much more sport oriented than you would think. Plus, you said you ride two up alot which really puts you towards that or the VFR. Not to mention the integrated hard bags that will make life much nicer. I would also recommend the FJR. Almost everyone that has one loves it but it may be a little more bike than you want.

[Manny]

My 2 cents get a naked. Sounds like your into enjoying the bike for the sheer fun more than the speed or the full leaning anyway - speed triple or better yet a brutale - i've never heard anyone complain about either.

Both nice bikes, but I'm not sure wind protection is good at all, and 2-3 hour highway rides need decent wind protection.

You are at an impasse. Heart or Head, sportbike or practical alternative. You will never get good comfort from a sportbike for those kind of highway miles.

[dankatz]

Don't laugh, but consider a GSX650F. Very comfortable, heavy so stable on the highway, and can still do twisties.

[dan5]

kawasaki z1000!

[butcher bergs]

I spoke to someone today who started to steer me in the direction of a bigger bike 1000cc bikes due to long highway riding, bike wont be wound out, less vibrations, more torque, less banging gears, still fun on the side roads etc as long as I can still toss it around in the corners and be comfortable on it.

Ya know, I got to thinking and decided that the notion of 600's spinning to the moon is more of a thing in the past, IMO. The newer bikes are much smoother and develop power much more efficiently than older 600's. I was quite comfortable riding my sister's FZ6 at 80+ down 95 from NH to the south shore and back. Not pushing another Yammie on you, just saying that, for a 600 it wasn't bad at all.

[scottieducati]

Loun, come take my ZRX for a spin sometime. It'll change your mind about nekkid bikes. Hell bring the girl and she'll probably never wanna ride on the back of anything else again Totally change my mind about "naked" bikes. The thing is a beast, and they're CHEEP. If not that, my vote goes to the FZ1 or VFR.

[ilikenapalm]

Either the FZ1 that was posted or a CBR F4i with risers.

As for naked bikes, they're really not as uncomfortable as you would think. 70-75 mph is very relaxed and the breeze feels really good, unless its cold. You can always just put your chin on the tank too.

[dankatz]

If you want a bigger engine than the GSX650F, than get a CBR1100XX (if you can find one). Sportier than an FJR, but not as uncomfortable as a supersport. Supposedly they are bullet proof.