So here is what I started out with(Pictures Forthcoming):
2006 Kawasaki EX500R Ninja
I bought this bike from the first owner with around 6000 miles on it. My friend had been bugging me to buy it for about 3 years, and I finally caved when the price came to the right level.($2500) It is a GREAT starter bike. I had just taken my MSF course and this bike was easy to jump on and ride around town, and commute to work on. Unfortunately(or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) the commuting portion wasn't so great on the Ninja. My hands cramped and the wind in my face was a little annoying. In addition riding to work in the morning in the fall was a bit chilly.
So I upgraded.
2008 Kawasaki Versys 650
I bought this bike in March of 2012 from the first owner, who was a VERY meticulous older man and also an MSF instructor in Georgia. Along with the bike I got a lot of farkles with it. Three Aftermarket windshields, cover, maintenance manual, battery tender, and a 1" 3 ring binder full of receipts and work orders for EVERYTHING that had ever been fixed or purchased for the bike. It had just over 26000 miles on the clock when I bought it.
Commuting on this bike in cold weather is MUCH easier due to the taller windshield(review to come later) and it is more comfortable on long rides because of the throttle lock and upright seating position.
I searched 4 different bikes before deciding on the Versys. The Kawasaki KLR, The Suzuki VStrom, The BMW 650GS and the Versys. I really wanted something with ABS as I've had close calls with locking the rear wheel in the past. Ultimately I decided the KLR and the 650GS were too light for my taste. Most of the bike time is commuting to and from work on the interstate and I wanted something a little more "Heavy Duty" than a dual sport. It helped that the Versys was also 2008 Motorcycle of the year and has a good following for aftermarket and support.
All in all I'm very happy so far...but bikes are addicting and I want to add more to my collection! :)
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