[9fingers]

I feel like a traitor asking this question but there is a group of knowledgeable people on here and it can't hurt to ask. I have been working my ass off (all 3 cheeks)  and want to get myself a new toy. An Interceptor is still in the running but I don't see the aftermarket items showing for a while. And a 650 Himalayan would do it for me in a heartbeat.........but there is no 650 Himalayan....yet. So, I have been checking my somewhat local used bike dealers and narrowed it down to the V Strom and the CB500X, probably 2nd hand. I found a 2009 DL650 with 16k miles, hard trunk bag, pannier mounts and engine protectors, for $3,500, which seems like a pretty good deal to me. Oh, and it has a Sargent seat which is super comfy. And there are various 2014/15/16 low mileage CBs in the $4,000 range. I KNOW the CB would be much faster and smoother than my C5 but I am thinking I might like to do some longer distance travel and the Suzuki just seems more suitable. Plus I am 6/1 and 208lbs and it just seems like a great fit. Plus, for only $3,500 I can always sell it in a year or two and get an RE650! What say you? Thanks,
9fingers

[gizzo]

A mate had a 650 VStrom. Apart from a failed stator,  77,000km trouble free until it was written off. He's quite tall and needed to lower the footpeg with custom brackets,  extend the shift lever to accommodate his big feet and bulked up the seat to raise the seating position to make it comfortable for him. IDK whether he resprung it as well. He loved it and rode it like a sport bike.

Nothing wrong with the cb500x,  either.  A bit beige for my taste though.

Either bike is a safe bet.

[wildbill]

id go interceptor and stick with the plan. I don't think you really need any aftermarket parts just yet for it as its good enough as is.
I just bought the 019 cb500x and have 2 miles on it. just collected from the dealer.
in days I will know for sure how it compares to the interceptor but I will go out early and say they are pretty well equal.
in all honesty the honda should be miles ahead BUT the interceptor is a really good bike.
I may go chrome on one of those at a later date-but I never stuck to the plan!

[9fingers]

I may do that wildbill. I was just on the RE India site and they are already showing an optional touring seat, with more padding, and tow different flycreens and options for luggage, but those in the "more to come " category. If I can wait I will. Otherwise, I think I will grab a V Strom.
9fingers

[wildbill]

that new 019 cb500x I bought appears to be very well made. impressed with how it runs too. good price at AU$8800
easy to ride too.
I may have had a crack at another interceptor too but my watch just arrived at the authorised dealer on Friday and that's one interceptor..lol
but I can e-group and try again.

[Carlsberg Wordsworth]

Couple of glasses tonight so excuse me with whilst I ramble lol. I quite like the Suzuki 250 V Strom myself. If memory serves, not that far off power of the Bullet minus some obvious torque which is the bit I like about the Bullet. The Himalayan is cheaper, even with the add-ons though.

Versys 650?

[Warwick]

Maybe also consider the 1000cc v-strom. Its not much heavier than the 650 with more power. Some great bargains on the older models.

Cheers
Warwick

[wildbill]

I wouldn't rule out a Kawasaki versys x300 either. I think from memory around the 40 hp plus good handling bike too

[wildbill]

meanwhile I found you a test review on a bike

https://youtu.be/AQuVZNUaTzM

[mike_bike_kite]

I have an NC750 and I'm very impressed with the bike. I know it's not one in your list but it will cruise at 80mph and return 80mpg (imperial) while doing it. Plus it will store most of my stuff in the fake tank. It's a bit soulless compared to the Enfield but then so is almost everything.

Anyway, in your position,  I'd just get the oldest 2nd hand bike that suits your needs then I'd sell it for the Himalayan 650 when that hit's the streets. That way you won't lose any money on the purchase and can just treat it like a free bike to ride for a year before buying what you really want.

[9fingers]

MBK, I agree totally with you. I had intended to buy the 2009 V Strom this past week.........but I am currently in .....negotiations......with my wife..........
9fingers

[9fingers]

AND, they do have an NC700 there, with the manual clutch, and it was on my list. Till I noticed how badly the front forks were twisted.
9fingers

[GlennF]

To be honest, the only think likely to tempt me away from RE at present is something with a shaft like a V7 Guzzi.  Not a Ural though, they make Enfields seem reliable and overpowered by comparison.

[9fingers]

Nothing would temp me away from my Classic, I wanted to add another bike to the stable. I too like the V7.
9fingers

[wildbill]

well lets see ive been busy lately. watch arrives in a matter of days-both Hondas perform well. most would be happy with either of those...I said most!
looking back I think the interceptor has a bit more fun factor and sound effects than the honda which does everything extremely well.
mind you only  30 Hondas came to Oz in the first shipment too
but I like riding and buying so after winter I think interceptor in chrome