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Took a nice long drive to see a CTX in person. The long drive was to a dealer that had all 4 Japanese manufacturers on the floor. I oogled 3 different bikes and had test sits etc.
They were all new with many things in common.
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S 650
2014 Honda CTX 700T (670 cc actual)
2014 Kawasaki Versys 650
Common traits: FI, liquid cooled, approx 500lbs weight, chain drive, ABS.
All 3 would be great commuters with the ability to tour properly equiped. OEM stuff is available but aftermarket stuff is generally a bit cheaper with variety on your side. All 3 felt light when leaned to the left and right. The Versys is a little top heavy but not like the Vstrom 650 I had.
All 3 have a different look and feel.
Vulcan S is a cruiser style, Versys is an adventure look with the same engine as the Vulcan S. The Honda CTX is a more touring look with a fairing and nice lines.
Any one of these used would be great way to upgrade from a GZ. New would be even better if the budget is bigger.
One thing to mention is the Vulcan S can be fitted to the rider. Kawasaki was thinking of shorter riders. Different seats, bars and foot controls to suit different bodies is a really big plus. A shorter female rider of a GZ would really like this bike. Or it will fit a 6 footer nicely. It felt the most comfy to my almost 6 feet.
Oh golly, I could type for a long time about these bikes. All 3 are impressive in their own right.
The Honda is the MPG King though. A CTX forum has members quoting figures as high as 80 mpg/U.S. gallon.
The Versye would likely ride the best with a long suspension to soak up bumps.
I like these bikes far more than bigger bikes with bigger price tags and more stuff. I don't really need or want a 700 or 800 pound bike to lift if I have drop. I have friends with GoldWings, loaded H-D's, BMW's and the like. It's what they want. I can't see the added expense of owning, insuring and operating a larger bike. No doubt they are far nicer than anything I've ever ridden but I drew a financial line in the sand years ago and haven't crossed it.
Ok, now I'm done for a while.
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