I'm looking around for a new bike at the moment I ride a zx636r and old age means I get back ache after rides out, so looking for a new bike but can't quite decide. I've been riding bikes for 20 years and need a bike that looks good to me as well as low seat height, also want something with good fuel range and definatley has to be comfortable. I fell in love with a BMW R1200R urban but can't get it down the passagway to get in the backway of house.two big cylinders aren't cool when they're scraping down either side of the wall. I looked at the Z1000 but changed mind, plus a bit on the tall side. Keep looking at unfaired bikes hoping to get my speed down and keep my licence. Next up is the FZ1 but not sure on it cause FZ1 more expensive than Fazer FZ1. Other half says I should get a Ducati monster because she's getting one but still can't get out of the bigger is better in my head and think monster has to be 1000 and don't like the silly cap they put on the top of the headlight. Any ideas gladly welcome apart from (get a life) or (stilts) or any of the verbal diarrhoea associated on the lines of sarcasm 

Cagiva Raptor, perhaps - nicer-looking and less common that a Monster. BMW K series have adjustable seat height options and the narrower 4-cylinder engine. Buell's are pretty low to the ground to start with. Honda Hornet 900, or Kawasaki ZRX1200 if you like the urban retro style. Suzuki GSX1400, Yamaha XJR1300 and Honda CB1300 are all noted for low seat height, too (sub-800mm). Your 636 is something like 825mm as stock, so they should all be manageable, even allowing for extra width.

Any of those somewhere on the right track?

>> ex silens nox noctis <<

Buells are great fun you can use everything they've got if you ride hard, what about a Z750, one of the 07,08 models, KTM 950/990 Duke to rival the monster. I've just ridden a Morini Corsaro, that was huge 1200cc V-twin fun, Triumph Speed Triple perhaps.

The early Fazer 1000's are great bikes, my mate has one and would never buy a sports bike again apparently, he reckons with a bit of set up and a spirited throttle hand they ride just as well as most sports bikes.

Can't remember did you say you needed a fairing?

Sideways through time

If the Z1000 still seems a big on the big side, might be worth a look at the Z750: slightly smaller and with - I believe - a sleeved-down version of the same motor. Know somebody who had one and loved it, and I have to say I rather like the looks of them.

>> ex silens nox noctis <<