Why not consider a custom aftermarket seat? A Vstrom with an aftermarket
seat is still probably cheaper than a Tiger.

PK


----- Original Message -----
From: "John Gateley" <tiger@...>
To: <MN-Sportbike@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2009 12:12 AM
Subject: [MN-Sportbike] New motorcycle help


> Hi Y'all from Sunny(!) Seattle
>
> I checked out the new Tiger as a replacement for my '01 955.
> It's not going to work. The main problem is the seat. The
> pillion seat is 2 or 3 inches higher than my seat. Ann
> and I like riding "at the same level", it feels better.
> Apart from that, the shocks are not so bouncy and I get
> the feeling that it's not any better at dirt/fire roads
> than Kyle's pair of ZX's.
>
> So... what do I get? The V-Strom is a strong contender,
> except the pillion is an inch or two higher. The KTM
> would be a wonderful bike, except it's almost as expensive
> as a damn BMW (hi Raf).
>
> So, here's what I'm looking for:
> 1) Long days of riding - we're not iron butts, but
> we will do 600 mile days.
> 2) pillion seat is same height as rider's. (and it
> may be that this together with #1 calls for a custom
> seat).
> 3) More than 80 horse. I like the power, Ann like it
> that I can accelerate out of trouble situations.
> 4) Dirt road/pot hole capable suspension.
> 5) Tall (I'm 6'1")
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> j
>