Budget bikes to replace the SV650?
 

I know this is a common theme but I'm coming up empty and hoping someone here has some clever ideas because I don't!
I've been riding a 2002 SV650S for 2 years now, it was my first bike and I feel it's time to try something else... but I'm struggling to find something better in my price range! I'm looking at £2-2.5k, I'll be coming from France to buy it so ideally it should be something that's usually in that price range rather than a one-off lucky find. I don't really have any issues with the SV, I love riding it but now is a good time for me to sell it and I really feel I ought to try riding something else.
The only 2 other road bikes I've ridden are a Ducati Multistrada 1000DS and a Honda CB1300, I liked the seating position of both (I tend to get sore wrists on the SV but it's improving as I learn to support my weight elsewhere) but the Ducati was lumpy compared to the SV, the Honda was a hoot but has been pretty extensively modified...

I was planning on getting a VFR750 but the seating position is almost identical to the SV and I'm not sure it'll handle as well, I'm hoping to get a track day or 2 under my belt this year.
Another option is the Honda CB600F/Hornet but I'm not entirely sold, the high exhaust looks like a pain for soft panniers
I've actually just checked insurance on a CBR600 and it comes out cheaper than the CB600F, (Insurance in France is roughly double what is was in the UK so is a factor) I think it'd have to be pre-2000 though and I'm not sure it would suit my riding style, I do like the torque of the SV...
The final option would be a different SV, probably naked for the more upright seating position and pointy for the fuel injection etc but it doesn't seem like a proper change.

So... have I missed any cheap, great handling, torque-y, upright-ish bikes for around £2k? Under 106hp ideally to suit stupid French laws, and post-2001 to make registration easier. Easy huh?

Re: Budget bikes to replace the SV650?
 

Hornet 600 is a great bike, well worth a test ride.

Fazer 600? Bandit 600?

Old Triumph Speed triple (955) might sneak in around that budget too?

Re: Budget bikes to replace the SV650?
 

Bandit looks OK but not really a step up from the SV - I'd pick a naked pointy over it I think.
The Triumph is lovely but too powerful, FZR sadly does nothing for me, both in terms of looks and power delivery.
Thanks for the input though... I've been spoilt by the SV!
This is looking more and more tempting...

Re: Budget bikes to replace the SV650?
 

I've been looking at Aprilia SL1000 Falcos. Look like a pretty fast upgrade from the 650 without going to a pure sport bike. Several in your price range but they will be a few years old.

Re: Budget bikes to replace the SV650?
 

Yeah, I spotted them too, pretty tempting, I'll have to do some research. Slightly over the power limit sadly...

edit: also €100/month to insure, compared to €33 for the SV and under €50 for everything else discussed. Damn!

Re: Budget bikes to replace the SV650?
 

Speed four with a riser mod?

Re: Budget bikes to replace the SV650?
 

Hmm, not bad! Seating position looks a little cramped (more interested in the knee/hip angle than lean in this case. Useful site -> http://cycle-ergo.com/ )

Re: Budget bikes to replace the SV650?
 

I got a speed four and paid 1200 notes for it. Wheel bearings, oil filter, handlebars conversion including new brake lines all in has cost me 1800 pounds which could of been done a lot cheaper if I bought patterb instead of genuine triumph parts

Re: Budget bikes to replace the SV650?
 

I remember seeing a LSL riser kit for about £180 somewhere? They're mostly in pretty good nick for around the £2000+ mark and are fantastic handling bikes, I don't think they're too cramped around the knee / hip area, although you could buy some adjustable pegs to see if that helps?

Re: Budget bikes to replace the SV650?
 

2 holes drilled in the top yoke for mounting new risers. All from a speed triple. It's a days work of rerouting cables, new brake lines. I'm 6 foot 3 and my legs feel great it was the wrists hurting which this removed and changes the bikes completely.