I am 6'5 and ~215 pounds.

Looking for something probably 650cc, but not turned off by something bigger (being able to drag race a Viper is not on my list, just 'decent' power).

It will be used more for touring (riding around Lake Tahoe, for example) and leisurely riding - NOT track days and such. This means I want something comfortable and designed for this sort of use. I will never race it in any capacity (excluding education track days/classes). However, this does not mean I want something slow and soft, just something that will be fun on a 100, 200 mile trip (more than 1/4" of seat foam!)

Riding a KLR 650 right now and that is a comfortable bike in terms of size.

Price wise, looking at what is available in used stuff, maybe $3-5k or so (less is good!)

Thanks!

if you think you are rich BMW F650GS or KTM 640 Adventure.

get a used BMW GS

You can pick one up new in the low $6k range - mine was $6400 OTD, excluding taxes. It does have fairly "unique" styling, and it took some time for me to appreciate it.

Here are a few pix of mine, - although it has a Givi screen and Givi cases on it.

<img src="http://mattdan12.ivy-rose.com/misc/versys_007.jpg">

<img src="http://mattdan12.ivy-rose.com/misc/versys_017.jpg">

If you're looking used, maybe a older Triumph Trophy, Tiger or Thunderbird (yes, I have a thing for Triumphs!). Three very different bikes, but should all fit the bill.

Enough of a sport bike to amuse me (but not kill me), but also looks comfortable and practical.

same $$$ for items that are needed for maintenance. I am running the same stuff as the GS except in a street frame. Issues so far in the last 23K:

Ignition switch melted due to overload (my fault)
instrument cluster bulbs are all burning out lately
fork seals replaced at 17K
Tires twice a year
oil 4-5 times max changed per year
3 air filters per year
its belt so low maintenance

I have a 599 and it's great for what it is. If I were as tall as you, I'd step up to the 919