My perception of biking *suddenly* changed

[Smooth]

Having passed DAS a couple of months ago I've been riding my ER5, trying to improve as a rider without going too stupid. Of course, I'd now like a bit more grunt, but at lower speeds the ER5 is fine and throwing it into corners with increasing skill is fun, so it'll do for now.

The other day I went for a long ride over the Dales which was fantastic and was given the opportunity to ride a late 90s Fireblade.

Jeepers Creepers, that thing felt quick! The difference between the two bikes was phenomenal. The power delivery was so fierce when I blipped the throttle. Just hanging on required effort. Cornering and braking were also something else. It would take a lot of improvement for me to be able to do a bike like that justice and it may be slightly excessive for the road anyway.

Unfortunately I'm now thinking about what bike to get next....although it's not an option

An older Hornet or Fazer 600 is on the wish-list.....
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TDM850

[rotax81]

you cant go wrong with either the fazer or the hornet....
also consider the z750


good choice to walk before you run
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ZX636C6F road. ZX636C1H track. ZX7R redundant. ZX0.5R minimoto as ornament.
Audi A4 Avant 1.9TDi and VW Transporter 2.5TDi 888 Special (no mot and tax lol)

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Hornet > Fazer

Fazer > Z750

In conclusion, get the hornet.
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My Flickr

[Smooth]

[truslack]

Can you keep speed through the corners on the ER5? Even commuter bikes can be pushed quite far, and I very much doubt you are using even the ER5s full potential after a couple of months.
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Current: Suzuki RG 125 Gamma, Honda H100, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Suzuki SV650 (minitwin)

[Smooth]

[truslack]

Ahh I thought you were wanting to get a new 600 now.
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Current: Suzuki RG 125 Gamma, Honda H100, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Suzuki SV650 (minitwin)

[bikerchick82]

[TheDonUK]

I had an early 99 Hornet 6, with the 16 inch front wheel. Solid Flickable good for short arses. 125-130mph flat out, Most Hornets have a small fuel tank, it can be annoying filling up every 100 miles.
Get some braided hoses on the front and the brakes are excellent, great for stoppies if thats your thing .

Alot of couriers ride Fazers so there must be something in them, never ridden one.

Before the Hornet i had a Bandit 6, which has a slightly larger fuel tank and frame, more planted bike also 125-130mph will sit at 90 mph all day long, so good for touring if thats your thing

My first "proper" bike was a GS500, but i have also ridden ER5's GPZ's and of course the CB500, If the ZX6R had to be downgraded or i loose my licence i would get a 500 as a runaround. Whack a pair of New BT45's on and go

[Smooth]

The ER5 has a similar range when pressing on. A bike with a bigger tank would be useful.

The Fazer is sounding more and more appealling.

[pyx_e]

I am also on the cusp of changing up form my ER5 (which I have had for just over a or a year). I like the "upright" position of the ER5. So I am thinking versys. No likey sports bikes sorry.

Had a Z750 for two days lol, screw that would lose my license/hurt a kitten, to damn fast, fun for a bit though.

Anyone intrested in a looked after ER5 see sales section.
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Shiney!
Kawasaki: ER5, Versys, VN900.

[TheDonUK]

[stinkwheel]

I know what you mean.

That said, I rode GPZ500s for YEARS then changed up when I was pushing them beyond what they were sensibly capable of (if you find yourself deliberately sliding the arse out and don't panic, it is probably time to get a scarier bike).

It's worrying how quickly you get used to the increase in power, just as long as you keep in mind that your reaction speed probably takes longer to catch up than you realise.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[yankeedoodle]

I know alot of people will disagree, but I think bandits are ideal. They may be heavier and a little more basic in terms of mechanics, but mine is a good solid bike and I love it. Mines restricted to 33bhp and its still enough power for me most of the time. Plus you can pick them up alot cheaper than hornets/fazers.

Havent got any experience on other similar bikes, so im a tad biased, but thought I'd share my view.
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Bandit 600

[Smooth]

[Visitor Q]

[chris-red]

[Visitor Q]

[chris-red]

[Polo]

Sooooo, anyways.

You tried a late nineties Fireblade, liked it.

Solution - buy a late nineties Fireblade?

Your welcome.
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My mum smells your fingers

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Smooth]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Smooth]

Ah, I see.

I'd be looking at the budget end of the spectrum for financial reasons, hence considering older bikes like an original Fazer or Hornet.

Minty, as I'd implied earlier, the Fireblade would be wasted on me. I'd prefer to have an all-rounder I could ride well and save on running costs rather than get into a bhp arms-race.
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TDM850

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Get a hornet then.

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