What bike? Again...

[Jebus1]

Hi all....have been riding a F650GS for 2 years now and looking to get something a bit more geared towards a sports/touring bike. I want it to be able to take 2 up, deal with dual carraigeways without any fuss and have a decent fairing.

I also like....for some reason...a torquey engine rather than something thats just all about the top-end (if that makes sense?). It would also need to be comfy for a taller rider - I'm 6'3. I've looked at VFRs, Bandits etc etc but can't seem to find any that really stand out.

Was looking at Blackbirds...but because I'm 21 I'm getting the feeling (from reviews) that cause I'm young I may die just from looking at one. (Insurance, surprisingly, is ok)

Budget...around £2.5k. Not really worried about milage as long as its gonna last!
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Test Passed 14/02/08
1st Bike - Sukida GY125A
2nd Bike - BMW F650GS

[bacon]

zx9r?

not sure if insurance would rape you in the bum though

[G]

I'd be tempted by a zx9 too.
Blackbird should be fine if you've learnt to control the throttle - may be issues if you're the sort that likes to be 'on it' a lot of the time.
I'd also be tempted by an early GSXR 1000, some around for that price range a few months ago, but probably a lot harder to find now - get the power of the blackbird along with better handling than the zx9 and still a fairly roomy position.

Have you ridden any other big bikes? Even VFR 800 sort of power is quite a big jump from a F650.

[c-m]

ZX9R or Thunderace.

[Jebus1]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Have only ever ridden the f650 and a yamaha xj600 (pre-Diversion model).

Quite like the look of the ZX-9r. 2nd seat doesn't look too comfy though. I'm not gonna be on the power all the time. Just want something thats gonna be comfy on long-ish trips for 2, good road presence, handles well (not like I'm going to be really pushing it) and if i end up with a rocket on wheels - fair enough
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Test Passed 14/02/08
1st Bike - Sukida GY125A
2nd Bike - BMW F650GS

[G]

I thought the zx6/zx9 rear seat is ok, but then I've been fine on the back of a CBR400 for a few hours .

Had others on the back of my zx6 for some fairly long distances (zx9 is pretty much the same) and not had complaints, but it does depend a lot on the seat of the sitter .

[Jebus1]

[Jebus1]

Ah good old comparison websites...

ZX-9R £30 more for the year than a Blackbird....!


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Test Passed 14/02/08
1st Bike - Sukida GY125A
2nd Bike - BMW F650GS

[chris-red]

Sound like you want a TDM900, not excatly sporty but still pretty quick.

Obvioulsy couldn't touch a zx9 or blackbird but, it will be more comfortable return better MPG, cheaper on parts and servicing.

It ticks all your boxes,

Torquey
2.5k
Comfortable 2 up
Good Road presence,
if you are not going to push it them It would be a wiser choice than something sporty.
The fairing is ok but TBH at 6'3" nothing is going to be brilliant barring a pan euro. I'm 22 and 6'5" and feel it is the perfect bike for me.

It's light for what it is 190kg dry, and has R1 brakes which are immense.

https://www.bikez.com/pictures/yamaha/2006/22754_0_1_2_tdm%20900_Image%20credits%20-%20Yamaha.jpg
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[Jebus1]

Thanks very much Chris. Have been riding the F650GS and was really looking for something with a bit more "sporty" position...but not completely full on like an R1 etc.

Oh the possibilities...


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Test Passed 14/02/08
1st Bike - Sukida GY125A
2nd Bike - BMW F650GS

[chris-red]

I was looking at F650's myself, it was the lack of power that put me off so I got the TDM instead. The only thing I would say is bikes that have you leaning forward will not be comfortable over long distance especially for someone of your size.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[swiftb]

How about another BMW, K1200?

[Jebus1]

Lack of power was why I went for the F650 Wanted the insurance to be minimal and it was my first big bike after passing my test - so it needed to cope with a 33bhp restriction - which it did very well. Had also spent quite some time watching the Long Way Round...

Would quite like another BMW...its just finding a decent priced one...

Edit.

Just found a couple of K1200s. Hadn't really paid much attention to them but they look ok. Big though...oh, big engine too. I think anything is going to be quite a jump from the F650, but I think myself as a sensible 21 yr old (how many of us have deisel mondeos ) so I think I could have 130 bhp on tap on a bike and not get into trouble...

I tell ya, the majority of big comfy bikes of the last 10 years or so are...ugly....

And this may seem like a stupid question to those in the know... but what about having a larger bike and restricting it? Obviously not all the way down to 33bhp but just tweak it down a bit. My dad was talkin to a guy that has a ZZR 1400 and thought it was too quick and had it restricted. How would this be done? Throttle? Exhaust? Say for a Blackbird (which I love the look of), which I think has 150 bhp...taking it down to 100 (or whatever would be best)....getting used to it then removing the restrictor. Would it just kill the bike in terms of usability or engine character - torque etc?

Thanks guys!
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Test Passed 14/02/08
1st Bike - Sukida GY125A
2nd Bike - BMW F650GS