Thinking about going back to sports bikes

[binge]

I think I'd regret selling the YZF450, so I've opted to save up a bit, and buy a sports bikes, as well as the YZF450.

Top of my list was an R1. I thought about an R6, but I've ridden various sports 6's recently. Modern ones too, 04/05 Gixxers and CBR's etc. And compared to what I've previously owned (Bandit 12, TLR1000, Even my YZF450), They all feel gutless and, well, slow.


I did consider another TLR. But where mine was such a absolute pristine example of one, I dont think I'd ever be happy owning another, unless of course, it was an 8k miler, show room condition example, like mine was.



So, R1's. I've ridden a couple, an 03, and an 01. Top of my list would be a 98/99 R1, on carbs, Just because...

Over the winter period, what can I expect to pay for one? I've noticed the early R1's seem to be holding their price reasonably well, some of them going for more than newer models.


I was thinking along the lines of £2k being enough to pick up a fair condition bike.


Peoples Views?



Would also consider a swap for the YZF450 I think, Although I really would rather not.

The YZF is great, but with a tank range of under 45 miles, and a comfortable top speed of less than 80mph, It's not the most practical bike when your riding buddy's all run liter sports bikes, and insist on heading to the south coast every bloody ride out.

[0l0dom0l0]

It depends how far you want to stretch really.

The R1's seem to be holding their price really well as you said. 2k sounds a little short to me... well for a good example.

I think if you had £2.5k in your hand, you could get a nice, well looked after one for that.

Just look for the important stuff. Service history etc. I wouldn't worry to much about the mileage as long as it has been serviced.

Is it just for the odd ride out? Or more sort of everyday?

[MarJay]

[HD]

[Aspire]

2003 blade gets my vote

[instigator]

[The Tot]

You thought of the original gixxer thou k1-3?

I wouldn't recommend the fireblade knowing you because they're just too refined and in your hands would make going VERY fast... VERY easy. Engine performance, r1 and gixxer thou beats the blade everytime. I haven't ridden any other thou back to back to give a better comparison. BUT what I DO have to say is that the chassis on the blade is a peach. It's pretty neutral and does what you tell it to do. I've ONLY ever had it unsettled when I'm on unfamiliar back roads taking the piss with it (by which I mean never having ridden the roads before and go haring-arse into blind corners forcing the bike up on the brakes).

Instigator should be more inclined to give an opinion between my blade and the gixxers. He prefers the gixxer.

For a 2-2.5k budget, 03 blade WILL be out of reach. capable bikes don't get me wrong.

But if you like twins, give the RSV Mille a shout (98-03)? I had a feeling you might be getting back on something faired pretty soon.
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[binge]

A naked bike is not something I want. High speed stretches are just too uncomfortable. I hated the Bandit for that!


I want a sports bike because of the handling, track day use, pillion use, wind protection, and just the general sports factor.

I've got the leathers, lid, boots, gloves etc for a sports bike.

£2.5k is okay I guess, was hoping for something closer to the £2k mark though.

[MarJay]

[G]

I was looking at litre bikes for a couple of months last winter.
If you're really lucky and don't mind a bit tatty/higher mileage, there were some R1s going for not much over £1500.

You do need to keep a decent eye out.

If I was limited to £2k for a litre bike, I'd probably go for the early R1. Can get occasionally find a GSXR1000 for that price, was quite tempted by one with after market road fairings I saw last year.

[dodsi]

For under 2K I got my 7.5K miles showroom condition ZX9R with extras (handle bar raisers.. heated grips.. scottoiler) all sensible mods.

Seem to get a lot more ZX9 for your money than R1/GSXR1000/Blade etc...

[colin1]

[Seb]

Got to agree with Dod, a ZX9 is a decent budget option, mine was an absolute steal for what was basically a brand new bike with a few tasty extras. Mine took some setup work before it was properly suitable for spirited riding though.

On the subject of left field options, considered an Aprilia Falco? Bit better value than even the RSV and TLR and far less likely to have been thrashed and crashed everywhere.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Paxovasa]

Have you considered a gixxer 750?

Please don't shoot me down in flames,
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[MaybeGuy]

[rac3r]

RSVR?
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[craigs23]

How cheap do Tuonos go for these days?

Edit: Just read your no-nudity post, please ignore.

[G]

Someone did have a link to a bit-tatty RSV for £1850 up a while ago; was quite impressed as (for a twin ), not bad bikes I believe.

[craigs23]

[MarJay]

[evoboy]

Sport bike, drilled top yoke, renthal bars.

Fun!
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Suzuki GT250 x7------- Fazer 600------CB250RS------Aprilia Rally 70----- Bandit 600

APT Motorcycles

[warped one]

[Seb]

[MarJay]

[garth]

i got an immaculate k2 thou for 2650. Literally not a mark on it.
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You ain't a has been if you never was