advice on a new bike

brett750 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 10 Dec 2009 Karma :

hi,

ive been riding about 5 years, a year in a scooter, 2yr on an rs125 and the last 2 years on a zx6r. theres nothing wrong with the zx6 but i fancy a change.

i dont fancy another 600 as alot that i have ridden are similar to what i have now, but i dont want to jump on a 1000cc blade or gsxr.

a friend of mine suggested i should try a v-twin and i quite like the look of the honda sp, and the rsv.

i just want to know what bikes you would recommend for around 2500-3k.

thanks

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

You would struggle to get an SP1 for under £3k.

TLR is worth a shout too. Or even consider a triple? You should be able to get a tidy 955i Sprint/Daytona for that money.
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Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
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Des · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 26 Dec 2010 Karma :

If you want a sports bike, for that price range you might be able to pick up a 954 FireBlade - some say the best sports bike for the road ever.
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1998 Fireblade
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brett750 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 10 Dec 2009 Karma :

3k is only a rough figure my budget isnt too strict. for the right bike it is moveable.

i dont like the triumph i think it looks horrible. is a tlr same as the tl1000?

obviously you lot have ridden lots more bikes than me so your experience can hopefuly help me

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Des · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 26 Dec 2010 Karma :

Well, my experience was to go from a ZZR600 to my current FireBlade. The old 900's are a real bargain. Such little money for such a good bike. The 954 is a nicer bike than my RRW, but there is not a lot in it.

The TLR is faired, the TLS is half-faired (very cool looking bikes IMHO). There is also the SV1000 to consider.

Honda's VTR1000 FireStorm was also on my radar when I was looking, but the low tank range put me off.

My father-in-law had an RSV1000, he loved it. He now has a 954 Blade, which he prefers.

Just some ideas....
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1998 Fireblade
1988 VFR

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

I wanted a twin and the SV was out of my budget. Wasnt keen on the TL as they are a bit brutal so settled on the firestorm.

Fuel tank range aside though they are great fun.
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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

johnsmith222 · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Karma :

I would definately go for a TL1000R if I were you.

I have actually been considering one myself.

brett750 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 10 Dec 2009 Karma :

ok cheers

i like the tl apart from it looks like a pretty big bike.

my dad used to have an old blade and i would like one. my only worry would be like i said 5yr riding experience then jumping on a bike like the blade may be pushing my luck

slyrob · Traffic Copper Joined: 03 Jan 2010 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

GSXR750?

Paxovasa · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Apr 2010 Karma :

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

The op wants a changes not a slightly more powerful bike.
____________________
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.

Bull · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 27 Sep 2010 Karma :

Save up a bit more cash 4k and maybe abit more and get the SP1 Wink

Had 2 little goes on my Brothers (only little goes att as had no bike liscens)
But its my next bike to get once i have got the money or tho i was told at a shop to go for the SP2 (even more money :0 ) Because you get alot better mpg lol

For mow my CBR600 will have to do Still a good bike for my 1st bike since i passed my test!!

The only other thing to take in is the Insurnce between the SP1 and Firestorm The storm was alot cheaper when i did some quotes Wink

But not ridden one so dont know whot there like for Power Wink

But i do LOVE THE SP1 lol Mr. Green

Alex A · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Karma :

Very difficult to find a genuinely straight/clean SP-1, and when you can find one, you'll pay a premium for it. I recently traded mine in after 16 months of ownership.

It was wonderful bike to ride, but absolutely not an everyday bike, and not one you'd ever hop on and expect a lazy ride. You've got to be 100% focused. It may not be as quick as an IL4 1000cc bike, but from my experience, I'd say that it's a much more demanding bike to ride. If you're interested in one because it's a 'sensible middle step' between a 600 and 1000 4 cyl bike, then an SP-1/2 is not what you're looking for. They're much less user friendly than your typical 1000cc IL4. As a V-twin, it's got a completely different feel in terms of how it makes power. The engine braking is fierce and there's no slipper clutch, so you've got to be very careful on corner entry. The fuelling is very on/off (especially without a power commander), which makes it a nightmare to hold a steady pace at low speeds. The close ratio box also demands extensive clutch slipping in low speed turns/roundabouts. And you've really got to put some time in to chassis setup if you're going to get it to work properly for you as a rider.

Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderfully rewarding bike to ride on the right day, and I'd certainly have one again. But I wouldn't recommend hopping onto one without prior experience with V-twins. It's completely different to IL4 bikes, 600 or 1000.
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I'd get a decent go on a big twin - they're not for everyone - I'm well known for disliking them.

If you are stuck on one, I there's some good deals on RSVs at the moment.

brett750 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 10 Dec 2009 Karma :

well alex, i think thats talked me out of the sp then.

i might be better off getting a go on an rsv to see what i think.

and as chris and slyrob, thanks for replying and i know what you mean but my zx6r has 100 bhp but i imagine a 1000cc 150bhp+ sportbike is a total different animal.

my mate has a 59plate blade he offered me a go on but i turned it down because it was brand new. if the rsv doesnt do it for me i may have to try the 750's and the blade.

cheers

brett750 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 10 Dec 2009 Karma :

haha i was expecting that to get said.

it only takes a slight bit too much throttle and that extra 60bhp will kick you in your ballacks.

its like saying well i'll sell my 1.2 corsa and buy a ferrari, its only as fast as i want it to be

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I think it depends a lot on how you use the 100hp. When I had a 600 I did tend to make full use of the power available - taking it up to the rev limiter through the gears, keeping it in as low a gear as possible, etc.
I found there wasn't really much difference between my 600 and a 143rwhp superbike - it just stayed accelerating the same for a bit longer.

However, if you're the sort that tends to more use the midrange, doesn't spend much time with wide open throttle, etc - then you'll probably find the litre bike a big change, but the big twin is similar to be honest - it's just that the four keeps on going for more. However, the litre 4's longer gears can certainly lull you in to going very fast very quickly even more so than the big twin.

Vincent · Banned Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Karma :

Try a Beemer, R1100S maybe. Everyone should try a Boxer at least once in their life.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Vincent · Banned Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Karma :

Vincent · Banned Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

It was more a case that it was overly heavy, slow and badly suspended with poor tyre choice for me, I'm afraid.
I learnt how to use the bike to it's (relatively) full potential - it's just that it wasn't that high a potential Smile

.

Also, suspect if I only went that speed on a Jap bike it'd last a fair bit longer Razz

- though I do happily swap performance for longevity.

I never rode mine in the snow, but would definitely take my KTM or C90 any day. It would be better than the GSXR in some situations due to the thinner tyres (190 section and not TOO much weigh isn't ideal for cutting through fluffy snow).

I'd describe a GSXR1000 as 'relentless but uneventful', I certainly wouldn't have described my RT as that.
Newer bikes have more, but it does run out quite quickly still.

However, it should be noted, that's not specifically a feature of a boxer - it's just that the only boxers that are made are intended to be this sort of engine.