Help me choose next bike !!

[jeddy11]

Hi All

Welcome any help / ideas on next bike please.

Have put down a refundable deposit of 100 pounds to go on the list for a S1000R which i decided in a moment of madness ! But looking more into my needs the S1000R isn't really suitable.

I really need storage for when i take the missus / youngest son on weekend trips and over nighters, at the moment ive been cramming everything tent sleeping bags etc on my er6f but the journey is cramped and not very enjoyable. I also need to be sat upright so no sports bikes.

I also need a multipurpose bike as i like to commute when i can as well although only 16 miles each way ! And of coarse weekend blasts with the club !!

The only bike i have in mind at the minute is a sports tourer like Z1000 SX with the 2 panniers for storage and can be removed for general use. Good fuel economy good reviews etc

Anyone think of any other options ??

Thanks
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Fuelly My Z1000SX
cbt 06/08/11 mod1 (second go) 01/08/12 mod2 21/09/12
Varadero Viking YBR125>Varadero125>ER6F>Z1000SX !!!

[G]

Surely you can add a range of luggage to the BMW?

Get/make a back rack to take top box or swap out and strap tent etc on there, then soft panniers on the sides?

[wr6133]

I dislike them but could you switch the deposit to a 1200GS? (assuming the deposit is with a BMW place). Can pile on the luggage and pack a pillion.

[RhynoCZ]

A 1000cc in-line four ''sport'' commuter? Is it me or does that just sound stupid?
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[G]

1200GS? Or he could just get a BMW car, which is much better for his purposes .

[RhynoCZ]

Something with less power and better mpg.

Less power = more reliable, durable, cheap
Better MPG = when you don't need the power why pay the same money for petrol as you would for a liter sports bike?

I'd look at a NC700 or NC750, if I wanted a commuter that is suitable for longer trips at rather slower pace. Or something similar like that with, I think, great mpg and enough power for cruising at reasonable speed.

MCN: NC750x - 70 mpg (54bhp, top speed 125mph)
MCN: NC700x - 75 mpg (51bhp, top speed 115mph)
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[fatjames]

How were you finding the er6 while commuting? Can you keep it and then get a toy?

[G]

Why would someone looking at buying a brand new bike care about mpg?

If they wanted to save money, they could get an older bike.

Ok, I'll accept that filling your tank regularly as the reason to go for mpg, presuming you do get a bigger tank range too.

A litre bike used at smaller throttle openings will likely be more durable than a lower power bike ridden at the same speeds.

Saying that, I chose a litre sports (not detuned naked) bike because I wanted that range of power that means I could wind it on being lazy and have as much power as possible whatever the situation without effort.
I also generally used most of the power it offered on most commutes.

I expect you could get a second hand GSXR1000/R1 to commute on and have lower 'total cost of ownership' than the Honda NCs because you'll lose a lot less on depreciation, despite the fact you're spending more on fuel.

You'll also have a more agile bike with better brakes and a much wider range of power to make those morning commutes effortless.

[RhynoCZ]

I ride a ZXR, so I do not care about mpg, but if I wanted a motorcycle for commuting/cruising only, I wouldn't use a 18 years old superbike that eats the grass around the road when attacking the sound barrier.

But, I do get your point, to enjoy every minute on the bike, I respect that.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[jeddy11]

Some good thoughts although the S1000R was new as its only just been released ! i wouldn't buy new for my example of z1000sx, i would look for one at least 1-2 years old not the new model.

Been browsing the s1000r owners forums and luggage is a big problem with home made racks and soft luggage etc but they say its not really working my problem being i want pillion and luggage and it doesn't look to comfortable for the pillion !

Keeping 2 bikes isn't really an option i suppose im trying to get too much from one bike ? My commute is only 16 miles each way so mpg not too important but would like 40 + plus be capable of a hoon at the weekend. But easy enough to strap some gear on and go away for a couple of nights.

Looked at bmw gs just seems more adventure bike like the varadero where id like more sporty! like the z1000sx sporty yet add the panniers and you got nice storage easy and lazy without any bodgery etc

Sorry to be a pain
____________________
Fuelly My Z1000SX
cbt 06/08/11 mod1 (second go) 01/08/12 mod2 21/09/12
Varadero Viking YBR125>Varadero125>ER6F>Z1000SX !!!

[G]

Why isn't keeping two bikes an option?

If you're worried about cost of running your bike, a 1 to 2 year old Z1000 is still going to have considerable depreciation.

BMW GS is a wannabe Charlie Boorman bike. Don't see any other decent reason to have one personally.

Personally I find typical road bike hard panniers can be a little restricting when camping etc - the ones I have for the 690 aren't too bad, but they're basically just big aluminium boxes and have both squares edges and extra tie down bits on top.

I wouldn't choose a ZXR for commuting either - have you ridden newer sports bikes RhynoCZ?
My race ZX9R did a fine job of it and the 06 GSXR 1000 even better - a very flexible engine which is smooth low down and has loads of power. Narrower listed width than a RXS100 along with decent brakes/handling. I'd have liked ABS and ideally TC for wet days.

[Diggs]

Sounds like a car for the family and a bike for solo fun/odd trip with a pillion....
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Now - Speed Triple, old ratty GS550, GSXR750M
Gone (in order of ownership) - Raleigh Runabout, AP50, KH125, GP125, KH250, CBX550, Z400, CB750FII, 250LC, GS550, ZXR750H1, Guzzi Targa, GSX750F, KH250 x2, Bimota SB6R and counting...

[jeddy11]

Yer good call digs i have a car but wanna do the odd night away at bike fests and weekends away at the coast just me and the missus or me and the lad etc so i want to get more into that a car would defeat the object.

Im definitely looking at the Z1000sx and wanted more ideas around sports tourers but with a bit of commuting and weekend blasts thrown in which i think the sx covers.


____________________
Fuelly My Z1000SX
cbt 06/08/11 mod1 (second go) 01/08/12 mod2 21/09/12
Varadero Viking YBR125>Varadero125>ER6F>Z1000SX !!!

[RhynoCZ]

[Vracktal]

Oh if only BMW made some version of the R1200GS that was more road oriented but still retained the large fuel tank and comfy seat necessary for commuting and touring.

Oh if only such a thing existed and someone on this forum had one for sale for a reasonable price and with full luggage.

If only.
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2007 BMW R1200R: On road
2009 BMW G650X Challenge: On road
1975 Norton Commando 850: Off road, awaiting recommissioning

[willis1337]

jeddy11, if you want a naked try a BMW K1300R, or alternatively the K1300S if you prefer a fairing.

I am amazed at anyone who buys a S1000R without first trying the K1300R. Compare the power specs, then look at the luggage options, take the mrs for a spin on the back, try the electronic suspension modes, and make sure you tick yes for quickshifter.

As you can see in my sig I went from a GSXR1000K8 to a BMW K1300S. I can honestly say the K gives me as much enjoyment on twisty roads at the GSXR but also allows me to get to them in comfort (and continue enjoying them fully loaded with luggage). I have travelled more and enjoyed biking so much more on a bike that allows you to do more.

Don't get me wrong, I love a full on sportsbike, they just fall short when doing anything more that a weekend hack about.

Just go try one. Also do a search on pistonheads (I contributed to a thread where this was discussed at length).
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Current bike: KTM SD1290GT
Previous bike: BMW K1300S

[Dannygee]

At the risk of being laughed off of the forum, here's my two pence worth...
I was in the same boat as you 6 months ago, had my heart set on either a Sprint GT or the Z1000SX with luggage, test rode both. Z1000SX the better bike in my opinion, however I wanted to be able to ride with top box & panniers at times, which the Z1000SX couldn't cope with (possibly still can't?). So, I waited, I looked around and stumbled across the Suzuki GSX1250FA, it's basically a Bandit with GSXR fairing & clocks, however I test rode it, liked it, saw one in the dealership with full luggage for decent money & bought it. I love it, seems a real load of bike for the money, loads of low down grunt, will easily do 3 figures if you want it to & plenty of storage. Don't discount it
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I just wanna ride, that's all...

Honda H100, Honda FX650, Honda NTV 650 Deauville, Suzuki GSX1250 FA Z

[Conzar]

S1000R you say?

https://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/how-bmws-new-s1000f-will-look/25225.html
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Current ride: ZX6R 636 ------- Previous:KTM EXC 450 Supermoto --- ZX6R B1H --Hornet 600--CBR 600--SV650
11:05:35 Rob Fzs: i just wanna own an rd350 valve before they send us to war with durkadurkastan

[Northern Monkey]

[henry hoover]

[Spireite]

Go for the 2014 zx tourer panniers removable in seconds, and no framework.
2 up, you don't notice. Great all rounder. 49mpg for a litre bike is good.
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Z1000SX ABS TOURER