Life after the B12: Test-rode some bikes today

[Mewcenary]

Hi,

So, as per my other threads, I've been wondering what bike to get next. I had a B6, then a B12, then nothing for the last few years.

I was half-thinking of getting something smaller in the 600cc category. Maybe a (slightly) more sporty riding position. I'm just over 6' and long in the leg.

Honda Farnham were very good with test rides, setting up with a CBR650F demonstrator they had. This bike terrified me, to be honest. The throttle would blip if you so much as breathed on it. It's a bike that needed to be revved hard and ridden like you had stolen it. Every second felt like I should be clinging on just in case something happened. Certainly a thrill-ride.

Next up was the new VFR800. This as more my style. Very refined ride and I got to grips with it straight away. The engine note was also gorgeous! For a larger bike, it didn't feel heavy at all. Stable, yes, but not heavy.

Finally, I thought I'd visit Haslemere Motorcyles who had a GSX1250 demonstrator - the 'new' Bandit! Took that out and, perhaps predictably, it felt just like my old B12 (I had a faired one). However, if any bike made me smile, it was this one. The sheer power on the overtakes was both awesome yet totally controlled: The CBR650F felt like taking a risk all the time, and the VFR800 was also powerful but not in the same league as the B12 (Tame in comparison, I'd say). This bike made me realise I _did_ prefer the more upright riding position too. New digital clocks etc are all very nice. Still felt cheap compared to the other two bikes, with a very boring engine note indeed.

So, now I'm considered B12s or bikes of that ink. Upright position (although not to upright / tall as a trailie). What else should I be looking at? FZ1 / Fazer 1000?

(Oh, sat on an SV650 as I had an interest in those, but decided they are too small / low down for my tastes).

[chickenstrip]

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCF6003_zpsd86d3d0f.jpg

FTW



Actually, I get the idea you're after something newer, more modern, so maybe not. But there are sometimes some very low mileage, very clean ones around, and they really do make a cracking all-rounder, so I wouldn't dismiss them entirely. I'm 6'2'' and am comfortable for long distances on mine. It'll scratch, tour, commute, the lot. And for about £280, you can make it very fast indeed, but still perfectly useable every day. Handling is relatively easy to improve too.

If I could afford to replace mine with something newer, there's still nothing out there I'd prefer. I'd love to try other bikes, maybe own a second bike for the variation, but never at the expense of the Fazer
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[_Iain_]

A Bandit 1200 is an overweight ill handling thing that has an engine that's a bit lulzy. They're a good buy as a £1200-1500 bargain hack, but nothing more. The brakes are terrible, borderline dangerous when it gets going too. The lack of 6th gear is also fucking annoying. The 600 Bandit has even more wanky handling, but with an engine that refuses to pull below 5k, however at least the lack of speed doesnt allow you to get in shit trying to slow down.

I like Bandits. I like the shape of them...however 16 posts, and every single one of them mentioning a substandard Suzuki commuter built out of finest cheese metal components?

I think you should buy a clean late model 1200 Bandit & not bother test riding anything else. Every post you make mentions the Bandit 1200 & I get the feeling you are looking for a bike that isn't in production anymore due to some fairly major flaws.
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Please be aware that the above post may be full of complete nonsense.
Riding: '07 KTM Duke II, Baotian BT49QT-20 Driving: '88 Volvo 340

[Mewcenary]

Surely the GSF1250SA has fixed all the problems

I know I want something with the same sort of power, and an upright seating position, and with a fairing. That's as far as it goes now. Doesn't have to be the B12 to do that....

I mentioned FZ1 / Fazer 1000 as one to look out for (and so has someone else). Any others worth checking out?

[_Iain_]

Versys 1000 is the only Kwak that I rode that'd fit the requirements.

Pan european?
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Please be aware that the above post may be full of complete nonsense.
Riding: '07 KTM Duke II, Baotian BT49QT-20 Driving: '88 Volvo 340

[Mewcenary]

Ewww, no. It has to be fun!

[Mewcenary]

Liking the look of this FZ1 .....

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201404033031986/

[Nexus Icon]

I like everything about the FZ1 apart from the lack of fairing lowers. I think they'd really suit it.
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Greetings from Shitsville!

[barrkel]

The VFR also needs to be ridden hard to be fun. It's a very ordinary and fairly sluggish bike before 7k RPM, when the VTEC kicks in.

The CBR650F is a Hornet with a fairing and clipons. You shouldn't be so afraid of it, it's not a race bike. If you prefer an upright position, try the Hornet - better an older one, as the newer ones are down on power so they can be restricted.

I suspect, from your liking of the B12 and GSF12, that you like bikes with a broad spread of torque at lower revs. IMO you should try more bikes in that category.

FZ1 is significantly more powerful than the B12 etc. It may be peakier than you like.
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Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
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[chickenstrip]

[Mewcenary]

Have booked a viewing / potential ride of the Fazer in question tomorow.

Essentially, I seemingly likes bikes with loads of torques that can be easily ridden around in 'easy mode', and can then overtake anything at a drop of a hat in pretty much any gear with a twist. B12 fits in there. Fazer would appear to as well, but with improved handling which would be good.

[chickenstrip]

[_Iain_]

[stonesie]

One on my 'to try' list is the Z1000SX, if you believe MCN it is a far better bike than the gsx1250 in every way except price.

Or the Triumph Sprint ST.... I didn't think triples would be that brilliant until I tested a couple. With that in mind try the Tiger 800/Tiger sport 1050 too.


I can't help but wonder how a 85 ish horsepower bike scared you though

[Rogerborg]

Just rappin' atchya, just throwing this out there...

Ducati Diavel. Monster 1200.

If you're going Axis, why not check out the other filthy treacherous nations' offerings?
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[ppeaster]

You mention the VFR800 but not the 1200.

Very refined, loads of torque and early ones are looking quite cheap...

No chain to mess about with either.

[goonerfromlag]

3rd gen z1000 is what u need! Looks d part, with urban brawlers it sounds the part. Wiv 190 55 tyres it's d best handling bike i've had so far. I love 5th gear shove @ 4k revs like u.....
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RSV1000R

[P.]

[_Iain_]

[MCN.]

[goonerfromlag]

[MCN.]

[Carvel]

[Rogerborg]