Spoilt for choice

LazzurusMan · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 09 May 2015 Karma :

So, I'm finally getting a payout from a mini deciding I had to give way when on a roundabout, and I'm looking at getting my full licence (once training etc can all happen again) and I have no idea what I want when I pass.

I've been eyeing up three potential bikes.
Gsx750f
Vfr800
Zx6r/zzr600

All can be found in my price range up to 3k, sports touring position which is good for my bad knee and stiff ankle (thank you Mrs mini), and apart from the suzuki, they all look great.
I just can't decide which to consider more than the others.

What are peoples opinions, especially for someone that's been riding 125's for 5 years.

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

Of those, I'd go for the VFR.

There arguments for and against the V-tec which I think is 2002 onwards but that wouldn't put me off. Certainly the earlier ones still had Honda's famed build quality.

The ZZR is rather more dated in my view. I must as this point say I owned the ZZR1100 rather than the 600, but I'm sure the same applies.

GSX750, just no. Not my cup of tea at all. Ugly as sin. Laughing

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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

LazzurusMan · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 09 May 2015 Karma :

A friend of mine told me they had shit valves?
Could be him talking out of his ass, he's never owned one but he acts like he's owned everything.

ThatDippyTwat · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 Aug 2016 Karma :

VFR's are superbly reliable if you look out for a few niggles (reg/rec's, oil cooler pipes, OEM collectors are 20+ years old now). Easy enough to deal with as a first big bike, will keep you entertained for a few years. You can hustle them surprisingly well once you're used to them.

I'd look at the pre-VTEC Fi 800's, despite the slightly snatchy throttle response. Or 750's which are bulletproof, parts are less expensive and readily available, not to mention cheaper to buy.
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'98 VFR800 (touring) - '12 VFR800 Crosrunner (Commuting) - '01 KDX220 (Big Green Antisocial Machine)

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Any of the three will blow your mind after a 125. They are three very different bikes though but all highly capable sports tourers. The VFR is a great all-rounder but they are a heavy bus.

Consider adding a CBR6 to your list.

If you are thinking of a ZZR6, go for a later 'E' model. The earlier ones were based on a GPX motor.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

rhun · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 07 Mar 2015 Karma :

Consider my CBR600F, surprisingly quite sports touring in position, well in your budget and comes with everything you'd ever need on it. I'm just not using it as my commute is so long I take the car.

Oh and it's incredibly good nick for a 06 bike, they don't make them like it anymore. Wants for nothing. I have a Givi top box that goes onto the rack which will go with it too.

06, 26500 miles, £2500. I have all the bits still to put it back to stock if need be. (Exhaust, pillion handles etc)

CBR pics https://imgur.com/a/EbnkKgG
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Honda CBR600F6

LazzurusMan · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 09 May 2015 Karma :

rhun · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 07 Mar 2015 Karma :

TravisBickle · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2019 Karma :

I would recommend a FZ6 or an FZ8 for some of the reasons I stated below in the litre bike discussion: