What bike?

[McJamweasel]

Sorry guys, but I'm after some inspiration.

Basically, when Betty is fixed up she's going. It's time for me to move on, I feel that we've grown apart lately.

What I'm after is midrange grunt. I don't want a balls out sportsbike - my riding doesn't justify one. Oh, and some moderate 2-up touring ability. I'm talking easy enough for 300 miles a day - so not Pan European league or anything.

Some of the bikes that I've thought about are the SV650 (won't be able to afford a thou ), Fazer (again, can't afford a thou), TDM850, VFR800, ThunderAce.

Budget - I hope to have arounf £3k. Insurance wise - I'm 23 with 4 years no claims - currently around £400tpft on my ZX-6R.

So - lets hear your suggestions (and offers of test rides ).
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[Gazdaman]

I can only comment on the VFR800.

I've ridden, and gone pillion on one, I love it, the perfect mix between a sport 600 performance, and the touring abilities of something not as fun.

It's a little sporty for all out touring, but 300 miles in a day is easy.

I love them, although they seem to hit the rev-limiter a little quickly

A good one will set you back 3k, for a viewpoint my dad picked up a minter ('99) for £3.4k, with various performance upgrades.

And they look good!

https://www.gaz-racing.co.uk/bike/friends/DSCI0135%20(Small).JPG

My dad's scared of his, what a woman.

Gaz

[Dom_]

Well, i was going to suggest RSV Tuono, because i just love them... Great seating position, plently of grunt.

If not, i don't know how long kawasakis Z750's have been out, or if you'll be able to pick one up for £3k but they will have plenty of grunt and a nice seating position, they look the part too.

If neither of those tickle your fancy then something like a Fazer would be suitable, only the newer models though!

Dom.

[Robby]

I think an SV would feel like a significant step down after a 600/4.

A grunty four may be more you - theres more to midrange and torque than the engine layout, you could have a four that makes good low down and midrange power in a smooth manner.

Go on, bandit 12.

Failing that everyone always speak highly of the VFR800s and Thundercats are surprisingly tough.

[Kickstart]

Hi

VFR maybe, but the service costs of a VTEC one are silly, and I suspect any 800 is out of the budget you mention.

Maybe a Triumph Sprint. Thunderace would be good. They are meant to be comfy, but I doubt they are that much better than the ZX6R. Maybe a large off road style bike such as an Africa Twin. 1200 Bandit is possible, same for a ZRX, CB1300 or the like (you could easily get a Bandit in your budget). How about an old CBR1000 (not the new Fireblade type model).

All the best

Keith
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[Wave2k]

CBR600 ?

Thundercat 600 ?

both can be picked up fairly cheap and there not kawasaki
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[stinkwheel]

A later model GPZ900r? Getting older now but I have seen quite a few with a reasonably low mileage going about recently

FZR750?
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[dazzo23]

[Phoenix]

[G]

The thunderace always seems to be pretty good value and is supposed to be able to hustle a bit (though not up to the zx6, which you named 'betty' - 'the bitch' was fine for me ).

Much as I don't like to say it, how about a big twin?
The Firestorm tank range would be limiting, but I would be tempted by a TL-S; while they are known to be a bit violent, they should be find if you take it easy and don't abuse it.

Riding a TRX850 I would say you would fine the TDM a bit lacking; it just has the torque of the 600, but I would say is generally 'lesser' in most ways. Unless of course like me you actually want a slower bike than a sports 600 that you have to make quite a bit of effort to get moving.

If you find it comfortable, I've always found the (older) blades quite neutral; they've got a broad range of power that's quite flat and suitable for two up touring.

[EuropeanNC30R...]

Are people getting the Thunderace confused with the Thundercat?

The Thunderace is a 120+bhp, 170mph+ 1 litre superbike

[G]

It is also a five gear, torquey, heavy-by-today's-standards long distance mile muncher.

While something like the RS250 is quite hard to ride slowly, a bike like the thunderace has the midrange go to be ridden sedately, but still keep up a reasonable speed.

I don't think the thundercat has any more midrange go than the ZX6 does.

[McJamweasel]

Thanks guys, I think I will look into a Bandit 12. Insurance is good - Bennetts quoted me £360 TPFT compared to £505 for the ZX6.

The TDM is also looking very tempting.
____________________
BCF: Be yourself, just don't be an arse.

[Kickstart]