Litre V twin opinions please

daytona600 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Karma :

Thought I would tap all your collective wisdom...

I think my next bike is going to be a litre V twin and was quite set on a new(ish) Aprilia Mille R

Until.. last night nearly crashed turning my head to see the SP2 in Honda Wandsworth's showroom. Black and red and it was gorgeous. Really stunning...

Bike will be used for commuting in weekdays and blasting at weekends.

Your thoughts please...

P.S. Don't fancy Ducati
____________________
If in doubt, flat out

McJamweasel · BCF Junkie Joined: 22 Mar 2002 Karma :

Commuting on an SP2? Laughing

They are very focused track machines - very hard, very uncomfortable. But - very fast in the right hands and on the right road.

Go for the Mille. Or an SV thou, or a TL.
____________________
BCF: Be yourself, just don't be an arse.

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

You can make any bike commute, as long as you're willing to face the pain and discomfort, running costs, not allowing a bike to perform how it would like, not being able to take any luggage, etc. I think I'd be prepared, having commuted all year on a sports rep (with even smaller accomodations for the average rider).

In my eye, the SP2 in Castrol colours would be worth the grief.

Failing that, maybe a TL1000 hedge trimmer.

daytona600 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Karma :

Spoke a courier on an SP1 at the lights the other day and he said it was a good bike - Honda reliable and though a bit heavy on the wrists for the first week, he got used to it pretty quickly.

Besides, I have pretty strong wrists Shocked

Funny, I thought I was set on the Aprilia, but I can't stop thinking about the Honda. Just wish it didn't have a digital dash...
____________________
If in doubt, flat out

Korn · Admin Joined: 01 Feb 2002 Karma :

zx636 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Karma :

One of the guys in our building has an sp2. He came into work on it a few times but normally commutes on a bandit.
I just collared him in the canteen.

list of things he said.

good.
Handles great.
Quick.
Typical honda build quality.
Great for weekends and the track.

Bad.
uncomfortable.
Heavy clutch.
thirsty.
Expensive to service.
forget riding in the rain.
Chews tyres and chains like theres no tomorrow.

But he wouldnt swap it for anything.

If I were you I would blag a test ride for a couple of hours and do the commute to see how it feels.

riichy · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Karma :

APRILIA RS'V MILLI

HONDA VFR 1000

DUCATI 999...... UMMMMMM Cool

if i were you i go for the APRILIA thats one sexy bike Thumbs Up

____________________
.......... PLOD ............ zx636 2004

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

One litre V - twin, for commuting and weekend fun...

Some alternatives...
Try Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom
https://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/files/images/DL1000_V-Strom/160_DL1000_Blue.jpg

or
Kawasaki KLV-1000
https://www.kawasaki.co.uk/Objects/w320h213_00004264.jpg

...essentially same bike, different badges, depends what deal you can get.

HTH Thumbs Up

____________________
...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger? Very Happy

daytona600 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Karma :

Thanks zx636 - much appreciated.

To be honest my commute only takes me about 15mins through the heart of London, so it's really not too bad.

As for the rest, all sportsbikes are pretty bloody uncomfortable. The tyre and chain issues are common to all big twins if I understand right.

Def. leaning towards the Honda methinks... Gotta try and blag a test ride. Mate of mine tried to test one at a Honda dealer and they just said not to bother - the blade's a much better bike Thumbs Down

____________________
If in doubt, flat out

VTR SP1 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Karma :

WishayKillie · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Karma :

Daytona600, I take you have one of these Thumbs Up

Why not wait and get the new Daytona 675 triple thats coming out next year, should be a great comprimise between a screaming In-line 4 and a V-Twin. Or go for something completly diferent and get a Triumph Speed Triple Thumbs Up

Can you tell I dont want you to get a Jap and stick with the Brittish bikes Laughing

____________________
Current; 10' Aprilia Dorsoduro 750.
Previous; 05 Triumph Daytona 600, 08' Ducati 1098s.
"Needs a check-up, fae the neck up!"

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

I would get a test ride on a bigger 4 cylinder bike as well and see what you think.

Personally I'm not a fan of twins.

McGee · O RLY? Joined: 24 Jun 2005 Karma :

BUELL!!!
____________________
◙◙► K6 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 1000 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► 96 RF600r ◄◙◙
◄◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙►◄◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙►◄◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙►
Its pronounced Jixxer!

Bod · Traffic Copper Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Karma :

Hi there, I have a 2000 RSV Mille and use it sometimes for commuting, its fantastic, grin factor everytime and wakes you up by the time you get to work. Go for the mille

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

Horses for courses. If you love a bike enough then you can put up with most things.

I had two 954 Blades before I bought the 1000RR version earlier this year. I kept talking myself out of it, "954 is much more sensible, easier to commute on, great under seat storage, far more comfortable riding position, cheaper to run, etc . . . ". Anyway I couldn't resist now matter how much I thrashed it about in my head.

The riding position is more extreme on this Blade than the last one, probably more a kin to the the SP series that you are considering. It probably is thirstier than the last one and eats tyres, but it's a fantastic bike, in my eyes anyway.

I use it to commute, still don't drive Rolling Eyes

and will be riding it through the winter again and the only thing that I can complain about is the achy wrists in slow moving traffic and that doesn't last for too long.

Can't imagine that you wouldn't love it if you have your heart set on it and are willing to compromise.

fazed · Korn is my hero! Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

choice is yours but my tlr has been great Very Happy

____________________
gixxer thou K6 , Cbr400 gullarm x 2 , cb400 superhack.

kaillum · Nova Slayer Joined: 17 Dec 2004 Karma :

i've got an '04 RSV Factory.. and have done my 55 mile commute a couple of times.. My commute is mainly motorway, so gets a bit boring.. but the RSV hadles it superb..

I tried the SP-2 before buying the RSV and just couldnt get on with the power delivery.. dont get me wrong, its a quick bike, but the punch in the gut wasnt there when you cracked the throttle unlike the RSV.. which tries to throw you off the back if your not careful!

Best thing is to test ride them both back to back.. you'll see which one you prefer...

daytona600 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Karma :

Thanks for your input all...

Wishay Killie: I won't be getting another Triumph. The bike has been a total joy when it's on song, but it has been unreliable, expensive to service (relatively) and every dealer I have tried has been crap. I love having something unique, but to be honest the experience has been soured.

G: Tried my mate's new 1000RR blade and it was an eye-opener. It was so smooth and so rapid, but tbh just felt like my bike with a lot more grunt (and better fuelling). Fancy a different riding experience.

Fazed: I know some people swear by (at?) the TLR and I have heard some that sound unreal, but the looks aren't my cup of tea.

McGee: I'm 6'3" and change with 35" legs and would look ridiculous on a Buell.

Kaillum: I thought I was making progress. Aaagh! I have heard the fuelling can be a bit dodgy on the SP2 - a power commander sorts it out apparently, but expensive kit like that should work out of the box, I agree.

My head's in a spin... Rolling Eyes

As has been said - I just need to get out there and ride them.

Thanks to everyone who's posted Thumbs Up

____________________
If in doubt, flat out

Claud 14.7 to 1 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2004 Karma :

Just go and test ride them

The VTR1000 would probably be the best for commuting, maybe not the best for razzing about (but you might find it enough). SP2 is too nice for commuting imo. The TL would be good I suppose, they are quite cheap as well. Aprillia is nice and exotic (I like them) but servicing could be costly perhaps? I/you really can't say which one is the best untill you ride them all. You might think one is great beforehand, ride it, and realise another one suits you far better.

I'd get a 954 blade though. They are great.

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

binge · Emo Kiddy Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Karma :

CBR900 would be a good choice.

It has reasonable underseat storage, And its a nice looking, quite comfy bike to ride.

Not totally focused on a track bike, More of an all rounder.

<|Ben|>

Luke_Retrofly · Silly Lesbian Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Karma :

Hi
Sorry to hijack, but I've been looking at geeting an SV1000,

bearing in mind you can get ones with a few thousand miles for a bit over £3k.

Any thoughs Thumbs Up

Luke
____________________
Flounced - Long overdue
Fuck you bitch I'm in the top 10 list I can do the what the fuck I want!

VTR SP1 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Karma :

A mate has one and it's a good all round bike.

SP1
____________________
I rode the Nurburgring backwards.

cunni · Spanner Monkey Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

TL1000R - Oh yeah!

They are a hell of a lot better than the reputation they have. real head turner, especially when you are putting one over the fast guys! And gorgeous as well!

This is mine:

https://www.junction27.org.uk/uploads/photos/71.jpg
____________________
TL1000R Parts For Sale!

Gilderoy · Nova Slayer Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Karma :

I had the same problem 5 months ago. Going from a R1 to a twin wasn't easy but I wouldn't change it for the world. I wanted a 998s until i saw how much they cost to service, more info from the dealer and the mille is exactly the same (crap engine and electrics) I facied a millie R as they look nice but mate has a new factory and his rear brake has never worked and he is on his second engine after 4000 miles. This took me to Honda as I wouldn't touch the TL as they go round corners worse than a top fuel dragster, yeah the Honda isn't the fastest twin but she'll start everytime and my last service cost £98. Due to them having no cam chain (cogs) this makes it a much more reliable engine and it's a Honda so that says it all. As for the red/black sp2 they are the 03 to 05 onward. If you want cheap go for an SP1 with low miles under £4000, the sp2 is better alround. Which ever twin you go for get at least race exhausts! Mine has a full yoshi system and is so loud I have to use ear plugs on the track.