I'm in need of some specific bike suggestions...

[Fawbish]

Right, here's the dealio.


I share a marmite relationship with my Speed Four. I love its unique look, but theres just not quite enough power, even though it has an awesome chassis. It doesnt have the scream of my zx6r, which admittedly, I miss on the road (its now my trackbike), and the midrange that its "tuned" for, is barely noticeable (since buying it I've ridden a 955i on track....my bike really has no torque )

So I have a bit of a dilemma. I love the bike, but know its not right for me.

Now, I will probably be selling the S4 to my uncle, who is pretty much in love with the thing. I arent quite sure at the moment how much he will offer, but family is family, and I will probably take £2k for it. I bought it for £2.7k last August.

Now, with that £2000, I can perhaps subsidise £200. That is my maximum, £2200.

Now Im looking around, and I seem to be in a very awkward place. I want more power. Say, a thou. Im open to twins or fours. Or triples.

I'd like it at least 99/2000 onwards.

Fairly sporty.

Yet able to tour (Im going around Europe in June, 5k miles...)

And not be shit mileage etc.


I cant seem to find a Blade in my pricerange, that isnt silly tatty or very high mileage. Looked at TLR/TLS, too expensive what I've seen so far...and not keen on the tank range for touring? R1's slightly too expensive...but borderline K1 GSXR1000 perhaps? Fudge! They hold their value too well! RSV? Can only afford the '99 model. Quite rare.

As you can see, Im in a bit of a pickle.

And I'd like your suggestions, BCF. What bike would you say would fit my needs?

Oh, I've looked at VFR800's. But...just a little too expensive and Im not that old yet

Insurance shouldnt be an issue in this search, I can get insured on a 2002 CBR954 for £400. Im 20 with 1 years no claims (Been riding 3 years)
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"Oh....it looks like Average Joe's is forfeiting the match!" - "Yeah, its a risky strategy but lets see if it pays off for 'em Cotton."

[Mr Nice Guy]

VTR Firestorm?

Pretty crap MPG though
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Suzuki GSX-R750K4 ~ Mivv GP

[G]

ZX9R? If you're ok with the (really not too extreme) seating position of one over the VFR800, really don't see a reason to go for the VFR unless you're a honda fan-boy (or the sort that will buy the contents of a touratech brochure, maybe).

Could always get another ZX6 and change gear more .

[neatbik]

SV1000s??

[Fawbish]

I've looked at another zx6r G, slightly more modern (the 636 lump with twin headlights, but still the old shape.)

Theyre still coming in at alarmingly expensive or v high mileage (suppose not a massive issue if I can find one with SH)

And goddamnit G, I hate it when you offer riding advice when talking about bike types I enjoy going up and down the box, and this isnt a "lazy" purchase. I just want a bit more power tbh. Or at least something thats gonna kick a bit. I like my zx6r on track cos Im always in the rev range and at a decent pace. On the road, not so clever to be revving it out all the time.

ZX9R though. I like! Though a lad coming to europe with me already has one


I had looked at VTR's also Mr Nice Guy, as you said, shit tank range. Also, I seem to remember something about quite wallowy suspension. Though that could be sorted (ish...I only have ten weeks )


You know what I think is doing my head in? I love the look of the S4, but hate that it has no fairing! I would like a bit more wind protection, if Im honest, I suppose. ( Epic fail. I am no man! )


And have you ridden an SV thou nick? The seat is rather uncomfortable! Though still...a valid suggestion. I shall look.

(btw. Im not weird. Im just bolding the bike choices for later quick reference)
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"Oh....it looks like Average Joe's is forfeiting the match!" - "Yeah, its a risky strategy but lets see if it pays off for 'em Cotton."

[the grim reaper]

£2200 will get you a 15k mile 98/99 Blade, or a 20k+ mile 929 Blade. I would also take a look at the ZX9R, they're cheap, reliable, comfy (as is the 98/99 Blade) and still quick enough to leave any car and maybe your license behind.

Also take a look at the Aprilia Falco, cheap imports pushed the prices down, it's a Mille engine, only downside could be parts availability and prices.

Cheers

Grim
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Adverts don't always work: Remember that advert, where the army are running across the desert and they have a wounded man on a stretcher. They get to a ravine, the bridge is down and a caption pops up that says, 'What are you thinking?'. I don't know about you but I was thinking, 'Christ, I'm glad I'm not in the f***ing army'.

[Fawbish]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

SRAD or K1 GSXR750.

ZX7R.

CBR600F steelie, or possibly a tatty alloy framed model.
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My Flickr

[Kickstart]

Hi

How about a 955 Daytona?

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[the grim reaper]

How about here (if it works)

Autotrader Link

929 Blade, £2070, 16k miles

Cheers

Grim
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Adverts don't always work: Remember that advert, where the army are running across the desert and they have a wounded man on a stretcher. They get to a ravine, the bridge is down and a caption pops up that says, 'What are you thinking?'. I don't know about you but I was thinking, 'Christ, I'm glad I'm not in the f***ing army'.

[Fawbish]

[Fawbish]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Most ZX7R's put out about 110-115 at the wheel IIRC, so that's a good 15-20bhp up on most 600's with the accompanying torque rise.

They aren't that heavy compared to 600s of the same era to be fair.

That bike looks worth it just for the full Akrapovic system.
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My Flickr

[Fawbish]

Thats what I was thinking


*dives onto the phone to my uncle*
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"Oh....it looks like Average Joe's is forfeiting the match!" - "Yeah, its a risky strategy but lets see if it pays off for 'em Cotton."

[the grim reaper]

The 929 Blade will destroy a ZX7R though, I can attest to that as I used to have one and my mate (who was a 19 stone Geordie, to be fair) had a ZX7R. Weird riding position on the 7R too, usual sports bike leg cramp but looooong stretch over the tank to the bars.

Cheers

Grim

[edit] Fawbish, one here for £2595, ring and offer £2200 cash, you never know
Autotrader
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Adverts don't always work: Remember that advert, where the army are running across the desert and they have a wounded man on a stretcher. They get to a ravine, the bridge is down and a caption pops up that says, 'What are you thinking?'. I don't know about you but I was thinking, 'Christ, I'm glad I'm not in the f***ing army'.

[Kickstart]

[Dr. DaveJPS]

dunno what they will finally go for but there are a few aprillias


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"intelligent inattention is preferable to unintelligent tinkering"
www.davejps.com

[Bendy]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]