A commuter with character? FZ1 competitors?

[c_dug]

TL:DR: The search is on for the replacement for my recently written off Shiver 750. Budget circa £5k, must be ULEZ compliant. FZ1 but less UJM.



I've realised having something with a bit of character to it (read: probably a bit flawed) is quite important to me. I loved the fact that my shiver was unusual, in 3 years I only saw one other. I liked that it was a bit tarty and didn't look like it should be commuting through the January road grime and yet it took it in its stride.

Yes, arguably if you just looked at numbers there were many better bikes for the job, but the Aprilia made me feel good whilst I whizzed around town with some Italian pazzazz.

I'm looking a replacement with a bit more in reserve, I'm thinking upwards of 120bhp (something that puts a genuine 100bhp to the road).

The FZ1 is perfect apart from the fact that it's just a bit, normal?

What other bikes would you suggest?
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Shaft]

Another Shiver, you seem to have liked it well enough.

I think you're a bit like me, I'm always more interested in stuff that has a bit of something about it and I don't see any modern UJM that fits the bill.

Some sort of Guzzi crossed my mind, but I don't think of them as 'whizzing about' bikes.

Later model big Monster maybe?
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Things get better with age; I'm close to being magnificent........
20 RE Interceptor, 83 Z1100A3, 83 GS650 Katana
WooHoo, I'm a Man Point Millionaire! https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=234035

[c_dug]

I did really like my shiver but I was beginning to fancy a change so I'm looking elsewhere, they make a shiver 900 too which was a bit tempting but they're not actually much of a step from the 750.

A big monster is a good shout, I was looking at the hyperstrada too but the bars seem a bit wide for filtering, I think they'd annoy me.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Nobby the Bastard]

Sprint ST
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[Irezumi]

In a similar situation and want to do a little touring on it.

Hyperstrada bars on wing mirrors will be no different to the FZ1.

BMW F800ST or GT, Hyperstrada, FZ1, Tracer 7/9 (there are some of the 9's at £5k just about). Multistrada 1000 if you can tolerate the looks (no idea on ULEZ compliance).

BMW K1200R/S although much publicised reliability issues.

[rpsmith79]

Street Triple

#endthread
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Current Bike: Honda CG125 ES4 // Honda CB600FS Hornet // Triumph Street Triple R

[to v or not to v]

mt09/10?
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current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
its old and fat, but its a damned good ride. the bikes not bad either.

[c_dug]

[arry]

Stick away from KTM 990 for commuting IMO. The throttle snatch will drive you insane.

[Irezumi]

[A100man]

[c_dug]

[Rob W]

GSX-S1000F?

Wouldn't say it has much 'character' to be honest, but I absolutely love mine. Engine is an absolute peach, handles really, really well and is comfortable to boot and you can still activate bellend mode when the mood takes you with the K5 derived engine.

If you can get past the fact it looks like a giant scooter from the front, there's a lot of bike for not loads of money IMO, although you might have to stretch your budget a little.
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'16 GSX-S1000F

[c_dug]

It's a bit like the FZ1 in that it's perfect on paper, but very much UJM. There isn't much really to set it apart from the likes of the FZ1/Z1000/CB1000R:

Superbike derived engine.
Naked bike.
Inline-4.
Middle of the road aesthetics.

Undoubtedly very capable, but not what I'm after.

Besides, if I do end up going down that route, I reckon the FZ1 is the best of the bunch as a used buy - best bang for buck under £5k.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[UncleFester]

What about a VFR800X - upright but with a bit of character on the days you're feeling like making some noise?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJjOw0OPoZY sounds quite nice with a shouty can on it.

Love the fact that V4 is completely split personality.

I have no idea if a Benelli 750SEI is within budget ....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KZZ0o91OyM

but what a noise
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Module 1 and 2 passed - October 2014. Happy owner of a 2017 Z1000SX, ex owner of a YBR125 / CB500 / VFR800.

[Shaft]

If you're looking at Buells, what about an XB12X Ulysses?

There's a nice one with full luggage on Autotrader, slightly over budget but you could haggle.
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Things get better with age; I'm close to being magnificent........
20 RE Interceptor, 83 Z1100A3, 83 GS650 Katana
WooHoo, I'm a Man Point Millionaire! https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=234035

[kgm]

The vfr800x is a great commuter that can be fun to ride and will both tour and scratch well. 45mpg though so not very economical.
I just sold mine after 4 years of using it daily.

I think I'm getting an MT09 next. Suspension mods are crucial unless it's the gen3 which is over budget. They are a lot of fun, but bugger all wind protection and the fuel tank is small. I don't care though, I want more wheelies.

[Zen Dog]

[garth]

790 Duke?
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You ain't a has been if you never was