Looking to change - 4 bike choice

[Spanglepants]

Hi, I'd like to change my bike for something a bit more interesting . Currently have a TDM850 which is fine but I only bought it to " get back into biking". Also would prefer a 4 cylinder.
I test rode a Hornet 600 and two Fazer 600s and quickly realised that I wouldn't be happy near red lining a bike to get anywhere. I realise the TDM has more low down instant pull compared to those and having looked around at some bikes Ive narrowed it down to either a retro -CB1300, XJR1300, ZRX 1200 or a Fireblade 92 - 99 model.
My potential problem as always is seat height, not that tall but the only one out of that list Ive sat on is the XJR. Weight was no problem and I was on tip toes both feet. Liked it a lot and its the one a couple of biker mates have said to go for. But... my son who rides pillion with me is trying to get me to go for an early Fireblade. Like the thought of having one but not sure about riding position and seat height.
Has anyone on here owned any of these that could give me an idea how the CB1300 and ZRX 1200 compare in size/ seat height compared to the XJR?
Thanks

[powerstans]

I had a CB1300 and loved it. Great lazy torque and not to shabby on the handling. I am 6'4" but my neighbour who is only 5'8" tried it and found quite an easy height. Weight wise I think they are all similar.

Really miss the old beast regret getting rid of her.

[Spanglepants]

Having never seen a CB1300 before there's one parked behind me in a street in London. Had a look and I can see the seat is very wide. I should be seeing one at a dealer this afternoon so will see if I can get a sit on it.

[Spanglepants]

Managed to find a dealer that had an early Fireblade and a CB. Both off my list because of seat height and the CB I found bigger and felt heavier than the XJR which i preferred.
Left field bike Ive discovered, although an import, is the Honda X4. As Im not looking for a sport bike the styling doesn't bother me- son hates it

[bogie]

try http://cycle-ergo.com/ for your seat height comparisons and riding positions on different bikes

Its useful to put in the bike you own and find comfortable, then try to find something that should feel similar

[peterg1955]

Suzuki 1200 Bandit? loads of grunt

I may know of a 1996 16,000 mile example in excellent condition coming up for sale now (there is a Triumph Street Triple replacing it) it has a slightly cut down seat with gel insert, I'm only 5ft7in and have 30" inside leg and can basically get both feet flat down on it, PM me for more info if you're interested

[Spanglepants]

Thats quite useful, cheers

bogie said:

try http://cycle-ergo.com/ for your seat height comparisons and riding positions on different bikes

Its useful to put in the bike you own and find comfortable, then try to find something that should feel similar

[Spanglepants]

Thanks but not got a Bandit in mind, want to check out a ZRX before i decide.

peterg1955 said:

Suzuki 1200 Bandit? loads of grunt

I may know of a 1996 16,000 mile example in excellent condition coming up for sale now (there is a Triumph Street Triple replacing it) it has a slightly cut down seat with gel insert, I'm only 5ft7in and have 30" inside leg and can basically get both feet flat down on it, PM me for more info if you're interested

[Mario149]

I'd have an XJR1300 all day long, if only for the looks. Seen a few in the flesh and they look mega to my eye. Also like the look of the XV950 Racer actually.

[Spanglepants]

Well, Ive managed to get a ZRX1200R, loving it so far. Finding it very easy to ride and goes quite well.
Will give it a bit of time and see if i can change the end can - too big. Not sure what t to go for. Is the length of the can relative to how noisy or quiet it is?

[bogie]

Nice bike

always had a soft spot for the ZRX and that looks like a well tidy example. They still make them in other markets, so there is a huge amount of tuning/accessories still available for them

[CaptainMorgan]

Spanglepants said:

Well, Ive managed to get a ZRX1200R, loving it so far. Finding it very easy to ride and goes quite well.
Will give it a bit of time and see if i can change the end can - too big. Not sure what t to go for. Is the length of the can relative to how noisy or quiet it is?

Nice bike, I have a thing for these retro looking big cc motors, nearly punted for one before getting my CB.

Also, is that photo taken in a village south of MK?

[Spanglepants]

Thanks, yes it is, just down the road from me.
Was always a fan of the original Z1000/1100Rs, couple of mates had them .
Its in very good condition. Only thing Ive noticed it looks like the bulb on the left hand side of the rev counter is out. Other than that I'm just looking forward to some decent weather to get out on it again.