Which 1000cc bike is best?

Which 1000cc bike is best?

Author
Discussion

Chipchap

2,588 posts

197 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
Biker's Nemesis said:
Who has an 8 year old Fireblade? Her BMW could have been 5 years old.
Someone suggested an 08 Blade as an option. Sorry my maths went awry it's 7 yrs old.


A

mckeann

2,986 posts

229 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
blade is a great all rounder

R1 is a stonking road bike with a lot of midrange

Bmw is nice but I found it a little boring tbh and you've had 2.

Zx10r is great fun, my favourite (but I'm track only)

Aprillia is amazing but if anything goes wrong, don't expect them to fix it in a hurry

hebegb

1,523 posts

147 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
CarsOrBikes said:
Do you want a 'new' bike? Do you only like Japanese stuff?

MV Agusta? Aprilia? (may never look back)

Do you hope to do work on your own bike?

Imo the only nice'ish' Blade after the 07, is the SP which I've been tempted to change my Repsol for, but mine is still nice. I always liked the quirky look of the BMW, but not enough.
I think the '07 Blade reference here John , I guess , but not sure of its relevance to the actual question - and Chipchap, I only read one S1000rr not two successive....?
Anyway- I've owned most and ridden all of the bikes listed . Put the names in a hat and draw one out... Or chose the one you like the look of best ...or , reflect back, you say you loved the S1000 Charlotte. Do you feel you ever mastered it fully. Be it on road or track ? A couple of years down the line and a few thousand road and track miles I know I haven't and probably never will...it's all relative of course....
Make yer choice and pay yer money - there is no bad choice.

legzr1

3,848 posts

139 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
3DP said:
The RSV4 and Ducati Panigale are very small. If you are a non-Amazonian sized lady, they might suit well. If looking new, there are some good bargains going on the outgoing 2014 RSV4 and Ducati Panigale 1199 (replaced by 1299).
They look small but the RSV4 is far comfier than the S1000 for me with less severe leg bend.

I'm 6'4.

Mr OCD

6,388 posts

211 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
I find the 08> blade bloody uncomfortable ...

IMHO as a road bike the blade is a hard to beat but you can't buy a bad 1000cc superbike these days from the last 5yrs ...

Walter Sobchak

5,723 posts

224 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
I used to have an S1000RR too, great,great bike did everything really well, I then moved to an RSV4 and wouldn't go back, best handling bike I've ever ridden, great engine (although about 10-15 BHP down on an S1000RR at the top in fairness). You can also get some great deals on 2014 Factory versions at the moment-about £13-14k, that's the one with Ohlins suspension, mag wheels, carbon fibre etc, the new model is about to come out with 200 BHP so the old ones are going a bit cheap, new version is a bit expensive though.
The new R1 is sounding like its going to be a step up too, it's the only 2015 bike that really interests me.
Can't go wrong with the newer ZX10Rs either from what I've heard but I've not ridden one so can't really give an opinion.

HollywoodStig

902 posts

149 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
For the love of God try an 1199/1299 I swapped a 2010 S1000RR for an 1199S (should have just bought the base model)

Found it loads more of an event (hard work) than the BMW.

Ended up replacing it with another 1199 which I pick up 1st March.

If you are in Herts/Beds/Bucks you could do worse than ringing Ducati Aylesbury and booking a demo.

Good luck

Charlotte Morgan

Original Poster:

28 posts

115 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
I'm 5'9" seems the Aprilla is worth a try...my BMW was 2013. I did LOVE it but with her being nicked I'm thinking a new bike...but I wont use the full capability of any bike...only mine! I did 6 track days last year... as long as it's fun...I'm not out to prove anything...I ride better than some boys and girls, worse than others...don't we all!

Walter Sobchak

5,723 posts

224 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
I'm 6'1" and I don't have any comfort issues on the Aprilia, no more than the BMW or Fireblade that I had before that.

Main things to point out about one compared to an S1000RR- it's thirstier, there can also be a bit of a delay with parts but most service items are ok in honesty.

I guess knowing your budget would help people to reccommend bikes too.

Charlotte Morgan

Original Poster:

28 posts

115 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
Walter Sobchak said:
I'm 6'1" and I don't have any comfort issues on the Aprilia, no more than the BMW or Fireblade that I had before that.

Main things to point out about one compared to an S1000RR- it's thirstier, there can also be a bit of a delay with parts but most service items are ok in honesty.

I guess knowing your budget would help people to reccommend bikes too.
Budget...I thought the RR was too much - rode it when I took my F800ST in for it's first service (it was raining, I was bored) never looked back. I'll know when it's right...looking at the Aprilla (and most others) seems there are deals to be had...my Bike love:Bike budget is variable!

y2blade

56,106 posts

215 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
Charlotte Morgan said:
I'm 5'9" seems the Aprilla is worth a try...my BMW was 2013. I did LOVE it but with her being nicked I'm thinking a new bike...but I wont use the full capability of any bike...only mine! I did 6 track days last year... as long as it's fun...I'm not out to prove anything...I ride better than some boys and girls, worse than others...don't we all!
Good post.

Schtum

132 posts

173 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
Demo rides on the 2015 S1000RR should be available some time shortly after the 7th February launch. It now has the option of Dynamic Damping Control as previously fitted to the HP4. If it works as well on the S1000RR as it does on my R1200GS then it's an option well worth having.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorcycle_man...

Walter Sobchak

5,723 posts

224 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
Charlotte Morgan said:
Budget...I thought the RR was too much - rode it when I took my F800ST in for it's first service (it was raining, I was bored) never looked back. I'll know when it's right...looking at the Aprilla (and most others) seems there are deals to be had...my Bike love:Bike budget is variable!
Enjoy deciding on a new one!!, you'll be able to push for a great deal on an Aprilia if you don't want the new model, personally unless you need the extra power(who of us does really?) I'd go for a 2014 model.
I don't think you could really pick a bad 1000cc bike made in the last 5 years though, it all comes down to personal preference.

Wedg1e

26,803 posts

265 months

Monday 26th January 2015
quotequote all
Charlotte Morgan said:
I would if I could find demo bikes...I would say the same about men but I'm not that sort of girl! x
Ah well, to simplify matters, just buy a nice pink one.

Or at least one with a pink frame... whistle

CarsOrBikes

1,135 posts

184 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
Aprilia RSVR's are a nice bike for taller riders, I'm 6'3" and there's not much out there big enough or better, so still have the previous models. Then so are MV F4's, certainly the pre '10 bikes. I have an R312, they're just funny, no rider aids or stupid map selections, just daft out of the box. The later ones feel similar to the Fireblade or S1000RR for size. Just for a hoot, maybe try to borrow a Corsacorta RR, I haven't but they're a replacement for the 1st gen, so are bound to be interesting, check the MV website maybe. The dealers will let you borrow the demo, especially when talking about your last bike's. Hopefully you don't get someone that thinks you belong on a 600 eh? The F4 feels like you're going fast, all the time, it's weird.

The one that fits, sounds, looks, feels, and rides the best, and that that makes you turn round and look, after you've walked away is a personal decision.

Nobody really will ride to the true potential of any of these bikes, sure there are some heroes that will claim so but who cares. And of course, in the real world the power numbers don't mean everything really, as they all deliver it a different way. The BMW was always marketed with a really strong midrange, as well a mental top end, which was appealing.

I've sat on several RSV4's but never bothered taking one out, as they feel for my height, tall enough, but a little compact, probably due to the titchy seat unit, just feels awkward? They look fantastic though from the front, oh and the tank looks small, don't know he capacity but hope it's more than 17lts. Similarly with the S1000RR, liked them, but silly things stopped me buying one when they came out. They've changed quite a bit though. Anyway none of my bikes are cable clutch now, and I don't want anything else. I think most thou bikes are now bar MV.

Ducati don't make a thou. Lost interest at 1098s. You might like it though, they are overly expensive, and if you dare put miles on it they're hard to sell and haemorrhage residual. Some owners think they have the Ferrari of bikes lol, but alas no. They have a red bike haha. Actually if you're tempted by that, the F4 is closer to Ferrari, as they designed the cylinder head with the radial valve set up. Ducati dealers? Wow.... never mind.

If I bought another Ape, it would be the Factory APRC, soooooo tempting. I think you'd fall in love with it. I can see a pearlescent pink scheme and forged rims already. If you don't get to test ride one I'll be amazed. Up here I could almost guarantee you would, an hour or more unaccompanied! If you don't get the help where you are, maybe travel further, and make a pre planned event out of it, drive around to check out the roads you fancy taking the bike on in advance, and try a couple of dealers to do it twice haha.

One dealer up here I know, is right close to the roads of Snowdonia, Evo triangle on the doorstep, not far from very popular Betwys-y-Coed to stay in. Very friendly, been there donkeys years, Aprilia, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Moto Guzzi, ride the same bike Sat, and Sun maybe if you all get on. You'd never look back. You certainly won't be looking at fixed speed cameras often. Ha, makes me want to use my bikes, but can't yet.

The gap between Italian bikes and Jap bikes has narrowed, to the point Jap bike retail is getting silly.


y2blade

56,106 posts

215 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
Biker's Nemesis said:
If it wasn't for the reliability issues with the RSV4 I would have one..... fk it I would get one today.

I recommend them to a few mates over the S1000RR a few years back and half of them have blown up or left them stranded in Germany when the electrics said no.

One other mate just keeps crashing his.

They all say the same as I did that they handle great out of the box on track and instill confidence on the road plus they sound like nothing else on full chat with a race pipe

I really have a hard on for RSV4's but I can't be arsed with things breaking engine wise in this day and age.

Parts supply can still be an issue too
I told you guys this a good while ago...would you lot listen? would you ****!

k**bheads


Tim85

1,742 posts

135 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
2015 BMW S1000RR - Chat Review: http://youtu.be/BHwkhiEE5m4

The new bmw sounds like a good shout if your looking for a new bike.


If you like the inline 4 for me it'd have to be either 2014 or 2015 s1000rr or as new as possible zx10.

CarsOrBikes

1,135 posts

184 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
The very early ones had some top end problems, some were early and sold late. Aprilia put a load of engines in. I bet there aren't many later unreliability issues, and we have to consider those that get dicked about with, power commanders, various alarms, crap work, crash or drop damage concealed from the dealers etc.

I have seen a few being sold with not many miles, just because the owners returning to riding weren't ready for it, or others thought they were as docile as the twins, er......no. I still have the twins and they're keepers, just so well made, and not slow, so the 4 must feel quick.

I still consider it, but tbh, Mrs want's to be able to come out, and because of some problems now, I'm looking at a Stelvio NTX, or maybe another GTR. Keeping all the others though ha. She gets fed up with me being out for 6 hours every Sunday, or Sat and Sun.....ooops. If she can come, I can stay out :-)


Lincsblokey

3,175 posts

155 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
Italian bikes.

Overpriced

Overweight

Unreliable

Underpowered.

Had to laugh when Ducati were banding about the 205 bhp claim again for the 1299. Another extra 100cc's and it still cant make the power a 1000cc 4 does. infact it doesnt make anywhere near it, and has lost the old style ducati grunt in the midrange.

The RSV4 is the same, hideously unreliable (still) parts are a nightmare (still) and the base bike is still underpowered and isnt as light as people think.

Some say the gap is narrowing between jap & european.

Only the germans can take it to the japs in the big boys category, & Triumph currently have the best middleweight bike.

The italians are lagging

Walter Sobchak

5,723 posts

224 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
I've done 7000 Miles on mine in the last 8-9 Months and the only reliability issue was a sensor triggering it to him into limp mode once, turned the bike off then on and it hasn't happened again, other than that it has just been servicing.
I did hear the early ones had engine issues but if you get one of the revised APRC models reliability isn't really an issue, unfortunately parts supply still is though.
My S1000RR on the other hand broke its engine, it was an early one and they had a design fault, BMW in fairness were great about it and fixed it free of charge and turned it around within 5 days, got to hand it to them, their customer service leaves the Italians way behind and I'd say even the Japanese play second fiddle there.

If I was buying a new bike now it would either be the R1 or an outgoing RSV4 Factory- I just don't think the new model is worth an extra £5k.