Suggestions for my next bike......
Discussion
Looking for some help choosing my next bike. I’ve been riding 18 months on a 2011 Hornet and fancy a change. I just missed out on a 954 blade last year and since then haven’t given it much thought but want to do it now before the summer.
A 954 is still top of the list at the moment, but I’ve also seen a 2015 Fireblade locally which I really like and also was recommended a K5/6 GSXR which have really grown on me looks wise in the blue and white, but not sure if an older bike with that much power is too much of a step up from the Hornet.
Any other suggestions or advice would be appreciated! It’s purely going to be a toy but still want something that isn’t massively uncomfortable which is why the 954 is top at the mo.
Budget ideally 5-6k but could go higher, the 2015 blade is up for 7.5 and that’s probably my limit. Thanks
A 954 is still top of the list at the moment, but I’ve also seen a 2015 Fireblade locally which I really like and also was recommended a K5/6 GSXR which have really grown on me looks wise in the blue and white, but not sure if an older bike with that much power is too much of a step up from the Hornet.
Any other suggestions or advice would be appreciated! It’s purely going to be a toy but still want something that isn’t massively uncomfortable which is why the 954 is top at the mo.
Budget ideally 5-6k but could go higher, the 2015 blade is up for 7.5 and that’s probably my limit. Thanks
Other than nostalga I cant see why you'd have a 954 over a 2015 'blade?
2015 bike will be better in every way, looks being a personal choice but, better brakes, suspension, more power, more mpg, more mph, more electronics to help keep it all under control. K5/K6 GSXR 1000 is an awesome bit of kit though( had both the blue and white and Stealth Edition), but lacking in the modern electronics and stopping power.
Does it have to be a sports bike?
2015 bike will be better in every way, looks being a personal choice but, better brakes, suspension, more power, more mpg, more mph, more electronics to help keep it all under control. K5/K6 GSXR 1000 is an awesome bit of kit though( had both the blue and white and Stealth Edition), but lacking in the modern electronics and stopping power.
Does it have to be a sports bike?
Ryan-nunm9 said:
Other than nostalga I cant see why you'd have a 954 over a 2015 'blade?
Does it have to be a sports bike?
Part nostalgia but to me they still look amazing. Looking at reviews etc they are comfy/not too aggressive, lightweight, reliable etc and also cheaper! Take the point technology moves on though. Engine problems worry me on the later Blades but think it was sorted by 2015?Does it have to be a sports bike?
Doesn’t have to be a sports bike but that’s what I fancy trying next, open to other suggestions though!
Has a couple of Fireblades on fleet of all ages, didn't really have issues with them and they were run 365 days a year almost.
If comfort is a factor then what about sports tourers?
With out looking at exact pricesbut around your budget at a guess.
BMW K1300S - 180ish bhp and all day ridability, had one for about 9 months. I now have the naked version, the K1300R and love it. Neither have caused me much issue.
Honda VFR 1200 - Did my Police advanced course on this, an old Blackbird and an S1000RR. The VFR is the "worst of the bunch" but does have a decent bit of go and comfort.
Hayabusa - Just beacuse!
If not how about something similar to the Hornet, but more?
Aprilia RSVR Tuono - doubt youll get the V4 in budget (guess)
BMW K1300R - defo in budget
Suzuki GSX 1000 F - K5/6 engine on board
Kawasaki Z1000 SX - Very popular bike for good reason.
Food for thought.
I do a lot of road riding, from riding with mates, instructing for Rapid Training, weekends away etc and these days i wouldn't consider a sports bike for on road stuff. You can get just as much, if not more out of a sports tourer or super naked on the road. For me now, sports bikes are for the track.
My nearly 37,000 mile K1300R stays with everything on the road, no one has got away from us yet not even the loons at KTM on their spanking new Super Duke GT. I'll look at changing her in another 30,000 miles or so, what for....not sure yet but defo not a sports bike
If comfort is a factor then what about sports tourers?
With out looking at exact pricesbut around your budget at a guess.
BMW K1300S - 180ish bhp and all day ridability, had one for about 9 months. I now have the naked version, the K1300R and love it. Neither have caused me much issue.
Honda VFR 1200 - Did my Police advanced course on this, an old Blackbird and an S1000RR. The VFR is the "worst of the bunch" but does have a decent bit of go and comfort.
Hayabusa - Just beacuse!
If not how about something similar to the Hornet, but more?
Aprilia RSVR Tuono - doubt youll get the V4 in budget (guess)
BMW K1300R - defo in budget
Suzuki GSX 1000 F - K5/6 engine on board
Kawasaki Z1000 SX - Very popular bike for good reason.
Food for thought.
I do a lot of road riding, from riding with mates, instructing for Rapid Training, weekends away etc and these days i wouldn't consider a sports bike for on road stuff. You can get just as much, if not more out of a sports tourer or super naked on the road. For me now, sports bikes are for the track.
My nearly 37,000 mile K1300R stays with everything on the road, no one has got away from us yet not even the loons at KTM on their spanking new Super Duke GT. I'll look at changing her in another 30,000 miles or so, what for....not sure yet but defo not a sports bike
I am big fan of 954 (still have mine).
I am big fan of K5 GSXR1000 (sold, replaced with L7 GSXR1000R).
They are both great, but for different reasons.
Try a sportsbike, do not listen to the guys who have been there done that, have your own experience.
I am big fan of K5 GSXR1000 (sold, replaced with L7 GSXR1000R).
They are both great, but for different reasons.
Try a sportsbike, do not listen to the guys who have been there done that, have your own experience.
Edited by Ho Lee Kau on Tuesday 9th April 22:07
Ho Lee Kau said:
Try a sportsbike, do not listen to the guys who have been there done that, have your own experience.
^^^^^^ This x 100.Biking is from the heart, don’t try to logicalise it. A sports tourer better? So is a car most of the time. If you want a 954 get one.
FWIW They steer lovely, not massively comfy (hard seat) compared to GSXR K5 and a bit more gutless.
I had a 2007 Hornet (effectively same model as yours) as my first bike a couple of years ago. I sold it and bought a 2009 'Blade (I think pretty much the same as the one you're looking at) from a friend about this time last year. It's fantastic but I don't actually like riding it on the road as much as I did the Hornet (which I now regret selling). I really like it on track though, only done 3 track days on it but I may keep it just for that reason. I'm off to look at a CB1300 at the weekend as I think I'll enjoy that on the road more than a sportsbike.
Been riding 18 months now after having a sports 125 nearly 20yrs ago...
Started with a hornet like the OP, then moved onto a aprillia 750 v twin and since last October I now have a 954 fireblade.
I'm 6ft 4in and find the blade comfy enough and because it weighs next to sod all it's easily quick enough for the road. It is quicker than my previous two bikes without going over 7k rpm so far too powerful for me to get anywhere near its capabilities.
I got the 954 as many described it as the best blade ever made and I knew I wouldn't lose any money on it (20k one owner). I also want to try the k5 or k6 too and the original R1.
I will go back to a naked for my next bike though, probably a speed triple as I've had a try of 1000cc power and I like it. But imo you should try as many bikes as you can. Old and new and as long as you buy right you shouldn't lose much cash either. So try a sports bike just so you know for yourself, and if you dont like it then sell it. No biggie.
Started with a hornet like the OP, then moved onto a aprillia 750 v twin and since last October I now have a 954 fireblade.
I'm 6ft 4in and find the blade comfy enough and because it weighs next to sod all it's easily quick enough for the road. It is quicker than my previous two bikes without going over 7k rpm so far too powerful for me to get anywhere near its capabilities.
I got the 954 as many described it as the best blade ever made and I knew I wouldn't lose any money on it (20k one owner). I also want to try the k5 or k6 too and the original R1.
I will go back to a naked for my next bike though, probably a speed triple as I've had a try of 1000cc power and I like it. But imo you should try as many bikes as you can. Old and new and as long as you buy right you shouldn't lose much cash either. So try a sports bike just so you know for yourself, and if you dont like it then sell it. No biggie.
954 seat is hard(er) than K5, but not a bench and not uncomfortable, it is long and wide and easy to slide on from side to side and backwards-forwards.
K5 is stronger but calling 954 gutless is a bit cheeky. It’s pretty rapid, and has a step up in power when exhaust valve opens at about 3500 which makes it feel like turbocharged and exciting.
The later GSXS/GSXF1000 may have K5 engine, but they do not have K5 utterly smooth throttle response, so if GSXS/F tickles your fancy I say try before you buy, try in slow traffic and in corners.
954 is jerky in low revs as well, but somehow I can live with that, because it is only at one point in rev range and due to exhaust valve, but I couldn’t take the jerkiness in my L7 GSXR1000 and had to flash the ECU, here it was constant and due to euro4 electronic restrictions like deceleration fuel cut off.
Can’t say about stock K5 front brakes, mine had RCS19 MC, but stock 954 front brake is strong, 330 mill discs after all.
K5 is stronger but calling 954 gutless is a bit cheeky. It’s pretty rapid, and has a step up in power when exhaust valve opens at about 3500 which makes it feel like turbocharged and exciting.
The later GSXS/GSXF1000 may have K5 engine, but they do not have K5 utterly smooth throttle response, so if GSXS/F tickles your fancy I say try before you buy, try in slow traffic and in corners.
954 is jerky in low revs as well, but somehow I can live with that, because it is only at one point in rev range and due to exhaust valve, but I couldn’t take the jerkiness in my L7 GSXR1000 and had to flash the ECU, here it was constant and due to euro4 electronic restrictions like deceleration fuel cut off.
Can’t say about stock K5 front brakes, mine had RCS19 MC, but stock 954 front brake is strong, 330 mill discs after all.
Rsdop said:
Ryan-nunm9 said:
Other than nostalga I cant see why you'd have a 954 over a 2015 'blade?
Does it have to be a sports bike?
Part nostalgia but to me they still look amazing. Looking at reviews etc they are comfy/not too aggressive, lightweight, reliable etc and also cheaper! Take the point technology moves on though. Engine problems worry me on the later Blades but think it was sorted by 2015?Does it have to be a sports bike?
Doesn’t have to be a sports bike but that’s what I fancy trying next, open to other suggestions though!
Assuming you're not looking for something that can cross France in a day then any of the usual suspects, 'Blade, R1, GSXR would fit the bill. Buy on condition and history rather than a specific model.
Thanks for all the input. Sports tourer maybe in the future but they do nothing for me, really want to try a sports and if I don’t get on with it I’ll get rid and try something else. Comfort wise yes I’m talking a few hours not full days across europe! There’s a 954 just popped up local I’m going to have a look at, but also seen a K9 GSXR 750 that looks lovely. Any thoughts on those or just go for a 1000? Cheers
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