Next bike - advice please

[keitht1]

Hi all,

My current steed is an '04 plate SV650S with upgraded suspension, brakes and various other bits. Lots of fun, but I'm starting to think I want something bigger and better.

Need something as an everyday commuter 16 miles into London through traffic, but also motorway touring and A/B road fun. Not after much then!

Been looking at the GSXR1000, Fireblade, BMW K1200R and all good but now looking for some recommendations or other suggestions. Any ideas?

Cheers,
Keith

[DamienCBR]

From what 2 friends have told me the new GSXR1000 is miles better than the Fireblade and i am a Honda fan! Don't you want to keep the v-twin side of things. The sound and they way they ride is meant to be different isn't it?

What about the SV1000??

D

[SVS]

Hi Keith,

Here are a couple of suggestions for you:
- Take each of the bikes you mentioned for a test ride. BMW now offer all-day test rides and a bit of shopping around should find you a dealer who'll let you test ride the others. You'll have a miles better idea what you want after only a couple of test rides.
- As well as considering investing in a new bike, invest in a bit of 'rider technology'. A day or two with the likes of Rapid Training, UK Advanced or one of the race schools can dramatically change how your bike feels and behaves You may be surprised what that SV650 can really do, or learn just how good the new bike actually is www.rapidtraining.co.uk/e/mission.

[Steve_T]

I'll throw one in - what about an Aprilia Falco if you're looking at the SV thou'? I've had my SV for commuting for three and a bit years. I've added the Falco alongside it for backup/extended journeys and touring. I suspect it's not quite as good a commuter as the SV (too quick for the smoke really), it's cheap as chips a lot quicker than the SV(650) and generally pretty effortless to ride at pace. The build quality is waaaay better than the SV's.

Nothing is selling at the moment, so you can pick a well cared one up for very little money. Mine came with an Ohlins rear damper (a known weak point in the standard equipment), revalved forks, loud and normal cans, chip for use with said loud cans, double bubble and original screen and a hugger. Weak points - the sidestand (it's far too scary and being replaced with one from a VTR 1000), I also find it a bit of a stretch to the bars, so may get some clip-on risers (may not affect you).

Steve.

[gordski]

like you I have an SV650s (3k) and been thinking about changing it. Finally got off my backside and took a few bikes out for a spin,
R1 - great, but not paying the insurance
Buell Lightening - corners well but difficult to ride around town
BMW K1200R - Bonkers and I would lose licence/die
Yamaha supermoto - ok, but a little vibby

Have finally gone for a GSX-R600 k6. Fast enough on the road to scare me silly but with a smile on my face. So paid my money and take delivery next week. Part-ex'd my SV for £2.5k

[YamR1V64motion]

DamienCBR said:

From what 2 friends have told me the new GSXR1000 is miles better than the Fireblade and i am a Honda fan! Don't you want to keep the v-twin side of things. The sound and they way they ride is meant to be different isn't it?

What about the SV1000??

D

having ridden the GSXR prior to buying my Fireblade i wouldnt agree, theres not much in it power wise, and the Fireblade gives you much more confidence while riding it so you would actully be slightly quicker on it point to point that the GSXR, i found the Fireblade lets you get on the power earlier and its very balanced in turns, the GSXR is a great bike too but i do a lot of riding on the road so i want a bike thats good on it.

[DamienCBR]

YamR1V64motion said:

DamienCBR said:

From what 2 friends have told me the new GSXR1000 is miles better than the Fireblade and i am a Honda fan! Don't you want to keep the v-twin side of things. The sound and they way they ride is meant to be different isn't it?

What about the SV1000??

D

i found the Fireblade lets you get on the power earlier and its very balanced in turns

Thats is the exact opposite as to what my friend said. He felt the GSXR much smoother and a better deliverey.

I guess this just proves go and ride them... see what you think then decide based on what you want.

D

[YamR1V64motion]

DamienCBR said:

YamR1V64motion said:

DamienCBR said:

From what 2 friends have told me the new GSXR1000 is miles better than the Fireblade and i am a Honda fan! Don't you want to keep the v-twin side of things. The sound and they way they ride is meant to be different isn't it?

What about the SV1000??

D

i found the Fireblade lets you get on the power earlier and its very balanced in turns

Thats is the exact opposite as to what my friend said. He felt the GSXR much smoother and a better deliverey.

I guess this just proves go and ride them... see what you think then decide based on what you want.

D

i think it all comes down to personal preference, i have to admit on the Fireblade the electric damper took a little bit of getting used to but once i did get used to it, it was definatly a huge plus to riding.