Replacement for the Z
Discussion
Now the Z is officially dead and the insurance have made a fair offer of £3k for it I need to decide what to replace it with.
I don't want another Z750 of Z1000, been there done that.
I've been tooling round on a VFR 800 for the past few weeks and have grown to like it quite a lot, however I think it may be a little bit to sensible.
I've also considered an Aprilia Falco or Tuono but am concerend that these might no be sensible enough as the bike will live outside and be used all year round.
So what am I after?
Well, It needs to be quick
It needs to be comfortable for a pilion (the Z wasn't)
It needs to be able to cope with fast road riding.
It also needs to be able to cope with a London Commute (The VFR seems to get very hot which I think would be a pain in the summer).
It needs to sound good (the VFR sounsd a bit like a washing machine).
It needs to be reliable.
It shouldn't fall apart if made to live outside.
It should be available for less than £4k (or there abouts).
So, over to you. Am I looking for something that doesn't exist or is there a bike out there for me?
I undferstand that Hoinda are looking to release a VFR 1000 which could be perfect but woul blow my budget.
Thanks,
Phill.
I don't want another Z750 of Z1000, been there done that.
I've been tooling round on a VFR 800 for the past few weeks and have grown to like it quite a lot, however I think it may be a little bit to sensible.
I've also considered an Aprilia Falco or Tuono but am concerend that these might no be sensible enough as the bike will live outside and be used all year round.
So what am I after?
Well, It needs to be quick
It needs to be comfortable for a pilion (the Z wasn't)
It needs to be able to cope with fast road riding.
It also needs to be able to cope with a London Commute (The VFR seems to get very hot which I think would be a pain in the summer).
It needs to sound good (the VFR sounsd a bit like a washing machine).
It needs to be reliable.
It shouldn't fall apart if made to live outside.
It should be available for less than £4k (or there abouts).
So, over to you. Am I looking for something that doesn't exist or is there a bike out there for me?
I undferstand that Hoinda are looking to release a VFR 1000 which could be perfect but woul blow my budget.
Thanks,
Phill.
Problem is your budget I'd say unless you want something that you might consider 'slow' or 'sensible'
Couple of options for more cash:
Triumph Street Triple though you'll have a wait until you can get one.. its great to ride - I'm still considering one.
Maybe go take a look at CBF1000 for a sensible but fast commuter that won't fall apart.
Basically though what you are describing criteria wise sounds like my CBR600F though ticks all of your boxes despite what some might argue it ain't a slow bike you just need to rev it like any 600. It def doesn't have barge/boat type handling of the VFR800 - I test rode one of these when it first came out. The 600F still might be considered too sensible though since Honda brought out the RR.
Couple of options for more cash:
Triumph Street Triple though you'll have a wait until you can get one.. its great to ride - I'm still considering one.
Maybe go take a look at CBF1000 for a sensible but fast commuter that won't fall apart.
Basically though what you are describing criteria wise sounds like my CBR600F though ticks all of your boxes despite what some might argue it ain't a slow bike you just need to rev it like any 600. It def doesn't have barge/boat type handling of the VFR800 - I test rode one of these when it first came out. The 600F still might be considered too sensible though since Honda brought out the RR.
Edited by sjtscott on Thursday 1st November 10:02
It depends what you mean by ‘it needs to be quick’. If, by that, you mean it needs to get from A to B where the journey will not be a direct straight line and will be on UK roads then I would suggest the BMW R1100S or R1100GS. If quick means top speed, then please ignore this post!
Well, It needs to be quick
From A to B on real roads, they are pretty quick.
It needs to be comfortable for a pilion (the Z wasn't)
Easy win!
It needs to be able to cope with fast road riding.
Done!
It also needs to be able to cope with a London Commute (The VFR seems to get very hot which I think would be a pain in the summer).
No problem
It needs to sound good (the VFR sounsd a bit like a washing machine).
They’re big twins – just add the appropriate cans!
It needs to be reliable.
BMW!
It shouldn't fall apart if made to live outside.
BMW!
It should be available for less than £4k (or there abouts).
Check out Bike Trader or MCN.
Well, It needs to be quick
From A to B on real roads, they are pretty quick.
It needs to be comfortable for a pilion (the Z wasn't)
Easy win!
It needs to be able to cope with fast road riding.
Done!
It also needs to be able to cope with a London Commute (The VFR seems to get very hot which I think would be a pain in the summer).
No problem
It needs to sound good (the VFR sounsd a bit like a washing machine).
They’re big twins – just add the appropriate cans!
It needs to be reliable.
BMW!
It shouldn't fall apart if made to live outside.
BMW!
It should be available for less than £4k (or there abouts).
Check out Bike Trader or MCN.
Edited by black-k1 on Thursday 1st November 10:14
A FZ1 is great, but if you're looking at F800s: have you also considered a TDM 900?
Old man's bike, but with titanium end cans it sounds great, fantastic for commuting, very comfortable and very easy to handle. With good tyres you'll be overtaking everyone on the outside of the corners.
Old man's bike, but with titanium end cans it sounds great, fantastic for commuting, very comfortable and very easy to handle. With good tyres you'll be overtaking everyone on the outside of the corners.
Here are a couple of bikes that get close to the criteria:
Honda VTR1000 Firestorm
Pro's - Quite quick, reliable, honda build, has character, good pillion, cheap
Con's - Crap fuel range, quite thirsty (40mpg), fairly old
Aprillia RSV1000
Pro's - Reliable, quick, has character
Con's - Not sure about finish if left outside, expensive parts,
Suzuki V-Strom 1000
Pro's - Great engine, does everything, great pillion
Con's - Not so great image, finish not brilliant
Kawasaki ZRX1200
Pro's - Retro looks, lots of grunt, comfortable
Con's - Not fully faired
BMW and FZ1 as mentioned
Honda VTR1000 Firestorm
Pro's - Quite quick, reliable, honda build, has character, good pillion, cheap
Con's - Crap fuel range, quite thirsty (40mpg), fairly old
Aprillia RSV1000
Pro's - Reliable, quick, has character
Con's - Not sure about finish if left outside, expensive parts,
Suzuki V-Strom 1000
Pro's - Great engine, does everything, great pillion
Con's - Not so great image, finish not brilliant
Kawasaki ZRX1200
Pro's - Retro looks, lots of grunt, comfortable
Con's - Not fully faired
BMW and FZ1 as mentioned
Edited by jdwoodbury on Friday 2nd November 17:37
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff