Looking to buy, last had a ZX7R...suggestions please.
Discussion
Evening all...
Not had that many bikes in my time, but had my licence for 15 years or so. Most recent was a ZX7R. I was quie respectful of it and it is a fast bike but it never really 'felt' that quick to me due to its linear power delivery, the weight was also a bit on the heavy side. Also found the riding position tiring on shorter rides, maybe that was the whole race rep thing or just the ergonomics of the kwak, I found the 636 uncomfy also but fine on the Honda RR, I'm not sure. Next bike doesn't have to be a race rep, necessarily...
So, what I am looking for really is something that is quicker and lighter than the 7R, this shouldnt be too difficult I think as the 7R must be 210kg or so? It doesnt have to be faster as such, just something with a bit more of a powerband.
What is the consensus on something like an R1, one of the later versions but not necessarily the latest model?
What about Ducatis? 748/916? Never ridden a V twin but a 900SS I rode literally up and down the street many years ago just felt awful (as in heavy and vibey) compared to the RD350 I had myself at the time.
Finally I notice that more and more bikes have ABS nowadays (not the racereps alas) and this is something I would benefit from. I can panic on occasion and have locked the wheels up before, more due to lack of experience when I was a lot younger and now I ride a bit more consciously to the limits of grip and seeing far enough to stop. That said, it is a nice safety net. Are any of the ABS equipped litre bikes really good fun and quick, not too much a detuned version of the racerep versions? Z1000 maybe?
Well if anyone can stomach yet another 'what bike?' thread and wants to chuck some suggestions in I would welcome your comments!
Off to look around the manufacturers websites now for which bikes do/dont have ABS...
Budget isnt really an issue and these 0% deals seem like a good option - I read a comment about the secondhand market taking a pasting on another thread - I assume that is due to such 0% deals? Or is there another reason I should be aware of (new legislation or whatever?)
Thanks in advance!
Not had that many bikes in my time, but had my licence for 15 years or so. Most recent was a ZX7R. I was quie respectful of it and it is a fast bike but it never really 'felt' that quick to me due to its linear power delivery, the weight was also a bit on the heavy side. Also found the riding position tiring on shorter rides, maybe that was the whole race rep thing or just the ergonomics of the kwak, I found the 636 uncomfy also but fine on the Honda RR, I'm not sure. Next bike doesn't have to be a race rep, necessarily...
So, what I am looking for really is something that is quicker and lighter than the 7R, this shouldnt be too difficult I think as the 7R must be 210kg or so? It doesnt have to be faster as such, just something with a bit more of a powerband.
What is the consensus on something like an R1, one of the later versions but not necessarily the latest model?
What about Ducatis? 748/916? Never ridden a V twin but a 900SS I rode literally up and down the street many years ago just felt awful (as in heavy and vibey) compared to the RD350 I had myself at the time.
Finally I notice that more and more bikes have ABS nowadays (not the racereps alas) and this is something I would benefit from. I can panic on occasion and have locked the wheels up before, more due to lack of experience when I was a lot younger and now I ride a bit more consciously to the limits of grip and seeing far enough to stop. That said, it is a nice safety net. Are any of the ABS equipped litre bikes really good fun and quick, not too much a detuned version of the racerep versions? Z1000 maybe?
Well if anyone can stomach yet another 'what bike?' thread and wants to chuck some suggestions in I would welcome your comments!
Off to look around the manufacturers websites now for which bikes do/dont have ABS...
Budget isnt really an issue and these 0% deals seem like a good option - I read a comment about the secondhand market taking a pasting on another thread - I assume that is due to such 0% deals? Or is there another reason I should be aware of (new legislation or whatever?)
Thanks in advance!
Edited by texasjohn on Thursday 7th February 22:32
The ABS issue is a whole can of worms on its own. Have a read here and to see if it helps.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
As regards which bike to go for, the best I can suggest is to get a test ride on as many different styles/makes/models/configurations of bike as you can and see if that helps you understand what best suits your needs.
Also, make a list of what is and is not important to you. For example, do you want huge amounts of power and razor sharp handling? If so, litre sports bikes are worth more attention. Do you want long distance comfort and space for a pillion? If so, sports tourers or tourers may be more appropriate. Are running costs an issue? If so, smaller capacity bikes may be a better idea.
Hope that helps.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
As regards which bike to go for, the best I can suggest is to get a test ride on as many different styles/makes/models/configurations of bike as you can and see if that helps you understand what best suits your needs.
Also, make a list of what is and is not important to you. For example, do you want huge amounts of power and razor sharp handling? If so, litre sports bikes are worth more attention. Do you want long distance comfort and space for a pillion? If so, sports tourers or tourers may be more appropriate. Are running costs an issue? If so, smaller capacity bikes may be a better idea.
Hope that helps.
tim2100 said:
Try a VFR 800, comes with ABS. Not that heavy and reasonably quick.
Nice bike but if the ZX7r felt a bit civilised then the VFR is gonna be more so..Personally i'd perhaps have a little advanced riding tuition to iron out the 'panic moments' on the brakes and then go for something on the sporty side.
I would recommend a K6 GSXR1000. Loads of power and torque. Very capable and doesnt have to scare you and also nice n light too..
Other than that how about an 04' Fireblade. Very fast and very forgiving giving lots of confidence.
I think you will struggle finding a sharper feeling bike than the ZX7r that has ABS equipped
Thanks for the advice, ABS isnt a necessity of course, every bike I've ridden to-date doesnt have it.
Will try and arrange a couple of test rides and see how I go. I think if I ride something like an R1 I am probably going to find its not that scarey after all. I guess you dont know until you try!
Will try and arrange a couple of test rides and see how I go. I think if I ride something like an R1 I am probably going to find its not that scarey after all. I guess you dont know until you try!
Funny, I was quite comfy on a CBR, it had a wicked powerband and looks lovely...Still fancy a litre bike though 
that said, the 600 was way fast enough.
I do very much like the Triumph 675 and nice to buy British too of course; to the poster above, how is it? I've never ridden a triple.
I did read that Triumphs tend to lag behind the Japanese manufacturers, their models considered to be 3 or 4 years behind the others...don't believe everything I read though and would very much like to be convinced otherwise
Any links to reviews of the 675?
As for the gixxer, a couple of lads at work have them and say they are great.
that said, the 600 was way fast enough. I do very much like the Triumph 675 and nice to buy British too of course; to the poster above, how is it? I've never ridden a triple.
I did read that Triumphs tend to lag behind the Japanese manufacturers, their models considered to be 3 or 4 years behind the others...don't believe everything I read though and would very much like to be convinced otherwise
Any links to reviews of the 675?
As for the gixxer, a couple of lads at work have them and say they are great.
Edited by texasjohn on Friday 8th February 19:40
texasjohn said:
Funny, I was quite comfy on a CBR, it had a wicked powerband and looks lovely...Still fancy a litre bike though that said, the 600 was way fast enough.
I do very much like the Triumph 675 and nice to buy British too of course; to the poster above, how is it? I've never ridden a triple.
I did read that Triumphs tend to lag behind the Japanese manufacturers, their models considered to be 3 or 4 years behind the others...don't believe everything I read though and would very much like to be convinced otherwise
Any links to reviews of the 675?
As for the gixxer, a couple of lads at work have them and say they are great.
regarding Triumph, yes a few years ago that was the case but the 675, Speed Triple and Street Triple are right up there with the big boys in the class so to speak. that said, the 600 was way fast enough. I do very much like the Triumph 675 and nice to buy British too of course; to the poster above, how is it? I've never ridden a triple.
I did read that Triumphs tend to lag behind the Japanese manufacturers, their models considered to be 3 or 4 years behind the others...don't believe everything I read though and would very much like to be convinced otherwise
Any links to reviews of the 675?
As for the gixxer, a couple of lads at work have them and say they are great.
Edited by texasjohn on Friday 8th February 19:40
Actually in some none too distant tests the 675 came overall top compared to its Jap and European counterparts..
Definitely worth a look these days!!
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