Odd sensation - which bike?
Discussion
Being a confirmed petrol head i've always had a reasonable idea of what car / bike i've wanted at any point in time and been able to put forward a pretty short short-list for upcoming purchases.
However, i think i'm finally starting to grow up and take other people's views into account more and as such my bike plans have changed...
I was all set (hellbent even!) on getting a KTM superduke this year to replace my 1998 GSXR600. However, my girlfriend and I are currently doing up our house which is proving very expensive, and that, coupled with the fact i'm going to swap the Porsche this year means that i'm starting to listen to her point of view - i.e. that financing a £5k-ish bike is a liability we could do without.
I've also realised that I quite like the idea of taking her out on the back of the bike. Now she hates bikes at the moment so it would have to be a gentle introduction but i'm thinking the Superduke wouldn't be... ideal for this.
I think i'm coming down on the decision that I would like to change my GSXR for something more pillion friendly but still fun and costing not a huge amount more than what i'd get for the GSXR (about 1k I reckon - it's a bit scuffed after I threw it down the track at Croft).
So i'm throwing myself upon your goodselves to suggest options. My criteria are (I think)
Decent size engine - torque is important here plus I fancy a `big` bike
Good pillion position
Sporty ( i hate that word) handling - I am NOT going to get a tassled leather coat and a Harley repro.
Cost around £2k
Not really bothered about age as long as it'll start on the weekends I want it to!
And that's about it. Bike history has been Fantic trials bike -> Suzuki DRZ400 -> Suzuki GSXR600.
Many thanks for your suggestions, and here's hoping we can find something that introduces one more into the biking fraternity!
Chris
However, i think i'm finally starting to grow up and take other people's views into account more and as such my bike plans have changed...
I was all set (hellbent even!) on getting a KTM superduke this year to replace my 1998 GSXR600. However, my girlfriend and I are currently doing up our house which is proving very expensive, and that, coupled with the fact i'm going to swap the Porsche this year means that i'm starting to listen to her point of view - i.e. that financing a £5k-ish bike is a liability we could do without.
I've also realised that I quite like the idea of taking her out on the back of the bike. Now she hates bikes at the moment so it would have to be a gentle introduction but i'm thinking the Superduke wouldn't be... ideal for this.
I think i'm coming down on the decision that I would like to change my GSXR for something more pillion friendly but still fun and costing not a huge amount more than what i'd get for the GSXR (about 1k I reckon - it's a bit scuffed after I threw it down the track at Croft).
So i'm throwing myself upon your goodselves to suggest options. My criteria are (I think)
Decent size engine - torque is important here plus I fancy a `big` bike
Good pillion position
Sporty ( i hate that word) handling - I am NOT going to get a tassled leather coat and a Harley repro.
Cost around £2k
Not really bothered about age as long as it'll start on the weekends I want it to!
And that's about it. Bike history has been Fantic trials bike -> Suzuki DRZ400 -> Suzuki GSXR600.
Many thanks for your suggestions, and here's hoping we can find something that introduces one more into the biking fraternity!
Chris
Edited by B15TT0 on Thursday 13th March 13:24
AdeTuono said:
Nothing wrong with a early 'Blade for that money. Certainly good enough for a pillion, having taken an ex- many miles on the back. Ticks all your boxes...
I reckon an RRY would be absolutely ideal with the addition of a grab rail for your pillion. Plentiful and cheap enough due to the fact that *loads* of uk 2000 bikes were flogged off very cheaply by motorcycle city. I bought my 2000 model in 2001 from them for 6800 (and they sold the last few off even cheaper) and have still got it 7 years later, still love it and have no intention of changing it.I would suggest that, at that sort of money, steering away from the main stream sports bikes like ‘Blades, R1’s etc. You may be lucky and get a good one but you are much more likely to get something that’s had a hard life. Additionally, they tend not to be the best pillion bikes.
Try looking at things like the Honda Firestorm, Yamaha TRX/TDM, Suzuki TL1000S/Bandit. They are all solid bikes with good levels of torque and a reasonable amount of pillion comfort. On the road they’ll keep with most things in most circumstances and offer some serious fun and “smiles per mile”.
Try looking at things like the Honda Firestorm, Yamaha TRX/TDM, Suzuki TL1000S/Bandit. They are all solid bikes with good levels of torque and a reasonable amount of pillion comfort. On the road they’ll keep with most things in most circumstances and offer some serious fun and “smiles per mile”.
robstvr said:
Hornet, all the way.
What the 600? nowhere near enough torque.I´d be looking for a ZRX11/1200, Early fazer 1000, Sv1000 that sort of thing, the sporty handling can be solved with a few suspension tweaks, consider everything, don´t go the default sportsbike way.
All IMHO
Edit, the Honda X11 is a very capable quick naked thingy if you can live with the looks, they are cheap too!
Edited by Dave...H on Thursday 13th March 15:44
Early Blade - hmm.. probably not as I fancy something other than an out and out sports bike - if I was going to get one of them i'd get a GSXR750 as I love those (not pillion friendly though I know and getting back to a bike just for me rather than one for her to enjoy also).
Bandit - no - too budget/mainstream for a weekend toy.
Hornet/Fazer - same as above even though I know they're incredibly able.
TL1000 is interesting. I like the idea of other big twins too.
What about the Suzuki GSX1400 - any good?
Are there any big streetfighter twins i'm overlooking?
what's Yamaha's Vmax like? Are they as bad/good as their legend?
Bandit - no - too budget/mainstream for a weekend toy.
Hornet/Fazer - same as above even though I know they're incredibly able.
TL1000 is interesting. I like the idea of other big twins too.
What about the Suzuki GSX1400 - any good?
Are there any big streetfighter twins i'm overlooking?
what's Yamaha's Vmax like? Are they as bad/good as their legend?
The GSX1400 is a great bike, also consider the yam XJR1200/1300 the later SP is the one to have with the ohlins kit, they should be just within budget.
btw the Vmax´s do not have sporty handling in any way shape or form, entertaining yes, handling no...
btw the Vmax´s do not have sporty handling in any way shape or form, entertaining yes, handling no...
Edited by Dave...H on Thursday 13th March 15:51
The T Boy said:
What about a Suzuki SV1000? Big twin so plenty of torque and available naked or faired.
For some reason they were never particularly popular and are a bit of a bargain now.
I test rode an SV650 ages ago and enjoyed it - will have to look into the 1000 as well as the big Yams mentioned above.For some reason they were never particularly popular and are a bit of a bargain now.
Just looked at the GSXF1400 and got quite excited but then saw how much they were - seem to hold onto their value well.
B15TT0 said:
The T Boy said:
What about a Suzuki SV1000? Big twin so plenty of torque and available naked or faired.
For some reason they were never particularly popular and are a bit of a bargain now.
I test rode an SV650 ages ago and enjoyed it - will have to look into the 1000 as well as the big Yams mentioned above.For some reason they were never particularly popular and are a bit of a bargain now.
Edited by black-k1 on Thursday 13th March 16:31
B15TT0 said:
What about the Suzuki GSX1400 - any good?
very comfy (only thing im told is more comfy on the back is a goldwing), and keeps up with most crazy things. only weak point as stock is leaky rear shocks, but thats almost cured on the later ones. problem they hold their value i dont think you'll get one for £1k except a shed.about the only one not mentioned so far, vadero? odd looks though
B15TT0 said:
Early Blade - hmm.. probably not as I fancy something other than an out and out sports bike
You'd be surprised. My RRY feels comfortable enough to commute on, take to france for the weekend, ride up to Lancaster from Newbury on just stopping for fuel etc. It's not even vaguely comparable comfort wise to my 748 for example. slim_boy_fat said:
AdeTuono said:
black-k1 said:
Do check out the Firestorm too. Honda build quality and reliability.
....and a tank range of around 80 miles when hoofing it.
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