Fun, Sporty and affordable?
Discussion
Ok so I’d like to get another bike. It has been 4 years and I’m feeling the need - so to speak.
Bike history.
Last bike was a 2005 Speed Triple bought because I thought the 3 cylinder engine would be a great mix of low down torque and revvy fun.
Loved the looks and sound, did not like the engine, the handling and especially the gear box. It felt imprecise, heavy and a bit of a blunt instrument if you know what I mean.
Previous bikes were a 1996 CBR 900 RR with a stage 2 dynojet – or something. It was an animal. I loved it (apart from the fact that it was well past it best and vibrated like a jack hammer through the bars).
Due to lack of use for a year - after an accident on my XR650R (another story but a great fun bike) - I had to change the Blade's carbs back to standard because the jets had clogged up terminally. After that it was dull. Smooth power delivery but no excitement or drama and nothing like the ferocity of power delivery.
Previous to that I had a Suzuki RF 600 and some other even less exciting bikes.
So now I fancy something fun. Despite trying to convince myself that a twin would be OK I suspect I’m a 4 cylinder guy. I like the intensity of the revs but don’t want a bike that can only deliver fun over 10k rpm.
Just beginning to look and things like an older R1 or R6 - although I have never ridden either. GSXR 1000 maybe? Early 2000's Blade? Who knows.
Use would be some commuting on country roads (40 miles each way in Central belt Scotland) and the odd weekend blast to get away from the pressure of work / family etc.
Any suggestions?
Budget (and this is the challenge) is about 4k.
I’m no GP racer but I really want something with character and a bit of drama. Not interest in hammering along everywhere at 150 mph (honest) but something that gets the pulse racing, handles well and stimulates the senses are all a must.
Any suggestions?
Bike history.
Last bike was a 2005 Speed Triple bought because I thought the 3 cylinder engine would be a great mix of low down torque and revvy fun.
Loved the looks and sound, did not like the engine, the handling and especially the gear box. It felt imprecise, heavy and a bit of a blunt instrument if you know what I mean.
Previous bikes were a 1996 CBR 900 RR with a stage 2 dynojet – or something. It was an animal. I loved it (apart from the fact that it was well past it best and vibrated like a jack hammer through the bars).
Due to lack of use for a year - after an accident on my XR650R (another story but a great fun bike) - I had to change the Blade's carbs back to standard because the jets had clogged up terminally. After that it was dull. Smooth power delivery but no excitement or drama and nothing like the ferocity of power delivery.
Previous to that I had a Suzuki RF 600 and some other even less exciting bikes.
So now I fancy something fun. Despite trying to convince myself that a twin would be OK I suspect I’m a 4 cylinder guy. I like the intensity of the revs but don’t want a bike that can only deliver fun over 10k rpm.
Just beginning to look and things like an older R1 or R6 - although I have never ridden either. GSXR 1000 maybe? Early 2000's Blade? Who knows.
Use would be some commuting on country roads (40 miles each way in Central belt Scotland) and the odd weekend blast to get away from the pressure of work / family etc.
Any suggestions?
Budget (and this is the challenge) is about 4k.
I’m no GP racer but I really want something with character and a bit of drama. Not interest in hammering along everywhere at 150 mph (honest) but something that gets the pulse racing, handles well and stimulates the senses are all a must.
Any suggestions?
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
The GSXR 750 looks v tempting indeed. Budget creep may be an issue but it does seems to tick a lot of boxes.
I was looking at the big Zeds a few years ago (lovely bikes) but after my Speed Triple I think I fancy something a little more focussed this time.
The GSXR 750 looks v tempting indeed. Budget creep may be an issue but it does seems to tick a lot of boxes.
I was looking at the big Zeds a few years ago (lovely bikes) but after my Speed Triple I think I fancy something a little more focussed this time.
lukeyman said:
Wouldn’t it make sense to try an R1 while you can still get one for under 4K?
It is very tempting. Mind you, 170 bhp! I know I said I wanted drama but there is drama and then there is DRAMA!I'm sure it is a total pussycat to ride unless provoked but I also assume that provocation leads to something fairly startling.
Perhaps I should hand in my biker badge but the tiny bit of common sense I still have is saying that I really don't need 170bph on damp Scottish country roads.
Then again.............
TorqueDirty said:
lukeyman said:
Wouldn’t it make sense to try an R1 while you can still get one for under 4K?
It is very tempting. Mind you, 170 bhp! I know I said I wanted drama but there is drama and then there is DRAMA!I'm sure it is a total pussycat to ride unless provoked but I also assume that provocation leads to something fairly startling.
Perhaps I should hand in my biker badge but the tiny bit of common sense I still have is saying that I really don't need 170bph on damp Scottish country roads.
Then again.............
I had a '99. Long time ago now though. Sigh.
lukeyman said:
TorqueDirty said:
lukeyman said:
Wouldn’t it make sense to try an R1 while you can still get one for under 4K?
It is very tempting. Mind you, 170 bhp! I know I said I wanted drama but there is drama and then there is DRAMA!I'm sure it is a total pussycat to ride unless provoked but I also assume that provocation leads to something fairly startling.
Perhaps I should hand in my biker badge but the tiny bit of common sense I still have is saying that I really don't need 170bph on damp Scottish country roads.
Then again.............
I had a '99. Long time ago now though. Sigh.
With your current Fireblade, have you had the carbs balanced? In my experience with a RRW model (same engine as yours), it makes hell of a difference.
Later Blades do have noticeably more power but keep the same Honda characteristics (or lack of character as some would say). I replaced mine with a GSXR1000K2, would a K1-K4 GSXR fit the bill? Cheaper and more practical than a K5/6.
Later Blades do have noticeably more power but keep the same Honda characteristics (or lack of character as some would say). I replaced mine with a GSXR1000K2, would a K1-K4 GSXR fit the bill? Cheaper and more practical than a K5/6.
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