Is now a bad time to buy something special?
Is now a bad time to buy something special?
Author
Discussion

graham22

Original Poster:

3,326 posts

235 months

Friday 20th August 2021
quotequote all
I'm looking for something a bit different to my S1000R to have as a second bike.

The BMW suits me fine and I'll keep it but want something to use less often and not lose a chunk of value and still be fun.

Was looking at are R1s and SP1s but feel everyone thinks their carb R1 is a future classic and are pricing them accordingly, £4-5k for mid/high teen bikes. SP1s, £8-10k for similar.

GSXR1000 K1/2 seem good value, I had one before but feel it's too much like the BMW. K5/6 models seem to have the same mentaily as R1s - overpriced for average bikes.

Been watching R1 and Fireblade SP models but are they special enough to warrant £10k.

RC8Rs are grabbing my attention but I feel the styling is too dated and awkward (despite owning an early Superduke when new) likewise RSV Factories don't appeal.

Not into Ducatis, a early Monster would be nice but I don't fancy the hassle.

Do I sit tight and see if R1/SP1 values get sensible again or buy now before they go really silly.

I recently suggested a Thruxton R to my Dad as he was fidgeting over getting another classic, an idea he has taken on and is trawling the ads to get one ASAP. Got to admit the idea of one appeals to me.

The massives thoughts would be appreciated.

Jazoli

9,675 posts

280 months

Friday 20th August 2021
quotequote all
I don't think any of the bikes you have mentioned are particularly special and are just run of the mill stuff apart from the SP1 maybe, a Thruxton is a good shout, it really depends on what you want, its such a broad spectrum of choice.

Maybe a Mille Colin Edwards edition or similar, RS250 2 stroke?

Edited by Jazoli on Friday 20th August 21:33

Moulder

1,648 posts

242 months

Friday 20th August 2021
quotequote all
Having a few older bikes I think we are more likely to see "really silly" than "sensible", with sensible possibly having gone for good.

If you would like an early Monster without the Ducati element, how about a TRX850?

KTMsm

28,982 posts

293 months

Saturday 21st August 2021
quotequote all
Moulder said:
Having a few older bikes I think we are more likely to see "really silly" than "sensible", with sensible possibly having gone for good.
Probably this ^^^

The prices have gone up in the last 18 months due to Covid and at the lower end, I'd expect the prices to drop now all the free money has gone but the best examples of any remotely desirable bike are only going one way in the foreseeable future

Zarco

21,097 posts

239 months

Saturday 21st August 2021
quotequote all
I think RC8s still look great. Not dated at all IMO.

graham22

Original Poster:

3,326 posts

235 months

Saturday 21st August 2021
quotequote all
Appreciate the replies, better reply myself:

Having owned X7s, 350LCs, YPVSs, RG500 and hillclimbed KX250 and CR500 I'm not adverse to two strokes at all but happy to leave them as great things in my memory, deliberately avoided riding a mates RG recently for that reason.

Always rated the TRX where it sat in the market but want something a little more special than that - would love to see Yamaha do something with the 700 motor in a trellis style frame rather than abusing the R7 name!

Interesting to hear you don't think the KTM looks dated, I have always liked the Kriska (?) styling but think KTM have moved on with the split style headlights. Had both the RC8 and RC8R as loan bikes in the past, would be keen on a good one, with an Akrapovic of course.

Have a SP1 lined up to look at after the weekend as well as a Thruxton R.

Walter Sobchak

5,739 posts

254 months

Saturday 21st August 2021
quotequote all
I’d go with what someone else suggested with an RS250, or if you do want a litre bike, it’s big V4 powered sibling, although that isn’t particularly special it’s great,

Rubin215

4,201 posts

186 months

Saturday 21st August 2021
quotequote all
If you want special but still everyday usable then look at something like an older Bimota.

Prices are fairly stable, they ride really well and there is enough support out there from other owners to make just about everything fixable.

lukeyman

1,100 posts

165 months

Monday 23rd August 2021
quotequote all
Good timing this thread.

A friend left me some money recently... I mean, he wasn't a biker, but he did use to rib me for staring longingly at my R1 when we house shared! Good enough excuse to get another one, right?

Kawasicki

14,404 posts

265 months

Monday 23rd August 2021
quotequote all
lukeyman said:
Good timing this thread.

A friend left me some money recently... I mean, he wasn't a biker, but he did use to rib me for staring longingly at my R1 when we house shared! Good enough excuse to get another one, right?
Yeah, deffo!

HughiusMaximus

737 posts

156 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
Zarco said:
I think RC8s still look great. Not dated at all IMO.
I love the look of them also - looks might be a bit marmite though.

Supposed to be a great road bike, the only problem with that is that if you are buying as an investment you probably shouldnt be putting big mileage on it....

graham22

Original Poster:

3,326 posts

235 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
Decision made and deposit paid.


Not necessarily an investment but something to sit alongside the S1000R without depreciating drastically.

Already decatted, some Weslake cans going on the credit card soon.

lukeyman

1,100 posts

165 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
Blimey, you don’t hang around!

Enjoy.

Anyone heard of Hells Bells in Donington? Reasonably local. Might head there to compare some old stuff for size.

mak

1,445 posts

256 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
graham22 said:
Decision made and deposit paid.


Not necessarily an investment but something to sit alongside the S1000R without depreciating drastically.

Already decatted, some Weslake cans going on the credit card soon.
That'll do. I fancy something like that myself for a change, its an age thing but its lovely .

Kawasicki

14,404 posts

265 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
graham22 said:
Decision made and deposit paid.


Not necessarily an investment but something to sit alongside the S1000R without depreciating drastically.

Already decatted, some Weslake cans going on the credit card soon.
Not my taste, but I can 100% understand why others love them.

It’s very different to the BMW too, so good choice… enjoy!

Kawasicki

14,404 posts

265 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
I’m mentally juggling a Honda SP1, Aprilia 125 Sport Pro, Bimota DB6 Delirio at the mo.

It’s quite an enjoyable experience.

Rubin215

4,201 posts

186 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
graham22 said:
Decision made and deposit paid.


Not necessarily an investment but something to sit alongside the S1000R without depreciating drastically.

Already decatted, some Weslake cans going on the credit card soon.
Special?

blade7

11,311 posts

246 months

Wednesday 25th August 2021
quotequote all
Kawasicki said:
I’m mentally juggling a Honda SP1, Aprilia 125 Sport Pro, Bimota DB6 Delirio at the mo.

It’s quite an enjoyable experience.
Is it to ride fast, or just to look at? Someone I knew bought a brand new SP1 or 2, don't remember which. He couldn't get on with it, and sold it after a few months.

Kawasicki

14,404 posts

265 months

Wednesday 25th August 2021
quotequote all
blade7 said:
Kawasicki said:
I’m mentally juggling a Honda SP1, Aprilia 125 Sport Pro, Bimota DB6 Delirio at the mo.

It’s quite an enjoyable experience.
Is it to ride fast, or just to look at? Someone I knew bought a brand new SP1 or 2, don't remember which. He couldn't get on with it, and sold it after a few months.
To ride, and look at.

Riding fast, what does that mean? I once was “riding fast” on the TT course and John McGuinness overtook me. Turns out I was actually riding slowly. smile

I owned a mint SP-1 for a few years, 15 years back. It had a nice 2 into 1 Arrow titanium exhaust and a power commander remap. It was a fun bike to ride. I miss it. I bought a Ducati 999 a couple of years back, which is also fun, but it isn’t the same. The SP-1 is still fairly cheap, I don’t need a mint example. Maybe it’s a silly choice, having 2 bikes that are fairly similar in concept.

Here is my old SP-1 beside the bike I replaced it with, a KTM 525 EXC.





Aprilia Sport Pro 125



Bimota DB6


Edited by Kawasicki on Wednesday 25th August 14:53

okenemem

1,493 posts

224 months

Wednesday 25th August 2021
quotequote all
Zarco said:
I think RC8s still look great. Not dated at all IMO.
nononono