Year two riding plans
Discussion
Passed my direct access at age 48 just over a year ago and loving two wheels, have now spent 12 months on a 2003 cbr600rr. Done quite a few mechanical updates to get it sorted, added 3k miles this year and gone through a rear tyre. Bike still feels really fast but getting the itch to start looking for something else. Honda is worth a bit more than I paid for it but head says the 600 is the perfect balance of performance, low tax, low insurance and low running costs (£300 to insure with a years no claims now and do all the maintenance myself).
I could afford £10k on another bike or a replacement, though easy to justify keeping the costs lower, something like a dream bike MV Agusta F4 would be possible and looks like good value, £5k for a decent early 1000rr fireblade would be the obvious upgrade, or easy life choice might be £120 a month for a new 1000 Hornet SP.
MV insurance quote was over £2k so might need to build up a bit more no claims for something like that but you only live once... Should I go for something uncomfortable while I can, or is it not worth going 1000cc for road use and maybe worth building up more time on the 600 first, know I'm not using all its potential but ride fairly sensibly.
Mostly solo country road fun riding in good weather for a few hours, though I've joined a few slower group rides with some local clubs too.
Advice welcome
I could afford £10k on another bike or a replacement, though easy to justify keeping the costs lower, something like a dream bike MV Agusta F4 would be possible and looks like good value, £5k for a decent early 1000rr fireblade would be the obvious upgrade, or easy life choice might be £120 a month for a new 1000 Hornet SP.
MV insurance quote was over £2k so might need to build up a bit more no claims for something like that but you only live once... Should I go for something uncomfortable while I can, or is it not worth going 1000cc for road use and maybe worth building up more time on the 600 first, know I'm not using all its potential but ride fairly sensibly.
Mostly solo country road fun riding in good weather for a few hours, though I've joined a few slower group rides with some local clubs too.
Advice welcome
MV are teetering on the edge of collapse, dealers reporting they haven't been able to get parts or bikes for a couple of months so I'd factor that into your decision making. Doesn't mean you won't be able to get service parts.
Invest in yourself and get some training, makes riding any bike more enjoyable.
Invest in yourself and get some training, makes riding any bike more enjoyable.
Agree with that but also very much agree with getting what you want whilst still able/flexible to ride it.
I’m kinda the opposite to you, few years behind but have a cbr954rr track bike and looking for an MV f3 800 for the road. Terrible bork reputation I know and a gsxr750 would be a much more sensible proposition but I want the f3 and they do come cheap as a result of the scare stories.
I would advocate riding as many bikes as you can. I’ve a mate who has a lot of bikes and is kind enough to share them. The most surprising one I tried was the baby blade, the 400rr. Had to wring its neck but it liked it and it was lots of fun at more sensible speeds. I keep an eye out for one but they’re super rare here in the sandpit.
I’m kinda the opposite to you, few years behind but have a cbr954rr track bike and looking for an MV f3 800 for the road. Terrible bork reputation I know and a gsxr750 would be a much more sensible proposition but I want the f3 and they do come cheap as a result of the scare stories.
I would advocate riding as many bikes as you can. I’ve a mate who has a lot of bikes and is kind enough to share them. The most surprising one I tried was the baby blade, the 400rr. Had to wring its neck but it liked it and it was lots of fun at more sensible speeds. I keep an eye out for one but they’re super rare here in the sandpit.
Many many years ago I was in the same position, had a brand new ZX6R and the reality is you don't need anything faster on the road but that never stopped me or anyone else.
If you're only interested in road riding I'd probably stay put for another year or so, then look at something else but I would look at either a big twin or V4, you'll get a lot more torque over your CBR which is probably what you really need over outright power which on a 1000cc IL4 will be top end and you're unlikely to ever get there on the road, certainly never legally.
If you're only interested in road riding I'd probably stay put for another year or so, then look at something else but I would look at either a big twin or V4, you'll get a lot more torque over your CBR which is probably what you really need over outright power which on a 1000cc IL4 will be top end and you're unlikely to ever get there on the road, certainly never legally.
More torque would be good but I love a screaming top end, lucky to live where the roads are quiet and I can rev out at least the first few gears.
Plan a taster track session next year and maybe hire a tourer to try something different abroad. Should be able to get insured for test rides now so will see if I can test a 1000sp or similar which will help decide if I want a larger more naked bike, a larger more sports bike, or keep what I have and maybe get something special to add just for occasional use.
(Plus added a few raffle tickets for an F4100r drawn on sunday...)
Plan a taster track session next year and maybe hire a tourer to try something different abroad. Should be able to get insured for test rides now so will see if I can test a 1000sp or similar which will help decide if I want a larger more naked bike, a larger more sports bike, or keep what I have and maybe get something special to add just for occasional use.
(Plus added a few raffle tickets for an F4100r drawn on sunday...)
Edited by Crusoe on Wednesday 9th September 14:32
Edited by Crusoe on Wednesday 9th September 14:33
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