Slowing down: what to buy
Discussion
This one is directed mainly to any bikers here, but please add comments if you can think of anything.
I don't know what bike to get this year.
I want it to accelerate like a nutter, be able to carry passenger, but have a low top speed. Also has to go round corners - but this is less of a priority.
I'd thought of "unfaired muscle bike", but I reckon I will stillget done for speeding, so was toying with the idea of a big cruiser, or maybe a dual-purpose jobbie like a KLR650.
Any ideas? I once again shocked myself (nice weekend) at how easily I am encouraged by other riders to do stupid things, and want no part of this (gotta keep that license) !!
Either that, or I need to get a "fun" car.
Carl
I don't know what bike to get this year.
I want it to accelerate like a nutter, be able to carry passenger, but have a low top speed. Also has to go round corners - but this is less of a priority.
I'd thought of "unfaired muscle bike", but I reckon I will stillget done for speeding, so was toying with the idea of a big cruiser, or maybe a dual-purpose jobbie like a KLR650.
Any ideas? I once again shocked myself (nice weekend) at how easily I am encouraged by other riders to do stupid things, and want no part of this (gotta keep that license) !!
Either that, or I need to get a "fun" car.
Carl
What about one of those SuperSport Ducati things?
Not a biker myself, thats 'er indoors department, but when we went to enquire about the 998 they had one of the SuperSport things that looks a little more relaxed and can do passengers.
But then, there is the reliability...
Also, it may be ludicrously fast and not help in you keeping your license at all.
I'll get me coat...
Matt.
Not a biker myself, thats 'er indoors department, but when we went to enquire about the 998 they had one of the SuperSport things that looks a little more relaxed and can do passengers.
But then, there is the reliability...
Also, it may be ludicrously fast and not help in you keeping your license at all.
I'll get me coat...
Matt.
What about a Yam TDM850 (now 900). It's comfortable, goes well (without being mental top-end), can scratch (wore my hero blobs to dust in about a month), looks cool in a kind of Captain Scarlet stylee and sounds great with some open cans. Fuel economy is bloody good too. I commuted 120 miles a day in all weathers for about a year until I lobbed it down the road - doh.
Tricky one this. There is virtually no bike with decent acceleration that will not go faster than the speed limit.
I would say that a Harley meets all your requirements apart from cornering ability, and that can be sorted. The best way to keep below the ton is to have an unfaired bike, perhaps something like a Triumph Tiger which are great fun with plenty of grunt, but the riding position will stop you going too fast for too long. Alternatively a new Bonneville for that retro look.
How about restricting a ZZR1100 to 80mph?
Best of luck deciding and good hunting!
I would say that a Harley meets all your requirements apart from cornering ability, and that can be sorted. The best way to keep below the ton is to have an unfaired bike, perhaps something like a Triumph Tiger which are great fun with plenty of grunt, but the riding position will stop you going too fast for too long. Alternatively a new Bonneville for that retro look.
How about restricting a ZZR1100 to 80mph?
Best of luck deciding and good hunting!
A friend of mine as a Ducati 600 Monster. Noise, off the line speed and some reasonable handling and a lower top speed. He thinks that 90 is its acceptable top speed - it gets very windy and very noisy.
Only problem is that the reliability can be shocking. Sounds great though, could be a better choice than a Harley...
As for cars - get one of those Jap import Impreza's or EVO's. Especially WITHOUT the 112MPH restrictor removed. Goes like stink, handles well and can carry 4/5 but wont go that fast... Either way even the normal Impreza Turbos have a relatively low top speed in comparison with their power / acceleration...
Cheers,
Paul
Only problem is that the reliability can be shocking. Sounds great though, could be a better choice than a Harley...
As for cars - get one of those Jap import Impreza's or EVO's. Especially WITHOUT the 112MPH restrictor removed. Goes like stink, handles well and can carry 4/5 but wont go that fast... Either way even the normal Impreza Turbos have a relatively low top speed in comparison with their power / acceleration...
Cheers,
Paul
Depends how slow is slow!
I'd recommend the Cagiva Raptor. It's designed by the same guy who penned the Ducati Monstor, but has a much more interesting motor - purloined from the Suzuki TL1000, but detuned for more midrange stomp. It isn't THAT quick at the top end, looks fantastic, handles really well and definitely outperforms the Ducati.
I'd recommend the Cagiva Raptor. It's designed by the same guy who penned the Ducati Monstor, but has a much more interesting motor - purloined from the Suzuki TL1000, but detuned for more midrange stomp. It isn't THAT quick at the top end, looks fantastic, handles really well and definitely outperforms the Ducati.
Buell S1 lightning.....looks amazingly mean, handles well, goes well (but isnt really that fast). you can fit a passenger on it - but only if you're both reasonably light! Oh, and you can get a hypercharger!
The Cag would be a good choice too tho (IMHO)
Night
p.s. or for really slow...you can borrow a hedgeabuser with a nitrou kit if you like!
The Cag would be a good choice too tho (IMHO)
Night
p.s. or for really slow...you can borrow a hedgeabuser with a nitrou kit if you like!
My wife has a Cagiva Raptor 1000 (mainly cos she's 5'2" and its a low bike). I was sceptical to begin with - not my cup of tea - I prefer my RC45 - but what a brilliant bike the Raptor is. Hers is a 2000W with 1500mls on it and she paid just over 4k from a dealer !
It looks great, handles and stops well and you don't see loads of others around. As far as the TDM850 goes, it is known as a tedium for a good reason!
quote:
My wife has a Cagiva Raptor 1000 (mainly cos she's 5'2" and its a low bike). I was sceptical to begin with - not my cup of tea - I prefer my RC45 - but what a brilliant bike the Raptor is. Hers is a 2000W with 1500mls on it and she paid just over 4k from a dealer !
It looks great, handles and stops well and you don't see loads of others around. As far as the TDM850 goes, it is known as a tedium for a good reason!
Have you ridden one then RUF3?
Btw. I now ride an R1 and a DT200WR
Edited by stig on Wednesday 23 January 17:24
err ..ZZR 600 ?
I think a big trialie would be good , you dont have to go everywhere at 100 to have fun ,
or a goldwing they are pretty quick low down and have a big comfy seat for your advancing years
I think what ever you buy you will be able to break the speed limit on you will have to get one of those speed limiters off a bus !
I think a big trialie would be good , you dont have to go everywhere at 100 to have fun ,
or a goldwing they are pretty quick low down and have a big comfy seat for your advancing years
I think what ever you buy you will be able to break the speed limit on you will have to get one of those speed limiters off a bus !
I have ridden a tedium - got one on loan a few years back when my bike was in for service. I could not have described it better than MonAmi Mate, except to add that in my view it is seriously aesthetically challenged on top of everything else. Although I guess compared to the likes of a Bimota Mantra its a pretty smart bike.
MonAmi Mate - sorry but my wife has no sisters !
MonAmi Mate - sorry but my wife has no sisters !
thanks chaps !
Funny enough, I have been looking at;-
cagiva 650
TDM900
Harley Sportster
Kawa VN800
Kawa VN1500 "Mean Streak".
So you're right on the money!
Did you know that if you get a bike restricted, it can cost MORE to insure if you tell them?!
Think the Cagiva will give best handling, as it has an excellent chassis & good forks & Brembo's !
The TDM900 is a nice looker (I think), but tops out at 140, so I ought to pass on that one.
The Harley is cool, top speed of 110, but covers the first 80mph very fast. Only problem is price & reliability!
The Kawasakis are top bikes, considering they are Harley clones, but they don't have that NAME !
ZZR/ZX6... errr, no. That would be too much top end. What I need is the bike equivalent of a Yankee muscle car. Lots of oooomph ! but low top end.
I can see it's gonna be a big cruiser. As car drivers, how do you feel about cruisers? -- and then, as bike riders, is your opinion different?
cheers.
Funny enough, I have been looking at;-
cagiva 650
TDM900
Harley Sportster
Kawa VN800
Kawa VN1500 "Mean Streak".
So you're right on the money!
Did you know that if you get a bike restricted, it can cost MORE to insure if you tell them?!
Think the Cagiva will give best handling, as it has an excellent chassis & good forks & Brembo's !
The TDM900 is a nice looker (I think), but tops out at 140, so I ought to pass on that one.
The Harley is cool, top speed of 110, but covers the first 80mph very fast. Only problem is price & reliability!
The Kawasakis are top bikes, considering they are Harley clones, but they don't have that NAME !
ZZR/ZX6... errr, no. That would be too much top end. What I need is the bike equivalent of a Yankee muscle car. Lots of oooomph ! but low top end.
I can see it's gonna be a big cruiser. As car drivers, how do you feel about cruisers? -- and then, as bike riders, is your opinion different?
cheers.
In the same sort of vain, 'er indoors as co-erced me into taking my direct access this spring.
She has been into bikes since 16 and currently has a Duke 996 and an FZR400 (winter banger).
She is upgrading in April/May time to a 998 and flogging the other two. She suggested that I buy the 400 off her and start getting some experience on that (altough I would love the 996 I feel thats a little bit extreme as a first bike, sort of like having a Ferrari as a first car).
So, do you chaps think that this is a good choice, or should I go for something a little more relaxed or bigger?
By the way, I have heard that size is a bit of an issue with bikes and I am 6'4" and not thin!
Matt.
She has been into bikes since 16 and currently has a Duke 996 and an FZR400 (winter banger).
She is upgrading in April/May time to a 998 and flogging the other two. She suggested that I buy the 400 off her and start getting some experience on that (altough I would love the 996 I feel thats a little bit extreme as a first bike, sort of like having a Ferrari as a first car).
So, do you chaps think that this is a good choice, or should I go for something a little more relaxed or bigger?
By the way, I have heard that size is a bit of an issue with bikes and I am 6'4" and not thin!
Matt.
A couple of years ago when my wife passed her test she bought a CBR400RR and struggled a bit due to the sports riding position. After watching this for a summer I felt she had little confidence especially at lower speeds. She finally agreed to try and then buy a 600 fazer. The improvement due to easier riding position and better view on the road was remarkable.
Now another year on she has the raptor 1000 and would give a lot of blokes a good run for their money. IMHO you should consider something like a Fazer/CBR600 which has a better riding position to gain experience.
I am 6'2" and find the sports 400's pretty cramped after a few miles (bit like elephant sitting on pea).
Best thing is pass test and beg steal and borrow as many test rides as you can till you find the most suitable.
Herts biker - What about a Triumph Speed Triple - same attributes as raptor,but higher seat and probably better residual value.
Now another year on she has the raptor 1000 and would give a lot of blokes a good run for their money. IMHO you should consider something like a Fazer/CBR600 which has a better riding position to gain experience.
I am 6'2" and find the sports 400's pretty cramped after a few miles (bit like elephant sitting on pea).
Best thing is pass test and beg steal and borrow as many test rides as you can till you find the most suitable.
Herts biker - What about a Triumph Speed Triple - same attributes as raptor,but higher seat and probably better residual value.
cor.
The Raptor 1000 is a real headbangers bike. I took one for a test ride, and found it difficult (2-up) to keep the front wheel on the ground in 3rd ! Also found the tank cut into my legs a bit.
The Speed Triple is a great machine, but I fear it falls into the "too tempting to go fast" category !
The Fazer 600 is absolutely fantastic - I had one until I broke 2nd gear. Wonderful, but encourages "spirited" riding sometimes.
The SV650 I have now, should NOT be capable of keeping up with a TL1000, but I can, by virtue of the handling - corner speed is very very high with the SV.
If you are starting out on bikes, the 400cc Sports are not the easiest to get on with. They turn fast, they need to be constantly thrashed. If you like that sort of thing, go for it !
My biggest problem (after speeding) is that I like the image of fast machines, but really I just enjoy the sensation of being on 2 wheels too much...
Carl
Ps was hoping Mel would put in a few words..?
The Raptor 1000 is a real headbangers bike. I took one for a test ride, and found it difficult (2-up) to keep the front wheel on the ground in 3rd ! Also found the tank cut into my legs a bit.
The Speed Triple is a great machine, but I fear it falls into the "too tempting to go fast" category !
The Fazer 600 is absolutely fantastic - I had one until I broke 2nd gear. Wonderful, but encourages "spirited" riding sometimes.
The SV650 I have now, should NOT be capable of keeping up with a TL1000, but I can, by virtue of the handling - corner speed is very very high with the SV.
If you are starting out on bikes, the 400cc Sports are not the easiest to get on with. They turn fast, they need to be constantly thrashed. If you like that sort of thing, go for it !
My biggest problem (after speeding) is that I like the image of fast machines, but really I just enjoy the sensation of being on 2 wheels too much...
Carl
Ps was hoping Mel would put in a few words..?
Why are you so determined to buy something that can't perform?
Any bike (or car) only goes as quickly as you make it. I don't spare the horses on my ZZR1100, but have had a clean licence for quite some time now. The point is that if you buy a bike that can go quickly then at least you have the option of using the performance on that rare old day when the road is right, plod is elsewhere, the council hasn't plastered cameras around and the numpties are away.
If you are prepared to head out of suburbia, there are plenty of places still where you can safely enjoy the performance, so long as you can maintain your discipline in those places where you need to behave.
Buy a beast and keep it caged until the time is right! Otherwise Uncle Tony and has miserable mob have beaten you.
Any bike (or car) only goes as quickly as you make it. I don't spare the horses on my ZZR1100, but have had a clean licence for quite some time now. The point is that if you buy a bike that can go quickly then at least you have the option of using the performance on that rare old day when the road is right, plod is elsewhere, the council hasn't plastered cameras around and the numpties are away.
If you are prepared to head out of suburbia, there are plenty of places still where you can safely enjoy the performance, so long as you can maintain your discipline in those places where you need to behave.
Buy a beast and keep it caged until the time is right! Otherwise Uncle Tony and has miserable mob have beaten you.
Time for poking my nose in where it doesn't concern me again.. 
I'll get me walking frame..
quote:I fear we'll have expired the world's fossil fuel resources by the time that day comes....
The point is that if you buy a bike that can go quickly then at least you have the option of using the performance on that rare old day when the road is right, plod is elsewhere, the council hasn't plastered cameras around and the numpties are away.
quote:I think that might be the exact issue.. the difference between 'places you have to behave because of genuine safety reasons' and 'places you have to behave cos Unclie Tony is watching...'. Partly for that reason, personally I drive a yawnmobile during the week...if I drove the TT everyday, I might not be doing so for very long...
there are plenty of places..... so long as you can maintain your discipline in those places where you need to behave.
quote:Yeah, but that sort of reactionary reasoning seems to me to come less easily as you get older..
Buy a beast and keep it caged until the time is right! Otherwise Uncle Tony and has miserable mob have beaten you.
I'll get me walking frame..
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff