View Full Version : Hmmm....new season coming and money burning a hole?!?!
aimhamilton
08-02-06, 09:39 PM
All,
As some of you will know I am fairly new to the SV scene and have been the proud owner of an SV650S for 9 months (passed my test in early June last year), have covered nearly 6000 miles since and have enjoyed both fair and poor weather riding! I love my SV and will always have fond memories....
But..... (you sooo knew there was but coming)
The new season is upon us and I have come into some money and am thinking about purchasing a new bike. No, I hear you cry but I have had some trouble recently with the SV and it made me think of alternatives rides for the new season. With the money now in bank I am asking my fellow SV'ers for some good ol' honest advice. So what do I do...change, not change, move up to a SV1000, IL4 600, IL4 1000....decision decisions decisions!
I can afford to buy a brand spanking new bike without trading my SV in but don't see the point in having two bikes and storage would be a big problem too. So its looking like it will be a bike with trade in, some new leathers and a new lid!
I wanted a Daytona 675 but due to demand I wouldn't get one now till September time which is too late for real summers outings and would then be tucked away for another cruel winter. Plus I have read the latest review which says similar things about this and the new R6. Truly awesome on track but gonna be hard work on roads. So I want something that will be in place for March/April time that will be good for long trips, days out, good for touring (journey to Assen in September) etc etc
So far my heartfelt and maybe ill concieved choices are:
Daytona 650 (I do really want a triumph...Brit Mark an all)
2005 ZX6R (Currently my No.1 choice, popular, comfy and can be had for good money)
2005/2006 ZX10R (yes I know...big jump)
CBR600 (F Sport, RR to harsh I think)
CBR1000 Blade (again...I know...not just a jump but more like a goddamn moonwalk)
Thats enough rant...so....
Discuss....!
Jelster
08-02-06, 10:57 PM
Andy,
You list some interesting choices. I see you have a tendancy for sports bikes and fancy trying an IL4 (Arrgghh the Dark Side...)
My advice is to go and have a test ride on a few different bikes. You've got TAS just down the road, and they have all sorts I think.
If you fancy a Trumpet, look at the Speed Triple, I know it's not faired but it has sportsbike performance and handling (a mate of mine leaves me for dead in the twisties on his). Or maybe take a Sprint ST for a run
Look at the new Fazer Thousand too. Try a VFR, just to see what it's like. I know I'm biased, but the RR3 FireBlade like mine is a great bike. Sports performance and handling with comfort almost as good as a tourer.
Importantly, get the right bike for you, don't rush into it, take your time and let your head have as much influence as your heart.
Good luck !
.
If you can't make your mind up on 600 / 1000, have a look at the GSXR750. New shape if you have loads of dosh. Or you can pick up new K4 and even K3's from KJM for a good price. http://www.dealer.autotrader.co.uk/_kjmsuperbike.htm
Ratty
Why not spend a bit more time learning to ride before heading out for a more powerful machine? You said that you only passed your test last June anyway.
Don't mean to sound patronising, but learn to use the power you have before buying something that's rediculously more powerful.
RR to harsh I think
I ride mine everyday. Try it. I don't think it is too harsh.
RR to harsh I think
I ride mine everyday. Try it. I don't think it is too harsh.
I don't think he wanted one with the restrictor kit fitted. :lol: :lol: :wink:
Flamin_Squirrel
09-02-06, 10:21 AM
Only 6000 miles on the SV :shock:
I take it you dont commute/ride in bad weather?
Dont even think about a 1000cc machine.
RR to harsh I think
I ride mine verticaly everyday as im scared of corners. Try it. I don't think it is too harsh.
:shock: :lol:
aimhamilton
09-02-06, 10:35 AM
Why not spend a bit more time learning to ride before heading out for a more powerful machine? You said that you only passed your test last June anyway.
Don't mean to sound patronising, but learn to use the power you have before buying something that's rediculously more powerful.
Thanks mate. Totally agree but I have thought it through. Maybe my logic is flawed but my reasoning for new bike/more power is this. I have mates that passed their test, bought 600's, did about 2500 miles a year and two years later traded them in for R1's, Gixxer750's, 1000's etc. I have done more miles, in less time and feel I have got very used to the power and setup of the SV. At what point do you say your "ready to move up". Mileage, Time, Experience...What is the magic formula?
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't say I am "above" the SV, far from it! I could keep it forever and still learn something new everyday. But surely you are only as mad, as your right hand and I am not totally stupid and wouldn't expect to drive a ZX6 or bigger as well initially as I do my SV but its just something I want to do.
As you can see from my list the ZX6 is my bike of choice at the moment, and having seen 2005 ZX6's going for £4999 brand new then its seems a sensible option! But this is why I asked you guys, the guys that I respect and (normally) know what their taking about!
All advice and comments appreciated and taking on board! SO keep em coming!
Only 6000 miles on the SV :shock:
I take it you dont commute/ride in bad weather?
Dont even think about a 1000cc machine.
Well said that man!
I've been riding 3 years or so, and done circa 28k on a bike (guestimate). Having gone from an SV to a speed triple (in winter!), I would try and keep the sv a little longer, if mine hadn't of gone pop i would of kept it because the bike was more than capable of delivering everything I asked of it. The triple is an easy bike to ride, but if your not careful will hoon you off down the road very quickly and could get you into a lot of trouble (same for any bike, but the sv is very forgiving)
Having done around 18k on the sv in just over a year there is possibly* a lot more you can get out of it, if you only passed in June.
If you just fancy a change, how about a supermoto/tails bike, naked 600 etc, more of a sideways step. I would only change if you want to change and not because you are finding the SV a limiting factor in your riding. Don’t get drawn into the latest bike, matching leathers, must be a litre bike, because imho its a load of ********.
*You may be a naturally gifted rider, and can handle the sv 100%. Im not a very fast rider, most of my rideing is commuting so you may have a lot more twisties/fast road experance than me.
Dan
Why not spend a bit more time learning to ride before heading out for a more powerful machine? You said that you only passed your test last June anyway.
Don't mean to sound patronising, but learn to use the power you have before buying something that's rediculously more powerful.
Thanks mate. Totally agree but I have thought it through. Maybe my logic is flawed but my reasoning for new bike/more power is this. I have mates that passed their test, bought 600's, did about 2500 miles a year and two years later traded them in for R1's, Gixxer750's, 1000's etc. I have done more miles, in less time and feel I have got very used to the power and setup of the SV. At what point do you say your "ready to move up". Mileage, Time, Experience...What is the magic formula?
I would say if you have some money, take some of it and have a couple of days (or more if you can afford) one to one training with an advanced rider such as a RoSPA diploma holder, or ex/current Police class 1 rider. After that, then have a think about if you can get everything you want from the sv.
I had a couple of days advanced training last year and will be doing the same again sometime this year, after the training my cornering and lines though the twisties were a lot better and as a result my speed improved.
Dan
I can totally relate to you on this. I've done about 8000 miles on the SV, passed my test in May last year. I'm looking for something new, sports 600 or VFR800. Cost is the main factor for me (lucky bastid :lol: ) but I'm going to test ride a few first.
Had a ride on a 2000 GSXR600 last weekend, and it felt wrong. Hunched over hurt my back after 20 minutes, (6' 3") it didn't go anywhere unless you screamed it, sounded like it was doing 50mph when it was only 30, brakes were naff. Definately not the bike for me.
I'm still looking though. I have my head set on either a Thundercat, ZZR-600 or VFR800 if I can find one at the right price. Maybe a CBR600F if it feels better than the Gixxer, but I might have to put the full-on sports on hold for a while. I use the bike everyday, and I don't fancy the idea of being crippled in a year or two.
Having said that, I still love the SV. I've taken tha baffle out of my Remus and it sounds awesome. It gave me a kind of new bike feeling when I went screaming down the A-roads last weekend. :D It just means that I can take my time choosing a bike that I'm happy and comfortable with, and at the right price. I suggest you do the same.
Have you actually ridden a 1000cc sportsbike? To be honest when I rode one I thought that the power was waaaaay too much for what I need. Yeah, yeah you might say, but I found that I was going way tooo fast everywhere on it! Sounds like fun until you approach a corner you normally take on the SV at some insane speed on the 1000cc machine and end up not making it.
I am not saying you wont be able to handle it, but I see motorcycle experience as a learning curve - not a race to get the fastest machine out there - I passed in April last year and I have no intention of replacing the SV this year - there is still so much to learn on it...
But at the end of the day - you pays your money you takes your choice - just be careful out there! :wink:
Flamin_Squirrel
09-02-06, 11:32 AM
Why not spend a bit more time learning to ride before heading out for a more powerful machine? You said that you only passed your test last June anyway.
Don't mean to sound patronising, but learn to use the power you have before buying something that's rediculously more powerful.
Thanks mate. Totally agree but I have thought it through. Maybe my logic is flawed but my reasoning for new bike/more power is this. I have mates that passed their test, bought 600's, did about 2500 miles a year and two years later traded them in for R1's, Gixxer750's, 1000's etc. I have done more miles, in less time and feel I have got very used to the power and setup of the SV. At what point do you say your "ready to move up". Mileage, Time, Experience...What is the magic formula?
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't say I am "above" the SV, far from it! I could keep it forever and still learn something new everyday. But surely you are only as mad, as your right hand and I am not totally stupid and wouldn't expect to drive a ZX6 or bigger as well initially as I do my SV but its just something I want to do.
As you can see from my list the ZX6 is my bike of choice at the moment, and having seen 2005 ZX6's going for £4999 brand new then its seems a sensible option! But this is why I asked you guys, the guys that I respect and (normally) know what their taking about!
All advice and comments appreciated and taking on board! SO keep em coming!
There is no conceivable way your mates know how to ride those litre machines with only a few thousand miles experience.
I guess it depends what you want to get out of your riding. If you're looking to keep up with your mates* get a sports bike. If you're looking to learn how to ride properly, keep the SV.
*I mean in the shiney new bike stakes, not keeping up on rides. In fact, if you keep the SV and learn to ride it properly, theres a good chance you'll find yourself faster than them.
I've done 42000 miles on my SV, and it still brings a smile to my face. Ridden well, i have seen an SV embraess the most powerfulest of bikes. Ok, this isnt in a straight line, but ANYONE can ride fast in a straightline.
I regularly ride with people that have a lot larger CC machiens than myself, and they are still surprised that i am with them, and stay with them. I put up with a lot of ribbing form them, but its all harmless. I just find a twisty road, and wait for them at the end. I have ridden all thier bikes, and i feel that as good as they all are, Im happy with the SV. This does not mean that i dont hanker after a larger bike, but with over 40k of experience all year round, over different types of road and i feel that im ready to move up.
Dont give in to Peer pressure
If you where to go for anything, then a 600/4 would be my choice.
Tigerrrr.......
09-02-06, 11:55 AM
Yes, get some IAM or RoSPA training from your local school.
I did my IAM and it's the best money I spent.
With all due respect, forget the nonsense about a big, powerful bike until you can get the most from your current bike.
My mate has an R1 which I ride occasionally. I use a tiny fraction of the power it has, and I'm never out of first or second gear. Far, far too much for a relative newbie.
Can I make a suggestion?
If you're desperate for a new bike, how about a brand new shiney.....SV650S?
Take care.
Dangle_kt
09-02-06, 12:10 PM
I learned my skils on a cbr 400 rr, that was a good bike because i learned to carry corner speed rather than slam on and know the bike will power me out the corner, it may sound stupid but why not get a small sports bike?
(ref sports 600 it could get you into trouble very quickly simply because you throttle on and end up in situations a lot quicker than before so you have less time to think, less time means bad choices are made unless you have the experience that leads to good instinctive reactions)
I know it's good to keep up with your mates, but IMHO i enjoyed riding my cbr400rr and getting the most out of it rather than riding a fast bike and having to back of/scaring myself all the time.
thats what i feel, and i think it takes a bigger man to do what you feel is right for you than to bow to peer pressure just to fit in.
what ever you choose, I hope you enjoy it because thats what this game is all about!
mysteryjimbo
09-02-06, 12:57 PM
thats what i feel, and i think it takes a bigger man to do what you feel is right for you than to bow to peer pressure just to fit in.
:thumbsup:
Quite. 6000 miles has given false confidence i think. 16000 and i'd let you off.
northwind
09-02-06, 12:58 PM
There's no reason to say outright, don't go from an SV to a litre IL4... Just daft talk IMO. But that's not to say that it's a good idea for any one person either- every rider learns at a different rate, and uses the machine in their own way. A naturally cautious rider would be completely safe on any bike in the world as long as they rode within their limits and the bike. On the other hand, a more reckless rider could be a danger on a Cub 90.
Personally I don't like litre IL4s... I've ridden a couple (R1 and newish Blade) and found them uninspiring. But this is just because I like a small engined bike that you can wring the neck of. I could use a fair amount of the potential of either, not even close to all of it but I wasn't afraid to turn the loud handle, and it was just too easy. Riding around my favourite road, going as fast as visibility allowed was no challenge at all, so it felt much the same as riding the SV at 2/3. No need to maintain corner speed, since all you need to do is open it up and you're back at the maximum safe speed.
But, that's a personal preference. Really you need to try as many bikes as you can, find out what you've got a taste for, and then go from there. For me, I've tried a load and found I liked the SV (once it was sorted) and VFR400RR more than almost anything else.
Jelster
09-02-06, 01:01 PM
All this about "don't get this, and don't do that..." If the guy is passionate about bikes and has the cash there's NO reason why he shouldn't invest in a new machine...
The throttle goes both ways, off as well as on. I went from my SV to the Falco after 13 months (OK I'd done more miles) but I very quickly learned to respect the power of the bike.
True, more training would be a good idea. I honestly think that a 600 IL4 or even an SV1K would not be a bad move, but you have to learn to ride it all over again. Get your new bike, book yourself in for some training too.
Don't bow to the peer pressure, if your mates keep leaving you behind then they're not really mates are they ? Ride for yourself, push the envelope a bit at a time and not every time you're out and you should be fine.
BTW, that new ZX636 looks ace - except in green :wink: But go out and test a few bikes, not just the one that looks cool, you may not like riding it. I took the new Sprint ST out twice, once for almost 4 hours, and decided I didn't like it, but I really really wanted to.. You have to find a bike that you are happy on, and you want to ride, otherwise what's the point ?
.
Personally I would buy the biggest most powerful bike you could afford.
First choice would be the IL4 1000...if you can control yourself. You would then have the ultimate bike and having nothing to trade up to in the future. This would save money over moving to an IL4 600 then losing money trading that in for a thou. I would also get the personal satisifaction of proving to myself and knowing that I could handle something like that.
If you can't afford the IL4 1000 then I'd get an IL4 600. Probably what I would do next given the lack of a decent priced proper V-Twin sports bike.
If I rode in bad weather a lot I'd go for a CBR600RR just because the finish is likely to be more durable. For myself though I'd get the £4999 GSXR or ZXR and keep it away from the salt and rain.
mysteryjimbo
09-02-06, 01:10 PM
All this about "don't get this, and don't do that..." If the guy is passionate about bikes and has the cash there's NO reason why he shouldn't invest in a new machine...
.
I wouldnt call a bike an investment! Def not a new one.
Second hand with a couple of thousand miles on is perfect. No running in, no first service, biggest depreciation done....... bargain
Flamin_Squirrel
09-02-06, 01:20 PM
The throttle goes both ways, off as well as on. I went from my SV to the Falco after 13 months (OK I'd done more miles) but I very quickly learned to respect the power of the bike.
I'd imagine a litre il4 having an extra 20hp would make all the difference though?
Bare in mind that you commute all year round too, something that will have aided your learning process.
northwind
09-02-06, 01:22 PM
First choice would be the IL4 1000...if you can control yourself. You would then have the ultimate bike and having nothing to trade up to in the future.
Hum. Well, you're entitled to your opinion, but there's so much I don't agee with here. First, a litre IL4 is the ultimate bike? Might have escaped your attention but there's a lot more options out there that many prefer. You talk as though everyone who buys a 600 will upgrade to a 1000. For many, a sports 600 or 750 (or one of the many inbetween now) is a far better proposition for the road.
Nothing to trade up to? What about next year's IL4?
Incredibly blinkered viewpoint IMO. Sure, for many a jap IL4 thou is the bike to aspire to, but not everyone agrees.
Peter Henry
09-02-06, 02:19 PM
I do agree that the Holy Grail does not end with the purchase of a litre IL4 nor in fact a litre V twin. The choice is a personal thing largely,but with a touch of the poseur in us thrown in.
I have owned a Litre bike and it was fabulous but offered me not a great deal more than the several 600 sports I have had,in the real world. It was this previous experience that saw me edge away from both the Aprilia Mille and SP2 before I elected for my 749.
What I disagree with is that a bike is not an investment,I believe that a bike is indeed an investment,but rather for monetary gain more for greater enjoyment of your chosen hobby/lifestyle. :wink: 8)
Jelster
09-02-06, 02:27 PM
I wouldnt call a bike an investment! Def not a new one.
Well depends on your point of view. What else could I have spent 6k on that would give me the same pleasure as my 'Blade, been able to get to work as effeciently, take me around Europe and still look so good ?
The money it saves me on commuting alone will off set the money I lose when it goes. To me, that's an investment........
If I just wanted to buy something to make me money I would have spent the cash on an extension to the house !!
.
mysteryjimbo
09-02-06, 02:45 PM
I wouldnt call a bike an investment! Def not a new one.
Well depends on your point of view. What else could I have spent 6k on that would give me the same pleasure as my 'Blade, been able to get to work as effeciently, take me around Europe and still look so good ?
The money it saves me on commuting alone will off set the money I lose when it goes. To me, that's an investment........
If I just wanted to buy something to make me money I would have spent the cash on an extension to the house !!
.
I agree with that to some extent. I saved about 3 weeks in commuting time so far compared to a car. But does it justify me buying a GSXR instead of a CG125 or any budget 500.... not really.
I was just thinking one dimensionally in terms of bike value
sprocket
09-02-06, 04:52 PM
I personally wouldn't get a Litre IL/4 simply because theres more power than you actually need. Unless your gonna be doing regular trackdays then you wont be using the bike to its full potential.
Get a nice 600 or possibly 750 if you want some extra power or even think about a large twin. Im looking at aTLS as my next bike simply because it feels and handles like my SV but with more power readily available if needed.
But the best advice is get out there and test ride as many as you can, find something you feel comfortable with and go for it.
The reason I stated that the IL4 1000 would be the "be all and end all" was because the suggested bikes in the first post were all sports bikes - I assumed the chap was thinking of performance as a major priority because lets face it if you aren't interested in performance then there are very many negatives to owning a 600 supersports over something more practical, more comfortable, cheaper to insure, cheaper to buy and cheaper to drop.
With that in mind there are no doubt plenty of other bikes (other than an IL4 1000) that could offer a lot to persons with different tastes.
My thinking for getting the IL4 1000 over an IL4 600 is that it won't be as gutless at the bottom end of the rev range and should therefore appeal more to the tastes of a V-Twin owner who like the chap in the original post had considered an SV1000.
My thinking for getting the IL4 1000 over an IL4 600 is that it won't be as gutless at the bottom end of the rev range and should therefore appeal more to the tastes of a V-Twin owner who like the chap in the original post had considered an SV1000.
The 1000cc machine thatI rode I was convinced had warp drive fitted - and I never went over 8000rpm! (12,000rpm red line) :shock: :lol:
how about keeping the SV, spending £2k on a track bike, £500 on a shed, £500 on a trailer and then that leaves you £5k (assuming R1 type money) for track days and general adult fun.
which by my reckoning is getting on for 50 track days.. should keep you out of trouble for a few years.
k
aimhamilton
11-02-06, 10:33 AM
Hello boys....blimey! What a debate...but the thing I like is that we all have different opinions and views. But mainly, the point is that its all about biking to within ones limits. So I understand those who say, temptation is a too much on a litre bike and would try to push myself! But I also understand those who say, the throttle works both ways. Its not an on off switch!
Gonna test ride a 636, and a Daytona this weekend. So will keep you posted!
A bloke at work has blue CBR600RR. I go for a walk at lunchtimes and usually stop by it every day just to drool over it.
Pure pornography, I'd say sod it and buy one of those.
A friend of mine who doesn't ride and doesn't care much for cars or bikes is absolutely obsessed with it and said he'd like one his garage just to polish and look at.
Granted it has its flaws as a commuter bike but what the hell!
aimhamilton
11-02-06, 12:37 PM
Yeah, I like the RR's very much....but a little bit to "focused" for me! The guy over the road has one and he polishes every sunday morning. I did see him take it out the other day in the cold, and he flicked his wrist and the back end was alongside him. Was impressed he got it back....he's not been out since!
I do like the normal CBR600Fi's though...they are lovely and very practical too. The only problem I find with them, is the seats a little high for little old me. Got little legs (no jokes please)
Anyway...I got some time to try a few, get the SV serviced and restored and you never know...might come back after its winter overhaul and I'll end up keeping it!
Two test rides tomorrow though....can't wait! Hope the weather holds
Yeah, I like the RR's very much....but a little bit to "focused" for me! The guy over the road has one and he polishes every sunday morning. I did see him take it out the other day in the cold, and he flicked his wrist and the back end was alongside him. Was impressed he got it back....he's not been out since!
I do like the normal CBR600Fi's though...they are lovely and very practical too. The only problem I find with them, is the seats a little high for little old me. Got little legs (no jokes please)
Anyway...I got some time to try a few, get the SV serviced and restored and you never know...might come back after its winter overhaul and I'll end up keeping it!
Two test rides tomorrow though....can't wait! Hope the weather holds
with the CBR600F you can get the seat resculptured about 2 inches without affecting comfort.
If you can afford to have two bikes, then have two bikes. A V-Twin and an IL4 is the best of both worlds for me (owner of an SV650 and a FireBlade). :twisted:
Even if you only have them both for a few months it's kinda insurance against making a wrong decision. You still have the SV incase it all ends in tears with your new machine.
There's nothing worst than having a great ride and losing it. Trying to find it again can be a bitch as no two bikes are the same, no matter what the stickers on the fairing say.
aimhamilton
13-02-06, 10:55 PM
I must admit, when I get the SV back and give her a clean and she's looking bootiful again the thought of two bikes could be more tempting. But like I said before, I am struggling with storage. I don't have a garage at the minute (forces accomodation) so bike is stored outside anchored to the ground under a Oxford Stormex. But still hasn't kept the effect of winter off the SV. So something a little more "robust" is another reason for the swap. Yes, I could treat the SV, cover in F365 etc etc...but will have to wait and see.
Update on the test rides. Was p155ing it down with rain on Sunday so cancelled both test rides and have rescheduled.
I must admit though, the more I look into it the more choices I am finding. Decisions, Decisions...
I have been offered a Brand new CBR600RR for £5995 which has tempted me too!!
Also the CBR600 FI Sport (the one with the split seat) is growing on me, and TAS down the road has got some of them in on p/x that I could get for a bargain!
Still looking forward to the ZX and the Daytona though....
As always, keep you posted!
Peter Henry
14-02-06, 07:23 AM
aimhamilton wrote:
The guy over the road has one and he polishes every sunday morning. I did see him take it out the other day in the cold, and he flicked his wrist and the back end was alongside him. Was impressed he got it back....he's not been out since!
I did not realise that young Scoobs had moved to Peterborough? :wink: :lol:
aimhamilton
21-02-06, 09:52 AM
Ok...we have some updates to this story!
My brother in law has been posted to Iraq for 6 months and as a result will not be able to use his recent purchase! So to do us both a favour, I bought it off him! He frees up the money he spent, and I get a newer bike for a good price!
I will therefore be in possesion of a Yellow 54' Suzuki GSXR600 K4!!!!
However, I have to be honest and say that although I love these bikes (my two best riding buddies own Gixxers) it is not my first choice of 600's. But I am sure I will enjoy riding her. But if I am constantly thinking I could be on a 636 or a Daytona should I consider part ex'ing this against a bike I REALLY wanted!
What doesn't help, is I have been offered a Brand New Unregistered UK 2005 ZX10R for £6500...
Why is life never easy ;-)
aimhamilton
26-02-06, 06:15 PM
Well...its all done now...
SV Sold...New One Arrived!
See Here (http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=34004)
Roll On Spring!!!!!
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