Thinking about summer 2007 and maybe changing bike...

[Bornagainbiker]

Hi folks, I’d really appreciate your views, here’s the score:
I’ve got an 05 sv650 naked I bought summer 06. I’ve spent about £800/$1500 on the usual streetfigher mods and I think it looks great – the only problem is I’m wanting a bit more performance. I’ll be honest with you, I’m a bit of a fatty 5’9inch & 15.5stone, maybe all that lard isn’t helping? Oh and before you mention the word diet, please don’t bother – it’s a dirty word as far as I’m concerned.

So what do you recommend I go for? I don’t do scratching around corners, I just want something with a bit more poke under acceleration and more top speed. My naked SV feels a bit gutless past 100, I’ve had it up to 130, but it took longer than I’d like & once there, was bloody scary!

1)Do you rate the f800 series?

2)Supersports are a problem – because of my insurance. A 600 is just about OK, but anything bigger just gets silly. I’m worried that a GSX-R600 would feels too thrashy – what with the lack of torque combined with my weight, what do ya reckon?

3)I can’t buy an SV1000 since they no longer make them & I want a new bike, what’s your views on something like a bandit 1200?/ cb1300 etc.

4)Two bikes that seem to fit the bill for someone like me is the vfr800 & the Sprint ST abs. They’re bloody expensive though, and I here neither are cheap to run. Rate either of them?

My budget will be up to £8000. I have local (within 3 miles) BWM, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki & Honda dealers. The nearest Triumph dealer is 45miles away which could be a pain.

Well, what’s your thoughts before I go test ride this summer?

Much appreciated Billy.
http://upload5.postimage.org/152142/edited.jpg (http://upload5.postimage.org/152142/photo_hosting.html)

[rictus01]

Given your current bike and requirements probably the Z750 is what you want, no more to insure than a GSXR6, 100bhp or so,so should keep you happy with top end and the added cc keep a little more mid-range to.

My brothers just got a f800 and it'll give you no more than the SV and to be honest is a bit tacky build wise for a BMW (well it's not a real BMW anyway) plus the fact any bike you fill with juice under the seat is called a moped :lol:

If you're looking for effortless power with torque to spare then the Triumph new lump is very good, the ST is an excellent bike but not my style and although the new speed triple looks good the feel of the engine is a little "safe" if you know what I mean, this does make it an easy bike to ride though, insurance can be surprisingly cheap on them as well :shock: .

The VFR is a safe bet and a good bike, but not high on the "sets the pulse racing" side of things, but if it floats your boat then go for it.

If you look you can still find the odd SV1000 (DZ) kicking about pre-reg which would also fit, as it's what you already have just a little more power and better brakes and bouncy bits.

There are plenty of other bikes that fit your budget, but as you jump between insurance limitations to plastic wonders to wanting what you've got just with a bit more, it's hard to tell what else to recommend.


Cheers Mark.

[Demonz]

Hi Billy - nice looking bike. There is a guy in Ride or Bike or something that rates the F800 - but the rest of the crew their think its rubbish.

Take the sprint for a ride. I found it uninspiring compared to my SV. I didnt feel the edge on it which could be a good thing I guess - I suspect you will understand when you ride it. The VFR I dont know much about but if I ever took up serious touring I would consider both bikes for the job - (also a big Beemer for the aesthetics).

If you look at nakeds I would recommend a Tuono which i got at the start of the year - torque/speed/friendly ergonomics - and when you do do corners it does these very well :wink: Maybe sitting at the height of your insurance. Not heard anything about the new 750 Shiver yet but it also looks good and puts out 90hp. Fazer thou could be an option but needs extra fueling items (PC/Can etc) added on to smooth it out. Easy option would be the Speed Triple or Zthou.

[northwind]

Z750 sounds about right to me too. Really underrated bikes... Fazer thou maybe?

Heh, if you want to go fast but not go round corners- VMAX!

[Jelster]

Hmmm, always an emotional subject this one....

Personally, if you like nakeds, Rictus is, as ever, right on the button. The Z750 is a good package for the money, and if you want a little bit more power & style, the Speed Triple is a great piece of kit. However, unlike Mark, my favourite is the last of the 955 models, just because I love the look.

As for the VFR/Sprint ST, I have ridden both quite a few times now. The ST, to me, seems too softly sprung, it wallows in bends and the breaks aren't great. It's certainly comfortable and it sounds glorious (but all 3 pot Trumpets do). The VFR is a wonderful machine, but to get any excitement from it you need to ride it like a 600 supersport. It will entertain you and it can go through the twisties much better than people imagine. However, it's not the cheapest bike to buy or run, but it sounds fantastic with a set of cans :x

At the end of the day it's your choice, and you need to test ride a few bikes to get a good idea of what you want. I regularly take bikes out for tests, even though I have no inclination to change right now, I just want to know what's out there and how they ride. So my advice is make a list of bikes you'd like to try, take them all out, twice if you can, and do some back to back on the same day so you get an idea of the differences. I usually have a mate with me on a test ride and we "swap" bikes at some point, so you also get a 2nd opinion.

Sorry, I've waffled haven't I :oops:

.

[Viney]

I hate to point out that the speed limit in this country is only 70mph ;)

Ok, i'll get my coat

[northwind]

I hate to point out that the speed limit in this country is only 70mph ;)


That's alright, my speedo doesn't work so it's currently impossible for me to speed. Right? :)

(I rode past a camera van on an NSL road at about 20mph this morning, got The Fear...)

[Skip]

I went from a naked SV650 to a Z750 (I know its the uglier faired one! :wink: ) and found the performance increase very welcome indeed - it dont 'arf go! Plenty of go up to 6000 and then she takes off up to the 11,500 redline! :twisted:

[kwak zzr]

SV1000! great effortless 2 up riding and low insurance, not thrashy.

[SDMF]

The Z750 is quite a nice bike up from the SV. Twas riding my dads teh other week... Only problem with it is the saddle is atrocious after riding any further than a couple of miles, and even worse with pillion on the back. (Faired version).
Just kept the revs up high, to stay in power. Doesn't sound too bad either, even with standard can on!

[cmit37]

+1 for the Z750 or Z750S
I think it has plenty of power that starts making itself felt from about 4000rpm+. The misleading thing is that it has smooth drive from about 1200rpm

[SDMF]

Go for the naked Z750. Looks better!!
How about something like the Buells XB9S, and XB9R- get to stay with the v-twin grunt too that way.

[Scooby Drew]

The Z750 is fab, I had more fun on the one I had for 2 days than on my ZX6R ever :D (you gotta get a bit scary on the ZX6 before it's fun :wink: )

The first mod you want to do is get some forks from a ZX6R B1/B2 and put those on: they slip right in and make a world of difference - the standard ones are a bit bouncy... :wink:

[rictus01]

indeed a zx6 front end gives you better brakes, swap out the rear shock as well.

After that a set of ZX9 cams, re-jet, filter and full race system (zx9) will see it really fly :twisted: .

Cheers Mark.

[northwind]

Then chuck away the engine and the frame and fit ZX9R ones :)

[zx6man]

z750 well uncomfy..seat like a plank..try before you buy....and the Z's seem to push you forward into the tank..very bizzare...what about an sv1000?

[Demonz]

z750 well uncomfy..seat like a plank..try before you buy....and the Z's seem to push you forward into the tank..very bizzare...what about an sv1000?

Weren't the Ducati designers on their bikes saying this was to stop you sliding back under acceleration. Same theory I would assume.

[Bornagainbiker]

Thanks for all your help. I suppose what I’m looking for is something that goes well, looks pretty and is well built. I know the only way I’ll get my answer is by test riding, but at least this way I can make a shortlist. I have to admit though, I don’t like the idea of testing before I’ve got the cash to buy, kind of feels a bit wrong :oops: , so I’ll wait ‘till summer.

I’m surprised the BM gets such a slagging, what do you mean “it’s not a proper BMW” ? Is it made in Hong Kong or something? On paper it looks much more torquey 71lbs as opposed to the SV’s 45 odd, but I understand tech specs don’t necessarily amount to the way a bike feels/performs.

I also want something I can ride through winter (was hoping that the f800 would live up to BM's reputation for build quality) but I also hear the VFR is extremely well made – well so it should be for that price! :shock:

I hadn't really thought about the Z750. I’ve seen them at my local dealer and they just look…well…a bit cheap. The z1000 looked really nice in that mat metallic colour, but then I couldn’t take my eyes off those silly exhausts :lol: . I’m not too sure how it would look after a couple of winters either? Still it’s very cheap for what you get so maybe…

Thanks again for your input, I don’t know too many other riders and something tells me I may not get an unbiased opinion at one of my dealers showrooms.
:wink:

[Jelster]

I have to admit though, I don’t like the idea of testing before I’ve got the cash to buy, kind of feels a bit wrong :oops: , so I’ll wait ‘till summer.

If you have a genuine interest in the machine there is no reason not to take a test ride, in fact some dealers promote it. Word of mouth about a good bike and decent dealer is good for business.


.......what do you mean “it’s not a proper BMW” ?

Probably it doesn't vibrate, the heads don't touch down through corners and it doesn't shake from left to right (or is ot right to left?) when you rev it at a standstill. :roll:

.I also want something I can ride through winter (was hoping that the f800 would live up to BM's reputation for build quality) but I also hear the VFR is extremely well made – well so it should be for that price! :shock:

The VFR is a fantastic piece of kit, and it does everything you expect it to do, and excels at most of them. Commuting, touring, weekend rideouts and even a bit of scratching.... It's not cheap, but quality rarely is. It's a Honda, you know what you're getting, you know the back up is good, and there is always plenty of dealers about. I have never looked back since buying a Honda. Yes, I would buy Suzuki again, but only if I still had my 'Blade in the garage too.

.

[STRAMASHER]

If I had 8k to spend on a new bike I would'nt be looking at "jap-crap" :lol:

Buy nearly new if you want jap, if u want soul tho'..............

If you like/can live with the looks an Aprilia Tuono. Quality components. Nutty but reliable engine. Cheap to get REALLY powerful. Cool . Comfy. New collar size. :wink: :lol:

You lucky fella

Good luck! :)

[Jelster]

:laughat:

If you like/can live with the looks an Aprilia Tuono. Quality components. Nutty but reliable engine. Cheap to get REALLY powerful. Cool . Comfy. New collar size. :wink: :lol:

It's an Aprilia for Christ's sake.... How can you mention "Jap Crap", in the same context when mentioning "Quality components" and referring to Aprilia ??

I'm sorry, the Tuono is a lovely bike, but it will never be the same quality as most of the Jap bikes, especially compared to a Honda.....

I know, I've had an Aprilia, and 3 Jap bikes, I think I can make a comparison.

.

[STRAMASHER]

Hello Jelster,

Thats my opinion! :wink:

A new aprilia Tuono has better quality components than the equivelent jap bike (is there one?), yes even an Honda 900Hairnet. (Braided brake lines, high spec brembos, USD fully adjustable forks, fat bars, Not generic 3/5 spoke wheels, top speed recorder((class)) polished frame finish, shiny banana swing arm, race map already installed etc) Attention to detail. Jap bikes don't. Which is ok. But is why they could never be called special.



"jap- crap" if I was stating it as a matter of fact I would not have used quotation marks. A little bit of self depreciation thats all! :) I have two Suzuki "crappers" :lol:

Mark going from a streetfightered SV650 to a Tuono would seem a natural choice, same stance, better handling and much more power. 8)

[Bornagainbiker]

Hey I got a result already!

After an hour on a gsx-r600 k6 demonstrator I was sold :P

I got a great deal on a brand new K6 with £641 of Suzuki extras (Basically the full range of carbon fibre trims, covers & hugger)

It’s in blue & white and will come on an 07 plate when I collect on March 1st. I also got 50% off a shoei GSX-R helmet, Suzuki GSX-R Jacket, Blue/black leather sports gloves and some cool Sidi boots. All courtesy of their winter sale :wink:

I can hardly wait till March :twisted: , but I know once there I’ll look back on the SV with fond memories. If I could afford to own and run both bikes I would, but alas it must go. :(

[Jdubya]

:laughat:
I also got 50% off a shoei GSX-R helmet, Suzuki GSX-R Jacket, Blue/black leather sports gloves and some cool Sidi boots.


Mmmm... :-k Another power ranger in the making methinks :smt043

Congrats by the way...glad you finally found something you like :wink:

[The Basket]

8 grand can get you close to a bmw gs1200.

I like the Hornet 900, me. I would look at a Firestorm too, if buying new.

[gettin2dizzy]

get an rsvr! or even pick up a cheap ducati 999 (now that the 1098 is out). i don't care what anyone says - they're gorgeous!

[Demonz]

Hey I got a result already!

Hey you dont mess about. Nice one - you'll be hanging out for spring...

[Bornagainbiker]

Hey I got a result already!

Hey you dont mess about. Nice one - you'll be hanging out for spring...

Yeah I shocked myself even. I think it's a pretty natural progression from the SV plus it keeps me with my local Suzuki dealer (which I'm more than happy with). 6 weeks to go and counting :cry:

BTW, as I've only had my licence since last summer I've been quoted nothing less than extortionate insurance premiums on super-sport 600s - except that is for the gsxr. For some reason it seems to be much cheaper to insure than an R6, CBR/RR, ZZR & Daytona. Just thought I'd point that out :? .

[The Basket]

GSXR-600? Nice :D :D :D

What u pay...if u don't mind telling. A good deal on one of them is a good deal. What u get for ya SV? Part-ex it?

[Bornagainbiker]

GSXR-600? Nice :D :D :D

What u pay...if u don't mind telling. A good deal on one of them is a good deal. What u get for ya SV? Part-ex it?

I got bottom book for my 2005 SV £2200 because I paid bottom price for the new Gsxr (07 plate). £6299 with £641 of Suzuki carbon firbe parts thrown in, as opposed to rrp price of £7400ish for bike & carbon.

I'd seen a few ex demonstrators around on 56 plates not much cheaper than this, and that's without the wall-to-wall carbon, so I'm more than chuffed with the deal I got. :) Still it's all money and now my insurance will triple :roll: