View Full Version : What should my next bike be?
DanAbnormal
13-04-07, 02:52 AM
i seized the crank shaft on my first SV does that make me skillful?
Slightly. I want to see bigends bouncing down the road next!
Obviously asking this question of the wider forum would bring a huge deluge, but I feel I know a bit about most of the regular contributors on here so should get a fairly representative response without getting swamped.
Went out yesterday with a CBR 1000RRRRRR blade and an X11. Was outgunned by about 100hp in both cases. Managed to keep up but was trying hard most of the time which made it a bit of a stressful experience.
I'm going to be spending a bit more time going out with quicker bikes as I get more involved in the advanced training stuff so feel it may be time to gain a bit more grunt. Question is which way should I go.
Don't really want a full sports bike so kinda rules out the blade, T675 etc. Don't want something that does not work below 10,000 rpm
Don't want to go the pipe and slippers FJR / Pan route either.
Like the idea of a naked but sometimes feel a fairing would be a great idea. So question is, what have you lot had experience of that is suitably grunty, not too extreme, but gives the lazy wide torque band of my trusty SV. Some candidates are:-
SV1000 - More of the same
XJR1300 - looks so comfy and retro-cool
CBF1000 - lots of grunt for you pound
VFR800 - Sports tourer bike of choice for most observers
Arpilia Tuono/Falco - Damn, should never have gone out with Gmonsta
Blade/ GSXr 750 with risers and lower pegs to make them a bit less extreme
Ideas, recommendations, stuff to avoid.........
Or just learn to ride the old 650 a bit quicker and save my money.
Keep the SV and persevere. You'll get much faster.
Hey Mark - dont forget the Speed Triple in that lot. Apart from the wind protection thing they are great bikes with loads of lazy power.
Jelster
06-05-07, 06:42 PM
Blade/ GSXr 750 with risers and lower pegs to make them a bit less extreme.
Check out an '02/'03 'Blade. (954cc one) I had to give up on my K4GSXR due to the riding position but my FireBlade is much more comfortable (and it's a nicer bike to ride too).
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Good question Mark, my first thought was the SV1000 with fairing, that is as you say more of the same but more grunt which should give you a boost.
If you were thinking along the XJR route maybe the GSX1400 would be an option, those are great bikes.
Thinking of other bikes that arent on your list the blackbird comes to mind as a good one that would fit in with that list.
Check out an '02/'03 'Blade. (954cc one) I had to give up on my K4GSXR due to the riding position but my FireBlade is much more comfortable (and it's a nicer bike to ride too).
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Saw a nice one on here the other day: http://www.gumtree.com/london/12/9681712.html
DanAbnormal
06-05-07, 07:15 PM
I would say VFR in this case. Does everyting very, very well. Had 2 of them myself ('99 and '05 VTec). Oodles of grunt from that thumping V4 tops out at a nice 160 odd and also handles the twisties very well indeed. Plus, you get reliability of a Honda. For you and what you want it for I think it would best suit your needs. 'Tis my opinion anyways.:D
Had another thought and although i'll get shot down for saying it a BMW, the bmw F800, suppossed to be equal to the VFR but bound to be more expensive.
dirtydog
06-05-07, 08:39 PM
I would probably go for the vfr as dan said they're renowned for doing everything well
if you're looking at something a bit bigger cos you're uping the pace a bit might be worth avoiding the xjr/gsx as i think you may be limited on ground clearance?
VFR's hold their value very well.
Another sports tourer you may want to look at is the ST3... or maybe a Aprilia Futura???
How about a 2nd hand Fazer thou, old style ones not the FZ1. They seem to be rated quite highly as fast all rounders.
Got a test ride booked on Saturday. VFR800 and CB1300. 30 mins on each. At least that should see if I'm looking for tech or pure grunt.
My IAM instructor was telling my how he kept leaving his Bikesafe pupil on his Gixxer 1000 for dust until the Gixxer boy realised he wasn't just lucky on his BMW1200RT? which he described as sluggish, but he used his enhanced observation & ability to keep up with the Gixxer. So one vote for persevere. But if it's time for a new bike, enjoy choosing.
DanAbnormal
09-05-07, 11:02 AM
Do not listen to Stu, there is always room for one more new bike!:smt077
Got a test ride booked on Saturday. VFR800 and CB1300. 30 mins on each. At least that should see if I'm looking for tech or pure grunt.
Go for both mate - ask Infinity if you can borrow their Tuono :smt077
454697819
09-05-07, 12:49 PM
I would probably go for the vfr as dan said they're renowned for doing everything well
if you're looking at something a bit bigger cos you're uping the pace a bit might be worth avoiding the xjr/gsx as i think you may be limited on ground clearance?
ground clearance not a problem....
the fact they handle (mine handles) like a wet sponge and stands up halfway around the corner ... is a problem...
wyrdness
09-05-07, 01:10 PM
VFR's hold their value very well.
Another sports tourer you may want to look at is the ST3... or maybe a Aprilia Futura???
I wouldn't. I had an ST2 - not a bad bike but wouldn't have one again due to Ducati reliability issues (and expensive, crap servicing). You could have problems finding parts for the Futura - which didn't really sell at all.
Try a Speed Triple before discounting naked bikes, unless you regularly do a lot of motorway riding. The Falco / Tuono are also worth looking at.
Jelster
09-05-07, 01:17 PM
I wouldn't. I had an ST2 - not a bad bike but wouldn't have one again due to Ducati reliability issues (and expensive, crap servicing). You could have problems finding parts for the Futura - which didn't really sell at all.
Try a Speed Triple before discounting naked bikes, unless you regularly do a lot of motorway riding. The Falco / Tuono are also worth looking at.
Falco would be better for touring, but I'd still be concious of reliability issues. They stopped making them before they really improved their reliability.
.
454697819
10-05-07, 07:40 AM
Falco would be better for touring, but I'd still be concious of reliability issues. They stopped making them before they really improved their reliability.
.
did you have many problems with yours?
Its something i always keep coming back to as the tuono hold thier value a bit to well to make them affordable / insurable.
i really want a v twin again... :(
Well, went out for my test rides at Reading Honda, but they messed up the bookings so got to try out some others too while was waiting around. Bit of a long post but ended up testing 4 bikes.
CB1300 - Naked
Rode like the SV but more so. Loads of grunt then a nice progressive surge of power at about 5.5k rpm. Once you got above walking speed the size and weight of the bike seem to vanish and it just feels nicely planted. Oodles of torque, great overtakes, very comfy but seemed odd having virtually no engine braking. Got a bit of a bounce going on bumpy lanes, but the suspension was set up for a bloke about 3 stone lighter than me so should be sortable. Liked it a lot.
VRF not back from previous rider so have a go on this .....
600 Hornet. - Naked with a pointy bit onthe front. Looked v. Nice.
Felt tiny after the CB and completely gutless in lower revs. Then about 7k gets a bit interesting. Then about 10k really wakes up and gets a shift on. Felt very crisp. Can see why folk like them but to be honest it all seemed a bit too much like hard work at medium pace and given most of the time you are not hooning about do not think this is the one for me.
Pulled into carpark to see VFR going out. Had a coffee and a chat then salesman said, why not give that a quick blast pointing at a....
CBR600RR. Eventually managed to fold myself into it. Nearly dropped it turning out of the carpark as it more or less stalled and with my knees round my ears I was less stable than usual. Took it out on the service road and found I was doing 60 before I could blink. Then got on the A33. 0-5k Quick. 5-10k V.V.V. quick. 11-15k ARRRRRRRGGGGHHHHH. I can not even imagine what the CBR1000RR goes like. This 600 was mental. I think I was in 3rd. It was raining a bit. pootling along at about 50. Wound it pretty much fully open. Felt all my internal organs shifting rearwards then looked down to see I was doing 140 about half a nano-second after I started accelerating. Why does anyone need anything quite that quick ? Brakes are also out of this world. I think I need to rent one of these once every few months just to see if it is possible to grin any more than I did when I got off of it. Salesman said my face was a picture when I got back. If you want something stupid quick and do not care about comfort, the fact you can not see anything around you, a turning circle of about 300 feet and have a huge bank of self control then go get one of these.
Got back and the VFR was ready for me.
VFR Felt very dull after the CBArrrrrgh but made a plesent change to be able to both breath and see where I was going. Below 7k it's adequate. At 7k the VTec stuff kicks in. The engine sounds like it is giving a huge burp and it goes like a bat out of hell. Seems very happy about 9k. Loads of protection and probably comfy when you get it set up right, but after 30 mins my wrists ached and I never got used to the clutch. I think I may need to try another one of these that has been set up by a rider rather than factory fresh to see if the set up can be improved. Real shame as I hoped to really like this bike.
Went back again and was offered a blackbird and a blade. Not wishing to overdose politely declined.
So of that lot, the VFR was disappointing, the Hornet too much hard work, the CBR600RR totally mental and the CB1300 something I will be keeping my eyes open for a used bargain.
Got on my old SV, felt comfy, sounded great, handled like a hovercraft, brakes seemed useless and I really started to miss the extra hundred or so HP. Then by the time I was half way home talked myself out of going back and placing an order for the CB1300 as the old girl gave me the opportunity to wind it fully open and feel like I was making progress without risking 180 mph incidents on every ride.
Need to see if I can do the same at local suzuki dealership, bandit 1200 should be similar to the CB1300, and if they insist I take out a GSX-R who am I to turn it down?
wyrdness
12-05-07, 08:01 PM
If you liked the CB1300, why not try a Speed Triple. Masses of torque, plus incredible engine braking plus mean attitude.
DanAbnormal
12-05-07, 08:04 PM
Shame you never liked theVFR, dull was not a word I associated with it. It was so torquey I had accidental wheelies all over the show but mine was a 99 pre VTEC version. Had a VTEC hire bike for 3 months so never really gave it beans after my big accident but it seemed less grunty low down.
The CB sounds promising.
Ah yes the CBR, what a machine but you soon get used to the power. :smt003 :smt101
eviltwin
12-05-07, 08:14 PM
If you liked the CB1300, why not try a Speed Triple. Masses of torque, plus incredible engine braking plus mean attitude.
I'd agree on the Speed Triple and, despite my opinion being slightly coloured having just got one, why not think of trying the z1000 - a real brute when you need it to be but also easy to ride at a nice gentle pace. Ok it's not quite a Speed Triple (and you lose that engine braking) but you can pick one up for bags less cash.
dizzyblonde
12-05-07, 09:26 PM
get an RD. Leave em for dust with a bad cough. ask me man. he got a raptor thou and a whole string of RD's. Raptor better than sv 1000
RD?
Yamaha RD350 YPVS I'm guessing. vintage loony 2 stroke.
http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Yamaha%20Bikes/images/Yamaha-RD350-F1.jpg
THanks, hardly seems equivalent to the others being considered.
DanAbnormal
13-05-07, 09:21 AM
Yamaha RD350 YPVS I'm guessing. vintage loony 2 stroke.
http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Yamaha%20Bikes/images/Yamaha-RD350-F1.jpg
Taxi for that person! Good to see dizzyblonde living up to her name!
Taxi for that person! Good to see dizzyblonde living up to her name!
Taxi for me? :confused:
DanAbnormal
13-05-07, 01:07 PM
Taxi for me? :confused:
Is your name Dizzyblonde?:smt017
Is your name Dizzyblonde?:smt017
No, but you quoted me instead of her. hence me seeing the post as
Taxi for that person (Law)! Good to see dizzyblonde living up to her name!
DanAbnormal
13-05-07, 07:53 PM
Er, yeah....thanks for clearing that up Law!*
*bangs head against wall......
Well, went out for my test rides at Reading Hond....
Read like a fun couple of hours. I took out a couple of Triumphs out a while back and remember getting back on the SV and thinking you know this thing is still nice, not as much grunt but was pleasant to get back on again. The bikes were the older Daytona and the ST.
Round 2
Got myself booked in another go on a CB1300, a VTR1000 (honda big twin) and just for a laugh a blade.
Anyone been involved in VTRs before?
And would I be being a bit of a girl (sorry ladies) if I let the colour of a bike put me off? I've seen a low mileage VTR at a sensible price but it's a dodgy greeny blue colour. Will clash with pretty much everything I own.
And would I be being a bit of a girl (sorry ladies) if I let the colour of a bike put me off? I've seen a low mileage VTR at a sensible price but it's a dodgy greeny blue colour. Will clash with pretty much everything I own.
IMO if your bike is a toy then if is quite acceptable to be v fussy about colour etc, what's the point in having a toy that isn't pleasing to look at? It would upset me to have stuff that clashed but maybe that's just me.
And would I be being a bit of a girl (sorry ladies) if I let the colour of a bike put me off? I've seen a low mileage VTR at a sensible price but it's a dodgy greeny blue colour. Will clash with pretty much everything I own.
I think if the bike is in good nick etc. but has an off colour you have to think A. I can get this cheaper because of the colour and B. how hard will it be to sell on. Much like those people who buy pink cars and the like.
But if its just because it doesnt match your biking attire its your choice. I have a yellow and black gsxr with blue and white leather jacket but its your money and if your not happy now with it then you probably never will be.
DanAbnormal
07-06-07, 07:16 AM
Round 2
Got myself booked in another go on a CB1300, a VTR1000 (honda big twin) and just for a laugh a blade.
Anyone been involved in VTRs before?
And would I be being a bit of a girl (sorry ladies) if I let the colour of a bike put me off? I've seen a low mileage VTR at a sensible price but it's a dodgy greeny blue colour. Will clash with pretty much everything I own.
I think if the colour was not my favourite I would never be able to look at the bike and totally love it, so it would have t make up for that in the riding. I think a VTR would be interestin (see hooligan bike)....:cool:
dirtydog
07-06-07, 07:36 AM
if you don't like the colour it's going to bug you as long as you've got the bike and you'll not like it as much as you would if it was the colour you want
so if thats the bike youwant then hold out for the colour you want
Jelster
07-06-07, 07:53 AM
Yep, as most have said, if you don't like the colour you'll never really be happy.
Kawasaki make some great bikes, but I really hate green, I think that's why I've never had one...
The VTR is a bit like an SV1000, but a designed in the days of old.... It's showing it's age a bit now. Is it a new 'Blade, or one of the earlier ones (they were 919, 929 and 954cc).
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OK folks I will go look at the colour agian and see if the overall experience justifies the less than perfect colour (I think I may want a yellow one).
Any idea of the going rate for a decent (not custom graphics) respray?
Jelster, it's a 2001 on a Y. with a huge 2k miles on it. Can someone assure me it'll sound great with a decent can on it?
dirtydog
07-06-07, 08:16 AM
I reckon you'd be looking at around £500 ish for a decent respray depends if you want metallic or anything like that really?
Well it wont sound like a v-twin with a race can but it would make it sound better than standard
I reckon you'd be looking at around £500 ish for a decent respray depends if you want metallic or anything like that really?
Well it wont sound like a v-twin with a race can but it would make it sound better than standard
Don't forget the original stickers will need to be purchased again if want them and they are always expensive depending on how many you have.
Jelster
07-06-07, 01:37 PM
Jelster, it's a 2001 on a Y. with a huge 2k miles on it. Can someone assure me it'll sound great with a decent can on it?
That's the 929 (I think, K will correct me if I'm wrong) which I understand is the easiest to ride. The earlier ones (like K's) were 919 and were a bit of a handful, and the last or the true "'Blades", was mine, the RR2/3 which were a bit more focused.
Stick a decent can on it and it'll sound great, especially if you make it a stubby one :D
Warning: Don't try it unless you have the cash to buy it, because you'll want to take it home with you :smt107
I think there may be some confusion creeping in. I was talking about the Honda VTR Firestorm. 1000cc Vtwin.
Took it out today and it seems pretty much everything I'm looking for.
Anyone got any experience based views on the bike before I join the ex-SV owners section of the forum?
How about an SP-2? :D :cool:
Nope never ridden one
DanAbnormal
08-06-07, 10:16 AM
Check it out Mark, some good info:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Honda/HONDA-VTR1000F-FIRESTORM-1997--2005/?&R=EPI-302
VTR 1000 Firestorm in Repsol colours with twin Scorpion race cans, black double bubble and seat hump. :cool: :cool:
I'm in the process of changing it for a ZZR 1100 if I can find one at the right price and age. I'd love a ZZR 1400 but can't afford the £9.5k price tag:(
.
Ok now I am really in a dilemma. (or should that be have a dilemma)
Spoken to a few folk now. Basically Firestorm is a great bike. Let down by poor tank range and slightly too low bars. Both improved a bit on post 2001 versions. However it's a stonking V-twin and I can get one for not very much money.
Insurance is over twice my SV (£345 v £145) but it's a lot quicker with a lot more plastic so it's fair enough.
I also took out a speed tripple which was a hoot but did not tick the v-twin box as it had no engine braking at all to speak of. It was however very very nice to ride.
Problem is each time I get back on the SV to ride home, it feels comfy, predictable and does not encourage you to ride around like your hair's on fire at 120 unlike the Firestorm.
Rode home this evening down some wonderful twisties, knocked a good 5mm off my chicken strips (z6 elephants now half scrubbed), and felt changing this for something a lot less forgiving with a less comfy riding position and more chance of ending up in a hedge at 90mph was not a good idea.
Then I got stuck behind some traffic and did not have sufficient grunt to take the overtakes which I know I was taking the other day on the Firestorm with no worries at all.
I have also failed to find anyone with a SV1000 demonstrator as this could very well be my salvation. Same riding position as the 650 but with more grunt.
Test ride results so-far. (Note, Honda dealers love giving test rides)
Hornet - too much like hard work but can see why folk like 'em.
VFR 800 - Wrong shape for me everything in the wrong place and the Vtech stuff made it harsh
CBR600RR - Nutter bike. Need to borrow one every couple of years to remind yourself what really really quick feels like.
CB1300 - Lovelly old school muscle bike, but not engaging and no engine braking at all.
Speed Tripple - Great handling and power, but 1050 (c£6k) too expensive and lacked twin braking. On wait list for a used 955 to try out (c£4k)
VTR Firestorm - Great performance and handling. Poor tank range and think I'll get wrist ache even before it runs out of fuel.
Tuono - Bit harsh, had trouble with the gearbox and too high up for me.
So recon it's try and find a SV100 to have a blast on then decide to keep my trusty SV650 and investigate the GSX-R front end upgrade instead.
Thoughts?
Dam - that insurance is more than mine! How about a GS Mark - low enough seating, twin and comfy...?
fizzwheel
09-06-07, 08:12 PM
What about a Kawasaki Z750 or Z1000, the thou especially should have plenty of grunt, but being naked might not be what you're after.
Also have you looked Fazer 1000's, Upright riding position, fairing, good alround bike from the reviews I've read...
Too many cylinders. Looking for a v-twin now. Or may compromise on a tripple.
dirtydog
10-06-07, 06:38 AM
Or may compromise on a tripple.
A compromise? nah triples are fantastic!! definitely give one a try
Speed Triple all the way! I prefer them than my RR. Sooooo much fun and u'll have no probs keeping up with the other bikes! Unless your doing over a ton. They make overtaking tooo easy aswell.:cool:
u'll have no probs keeping up with the other bikes! Unless your doing over a ton.
That's a strange comment. SV's have no trouble keeping up with the other bikes, unless your doing over a ton.
I have no problem keeping up on most roads and certainly have no real trouble keeping up when the going gets twisty. However overtakes are another matter. Following a blade/R1 I have trouble taking the same overtakes. It's the spontaneous explosive power I'm missing rather than the ability to go along at 150mph on a straight road.
Still trying to get a ride on an SV1000 and looking for a post 2002 Firestorm as I rode an earlier one and loved it.
Street Triple may be a laugh when they start coming through as used bikes in a couple of years.
A reasonable chance I'll just stick with my trusty SV until the right firestorm comes along at the right price. In the mean-time if anyone wants a very nice 2001 firestorm in a dodgy blue/green colour with 5k miles on it let me know.
That's a strange comment. SV's have no trouble keeping up with the other bikes, unless your doing over a ton.
Its not a comment that the bike wont. you wont. (wind blast). pmsl :smt046
Great bike for observing though. :thumbsup:
I have no problem keeping up on most roads and certainly have no real trouble keeping up when the going gets twisty. However overtakes are another matter. Following a blade/R1 I have trouble taking the same overtakes. It's the spontaneous explosive power I'm missing rather than the ability to go along at 150mph on a straight road.
Still trying to get a ride on an SV1000 and looking for a post 2002 Firestorm as I rode an earlier one and loved it.
Street Triple may be a laugh when they start coming through as used bikes in a couple of years.
A reasonable chance I'll just stick with my trusty SV until the right firestorm comes along at the right price. In the mean-time if anyone wants a very nice 2001 firestorm in a dodgy blue/green colour with 5k miles on it let me know.
Hey? ure on an SV! i had no problems overtaking on mine when i used to go on A runs etc. I kept up with gixxer's R1's etc! Overtaking wise the Sv is one of the perfect bikes unless youre overtaking someone going more than 90. With the Sprint/Speed triple you will have no problems wat so ever keeping up with anything, especially overtaking. You dont even have to think about wat gear youre in. Have a test ride on one. I bet you wont wanna give it bk! Anyways thats just my suggestion. :smt110
And most people on sportsbikes underate them anyway! So they'll think ure better than you actually are! Thats a good thing! ;-)
fizzwheel
11-06-07, 03:51 PM
I'm going to get flamed, I can feel it in my bones,
But you want a bit more power for overtakes, and possibly better handling, and brakes as well.
Do you use your bike as a tool commuting etc, or is it a play thing for weekends...
Have you even remotly considered a 749, its still a twin, if you get an S they are not far off the power output of an SV1000, but perhaps not as much torque and the dont cost as much to maintain as you might think, and also the last batch of 749's have a pretty good reliability reputation.
Just a thought...
DanAbnormal
11-06-07, 03:56 PM
Hey? ure on an SV! i had no problems overtaking on mine when i used to go on A runs etc. I
And tell us Si, what happened to your SV.....................? :smt068 :D
:oops: :^o And tell us Si, what happened to your SV.....................? :smt068 :D
Nothing...:^o
I knew someone one come up with that u b*stard. :lol:!
So what, i blew it up :oops:. Big ends went but that was mainly down 2 me being a foolish teenager and not checking the oil aswell!
An early Mille :D or actually a falco, now thats a good bike from all reports
yeah, falcos are probably youre best bet if you want a twin. loads of grunt compared to an sv thou.
DanAbnormal
12-06-07, 02:34 PM
:oops: :^o
Nothing...:^o
I knew someone one come up with that u b*stard. :lol:!
So what, i blew it up :oops:. Big ends went but that was mainly down 2 me being a foolish teenager and not checking the oil aswell!
Hehe! I never forget stuff like that. I just forget boring stuff like wedding anniversary dates............:(
It takes skill to destroy an SV engine mate so well done. :cheers:
dirtydog
12-06-07, 07:24 PM
It takes skill to destroy an SV engine mate so well done. :cheers:
i seized the crank shaft on my first SV does that make me skillful?
Hehe! I never forget stuff like that. I just forget boring stuff like wedding anniversary dates............:(
It takes skill to destroy an SV engine mate so well done. :cheers:
from wat ive heard it doesnt. so far ive heard of 2 pointys and 4 curvies!
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