View Full Version : Why buy a larger bike
I think mine would have done high 90's in 2nd. Indicated not real of course.
Personally speaking, I bought a VTR 1000 'cos I've always liked the sound and the low down power. I'm now looking for a litre plus sports tourer like a ZZR 1100 'cos I'd like to do a bit of touring and the VTR is most definitely NOT a bike you'd want to ride for miles and miles in one go. Its a bit thirsty as well.
I've owned a VTR and 3 ZZR11s. You'll love the ZZR, but personally I'd try and find a 1200 rather than an 11. The 1100s are all getting a little bit long in the tooth now and the 1200 is a nicer bike to ride and own. If you are going after any ZZR, check the condition of the exhaust, they rot like mad and are bloody expensive to replace. If the collector box or d/pipes have any rot or blow then factor that into the price or walk away - youre looking at about 500 quid to replace the lot with decent aftermarket stuff. Downpipes, collector and left silencer are all one piece on an 1100, the only other part is the right silencer, and they rot just as badly. Rear shocks are knackered at 20K miles and look for proof of regular oil changes. Valve shims are a doddle to do yourself cos cams don't have to come out, nor do you need a special tool. I clocked up over 130K miles on my old ZZRs, love them to bits.
While I don't regret buying my VTR, I don't regret selling it and buying another ZZR11 either. It just wasn't particularly briiliant at anything, but wasn't terrible at anything either, except running out of fuel.
mister c
07-06-07, 07:51 AM
Having a discussion with a mate last night & I asked the question "why do you need something larger than a 600/650 cc". Why have a Gixxer 1000, R1 or Busa etc?
The Sv (Or any other mid capacity bike) will nearly break the speed limit twice over, it has good accelleration for overtaking. From what I've seen on here it is perfectly capable of touring. Has good fuel economy & is generally a fun bike to ride.
Just thought I'd see what people thought. :)
Why buy a 650 over a 400? The same argument is pretty much the same with most modern 400s.
For me, it's personal preference. I spend a fair amount of time on motorway routes. I'd like a bike that I can stick in 6th & let it plod along, so I'm looking at larger capacity. The added benefit is that bigger bikes tend to have better pull in 5th & 6th.
fizzwheel
07-06-07, 07:56 AM
Because I can and I wanted one.
Jelster
07-06-07, 07:57 AM
Horses for courses really.
After touring Europe a number of times I honestly think that 2 up, the SV does lack a little umph in places, and it's not the biggest of bikes either, something physically larger will tour better.
I wanted to experience an IL4, which is why I went to a Gixer, and found that my 'Blade was more comfortable for me with my back problem.
Anyway, nobody "needs" a 650, it's a case of what you want and what you can have. Luckily I could afford the 'Blade when I got it, even if I did go in to buy a VFR :confused:
.
scorpion
07-06-07, 07:57 AM
Why have a Ferrari when you can have a Ford Focus?
Cos the faster the acceleration the bigger the adrenalin rush!
;)
Steve H
07-06-07, 07:59 AM
Because I can and I wanted one.
](*,)
because eviltwin tricked me into it!
dirtydog
07-06-07, 08:03 AM
Because I can and I wanted one.
That's my reason as well
muffles
07-06-07, 08:04 AM
I have only gone to a 600cc IL4 so not had a litre bike, but one thing to note is that the SV is lacking in acceleration over ~70mph (I've heard tales of people being outgunned by Civic Type-R's ffs! :lol: ). A litre bike solves that problem :p
Jelster
07-06-07, 08:06 AM
Because I can and I wanted one.
](*,)
Me no understand Mr H.... Fizz's reasons are quite good in my book. He didn't needed, but wanted it. He can afford it (young professional type see....) so he goes and gets it.
I don't need my 'Blade or a 270bhp Focus, but my life would be much less fulfilled without them :rolleyes:.
fizzwheel
07-06-07, 08:08 AM
I think its because my GSXR is not a litre bike...
But I get Litre bike power ish.. with 600 handling so I get the best of both worlds :D
Ceri JC
07-06-07, 08:22 AM
As Jelster says, two up (particularly two up with luggage) the SV650 is a bit gutless and not so hot at NSL speed overtakes.
Why buy an SV over a Deauville? The latter is comfier, more practical, less nickable, cheaper to run, fast enough for the motorway and overtakes, etc.
I suspect it's a similar set of reasons as most people buy litre bikes: 'image' of the bike, aesthetics, better performance on tap (even if for most riders, the vast majority of the time it's not needed).
wyrdness
07-06-07, 08:23 AM
On the road, you don't really need anything bigger than an SV. It's plenty fast enough for the road. However I have a bigger bike (Speed Triple 1050) as I love the looks and the flat, monster torque curve that gives great roll-on acceleration. I don't *need* it, but I *love*it.
Having said that, if I were buying a new bike now, I'd probably be looking at one of the new naked middleweights - the Street Triple 675, the Shiver or the new Hornet.
gettin2dizzy
07-06-07, 08:32 AM
I have only gone to a 600cc IL4 so not had a litre bike, but one thing to note is that the SV is lacking in acceleration over ~70mph (I've heard tales of people being outgunned by Civic Type-R's ffs! :lol: ). A litre bike solves that problem :p
Sv has plenty of go above 100. Ok, not supersport territory but I was being provoked by a new Type-R yesterday and could easily pull off from a rolling 105 start, with both panniers and a tailpack!
A SS bike may keep on going until 150 with guts, and admittedly I'd love one as I keep looking for 7th! But I think the SV doesn't get the acclaim it deserves. As for twice the speedlimit- I've had that (139) with a huge tailpack on and its still pulling - albeit slower than normal and nearly revving out. So I can only think we must have a lot of unfit SVs or unfit rather rotund (;)) riders around this forum. hehe.
slark01
07-06-07, 08:32 AM
This is what I have noticed with alot of things, especially computers and vehicles - After a period of time the item appears to go slower ( which actually doesn't ), I have no idea why this occurs but it does.
An example of this was when I was going along the M62, I didn't get the regular buzz that I would normally get and it felt I could get off the bike and walk faster.
So why get a bigger bike?
Well for me it would have to be " getting that buzz back ", It's the only reason I can think of.
Biker Biggles
07-06-07, 08:43 AM
I got a ZX9R as it was more comfortable than the SS600s then available,with the exception of the Triumph Daytona 600,but the Kwak was £500 cheaper than the Triumph.
Power wise,I don't need it all and only rarely open it up,but it's nice to have.:p
Steve H
07-06-07, 08:45 AM
Me no understand Mr H.... Fizz's reasons are quite good in my book. He didn't needed, but wanted it. He can afford it (young professional type see....) so he goes and gets it.
I don't need my 'Blade or a 270bhp Focus, but my life would be much less fulfilled without them :rolleyes:.
:rolleyes: Ah, modern day Britain. For fulfilment, may I suggest that you read a book or two?
For your information Jelster, my wife and I earn well over £65K between us,
but apart from this post, never really see the need to rule my life by materialistic gains.
Nouveau Riche springs to mind.
But hey, each to his own.
I'm with Wyrdness on this. I don't need my Daytona 650, in fact I don't need a bike at all. But I like the design, I like the road presence, I like the power band, and I like the fact that it's British.
I got the TT600 part because my SV needed lots of work and i still need transport, i had never ridden a SS600 so i wanted to try it, it was cheep on the insurance. Still love the SV though.
Flamin_Squirrel
07-06-07, 09:09 AM
:rolleyes: Ah, modern day Britain. For fulfilment, may I suggest that you read a book or two?
For your information Jelster, my wife and I earn well over £65K between us,
but apart from this post, never really see the need to rule my life by materialistic gains.
Nouveau Riche springs to mind.
But hey, each to his own.
Don't be an idiot. He enjoys a fast bike/car. Just because he's spent his money on something big and shiney doesnt make him any more materialistic than someone who needs to boast about spending 65k on a library.
Essex of Essex
07-06-07, 09:26 AM
I changed because I felt like it, the SV had more than enough performance but the ergonomics were poor; I now run a Sprint ST it's more comfortable and I like it.
Like Ed and probably many peolple on this site I don't need a bike I want one it's fun; back in the 1980's when it was my sole method of transport it just had to be cheap and as close to reliable as I could afford.
Steve H
07-06-07, 09:27 AM
Don't be an idiot. He enjoys a fast bike/car. Just because he's spent his money on something big and shiney doesnt make him any more materialistic than someone who needs to boast about spending 65k on a library.
Whatever you say Mr. Squirrel. ;)
Don't wish to get into a slanging match.
Those are my views, in the same way that you think I am an idiot.
We are both entitled to them. :)
MiniMatt
07-06-07, 10:16 AM
As Baph said, on the road I'd quite like a bit more grunt in 5th/6th gear overtakes, and I know that could be solved by just stamping down the box but it's nice when you're not exactly in full attack mode just to open the throttle and bend the very fabric of time and space.
Every bike I've ever owned, I've always ended up thinking "would be the perfect bike if only it had another 20-30 horses" (including the one which *does* have 20 or so horses on the SV!)
muffles
07-06-07, 11:47 AM
Sv has plenty of go above 100. Ok, not supersport territory but I was being provoked by a new Type-R yesterday and could easily pull off from a rolling 105 start, with both panniers and a tailpack!
A SS bike may keep on going until 150 with guts, and admittedly I'd love one as I keep looking for 7th! But I think the SV doesn't get the acclaim it deserves. As for twice the speedlimit- I've had that (139) with a huge tailpack on and its still pulling - albeit slower than normal and nearly revving out. So I can only think we must have a lot of unfit SVs or unfit rather rotund (;)) riders around this forum. hehe.
I can only talk about mine really, but over 70 was a different package to below 70, completely. I'm not particularly heavy so it wasn't that. I did get a chance to top my SV out in Germany last year, and I saw, once, 140 on the clock and that was it - and it took an age once it got above 125, and over 130 it's counting each mph time!
I saw, once, 140 on the clock and that was it - and it took an age once it got above 125, and over 130 it's counting each mph time!
Tsk. Irritatingly slow to get from 125 to 140 - you clearly need to get a bigger bike;)
Steve H
07-06-07, 12:17 PM
Tsk. Irritatingly slow to get from 125 to 140 - you clearly need to get a bigger bike;)
:winner:
muffles
07-06-07, 12:35 PM
Ah but it's like a logarithmic curve so above 70 it was all downhill! It's just over 125 was the worst.
I didn't comment on it in the previous post but there seems to be a few comments along the lines of "why do you need 150hp" or "why do you need to go at 180mph" when in actual fact that's simply an extreme.
As Baph and others have pointed out, it makes it easier at other speeds, so where an SV (my SV at least) is only going to get worse above 70, litre bikes still have oodles of punch and can provide similar overtaking grunt at 120 as they can at 70.
I think the answer is to ride a litre bike for a while and then ask yourself if you want to go back to a 600/650.
The SV is plenty powerful enough but once you get over 80mph you are cage fodder. Maybe not Type R's and the like but the more powerful cars out there - I came across a rather benign looking Merc last night which I discovered was a C55 AMG Estate. Believe me you wouldn't want to mess with that on an SV.
An SS600 will do the trick in that respect but once you have ridden a litre bike you would realise that whilst the 600's are brilliant over 10krpm they seem so weedy and gutless below that point.
Open the throttle in 6th Gear at 60mph on a litre bike and you realise what it is all about.
northwind
07-06-07, 01:01 PM
Yeah, this thread's going nowhere good is it? :)
Why NOT get a bigger bike, in my case, is that I like little bikes. I wanted an RVF but couldn't afford a good one. Always been rather tempted to get a 250 smoker. The only reason that counts is personal taste. But there's nothing at all wrong with wanting something bigger or faster. In fact, even if you can't ride it there's nothing wrong with it- some people mock the guys on R1s that can't ride, and so do I, but because they can't ride not because they've baught a bike that's better than them.
Of course, an awful lot of people mock people with smaller bikes, or assume that they just can't afford or handle something bigger and faster, but that's no more or less ignorant than mocking people who prefer a big bike.
I like my bigger bike...:smt040
Jelster
07-06-07, 01:17 PM
:rolleyes: Ah, modern day Britain. For fulfilment, may I suggest that you read a book or two?
For your information Jelster, my wife and I earn well over £65K between us,
but apart from this post, never really see the need to rule my life by materialistic gains.
Nouveau Riche springs to mind.
But hey, each to his own.
With respect mate, what you earn has naff all to do with it. I could move to a bigger house, or I could move to a more up market area (or both), but I don't "want" too, I'm happy where I am. I have a large enough TV, decent enough hifi etc.
It's not materialistic, just what you want from life. I'm a petrol head, always have been always will be. Please, don't start getting into "how much I earn" discussions on here (I might make you cry) ;)
.
Jelster
07-06-07, 01:20 PM
Of course, an awful lot of people mock people with smaller bikes, or assume that they just can't afford or handle something bigger and faster, but that's no more or less ignorant than mocking people who prefer a big bike.
Nicely put Northy... Mate of mine had a Mk 1 SV and would leave me standing the moment we got on any bends, he was an ex racer and could get every ounce of performance out of it.
Horses & courses innit....
.
I think its because my GSXR is not a litre bike...
But I get Litre bike power ish.. with 600 handling so I get the best of both worlds :D
Can't dissagree with this. I nearly did the same but ended up with the thou with 600 handling.
If you look for reasons for not to justify a thou then don't get one. Don't test ride one either as you may well find a reason to get one. ;)
The Focus ST is 270 BHP ? 'kin ell thats impressive :cool:
riktherider
07-06-07, 01:29 PM
i ride both an sv, and a bandit 1200 occasionally. the sv is perfect for bombing around town, going to work, and generally having a good laugh. really flickable, light and easy. the bandit i prefer to go on long distances on. lot better for cruising, overtaking at higher speeds isnt a fuss. i have geared the sv 14 tooth front and 47 year purely for the town, becasue that is what i want it for. if i had to do a lot of motorway work, then it would be left for the bandit, or other litre bikes. and then you can also just have weekend bikes. similar to say having a ford focus for shopping and going to work, but have a mitsibushi evo for the weekends.
i owuld prefer to ahve the sv, and an aprilia tuono for the weekends. best of both worlds then. time will come.
and also some people do like to compensate for other things they lack in!!
perfect example an R1 owner who only brought it to show off. cant ride it, just an add on to his manhood
Re the money subject for a second:
It's all well & good earning £Xp.a. but when your number is called, you can't take it with you. So you inevitably have to make a choice with regards what to spend it on.
Almost all of us are here because part of that choice involved a bike, more specifically at some point in time an SV.
Coming back to the subject, I've worked out in the past (and even posted on the org about it) that I could afford to buy a GSXR750 (possibly even keeping the SV and run both). Ability to do so doesn't make me rush out & get one. If I get one, it will be when I see the deal that suits me. At the moment, I don't need two bikes, although it would be handy to have a backup.
However, I *want* my next bike to have more power than the SV, so whatever I get, and regardless of if I keep the SV, the next one will have more power. Will I use most of that power most of the time? Nope, but that doesn't stop me wanting it.
If I'm materialistic for wanting something with more power, then hey, I'm materialistic. Doesn't bother me in the slightest.
fizzwheel
07-06-07, 01:32 PM
Always been rather tempted to get a 250 smoker.
Me to. If I had room in the garage I'd be after an RS250 or an RGV250.
Me to. If I had room in the garage I'd be after an RS250 or an RGV250.
My brother used to have a RGV 250, absolutely mental :D
He didn't keep it very long, I think he scared himself once to often.
Steve H
07-06-07, 01:36 PM
With respect mate, what you earn has naff all to do with it. I could move to a bigger house, or I could move to a more up market area (or both), but I don't "want" too, I'm happy where I am. I have a large enough TV, decent enough hifi etc.
It's not materialistic, just what you want from life. I'm a petrol head, always have been always will be. Please, don't start getting into "how much I earn" discussions on here (I might make you cry) ;)
.
You really are a deep and meaningful person. Your last paragraph says a lot!
I think you have missed my point, again. But as stated, I don't want to get into any slanging matches.
Lets just put it down to not liking every person you come accross, eh? ;)
and also some people do like to compensate for other things they lack in!!
i wondered who would be the first to say that!
fizzwheel
07-06-07, 01:44 PM
My brother used to have a RGV 250, absolutely mental :D
He didn't keep it very long, I think he scared himself once to often.
I very nearly bought one instead of my SV. But I rang up the garage to go and view it and they'd sold it. So I bought my SV instead. Probably worked out better in the long run.
I would love one now for a toy something to play on at weekends. But theres four bikes in our garage and we dont have any room for anymore.
I would love one now for a toy something to play on at weekends. But theres four bikes in our garage and we dont have any room for anymore.
"Why do people need such big garages?" :rolleyes:
"Why do people need such big garages?" :rolleyes:
I'd love a bigger garage, I put it down to only having a small ****
I'd love a bigger garage, I put it down to only having a small ****
WOW! You're the second person I've ever met that keeps foul in their garden!! :rolleyes:
fizzwheel
07-06-07, 02:07 PM
I think you have missed my point
*Sticks head up above parapet*
No I dont get what you're getting at either...
Since I was a kid I've wanted a GSXR, I remember being out with my dad on holidays and stuff and seeing the shiny blue and white bikes going past, the sun, the reflection of the paint, the smell, it must have made a big imapct on me, because since I was small when I thought "bike" I thought of those blue and white GSXR's
I was never in a position where I could afford to get my license till a few years ago. I also lost a good friend when I was 19 in a bike accident and it put me off. So finding myself in a rut, after spliting up with my girlfriend at the time I wanted something to focus on. I decided I was going to knuckle down save up some cash and go and get my license. Which I duly did. I then got a 125, saved up some more cash and then 12 months later bought my SV, two years later having had my car written off in an accident and being in a position that the house I had bought had gone up in value quite a lot and having had hassle with my SV, and now being more confident in my riding skills. I saw my 750 in a dealership. I sat down thought about it, thought about whether I could afford to finance it, thought about whether I could afford to run and insure it. I thought about whether I might kill myself on it.
Maybe my first post was a bit flippant, But basically I did think eventually yes I can afford it and yes I would like to own that bike. I didnt just walk into the dealers and slap my cash on the counter and say I'll have that one please.
I work hard for my to earn my wages so I can go and afford to do the things I want to do. I realise I'm lucky because I'm in a position to do this. I know that not everybody else is. I dont do things on a whim, I think long and hard about them.
In my mind I earnt every penny of the money that GSXR cost. I'm now rewarded with a bike that I love riding that when I feel a bit fedup with work or something bugging me I can fish out of the garge and go for a ride and when I come back I feel much better or I can look at the situation thats bugging me in a clearer light and find a way to fix it. If you like instead of escaping into drink and or drugs. My bike is my way out. Its an escape and it makes me feel alive in a way that nothing else does. I love my bigger bike, its different than my SV, its a different set of challenges, If I only could have one bike. It would be my GSXR.
Does it fulfill me, yes it does, in the same way a good book, will make me feel elated, sad, happy all those emotions as I get lost in a story, In the same way spending the night in the pub telling stories or just talking rubbish with my mates does. In the same way that sitting at home nattering to Liz about nothing in particular does. In the same way that not sleeping on my own at night does. In the same way that waking up next to the person that I love does each morning. The same way that when I fix a technical problem at work does. The same way that I roll out a new piece of hardware or software technology at work does.
In short its not the bike in the garage that fulfills me, its that glow you get from the perfect line through the perfect bend on the perfect summers evening. That deep down feeling of being alive.
fizzwheel
07-06-07, 02:08 PM
"Why do people need such big garages?" :rolleyes:
its not... they're just well packed in there. :p
Steve H
07-06-07, 02:09 PM
WOW! You're the second person I've ever met that keeps foul in their garden!! :rolleyes:
Did you mean fowl or actually shi*e? ;)
gettin2dizzy
07-06-07, 02:17 PM
I can only talk about mine really, but over 70 was a different package to below 70, completely. I'm not particularly heavy so it wasn't that. I did get a chance to top my SV out in Germany last year, and I saw, once, 140 on the clock and that was it - and it took an age once it got above 125, and over 130 it's counting each mph time!
I remember noticing when i put the superopen pipe on that it shifted the power to the higher revs quite a lot, (not dynod, just opinion) even putting the baffle in seems to make it gruntier at low revs whilst sacrificing the top end a bit. I wonder if that has made the difference. Saying that, I accidentally wheelied a cbr at about 110 - now thats fun! :p
The Basket
07-06-07, 02:18 PM
A bike like the RGV250:cool:
That is THE bike.
Big bikes and big wallets do go hand in hand. Unless you buy an old ThunderAce which can be picked up for very little. A big fast bike for SV money.
I never minded a guy with a flash bike as long as he was nice about it. I remember a few years ago. Bloke turns up to J+S Northwich with a top Ducati 996 and dainese leathers and with a sneer and a I'm better than you look. Then an even flashier Duke turns up with bloke in jeans and crappy leather jacket. Bloke just leaves and goes into shop. Dainese boy no longer has the flash bike and decides to leave.
Me and GPz500 laugh and wave him goodbye.
Did you mean fowl or actually shi*e? ;)
I actually typed "shed", I've no idea why it got censored, gave completely the wrong impression :lol:
Did you mean fowl or actually shi*e? ;)
You've never kept chickens, obviously!
I told my mrs it was safer :) Which technically is true, better brakes, better handling, quicker overtakes - it makes me a safer rider all round... Buy the best you can afford - same as the lid advice.
Steve H
07-06-07, 02:38 PM
You've never kept chickens, obviously!
If I did, they would be big powerful ones. ;)
Sorry if I have let my personal feelings cloud my recent posts, Its just that I
hate the apparent trend for 'buying bigger and better than you and thats all that matters' -Bloody hell, I sound like a Communist! :eek:
Some comments of an Orger just seem to personify that mentality, imo.
I apologise for any ill feeling caused.
I appreciate people have choices. :thumbsup:
Why buy a larger bike
Cos some people make the SV or SS600's look ridiculously small.
2 up touring I'd want a bigger bike then an SV. You can pick up a nice 98-2000 blade for the same as a good newer Sv so money wasn't a motivation. Thing is I don't want to go two up touring just get in and out of work/ london easily, & longer trips out & about without having to scream it everywhere -so the SV's just about ideal for me.
(Could maybe use that extra 10bhp though ;))
kwak zzr
07-06-07, 05:12 PM
i smashed the sv650 and got the sv1000 its a great bike but to be honest 120mph + speeds dont feel comfortable after the smash:( i'll prob sell the 1000 and get another 650, i cant see the point in the extra power.
Biker Biggles
07-06-07, 05:29 PM
Could always put a 700 big bore conversion in the SV to compensate for that small chicken in the garden.
Could the small chicken be a Bantam?
Can you catch someone elses mental problem from this thread?:p :driving:
Pedrosa
07-06-07, 06:06 PM
Mr.HRC has made me ride smaller bike! But it still very,very fast and I still earning same money?:rolleyes:
Biker Biggles
07-06-07, 06:10 PM
Hows your small polla in the garden?
Pedrosa
07-06-07, 06:19 PM
Mr.Boggles you very rudey man! It is safely tucked away where it should be put.;)
mister c
07-06-07, 07:02 PM
I have ridden small, medium & large capacity machines & always end up coming back to the mediums, but they seem to do everything I want them to do. I am not looking for the thrill of going down a straight road at mach 3 on the latest hyperbike. I always tell my students when i do CBT's that anyone can ride fast in a straight line, its in the smoothness of your riding (which includes cornering). I think you get a bigger buzz out of a nice twisty road at about 60 - 80 than flying down a dual carriageway at 140 - 170.
A few years ago a mate of mine bought a ZZR1100, so that he could impress the women in the pub that he had the fastest bike in the world. Whenever he came out for a ride with us we had to stop & wait for him to catch up until we hit the long straights, then he would just take off like a numpty. Soon as we hit a few bends he dropped off like a stone.
thedonal
07-06-07, 07:22 PM
You've never kept chickens, obviously!
Kept chickens from what? How about keeping chickens discreetly?
Anyway- my tuppence, 'cos I've been thinking about this of late.
1000cc sports or tourers have got WAY more power than the british roads allow, so to me seem a little much. I guess if your big boned (!), or carry a spouse (or grouse, or even a chicken) on the back, then you need more oomph to be able to ride the bike with less revs/effort. I'm sure, if you've got the skills and experience, they also come off well on the track.
But I can't ever see myself getting a much bigger engine than a 750/800 (when/if they become production bikes), if even that. I've got about 126 indicated out of my SV- it was fun for a few moments and I didn't have the opportunity to push it harder- I'd like to get 130 out of it at some point. I prefer the acceleration and corners to top speed. Let's face it- anything over 80 results in lots of points and a possible ban anyway, though it is fun to go fast from time to time. Unless I get a big cruiser in a couple of decades..!
I've ridden my Bro's CBR400 a couple of times now and that is faster than my SV- he regularly gets 135 on it and it gets there much quicker and as it is smaller, you feel like you're going even faster- it never fails to rip a grin out of the rider. I'm fairly convinced that the next bike will be a CBR600RR- and after the 400, the SV is starting to feel decidedly sluggish- I'm already pushing it to high revs in gears before changing. Though I would love an SP-2! The V's continue to have their pull on me...
AlexO'Neill
07-06-07, 07:27 PM
Simply acceleration. Which gives more of a thrill and CBRR's and GSXR's have better handleing.
I'm not big boned (11st and 5'9) but if next years 10R had an extra 20hp through out the mid range I'd swap immediately as I could certainly use more even on public roads. The peak power is another matter. It is probably "enough" in fairness although I wouldn't want less.
I dare say over the next few generations of machine we will see more peak power that I don't need at the expensive of mid range which I need more of.
By the way, going back 10 years ago, doing 70mph on my old CD175 honestly felt as quick as 170mph on my current bike. Not sure what that means but I thought I would mention it anyway!
kwak zzr
07-06-07, 09:08 PM
Mr.HRC has made me ride smaller bike! But it still very,very fast and I still earning same money?:rolleyes:
if you dont start riding it faster you wont have a job:rolleyes:
gettin2dizzy
07-06-07, 09:24 PM
I've ridden my Bro's CBR400 a couple of times now and that is faster than my SV- he regularly gets 135 on it and it gets there much quicker and as it is smaller, you feel like you're going even faster- it never fails to rip a grin out of the rider. I'm fairly convinced that the next bike will be a CBR600RR- and after the 400, the SV is starting to feel decidedly sluggish- I'm already pushing it to high revs in gears before changing. Though I would love an SP-2! The V's continue to have their pull on me...
The 400s shouldn't be able to keep up with you at all! A 400 raced against an SV with equal skill should result in the SV soaring ahead. - A 400 certainly feels faster though, which makes it misleading. Its all about spread of power, not peak.
DanAbnormal
07-06-07, 09:25 PM
Sv has plenty of go above 100.
Hmm, I must have had a really underpowered K6 SV650 then as mine was pants above 90. I guess it depends what you are used to.
toonyank
07-06-07, 09:29 PM
(I've heard tales of people being outgunned by Civic Type-R's ffs! :lol: )
I'd invite any challenge :smt072 Yes it's not a big bore and the type r's top speed I can't match but IMHO, I can get to my top speed quicker that he can.
Tim in Belgium
07-06-07, 09:30 PM
Currently I don't want to try a more powerful/larger bike than the SV because I might like it and have to spend some more money. But I fear I'll only be able to hold back so long.
kwak zzr
07-06-07, 10:21 PM
Hmm, I must have had a really underpowered K6 SV650 then as mine was pants above 90. I guess it depends what you are used to.
the 650 does start to tail off above 90 but still goes to 125 easy enuf with not much more after that.
kwak zzr
07-06-07, 10:22 PM
I'd invite any challenge :smt072 Yes it's not a big bore and the type r's top speed I can't match but IMHO, I can get to my top speed quicker that he can.
off the lights i can see where your coming from but from a 30mph roll on the type R would clear off, ive had this with a type R and a VR6 golf:-x
Jelster
07-06-07, 10:27 PM
The Focus ST is 270 BHP ? 'kin ell thats impressive :cool:
It's called "Dream Science" and it turns up next week.... 271bhp chip remap :smt040 :driving:
There's a guy on the STOC site with 335 bhp and 400ft/lbs :notworthy:
.
Don't equate engine size just with top speed, thats is not that important, its the way that the power is delivered that makes the difference, oh and the decent chassis helps.
kcowgergmm
08-06-07, 03:12 AM
i believe the reason i see is
1. for a bigger adrenaline rush
2. so when those lights turn blue you see them disappearing in the rear view mirrors even faster
I look at it the other way. Reasons NOT to buy a big bike (cos I see nothing wrong with them per se). For me it's really all about money. Generally they drink more fuel, have higher insurance, wear chain & tyres quicker etc. I'd be a bit worried about the accessibily of big speeds (look at my avatar) but other than that I would love more lazy power \ mid range oomph. I didn't like having to rev the CBR to get it to move, so if I do get a bigger bike in time it would probably be a litre bike just to give that ease of top gear roll on overtakes.
Couple of other comments on points raised:
* My SV is pants above 90 too. I've had it showing a good chunk more than that but frankly after that you're building speed rather than just accssing it (CBRs point was 120. Basically top of 3rd on both bikes).
* Bikes are my alternative to drink and drugs too. (someone said that)
Amanda M
08-06-07, 07:11 AM
I got a raptor 1000 because I test rode one and loved it. I loved the look of them when they came out but couldn't afford one at the time. Engine size had nothing to do with why I bought it, although now I've got those 1000ccs it's bloody good fun \\:D/ Oh yeah, and it cost the same to insure as the SV650 I traded in for it...
Pedrosa
08-06-07, 07:13 AM
I got a raptor 1000 because I test rode one and loved it. I loved the look of them when they came out but couldn't afford one at the time. Engine size had nothing to do with why I bought it, although now I've got those 1000ccs it's bloody good fun \\:D/ Oh yeah, and it cost the same to insure as the SV650 I traded in for it...
A nice young lady, unusual also as she not looking to get her leg over anything big.;)
Amanda M
08-06-07, 07:48 AM
A nice young lady, unusual also as she not looking to get her leg over anything big.;)
:kiss:
:mrgreen:
Steve H
08-06-07, 08:00 AM
off the lights i can see where your coming from but from a 30mph roll on the type R would clear off, ive had this with a type R and a VR6 golf:-x
From about 80-90 maybe but 30?
Are you doing this in 6th gear? ;)
Ceri JC
08-06-07, 08:03 AM
By the way, going back 10 years ago, doing 70mph on my old CD175 honestly felt as quick as 170mph on my current bike. Not sure what that means but I thought I would mention it anyway!
So true. The fastest any speed has 'felt' for me was doing 40mph for the first time in the lanes on my CBT. It felt vastly quicker than 100mph+ speeds do to me now. I think things feel faster the more dangerous they are/the more we're pushing the limits of ours/the machine's abilities.
busasean
08-06-07, 09:26 AM
Yeah, this thread's going nowhere good is it? :)
Why NOT get a bigger bike, in my case, is that I like little bikes. I wanted an RVF but couldn't afford a good one. Always been rather tempted to get a 250 smoker. The only reason that counts is personal taste. But there's nothing at all wrong with wanting something bigger or faster. In fact, even if you can't ride it there's nothing wrong with it- some people mock the guys on R1s that can't ride, and so do I, but because they can't ride not because they've baught a bike that's better than them.
Of course, an awful lot of people mock people with smaller bikes, or assume that they just can't afford or handle something bigger and faster, but that's no more or less ignorant than mocking people who prefer a big bike.
thats exactly it!:thumright:
just for info didnt rospa recently make the comment about riders in the uk not needing anything over 125cc. i have a cbr250, a ktm 250 exc, an sv 650 a 1050 triumph tiger and a hayabusa and do you know what i would buy if i won the lottery? a cagiva mito!!(among many, obviously) different bikes for different people i suppose.
the_runt69
08-06-07, 09:45 AM
Have the SV because its what I want, nippy enough for riding in town good handling(could be better but I need to change the rear shock) and anything bigger would be wasted for my basic commute. But at least it has has the legs if you do want to go out further more so than my old bandit 400 so the best of both worlds for me. If i had a longer commute would look for something larger though.
kcowgergmm
08-06-07, 10:27 AM
oh ther third reason i would like to have a bigger bike is so i could make up more time on the way to work instead of always being 10 min late i could make it there only 8 min late
MeridiaNx
08-06-07, 10:43 AM
oh ther third reason i would like to have a bigger bike is so i could make up more time on the way to work instead of always being 10 min late i could make it there only 8 min late
At least someone else is like me, good to know! Not that I go to work atm but when I did...
Don't equate engine size just with top speed, thats is not that important, its the way that the power is delivered that makes the difference, oh and the decent chassis helps.
Welcome to why I opted for the CBF1000. It has the ooomph of an IL4 but power delivery of a twin. I really like what theyve done with the retuned blade engine in the CBF.
As for why I love the litre bike over the SV? everything has become so much easier, smoother and effortless. Faster overtakes in top gears are for me really good - I can overtake safely in places I wouldnt have been confident to attempt to on the SV.
The comfort is another factor - I got to Jedburgh from Kent on the SV last year and god I hurt. Got there on the CBF two weeks ago, and could have ridden another 200 miles if I wasnt so knackered. Not having to stop so often for fuel because of the bigger tank is another benefit.
For me, Im not a sports bike orientated biker. So Ive opted for a comfortable, sensible litre bike ;) which outperforms the SV in every respect except one. The SV still has an edge on grin factor, but only just. The reason I got the CBF is its the only bike thats come close to the SV.
Two years when the bikes paid off and all my loans cleared, Ill be looking to pick up an old curvy just for playing on so I get the best of both worlds.
Personally, I figure each to their own. And as Northwind has said on here before, how good a bike is and how much fun you have isnt down to the bike - its down to you. I know guys on blades who would happily go spend a day on an LC350 as much as their supersports bike. Its not about performance - its how you use the machines capabilities and how much you enjoy that. And sometimes, there are times having that bit more ooomph is a massive grin factor as there is to having something smaller and lighter to handle. :)
The Basket
08-06-07, 12:14 PM
Odd to justify the bike you ride....why?...I walk into shop and buy bike.
My GPz was comfier than a SV and also did 200miles to a tankful...on 2 less cylinders and half the capacity!!!!:) Don't need a litre for that!!!!!!
I've been looking at 2nd hand ones as they are quite cheap...and loads of fun. It might be backward step but they would be cheapo to run and put the smile back on me face. Plus good roads around here and little traffic.
My skill will make up any lacking in the Geep!!!
Big bikes are for people that can't ride smaller bikes properly.......:D :D
northwind
08-06-07, 12:49 PM
Big bikes are for people that can't ride smaller bikes properly.......:D :D
Small bikes are for people who're afraid of proper bikes :rolleyes:
;)
Big bikes are for people that can't ride smaller bikes properly.......:grin: :grin:
Take it you were struggling with your old 125/400 then?
Odd to justify the bike you ride....why?...
Cos it would be a very short thread otherwise given the originator was wondering why some of us have picked larger bikes :p :D :lol: :lol:
Yeah, the 125 use to run away with me. And I will hodl my hand up and say I would be scared to own a bigger bike to ride on the road as I could see myself easily getting into a situation where I'd be likely to do myself some serious damage or worse.
For me I did have a 400 IL4 before one's SV, but it was long in the tooth and also the SV is hardly what you would call a performance machine really if we're honest. :rolleyes: They are, give or take, the same performance, but the difference for me was the 400 was about 24 years old where the SV was 4 when I bought it.
I'm happy to take some stick though.
Jelster
08-06-07, 01:17 PM
Just to put things back into perspective. I took the bike out last night, first time in weeks & weeks due to holidays, weather and work.
God I love my 'Blade... Sorry, but you can't do 3 figures in 2nd on 600/650, and you cant do serious speeds in 3rd. Overtakes were effortless and the handling faultless.
Mr Honda, take a bow, son, take a bow...
.
gettin2dizzy
08-06-07, 01:24 PM
My GPz was comfier than a SV and also did 200miles to a tankful...on 2 less cylinders and half the capacity!!!!:) Don't need a litre for that!!!!!!
Two less cylinders than an SV? No wonder it had a good mpg! :-D
kwak zzr
08-06-07, 02:02 PM
could be a gpz 900 or 1100 they were il4.
Ceri JC
08-06-07, 02:03 PM
Two less cylinders than an SV? No wonder it had a good mpg! :-D
Evidently it was some sort of Rotary Norton/GPz hybrid. ;)
The Basket
08-06-07, 02:05 PM
two less cylinders than a il4 I meant....lol.
But the MPG was very good.
From about 80-90 maybe but 30?
Are you doing this in 6th gear? ;)
I'd agree with Kwak here. I chased after a Golf R32 (admitidly they had a slight mph advantage on me) and couldn't keep up. That was from Jn11 of the M40 up the start of the A442 (towards Brackley). Just under a mile and uphill (to a roundabout where we went separate ways).
Just to put things back into perspective. I took the bike out last night, first time in weeks & weeks due to holidays, weather and work.
God I love my 'Blade... Sorry, but you can't do 3 figures in 2nd on 600/650, and you cant do serious speeds in 3rd. Overtakes were effortless and the handling faultless.
Mr Honda, take a bow, son, take a bow...
heehee Im grinning reading that... may have the detuned blade engine but know exactly where youre coming from. Yet while I like that kind of performance on the CBF, I didnt like my mates gixxer600. I guess Im just wierd :lol: :lol:
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