FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike
 

Impatiently awaiting final verdict on my pig of a bike following yesterdays assessment but more likely than not, my bruised Yamaha is going to be written off and expedited to biking heaven (or rather hell ;) ) Which poses a question that's been bugging me for some time now - which bike to buy next?

Those aware of my bumpy relationship with the Fazer will know that I've never really "gelled" with the bike and although it did its job commuting 80mls/day the bike never matched the sentiment I had for my SV :( The main problem was the engine that woke up only once you reached min. 8000 revs whereas I've always preferred motors with low down torque. Another problem was the weight which on the FZ6 is substantial and sits very high..

What do I want then?
A universal bike with a bit of character. It is unlikely that I will ever own 2 bikes at the same time, so the one I choose will need to allow me to commute through town during week and than go touring up in Europe at the weekend. Low down engine torque is very high on the wishlist so a V2/V4 or a parallel twin would be ideal. Half faired or naked bike would be preferred and an ABS system would be big plus though not a deal breaker. Engine-size wise, I would like to stay in th 650-1000cc's bracket.

My budget will depend on what I get for the FZ6 but provisionally I'll be able to cough up between £3500 and 4000.

So far , there are two bikes on the possible's list:
1 BMW F800 S/ST (please do not lynch me;))
2 Yamaha TDM900

Your suggestions please?

Re: FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike
 

I have a ZX6R and it has loads of low down torque more than my SV and is more comfy, how about a Falco, ZX10, R1, ST is a lovely bike, BMW huh?

Re: FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike
 

I've never really liked full-faired race reps so unfortunately neither of the suggestions would do it for me. Would prefer something with bars rather than clip ons and a more upright position..

Thanks for the suggestion though

Re: FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike
 

Not exactly the type of bikes the OP mentions.

I went to a dealership the other day, loved the looks of the Shiver GT, but that's £6k (or 2years 0% finance ;)).

I also like the Beemer, but I'd check the major service costs first, it could be a nasty surprise, as I found out with the Faclo (or shop around, which could make it bearable).

Re: FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike
 

Fz6 minor service at Yamaha was 250-300 and major was 500-600 so.. I ended up servicing it myself (with Rictus' supervision that is:eek:). Not sure if I'd be able to do minor service on the Beemer myself though?

Re: FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike
 

Looking at Biketrader they seem to be going for ~£5k+ but £4k might just tip you into the lower end of the Triumph Tiger 1050 bracket if you're lucky

Re: FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike
 

what about a verseys or er6f
mmmm street fightered gsxr 600/750
or a falco maybe even a nice bandit

Re: FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike
 

*cough* V-Strom? *cough*

:-dd

Re: FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike
 

Why rule out IL4's ? Get a bigger capacity one and you'll have plenty of low down torque

You want something to commute on and tour on, my suggestion would be a Bandit 1250, if you can get the GT model it comes with luggage as well...

Decent upright riding position, nice comfy seat, plenty of torque, lovely peachy smooth power delivery can ride it around all day long in 6th gear. If i wanted a bike for what you want one for it would be a bandit. A faired one mind, as the screen is excellent on it to...

Re: FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike
 

I do love the look of the new Tiger but the price might make it a no-go.. Also heard they are quite huge in flesh so not sure how I would feel on it confidence-wise bearing in mind my last off where the weight of the bike itself broke my leg in three places :(

Versys/ER6 were something I was looking at but I believe the engine was not really that torquey. Had a go on Lozzo's Versys at the AR and I felt that it was quite true.

As far as Bandit is concerned, I absolutely hate the look of it - the frame looks ancient...