What should my next bike be?

Originally Posted by dirtydog

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!

[Mark_h]

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.

Originally Posted by Mark_h

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).

.

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.

Originally Posted by Jelster

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).

.

Saw a nice one on here the other day: http://www.gumtree.com/london/12/9681712.html

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.

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]

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?