Something comfy all rounder

[yorkie_chris]

I can't think of a better bike than an SV for that sort of use. A motard maybe, but then you'll run out of petrol somewhere remote up there.

Buy a cheap curvy and sort the suspension, simple

Sprint ST, VFR, etc are too long and heavy to lob about on properly knarly roads.

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

excessive and abusive use as a braking system

You seen me ride
It has no negative effect within reasonable time span that I can see, and I have done more miles on mine than majority of owners will.

Obviously, if you put the revs through the redline, then it will go bang.

I had the SV1000, great bike loads of torque and handling was great. Well, better than my abilities anyway, you wouldn't go far wrong with one, the reason i got rid was
A) It was too uncomfortable for me (Knackered knees)
B) I got so used to riding an IL4 i couldn't gel again with a twin.
C) Had no self control on the throttle, and eventually I would’ve either lost my license or my life.
Traded that in for the more sedate Z750.

I've road both the CB1000r and the Z1000 earlier this year. Both fantastic bikes.
The Z (09 model) was effortless to ride, smooth acceleration and pulled like the proverbial freight train, handling was fine, not at all wallowy in the corners. The 2010 model is meant to be even better but I haven’t had the pleasure of that.

The Honda had loads of torque in the mid-range and handled like it was on rails, tipped in phenomenally quick and was very confidence inspiring. The acceleration had the smoothness of the Z but also gave you a punch in the back like a V-twin, no dramas whilst in mid corner, but upon giving it the beans out of a corner the front end wanted to come up, and I don’t do wheelies, frighten the bajezuz out of me.

Given the choice I’d go for the Honda.
Just don’t tell the Z purists.

Cheers
Cuffy

Get a v-strom thou, proper old mans bike. Very comfy.

Back to - ME ME ME - and how me rides and what me prefers. Sorry Chris but excessive or abusive engine braking and harsh acceleration, does not do a transmission any good and wears out component parts quicker I don't care what you say or have been taught. You end up with strain on all the components and over a period of time something will give where as brakes are designed for that purpose,yes they wear, but that is what they are designed to do and a much cheaper option to replace
I agree with you, over a reasonable time span the engine/transmission may last a while with competent smooth riding but using a bit of brake reduces stress and lengthens the life span as the inertia force of braking is spread over the complete mechanism of the vehicle reducing the stress placed on it

DT, I agree. FWIW, I believe that brakes are for braking and engine is for propulsion.

As to the original question. How much money is available? New or used? So many choices. Today I was looking at a Yamaha FZ1S. Nice bike that would seem to fit the bill for a nice torquey all rounder.

[Bri w]

Speed Triple will give you a similar riding position as the CB and the Z but will also give you more engine braking than an IL4.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by independentphoto

Viffer? Before someone else suggests it....

I got to say that's why I like my VFR, it is a genuine all-rounder. Not as fast as some on the straights and not as nimble as others in the bends but more than competent on both. On real roads it's not often left behind.

It's all day comfy, takes a pillion with ease and can tour out of the box.

The only down side is lack of storage space for bits and bobs.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

what they are designed to do

I believe they are designed to be given a good and regular kicking

When a component part will last longer than the rest of the bike, even given higher wear rate, surely the wear is inconsequential?

Not disagreeing with you that brakes are designed to slow you down by the way

Like Cuffy I have ridden the Honda and the Kwak thous, The last Z was OK apart from an odd front end feeling but it was still fine enough to remove the chicken strips (the new version is much better allegedly) also the seat was a plank. The Honda CB was more comfortable and felt more planted and had the better motor in my vew. However having ridden the FZ1 (naked) that would be my choice of the bikes mentioned in this thread.

For something completely different and arguably more of a challenge, you could always consider the Bandit 1250, you have so much storage on the GT version as well. Handling is quite a hoot for a heavy beast. I didn't experience problems keeping up with better exotica on the twisties on mine. They just look less dynamic as the above. I've no idea about using one on the track mind.

[JamesMio]

Fireblade...

All the sportyness of the CBR600 but with more grunt low down, so you don't have to kick it's face in to get it moving...

(works for me!)