FZ6 off to bike heaven - recommend me a new bike

[Stu]

Just a typo because I'd NEVER heard of an XRV750.



*Well, not that I remember

Originally Posted by keith_d

It might be a bit lacking in character for you, but the universal bike is a VFR800.

It's a bit bigger and heavier than the SV so you can't just sneak through narrow gaps the same way, but it's reasonably quick, comfortable and capable of hauling plenty of luggage.

Assuming your insurers will cover you (worth checking they haven't suspended your cover after the accident), you're welcome to try mine for size.

The only thing to watch out for is that every 16k miles they need a major (spelled e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e) service.

VFR is an idea I've been toying with for some time now. I like the touring capability and a V4 engine, as well as the linked brakes idea (although might hate it once I actually try it.) All will depend on how it actually feels when I get on one ride ride for a couple of hours. What you said at Soho on Friday, i.e. of it being a bit on the heavy side is putting me a bit off, as is the cost of major service.. Worth a test ride though, so might take you up on your offer.

Ps. My insurance has not been suspended, as the accident was not my fault and no claim has really been made. It is Third party fire & theft only though so might need to talk to them about extra cover for test rides

[yorkie_chris]

My TPFT covers me 3rd party on my mates bikes, check your policy.

what about the KTM Superduke? not sure if you would get panniers on it though? lovely bike.

Originally Posted by Stu

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...ivergrouptest/
Video of a couple of bikes you are considering against the SV that you know.

Thanks for that Stu, will have a look at lunch (can't play sound at my desk at work..)

Originally Posted by rictus01

this is all I can find as an RXV ?

But yes I was talking about the Honda XRV750 Africa Twin, sorry I though people would know that.

Cheers Mark.

I do like the look of it and heard some good opinions but... 60bhp might not be enough two up on a German autobahn..

[rictus01]

Originally Posted by SUPERSTARDJ01

what about the KTM Superduke? not sure if you would get panniers on it though? lovely bike.

Basically no you can't, I have a SM950 rear pod which will get scuffed really badly for that purpose, but the standard fitment just covers the pipes, and besides a Superduke is not what I'd advise for building confidence.

Originally Posted by martianskippy

I do like the look of it and heard some good opinions but... 60bhp might not be enough two up on a German autobahn..

I admit it doesn't sound a lot, but it's all low down, it feels like it'd pull down a house and barely notices two up, it does make the SV feel a bit wimpish, however it's not got the top end, running out of puff at about 110mph, if you can find one test ride it, I was surprised it only had 60hp.

Cheers Mark

[rictus01]

Originally Posted by Stu

Just a typo because I'd NEVER heard of an XRV750.



*Well, not that I remember

Honda designation Stu XR = Off road, V = V engines, 750 displacement.

Cheers Mark.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

My TPFT covers me 3rd party on my mates bikes, check your policy.

Will definitely do, although getting any information from my insurers (eBike) is sometimes nigh on impossible. The documentation they provide is far from straightforward and call are charged at premium rates, so only way to contact them is through email. My solicitors have now been waiting for over two months for eBike to confirm my legal cover

If it turns out my insurance doesn't cover me for other bikes, especially if they are bigger capacity than my current one, what are my other options? Are there any companies offering additional cover for such occasions?

[jambo]

Z750? Perhaps one of the older ones. The motor's in a pretty low state of tune which means long service intervals and low-down torque. I've been lucky enough to ride Dave's and while it was a bit squishy we could have easily dialed that out, and it seemed nice and planted.

Honda Hornet again has a good useable motor, and they're common and well built.

The Recent BMW F800 set clearly shouldn't be discounted, but they can be more expensive than the competition.

It's hard not to recommend an SV, but you've discounted it already. The DL650 may be worth a test ride though. Power isn't everything. I'm considering a 200cc town bike as the ZX6's no faster...

Not all In-line 4's need to be red-lined. I commute using the ZX6R at between 3-6k rpm, and it pulls cleanly.

Jambo

Originally Posted by jambo

Z750? Perhaps one of the older ones. The motor's in a pretty low state of tune which means long service intervals and low-down torque. I've been lucky enough to ride Dave's and while it was a bit squishy we could have easily dialed that out, and it seemed nice and planted.

I think one of the naked ZEDs (750 or a 1000) should make it to the test ride list

Originally Posted by jambo

Honda Hornet again has a good useable motor, and they're common and well built.

Common is the word here But seriously, I rode (though very briefly) the one Stu had as a hire bike, it seemed competent but blander than a bland thing. It was definitely quicker than an SV but subjectively it did not feel even half as fast...

Originally Posted by jambo

The Recent BMW F800 set clearly shouldn't be discounted, but they can be more expensive than the competition.

The Beemer is definitely on the top of my list but price and supply are the main issues at the moment. All the ones I managed to find on Autotrader were trade and quite expensive for the year. Could not find a single private one on 06/07 plate. Any ideas where else to look apart from Autotrader?

Originally Posted by jambo

It's hard not to recommend an SV, but you've discounted it already. The DL650 may be worth a test ride though. Power isn't everything. I'm considering a 200cc town bike as the ZX6's no faster...

The DL650 and DL1000 are definitely to be tested and might be a serious contender to the BMW. At the moment I can't really justify 2 bikes so the one I buy must tick as many boxes as possible.

Originally Posted by jambo

Not all In-line 4's need to be red-lined. I commute using the ZX6R at between 3-6k rpm, and it pulls cleanly.

I rode my friend's 8 year old'ish ZX9R (although very briefly again and at low speed) and absolutely hated it - bulky, heavy, very uncomfortable position and needed to be wrestled at low speeds - I presume the ZX6R is not that much different?

Thanks
Martin