Witch bike

The eternal question which bike to buy?
A mate has asked me for advice based on the following:

"The ZX9 is great - best bike I've ever ridden (including the new Blade, which my brother has), but is due for replacement in March. The trouble is that I won't change it unless I find something I prefer. Most sportsbikes are too track focussed and everything else seems gutless once you're used to a sportsbike. The Blackbird and Busa are too lardy - but the ZX12 could be a consideration. I rode a CB1300 not long ago, which was OK, but no more than OK. The Sprint ST was a big disappointment, as was the R1200GS (REALLY stupid indicators and a tractor of an engine). I also had a go on the Rocket III, which was awesome and great fun, but not very practical (and too expensive). Whatever I get must have a fairing. Shaft drive is appealling, but not essential, and it must have a great engine. Any ideas?"

My thoughts are:
Z1000 with a bikini (green obviously) or SV1000s

What say you?

[Viney]

To be honest all the bikes that you quote are all totally different in characteristics. I would ride them all and buy the one that makes you smile.

Originally Posted by Dr Rich

beat me too it

TDM 900 , FJR 1300 possibly

[ophic]

from road tests and looking at one, the ZX12 is just as lardy as a 'busa. Only green, like a bus

Excellent idea Dr Rich a Harry Potter special!

"The ZX9 is great - best bike I've ever ridden"

Really ??

(including the new Blade, which my brother has)

(Double shock!)

Most sportsbikes are too track focussed

"New" ones maybe

everything else seems gutless once you're used to a sportsbike.

I disagree, you just have to ride them differently....

The Blackbird and Busa are too lardy

I had the pegs down on a 'Bird during a 40 minute test ride, big yes, lardy no... As for the 'Busa, again, not lardy, just heavy. My mate corners like a demon on his, two up with luggage as well....

but the ZX12 could be a consideration.

Same as the 2 above, but a little more raw in the power delivery

I rode a CB1300 not long ago, which was OK, but no more than OK.

It's a different type of bike, but it's a decent retro style machine, if that's what you want.

The Sprint ST was a big disappointment, as was the R1200GS (REALLY stupid indicators and a tractor of an engine).

Totally know where you're coming from on both of those. Now the ST feels lardy.... It seems to wallow when you take it in to roundabouts. And that GS is just...... German..

I also had a go on the Rocket III, which was awesome and great fun

Yes, but that's what the bike is meant to be...

My opinion....

SV1000S wil give you the power delivery you want, as will the Tuono. If you want something with real power, and comfort, the new FZ1 (faired) is the dogs, and it looks awesome as a naked.

.

Originally Posted by Jelster

SV1000S wil give you the power delivery you want, as will the Tuono. If you want something with real power, and comfort, the new FZ1 (faired) is the dogs, and it looks awesome as a naked.

.

Or even the current (outgoing) Fazer 1000 - an excellent do everything machine.

[northwind]

Beaten to it, Fazer thou.