I'm struggling to choose a new bike

**jonnyk5614** · 4th February 2016, 22:48

When drunk on trademe last May, I purchased a 2004 GSXR-1000 way out in the 'naki and by fluke loved it. I put 15'000km on it since then until a gentleman was kind enough to drive into the side of me on the motorway. She is now a write off and I am looking about.

So - here is what I like and don't like.
I like pretty.
I like fast.
I like good fun in the twisties and am prepared to accept a heavier bike requiring more work to corner well.
I like reasonably comfortable for 500km/day.
I like feeling planted on the road.
I liked the Yoshi pipe I had.
I don't like sitting upright riding.
I don't like really short wheelbase, light bikes that don't make me feel planted on the road, albeit awesome to corner.

So - what I've tried.

GSXR-1000 2015.
Hated it. Sounded like a diesel. Felt cheap - figured they'd spend 10 years making it cheaper rather than better.

GSXF-1250.
Great engine.
Not my style of bike though - too sit up for me. Not sporty enough.

'Busa.
Hate the styling (tolerable in White or yellow though).
Love the cockpit though.
Love the engine and the way it rides (didn't get to try out of town twisties though).
Probably lose my license but then again probably would on my Gixxer too.....

2013 GSXR-750 (or was it a 600?)
Same review as the 1000 but slower.

2008 Fireblade.
Actually rather liked it - this example had a stupid short exhaust that offered no back pressure and made it splutter at low revs. Nice bike though but heavy on the wrists.

New Daytona
God is was beautiful.
Sex on wheels.
Handled like a dream, cornered like a dream, felt like it was on rails. Even sounded good with the stock pipe.
A bit slower than what I am used to but meh....
$17k Gulp. Not budget.

Kawasaki 636 2008
Lovely bike.
Really liked it.
Would love it if I'd come from my 250 to it but from a 1000, just felt too slow.

New R1.
Way out of budget but the salesman said "don't care - take it for a few hours and tell your mates how awesome it is!"
It is awesome.

Goddam awesome.
Fast, planted, sex on wheels, even turning it on looks cool on the dash.

Too much tech though - felt like I was riding a laptop and all it was making me have to do was squirt and lean, computers did the rest of the riding for me which was actually kind of sad. It doesn't sound too fantastic with stock pipe either.
And way too expensive and I needed to rest my wrists after an hour.

It is a truly awesome bike though.

BMW K1200 S. 2006

I approached it having spotted it in the street and wondered if I found what I was after.
Tourer then unhook the panniers, harden and lower the electronically adjustable suspension and boom - sports bike.

I initially thought a bit unremarkable to ride but actually, 0-100 was under 3 secs. Mid range torque was actually pretty fun too for overtakes in 5th and 6th when actually you "should" have used 4th. She's got a great engine.

Maintainable easy as hell (shaft drive and 10'000km oil changes).

Exciting to ride though? Showed potential.

So - shortlist looking like:
'Busa
K1200S
Daytona (always wanted one)
Another K4 Gixxer! ( to be honest - if I'm forced to buy a new bike, I may as well change....)

Anyone got any ideas/observations/feedback/suggestions?

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**Gremlin** · 4th February 2016, 23:13

K1300S is the replacement for the K1200S, so consider that as well. Much like the Blackbird, these bikes have long legs and make 150-200kph seem effortless. They're ticking over at 100kph... and on my bosses Blackbird was how I've received my only speeding ticket...

Naked bikes like Superduke etc are probably too upright for you, but consider them, along with Tuono. Perhaps an RC8?

**Moise** · 4th February 2016, 23:24

A mate has a K1200 and loves it, but they can have expensive problems - Google.

If you're looking for something different, you might like a Big Bang R1. Not your average litre bike.

**EJK** · 5th February 2016, 08:59

S1000RR?

Same 10,000kms service intervals. But you better have a good BMW mechanic!

**caspernz** · 5th February 2016, 09:58

Interesting shortlist...
'Busa
K1200S
Daytona
Another K4 Gixxer!

Funnily enough I share your reservations on the looks of the Busa, yet I still ended up with one. It corners quite nicely, but not as nimble as either a 750 or 1000 GSX-R, just way more comfy on a day trip. As for license loss potential, that's more down to the rider, suffice to say I favour my chances on my Busa over my days on GSX-Rs.

Personally not a fan of late model Beemers, but admit if I was gonna go for one the K1200S or K1300S might get a look in. Maybe an R1200RT when I turn into an old fart haha...

Daytona or another K4 or K5 Gixxer, yep makes sense.

The Fireblade would also make sense, although I haven't had any personal experience as of late with one.

If it's swiftish sporty fun you're into, considered the Kawa Z1000SX? Suzuki went a bit soft with their 1250 Bandit, whereas big green kept their sporty touring version a little sportier.

Ultimately your tastes (and budget) will make the choice for you.

**sugilite:Me** · 5th February 2016, 10:14

Go retro with a ZX7R. Very planted, handle well, good torque for a 750. Looks mean and aggressive like a sportsbike should

**Jin** · 5th February 2016, 10:48

I thought the blade would be comfier than the gixxer

**roogazza** · 5th February 2016, 10:55

Re kindled my affair with the K6 1000 after 21 months off.Had to lower the pegs slightly for my fucked right knee, but man what a machine.

Always said I'd turn it into a coffee table rather than sell it.

**Blackbird** · 5th February 2016, 11:09

Originally Posted by roogazza

Re kindled my affair with the K6 1000 after 21 months off.Had to lower the pegs slightly for my fucked right knee, but man what a machine..

Probably going to do this with my GSX-S 1000. Did it to my Blackbird and it made a world of difference. Can tolerate 500 k days but "tolerate" is the right word.

**sil3nt** · 5th February 2016, 13:57

Check out an RC8 if you can.

Looks are subjective but they are meant to be pretty bloody good on the road.

**Banditbandit** · 5th February 2016, 14:43

If you want a sprots bike I'm not surprised the GSXF 1250 wasn't what you wanted ...

Ducati Panegali perhaps???

But then if an R1 is out of your price range .. maybe not ..

**iaingsx1300r** · 5th February 2016, 17:15

Climb aboard a zx14 or 14r. I came from the Busa and IMO, the 14 is miles ahead (literally)

**AllanB** · 5th February 2016, 18:55

What's your budget? Most important to answer your question.

Love the salespersons remark on the R1.

Honda - fantastic bike - bars can be easily raised but they are not aggressive so I don't get the comment. Pipes are a easy fix.

I'd say a Ducati but by your comments you are looking for absolute refinement in the engine delivery department and the Ducati has it's own special way of saying stop fucking around and open the throttle. This I find exciting after years of inline fours, you may not.

Looked at that new naked Suzuki thou? Cheap as for a new big-bore and may fit your Suzuki leanings.

Bussa - I could not live with the styling - but that's a personal thing and they are a proven impressive machine.

Also try the Yammy triple 900, Triumph 675 or Speed.

MV have appear to have dropped their prices (check TM for new ones) don't know why but they have some desirable rides ....

**boman** · 5th February 2016, 20:21

There was a low mileage 2011 Daytona 675R in Red Baron. The are a great version of the Daytona. Ohlin's shocks and Brembo Brakes.

I had one. They are very nice.

And Unique. I only saw one other and that was in Tauranga.

**DamianW** · 5th February 2016, 20:41

Done 20k road and track kms on my '14 Daytona. Capable tourer too - rode 500km / day for four days over Xmas. Awesome bit of kit. Earlier bikes (pre '12's and the R's) used heavier springs, so if you buy one check the spring rate and replace if necessary. Other bike is gixxer 600k7 track bike with a few trick bits, no complaints there either.