What to buy?

[Hailwood]

Looking for some advice from the collective intelligence on this site...am looking for a sports tourer to about $10k that will be comfortable two up..have looked at Blackbird and ZRX1100 and will ride XJR1300..any thoughts on these or other suitable bikes would be appreciated

[Fryin Finn]

Welcome to the site - be prepared to have your sanity challenged.
I've ridden the Blackbird and found it too sanitised and too fast for lengthy possession of drivers licenses.
Now I've got an XJR 1300 SP and they're bloody good.

[Hailwood]

rode the blackbird with my wife..she was getting fairly buffeted and we were only doing 110kph. The XJR looks a little more restrained..any tips or things I should look for?

[Zed]

Looking for some advice from the collective intelligence on this site...am looking for a sports tourer to about $10k that will be comfortable two up..have looked at Blackbird and ZRX1100 and will ride XJR1300..any thoughts on these or other suitable bikes would be appreciatedHi Hailwood and welcome.:spudwave:

I too was in the market for a sports tourer that is comfy 2-up, and ended up buying a Blackbird. For pillion riding it's a great bike...helps having an aftermarket touring seat fitted though! I took the other half (who isn't really into riding) on a 4 hour trip the other month and she had no complaints about discomfort, etc, in fact the machine is made so well that I hardly knew she was on the back!! :confused:

[Lou Girardin]

Ahem! Bandit Bandit Bandit Bandit Bandit,
Did I say Bandit?
Why not check out a Bandit.
Bandits are good!

[Blackbird]

Blackbird is the best bike I've ever owned. Sanitised = it does most things effortlessly :D . Do a search on this website for Blackbird and you'll find plenty of material. Use your right hand or a radar detector for license control.

After endlessly poring over brochures, the final choice will be what your heart tells you. Good luck!

Geoff

BTW, my wife loves it for its absence of buffeting so I'm stumped by that one. Clearly, Zed has that view too.

[Paul in NZ]

Looking for some advice from the collective intelligence on this site...am looking for a sports tourer to about $10k that will be comfortable two up..have looked at Blackbird and ZRX1100 and will ride XJR1300..any thoughts on these or other suitable bikes would be appreciated

1980 Moto Guzzi Mk2 LeMans...

Paul N

Well honestly - Collective intelligence - what were you expecting ;-)

[White trash]

Welcome Hailwood.

Get your arse down to Wellington Motorcycles, talk to that skinny bastard 'Trash and get ya self a nekkid 1200 Bandit for $11K new.

You no risten......

[Skunk]

Looking for some advice from the collective intelligence on this site...am looking for a sports tourer to about $10k that will be comfortable two up..have looked at Blackbird and ZRX1100 and will ride XJR1300..any thoughts on these or other suitable bikes would be appreciated
Don't get the ZRX1100 - get a ZRX1200 (if that's your choice.) I think I'm the only person on the site with a ZRX... Better handling. :niceone:

[crazylittleshit]

ThunderAce a good bike for everything..........
And I mean EVERYTHING :devil2:

[Zapf]

Don't get the ZRX1100 - get a ZRX1200 (if that's your choice.) I think I'm the only person on the site with a ZRX... Better handling. :niceone:

saw a ZZR1200 at Mt.Eden today....

[Biff]

Ms Biff had a similar complaint when she first got on the back of the BiffBird – a complaint soon remedied by investing in a double bubble screen (approx $180 for a decent one). But Ms Biff is taller than average (for a fem) standing at 5' 10". My shorter mates have never complained about buffeting.

Go for the Bird!

Very powerful, but forgiving and silky smooth. Great for long distance riding, but bad for speeding. It's deceptively fast, so you need to keep an eye on the speedo.

XJR1300 - IMHO - soft rear end. Don't get sold on the fact that the rear end is under the control of an Ohlins. It's non adjustable, and cheap n nasty. And if you think that pillions get any better protection at the back of a naked bike......

Lovely looker though.

[DEATH_INC.]

Dunno if you'd get a beaky for under 10,would you?
You could get a good ZZR1100,with a corbin and double bubble in that range,or maybe a viffer 800?

[Zapf]

Dunno if you'd get a beaky for under 10,would you?
You could get a good ZZR1100,with a corbin and double bubble in that range,or maybe a viffer 800?

hay Death, u want to chuck my skyline motor onto a bike? hehehe

440+hp... oversized GT3540 core...

[RiderInBlack]

You could buy 2 Old CBR1000FL's for that. They tour well. Hardy know there's a pilllion there & not complaints of buffeting. Pull as well (if not better) than most Tourers, but not as fast as Bird's, Busa's, and ZXR's (still has a top of 260KPM but:whistle: ).

Seriously, it all depends on what you want. If a more upright position is your liking then you'll find the Bird and Busa to low (unlease you put handel bar raisers in them).

Go arould the bike shops and drive them nuts by try all the different ones they have and then tell them you need to go home to decide which one you want. Once you have decide which is the model of bike you want in your price range, get familar with them (what they price should be, what problem do they have, etc.), then see if you can find the bike in the condition and price you would like.

Save heaps doing that way went I bought "Roxanne" (good $3000 less than what the shops wanted for very simlar bikes). She was the right bike for the right time for me. At the end of the day that's what matters. The bike has to be one that suits you:niceone:

PS: Never be in a hurry to buy (you'll get done).

[Teflon]

I would look at a zzr1100.

[Skunk]

Suzuki 1400 (GSX?) is another like the ZRX and XJR... (Go see White Trash for that one :niceone: )
Just rereading your first post:

Looking for some advice from the collective intelligence on this site...am looking for a sports tourer to about $10k that will be comfortable two up..have looked at Blackbird and ZRX1100 and will ride XJR1300..any thoughts on these or other suitable bikes would be appreciated
Theres two nakeds and a high speed sport tourer in that mix. Not sure what you want? Or got the letters mixed? Why the Blackbird but no ZZR or Hire-bus-eh?

[Zed]

rode the blackbird with my wife..she was getting fairly buffeted and we were only doing 110kph. The XJR looks a little more restrained..any tips or things I should look for?There are additions/modifications that can be done to any bike to make it more comfortable for you and your pillion, eg. Seats, suspension, touring screens, etc. You may find that you'll make some of these changes to whichever bike you purchase unless you are not intending to spend more money on it?

Were the tyre pressures on the CBR1100 that you rode today correct? :whistle:

[Hailwood]

I knew the collective intelligence would be useful here..lol...I have ridden the Blackbird, XJR1300 and ZRX1100 so far but will now also try to find a ZZR...Busa seems to be more than my budget and not a fan of Bandit..don't know why just doesn't do it for me..maybe I should ride one and find out....does the bubble screen make that much difference on a Blackbird? I am 6'1" and my wife is about 5'7". She was perched up fairly high with her head way above mine and was coping a far wind buffeting...not very happy about it!! I loved the feel of the Bird but was worried it might bite if you do something dumb or get it wrong..is this right?

Thanks for the input so far people.....

[Blackbird]

Double bubble makes a big difference. I have a Pyramid D/B, perfect fit and does the business.

You're wrong with Blackbird stability - she's very sure-footed. In fact, a bit too much in terms of flickability in the tight stuff when trying to keep up with a 'busa or similar. I've made the standard mod of a 6mm ride height spacer under the rear shock to sharpen the steering angle and the improvement is quite dramatic without losing stability. Some people slate the 'bird as boring because it does most things well. That's a real plus as far as I'm concerned because I can simply get on with riding it without worrying about shortcomings. The linked brakes are fine for the road. The only thing I genuinely didn''t like was seat comfort on a long haul and fixed that with superb custom seat made in Tauranga. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=10174)

There are 3 good websites for birds: www.superblackbird.co.uk, http://www.ixxra.com/ and http://www.atsv24.dsl.pipex.com/index.htm. You'll find good info on them. If you want more info on other things I've done to the bike or my 41/2 years on a 'bird, PM me. I'm certainly not trying to talk you into one, just give you as much info as you need to make a good decision.

Geoff

[vifferman]

I took the other half (who isn't really into riding) on a 4 hour trip the other month and she had no complaints about discomfort, etc, in fact the machine is made so well that I hardly knew she was on the back!! :confused:
You sure you didn't lose her off the back when you first took off? :spudwhat:



blue[/b], actually)]Double bubble makes a big difference. I have a Pyramid D/B, perfect fit and does the business.
Is it good? Did you ride the SuperDuperBird before you fitted it? No, I'm not trying to be smart, but although I find the standard screen on the VFR just fine, I have an opportunity to get a Powerbronze DB screen, and was wondering about it. From what I've read, as most double-bubble screens lift the wind blast higher up, it increases turbulence around the helmet. The VTR had a very low screen (windblast mid-chest), whereas the VFR is a bit higher and a lot wider, and the windblast is upper chest, tending towards bottom of the helmet. That's not what I want at all, unless the airflow is quite laminar. Given that most screens have a lip, I doubt that the airflow would be smooth.
So what's your experience?

[Blackbird]

Had the standard screen until 6 months ago but thought the D/B might give me more protection for the Southern Cross. It certainly did this but the reduced wind blast on the chest also increased the load on my wrists a bit. Air flow round the helmet was fine. It improved Jennie's lot as a passenger but she said that turbulent flow is more noticeable at the sides if she sticks her elbows out or leans sideways a bit. I guess the air is deflected sideways as well. Different makes of double bubble have different characteristics so I can't comment on the Powerbronze. The only thing I know about them is that their iridium D/B and some coloured double oned have melted Blackbird instrument housings due to concentrating the sun's rays at the double curvature line!

Some 'bird owners who are more into touring use a screen called a Vario and swear by it. Can find some 'bird website links if you're interested for your viffer.

Geoff

[Big Dave]

Looking for some advice from the collective intelligence on this site...am looking for a sports tourer to about $10k that will be comfortable two up..have looked at Blackbird and ZRX1100 and will ride XJR1300..any thoughts on these or other suitable bikes would be appreciated

Triumph Sprint ST.
Tours well, comfy with 2 and still carves up. Delightful triple, good brakes, handling and way cool.

[Skunk]

I knew the collective intelligence would be useful here..lol...I have ridden the Blackbird, XJR1300 and ZRX1100 so far but will now also try to find a ZZR...
If the ZRX1100 is to your liking try the ZRX1200. I would recommend you don't get an 1100 if there's any chance of a 1200. This is for handling reasons not any 'bigger is better' reasons.
Have I said this before here? Old age is catching up...

[Zed]

You sure you didn't lose her off the back when you first took off? :spudwhat:No, because I did regular checks to make sure she was still there! :D Riding at near *Nana* pace also prevented any chance of having to file a missing-persons report. :confused:

[zadok]

Something nice and sensible.......
http://www.bikepoint.co.nz/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=796479&TabID=3553&Alias=bikepointnz

Marty :ride:

[Quasievil]

mate your in the same dilema as me.

I have looked at all of the above and really didnt like any of them, the Blackbird I thought was getting a bit on in its looks , the VFR well great reviews but I hated it, i turned my attention away to something not mentioned above and possibly better than them all ?

So again get down to Welly and see that skinny bastard WT and look at a triumph ST, the new one of course, this is a fantastic looking machine

let me know what you think

[Hailwood]

I agree Quasi but the cost of the new one is outside my budget..shame cos I have read some good stuff on it

[Quasievil]

I agree Quasi but the cost of the new one is outside my budget..shame cos I have read some good stuff on it

Yeah I hear, same for me, Im hanging around the $14-$15 mark and unsure what to get, I might just get the new ZXR and look again next year with more coin

[XTC]

Comfortable 2 up.... Reliable..... Under 10K... spose it rules out one of these then...

[Hailwood]

well one of those is actually correct..guess which one..lol

[Yarg]

Before you settle on an XJR (Good bikes, I had one) try the Fz-1. U won't be diappointed. :ride:

[Blackbird]

The FZ 1 is a seriously good bike :niceone:

After having done the Southern Cross with Mangell6 on his, I have great respect for both their performance and comfort; not to mention Mike's riding ability :Punk:

Are they available for under $10k s/h?

[Hailwood]

Will do...also rode a GSX1200..2000 model..naked one...not bad either...this is getting harder and harder..good dilema though what sort of bike do I buy?

[Hailwood]

hey all....finally got my stuff sorted and bought a 00 GSX1200Y, Givi screen, two brothers can, air shocks...really nice ride. Thank you all for all your advice and input..most appreciated.

See you on the road.

:Punk:

[Zed]

hey all....finally got my stuff sorted and bought a 00 GSX1200Y, Givi screen, two brothers can, air shocks...really nice ride. Thank you all for all your advice and input..most appreciated.

See you on the road.

:Punk:Well done, I'm happy for you! Any chance of a pic-ture? What colour is it?

Heaps of grunt there too! :whistle:

[idb]

What are those retro-looking Suzuki 1300s?
Twin headlights, boxy seat unit, I must admit to being rather taken by them and they are only about 10k new I understand.

[Isaac]

Excuse my ignorance what's an FZ-1

[RiderInBlack]

What are those retro-looking Suzuki 1300s?
Twin headlights, boxy seat unit, I must admit to being rather taken by them and they are only about 10k new I understand.If your refurring to the all black Mr Potatoe-Head with the cut-off arse, they are GS1200's and apparantly go very well. Ask Melcome (Jantar), he rides one. No problems doing the Rusty Nut's SC on it.

[crazyxr250rider]

talk to me im bored

[Ixion]

talk to me im bored

My mother said I shouldn't talk to strange men :nono:

[crazyxr250rider]

strange men dont ride xrs

[Ixion]

strange men dont ride xrs
Perhaps not, but after they've fallen off they''re strange

[crazyxr250rider]

here i am bored and unstisfied Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[crazyxr250rider]

here i am bored and unstisfied Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and no i havent gutsed on it but 0ld coot has

[Gremlin]

try a woman instead. Contrary to John's belief, bikes don't like having their exhausts cleaned...

[crazyxr250rider]

so how does srx go

[Ixion]

so how does srx go

Like a crazy little rat. Totally insane.Makes nice noises but

[crazyxr250rider]

wiced! selling? xr getting swappd soon

[crazyxr250rider]

recon itd have a chance aganst a cbr250

[Ixion]

recon itd have a chance aganst a cbr250

Only if there was gravel or lots of real twisty stuff . And a brave rider

[crazyxr250rider]

yeha totaly unrelated but why the hell do my xr`s lights go mental
recitifier?

[crazyxr250rider]

some body? Hello
my fault for slow typing i supose

[Ixion]

yeha totaly unrelated but why the hell do my xr`s lights go mental
recitifier?


Like rider, like bike I guess

[Hammer]

Go with a Blackbird. You will not be dissappointed.