Next bike selection? [Archive]

Ants

15th August 2011, 14:32

Maha

15th August 2011, 14:38

My choice on that list without question, would be the Hornet....
Food for thought...I felt (not long after buying my YZF600) that I should have gone bigger...before the year was up I had.
Its on your list so give it some thought. The CB900 will not fail to meet expectations.

Toaster

15th August 2011, 14:40

How far do you commute? 30min to 1hr plus each way? Do you do it in peak hour traffic?

If you do, a high upright seating position is best for comfort AND visibility for you.

Test ride as many as you can.

blackdog

15th August 2011, 14:46

I'm with maha on this one. The 900 Hornet does everything well, is reliable and easy to service. One of the best bang for bux bikes you'll find without a doubt.

Toaster

15th August 2011, 14:49

I would have thought the SV twin a little thirstier than the Hondas actually, but I may stand corrected.....

martybabe

15th August 2011, 15:46

Unreservedly the Hornet IMO, all the bike for everything you outline. The choice and the money are ultimately your's of course but if it was me, with the same criteria..the Hornet.

tigertim20

15th August 2011, 16:57

Hello everyone.

Looking for a little advice on my next bike. Currently on a Suzuki GN250 which I have been riding since I learnt 5 years ago. Finally have the $$ for a step up :)

A quick browse through TradeMe shows me the following are within budget ($5k):

'99 Suzuki GSX750F
'04 Suzuki SV650
'99 Honda VFR800
'04 Honda CB900

This bike will be 90% commuter, so key factors are ease of riding (will be every day rain or shine), reliability and running costs (maintenance & fuel).

I'm leaning towards the SV650 as it's (probably?) the most frugal, cheapish to maintain being a twin, and relatively modern compared to the others. Also probably a more comfortable ride with the more upright seating position?

Thoughts? Is there something else that should be on the list but just happens to not be up for sale right now?

Cheers,
Ants.

get the cb900. reliable, solid bike, good at everything. Youre going to be paying the over 600cc rego for anything up there, so you may as well have the extra power of the cb over the sv.

Urano

16th August 2011, 07:17

sv650

no doubt, considering your use. :niceone:

Renegade

16th August 2011, 10:23

kwaka er6n, cheap as chips to run and cheap to service

Urano

16th August 2011, 10:58

kwaka er6n, cheap as chips to run and cheap to service

+1 hands down.
but it's not in choice... :confused:

zeocen

16th August 2011, 11:02

Of all the bikes I've owned, I've only regretted selling one of them. The Hornet 900. Luckily I filled that void with a 2010 Hornet 600! But yeah, Hornet 900. It's a beautiful commuter.

zeocen

16th August 2011, 11:13

I'd also put a vote in for the ER6N. Great machine, plenty of power, less cylinders to service :P

TIBLE_90

16th August 2011, 14:18

I'd also put a vote in for the ER6N. Great machine, plenty of power, less cylinders to service :P

I 2nd the ER6N, good bike that but i see it's not on the list :shit:

blackdog

16th August 2011, 15:09

Urano

16th August 2011, 19:58

Er6n is also a fantastic wee day to day bike, in fact the choice of m/c couriers all over the world.

My only concern with them is if you want it for more than just a commuter you will soon be wanting for the few extra ponies

ya, everyone talking about the er6 has concerns about the "extrapower"...
then you look at stuff like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_mVqJFRuiw
(which is actually a versys, but the engine is exactly the same)
and understand that 99% of people (especially those on very powerful bikes) use their bikes at maximum 70% of the possibilities, so it actually does not matter...

the only concern you should have about the er6 is the crappy suspensions, but a matris kit in the front and some magic soup on the rear should be just fine.
at the end you'll have a good bike spending less than other options.

the er6 engine is by far one the best twin on the market, and absolutely the best part of the bike.
i really think they rode out of money after design of the engine, and finished the bike the way they could... :D :D

ANYWAY is still not on the list...

Ants

17th August 2011, 10:25

Thanks for all the comments so far. Would consider the ER6 if the price is right, but nothing in my budget on TradeMe at the moment. Was looking also at the Suzi GSR600 (mainly due to lower rego) but again not seen many in budget lately (though they're not as much at the ER6). Any thoughts on that one? What about Hyosung GT650 - any good?

So ... no takers for the VFR800 or GSX-750F - I guess that's ok as I didn't really want a bike that old anyway :laugh:

Anyone got any idea what the insurance difference is likely to be between, say, teh SV650 and CB900? Is the latter going to cost more, or are they both just "big bikes, big bucks" ?

Furyos J

17th August 2011, 10:44

The 2000ish pre vtec VFR 800 is a very good bike, fuel injected, cool mono swingarm,nice touring/sports all rounder,gear driven cams, i realy rate them, but thats just me, i dont mind older style bikes,im a fan of the 2000ish era, I rekon if ya going to pay big bike rego, get a bike 800 or over,altho i cant talk, cause i went for the cheap rego with a 600, but then again, whats an extra $150 a year if you really want a 650. Also my 600 is $3 per month for third party, and $25 per month for full cover

Urano

18th August 2011, 07:46

Was looking also at the Suzi GSR600 (mainly due to lower rego) but again not seen many in budget lately (though they're not as much at the ER6). Any thoughts on that one?

avoid the gsr.
the olds er6 frame cracks, but all the gsrs beautiful alu frame cracks ON THE STEERING.
and this is waaaaay worst... and, even worstER, kawa changes the frame in warranty, suzuki doesn't.
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/7849/immagine028tq7.jpg
http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/5994/immagine026sp7.jpg
http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/9805/immagine025tm4.jpg

What about Hyosung GT650 - any good?

nope.
clunky, bulky, slow...

So ... no takers for the VFR800 or GSX-750F - I guess that's ok as I didn't really want a bike that old anyway :laugh:

...and, believe me, so thirsty...

GrayWolf

18th August 2011, 19:17

Hello everyone.

Looking for a little advice on my next bike. Currently on a Suzuki GN250 which I have been riding since I learnt 5 years ago. Finally have the $$ for a step up :)

A quick browse through TradeMe shows me the following are within budget ($5k):

'99 Suzuki GSX750F
'04 Suzuki SV650
'99 Honda VFR800
'04 Honda CB900

This bike will be 90% commuter, so key factors are ease of riding (will be every day rain or shine), reliability and running costs (maintenance & fuel).

I'm leaning towards the SV650 as it's (probably?) the most frugal, cheapish to maintain being a twin, and relatively modern compared to the others. Also probably a more comfortable ride with the more upright seating position?

Thoughts? Is there something else that should be on the list but just happens to not be up for sale right now?

Cheers,
Ants.

Hi Ants,
The SV, Hyo GT650, Kwaka ER6 etc are good bikes for a step up. Yes the 900 Hornet etc are good bikes, BUT from a GN250? I would be highly cautious of the 'step up' in weight and power. You may be fine with it, however I would err on caution! Some here are saying certain bikes will soon seem low power, but as you have ridden the GN for 5 yrs? I cant see a 5/600 cc bike being that for you. Ther Hyo 650 may be 'slow' compared to similar japanese bikes, but its adequate enough. Another serious contender I would suggest if you are serious on a large capacity machine... the Suzuki SV1000

Cheers!

Ants

19th August 2011, 17:05

Thanks for all the advice so far guys :)

A friend at work is selling his 2004 Kawasaki Z750 - how does that stand up to the other bikes mentioned so far?

Berg

19th August 2011, 17:37

Add another recommendation for the ER6n. That was my "step up" bike. I now have the Z750 and find it not as easy to ride or as forgiving as the ER6.
244996244997
Mrs Berg now rides the ER and she stepped up from a GN250. After 20,000kms on the ER she is only now comfortable riding the Z

Ants

22nd August 2011, 20:04

Broken frames sound a bit worrying :shit: - I assume this is only really after some abuse, or else the manufacturer would be recalling them, right?

I've seen a few more CB900s up for sale, though I take on board the comments about how big a "step up" they might be. My GN is 135kg, and some of these bigger bikes are over 200kg dry weight - that's like a whole extra wife :laugh: They look good though ...

Still no sign of an ER6 in my price bracket :(

Anyone got thoughts on an RF900 - albeit a bit long in the tooth (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-381190238.htm).

Are there places other than TradeMe that are worth looking? Or does TM pretty much have the market sewn up?

supa.m

22nd August 2011, 20:26

The CB900 and the SV650 are both great bikes, my choice in your situation would be the SV, light simple, a great fun ride and a good step up from where you are.

...... except....

Against all logic and sound reason you may yearn to own a bigger bike (there may be no logical reason for it, you just may) if you think that might be the case then go for the 900 or keep looking......:confused:

supa.m

22nd August 2011, 20:29

Anyone got thoughts on an RF900 - albeit a bit long in the tooth (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-381190238.htm).

RF 900, awsome and much under rated for its day, I think your better off with the SV650 though.....

Ants

23rd August 2011, 18:43

Thanks for all the advice so far guys :)

A friend at work is selling his 2004 Kawasaki Z750 - how does that stand up to the other bikes mentioned so far?

Apparently this bike is actually a ZR750/ZR-7S ... Is that any better/worse for me? He hasn't stated a price yet, but looking at TM I think it'll probably be over my 5K budget. Looks nice though :)

Berg

23rd August 2011, 19:04

Bugger, there was a mint 08 ER6n in green on Tard Me a few days ago. Only 2000kms and up for grabs for $6k ono. A pinch right there and gone already.

Juzz976

23rd August 2011, 21:24

Would the GS500 be an option?

For me the CB900 would be the go to suit my style of riding.

Although I will buy a VFR800 V-tec one day....and very likely not the CB if that makes any sense.

ducatilover

23rd August 2011, 22:16

VFR800 = great at everything, looks awesome, goes great, sounds the tits, super reliable, comfortable, has more buttons and gimmicks than the others on your list.
CB900 = Goes great, comfy, cheaper than the VFR to run (Not as nice a bike IMHO) and yet again, reliable.
SV650 = no contest against a CB900 in terms of bike to dollar ratio, it'd be the bottom of the list for me, suspension isn't exactly brilliant either.
GSX750F = the most "old fashioned" of the lot, not water cooled, more power/torque than an SV yet is cheap enough to run.
RF900 = Grunty and very capable. Very reliable and very solid bike. Bang for buck it wins hands down, no contest.

I don't know what you ride like though, the CB, VFR, GSX and RF are all a very big step from a GN, even the SV will feel like a monster to you.

You cannot go wrong with any of them and don't let "old" put you off.
My advice is; Get out there and test ride all of them, plus some more. Make sure you spent a decent time in the saddle of all of them.
Go home, write down the pro's and con's of all of them.

I'd also recommend you expand the group a bit, try the "older" bikes also to compare with the newer bikes. Try a ZZR600 and the Hyosung GT650R. The GT650 isn't as god-awful heavy as people tell you, it's lighter than most of the bikes mentioned above and has a strong motor.

Ants

27th October 2011, 16:36

Still on the lookout for a bike ... sold my GN already, so that's progress at least.

Seen a few CB900s for sale like this one:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-417705163.htm

... but not much of interest elsewhere of the right type/price/age ...

Would ths ER-5 be any good? It seems the drum brake at the rear is frowned upon, but is there anything else I should know about?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-418456883.htm

Grasshopperus

27th October 2011, 19:39

That hornet also has some non-standard handle bars; they look lower and a possibly wider than stock. A lot of people do this mod as it makes it feel a little sportier and more comfortable.

I can't recommend a hornet enough to you. I went from a 250 to a hornet900 and I'm still loving it to bits a year (and 30k) later. It is a big step up but as anyone will tell you, it's your self-control that determines how fast a bike goes not how many cc's it has got.

HenryDorsetCase

27th October 2011, 19:46

I'm with maha on this one. The 900 Hornet does everything well, is reliable and easy to service. One of the best bang for bux bikes you'll find without a doubt.

I sold an SV650 to buy a 900 Hornet, if that helps. I am a tinkerer/spender of money, and I thought that the Hornet responded to that treatment best.

The best money you can spend on the bike, regardless of your choice, is to get the suspension sorted. because I am fairly light, most of my bikes are oversprung for me, and the stock compression and damping ciruits not optimal. Plus its where manufacturers of budget bikes (and both of those bikes are built to a price) save money.

Put it this way: I'd have my old Hornet back (particularly with the Ohlins shock and fork rebuild) any day of the week, but the only SV650 I would consider owning would be as a ProTwins/F3 racebike if I lunch my VFR400 (unlikely since all that does is sit in the damn shed)

Ants

31st October 2011, 10:38

DR650gary

31st October 2011, 11:31

Bought the Kwaka. Waiting patiently now for it to be shipped down :wings:

Thanks for all the advice on my deliberations - I decided in the end the price was too good to pass up (1k under budget) and it had plenty of power for me (for now). With the money saved I can afford to trade up again in a year or two, with a few more "big-bike miles" under my belt.

Ants.

Which one, ER5 or the ZR750? I assume the ER5 based on you profile but....

this one? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-396478225.htm or

this one http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-418456883.htm or ???

Come on, give us a photo. Shame you weren't able to go grab it. A big ride on a new bike is a good experience.

Enjoy what ever it is.

Ants

31st October 2011, 11:38

Which one, ER5 or the ZR750? I assume the ER5 based on you profile but....

this one? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-396478225.htm or

this one http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-418456883.htm or ???

Come on, give us a photo. Shame you weren't able to go grab it. A big ride on a new bike is a good experience.

Enjoy what ever it is.

The latter one. It needed a WoF and Service before I could take it, hence I got it shipped. Even so, I'd have been nervous taking a new bike (new to me) all the way back to Welly first time out. Would prefer to get to know her a little more slowly :)

DR650gary

31st October 2011, 16:41

The latter one. It needed a WoF and Service before I could take it, hence I got it shipped. Even so, I'd have been nervous taking a new bike (new to me) all the way back to Welly first time out. Would prefer to get to know her a little more slowly :)

You could have popped in for a coffee :drinknsin

Nice bike, enjoy the ride.