Suzuki RF900, thoughts?

[nzspokes]

Ive been lookin pretty seriously at a Bandit 1200 but I guess I need to look about a bit at other bikes. Ive seen a few RF900s that look interesting. More hp and lighter than the Bandit and with a fairing.

Whos owned one and what have you thought of them?

[banditrider]

Loved mine. Did 3 Grand Challenges on it. Not as comfy as the Bandit but quicker - esp on rough windy roads.

[nzspokes]

They seem pretty cheap. I do like some fairing. Motor seems to be pretty much the same as the Bandits etc.

Do they have a fuel gauge?

[ducatilover]

IMO the best value for money bike around.
Strong engines and still a pretty quick bike (faster than I'd ever use!)
Look good in my eyes.
If I had $3-4k to spend on a bike it'd be top of my list, only other bike I'd pick over it for that kind of coin would be an early VFR800 :love:

[Crasherfromwayback]

They seem pretty cheap. I do like some fairing. Motor seems to be pretty much the same as the Bandits etc.



I've got a nice RF900 I'd sell you for 4k mate.

[nzspokes]

IMO the best value for money bike around.
Strong engines and still a pretty quick bike (faster than I'd ever use!)


Well to be honest I love my 400. And I would never use a 200kph to speed. In saying that I think my 400 may do 200.

But the punch of a 900 would be fun.

[nzspokes]

I've got a nice RF900 I'd sell you for 4k mate.

I would be trading in which may be hard from auck/wellie. Is that one of the ones on your website?

[Crasherfromwayback]

I would be trading in which may be hard from auck/wellie. Is that one of the ones on your website?

Sell your GPZ privately mate. Yes.

[nzspokes]

What are they like for pillions?

[nzspokes]

Sell your GPZ privately mate. Yes.

Yeah, thats a thought. May try to track one down for a test ride. Is it the red or black one?

Still lust after that Blue CB1300 youve got. :love:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah, thats a thought. May try to track one down for a test ride. Is it the red or black one?

:

Red and Grey they are. I've got a lowish mileage green and silver one with and Ohlins shock in it and polished wheels you could have for 5k.

[nzspokes]

Red and Grey they are. I've got a lowish mileage green and silver one with and Ohlins shock in it and polished wheels you could have for 5k.

Cool. I may chuck the GPZ up on TM and see if I get any bites. I think it will scrape in for a Lams bike so may be worth enough for a good deposit.

[ducatilover]

Well to be honest I love my 400. And I would never use a 200kph to speed. In saying that I think my 400 may do 200.

But the punch of a 900 would be fun.

I don't need the theoretical top speed my ZZR6 is capable of but, I always want MOAR TORQUES!!!!!! :Punk:

[nzspokes]

Been watching this one, http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=459754412

Do they have little glove boxes in the fairing?

[Boob Johnson]

Speaking as an ex owner of an RF900, I can honestly say there isn't a better bike in the $3k to 4k range (might be looking at other bikes any higher than that myself). The motor is TUFF! Suzuki made them as a middle ground between the 750 & the 1100 (from 94 to 98). They use the bottom end of the 1100 but with only 937cc's at the top which makes them virtually indestructible as the 1100 mill was already known to be bullet proof! The RF900 can easily do over 200,000+ km's without any major mechanical work. Being a "sport tourer" (imo 2/3 sport, 1/3 tourer) you can ride all day comfortably but also mix it up in the twisties.

Another positive for these bikes is they hold their value well. I bought a 1994 RF900R in August 2007 at 75,000km's for $2950 with a mint paint job from Colemans in Auckland. I rode it for 6 months clocking up 15,000km's. In that time I put new sprockets & chain on it, new tyres. I personally freshened up the fluids, put new brake pads in it & bleed the lines & then sold it for $4200. The guy that bought it laughed at me like he got the bargain of the century when he rode off from my place lol. 5 years on, the same bike sells for about the same $$$.


An RF900R, IMHO = the most under rated bike on the market.

[Boob Johnson]

Been watching this one, http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=459754412

Do they have little glove boxes in the fairing?
lol yea they do. Mates used to give me shit about that, asking if I kept my lunch in there :laugh:

I ended up using that space to fit a twin ciggy lighter fitting, one for the radar detector & the other as an extra for whatever ie: camping

[Timber020]

Wonderful bikes, I had mine for a couple years and it gave NO trouble at all. They boogie well and good for pillion. I kept my sunglasses in the glovebox when the sun started dipping on the horizon.

Great value for money.

[nzspokes]

Red and Grey they are. I've got a lowish mileage green and silver one with and Ohlins shock in it and polished wheels you could have for 5k.

Ill flick you an e-mail tomorrow. maybe get some pics of the green/silver one.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Ill flick you an e-mail tomorrow. maybe get some pics of the green/silver one.

Good as gold mate. It's my one Monday off for the month tomorrow, so I'll do the pics and come back to you Tues when I'm back on deck.

[nzspokes]

Good as gold mate. It's my one Monday off for the month tomorrow, so I'll do the pics and come back to you Tues when I'm back on deck.

Sweet, no stress. Want to go sit on one anyway but may chuck the GPZ on tm at a silly price and see what happens.

[Maha]

What are they like for pillions?

Annes ex had one, very good for pillions..my first pillion ride was on one at about 180 kph...arsehole :blink:
The best pillion ride (comfort wise) for Anne was the 02' Triumph Sprint I had.

[MSTRS]

Any list of the "World's Best Bikes" that doesn't have the RF900 on it, isn't worth the paper it's written on....

[\m/]

They seem pretty cheap. I do like some fairing. Motor seems to be pretty much the same as the Bandits etc.
Actually the Bandit is based on the early air/oil cooled GSXR1100, RF based on the newer water cooled GSXR1100. Both should be very reliable, big Suzuki fours have a good reputation for reliability.

[Bass]

My RF had the most flexible motor of ANY bike I have ever ridden. It would run happily and smooth as silk at 1300 rpm in top around town, or wail around the twisties at 10,000 in a lower gear. The transition between the two was uttlerly seamless as well. Their only weak point is the alternator drive which is only a minor matter anyway and the replacement part sorts it permanently.

The carburettor intake roar above 9000 was music to the ears.

[mossy1200]

I seem to remember they held the 24hr land speed endurance record on a oval track somewhere.

[Madness]

I seem to remember they held the 24hr land speed endurance record on a oval track somewhere.

http://www.suzuki-rf.de/worldrecord.html

[DR650gary]

A mate had one and used it for 2 up touring. He loved it so much and raved about it that my son bought it when he was upgrading.

I rode it once and quite honestly, the MPH speedo had me riding at 100 thinking it was just a quick 100 KPH. Smooth and flickable.

Good bike under $4k.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-432696913.htm

[banditrider]

lol yea they do. Mates used to give me shit about that, asking if I kept my lunch in there g

Great for stashing a packet of odd fellows in. Passing them to mate next to you was trickier...

[Boob Johnson]

I seem to remember they held the 24hr land speed endurance record on a oval track somewhere.
Indeed they do. Impressive at the time but only still holding it due to lack of attempts from newer bikes, I believe.

[nzspokes]

Ive read that the headlights are not to good. Is this correct?

[Ender EnZed]

http://www.suzuki-rf.de/worldrecord.html

Indeed they do. Impressive at the time but only still holding it due to lack of attempts from newer bikes, I believe.

It's a bit off topic, but there was a magazine test fairly recently of the current crop of superbikes on an oval like this. Most of them blew up pretty quickly.

EDIT: KB thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/126360-My-bike-can-do-300kph?), link (http://www.therevcounter.com/uk-motorbike-forum/51731-flat-out-fastest-litre-bike-2010-a.html).

[Boob Johnson]

Ive read that the headlights are not to good. Is this correct?
I rode at night on mine many a time, didn't have any issues myself.

[driftn]

Great bikes!, Check out #7 on the list. This one's suspension is well over due for replacement. The MOST! under rated bike on the planet I reckon.

http://www.mylaps.com/results/showrun.jsp?id=1875926

[ducatilover]

Great bikes!, Check out #7 on the list. This one's suspension is well over due for replacement. The MOST! under rated bike on the planet I reckon.

http://www.mylaps.com/results/showrun.jsp?id=1875926

I'd like to know what the other chaps were riding... bloody Drew!

[driftn]

I'd like to know what the other chaps were riding... bloody Drew!


1098, few R1's, Gixxers, 600's all sorts. Yeah he did pretty good on the old nail.

[Boob Johnson]

1098, few R1's, Gixxers, 600's all sorts. Yeah he did pretty good on the old nail.
Drew was on an RF900?

[nzspokes]

I rode at night on mine many a time, didn't have any issues myself.

Cheers. The light on my 400 was rubbish untill new bulb sorted it. Figured the same for the RF.

Strugglin a bit as now ive got the 400 running properly its bloody fun. Nice and quiet round town up to 7k rpm then it "climbs onto its cam" or what ever and goes nuts up to 13k. Only got it right on Saturday.

So do I get something like the RF which of course will go better but be more expensive for tyres, rego etc or stick to the old 400?

Would love to put decent cans on the 400....

[Ender EnZed]

So do I get something like the RF which of course will go better but be more expensive for tyres, rego etc or stick to the old 400?

Ride an RF900. Making your mind up will be a lot less difficult afterwards.

[Boob Johnson]

Cheers. The light on my 400 was rubbish untill new bulb sorted it. Figured the same for the RF.

Strugglin a bit as now ive got the 400 running properly its bloody fun. Nice and quiet round town up to 7k rpm then it "climbs onto its cam" or what ever and goes nuts up to 13k. Only got it right on Saturday.

So do I get something like the RF which of course will go better but be more expensive for tyres, rego etc or stick to the old 400?

Would love to put decent cans on the 400....
Ditch that nail & get an RF :innocent:

[nzspokes]

Ditch that nail & get an RF :innocent:

Funny you say that, found a video review on the RF yesterday and some english dude called them soggy old nails.

[Boob Johnson]

Funny you say that, found a video review on the RF yesterday and some english dude called them soggy old nails.
lol, yea that can be an accurate assessment if you are pushing it in the twisties/bumpy roads. You can't really expect an RF900 to perform a hard core sprots bike in the corners.

[nzspokes]

lol, yea that can be an accurate assessment if you are pushing it in the twisties/bumpy roads. You can't really expect an RF900 to perform a hard core sprots bike in the corners.

Well I do like me twisties. But in saying that my recent road riding has been done on a old CBX250 and my 400, both children of the 80s. I would think the RF would be a step up with more modern handling.

[Boob Johnson]

Well I do like me twisties. But in saying that my recent road riding has been done on a old CBX250 and my 400, both children of the 80s. I would think the RF would be a step up with more modern handling.
No worries there, most certainly will be a step up on all fronts.

[EJK]

No worries there, most certainly will be a step up on all fronts.

What's it like reliability and fuel consumption wise? Parts, tyres and maintenance cost?

[Boob Johnson]

What's it like reliability and fuel consumption wise? Parts, tyres and maintenance cost?
1) Reliability = One of the most reliable bikes known to man kind!

2) Fuel Consumption = 21L tank, can get around 350km's (max) from a tank when touring

3) Parts = Cheap & easy to find

4) Tyres = Depends on what you use & how you use them. The worst I had was 3,000km's from a rear (Pirelli Diablo). Had the front for twice that distance. But with a tyre like a PR 2CT you should be getting twice that or more.

5) Maintenance = Never spent a cent on anything other than oil/filter, tyres & brake pads.

[nzspokes]

1)

4) Tyres = Depends on what you use & how you use them. The worst I had was 3,000km's from a rear (Pirelli Diablo). Had the front for twice that distance. But with a tyre like a PR 2CT you should be getting twice that or more.


See thats an issue for me. Running costs will be much higher. My bike I can only really get BT45s for it for $200 and consensus is I should get 15k out of it.

But then again older bikes always need little bits fixing.

[ducatilover]

See thats an issue for me. Running costs will be much higher. My bike I can only really get BT45s for it for $200 and consensus is I should get 15k out of it.

But then again older bikes always need little bits fixing.

Put the ZZR600 on your list of to-own bikes then, they take a 160 rear, which is nice and cheap when you buy Pilot Powers.
The E model 600 was a brilliant bike, my D model suits me perfectly and has more power than I need.

[Boob Johnson]

See thats an issue for me. Running costs will be much higher. My bike I can only really get BT45s for it for $200 and consensus is I should get 15k out of it.

But then again older bikes always need little bits fixing.
Well you don't have to get the most pricey tyres. You can get a brand new set of Conti Motions for $350 on Trade Me. They are a sports/touring tyre that will last way longer than a tyre like the Diablo. Of course not as sticky but still do the job well.


http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/tyres/auction-476148837.htm

[EJK]

Also Avon Storm they have at cycletreads. I heard those tyres have good lasting value, probably the most popular touring tyres (some web search say over 30,000 MILES). Not sure if they have 170/60 x 17 rear but you can always enquire.

[MSTRS]

Drew was on an RF900?

I didn't want to be the one to say it first, but yes indeed he was.
Only bike that never threw him off...

[nzspokes]

Well you don't have to get the most pricey tyres. You can get a brand new set of Conti Motions for $350 on Trade Me. They are a sports/touring tyre that will last way longer than a tyre like the Diablo. Of course not as sticky but still do the job well.


http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/tyres/auction-476148837.htm

Cool. Im never going to be good enough to need flash tyres. Guess I better go look at one of these things then.

[Boob Johnson]

I didn't want to be the one to say it first, but yes indeed he was.
Only bike that never threw him off...
Ha ha, that's awesome!



Cool. Im never going to be good enough to need flash tyres. Guess I better go look at one of these things then.
Yea you won't regret it. Keep us posted on your progress.

[nzspokes]

Yea you won't regret it. Keep us posted on your progress.

Well have to move my 400 first. But will try to get to ride one this week.

[5150]

I sold my 97 RF900, and went through BMW R1100GS, Kawasaki Z1000, 675 Daytona and now the 900 Hornet. And I must quietly admit that I miss the old RF. We did 3 South Island trips on it 2 up with everything but kitchen sink, and it was the most comfy bike (according to the other half) that we ever had for long distance touring and pillion comfort. Past Reefton I had it cranked up to 160mph. Was funny when I told wife as she thought speedo was in kms not mph. That was two up with all our gear. Milage we got 190miles before reserve from full tank. The Hornet is as close comfort wise to the RF bar the lack of wind protection. I would happily buy another low milage RF if I could find the right one

[nzspokes]

so I'll do the pics and come back to you Tues when I'm back on deck.

And a little boy waits.....

[Crasherfromwayback]

And a little boy waits.....

lol. Good timing mate! Sorry about the delay, catching up on stuff!

[nzspokes]

Seems they wernt popular on this thread, http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/601-Suzuki-RF900-feedback-wanted?highlight=rf900+feedback

[Crasherfromwayback]

Seems they wernt popular on this thread, http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/601-Suzuki-RF900-feedback-wanted?highlight=rf900+feedback

I didn't read all of the posts mate...but I didn't see anything that bad on the first page!

[DMNTD]

Seems they wernt popular on this thread, http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/601-Suzuki-RF900-feedback-wanted?highlight=rf900+feedback

Good bikes for what they are supposed to be....the rest is personal preference and opinions

[nzspokes]

I didn't read all of the posts mate...but I didn't see anything that bad on the first page!

I was more proud of the thread dredge.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I was more proud of the thread dredge.

Besides...if you buy one from me I'll give you a good warranty anyway!

[nzspokes]

Besides...if you buy one from me I'll give you a good warranty anyway!

Im not worried about that.

Need to sit on one and maybe blag a ride. And sell off the 400.

[Madness]

Past Reefton I had it cranked up to 160mph....... two up with all our gear.

Speedometer innacuracy's a funny thing, innit :whistle:

[5150]

Speedometer innacuracy's a funny thing, innit :whistle:

Probably, All I remember was tunnel vision on the long straight south of Reefton. No cars around and the throttle wide open. We were getting pretty up there

[Madness]

http://beerforayear.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/canoftuibeer6.jpg

[Crasherfromwayback]

Speedometer innacuracy's a funny thing, innit :whistle:

An RF900 is capable of pretty close to those sort of speeds I would've thought.

[Madness]

An RF900 is capable of pretty close to those sort of speeds I would've thought.

I would have thought it would be capable of pretty close to those speeds too, on a good day 1-up without everything but the kitchen sink.

[nzspokes]

An RF900 is capable of pretty close to those sort of speeds I would've thought.

Mine will be, just dont sell it before I get to it this time. :p :laugh:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I would have thought it would be capable of pretty close to those speeds too, on a good day 1-up without everything but the kitchen sink.

From memory they're a tad short on gearing. May still get close two up.


Mine will be, just dont sell it before I get to it this time. :p :laugh:

Well best we get your 400 sold quickly then!

[Boob Johnson]

An RF900 is capable of pretty close to those sort of speeds I would've thought.
265km/h top speed according to factory spec. 160mp/h = 257 km/h

[nzspokes]

265km/h top speed according to factory spec. 160mp/h = 257 km/h

I dont think that is going to be fast enough for me.:blink:

[Crasherfromwayback]

265km/h top speed according to factory spec. 160mp/h = 257 km/h

Yeah I've only ever wrung the neck of one hard out. But it sure felt like those sort of speeds!

[Boob Johnson]

I dont think that is going to be fast enough for me.:blink:
:sick:


10char

[Boob Johnson]

Yeah I've only ever wrung the neck of one hard out. But it sure felt like those sort of speeds!
Yea I did the same when I first got mine down the Ramarama straight on the Southern motorway (Auckland)..........5km's long, perfect spot for going flat out. Laid on the tank & went for it, great fun!

[nzspokes]

:sick:


10char

LOL. Im more after a bike that can cope with my somewhat large weight and all the crap I take with me. But still be fun in the twistes.

I nice can would be good to.

[Boob Johnson]

LOL. Im more after a bike that can cope with my somewhat large weight and all the crap I take with me. But still be fun in the twistes.

I nice can would be good to.
Can get a custom can built for it. A guy down here in "Taradise" makes them from scratch. He put one on my RF900 for $250, polished ali, sounded mint!

[nzspokes]

Yea I did the same when I first got mine down the Ramarama straight on the Southern motorway (Auckland)..........5km's long, perfect spot for going flat out. Laid on the tank & went for it, great fun!

Ive always wanted to do that. But I would get nailed by the popo if I tried. Ive only taken the 400 to 160 so far, everytime I want to try full speed a car shows up that looks like a cop.

[nzspokes]

Can get a custom can built for it. A guy down here in "Taradise" makes them from scratch. He put one on my RF900 for $250, polished ali, sounded mint!

Shit thats cheap.

[ducatilover]

Ive always wanted to do that. But I would get nailed by the popo if I tried. Ive only taken the 400 to 160 so far, everytime I want to try full speed a car shows up that looks like a cop.

160 is my rev limiter in 2nd I think :shutup:

[nzspokes]

The one Petes sent me pics of looks like what im after. Even got a packrack for me top box. Ks are good.

To be honest, the main thing I want is to not to have to fix it up. just ride. The RFs seem to be very reliable.

Mods are another topic......

[Boob Johnson]

Shit thats cheap.

If you search my post history you will find a photo of it too :scooter:

[nzspokes]

160 is my rev limiter in 2nd I think :shutup:

The bloody 400 was pulling like a schoolboy at 160.....

[ducatilover]

The bloody 400 was pulling like a schoolboy at 160.....

I do miss my GPZ, was bloody grouse. Sounded cool too, somebody had de-baffled it :shifty:<_< I don't think I ever tried getting it up to those speeds, was too n00bish.
I really do think you should try the ZZR6 on for size.

[nzspokes]

Sounded cool too, somebody had de-baffled it

Ive been told thats not possible on the standard cans.......

[Crasherfromwayback]

Ive been told thats not possible on the standard cans.......

I'll have to check tomorrow mate...but I think the muffler has been got at on this one.

[nzspokes]

I do miss my GPZ, was bloody grouse.

It will take a special bike to get me off it. It really goes well and sounds good now ive fitted a k&n and opened the airbox up a bit.

[nzspokes]

I'll have to check tomorrow mate...but I think the muffler has been got at on this one.

Sorry I meant on the GPZ, 2 discussions on 1 thread.

But Cool!!

What do the little stickers on the fairing say by the way? Couldnt make it out.

[ducatilover]

Ive been told thats not possible on the standard cans.......

:laugh: anything is possible if you've got access to an angle grinder and welder

[5150]

I would have thought it would be capable of pretty close to those speeds too, on a good day 1-up without everything but the kitchen sink.

You haven't seen the size of my wife then. 50kg on a good day. so not much there. We had a tank bag and a Ventura Rally bag on the pack rack. Me, I am a healthy 93kg :facepalm:

[5150]

Shit thats cheap.

A Nice Scorpion oval can from 1200 Bandit will fit straight on. Make sure it is the 3 bolt one. I had one on my RF and they sound bloody nice

[driftn]

Number 34 on the list, 12.03 standing 1/4 mile with no second gear! I think high 10's on the cards with all 5 of its gears working at the time. still no slug by any stretch of the imagination. http://www.cliffhanger.org.nz/results/SprintResultsSep2008.html

[Boob Johnson]

You haven't seen the size of my wife then. 50kg on a good day. so not much there. We had a tank bag and a Ventura Rally bag on the pack rack. Me, I am a healthy 93kg :facepalm:
Pics of the wife? :innocent:

[driftn]

Have been trying to find a photo of some moto x antics at the cliff hanger hill climb from last year, cant track it down. short and curly's of it, Drew on the RF, an FZR1000 laying on its side with a plank for a ramp cable tied to said bike, me laying long way's. Drew jumped me. Cut a long story short. You will :no: find a better bike for that sort of coin IMHO. Oh yeah he went on to race it the next day and came second over all for the week end. Class C2 http://www.cliffhanger.org.nz/hillclimb/results/2011.03.20_fastest_by_class.html

[5150]

Pics of the wife? :innocent:

:nono:


10 Chars

[nzspokes]

Intresting thread, cut the pink wire for more powa....

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/111451-Will-be-buying-an-RF900-Advice-from-owners-sought?highlight=rf900

[driftn]

LOL. Im more after a bike that can cope with my somewhat large weight and all the crap I take with me. But still be fun in the twistes.

I nice can would be good to.

263951 Pretty good in the twistys mate.:yes:

[nzspokes]

Stolen from old thread, gixxer back end

[nzspokes]

Bugger. I think ive struck a major problem with RFs. I went to the ergo website and found they seem to have a much larger forward lean than im used to. Now the issue for me with that is I have carpel tunnel issues and arthritis in my hip. i dont think I could handle much more lean than what I have.

I need to try and go sit on one before going much further.

I sat on a Bandit which I loved. Maybe thats where I should go.

[5150]

Bugger. I think ive struck a major problem with RFs. I went to the ergo website and found they seem to have a much larger forward lean than im used to. Now the issue for me with that is I have carpel tunnel issues and arthritis in my hip. i dont think I could handle much more lean than what I have.

I need to try and go sit on one before going much further.

I sat on a Bandit which I loved. Maybe thats where I should go.

Would you consider CB900 Hornet? They have a Fireblade engine but are easy on the body (seating wise) Great bikes IMHO

[Tigadee]

Bugger. I think ive struck a major problem with RFs. I went to the ergo website and found they seem to have a much larger forward lean than im used to. Now the issue for me with that is I have carpel tunnel issues and arthritis in my hip. i dont think I could handle much more lean than what I have.

Sounds like you need a cruiser, mate! :ride:

[nzspokes]

Would you consider CB900 Hornet? They have a Fireblade engine but are easy on the body (seating wise) Great bikes IMHO

Ive looked at them but dare I say they seem a little boring? I would like a little fairing to. but my dream bike is a CB1300.

[nzspokes]

Sounds like you need a cruiser, mate! :ride:

Im not old enough for one yet.

[5150]

Ive looked at them but dare I say they seem a little boring? I would like a little fairing to. but my dream bike is a CB1300.

Bland looking, ummm maybe. Borring? No Way

They are very versatile. Good and very comfy tourers (with windscreen), good track bike as they handle surprisingly well. and they are a every nutters wicked wheelie weapon. Very flickable and capable of 200plus clicks. I love mine

[nzspokes]

Im still super intrested in the RF900, I need to go sit on one. I would prefer that to a bandit.

[Tigadee]

Aren't there semi-faired 900 Hornets (or was it a 600) and even semi-faired CB1000 or CB1300s around? Thought I saw some on TM sometimes...

[nzspokes]

Aren't there semi-faired 900 Hornets (or was it a 600) and even semi-faired CB1000 or CB1300s around? Thought I saw some on TM sometimes...

But there not Rfs......

[5150]

But there not Rfs......

Sorry to have changed the subject. Was only suggesting the Hornet if the RF was not too comfy for you

[Boob Johnson]

Spokes, remember you can fit risers to the bars if a lil low. That, or as you said try a Bandit.

[Tigadee]

How about them VFR800s? :blip:

[nzspokes]

How about them VFR800s? :blip:

There gay. :bleh:

[nzspokes]

Spokes, remember you can fit risers to the bars if a lil low. That, or as you said try a Bandit.

Wont be low in a wheelie.....

[ducatilover]

There gay. :bleh:
:nono::spanking:

How about them VFR800s? :blip:

:niceone: My thoughts exactly.

[nzspokes]

:nono::spanking:


:niceone: My thoughts exactly.

Or just find more HP out of the 400.......

[ducatilover]

Or just find more HP out of the 400.......

GPZ600R motor anyone? :niceone: You won't get any more from it without killing the bottom end power. If you find the 400 fast, even a GPZ600R will make you poo.

[Tigadee]

How's about this then?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-462419534.htm

[nzspokes]

GPZ600R motor anyone? :niceone: You won't get any more from it without killing the bottom end power. If you find the 400 fast, even a GPZ600R will make you poo.

Theres a 600 motor on TM for a hundy at the moment....

[george formby]

How's about this then?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-462419534.htm

I have a real soft spot & great memories of being burnt off by a lovely young woman on one of dem.

Real sleepers, fast then & still fast.

Meh, go gay, CBR 1000 F. Ugly but fun.

[ducatilover]

Theres a 600 motor on TM for a hundy at the moment....

Do it mate, if you're wanting more pep and you love everything else about your GPZ, why not? I imagine the 600 uses bigger carbs though.
I love the ergonomics of the ZZR400 that I got, but it was slow as hell and the motor was poo, so I did the sensible thing and threw another 40hp in it :laugh:

[Ender EnZed]

What you want is a 168 rwhp ZZR1100 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-475632397.htm).

[2Seat_Terror]

I did a lot of research, and bought an RF900.

No regrets, fantastic bike! I don't find it hard on the wrists at all, FWIW

http://www.fuelly.com/driver/voidhawk9/rf900

Ride it across the 'Tron to work everyday. Love it. :love:

[banditrider]

I only had problems with the riding position when doing too much slow speed (town) riding - then I felt it in the wrists. I did have problems with the vibration (RF's known for bad vibes at open road speed limit - 1 easy way to stop that:msn-wink:) giving me sore joints in my hands when doing the GC but then it's not that often that most people are doing 1,000 miles in a day - towards the end of the run I'd start doing clutchless shifts which helped my left hand...

Overall though, pretty comfy for the style. The Bandit is better with it's more upright riding position and easy reach to wide comfortable bars - being bars not clip-ons they're a bit easier to adjust too. Vibration not as much as an issue either. Bandit slightly better 2-up as well.

BTW: I loved the RF and would love to have been able to keep but I couldn't justify 2 similar bikes back then. It was the nice green colour too.

263990263991263992

[Madness]

What you want is a 168 rwhp ZZR1100 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-475632397.htm).

Good point, except the D-model is the one to buy ('93 onwards) Even more bang for very few bucks.

[banditrider]

I happen to have a 2Wheels mag which ran the ZZ-R against the RF...as with all shoot-outs there were pros & cons with both bikes.

My old man had a ZZ-R while I had the RF. I preferred the RF although I think the ZZ-R would probably be the better 2-up tourer (he and ma did the South Island loaded up a couple of times). RF didn't have that flat spot at 4,000rpm either :msn-wink:. And at 11 grand brand new the RF was a nice price...

If you want a big Kawa there is only one choice...:msn-wink:

[Tigadee]

Hey Spokes, check this out:

[nzspokes]

I only had problems with the riding position when doing too much slow speed (town) riding - then I felt it in the wrists. I did have problems with the vibration (RF's known for bad vibes at open road speed limit - 1 easy way to stop that:msn-wink:) giving me sore joints in my hands when doing the GC but then it's not that often that most people are doing 1,000 miles in a day - towards the end of the run I'd start doing clutchless shifts which helped my left hand...

Overall though, pretty comfy for the style. The Bandit is better with it's more upright riding position and easy reach to wide comfortable bars - being bars not clip-ons they're a bit easier to adjust too. Vibration not as much as an issue either. Bandit slightly better 2-up as well.

BTW: I loved the RF and would love to have been able to keep but I couldn't justify 2 similar bikes back then. It was the nice green colour too.


Ive not ridden a bike that stretched out before. I will try to get to ride one over the next week.

[nzspokes]

Hey Spokes, check this out:

That person has freakishly long legs. And hes yellow, yellow fever?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hey Spokes, check this out:

What happens if your arms and legs are different lengths to the dummy?

[nzspokes]

What happens if your arms and legs are different lengths to the dummy?

Calling me a dummy?????? :bleh:

[Tigadee]

That person has freakishly long legs. And hes yellow, yellow fever?

Sorry, that was based on me... Here's you [as an Asian]:

[nzspokes]

Sorry, that was based on me... Here's you [as an Asian]:

Theres your problem. Its not allowed for my gut getting in the way of me reaching the bars.........

But really I need to sit on one. Theres a nice one at North Harbour Yamaha which I will look at.

[Tigadee]

Theres your problem. Its not allowed for my gut getting in the way of me reaching the bars.........

Problem solved... Note the new aerodynamic belly pan of the rider which pushes airflow to the sides to reduce drag, even when said rider is dressed in drag.

[EJK]

Hey Spokes, check this out:

Got a link to that website?

[Gremlin]

Got a link to that website?
Come on Mr EJK... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/130676-Awesome-web-app-for-comparing-motorcycles-riding-positions

[EJK]

Come on Mr EJK... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/130676-Awesome-web-app-for-comparing-motorcycles-riding-positions

Thanks for that! I had lost the link to the thread. I remember looking how I'll fit on a BMW R1200GS and know both of my feet will be in the air.

[Boob Johnson]

Sorry, that was based on me... Here's you [as an Asian]:
Spokes is an Asian!!!!


Does his mother know? :shit:

[nzspokes]

Spokes is an Asian!!!!


Does his mother know? :shit:

Jeezzz, better go check the the mirror.

Gunna go sit on a RF tomorrow. And a Bandit.

[Boob Johnson]

Jeezzz, better go check the the mirror.

Gunna go sit on a RF tomorrow. And a Bandit.
Hope you're gunna actually take them both for a spin!

[nzspokes]

Hope you're gunna actually take them both for a spin!

I cant. I have my kids on Saturdays and as motorcycle retailers work part time I cant ride one on a Sunday.<_<

But will be happy to sit on a RF. Theres a Bandit I really like and the dealer has worked me out a deal a while back but there not open when I can get there. I will go look at that again and have a sit to compare.

[nzspokes]

Well thats sorted that. RF is to tight for these old bones. Bandit here I come.