"New" bike decisions

[Vorno]

Hello everyone, been a long while since I have made a post.

I am going to be knocking off my Yamaha Scorpio and looking at a new/near-new bike.

At the moment I am considering the Honda Hornet CB600 (naked), love the way it rides and handles.
At $12,000 new I believe it is a good buy.

I will however be considering other Naked sports bikes and would like some suggestions :)
Some examples I'm looking at:

Honda Hornet CB600 (already covered) $12k
Hyosung GT650 $9k
Suzuki Gladius SVF650 $10-11k
Kawasaki ER6-N $10-11k

The Hornet of course being a 599cc means save $100 each year of course & cheaper insurance!

Your thoughts and opinions please :D

[mossy1200]

If thats your style and price range idd go this and pay the extra 100 per year rego

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-502292657.htm

Saying that the cb600 looks good and would be the pick on your list.:yes:

[GrayWolf]

Hello everyone, been a long while since I have made a post.

I am going to be knocking off my Yamaha Scorpio and looking at a new/near-new bike.

At the moment I am considering the Honda Hornet CB600 (naked), love the way it rides and handles.
At $12,000 new I believe it is a good buy.

I will however be considering other Naked sports bikes and would like come suggestions :)
Some examples I'm looking at:

Honda Hornet CB600 (already covered) $12k
Hyosung GT650 $9k
Suzuki Gladius SVF650 $10-11k
Kawasaki ER6-N $10-11k

The Hornet of course being a 599cc means save $100 each year of course & cheaper insurance!

Your thoughts and opinions please :D
Can I also suggest a serious look at the Yamaha FZ600R (600 fazer) or even the new XJ600.. I had the chance to ride a fazer for 2 weeks as a loaner from my local dealer, and it is a very competent bike, certainly quick enough after a sprot 250, and 'starship enterprise' after a Scorpio without being scary or savage in its power delivery. Really worth a ride at the least.

[Oakie]

If thats your style and price range idd go this and pay the extra 100 per year rego

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-502292657.htm

Saying that the cb600 looks good and would be the pick on your list.:yes:

You might want to discuss with Hitcher first. Where is Hitcher? Haven't seen much from him lately.

[James Deuce]

Buy the Hornet.

[mossy1200]

You might want to discuss with Hitcher first. Where is Hitcher? Haven't seen much from him lately.

Did Hitcher have some bad luck with one?

[Madness]

Did Hitcher have some bad luck with one?

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/114875-Warranty-claim-settled-at-glacial-speed?highlight=shiver

[James Deuce]

He didn't have bad luck, he had willful disrespect from the Beckhaus owned importers and ended up fixing a warranty claim himself. Bike wasn't fit for purpose and should have been replaced under the CGA.

Consequently, I wouldn't touch a Triumph or Aprilia or anything else the Beckhauses are involved with, were I to be spending money on motorcycles or anything else they distribute or sell. Hitcher was left out to dry by the dealer as well, who dumped Aprilia not long after Hitcher bought the bike, simply because the Beckhaus-owned importing concern were impossible to deal with and the dealer refused to own the issue as well as the dealer was no longer a dealer.

[Hitcher]

Did Hitcher have some bad luck with one?

The bike was a peach. My problem was with the New Zealand distributor. The model (as illustrated) with the silver frame is the model after the first-of-breed gold framed model I had. By that stage Mr Aprilia had managed to sort out the instrument panel electrical problems that were the scourge of the first generation models.

The ergonomics on the first versions of the Shiver (including the one pictured on Trade Me) are exceptional. The 750 L-twin is sublime. So is the handling (well, one-up anyway). The rear suspension is a bit underdone for ideal two-up riding but I am sure any credible suspension guru could fix that.

Another model for the OP to add to their list is the new 650 Strom, that's got the same mill as the Gladius. This, in my opinion, is the best 650 V-twin Mr Suzuki has made. The ergonomics and weather protection on the Strom are better than the Gladius.

[blackdog]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-498712908.htm

Apart from Mr Hitcher's unfortunate experiences, I believe Triumphs are acceptable to own in New Zealand.

[James Deuce]

The ergonomics and weather protection on the Strom are better than the Gladius.

Yes, but it looks like a syphilitic haemorrhoid suffering from Neurofibromatosis type 1.

[Hitcher]

Yes, but it looks like a syphilitic haemorrhoid suffering from Neurofibromatosis type 1.

A bit harsh, James. The new model looks significantly better than the model it replaces.

[wanpo]

It's a bit more expensive new, but you could grab a 2nd hand Street Triple. Pretty much anyone I know who has been in the market for a bike at has test ridden one has bought it.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-498712908.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-484738162.htm

[Vorno]

Yes, but it looks like a syphilitic haemorrhoid suffering from Neurofibromatosis type 1.

Brilliant mate!


Ok... so far the only useful post has been "Buy the Hornet" ^_^

EDIT: That new Triumph is tempting but $12k if basically where I am drawing the line! And after seeing a "mint condition" 2011 Hornet that had changed hands 3 times and had been de-registered I am very cautious of buying second hand.

[GrayWolf]

It's a bit more expensive new, but you could grab a 2nd hand Street Triple. Pretty much anyone I know who has been in the market for a bike at has test ridden one has bought it.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-498712908.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-484738162.htm

OP is coming up from a 250 Scorpio
with 107bhp, 50+ft lbs of torque and comments like this
"Better still is the superb three-cylinder motor. Its capacity and configuration combine brilliantly to produce one of the keenest and flexible middleweight engines on the market. Softer cams and pistons give the motor a broader spread of power than the 675 Daytona's. It's a more real world delivery, and actually makes more horsepower up to 9000rpm than the sportsbike. It gives fluid and gutsy throttle response and an utterly fantastic exhaust note at virtually all rpm. And if you can't wheelie this bike, you'll never be able to. Not many bikes are as easy to hoist and hold."

I dont think it's a 'good' step up.... its an experienced riders bike. but then what do i know?

[Gremlin]

Of the ones you've listed, yes the Hornet is a 599, so benefits there. I would certainly take the Hornet from that pick, I've ridden one and it was a real peach and fun. I haven't ridden the others.

For 12k you also have the Honda NC700S, which is more economical and also plenty of fun, but aimed more at commuting...

[sinfull]

EDIT: That new Triumph is tempting but $12k if basically where I am drawing the line! .

One phone call, Tell em you want the triumph but are only prepared to pay the 12k !

Funnier things have happened, seeing it's a demo bike ! Might have a few ks on it but it'll also have that warranty you sound like ya want !

[James Deuce]

A bit harsh, James. The new model looks significantly better than the model it replaces.

They used Preparation H to round the edges off.

[Rcktfsh]

Can I also suggest a serious look at the Yamaha FZ600R (600 fazer) or even the new XJ600.. I had the chance to ride a fazer for 2 weeks as a loaner from my local dealer, and it is a very competent bike, certainly quick enough after a sprot 250, and 'starship enterprise' after a Scorpio without being scary or savage in its power delivery. Really worth a ride at the least.

Don't make the same mistake Valentino made, giving up his Yamaha for an inferior brand. Do you also want to waste a couple of years tortured by frustration. Go for the Fazer.

[SILVER SUZI]

Honda Hornet CB600 (already covered) $12k
Hyosung GT650 $9k
Suzuki Gladius SVF650 $10-11k
Kawasaki ER6-N $10-11k



WHY would you include a Hyobag in your options when you can afford so much else?

[Maha]

Owning Hornet = no regrets.
The Gladius and ER are made for the female market...on styling alone.
Ask Grant, he owned one...:shifty:

[Ender EnZed]

A lot of people want to have babies with their Striple so it'd probably be worth having a ride on one. Test ride the ER6, if you like it then try the SVF. Don't bother with the hyosung. Buy the hornet.

[DR650gary]

We have a Yamaha XJ6S in the barn.

Worth a look IMHO.

Cheers

[Tigadee]

Ok... so far the only useful post has been "Buy the Hornet" ^_^

Look at the Suzuki GSR600 - smart-looking bike and very well-priced.

[ducatilover]

Look at the Suzuki GSR600 - smart-looking bike and very well-priced.
Beat me to it!
I'd take the 4 cylinders over the twins at that price/size/purpose (Except the Shiver, they make me happy pants). I'd be gambling between the GSR and Hornet, the new Yam FZ does look rather neat though.
The Street is awesome, but have to agree with GrayWolf there.

[James Deuce]

Look at the Suzuki GSR600 - smart-looking bike and very well-priced.
With the worst off idle throttle stumble ever. Buy the Hornet.

[skippa1]

get what tweaks your nipples mate.....they are all basically good, different but good. As for the Striple, its a matter of how hard you turn the handle as to how dangerous it is....dont be put off, theyre a nice bike and will last you a long time before you get sick of it

PS, you dont have to buy new, they all drop in value a heap the minute you sign the dotted line. There are some VERY nice low mileage bikes out there at a lot less than new price.

[Ender EnZed]

Another reason to get a Hornet; they seem to last forever. This is about the third CB600 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-503984040.htm) in not many more months I've seen on TM with over 100k on the clock. Can't say the same for most models of bike.

[Vorno]

Thanks a ton for the feedback everyone.

I'll be going with the Hornet :)