Buyer's remorse - should I have bought a sports bike?

[Barts]

Hi,

I've been riding for just under a couple of years now and I am considering upgrading to a sports bike. My first ride was a '96 Hornet 250 (owned for 12+ months), I'm currently riding a DL650.

I should be happy with the V-strom however when I purchased this bike I only tested a couple of other bikes (a street triple and an explorer). I erred on the side of caution and chose the more conservative bike. I was relatively new to motorcycling (still am) and thought I didn't need all that power/torque.

Now I am left wandering did I buy the right bike? I bought the bike I was comfortable riding at the time of sale as opposed to a bike that perhaps would have been a steeper learning curve at first, but ultimately would have been a better longer term buy.

I really should have tested a greater number of bikes (and styles) before opting for my current ride. In particular I am left wondering should I have tested a sports bike? When I bought the V-Strom I told myself "I don't need a sports bike as these are too fast...too powerful...too sporty, I'll never go on a track day etc."

Now I have a bit more experience (10,000 KM or so) I am thinking should I give a sports bike a go? I am 90KG and 6'3" so probably not best placed for these types of bikes however I'll never know without trying..

So, is there a sports bike out there that's appropriate for me, or should I be looking more at a sports tourer given my height/weight?

I have sat on a GSX-R750 at my local dealer (TSS Red Baron) and I have to say the 'feel' of this type of bike slightly intimidates me. Maybe this will pass on the open road as experience what I am led to believe is a sublime ride.

I would appreciate any insight/experience with my dilemma. No matter what bike I own, will I will always be
wondering "what's my next bike...."

Cheers and happy new year guys,
Barts

[nzspokes]

Sorry but only you know the answer to this. I would say its time for some test rides.

Neither bike you've owned has been hugely powerful so try something different.

I had a sports bike but an older one with higher bars. Was much fun and I wish I still had it at times. But then I get back on the Bandit and realise why its the right bike for me.

[p.dath]

Sorry but only you know the answer to this. I would say its time for some test rides...

+1.

The feeling of intimidation you are experiencing is only because you haven't ridden on one of them before. That will pass quickly.

[DMNTD]

First off....what do you need from a bike? Also, what do you want from a bike?
Solve the first two things and from there it makes the whole process fairly straight forward.

Remember that just because something has 160+ hp, it doesn't mean that you have to use it. In fact in some cases having more power can make it easier to simply cruise along with less effort.

Recommend that you ask yourself why you want an actual 'sports bike'. Are you aware that there are naked bikes out there that go at least as well in the corners?

[Corse1]

There a many powerfull naked bikes out there now if you are worried about the riding position. The speed triple, tuono, etc will have more than enough power. Plenty of dealers to test ride all sorts of different bikes.

If you are only planning on owning one bike you can bet your ass that no matter what you purchase, you will always be thinking what if? and/or whats next?

Iv'e recently changed from a naked to a sports bike thinking that I may as well own one before age dictates that the ride position can no longer be tolerated and then I will go back to a more upright ride position bike.

[haydes55]

Being a taller guy i'll just make a sugestion, try a few sport/tourers like the rf900 or triumph sprint (I think). Or if you only ever go for 2 or 3 hour rides at a time, have a look at a few motards.

[BMWST?]

get used to it,so many bikes and so little time...:laugh:

[Ocean1]

No matter what bike I own, will I will always be
wondering "what's my next bike....

Probably. No reason you should expect to be any different to most other bike owners.

Like the man said, first define what you use the machine for, then make a list of suitable bikes and go test ride some.

One thing, horsepower is a buzz with a half-life of a month or so, and the more you've got the less time you're able to use it all, so I'd suggest you look on hp as a secondary asset. I've just changed bikes to one that's got about one DL650's worth of hp less than it's predecessor, but given it's other features it's got enough.

Edit: With big HP machines don't underestimate how suddenly the next corner arrives and the speed you're at when you get there, that combination kills more riders than any other single factor.

[sidecar bob]

I should never have bought my last sports bike (RSV1000r) I find my beemer GS to be at least half a dozen times easier to use than the angry bitch was, & far more suited to todays level of road policing.
Just my expierence, which will not nesacarrily be yours.

[James Deuce]

I should never have bought my last sports bike (RSV1000r) I find my beemer GS to be at least half a dozen times easier to use than the angry bitch was, & far more suited to todays level of road policing.
Just my expierence, which will not nesacarrily be yours.

Nice to see you can still type after that container incident! Blimey!

What he said. Despite being an, oooooooo, "1300" the XJR is relaxed and comfy at 100km/hr, but has substantially more torque than many other 1300s on the market. It goes around corners and exits them with more urge than a 14 year-old school boy with a Katy Perry picture in his grubby mitts. But, because it is "naked"...... Sorry, Katy Perry and naked in the same paragraph is a bit much, you are self-limited eventually, depending on fitness, to non-license losing speeds. Lazily flip flopping between corners and sometimes grinding things is huge fun. Lazily flip flopping on any sportsbike is so unrewarding. I just this month gave the RVF400 I had for a year back, and the last ride over the hill was substantially quicker than any ride on the XJR. It's some 850cc smaller than the XJR and is much faster on the right road, but not as much fun to load up and head to the Sth Is for a week. Unless you get someone to drive a car with your stuff in it, then it's better.

None of that helped, did it?

[slofox]

When I bought the V-Strom I told myself "I don't need a sports bike as these are too fast...too powerful...too sporty, I'll never go on a track day etc."

Just because a sporty CAN do the crazy thing doesn't mean that it always WILL do the crazy thing. It's all up to the rider. Nobody forces your wrist to turn all the way round.

[george formby]

get used to it,so many bikes and so little time...:laugh:

Yup. I've ridden a wide spectrum of bikes & enjoyed them all but non have been perfect. Not only that, as circumstances change so does my preferred type of riding. I'm currently more interested in little bikes than big bikes.
Go do some test riding, buy whatever gives you a woody today.

Oh, who said you need a sprot bike to do a track day?

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=541955278

[sidecar bob]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-509360121.htm

[carburator]

Im 6'1" and a wet 75kgs and throw a 08R1 around, once you get the suspenion settings
to your liking they are a good bike, most people do look strange at me when crusing
as i sit on the metric ton and wander along...

Its nice to have that boggie when needed.. and decent brakes..
long distance, meh better bikes for that out there but still i rack
up the km's and have a good time..

[george formby]

Im 6'1" and a wet 75kgs and throw a 08R1 around, once you get the suspenion settings
to your liking they are a good bike, most people do look strange at me when crusing
as i sit on the metric ton and wander along...

Its nice to have that boggie when needed.. and decent brakes..
long distance, meh better bikes for that out there but still i rack
up the km's and have a good time..


:eek:You ride an R1 & have throttle restraint? Better man than me, I can resist everything except temptation.

[carburator]

:eek:You ride an R1 & have throttle restraint? Better man than me, I can resist everything except temptation.

Ive been told off by the missues a few times, admittly its a hard machine to keep slow..
its not hard to speed... more so what Ive got a US ECU not the stupid jap one..

though on a family ride, I can stop and have a coffee and a ciggie while she catches up...

[Madness]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-542106397.htm

[george formby]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-542106397.htm

Now that is a lot of bang for your buck.

[DMNTD]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-542106397.htm

Meh...a cruiser is where it's at http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-455203952.htm :eek:

[caspernz]

Haha, I don't think it matters what you ride in your early years of biking, you'll always be left wondering. It's been mentioned before, what do you need from your bike, and what do you want from it? Anything beyond that is personal choice, no point asking anyone but yourself.

Ponder those points, then take a few test rides. Just because a bike has mega horsepower doesn't automatically turn it into a widowmaker...:eek:

I'm quite a few years in, have had a good selection of bikes over the years...and now I'm pondering what to get next. Funny thing is the more test rides I've done, the more I like the bike I've got right now!:laugh:

[Grant`]

Meh...a cruiser is where it's at http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-455203952.htm :eek:

Until the next bug bites and you find something else..... Your the worst of the bunch for changing bikes.

But most people are the same, whatever bike you have there is always going to be something better, faster, more powerful, more practical or more unpractical for that matter or best of all more wank factor to impress your mates out there that you will want own, its just the endless cycle of owning a motorcycle.

[onearmedbandit]

One thing, horsepower is a buzz with a half-life of a month or so,

I disagree. Owned my thou for about 7yrs now and still enjoy the hp buzz it gives me.



Edit: With big HP machines don't underestimate how suddenly the next corner arrives and the speed you're at when you get there.

This I agree with though.

[swbarnett]

Funny thing is the more test rides I've done, the more I like the bike I've got right now!:laugh:
I know what you mean. I've had my Katana for about two years now and at this stage I can't see myself on anything else.

[Ocean1]

I disagree. Owned my thou for about 7yrs now and still enjoy the hp buzz it gives me.

Shudup. I'm trying to justify selling the CR.

[Gremlin]

A lot has already been mentioned, so I'll touch on a couple of things.

Only you can decide what sort of bike you want to ride. Also expect your desires to change. I went from learner bikes to full blown sports bikes and now adventure bikes in less than 7 years of riding. I shudder to think what I'm going to want in another half decade (or less).

Sportsbikes are built for speed, not comfort. They don't have large tanks for distance nor comfortable ergonomics. Large bikes don't go as quickly, so they're built as small as physics allows (while having a long enough wheelbase etc to make them controllable). If that's your style of bike, then look for something you find comfortable, as different people have different ideas of comfort and what they're used to as well.

The Vstrom 650 is a very suitable bike for some riding (like all bikes). It's not a bad bike, but depends whether it suits your riding.

You need to think about what you want from riding and what sort of bike suits those wants...

Thankfully, test riding, researching and learning about bikes is rather fun... which is probably why most of us keep doing it (even after we've just bought the "perfect" bike).

[Jantar]

Having owned and ridden all styles of bikes over the years I can add that there is no single bike that does it all. The V-Strom is the most versatile bike I've ever owned, and although it doesn't have the same power as a pure sports bike, it does match the handling in most circumstances.

One memorable ride on my DL 1000 was from Haast back to Makarora in company with a group of three riders all on on CBR 600 RRs. We were part of a much larger group of around 40 bikes in all, but we four wanted a wee play through the best motorcycling road in New Zealand. I had my wife as pillion, but the three sports bikes were all solo. It was not a race, but the 3 of them had a private bet as to how long it would be before they dropped the Strom so far behind that it was out of sight. Well I stayed with them as far as the Gates as Haast before I got bored watching them struggle around the lovely bends, so I passed each of them in turn up the hill after the bridge, and my wife and I were already ordering coffee in Makarora when they arrived. So much for sports bikes outhandling a V-Strom.

I have many similar tales of the V-Strom impressing sports bike riders with its handling, but the real difference with the Strom is the variety of roads it can take. In my experience the V-Strom is the most versatile bike available in New Zealand. It isn't perfect at any aspect of riding, but it does some of everything.

Certainly try a pure sports bike, you'll love it. The feeling of sheer power and the quickness of turning in is invigorating. But whatever bike you decide to stick with will depend on what you want to use it for.

[paturoa]

+1 on the thrill that a sprots bike gives.

I've only ever considerred myself an average skilled biker and after year

[bluninja]

Loved the previous 17 years of sportsbikes (ZZR600, ZX9R, RSVR) but on returning to NZ I thought an all rounder would be better for the road conditions here and bought a v-strom. The bike is everything I expected and capable.....but.......it doesn't have me racing for my helmet to get out and ride any chance I get. Perhaps when I've upgraded the suspension :confused: I can ride it harder through the twisties and enjoy it more.

As for the HP buzz......that sharp twist of the wrist on a sportsbike in the right conditions always does it for me, as does laying it into a fast sweeping turn.

[chrisht]

We're all different I guess...depends on your wallet too..I have a friend who has owned all sorts of bikes over the years & is not dis-similar to your specs...Ended up buying a Ducati Multistrada,reckons it's the best bike he has owned & a great all rounder,previous bikes included several R1's/MV F4/999/KTM Duke/GSXRThou/FZ8/Speed Triple.....Good Luck!!

[GrayWolf]

Hi,

I should be happy with the V-strom however when I purchased this bike I only tested a couple of other bikes (a street triple and an explorer). I erred on the side of caution and chose the more conservative bike. I was relatively new to motorcycling (still am) and thought I didn't need all that power/torque.

Now I am left wandering did I buy the right bike? I bought the bike I was comfortable riding at the time of sale as opposed to a bike that perhaps would have been a steeper learning curve at first, but ultimately would have been a better longer term buy.

I really should have tested a greater number of bikes (and styles) before opting for my current ride. In particular I am left wondering should I have tested a sports bike? When I bought the V-Strom I told myself "I don't need a sports bike...too powerful...too sporty, etc."

So, is there a sports bike out there that's appropriate for me, or should I be looking more at a sports tourer given my height/weight?

I have sat on a GSX-R750 at my local dealer (TSS Red Baron) and I have to say the 'feel' of this type of bike slightly intimidates me. Maybe this will pass on the open road as experience what I am led to believe is a sublime ride.

Barts

Hi Bart,
it's been said, in the end only YOU can decide on your bike... what you do need to consider is that all bikes are a compromise The DL650 may be 'low power' by today's standards, but it is comfortable, long legged, competent on most road surfaces.
Sprot bikes are faster, corner 'quicker' and accelerate faster,,, generally NOT comfortable, NOT pillion friendly over any real distance, and I can say one of the most 'staunch guys I have seen' completed the Capital 100km ride a few years ago on a TL100S.
Naked bikes often are a 'retro' like the XJR1300, GS1400, CB1300 etc... but they have modern suspension and improvements that are far above the looks. generally they are more comfortable than a sprotty, and certainly for the pillion.
Sport tourers are a good compromise between performance and comfort, even the old ZZR1100 is still a lot of bike even by today's standards.
Generally sport oriented bikes produce massive power high up the rev range.. Example ZZR1100 power begins at 6k rpm equals 150kph in top. So you dont actually legally get to use the power effectively. Obviously some sport bikes will be even more 'severe' in where the real power is produced in the rev range... (the use of variable ignition and cam's will mitigate a lot of this if used on the bike you are looking at).
Naked and most sport tourers produce less max BHP, higher torque figures, and sport tourer's are designed to be a lot more flexible in the power delivery.

My own experience (full time rider of 38 yrs) has covered bikes that were the 'rocket' of their day, to V twin cruisers..... HI 500a, ZL1000 eliminator, FJ1200, ZZR1100 to Guzzi 1000 & 1100, BMW GS1000, Virago 1100, VN1500 and now the MT-01... to name some of the machinery I've owned. The MT has not even half the BHP of many modern sports bikes, but has huge torque figures..... it will 'scare the hell' out of many sprot bikes over roads like the 'taka's.... it's only on the 'open road' the huge power advantage in BHP becomes obvious..... it's 'best roll on performance area is around 90-150 kph which is really exactly where you NEED that roll on power.
You'll also find many sprotties are 'upset' easily by bad road surfaces, the naked's, sport tourers will soak up anomalies more readily... but at the 'expense'? of slower speeds and less 'flick-ability'........

[quickbuck]

Hi Barts,
Before going out and spending loads of dosh on another bike that you may only like for a few more weeks, I would suggest doing an advanced riding course to learn how to get the best out of your bike.

The 650 V-Strom is a great all round machine. There is no reason at all you can't do track days on it. Then you can take the back roads home, and ride through the worst "road works" and come out the other side smiling....

As has been aluded to, Sports Bikes are not the best things to live with all the time on NZ Roads.
Just like not every car on the road is a Sports Car when you look at it in the cold light of day.....

[Big Dave]

Me, I'd stick with the wee-strom.

It's one of the most suitable bikes there is for living in NZ.

Sportsbikes ain't.

[schrodingers cat]

OP. Yes.
Or wouldn't be asking.

Go out and find the bigest, coolest monster that gets your heart beating (age irrelevant). Just looking at it sitting outside work or in your garage should give you a chubby.
Ride it however you like.
Enjoy.
Repeat (often)

If you don't like it, chalk it up to experience.
If you drop it, don't complain
Likewise, if you license gets taken off you, suck it up.

In summary. Its your money and your life and you should use it in ways which make you smile.

Cheers

[onearmedbandit]

OP. Yes.
Or wouldn't be asking.

Go out and find the bigest, coolest monster that gets your heart beating (age irrelevant). Just looking at it sitting outside work or in your garage should give you a chubby.
Ride it however you like.
Enjoy.
Repeat (often)

If you don't like it, chalk it up to experience.
If you drop it, don't complain
Likewise, if you license gets taken off you, suck it up.

In summary. Its your money and your life and you should use it in ways which make you smile.

Cheers

^^^This^^^

[GrayWolf]

OP. Yes.
Or wouldn't be asking.

Go out and find the bigest, coolest monster that gets your heart beating (age irrelevant). Just looking at it sitting outside work or in your garage should give you a chubby.
Ride it however you like.
Enjoy.
Repeat (often)

If you don't like it, chalk it up to experience.
If you drop it, don't complain
Likewise, if you license gets taken off you, suck it up.

In summary. Its your money and your life and you should use it in ways which make you smile.

Cheers

Following that theory........ God help me, the ex used to watch the Kardashians :sick: Now to look at and take to bed? Maybe one of them would give you a chubby. You might even want one to 'ride' a few times....

But here's the QUESTION...... would you want to MARRY one? :wacko:

Coz once you part with your hard earned spondooliks on a bike, ya 'married it'............ so to speak.

[Highlander]

... It goes around corners and exits them with more urge than a 14 year-old school boy with a Katy Perry picture in his grubby mitts. But, because it is "naked"...... Sorry, Katy Perry and naked in the same paragraph is a bit much, you are self-limited eventually, ...

In both cases limited by what you have in your hand and your ability to control its action.







Now I have a bit more experience (10,000 KM or so) I am thinking should I give a sports bike a go? I am 90KG and 6'3" so probably not best placed for these types of bikes however I'll never know without trying..

So, is there a sports bike out there that's appropriate for me, or should I be looking more at a sports tourer given my height/weight?

I have sat on a GSX-R750 at my local dealer (TSS Red Baron) and I have to say the 'feel' of this type of bike slightly intimidates me. Maybe this will pass on the open road as experience what I am led to believe is a sublime ride.


Your hieght / weight are not necesarily the defining factors, the feeling of intimidating riding position MAY pass after riding the bike for a while and getting comfortable. I would say have a sit on a variety of bikes and take it from there.


First off....what do you need from a bike? Also, what do you want from a bike?
Solve the first two things and from there it makes the whole process fairly straight forward.

Remember that just because something has 160+ hp, it doesn't mean that you have to use it. In fact in some cases having more power can make it easier to simply cruise along with less effort.

Recommend that you ask yourself why you want an actual 'sports bike'. Are you aware that there are naked bikes out there that go at least as well in the corners?

DMNTD speaks good sense (in this instance), defining what you want from a bike will naturally exclude some of the selection.
Having said that, my current ride is sooo not what I had in mind when I started looking, but it fit all the criteria I was looking for so I took it for a test "just to rule it out" bought it the week later, now with 3 years riding it, if I had to replace it i would probably go for much the same.

[DMNTD]

DMNTD speaks good sense (in this instance), defining what you want from a bike will naturally exclude some of the selection...

Yeah sorry about that, shouldn't happen again though

[caspernz]

Meh, the whole "which bike next dilemma" can be solved using this method...

Get the bike your ego requires and your wallet can handle. Nothing else matters. Probably explains a few Milwaukee tractors :wacko:

So if I want to get a Hayabusa and use it like a sports tourer and never go over 100 km/h...that's my choice. BUT, and it's a big but, I firmly believe that the temptation to pin the throttle to the stop will overcome most of us at some point :innocent: and as long as that happens on a track day :2thumbsup

Strangely enough I've been thru the whole spectrum and it's pretty much one step forward and two steps back on the decision making process, so maybe I shouldn't be commenting....:eek5:

[\m/]

I really should have tested a greater number of bikes (and styles) before opting for my current ride. In particular I am left wondering should I have tested a sports bike? When I bought the V-Strom I told myself "I don't need a sports bike as these are too fast...too powerful...too sporty, I'll never go on a track day etc."
Just because a bike has a lot of power doesn't mean you have to use it all the time. But it is awesome for overtaking quickly.


Now I have a bit more experience (10,000 KM or so) I am thinking should I give a sports bike a go? I am 90KG and 6'3" so probably not best placed for these types of bikes however I'll never know without trying..
From what I've heard the GSX-R600/750 are the roomiest of the supersports, so they may be your best option in terms of comfort. Don't know about the 1000s though.


I have sat on a GSX-R750 at my local dealer (TSS Red Baron) and I have to say the 'feel' of this type of bike slightly intimidates me. Maybe this will pass on the open road as experience what I am led to believe is a sublime ride.
I'll admit I was a bit intimidated by my 750 when I first sat on it (previous bike was a 250 bandit), got used to it after a few kms on the test ride, then when I got back to the shop the first thing I said was "I'll take it".

[Banditbandit]

Having owned and ridden all styles of bikes over the years I can add that there is no single bike that does it all. The V-Strom is the most versatile bike I've ever owned, and although it doesn't have the same power as a pure sports bike, it does match the handling in most circumstances.

One memorable ride on my DL 1000 was from Haast back to Makarora in company with a group of three riders all on on CBR 600 RRs. We were part of a much larger group of around 40 bikes in all, but we four wanted a wee play through the best motorcycling road in New Zealand. I had my wife as pillion, but the three sports bikes were all solo. It was not a race, but the 3 of them had a private bet as to how long it would be before they dropped the Strom so far behind that it was out of sight. Well I stayed with them as far as the Gates as Haast before I got bored watching them struggle around the lovely bends, so I passed each of them in turn up the hill after the bridge, and my wife and I were already ordering coffee in Makarora when they arrived. So much for sports bikes outhandling a V-Strom.

I have many similar tales of the V-Strom impressing sports bike riders with its handling, but the real difference with the Strom is the variety of roads it can take. In my experience the V-Strom is the most versatile bike available in New Zealand. It isn't perfect at any aspect of riding, but it does some of everything.

Certainly try a pure sports bike, you'll love it. The feeling of sheer power and the quickness of turning in is invigorating. But whatever bike you decide to stick with will depend on what you want to use it for.

Yeah .. I watch a mate with a 1000 V-Strom do that occassionally ... I'm always amused at how sports bike riders think they are automatically faster than a tourer or adventure bike .. I've blown a few 600cc sports bike egos on my BMW Paris Dakar ... (the 1990 1,000 airhead version)

But I'm less impressed with the V-Strom 650s (never ridden one - just observations of them on the road)

Bart ... as some of us here will tell you - have a serious look as the Bandits. (or the GSX..F .. the TNAB) .. these are great all round bikes - great on our roads and very versitile ... I regularly ride long distance (8-9 hours at a time) and they are a comfortable cruise ... I've also seen 200 klicks on my 650 clock and on the 1250 I have no idea .. it was still accelerating when I got nervous and shut it down with something passed 240 on the clock ... (back country rural road - never know what is going to jump out of the shrubery ..)

They are quick enough to be fun when ridden hard, excellent long distance bikes, and easy round town ...

As someone once said "A Bandit is a bike that no-one wants until a mate gets one ..."

[Laava]

Having owned and ridden all styles of bikes over the years I can add that there is no single bike that does it all. The V-Strom is the most versatile bike I've ever owned, and although it doesn't have the same power as a pure sports bike, it does match the handling in most circumstances.

One memorable ride on my DL 1000 was from Haast back to Makarora in company with a group of three riders all on on CBR 600 RRs. We were part of a much larger group of around 40 bikes in all, but we four wanted a wee play through the best motorcycling road in New Zealand. I had my wife as pillion, but the three sports bikes were all solo. It was not a race, but the 3 of them had a private bet as to how long it would be before they dropped the Strom so far behind that it was out of sight. Well I stayed with them as far as the Gates as Haast before I got bored watching them struggle around the lovely bends, so I passed each of them in turn up the hill after the bridge, and my wife and I were already ordering coffee in Makarora when they arrived. So much for sports bikes outhandling a V-Strom.

I have many similar tales of the V-Strom impressing sports bike riders with its handling, but the real difference with the Strom is the variety of roads it can take. In my experience the V-Strom is the most versatile bike available in New Zealand. It isn't perfect at any aspect of riding, but it does some of everything.

Certainly try a pure sports bike, you'll love it. The feeling of sheer power and the quickness of turning in is invigorating. But whatever bike you decide to stick with will depend on what you want to use it for.

I agree with this but would also note that there is a BIG difference between the 650 and the thou. The thou has better handling out of the box due to the fork internals and obviously more power which is great in some situations. I did 5000kms on a 650 then hopped on my thou after and it was a very different machine in many ways. It is bigger and heavier as well tho. But I have surprised people by keeping up with them and also 2 up. It is an easy bike to ride fast I have found, not that I am much of a sporty rider. The best thing is it is not ever phased by bumps mid corner incl corrugated ruts. Just my opinion.
I have a Buell as well now and to be honest the strom is the bike I will be keeping long term.

[ital916]

After years of riding sports bikes, I bought a cruiser, thinking it would suit my daily drive better, big lots of luggage capacity etc. Two months later, I realised it wasn't right for me, having found it's limitations in the mildest of riding conditions, so have gone back to what I know, big sports bikes lol. Big is good, as we say in engineering, there is no replacement for displacement and ground clearence.

[DMNTD]

After years of riding sports bikes, I bought a cruiser, thinking it would suit my daily drive better, big lots of luggage capacity etc. Two months later, I realised it wasn't right for me, having found it's limitations in the mildest of riding conditions, so have gone back to what I know, big sports bikes lol. Big is good, as we say in engineering, there is no replacement for displacement and ground clearence.

Recently bought my first cruiser. Absolutely love it but it isn't 'typical' so does the job just fine

[ital916]

Recently bought my first cruiser. Absolutely love it but it isn't 'typical' so does the job just fine

diavels don't count as cruisers :P, pics of it? I have yet to ride one.

[BigAl]

After years of riding sports bikes, I bought a cruiser, thinking it would suit my daily drive better, big lots of luggage capacity etc. Two months later, I realised it wasn't right for me, having found it's limitations in the mildest of riding conditions, so have gone back to what I know, big sports bikes lol. Big is good, as we say in engineering, there is no replacement for displacement and ground clearence.

Amen brother!

[actungbaby]

[QUOTE=Barts;1130455538]Hi,

I've been riding for just under a couple of years now and I am considering upgrading to a sports bike. My first ride was a '96 Hornet 250 (owned for 12+ months), I'm currently riding a DL650.

I should be happy with the V-strom however when I purchased this bike I only tested a couple of other bikes (a street triple and an explorer). I erred on the side of caution and chose the more conservative bike. I was relatively new to motorcycling (still am) and thought I didn't need all that power/torque.

Now I am left wandering did I buy the right bike? I bought the bike I was comfortable riding at the time of sale as opposed to a bike that perhaps would have been a steeper learning curve at first, but ultimately would have been a better longer term buy.

I really should have tested a greater number of bikes (and styles) before opting for my current ride. In particular I am left wondering should I have tested a sports bike? When I bought the V-Strom I told myself "I don't need a sports bike as these are too fast...too powerful...too sporty, I'll never go on a track day etc."

Now I have a bit more experience (10,000 KM or so) I am thinking should I give a sports bike a go? I am 90KG and 6'3" so probably not best placed for these types of bikes however I'll never know without trying..

So, is there a sports bike out there that's appropriate for me, or should I be looking more at a sports tourer given my height/weight?

I have sat on a GSX-R750 at my local dealer (TSS Red Baron) and I have to say the 'feel' of this type of bike slightly intimidates me. Maybe this will pass on the open road as experience what I am led to believe is a sublime ride.

I would appreciate any insight/experience with my dilemma. No matter what bike I own, will I will always be
wondering "what's my next bike...."

Go for it mate am 6.1 and those sportbikes nice a light and you only go as fast as

U turn the right wrist mate cbr 1000 nice bikes very good at home on street too

Mind you the gsx 750 be fantasic bike as well what about the gsr 750 nice bike good price

In between the dl and the gsxr , you talking to guy swaped xl 600 for scotter 80cc

So yeah u chould say mistake but i think all good in the end its all learning diffrent machines

cant hurt can it i say more varied experices the better mate

if you can keep dl get a gsx or r1 green meanie or cbr way to go have it all then

get out on the dl if wet weather just feel like going to the shops take bigger bike out

of town that way keep kms down get more for it when sell it in furture, then u still

got great bike in dl if u have to do unthinable settle down have a car

[GrayWolf]

After years of riding sports bikes, I bought a cruiser, thinking it would suit my daily drive better, big lots of luggage capacity etc. Two months later, I realised it wasn't right for me, having found it's limitations in the mildest of riding conditions, so have gone back to what I know, big sports bikes lol. Big is good, as we say in engineering, there is no replacement for displacement and ground clearence.

So what you really mean is, you bought a cruiser, rode it like a sprotbike, expected it to behave like a sprotbike, and didnt give yourself time to 'adjust'.... in the 80's I went from a Kwaka 1000 (the dogs bollox of it's day) to a Yamaha XV1100 Virago. Like you I decided to 'settle it down' a bit
The ride out of the shop was an OMFG where's the power moment.. Luckily? The tart's boudoir was one of the 'best' handling cruisers around, it out handled all bar the Guzzi California in road tests. It took months to start to learn the different approach to riding a big inch cruiser..... I learnt to relax and slow down. I rode big twins for almost 20yrs before returning to a 4cyl (fj1200) and then a ZZR1100..... now back on a big twin, I cant keep away from em :Punk: The strangest thing was, once I adjusted to the 'low power' I suddenly realised I never needed 100+bhp for overtaking, the Virago's 'measly' 60bhp was more than adequate to do the job.

[DMNTD]

diavels don't count as cruisers :P, pics of it? I have yet to ride one.

Have a ride of one but through some corners. They are very surprising :sunny:

[ital916]

Have a ride of one but through some corners. They are very surprising :sunny:

Worlds most bad arse unicycle? haha jks. Do you find the rear hugger hitting the sub frame under hard compression of the rear?

I will definitely have to ride one!

I'll post a pic of my new busa when I pick her up.

[macka77]

go for fun m8, an adventure bike or just a 400/650 single you can ride everywhere i know a lot of guys who ride really dam well on sports bike have a off road back ground.
buying a 1000cc sport bike will not give you much flexability in learing to ride. a lot of fun stuff is of limits to a 1000cc they are best for an old mans bike who only goes out if its a sunny day. if you want to ride alot get something that you can throw around

[ital916]

go for fun m8, an adventure bike or just a 400/650 single you can ride everywhere i know a lot of guys who ride really dam well on sports bike have a off road back ground.
buying a 1000cc sport bike will not give you much flexability in learing to ride. a lot of fun stuff is of limits to a 1000cc they are best for an old mans bike who only goes out if its a sunny day. if you want to ride alot get something that you can throw around

Good thing I'm young then because the blackbird I used to own was plenty fun as my daily commuter, cross country tourer and back road blaster, on all days in all weather conditions.

You're going to have to fill me in on what age is considered old, just so I can prepare myself for when I all of a sudden cannot ride on a rainy day. Must suck to be old. :laugh:

As for flexibility in learning to ride, a 1000cc in my opinion is more forgiving, you can lull a litre bike around in top gear and you will get away with it. It all comes down to your right wrist and how sensible you are. A 600 can be more demanding that a litre bike. Just my opinion.