Changing bikes, probably not 'til next year - opinions on what to get? (RF 900 maybe)

[MarkH]

I've been living in Auckland for about 15 years and a few years ago I bough a commuter bike that I've also used as a small tourer.
But now I've moved from Auckland to Morrinsville (I was born & raised in the Waikato) and I'm thinking that my 400cc scooter is not quite the ideal vehicle for me any more.
I'm no longer commuting around Auckland daily and that is where the Burgman really shined - the name is actually from Burg = city.

Now there is my wants & needs & preferences:
I don't like cruisers
I don't like highly strung & uncomfortable sports bikes
I do like sports tourers.
I do like a fully faired bike.

And my financial situation:
I got no money.

So, I'm thinking that if I start saving then by August - October of next year I could have maybe 5k or so to spend.

What I'm considering:
I've seen the RF 900 bikes on TradeMe going for 2.5k - 5k so that means for ~$5k I can get a pretty good example of that particular bike.

What I'm wondering:
Is this a good decision? Should I save up the money and buy a ~16 year old bike?
Is the RF 900 a good choice for a sports tourer? Is it a good bike to ride?
Will this be a good reliable bike?

I was thinking that around October next year as the weather is getting nicer I'd like to get a new (to me) bike, but maybe I could buy one in the middle of winter if the prices are better during the worse time of year.
There is also the issue of selling the AN 400 - maybe I should sell that a few months later when I'll get a better price. I don't think I'll get a lot for it though, it has rather high kms for a scooter and isn't in perfect condition cosmetically, the tupperware isn't cheap to replace either and I would probably not get a good return on replacing any of that.

Thoughts? Opinions? Advice?

[iYRe]

I test rode a few RF900's but found the seating position a bit unconfortable. Ended up with the ZRX1100 and wouldnt change it for the world.. well.. except for a new one :P

[MarkH]

I test rode a few RF900's but found the seating position a bit unconfortable. Ended up with the ZRX1100 and wouldnt change it for the world.. well.. except for a new one :P

Good point, I guess I'll be needing to test ride one at some point to see how I like the feel of it.
The ZRX1100 bikes on Trademe seem to be a bit more expensive, I'm not sure about the extra cost there.

[Rhys]

The RF's are incredibly under rated , it would definitely be on my short list, I would also look at the CBR's (blackbird) they come up for around $5K occasionally

[BigAl]

Have you considered Bandits, heaps around, real reliable, good tourers, pretty cheap.

Most late ones have fairings, I saw a 2007, 46kms for $4500.

Can't go wrong.

[MarkH]

The RF's are incredibly under rated , it would definitely be on my short list, I would also look at the CBR's (blackbird) they come up for around $5K occasionally

Yes I think I'd definitely consider a CBR going for a good price.

[Madness]

There are loads of posts here on KB about the proficiency of the RF900. Drew will be here at some stage, he knows how to punt 'em about :innocent:

The ZZR1100 D models, from '93 onwards represent a huge amount of bang for buck and are worth keeping an eye out for too. With any bike that's >10 years older condition is key to avoiding costly repairs. Pay attention to brake rotor thicknesses, fork chrome, etc.

[MarkH]

Have you considered Bandits, heaps around, real reliable, good tourers, pretty cheap.

Most late ones have fairings, I saw a 2007, 46kms for $4500.

Can't go wrong.

*checks trademe

Hmmm, the average price on a Bandit seems to be a few thousand higher, I have to wonder if a late model one for $4.5k isn't too cheap - i.e. maybe some problem which lowers the price. Some nice Bandits for sale though, if only I had the necessary cash . . .

[MarkH]

There are loads of posts here on KB about the proficiency of the RF900. Drew will be here at some stage, he knows how to punt 'em about :innocent:

The ZZR1100 D models, from '93 onwards represent a huge amount of bang for buck and are worth keeping an eye out for too. With any bike that's >10 years older condition is key to avoiding costly repairs. Pay attention to brake rotor thicknesses, fork chrome, etc.

If I can get a decent specimen that runs well and is reliable then I'm OK with spending a few hundred on a new brake rotor or whatever.
I'm just after a decent bike with a nice wide power band - nothing to peaky.
I'm not sure I really want to go up to 1 litre or more, I've also considered a bike like the GSX750F Katana which were pretty cheap new and I've seen 2005 to 2008 models from $3.5k to $5k.

I guess I've got a bit of time to look into the different options and consider the various helpful suggestions here.

[iYRe]

Good point, I guess I'll be needing to test ride one at some point to see how I like the feel of it.
The ZRX1100 bikes on Trademe seem to be a bit more expensive, I'm not sure about the extra cost there.


I got my 1999 model one for 3k.. spent 1k.. and its awesome. They are nimble, quick, comfy, and sound great.

[iYRe]

If I can get a decent specimen that runs well and is reliable then I'm OK with spending a few hundred on a new brake rotor or whatever.
I'm just after a decent bike with a nice wide power band - nothing to peaky.
I'm not sure I really want to go up to 1 litre or more, I've also considered a bike like the GSX750F Katana which were pretty cheap new and I've seen 2005 to 2008 models from $3.5k to $5k.

I guess I've got a bit of time to look into the different options and consider the various helpful suggestions here.


Do the research (google zrxoa and zrxoc if you're interested in the zrx/zzr route) - when you have the cash, set yourself up a bunch of test rides.. it will be plainly obvious on the day what you want.. I road CBR1000's, RF900's, Bandits, zrx1100 - the zrx was by far the winner with the CBR close second.

[MarkH]

Do the research (google zrxoa and zrxoc if you're interested in the zrx/zzr route) - when you have the cash, set yourself up a bunch of test rides.. it will be plainly obvious on the day what you want.. I road CBR1000's, RF900's, Bandits, zrx1100 - the zrx was by far the winner with the CBR close second.

Hmmm, some test riding is definitely in order.
I see a ZZR100 in trademe for $4k, something like that would be worth putting on my short list for suitable bikes in the right price range.
I'm definitely not opposed to buying a bike from Dunedin either - fly down and ride back, perfect excuse for a long ride!

I'll have to get saving, there are more bikes than I thought in my price range.

[Pedrostt500]

I paid 5k for my FJR 1300 18 months ago.

[AllanB]

SV1000, poor mans Ducati :-)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-576966926.htm



GS1200ss (bandit engine, retro look, tour very well)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-576640270.htm

[Jantar]

I'm another one who thinks that the RF900 is a very good bike that is generally under-rated. You should be able to pick up a good one for under $5k, and have change to improve the seat and make it more suitable for longer distances.

The GS1200SS is another good choice that is long legged and economical. I did a Southern Cross on one in 2005 without any problems at all.

Earlier model FJRs also come available within your price range and may be worth a look.

There are plenty of choices oput there so just watch trade me, visit the local bike shops in Hamilton etc and see what you feel comfortable with.

[MarkH]

The biggest problem I have now is that bikes I'm looking at look so good for the money I really want to buy one now.
It looks like for around $4k I could get quite a good RF900R - maybe it is easier to bargain now being the start of winter when sales are likely to be a bit slow.

I'm starting to wonder what my 400cc scooter is worth, the kms are a bit high but it is still a great city commuter and they are well know for being a reliable machine. If I only got 2k that still wouldn't be bad, only another 2k needed to get a nice bike.

Some bikes on trademe are in the South Island - I'd need a bit more money for a flight and for a fairy crossing as well as a bit of petrol.
But I ride in all weather and wouldn't be opposed to a ride from Christchurch back up to the Waikato right now.

One thought is buying a bike this time of year and then selling my scooter later in the year when the weather is better and there is more demand.
Anyone know how much the time of year affects the price?

[MarkH]

Did I really put "probably not 'til next year", I may have actually meant "tomorrow" :whistle:

The situation:
I took a Suzuki RF 900 for a test ride today . . .

Now, how can I not go back tomorrow & buy it?

I knew it would go well and have heaps more power than the Burgman, but DAMN!
That beast pulls from any speed in any gear!

[mulletman]

Some of those 900s are governed , personally id go for a GS1200ss, lots more bike for $ i reckon.

[sugilite]

Good article on RF900's in the latest edition of Practical Sports bike mag. (my fave magazine)

[MarkH]

I picked her up and brought her home:

283978 283979

It was a fun ride, ticked along at 4,000rpm in 5th mostly - about 105kph indicated.
On one passing manoeuvre I might have picked up a bit more speed, but then I slowed it back down to that 105 indicated and carried on.
The hotgrips even on minimum were nice and warm.

I guess I'll have to try some longer rides to find out how it is to ride. I'll probably bring her along to the Cold Kiwi this year.

[sugilite]

Looks like a really good clean example, well done that man :2thumbsup

[BigAl]

Sweet ride:niceone:

[Grizzo]

Wicked. Gotta be pleased with that.
Good on ya!

[MarkH]

I was thinking about swapping to a Shorai battery - knock 3kg off the weight and have a bit more grunt for starting, I want to be able to start up and go for a ride whenever I decide to and it could be that the bike sits in the garage for a few weeks now and then. In fact it is the lack of needing the bike for commuting every day that made me want to trade my scooter for something else.

Naturally instead of ringing the Shorai agent in Hamilton (turns out it is Boyd motorcycles, which is where I bought the bike from yesterday) I went for a ride, as you do when you have a new bike. They didn't have the right battery in stock so they are going to order it. That means another ride to Hamilton & back next week, oh darn!

So now I've put ~100kms of ride time on the bike and I'm getting the feel for it - it really does ride well. It is super stable on the road, the scooter wasn't bad but this is definitely better. Overtaking a truck on a long straight bit of road I decided to hold the throttle open for a few more seconds to see what the bike will do, yep - it is quick.
I have a theory that it would be rock solid at 200kph, but of course I would never find out on a public road. :whistle:
So far - I'm lovin' it!
Gonna be some shitty weather for a few days so I'll let her rest until I go get that battery.

[mulletman]

Sweet looking machine :niceone:

[fridayflash]

i owned one in the same colour scheme, great bike and very good value
my main gripe was the seat to pegs posi...seat being a bit low and pegs a little forward
but that may not be an issue depending on your height/in seam a bike mate borrowed it for
a week and at about 5'7 in height he found it perfect as is
hope you enjoy owning it mate!

[fridayflash]

looking at the pics of your bike looks like its had an extra layer of foam added to the seat? could help
with the issues i mentioned...i road the final 500km home of a trip once with a folded towel
taped to the seat to give me the extra leg space needed

[MarkH]

I did have a sit on a brand new ST1300 - that was incredibly comfortable, fitted like a glove! If only I had the necessary cash for that one . . .
But the RF900 feels OK, still getting used to it and haven't been on a long enough ride to know if my butt really likes the seat - no problem on a 30 minute ride.
I'm really loving the hotgrips, no cold and numb fingers for me!

I don't have another RF900 handy to compare seats, I got no idea if the seat has been modded or not.

[chrisso]

I had a RF 900 in mind a bout 10 yrs back. Read a test at the time and it compared most favourably with the ZZR1100. Ended up getting a GPZ900R-- only because of the price. Hope It goes well..

[MarkH]

I picked up my Shorai battery (damn, that thing is light) and someone from the service department asked if I had just bought the bike from them, I said "yes", so he said he had a couple of gifts - the original seat and the Ventura grab bar. So I guess the seat on my bike isn't factory, it looks quite different to the factory seat. It feels comfortable enough, maybe if the weather is OK on Sunday I'll go for a decent ride to test it out properly.

When I start the bike with the Shorai battery I can hear that it definitely does crank over faster - I like that!

[Vinz0r]

Congrats on the new bike, looks in pretty good nick!

[blackdog]

Do not let the new battery go flat. Unlike a traditional battery that can be recharged, apparently the Shorais can't.

I recommend a battery tender if it will sit for any length of time, or you will have a very expensive paperweight.

[MarkH]

Do not let the new battery go flat. Unlike a traditional battery that can be recharged, apparently the Shorais can't.

I recommend a battery tender if it will sit for any length of time, or you will have a very expensive paperweight.

I think that my 15 year old bike lacks any electronics that impose a load when the key is off, if it is unused for a few weeks I'll periodically check the battery with a multi-meter.
You are correct about Li-ion batteries being damaged by spending time below their minimum recommended voltage - this applies to all Li-ion rechargeable batteries including those in your cell phone or laptop.

[Wingnut]

Yea... Can t say enough about getting a trickle charger or similar. I have 4 bikes and I rotate the charger on all of them to keep the batterys nice and healthy.

I too was looking at a RF900... Saved a few more pennys and got the VFR instead... After having Buells, GSXRs, Suzuki M109s etc... Its nice to have comfort while banging out decent miles. Fucken hell, I must be getting old!!!! Thinking heated grips are next on the list and some decent after market cruise control.