Need to upgrade the love of my life: Next step from GSX600F

[GravelRashKid]

Finally after 13 years I'm looking to upgrade my GSX600FV '97 Katana.
I really like her, although that may simply be because she's the only bike I've ridden in the last 13 years.

Power:
There's just the right amount of power that I can lean hard into a corner and nail it on the way out, without losing traction.
There's enough power that I can keep up with most riders who have a life expectancy of more than 6 months.
600cc means more affordable rego. I don't need to go fast in a straight line - meh, boring.
The GSX600F series are the "budget" model, so virtually any modern 600 will have more power and be enough for me.

Nimble:
She's nimble enough for me to really enjoy the Waipoua Forest and Scenic Drive.

Saddle:
I'm enjoying the riding position where I can comfortably spend several hours carving the chicken strips off the tyres.
I like that I feel more wrapped around the bike than perched on top of it.
My pillion likes that the pillion seat offers some comfort and is not just painted on.

Load:
I often travel with one or two packs on the pack-rack.
I'm a meagre 65kg and 5'8". My pillion is somewhere near the same weight (I'll ask her eh? - Yeah Right!)

Use:
I don't own a bike for commuting, although it's handy now and then.
It's for the fun of getting out of Auckland for a weekend, in search of roads such as Mangamuka Gorge and Hetherington Road.
I've been told by some that there is some wonderful scenery around NZ... I'll take their word for it, I'm focused on the tarmac.

I suppose I'm looking for a modern version of the same machine. In summary, a 600cc sports or sports/tourer with a good pillion seat.
Any thoughts?

[Ender EnZed]

Budget?


There's always the newer version of your GSXF (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-583785347.htm). It's probably a pretty disappointing ride compared to a real GSXR but those really aren't built for pillions.

A Honda VFR800 might be worth a look; decent all rounder that can handle a pillion and a days riding as well as the twisty bits.

[GravelRashKid]

Budget?


There's always the newer version of your GSXF (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-583785347.htm). It's probably a pretty disappointing ride compared to a real GSXR but those really aren't built for pillions.

A Honda VFR800 might be worth a look; decent all rounder that can handle a pillion and a days riding as well as the twisty bits.

Well I was going to paint the house this summer - but that can wait. Without knowing what the price ranges are, I was kinda thinking 10k to 15k. That would come down I guess if I looked at a bike already run-in.

Yeah, the newer GSXF is worth looking at.
Tehe, the only time I was bitterly disappointed was being on the same track as a GSXR. Whereas on the road I don't go much over 100kph, and I don't go much under 100kph.

The VFR800 is pretty sexy...

[Gremlin]

First and foremost, I think with your lack of experience (as you say in the first couple of lines), you need to get down to a few dealers and start riding some secondhand, but newer-than-yours bikes. Find out what you like and don't like.

Sometimes a lack of experience means you'll sort of accept anything, but once you've ridden some bikes, you'll get more picky and realise you can be picky as there is so much on offer.

Starting places... the newer GSXF makes sense, the VFR800 is over 600cc. What about the middleweight nakeds? CB600 et al? Do you like nakeds, or do you prefer some fairing. And so on...

edit: stay away from the true sportsbikes, doesn't really sound like that's what you want.

[300weatherby]

Waiting for someone to come along and say it................

Fuck it, ran out of waiting! ,me first- Get a Busa!!!!!!!!

[GravelRashKid]

Waiting for someone to come along and say it................

Fuck it, ran out of waiting! ,me first- Get a Busa!!!!!!!!

Haha, love it! That's a sexy beast!!
Taking into account the power to weight ratio, my height and weight, the road surface and weather, and of course the size of my balls... Estimated life expectancy = 8.94 seconds.

[GravelRashKid]

First and foremost, I think with your lack of experience (as you say in the first couple of lines), you need to get down to a few dealers and start riding some secondhand, but newer-than-yours bikes. Find out what you like and don't like.

Sometimes a lack of experience means you'll sort of accept anything, but once you've ridden some bikes, you'll get more picky and realise you can be picky as there is so much on offer.

Starting places... the newer GSXF makes sense, the VFR800 is over 600cc. What about the middleweight nakeds? CB600 et al? Do you like nakeds, or do you prefer some fairing. And so on...

edit: stay away from the true sportsbikes, doesn't really sound like that's what you want.

Yep, def lack of experience. Been riding for 20 years, but know SFA about bikes lol.
Good call, I'll go and ride a few to get a feel. Just need a bit of an idea of which 10 or so bikes to trial.
I'll have a look at the newer GSXF and CB600. As you say there should be plenty 600cc or under to choose from.

I'm on a loan bike at the moment, V-Strom DL650. At least I've narrowed down the selection this far - not for me!

[Gremlin]

I'm on a loan bike at the moment, V-Strom DL650. At least I've narrowed down the selection this far - not for me!
And that's not a bad thing at all. You've found a bike (possibly an engine layout or bike type) that you don't like. Cool, narrows down what you're looking for.

Buying and shopping for bikes is fun, along with test riding... kinda like dating ;)

[rustyrobot]

I wonder if the Yamaha Fazer FZ6 might be your cup of tea. Uprightish position, some fairing for wind protection, and under the 601cc cut-off. Reviews seem favourable, and although I've never ridden one I've spoken to one enthusiastic owner who thought it was a great all-rounder.

Here's a 2009 model for <$10k with ABS : http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-639956930.htm

[The Reibz]

Waiting for someone to come along and say it................

Fuck it, ran out of waiting! ,me first- Get a Busa!!!!!!!!

Truer words have never been spoken. Go test ride one, the throttle is suprisingly tame and useable for what you want. You can even take mine for a spin around the block next time at NASS. I took an entire engine block for a ride through glenfeild on the back of mine once and the pillion seat is like a single seater couch

[Juniper]

Load:
I often travel with one or two packs on the pack-rack.
I'm a meagre 65kg and 5'8". My pillion is somewhere near the same weight (I'll ask her eh? - Yeah Right!)



Smart move there.

And you earned yourself some cudo points there!!

Get the Busa
Get the Busa
Get the Busa!!!!!

[Blackbird]

I would have said a Street Triple as it ticks all the boxes but one in your case. They're bloody hopeless for a pillion passenger - rear pegs too high for serious distance work. Your relationship will end in no time at all :innocent:. I'm 5' 8" and went from 8 years of Blackbird ownership to a Triple. Really comfortable with great performance, especially in the tight stuff. Had it for 4 years and will probably buy another one!

[Maha]

Well I was going to paint the house this summer - but that can wait. Without knowing what the price ranges are, I was kinda thinking 10k to 15k. That would come down I guess if I looked at a bike already run-in.

Yeah, the newer GSXF is worth looking at.
Tehe, the only time I was bitterly disappointed was being on the same track as a GSXR. Whereas on the road I don't go much over 100kph, and I don't go much under 100kph.

The VFR800 is pretty sexy...

You'll need bigger than a 600 Brian if you want to pillion every now and then (with packs etc) just for the comfort and less effort for the bike alone. I started to pillion on my YZF600 and realised quick that I needed something bigger. Test rode a VFR800/YZF1000 and a 2002 Triumph Sprint. The VFR came a very second to the Sprint. Anne says the Sprint was the best pillion ride she had ever had. I still like the VFR and if you can pick one up with panniers? even better.

Mine was blue and without panniers, but once I rode and heard that very distinct sound, I was sold. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-647524265.htm

[baffa]

Hornet or predator?

[kevfromcoro]

I would have said a Street Triple as it ticks all the boxes but one in your case. They're bloody hopeless for a pillion passenger - rear pegs too high for serious distance work. Your relationship will end in no time at all :innocent:. I'm 5' 8" and went from 8 years of Blackbird ownership to a Triple. Really comfortable with great performance, especially in the tight stuff. Had it for 4 years and will probably buy another one!
hi ya.. iam stuck in the desert in Australia. with a hunded million kangaroos. really miss the sea food on the coro.
had a v strom when I was there.650. great bike. I would have another one

[Blackbird]

hi ya.. iam stuck in the desert in Australia. with a hunded million kangaroos. really miss the sea food on the coro.
had a v strom when I was there.650. great bike. I would have another one

Hi Kev,
Just to make it really bad for you, we were fishing just outside Coro harbour on Monday and had a great haul of snapper and kawahai! Don't suppose you needed to know that :whistle:

[kevfromcoro]

Hi Kev,
Just to make it really bad for you, we were fishing just outside Coro harbour on Monday and had a great haul of snapper and kawahai! Don't suppose you needed to know that :whistle:
would give my eye teeth for a snapper... all the fish here is frozen.. got no taiste at all..
found some nice scallops. the ozzys wont eat them. queer prix

[Banditbandit]

Haha, love it! That's a sexy beast!!
Taking into account the power to weight ratio, my height and weight, the road surface and weather, and of course the size of my balls... Estimated life expectancy = 8.94 seconds.


Naaa ... if that's what you think you'd survive a 'busa ...



Yep, def lack of experience. Been riding for 20 years, but know SFA about bikes lol.


Not true - 20 years of riding is more than many here .. abnd you will have learnt something.

With your budget have a look at the GSX1250 .. the Technically Not a Bandit ... I have both a 650 and the 1250 - daily transport and long distance riding (in that order) ...

The 1250 is more stable long distance, less tiring .. and with enough grunt to carry a pillion ... and will scare the hellout of sports bikes UNLESS the sports bike is ridden by a good rider ... don't be put off by the step up in size .. you'll be fine ...

And with your budget you can buy a new one ...

But have a look around - plenty on the market .. the Yamaha Fazer suggested above is also a good option ...

[EJK]

+1 for Busa

[nzspokes]

Yeah go Busa. Will only go as fast as you make it. 1250 Bandits are a bit meh, they lost something with the water cooled motor and need suspension work. My 1200 had a Busa rear shock in it which helped a lot. But then you may as well get the whole bike.

[Banditbandit]

Yeah go Busa. Will only go as fast as you make it. 1250 Bandits are a bit meh, they lost something with the water cooled motor and need suspension work. My 1200 had a Busa rear shock in it which helped a lot. But then you may as well get the whole bike.

As some-one said - there's not a standard Bandit on the road ... we all play with them ... upgraded shock is next on my list ... Might go Ohlins ...

[GravelRashKid]

I'm on a loan bike at the moment, V-Strom DL650. At least I've narrowed down the selection this far - not for me!

And that's not a bad thing at all. You've found a bike (possibly an engine layout or bike type) that you don't like. Cool, narrows down what you're looking for.

TBH it's probably because the front wheel must be severely bent (or loose and about to fall off!), and it sounds like it's running on one cylinder. I suspect the bike shop has intentionally not fixed it, to stop people thrashing it. Very balanced though, incredibly easy to creep along at slower than walking pace.
I far prefer the humping-the-coffee-table position over the meerkat position.

[Gremlin]

I far prefer the humping-the-coffee-table position over the meerkat position.
Fair enough :lol: I saw the light a while back, and much prefer the so-called "meerkat" position.

We're certainly not spoiled for options nowadays, so take the time to ride heaps of different bikes (it's in the shops interest that you ride it in case you're tempted to buy). For 10-15k budget there are even new bikes for you to consider, but I'd certainly advise letting someone else take the depreciation hit, and buy second hand if it has the features you want.

If 2up riding is important, while you should ride them 1up to assess bikes, also consider taking the short list of bikes for 2up rides, to get a review from the pillion. From the luggage angle, I'd definitely recommend something larger (rego difference isn't that great, and there isn't another cap above 600, so hell, get a 1800 aye?) as there will be more space for you and pillion. However, with your height, be careful that larger bikes aren't too big for you to handle at slow speeds (my boss has this exact issue, wants the space of a big bike, but can't handle the weight). Hard luggage is also nicer than soft luggage, restricts your packing but is waterproof.

Actually, hell, on that note, my boss' Blackbird is for sale on behalf at Botany Honda currently, if you're interested: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-635612633.htm

Standard it was too heavy for him, but it's got a full aftermarket system and centre stand has been removed. Also Ohlins rear suspension and Racetech tweaked front end. He's got too many freaken bikes, so help me get rid of it before he gets back next month... :rolleyes:

[Smifffy]

With that budget, I'd be keen to investigate the new Yamaha triple. No clue on how it pillions, but it'd be great to take for a test ride.

[nzspokes]

Actually, hell, on that note, my boss' Blackbird is for sale on behalf at Botany Honda currently, if you're interested: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-635612633.htm

Standard it was too heavy for him, but it's got a full aftermarket system and centre stand has been removed. Also Ohlins rear suspension and Racetech tweaked front end. He's got too many freaken bikes, so help me get rid of it before he gets back next month... :rolleyes:

Thats yummy. Trade for a Hornet and a Cheesecake? :Punk:

[Gremlin]

Thats yummy. Trade for a Hornet and a Cheesecake? :Punk:
He already has a Hornet (which might go as well), but hey, I love cheesecake! :banana:

From memory actually, I think both the Blackbird and Hornet were some of the very last new ones available... I know the shop rang him and said come collect the Hornet, it's been sitting in the corner for 6+ months...

[nzspokes]

He already has a Hornet (which might go as well), but hey, I love cheesecake! :banana:

From memory actually, I think both the Blackbird and Hornet were some of the very last new ones available... I know the shop rang him and said come collect the Hornet, it's been sitting in the corner for 6+ months...

Hyosung and 2 cheesecakes?

[Gremlin]

You might like to experience the better low down torque of a twin.
Depending on which bikes you're looking at, it's becoming a bit of a myth. For example, in sportsbikes, a GSXR1000 has an incredible amount of torque, likely more than a vtwin thou (I'm not looking at any numbers tho).

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-651822814.htm

[GravelRashKid]

Narrowing it down.

Looking at between 750cc and 1L. (Good for 2-up, but don't want more than 1L)
Seat height for rider (I'm short) and pillion (many are too high and/or only painted on).
Handlebar stretch (I'm learning what is too aggressive and what is too upright for me)
Luggage rack availability. (Allowing 2-up weekend trips)
Serviceability & running costs (I'm so not a mechanic lol)
Late model (Just run in would be nice, and cheaper than brand new)

Honda VFR800
Kawasaki Z1000
Yamaha FZ8

[Gremlin]

Yamaha also have the FZ1, when I demo'd one I did find it's performance was a lot like a naked sportsbike (was trying to avoid it).

I think I also have to suggest a Hornet CB919. :rolleyes: Not exactly the newest around, stopped around '07 I think, but a very dependable bike, givi racks available all round (so panniers and top box) or just ventura racks for tail. Servicing? I have to think it's one of the most reliable bikes made in recent times and being naked, servicing is also cheaper and quicker. Best, recently, the demand for them has dropped, they aren't really moving. A total bargain. Longevity? Good luck finding out. Between mates, we've got 150k, 116k and 100k ish on the clocks, no major problems on any. Warr on here is over 220k (but it's had a bit more work). Would probably suggest you replace the bars (easily done) which increases leverage and handling, as the stock ones are very narrow, but it can increase the reach to the bars.

[Maha]

Out of those three Brian, the Honda is it. It is designed for your requirements unlike the other two listed.
The FZ8 is great bike but I would never do any two up riding on it.

[GravelRashKid]

Out of those three Brian, the Honda is it. It is designed for your requirements unlike the other two listed.
The FZ8 is great bike but I would never do any two up riding on it.

Ah, I hadn't been looking at all my own criteria... Looking at the recent model FZ8, the pillion seat has almost disappeared. And the Z1000 never had a real one.

We sat on the VFR800, which felt pretty damn good compared to other bikes. It had a flat battery, so couldn't be test ridden that day.

[Maha]

Ah, I hadn't been looking at all my own criteria... Looking at the recent model FZ8, the pillion seat has almost disappeared. And the Z1000 never had a real one.

We sat on the VFR800, which felt pretty damn good compared to other bikes. It had a flat battery, so couldn't be test ridden that day.

I sold my FZ8 because my immediate criteria was similar to where yours is now, Anne had been on the back for a few minutes once and that was it! neither her or myself wanted that to happen again. On the Z1 the pillion would sit to high for my liking, and as I said earlier, the VFR was a close second for at one time.

[nzspokes]

Yamaha also have the FZ1, when I demo'd one I did find it's performance was a lot like a naked sportsbike (was trying to avoid it).

I think I also have to suggest a Hornet CB919. :rolleyes: Not exactly the newest around, stopped around '07 I think, but a very dependable bike, givi racks available all round (so panniers and top box) or just ventura racks for tail. Servicing? I have to think it's one of the most reliable bikes made in recent times and being naked, servicing is also cheaper and quicker. Best, recently, the demand for them has dropped, they aren't really moving. A total bargain. Longevity? Good luck finding out. Between mates, we've got 150k, 116k and 100k ish on the clocks, no major problems on any. Warr on here is over 220k (but it's had a bit more work). Would probably suggest you replace the bars (easily done) which increases leverage and handling, as the stock ones are very narrow, but it can increase the reach to the bars.

Agreed, very under-rated bikes. Very easy to self service and cheap to have done. most tell me its $200 a service but I do my own. I got mine for $4500 and couldnt be happier with it. Has a big pillion seat, easy to mount luggage. Short reach. Stock bars suck. Very good economy.

im working on wearing mine out, no sign yet.

[Gremlin]

Agreed, very under-rated bikes. Very easy to self service and cheap to have done. most tell me its $200 a service but I do my own. I got mine for $4500 and couldnt be happier with it. Has a big pillion seat, easy to mount luggage. Short reach. Stock bars suck. Very good economy.

im working on wearing mine out, no sign yet.
Basic services are $200, expensive services are $300. My flash BMW (newer) costs a fortune compared to the Hornet. Has a service, and all I really do is fill it with gas in between services.

Good luck wearing it out (as long as you maintain). My Hornet has done about 90k around town in just under 7 years, barely ever leaves town. I reckon it's one of the hardest working as I'm up and down the gearbox a massive amount (I wish light phasing was something engineers were aware of) and besides the clutch cable already being replaced at 60k, the worst problem has been wheel bearings needing replacing. Been through a rear disc already and the fronts will probably be replaced within 20k.

[insane1]

Have a real hard look at a vfr 800 botany Hondas got a few of them ,wish I'd gone that route not bought the vfr 1200 .

[raziel1983]

Have a real hard look at a vfr 800 botany Hondas got a few of them ,wish I'd gone that route not bought the vfr 1200 .

How come? If you don't mind me asking.

[nzspokes]

How come? If you don't mind me asking.

+1, I would rather like a VFR1200.

[insane1]

+1, I would rather like a VFR1200.a bit lighter and not so awkward to move around the 12s a heavy beast .

[raziel1983]

a bit lighter and not so awkward to move around the 12s a heavy beast .

The 800 Isn't exactly petite either :p

[vifferman]

The 800 Isn't exactly petite either :p
It's not...?:eek5:

Feels quite spritely to me... but then I haven't ridden anything else in the last 9 years...

[GravelRashKid]

The 800 Isn't exactly petite either :p


It's not...?:eek5:
Feels quite spritely to me... but then I haven't ridden anything else in the last 9 years...

How do you think the 800 would compare with my current 97 GSX600FV? I find her quite easy to throw around, including 2-up, and wouldn't want something more sluggish. I assume technology for suspension and handling has significantly improved since 1997 lol.

[Ender EnZed]

How do you think the 800 would compare with my current 97 GSX600FV? I find her quite easy to throw around, including 2-up, and wouldn't want something more sluggish. I assume technology for suspension and handling has significantly improved since 1997 lol.

On paper it sounds reasonably heavy at 213kg dry, but it carries it very well and felt much lighter to me than my 215kg Hayabusa.

If you can handle a GSXF600 2 up comfortably then a VFR800 shouldn't pose any problems. I certainly wouldn't expect it to feel sluggish in comparison.