Returning rider - Recommend me a bike!

[royalbeast]

Hey guys, I used to ride a few years ago, and decided to get back into it. A couple of my bikes were a cbr400rr, a bandit 250 and a Suzuki rgv250.

I'm after something flickable and light that I can destroy some corners with, but still has enough power on the motorway, and not feel like I'm abusing it at 100kph.

I rode a 250cc the other day, (hyosung gt250r) and I felt the lack of power quite a bit. (250cc's seem slower than they used to be!)

Unless there's some much more powerful 250's , I'd prefer something bigger.


The only thing is, I'm quite a light, small guy (160cm) and reading about the power of the supersport 600s put me of a little. I want something I can push to around 75% of its limits without being afraid of, but also after something decently modern (newer than 2000) .

Is there anything out there that would suit me?

Cheers!

[Blackbird]

A Triumph Street Triple is one possibility. Terrific performance but the flat torque curve means that it's really easy to ride in all conditions. Also very light and not super tall either. If necessary, you can buy lowering kits for them at a modest price. Ergonomically, it's very comfortable.

I've had my Triple for almost 5 years after coming from an 1100cc Blackbird for the previous 8 years and still love it to bits. After 2 years of ownership, I wrote this review: http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2010/08/triumph-street-triple-review-revisited.html and the conclusions still hold up. Have now covered 55000 km on it. The reg/rec was replaced at no cost under a factory recall, I upgraded the headlamp bulbs and apart from a few farkles, that's all I've done. Rear shock is due for replacement this year.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'm another Street Triple R owner. Love the bike. I am a shortarse too. 164cm with a 28 inch inseam.

If you want something more retro feeling (and we don't know what licence you have or how much money) then a Triumph Bonneville or a Moto Guzzi V7 (only because I really like both of those). or a new SR400.

[nodrog]

Get a bmw s1000rr and just ride it in rain mode.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'm another Street Triple R owner. Love the bike. I am a shortarse too. 164cm with a 28 inch inseam.

If you want something more retro feeling (and we don't know what licence you have or how much money) then a Triumph Bonneville or a Moto Guzzi V7 (only because I really like both of those). or a new SR400.

I swung a leg over a midsize Yamaha a few weeks back. Fz-09. takes aim straight at the Street Triple. cheaper too and looked prettycool. there is a single cylinder one too with the XT660 motor.

[royalbeast]

Thanks for the suggestions -
I'm going to be getting my full by next week (never got round to it last time),
And I'm looking at spending probably about 6-8k Max.
Unfortunately that rules out the speed triple, even though they seem amazing.

I'm not really a fan of adventure bike either - I prefer something with a lower centre of gravity.

A couple bikes have stood out to me:

A naked fazer fz6n (looks beasty, but reviews say it's heavy, and the sv650 might be a better choice)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/773010190

Cbr600rr. (Some one say squid? )
http://www.trademe.co.nz/756391598

Sv650 (prefer the fz6n looks more)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/789528957

Anything else I'm missing?
I know the price limit is a pain, but I have too buy a bike for the missus as well!
Everything good seems to be at least 8 hrs south of Auckland

[BlackSheepLogic]

So exactly which license do you have now? Restricted?

If you have been away from bikes for a while, prior relatively new rider (L-Plate?) I would suggest a LAMS approved bike, something like the GSX650FU which can quite easily be derestricted once your skills improve (and full license). New they are in your budget range and quite a nice relaxed setup.


Thanks for the suggestions -
I'm going to be getting my full by next week (never got round to it last time),
And I'm looking at spending probably about 6-8k Max.
Unfortunately that rules out the speed triple, even though they seem amazing.

I'm not really a fan of adventure bike either - I prefer something with a lower centre of gravity.

A couple bikes have stood out to me:

A naked fazer fz6n (looks beasty, but reviews say it's heavy, and the sv650 might be a better choice)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/773010190

Cbr600rr. (Some one say squid? )
http://www.trademe.co.nz/756391598

Sv650 (prefer the fz6n looks more)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/789528957

Anything else I'm missing?
I know the price limit is a pain, but I have too buy a bike for the missus as well!
Everything good seems to be at least 8 hrs south of Auckland

[Banditbandit]

Sv650 (prefer the fz6n looks more)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/789528957

Anything else I'm missing?
I know the price limit is a pain, but I have too buy a bike for the missus as well!
Everything good seems to be at least 8 hrs south of Auckland

I'm not a fan of the SV650s ... they seem slow ...

Have a look at this - I ride one of these to work and back every day (most of it in 100kph territory .. They are very comfortable and simply FUN ...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-788734439.htm

The 650 Bandit has about 5-8 horses over an SV .. and they have the in-line 4 responsiveness.

[TheDemonLord]

So exactly which license do you have now? Restricted?

If you have been away from bikes for a while, prior relatively new rider (L-Plate?) I would suggest a LAMS approved bike, something like the GSX650FU which can quite easily be derestricted once your skills improve (and full license). New they are in your budget range and quite a nice relaxed setup.

as a GSX650FU Rider - I recommend them highly - great fun when you are learning, good for serious amount of riding (I ride 110 Km a day commuting to and from work, in all weather) and just a really good bike

[HenryDorsetCase]

I owned an SV650 naked. Great little bike but they have a lot of well known compromises due to them being built to a budget. Specifically suspension. Nothing a few grands worth of tweaking or a GSXR600 front end won't fix. Oh, and to put a new can on them you have to cut the pipe. They go well though.

[royalbeast]

So exactly which license do you have now? Restricted?

If you have been away from bikes for a while, prior relatively new rider (L-Plate?) I would suggest a LAMS approved bike, something like the GSX650FU which can quite easily be derestricted once your skills improve (and full license). New they are in your budget range and quite a nice relaxed setup.


as a GSX650FU Rider - I recommend them highly - great fun when you are learning, good for serious amount of riding (I ride 110 Km a day commuting to and from work, in all weather) and just a really good bike

Unfortunately the GSX650FU seems to be well out of my price range - $12,000 new? And they haven't appeared on the used market yet.
My budget is 6-8K

[Ender EnZed]

Sv650 (prefer the fz6n looks more)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/789528957

Anything else I'm missing?

The SV is always a solid option, you could also look at Kawasaki's direct competitor to it; the ER6N or F.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-749925680.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-747451133.htm

[BigAl]

For 6-8k you should get a pretty decent mid size bike.

Just work out its primary purpose and go from there.

Don't let what you've read put you off throw a leg over and form your own opinions :msn-wink:

[5150]

What about 2004-2006 Kawasaki Z750 or if you bit more adventurous Z1000 ;)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-776257075.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-788106729.htm

[Akzle]

reccomend you a fuken search.
TZR1000 RR.

[5150]

TZR1000 RR.

Why, oh why the fuck would he want to buy a hand grenade?:facepalm:

[Banditbandit]

Why, oh why the fuck would he want to buy a hand grenade?:facepalm:

Terrorists frequently use motorcycles you know ..

[TheDemonLord]

Unfortunately the GSX650FU seems to be well out of my price range - $12,000 new? And they haven't appeared on the used market yet.
My budget is 6-8K

I got mine used - but they are a little hard to find used

[Ender EnZed]

I want something I can push to around 75% of its limits without being afraid of

This statement could mean different things to different people. But, if you mean that you want to be able to change gear at the redline a decent amount of the time then it's worth considering the fact that anything past ~100hp is getting into serious licence losing speeds in third gear. That CBR600 you linked is a sensible step up from a RGV or CBR400 but it'll do 160 in second.

[nodrog]

Unfortunately the GSX650FU seems to be well out of my price range....

What about a GSXR1000FU?

[HenryDorsetCase]

This statement could mean different things to different people. But, if you mean that you want to be able to change gear at the redline a decent amount of the time then it's worth considering the fact that anything past ~100hp is getting into serious licence losing speeds in third gear. That CBR600 you linked is a sensible step up from a RGV or CBR400 but it'll do 160 in second.

OP should buy a cruiser. An 883 Sportster.

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-787339432.htm

If you can find a few more dollars this is it.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-782533496.htm

[fridayflash]

reccomend you a fuken search.
TZR1000 RR.


or if thats too big, he could try the 'sleeved down' tz700 :eek:

[Akzle]

reccomend you a fuken search.
TZR1000 RR.

[george formby]

If your looking for a bike just to go fanging on then the SV650, ER6, would do the job. Yup, they are compromised but how well, truthfully, can you ride?

Your height & weight is irrelevant to the performance of the bike. That all comes down to your right wrist and how it is connected to your brain. So the 600 super sports are just tickety boo but do like revs.

If you get your full and want the full experience of handling & power on the road try & find a GSXR 7fiddly.

Just sayin.

As somebody posted, decide your primary purpose, get your licence and go test riding.

For cornering shenanigans the CBR400 & RGV 2fiddly are hard to beat.

Oh, a KTM 690 Duke is huge fun in the corners. Mega, even.

[EJK]

Get a bmw s1000rr and just ride it in rain mode.

Yup! That's what I did.

[mossy1200]

Yup! That's what I did.

Yeah right! TUI

Bet rain mode stayed on for less than 10mins

I have programmed 3 different drag maps onto my lower power mode positions and set the default traction control to zero on them.
Now I can ride to 30% of the bikes ability.

[nodrog]

Yup! That's what I did.


Yeah right! TUI

Bet rain mode stayed on for less than 10mins

I have programmed 3 different drag maps onto my lower power mode positions and set the default traction control to zero on them.
Now I can ride to 30% of the bikes ability.

Dude hes asian, he had to get park assit fitted too.

[royalbeast]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
Seriously helpful.

As you guys have been saying, I should know what I want out a bike, and go for that. I'll try to explain what I'm after.

My bike will be my only vehicle - but most of the time I use public transport within the city, so a vehicle is purely for fun, and any out of city trips.
I'm coming back to bikes after a failed experiment with cars, where, without realising it, I was simply trying to replicate the joy I felt from a motorcycle.
I had cars like and Rx7- FD, s2000, mx5, etc. Some of the best drivers cars, but they all felt heavy, and though there was speed (A hell of a lot with the modified rx7) it was disconnected, and abstract speed.
After all - I learnt how to ride a street bike, before I learnt how to drive a car, so I think I am ruined for life.

What I want, is a bike thats small enough I can feel is a part of me, but with enough horsepower.
I don't need a 1000cc, but saying that, modern 250's feel like great handling scooters.
Something that strikes a happy medium is what I want - But I want something closer to a weapon, than a commuter.

I'm just not entirely sure what will meet my wants best.

The kawasaki ER6N / 650r seems great, I will try and see one today
The sv650 seems ok, too, but doesn't strike me the same way.
I'm also not a fan of v-twins from what I've experienced - I prefer inline 4's. I love the fact they want to be rev'd to an inch of their lives to bring out their power, and I'll trade that for v-twin torque any day.


Cheers!
Steve

[Ender EnZed]

Midsize twins might be a bit bland. Go ride one, then ride a 600cc CBR/GSXR/ZX/R6.

If you're only going to be riding on city/main roads on the way to the good stuff then the shortcomings of a more focussed bike aren't going to matter too much.

[Swoop]

OP should buy a cruiser. An 883 Sportster.
Did you read that he's on a budget?
All of the Hardley Fergusson clothing would blow that (gay arse-less trousers, shirts, underwear, boots, ties, etc).

[HenryDorsetCase]

T
What I want, is a bike thats small enough I can feel is a part of me, but with enough horsepower.
I don't need a 1000cc, but saying that, modern 250's feel like great handling scooters.


http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-787099961.htm

$9500 asking. If you offered him $8k you might pick it up. maybe $8500.

[Ender EnZed]

One of these guys will be in more of a hurry to sell than the others.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-786675304.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-789629648.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-777966887.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-755354582.htm

[haydes55]

A big lazy naked would be my suggestion. Hornet 919, Z1000, gsr1000, FZ1.

Most of the above engines have been retuned to have low down power and still have a meaty rush of acceleration in high revs.

They can be a bit porky compared to 600s though. They feel stable as a positive side effect.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Hornet 919 is physically the smallest of those. more "600" sized. I used to own one. Great bike.

[Maha]

Get a bmw s1000rr and just ride it in rain mode.

........ at night with no lights.

[pritch]

There should be late model second hand Kawasaki 650 twins within the price limit 'cause they've dropped the price of new ones to ten thousand.
http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/catalog/streetbikes/sports/EX650EEF/overview

[Erelyes]

I'm also not a fan of v-twins from what I've experienced - I prefer inline 4's. I love the fact they want to be rev'd to an inch of their lives to bring out their power, and I'll trade that for v-twin torque any day.

I was gonna say SV650, and if you aren't sold on the looks the black frame (07 on) improves things.

But since you want IL4, get a Hornet 600. Plenty quick enough and are good for a commuter/caner.

[mossy1200]

I'd prefer something bigger.


The only thing is, I'm quite a light, small guy (160cm) and reading about the power of the supersport 600s put me of a little. I want something I can push to around 75% of its limits without being afraid of


Bigger than 250 but a bit afraid of 600 supersport doesn't leave a lot if your not into a twin.
It sounds like you would like us to say you will be fine riding a inline 600

..or you want a naked 600 inline 4 with less power.
They don't make a lot between 250 and 600 in a sports bike that is light and flicks about easily.
Idd say buy a gsxr600,r6,trump675,zx600r or cbr600 and ride it 50% until you want to ride it 75% before you ride it 100% and then want a 1k bike.

..or go test ride a mt03 just to see if you like it.

[EJK]

+1 for Dayton 675


...or just get an S1000RR and forget the worry about power. One thing less to worry about!

[mossy1200]

+1 for Dayton 675


...or just get an S1000RR and forget the worry about power. One thing less to worry about!

Ill have a s1000rr for 8grand if your selling yours?

[EJK]

Ill have a s1000rr for 8grand if your selling yours?

I must have missed the OP's max budget of $8k.

[skippa1]

Only way to sort this is to ride em.....go for test rides. Only you know what will give you a tingle in the winkle