Sprint ST/GT or CBR1000?

[V4800]

Hi all,

I have a 2000 VFR800 which i love but am thinking about upgrading soon. I give the vfr a hard time whenever i can but sometimes feel even at full throttle and with the V4's lungs hanging out ,its just not quite enough anymore:yawn:. I like the comfort , and I like to do big trips. Its done nearly 80000ks.
I like the idea of a triumph sprint ST or newer GT but on paper they are a bit fat (240kg ish) and only 128hp. The VFR is 110hp and 210kg. OR do I get a 2008 upwards CBR1000 that has snot loads of power and look awesome:eek5:. What are they like on big trips? Can I make the triumph more stroppy? The speed triple is no slouch and has the same specs as the ST. Hmmm... Thoughts or any other suggestions?

[mossy1200]

z1000 maybe.
Not sure cbr1000 will be comfortable for long distance for the average rider.

[V4800]

Yea I have thought about Z1000, pretty well priced too.

[mossy1200]

Yea I have thought about Z1000, pretty well priced too.

Guess you need ride a few bikes.
I bought a blackbird thinking it would be a great 2 up bike.
Day 2 of South Island tour my back was killing me. Most would say a great mile machine but didn't work for me.
Turns out I need a slight forward lean and weight on my arms to be comfortable for long periods of time.
Maybe if you find your current bike good for long rides find a bike that FEELS similar to ride with more performance.

[V4800]

I agree, I need to ride a few bikes but its hard finding bikes to ride, the dealers want you all signed up for their finance first and most people on tard me want the same... If it was a car I could cruise into any shop or private seller and drive whatever i wanted. Dont want to waste peoples time but would like a good idea of what i wanted before the application went to credit control for approval. :brick: haha

[mossy1200]

the dealers want you all signed up for their finance first

Really?
The only thing I have signed is an insurance and speed camera form.
Have you tried test riding since you have owned you vfr or are these memories of arriving at a bike shop without a bike?
Im sure if you explain your after a upgrade without exceeding a 10k budget(or whatever) you will be taken as being a perspective genuine buyer. This must be how bike shops sell second hand bike still one would assume.

[skippa1]

I agree, I need to ride a few bikes but its hard finding bikes to ride, the dealers want you all signed up for their finance first and most people on tard me want the same... If it was a car I could cruise into any shop or private seller and drive whatever i wanted. Dont want to waste peoples time but would like a good idea of what i wanted before the application went to credit control for approval. :brick: haha
What a load of bulls arse.

[SVboy]

Have I got the bike for you! I have a Yamaha Fazer FZ1 2009 for sale. Might just tick all your boxes. And I live in Lincoln if you wish to check it out. No power issues with an R1 motor but plenty comfortable for touring. Just did 750 Kim's on Saturday!

[breakaway]

Dunno about the CBR but I found the Z1000 to be really uncomfortable. Every bump I hit, the force would transfer through the suspension & frame and right in the perineum which resulted in agony after a mere 1 hour or so.

Hilarious thing being, I never had any issue on my 2001 GSX-R 1000 which preceeded the Z1000. I bought the Z1000 because it looked really comfortable. After that I owned a 2003 and 2006 GSX-R 1000 also. Both had me in agony in under an hour.

The point I'm tying to convey is you need to ride it and see what's good for your shape. A longish test ride if possible. But personally I've always held that it is impossible to learn if a bike is right or not after a test drive, really gotta live with it for a while before you get a good feel for it.

[Ender EnZed]

I agree, I need to ride a few bikes but its hard finding bikes to ride, the dealers want you all signed up for their finance first

You must be going to the wrong ones.

The Blackbird is fairly similar to the VFR but with a decent amount more power. They're pretty good value these day as well.

[James Deuce]

Dunno about the CBR but I found the Z1000 to be really uncomfortable. Every bump I hit, the force would transfer through the suspension & frame and right in the perineum which resulted in agony after a mere 1 hour or so.


That's because the suspension is shit. It's a Kawasaki tradition of trying to fix cheap suspension parts that may have damping for the first hour of riding the bike with springs that would be suitable for a Goldwing with 400kg of rider and passenger on board. They should either do it right or stick with what they're good at and that ain't building bikes.

[Trade_nancy]

Of the options mentioned - the Triumph Sprint GT is the best fit for the mileage/touring you mention. But I'm biased...I own one. But only after looking at the other options first. Best option for pillion comfort I could find within a "sports" bike configuration.
Standard with luggage and has 20 litre tank vs about 17l on the VFR. At 128 HP it is not the hottest bike out - but it is not designed as a canyon carver. Longer wheel base and increased weight - make it best for comfortable touring and weekend fun. I would consider a VFR1200 if it had better fuel range.

[V4800]

Ok so seems I need to roll into some shops and TELL them I want to ride some bikes. Id have to say the local yamaha shop was the worst for letting us test ride. Havent been in there for ages though. SVboy how much are you wanting for the FZ1? Blackbirds seem well priced too... I was told to check out a ZX14!! thats a lot of bike

[ducatilover]

That's because the suspension is shit. It's a Kawasaki tradition of trying to fix cheap suspension parts that may have damping for the first hour of riding the bike with springs that would be suitable for a Goldwing with 400kg of rider and passenger on board. They should either do it right or stick with what they're good at and that ain't building bikes.
But they have done some mental feeling motors.
That's about all that springs to mind. I love the power delivery on my shitter. But it's a porky junker:laugh:


Buy a 'busa. Then you'll never whinge about power again and it makes even the ugliest inbred fat wife look good

[mossy1200]

I was told to check out a ZX14!! thats a lot of bike

Sell you mine for a small fortune.
Comes with luggage.

[SVboy]

Ok so seems I need to roll into some shops and TELL them I want to ride some bikes. Id have to say the local yamaha shop was the worst for letting us test ride. Havent been in there for ages though. SVboy how much are you wanting for the FZ1? Blackbirds seem well priced too... I was told to check out a ZX14!! thats a lot of bike

I want $9999 for the Yamaha. There is a listing in the for sale section somewhere. Very well priced for a 2009, and only 21000kms. I think it may fit the bill for what you are after.

[raziel1983]

I have one for you...
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/332886689.jpg

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=806412636

Only 128hp but a look at some dyno charts will show huge torque/hp advantage over your vfr800 over the whole range right up to its redline!

[Dodgy]

For that price, look at a VFR1200? I too have an 800 and avoided the 1200 based upon some reviews. I rode one a few weeks ago and really, really liked it.

[Coldrider]

My 2012 blade is all set for a 4000k ride down to the Burt and back, it has been there twice before and a couple of Brasses from Central North Island. Rather take a blade than a 'bus'a. I'm 6 foot 2. 1000k days good as.
Alot of posters dream to have what they display in their avatars. Some have keyboard 750's on interest free.

[george formby]

My 2012 blade is all set for a 4000k ride down to the Burt and back, it has been there twice before and a couple of Brasses from Central North Island. Rather take a blade than a 'bus'a. I'm 6 foot 2. 1000k days good as.
Alot of posters dream to have what they display in their avatars. Some have keyboard 750's on interest free.

Crikey. I have done a fraction of those miles on a Blade & it crippled me. Same height as you. We're all different I guess.

[insomnia01]

I was told to check out a ZX14!! thats a lot of bike

I've just brought a 06' with 37k on the clock. awesome condition just in time for Xmas & the TT2000 in Feb :innocent:

[Coldrider]

870ks tomorrow and a ferry crossing.

[Jezxa]

I own an 08 fireblade so maybe I'm biased but I think it's a far better bike than the Triumph unless comfort is the ony thing you care about.

I rode a Sprint GT 1050 a couple of months ago and it was definitely more comfortable but it the engine was boring/gutless, the suspension wasn't great, and the gearbox was clunky.
To be fair, the obvious lack of maintenance on that particular bike may have contributed to some of those problems.

[nzbiker86]

Hey there

I have a sprint st for sale if you are interested?

I agree about the weight, but still pretty quick and sounds great too.

[Coldrider]

Chch to Qtown today, really comfy.

[V4800]

All quite interesting, I have seen that sprint on tard me and had it saved to wishlist but Im more looking at under the 10k mark. When I actually get some time Im going to go round some bike shops and try some bikes out. Id like to take a busa or zx14 for a spin but avon city dont have any at the moment! Might even look at an R1. I had the VFR out last week and had it tapped in 6th gear for ages... yeah, need something a bit gruntier. Thanks for the feedback people

[James Deuce]

Hey look, a fucking idiot!

[nzbiker86]

Under $6k for mine if you are keen?

Maybe its a bad idea to try sell a bike before xmas...very little interest :(

[V4800]

Hey look, a fucking idiot!


Thanks for your input fuckhead

[Owl]

Thanks for your input fuckhead

He's right though.

[V4800]

Well why the fuck do we ride sports bikes if its not excitement factor? Who hasnt given it a good squirt from time to time? Im not an idiot, I ride carefully, just took my daughter for a big ride to twizel and mt cook and back. Didnt break 120kmh the whole trip. I Just enjoy giving it a burst when Im by MYSELF and in good weather etc. If not... might aswel buy a harley with a radio... :rolleyes:

[mossy1200]

I had the VFR out last week and had it tapped in 6th gear for ages... yeah, need something a bit gruntier. Thanks for the feedback people

You could buy my 14 and tap that out in 6th. Cash up front please.

[BlackSheepLogic]

Id like to take a busa or zx14 for a spin but avon city dont have any at the moment! Might even look at an R1.

The Busa is the most comfortable sports tourer I have owned. The power delivery is really smooth and it makes the bike really well mannered - 2nd thu 6th are all very usable. I put Helibars on it and also had the foam in the seat replaced. Those two changes made a real difference, but I still had to build up seat time before I got really comfortable for long rides. A short demo ride wan't be the same.

I liked the blackbird but you need to get seat time, it's a more forward rinding position, and taller but still comfortable . The CBR1000F was good in it's time but I would get a blackbird over the CBR1000F. Although I liked the blackbird, the Busa is better all-round.

Not tried a ZX14R, it was on my list and I think probably better ergonomics than the Busa but went with the Busa because it was better value and I knew the dealer. I would still like to try a ZX14R sometime but I can ride the Busa all day and not sure I see a reason at the moment to spend the extra for the ZX14R.

Edit: I've heard good things about the FJR, not ridden one but if looking for a sports tourer it would be on my list.