Sports bike buying advice?

[Theaos]

Hey All
So i am looking at getting back on a 1000cc sports bike after a riding hiatus, Im fairly open to brands but would probably like to stick to Jap bikes as they are what i know (Fireblade R1 GSXR ect.).
My main requirements are id prefer 2004 or newer and am happy to spend around $7500 +- depending on the bike. Iv been out of the loop for a while and don't know which years of which bikes to aim for and which to avoid. Also at what point is a sports bike considered High KMs?

[Maha]

:psst:........http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/180504-FS-2008-Honda-CBR1000RR?p=1130987120#post1130987120

[Theaos]

Yeah iv had a look at that link and its a nice bike but may be a little bit more than i was hoping for. I havent written it off just yet but want a bit more info on options

[EJK]

I don't know. It's kinda like granny going into a dealership and asking what's a good car. Toyota Corolla, Mazda 2/3, Honda Jazz... bottom line is they are all good. Nothing is particularly "bad" among Japanese superbikes (R1, CBR1000, ZX10R, GSX-R1000). Esp 2004 to 2011 was like Jap rivalry golden era.

2004/5 Kawasaki ZX10R tends to have a bit of crazy reputation tho (brutal). From 2006 it went docile a bit (tad smoother).

Some say 2007/08 Yamaha R1 was the pinnacle, or last of the true R1 before they went crossplane. Last of the highly refined original inline-4 litre engine.

GSX-R1000, don't think they made any big change to the blueprint since 2005 (K5).

CBR I don't know. Bulletproof engine and reliability? I always thought them as flat white coffee without sugar. Nothing fancy, just basic and simple. But it's still a proper superbike.

[Theaos]

Yeah i know its kind of a vague question but its more bits like that im looking for
I remember the kwaks had a couple of more brutal years and the fireblades had an average year too its just that kind of stuff i cant remember anymore

[caspernz]

Lots of variables to look at, my main thing to look for is whether a bike has been in a crash or if it's been used as a track day weapon. Non standard paint sometimes points to such things.

At what k's is a sporty a high km example? Far out, depends entirely on how it's been looked after. I'd sooner have the 50,000 km 5 yr old well looked after one over a 3 yr old 10,000 km sample by an uncaring owner.

Without knowing what you had last, or how long ago you gave up riding temporarily, the 2005 GSX-R1000 was a nice unit for the road.

[Gremlin]

Biggest priority is what suits you or you enjoy / puts a smile on your face.

You've left quite a few options available, but realistically, you're not getting the new ones for your price point. Newer will be more expensive, come with more rider aids (traction control, abs etc) while the older ones won't. Every model within a brand will vary, eg, the 04-05 ZX10R was quite different to the 06-07 one, then changed again for the 08 and so on. New blade came out circa 08? Maybe 07, since then looks the same but might have had a few tweaks etc.

Start by ruling out the models too new for your budget (or, you might be able to buy a model newer, but with more km on it, is that satisfactory etc). As casper says, a cared for bike with more km on it is likely a better buy than minimal km but abused/neglected.

I've owned an 04 ZX10R. If you don't like an edgy wild bike, it's not for you. It was Kawasaki's first litre bike, and typical japanese they put a powerful motor in, agressive handling and as a package was pretty wild. The 06-07 was faster down a piece of road, you sat more in the bike than on, but for me at least, didn't give you as much of a grin.

The Suzuki K5-K6 has a very popular motor, a lot of torque so remains a popular pick over the newer versions. With summerfest etc, Suzuki values don't stay high, so often present good value for money.

[Hitcher]

Performance? Fuck it. Buy the prettiest one.

[Jin]

All the jap i4's will be very similar in performance and feel except for the newer r1 cross plane. For a returning rider I'd get the comfiest which is the blade.

[Bassai]

Hey All
So i am looking at getting back on a 1000cc sports bike after a riding hiatus, Im fairly open to brands but would probably like to stick to Jap bikes as they are what i know (Fireblade R1 GSXR ect.).
My main requirements are id prefer 2004 or newer and am happy to spend around $7500 +- depending on the bike. Iv been out of the loop for a while and don't know which years of which bikes to aim for and which to avoid. Also at what point is a sports bike considered High KMs?

Having had a lot of bikes over the last 40 years... what is right and what is best is a very subjective thing.

I recently went through this decision process myself. I had almost unlimited options financially so that wasnt an issue.

I have always loved big powerful bikes so initially I seriously considered buying a new ZX14 or a Busa. Then I started to think.

My last bike I had before this one was a seriously modified Suzie GSX1100. It was fast and incredibly reliable. So I wrote down a list of requirements and here they are:

Big
Heavy
Fast
1000+ CCs
4 cylinders
Japanese
Sports or Sports Tourer
Handles reasonably well but not the highest priority
Proven reliable
Comfortable

Then I started to think back. I always enjoyed riding my old GSX1100 so something more modern would be good. Based on the above and considering my goals, I realised I didn't have to spend $20,000 +

I decided then that I would prefer to buy an older bike, and do it up the way I wanted it.

So I saw a 1993 ZZR 1100 D series at auction and won the bid. I am currently spending a few grand on it, new fairing kit, tyres, full service, brakes, fancy levers and foot pegs etc etc. The bike already has Yoshimura parts, bigger carbs and my mechanic tells me its probably producing 180-190 rwh. It will be unique to me when I am finished.

This bike is fast, handles well, very reliable and gives me a great deal of enjoyment riding it. By time I am finished spending money on it, it will look like a new bike.

Sure it wont go around corners or brake like modern bikes but I aint racing at mad levels of speed like I did when I was younger. But on the straights, if I had to stimulate my ego, it will keep up with the best of them.

Therefore I will have achieved my goals, have a great looking and reliable bike for around $5,500 all up.

My misses gave me the nod to spend arouns $25k on a bike. Now I have to convince her to allow me to spend the other $19.5k on something else LOL

Wish me luck.

My advice is... buy a bike for what you want and what inspires you and not for what other people think. Its your money, and your life, fuck everyone else!!

[nzspokes]

I will be going for a Gixxer 1k as a track bike soon. For the simple reason they seem to be the most common and have the most spares kicking about.

[ellipsis]

...just get the Beemer thou..then you wouldn't have to ask any more silly questions...

[WristTwister]

But most people who ask for "advice" end up buying what they wanted regardless. <_<


My advice is not to limit your choices to 1000cc sport bikes, a late model 600-800cc bike will have comparable performance to an early 2000s 800-1000cc and will more likely have ABS as well.

[Big Dog]

It's hard to regret a bike that makes you hard every time you head out. It is easy to regret the bike you talked yourself into or out of.

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[Maha]

It is easy to regret the bike you talked yourself into or out of.

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Did that...the 'out of' part anyway, but have recently remedied that situation. Of all the bikes I have owned in the past 12 years (seven) trading the CB was the that one regret. I get to have a decent ride on the GSX tomorrow but the short runs I have done on it this week while working in TGA confirms it is going to be a fun bike. The Pro Taper bars feel great.

[Big Dog]

Yep. The CB1300, GSX1400, the Yamaha and Kawasaki equivalent would be my shortlist for an only bike.
Dozens of others on the wish list but if I can only have 1...

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[Theaos]

Thanks folks this was the kind of info i was looking for
The only other question i had was what are peoples opionions of GSXR750's as im still on the fence if i need a 1000 and im not the biggest fan of 600's so 750 seems like a fair compromise?

[Maha]

Some will argue that the GSXR750 is the best bike for NZ roads.

[98tls]

Thanks folks this was the kind of info i was looking for
The only other question i had was what are peoples opionions of GSXR750's as im still on the fence if i need a 1000 and im not the biggest fan of 600's so 750 seems like a fair compromise?

Ultimate bang for buck i reckon,if i was in line for a new/nearly new sportbike i would have one in a heartbeat.

[Berries]

Thanks folks this was the kind of info i was looking for
The only other question i had was what are peoples opionions of GSXR750's as im still on the fence if i need a 1000 and im not the biggest fan of 600's so 750 seems like a fair compromise?
I traded an SV1000 for a 2016 GSXR750 a few months back. I am sure the GSXR1000 would be massive fun nailed through the first three or four gears but be honest with yourself, when and where can you actually do that? The 750 has turned me in to the hooligan I was twenty years ago. Awseome engine noise and so sweet handling. Not a huge fan of banging through the gears like a 250 and in that respect I do miss the SV but fuck me it makes me smile and reminds me why I still ride these death traps.

I got the 750 because it first came out about the time I started riding and I always wanted one and then the Suzuki Springfest deal swung it for me. To be honest the 1000 was never an option for me because the 750 was the bike from my youth. I don't regret not considering the bigger one.

If I am really really honest I would say even the 750 is too much for the roads here (well not the roads, but the rules that go with them) but by fuck it is fun. Just get the bike you like the most and ride it.

[george formby]

Ultimate bang for buck i reckon,if i was in line for a new/nearly new sportbike i would have one in a heartbeat.

Concur, it's the only proper sprot bike I pay any attention to. I would struggle to use the 750's performance, never mind a thou.

I remember a group test in a UK bike mag a few years ago, the latest thou's were under the spot light, a GSXR 750 was in the mix so a journo could have a holiday in Scotland. The 750 was unanimously praised and Jamie Whitam, one of the testers, stated that the 750 was the best sprot bike for the road. I reckon for usability and accessibility it probably still is.

[98tls]

Concur, it's the only proper sprot bike I pay any attention to. I would struggle to use the 750's performance, never mind a thou.

I remember a group test in a UK bike mag a few years ago, the latest thou's were under the spot light, a GSXR 750 was in the mix so a journo could have a holiday in Scotland. The 750 was unanimously praised and Jamie Whitam, one of the testers, stated that the 750 was the best sprot bike for the road. I reckon for usability and accessibility it probably still is.

Agreed mate,to be fair i reckon on roads there meant for even a 600 would have more ability than most riders,never ridden a GSXR 600 but can imagine there a rapid piece of kit,no good packed up with mrs on back etc so no good to me,my old TLS does everything i need,bad things would happen if i bought anything new ;)

[george formby]

Agreed mate,to be fair i reckon on roads there meant for even a 600 would have more ability than most riders,never ridden a GSXR 600 but can imagine there a rapid piece of kit,no good packed up with mrs on back etc so no good to me,my old TLS does everything i need,bad things would happen if i bought anything new ;)

LOL. I'm thinking of the missus's first big bike.... She would believe anything I told her. "No dear, it just looks fast..".

I've ridden 600's and found them very rapid and focused but I converted to twins many years ago and noticed that unless the 6hundy is ridden in the manner intended they are an obstacle coming out of corners. You got to rev them. I guess the 750 has enough torque and revs to make it a less focused, easier ride.

Sorry OP, but I've fancied a GSXR with proper handle bars for quite a few years now. An exceedingly useful bike.

As you were.

[Moise]

The K5 / K6 Gixxer thou generally received the best reviews for litre sportsbikes of that era. But that's from a performance viewpoint, and there are other things to consider for road use, like build quality and comfort. Definitely consider the Blade, and the 5vy R1 (04-06) is also a good bike and possibly the most comfortable.

Remember that any of the Jap litre bikes will have far more performance than you can use on the road. My 99 R1 has "only" about 130 HP and that's enough for me!





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