Advice please what to get next

[JimO]

i was quite happy to have the odd ride on the old kwakka but someone offered to buy it so that got me looking at replacements, the sale fell through but that doesnt matter because my wife has started using the old girl for commuting to vork, but im still looking it will be a few months before i can really buy anything having just been robbed by the IRD, i would like something in the 600 to 1200 range but have lost touch with the bike scene and dont know what are good and what arnt. Have seen lots on trade me but dont really want a 80s bike which most seem to be, unless the price is right. :yeah: i have noticed that RF 900s and the GS1200 are reasonably cheap for a modern bike but i dont like the look of the 1200, i have mostly had Kawasakis but not for any real reason its just worked out that way, thanks in advance ...... Jim

[myvice]

Could go and get the new Kwaka 1400, upset some Busa riders?

[DEATH_INC.]

Nothing wrong with the rf900 as long as the alternator drive has been done, which if it's done many k's it prolly will have been. Good simple bike.

[MSTRS]

Advise hard to give without knowing what sort of riding you want to do

[Krusti]

I see the 1200 Bandits are getting down in price now, bloody good bullet proof tourer. I rode an RF prior to buying the Bandit I had. Try one you will love it.

Pulls like a catholic school boy from about 1500 revs!

[madmal64]

Im another for the RF900 route. I had one for over 5 years and clocked up heaps of k's on it. Lots of touring, commuting, weekend scratching and even to odd track day. Good alrounder.
The alternators seem to fail at the about the 60k mark (mine did) and some have had a problem with selector forks on 2nd or 4th gear.
I personally prefer the more sporty stance than the bandit, but if the non sporty look is what your after then a Bandit definetly. Bulletproof. and a more current model.
Go and ride a few that will help

[Krusti]

I would tend to agree with you, I opted for the Bandit because she who calls the shots did not like pillion position on he RF. If you are not going to be doing heaps of pillion carrying and like a sportier stance go for an RF. If low down cruisy grunt is your thing look to the Bandit.

[Motig]

How much are you wanting to spend? Cant very well reccomend anything if its out of your range:no:

[JimO]

type of riding would be the odd blast about the place and then an occaisional tour, price range around 4 to 7 k the other bike would be kept for the missus to commute on

[MSTRS]

type of riding would be the odd blast about the place and then an occaisional tour, price range around 4 to 7 k the other bike would be kept for the missus to commute on
Then either Bandit or RF will do. RF probly cheaper

[JimO]

cheers .... what about the GSXRs and VFR and CBR range and the ZZr kawas

[APPLE]

i would say the bandit is an excellent 2 up bike mate.plenty of tourqe on tap,

[Big Dave]

My favourite mid price bike is a Honda CB900 Hornet.
Good all rounder with a touch of hooligan thrown in.
A good older Hinckley Triumph can rack up big k's too.

[Motig]

Heck thats about the same price range I'll be looking at in a couple of months:woohoo: More interested in something around the 600 -750cc range but if a good low mileage Suzi comes along I wont say no. Most of what I think are the better bikes on Trademe seem to be in the $6000 to $10000 range (at least thats what the owners wish for but I reckon a bit of negotiating could work wonders). Mean while I'm just looking around getting an idea of what the market prices are for the type of bike I'm looking for. Good luck in your hunt ( I find half the fun is researching the different models):ride:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I have ridden both the RF and the 1200ss. They are a lot of bike for the money. I liked both but they are not for the riding I want. The RF is under rated. it goes well and handles well. I think they have a five speed box???? not sure but a good ride. The 1200 ss is a lot of bike for the money. I see some trading for as low as $6 K.
I would go to the RF
Good luck JimJim

[JimO]

cheers what about a gixxer:ride:

[bladez]

i would vote for the RF as good to up and are under rated as a bike :yeah:
but i still like my HONDAS:dodge:

[Edbear]

Tend to agrre with the RF route if you've been on a sports bike, but the Bandit is really good two up and as said a grunt machine par excellence! However, as a suggestion, the GS1200ss is a sleeper! Can be simply and easily tweaked to about 120hp and is a bit "different".

[Lou Girardin]

I liked my RF, but they're getting on now. The Bandit is a current model and, with an aftermarket can and rejet, beats the RF in everything but top speed.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

cheers what about a gixxer:ride:
Now you are talking. :woohoo:
The 750 is a great bike. I have the 97 GSX-R 750 V. Pre fuel injection model. Mary and I tour on it and I ride it for fun on the weekend. Tank bag and pack only. Enough for us but some want more. Always go for a Gixxer if you can :spudflip:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

the GS1200ss is a sleeper! Can be simply and easily tweaked to about 120hp and is a bit "different".

Other than the can what would you do to it to make it better?

I was told the 1100 cams will help but what year etc. Bigger carbs? and ????

[JimO]

what are the advantages of buying a older GSXR over a newer one, other than price from studying trade me the asking price for late 80s and early 90s gisxrs arnt much different than later 90s ones, as i see it the older ones are only going to get older - are parts readily gettable, do they need fixing much :puke: im to busy to have to dick around with a unreliable bike and arnt realy to mechanical. Are the older bike owners asking to much.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

what are the advantages of buying a older GSXR over a newer one, other than price from studying trade me the asking price for late 80s and early 90s gisxrs arnt much different than later 90s ones, as i see it the older ones are only going to get older - are parts readily gettable, do they need fixing much :puke: im to busy to have to dick around with a unreliable bike and arnt realy to mechanical. Are the older bike owners asking to much.

The newer the better. All bikes get older but the 85 Gixxer is a collectors one now and they are fun to ride. I am only referring to the 750 here. Not much experience with the 1100 but they are heavy and don't handle as well "IMO"
From the late 80's and in to the 90's they got heavy. I love the gixxer 750 that came out in the 85-88 and would be happy to miss owning from then till the 96 gixxer and beyond.
Anything from the 96 on would be a great bike.
It is down to what you want and what you want it for. There is no answer. You have to make that decision. As far as parts go they are like all bikes. Shit loads of stuff around until you need it..... Had problems getting stuff for the 85 when I rebuilt it but got it done. You would find more stuff for the post 96 now.
I have had this gixxer for 3 years and done 37500k and only done oil and tyres. Brake pads and thats about it. Still on the same chain etc. So it must be reliable aye. has 72500k on the clock now.

[imdying]

Early GSXR weight goes like a mountain... light at the start, 212kg? in the middle, then back down again. 96 on is the way.