Why is choosing yer next bike so bloody hard?

[Bytor]

Jeez it's taking over my bloody life:crazy:

Hours are spent on here, other websites and thumbing through the bike porn mags and I'm still none the wiser. A new day brings a new bike and I've researched eveything from a DR650 to Fireblades - feck, my desktop is like my 1 year old - constantly changing.

My ZX is near as damn perfect for me - fits me, not too light and enough power when wound up to mix it with the litre boys, doesn't cost a fortune to run either. However I have just been given the opportunity to upgrade once for the long term (ok, the missus said I could as long as I kept it for a few years:whistle: ) before we buy a house. Hmmm women even when they try to be good to you they fuck you up!

Like most new buyers I don't know exactly what I want - can you tell! but I do have criteria like everyone else I suspect:
- it has to be new or newish
- must be well looked after with full service history if used
-must ablee to commute during the week and not get too far left behind by the Litre gixxers, R1's, Ducs and XJR's that I ride with at the weekends
- have low running costs, fuel, servicing and insurance
- able to handle my 6'1", 15 stone fat bastard frame without crippling me - no CBR600RR's then
- what's available in the market
- and it MUST give me the horn everytime I see it and ride it.

Not much to ask is it?

Oh yeah and cost between $10-12k - makes it even harder.

Sure there are several obvious candidates that tick some of the boxes - Hornet, ER6n, SV's but they lack the horn factor. Big Bandits look good value but are old looking, Triumphs are too expensive (like all the Europeans) apart from the Speed Four that I DO like. Yams XTX660 doesn't look comfortable enough for all day riding - doesn't leave much choice does it?

600 sports would be the preferred choice, but the newer ones are so small compared to mine, although that I believe that the Gixxers are slightly larger - Sarge?
Litre hypersports are a no go as I admit to not having the skills to ride them properly. Where have all the 750's gone?

Test riding will probably change everything but with the little ones and crap shop opening times at weekends I don't want to be seen as a timewasting tyre kicker. Those shops that I have had contact with have been brilliant esp Sarge at Colmans when I clearly lost all sense and enquired about the DR and the guys at Mt Eden, Holeshot and Botany Honda are very relaxed and informative.

So go on give me your suggestions even if it's just for today's desktop pic - this week I've looked at the Speed Four, a 954 Blade and a CB1300.

[skelstar]

Mate. I feel your pain. I was looking at my 'first big bike' for ages before settling on the one I've got. Wallpapers, mags you name it. My mates got thoroughly sick of me talking about it.

Its fun though. Enjoy it while you can.

[Devil]

There's a new Speed Four in Holeshot, you know you want it. They have a second hand one there that you can try. Talk to Carl.

Did 700km the other day on mine, gotta love having a proper seat!

Test riding really changes things though. I tried about 7 bikes when I was looking. It ruled some out completely!

[2much]

You can pick up a K3 GSXR1000 for that price now days. You'll never get sick of it and it's like popping 5 tabs of Viagra every time you twist the throttle.

You don't improve your skills by sitting within your comfort zone, You need to get out there and push your limits to improve your riding. Give it time and be patient and your skills will improve.

[Bytor]

Yeah spoke to Carl the other day reading the Speed Four. He promised me a test ride and seemed a decent bloke - shall wait for the weather to change though - don't want to test ride in this shite.

[Devil]

Yeah spoke to Carl the other day reading the Speed Four. He promised me a test ride and seemed a decent bloke - shall wait for the weather to change though - don't want to test ride in this shite.
Yep, he is a decent bloke. Sold me mine and was totally helpful and patient when I was test riding.
Definately find a dry day then get out on the riverhead/coatesville road up to Kaukap.

[Edbear]

They're almost forgotten, now, but considered the last of the ZX9's? Awesome bike, bigger and more comfortable than the later hypersports but still really fast! Well suited to NZ roads, I hear.

[Insanity_rules]

Get a blade! I want a blade so bad, ideally a repsol but will settle for a black one. My crew is also sick of hearing me prodding every kind of big boy ride for my special day (i.e upgrade, full licence day).

[Bytor]

Yeah the ZX9 would be an obvious step up, but they're rare. Cyclespot have an 02 model but it's done 47k which is too much. I'm not totally ruling out the ltre bikes like the GSXR but I just think that they may be too focussed for me - will just have to try one

[Big Dave]

New Honda CB900 is a great all round bike at a very reasonable spend.
A Triumph Sprint ST does everything well.
Daytona 675 is the pick of the current 600s for road use (have tested all of them except the Z) but it's still a racing crouch (like all of them) and that's just a pain in the city.
A H-D sportster is way cool if you have the $. So is a new Bonneville.

The dual sports are all taller bikes and make the most sense for NZ.

[kiwifruit]

You can pick up a K3 GSXR1000 for that price now days. You'll never get sick of it and it's like popping 5 tabs of Viagra every time you twist the throttle.


Amen
__________________________________________________ ________________

[Colapop]

I feel your pain only my missus "is not ready" for me to buy the bike I don't know which one I want.

You like the ZX so why not try ZX9, ZX10?

[The Stranger]

Quite easy really.
Ride several bikes.
Pick the first one that gives you a hard on.

[Blackbird]

I think everyone goes through those agonies. The first thing I do is try and sort out true fitness for purpose (typically, is it going to need good passenger comfort or not - an important factor in the marriage stakes:innocent:, is it going to be for touring/long haul work or just pure blasting in the tight stuff and so on). This usually gives you a reasonable shortlist.

Then having tried to be objective and quantify everything, I let my heart do the talking, i.e. which bike "does it for me" just looking at it. I then take my heart's desire for a ride and see if it feels as good as it looks. To me, specs and fitness for purpose are only the primary sorting. The real driver is looks at a "gut level" if everything else sort of fills the bill. Helps no end in avoiding all that angst.:yes: I bet most people do this, albeit subconsciously.

To some extent, every bike involves some sort of compromise unless you're lucky enough to have a garage full of them for every occasion! CaN summed it up nicely!

[Bytor]

Quite easy really.
Ride several bikes.
Pick the first one that gives you a hard on.

Feck, I got a hard on riding my old GSX750 Slingshot - this could get messy

[skelstar]

What about a 2yr old Blackbird? Bloody comfortable, can really boogie in a straightline...good for a big bloke and passenger. Will have the same handling issues as your mates XJR in the twisty stuff (or CB1300).

[Bytor]

same handling issues as your mates XJR in the twisty stuff (or CB1300).[/QUOTE] that's why they always arrive last!! The CB13OO is supposed to handle a lot better.

Will not be taking pillions and all the Blackbird's that I've seen have huge mileages

[Blackbird]

What about a 2yr old Blackbird? Bloody comfortable, can really boogie in a straightline...good for a big bloke and passenger. Will have the same handling issues as your mates XJR in the twisty stuff (or CB1300).

Ahhh.... a good choice but just to qualify your twisty stuff commment, a 6mm ride height spacer under the rear shock dramatically improves turn-in. You can go as high as 12 mm but this height is only really suitable for track days unless you want to risk the odd really good tank-slapper:gob:

BTW, Blackbirds are good for over 150000 MILES without significant engine work

[mynameis]

Ah here mate have a look at these and see if you like any, good bikes new ones, k's (okish) and price is average :

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=56790451&key=71035

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=57441034&key=71035

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=57585614&key=71035

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=57228856&key=71035

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=57449620&key=71035

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=57246957&key=71035

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=57494687&key=71035
(Best one I reckon)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=56487847&key=71035
(Another good one)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=57216695&key=71035
(Reasonable)

All are within your price range and hopefully criteria, then again there are lots of things people look for in bikes are .. just my 2c worth.

:rockon:

[The Stranger]

same handling issues as your mates XJR in the twisty stuff (or CB1300). that's why they always arrive last!! The CB13OO is supposed to handle a lot better.

Will not be taking pillions and all the Blackbird's that I've seen have huge mileages[/QUOTE]

Here (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports-tourers/auction-57501747.htm) is the answer to all your problems.

[timorang]

Many of us feel your pain! My criteria were almost identical to yours (not having quite the same physical presence as you) and I stuck to the jappa's getting the choice down to a 1200 Bandit, 900 Hornet, and SV1000. I bought the Hornet for several reasons, and having had it for nearly a year now I am very pleased with the decision. Did 1500kms with a mate (SV1000) two weekends ago an we swapped bikes for a leg or two and I thoroughly enjoyed the more agressive and loud SV, but was pleased to remount the Hornet. He was genuinely impressed with the Hornet and was keener than me to swap bikes again.
They are all good, and differ in many ways, so go and ride them and you will find one that will feel more right. My Hornet is black, and I have added aftermarket cans, a carbon fibre look belly pan, small screen and different bar ends. I think it looks and sounds great - certainly better than standard at modest extra cost.

[Two Smoker]

Kwaka Z thou....

[timorang]

that's why they always arrive last!! The CB13OO is supposed to handle a lot better.

Will not be taking pillions and all the Blackbird's that I've seen have huge mileages

Here (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports-tourers/auction-57501747.htm) is the answer to all your problems.[/QUOTE]

Oh yeah baby. too nice!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Triumph Scrambler.

sex on wheels.

[iwilde]

If you're keen you can check out my bike, I want to upgrade to a GSXR1000K6

[Bytor]

Triumph Scrambler.

sex on wheels.

Not my kind of sex

[Bytor]

Kwaka Z thou....

Hmmm Mt Eden have one at $11.5K I think - anyone know about it? Might have a look at lunch

[Bytor]

If you're keen you can check out my bike, I want to upgrade to a GSXR1000K6

Cheers, but the C2 is the older version isn't it? Would look at an 01/02 the last ones b4 the ZX10 came out. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

[iwilde]

Its a 99 with about 6600miles

[Motig]

For Gods Sake - DONT. Once you decide on a bike and buy it what will you do on rainy days/cold days/shitty days/cant think what to do days. No more endless research every other day deciding you've found the ultimate machine only to change your mind etc etc. At least thats what I found. Lifes actually quite boring now the big bike hunts over:zzzz: and I'm not even aloud it inside!:bye:

[rogson]

Its a 99 with about 6600miles

The 98 (C1) and 99 (C2) were the best of the ZX9R models IMO.
The earlier ones (up to 97) were fat/ponderous. The later ones (2000 on) were sanitised - nice, but.......
The engine in the C1/2 is wild - an absolute hoot!
Carbs ice-up though - there is a factory mod that comes fitted standard on cold climate bikes (UK, northern Europe, etc), but not the NZ market bikes.

[Squeak the Rat]

I love my new bike. It's a great compromise on all counts. circa 100hp, good riding position, half fairing, corners well, sounds good, doubles up well.

:scooter:-Deciding is half the fun===

[Macktheknife]

Take a bandit for a ride, sarge has a nice silver one with full fairing at present, try the rf900, or the hornet.
Other than that, just go ride everything you can, you will know when you have got it right. And dont worry about the multiple test ride thing, you are gonna blow some serious cash, you need to make sure you are comfortable with it.
Its called good service.

[SARGE]

try this... (http://colemanssuzuki.motorcycletrader.co.nz/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=1491655&TabID=5416&Alias=colemanssuzukinz)


or this.... (http://colemanssuzuki.motorcycletrader.co.nz/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=993267&TabID=5416&Alias=colemanssuzukinz)

or even this... (http://colemanssuzuki.motorcycletrader.co.nz/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=1679805&TabID=5416&Alias=colemanssuzukinz)


heres the faired Bandit... (http://colemanssuzuki.motorcycletrader.co.nz/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=1745186&TabID=5416&Alias=colemanssuzukinz)

[grego]

I thought last year that the BMW r850 r could be me.
I sat on a late model one ( me thinks 2002) and I had to lean forward too much which wasn't a nice posyfor an old shorty with arthritis in every joint and when I tried the older model (99 me thinks) I found it to be the most crammed seating posy ever experienced. It was like sitting between the 2 humps of a camel. Ye could not move further forward because of the tank and not a cm more backwards because of the upwards slope of the seat. weird isn't it ???
grego, 5'6 82kg so much for ergonomics.

[Colapop]

That's the beauty of having a resident site bike tester who's my size(ish). Thanks BD!

[Jantar]

I had no trouble deciding on what my next bike should be: It had to be able to cruise all day two up with full luggage at the legal speed limit in Germany; Keep up with most sports bikes except when they are in race mode; have good fuel consumption; Be comfortable to sit on irrespective of road conditions; And not have to slow down when the seal runs out.

On the Southern Cross last year I discovered just the bike that met all those criteria. Its the DL1000 V-Strom, and I ordered one for delivery this winter.

Well winter has arrived so I called in to the local Suzuki shop today to check that one is on its way, only to be told that they are expecting delivery in August. Oh well only 10 weeks to wait.

[myvice]

Looked at and road a shit load of bikes, everything from big single motards to sports bikes to tourers and commuters...
Read every mag I could get my hands on and had them open all over the house doing compares...
Prefer a naked bike, maybe with a fly screen, for my budget of around $12k.
Had what I wanted in mind tho, it had to be able to commute every day, carry a pillion with a bit of comfort, do a little bit of touring, not too bad on gas, and some fun on weekends.


675 arrives in about 6 weeks... :soon:
It can do the last one really well!
Might need another two bikes to do the rest tho?

[Nitzer]

Did you have a look at the Kawa Z750? I was seriously tempted by one of those before i got the SV, I hear they are pretty good holigan tools!

The Fazers look good too.

Anyway pop round when you finally get the new bike, would love a gander at it, don't think I will be getting a new bike anytime soon!

[pritch]

The Fazers look good too.

The Fazers do look good, shame about the bike though.

Basically when choosing a bike you have to decide what you want to do with it. Then look at the bikes that appear to be designed to do that job.

The more accurately you can do that, the more successful your final choice is likely to be.

There are very few bad bikes on the market (the Fazer being one exception) so you really can't stuff up too bad... :-)

[Devil]

I had no trouble deciding on what my next bike should be: It had to be able to cruise all day two up with full luggage at the legal speed limit in Germany; Keep up with most sports bikes except when they are in race mode; have good fuel consumption; Be comfortable to sit on irrespective of road conditions; And not have to slow down when the seal runs out.

On the Southern Cross last year I discovered just the bike that met all those criteria. Its the DL1000 V-Strom, and I ordered one for delivery this winter.

I know exactly what you're saying. Rode the 650 the other day and thought it was the perfect bike (but I'd have to have the 1000).

[Bytor]

Did you have a look at the Kawa Z750? I was seriously tempted by one of those before i got the SV, I hear they are pretty good holigan tools!

The Fazers look good too.

Anyway pop round when you finally get the new bike, would love a gander at it, don't think I will be getting a new bike anytime soon!


A mate had the Z750 but had loads of fuel injection problems so dumped it.

[Bytor]

Looked at and road a shit load of bikes, everything from big single motards to sports bikes to tourers and commuters...
Read every mag I could get my hands on and had them open all over the house doing compares...
Prefer a naked bike, maybe with a fly screen, for my budget of around $12k.
Had what I wanted in mind tho, it had to be able to commute every day, carry a pillion with a bit of comfort, do a little bit of touring, not too bad on gas, and some fun on weekends.


675 arrives in about 6 weeks... :soon:
It can do the last one really well!
Might need another two bikes to do the rest tho?


Ha Ha that is soooo me probably. If I was sensible then I know that a Bandit/CBR1300 is right, but then I sawa GSXR750K5 on Trademe last night:blip:

[James Deuce]

I love my new bike. It's a great compromise on all counts. circa 100hp, good riding position, half fairing, corners well, sounds good, doubles up well.

:scooter:-Deciding is half the fun===

The charms of our choice of bike escape most people mate.

Most people look at it and go, "neither fish nor fowl", and a good many won't even consider it, as it's a "girl's" bike, whatever the hell that is.

When I bought me Z most people I showed it to went, "huh", with maybe one conditional positive comment, and good deal more negative ones.

I don't like Hornets (weird ergos) or Bandits (no logical reason), and I've moved on from sprotsbikes, mainly because of ergonomics around town, which is where I do most of my riding now.

With the mods I've done (and more to come) the Z is now that rare beast that does all that I want.

[Deano]

You can pick up a K3 GSXR1000 for that price now days. You'll never get sick of it and it's like popping 5 tabs of Viagra every time you twist the throttle.


It's common knowledge that Suzuki riders need Viagra.:shutup:

[skelstar]

I agree with Jim2 re: Hornet ergos, but a handle-bar change rectifies that issue.

[PaddyFZ1]

The Fazers do look good, shame about the bike though.

There are very few bad bikes on the market (the Fazer being one exception) so you really can't stuff up too bad... :-)


I have not had any problems with the Fazer so far. Not to sure bout the new model though.
Done 15k since August 05, spent a week touring 2up around the far north, even up to Cape Rienga, approx 2k in a week, no probs, no complaints from the back seat.:shutup:
Take it to work every day, very comfortable on the commute. Still if you want to give it a thrash every now and then theres plenty there to give you your jollies:yes:

[XP@]

Jantar is possibly on to something with the V-Strom
They also do a 650 version (the DL650) which is highly rated brand new your looking at 12-13k

Depending on where you want to keep up with your mates on the thousands a medium to big dual purpose bike will have you passing them on the twisties, at the petrol stations and the speed traps.

Don't discount them before you have given them a go...

[Nitzer]

A mate had the Z750 but had loads of fuel injection problems so dumped it.

Are you any closer to deciding which bike you want yet or taken any out for a test ride?

[James Deuce]

A mate had the Z750 but had loads of fuel injection problems so dumped it.

No issues with mine. It' will pull from 20o0rpm, no glitches, in top gear.

The FI on my '05 Z750S is waaaaay better than my '04 R6, which was really snatchy from a closed throttle. I would suggest your mate either had a bad one or a shop tech didn't set it up right, or left his lunch in the airbox or something. 1st timem I've ever heard a whinge about Z750 FI.

[Biohazard]

I gave up and got my wife to choose the bike ...

In the end I started to find myself boring:blip:

[Edbear]

It's common knowledge that Suzuki riders need Viagra.:shutup:




No we don't!:wait:

[Bytor]

No issues with mine. It' will pull from 20o0rpm, no glitches, in top gear.

The FI on my '05 Z750S is waaaaay better than my '04 R6, which was really snatchy from a closed throttle. I would suggest your mate either had a bad one or a shop tech didn't set it up right, or left his lunch in the airbox or something. 1st timem I've ever heard a whinge about Z750 FI.

Well it was from RB:laugh:

[James Deuce]

I rest my case!

[Bytor]

Are you any closer to deciding which bike you want yet or taken any out for a test ride?

Yeah I want an MV:blip:

Going to arrange test rides on Triumph Speed Four at Holeshot, Suzuki SV1000 and GSXR600 with Sarge and a CBR929RR, CB1300 with Mt Eden all hopefully next week. These should give me an indication of power/weight/comfort/horn etc.

Also keeping me eye on a 05 GSXR750 on Trademe $13k ono:blip:

Will also go to Mr Motorcycles tomorrow and look at a 05 ZX6R.

[Nitzer]

Excellent, sounds like you're gonna have a bit of fun testing all those bikes. It's always exciting choosing a new bike isn't it.

Are you going to sell your current Kawa?

Look forward to seeing your new bike anyway!

[Lou Girardin]

It's common knowledge that Suzuki riders need Viagra.:shutup:

Of course we do.
There's no way a heart will pump blood into something that big without it.