Korea's next bike should be...

[Korea]

Okay, it’s been long enough and I’m back in the market for a bike. (Just as summer has left the building no less).

I thought I knew it all but now that push comes to shove I’ve been second-guessing myself and thought I’d turn to KB for advice. (Yeah, that bad)

So what do you recommend?
Triumph 675 (Heard a lot about these recently)
Kawasaki ZX6R (636 could be me)
ZX10R (Like the earlier ('04?) side exhaust model)
Honda CBR600RR (Ho hum, had one - it was good)
CBR1000RR Fireblade ('06 would stretch budget to the limit but could be oh-so-perfect)
Other – (explain)

Rider Profile:
Full licence / 28 Yrs / 6’1” / 75kg /

To be used for:
Mostly weeked blasting with the occasional short commute to work. A track day or two would be good too.

Likes:
Pretending to be Rossi despite obvious lack of talent. Lower kms, Post 2003 bikes. Spending as little as possible on the purchase (hence used).

Couldn’t give a rats arse about:
Comfortable riding position, fuel economy, fairing condition, colour

Oh yeah, I’m quite fine with my sexuality (Honda) thank you very much.
Keeping my licence would be a bonus, but that will depend on the nut on top.
Am a little concerned that 1000cc would be overkill for most NZ roads but haven’t owned one before and wouldn’t mind taking the next step.

Oh yeah, PM me if you know anyone who has got the aforementioned for sale at the right price :niceone:

[Gremlin]

Honestly, the best thing to recommend, is to ride them all first. Seriously. Everybody differs in what they like etc, I enjoy calling my mates decisions stupid, and they the same, but everyone has different tastes/feel.

The 675 maaay be a little over priced, compared to its competition, but some say you can't beat the sound/power delivery.

If you have the right head on your shoulders, anything can be ridden, just depends how hard you want to push it etc (thous aren't as easy to push to the limit as 600s)

[skelstar]

Obviously test riding (675 esp)...

[The Stranger]

GSXR 750
No explanation necessary really.

[YLWDUC]

6 7 5 all the way

As long as you get their oil troubles sorted out (they tend to go through it quite quick) they'd be a much better purchase in the long run than a Jap. Triples tend to be the best of both worlds, so if you are up for the cramped living conditions, then it's gotta be the one

[CM2005]

"The 675 ... ...you can't beat the sound/power delivery"

675!!!:rockon:

[skelstar]

My opnion is: don't buy a bike based on opinion. Decide which bike you'd like and look for reasons why not.

[SPman]

Go test riding!

The new ZX6R (599cc) is nice......

or a GSXR750.

[Biohazard]

um perhaps my fireblade :love:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-91705282.htm :shutup:

[Korea]

I'm definitely seeing a theme here: "Get out and ride the damn things~!"
To be honest, I don't think I would be disappointed with any of this lot.

Will try and get to a dealer this week if the weather clears up enough.

Let me know if you'd like me to test ride your late model sports bikes people :yes:

Keep the posts and PMs coming :rockon:

[Deano]

Biohazards Blade seems well priced to sell.

[Skunk]

Get out and ride everything. Best advise I ever got. Found I liked bikes I'd never consider otherwise.

If it's there; ride it.

[Biohazard]

Biohazards Blade seems well priced to sell.

Fookin right it is :scooter:

[F5 Dave]

Well I almost totally got the wrong end of the stick. I thought you meant that a Korean manufacturer should copy a bike (like the Hi-ho-slang SV650 etc)

You said that environmentally friendly wasn't important either, (or was that economy? meh!) fueling my imaginative juices.


Ahh stuff it here's my answer anyways;


a 650 2-stroke triple loosely based on the Proton Roberts KR3 500 GP bike with lights. Lets say 140kg wet with a clean usable 120hp should be enough to be going on with.

heck, ironically here's a korean site with info: http://www.qcql.com/korean/temp/Proton_KR3_kr.htm

hmm, wonder if all that writing translates to next years model, not available in USA Touring model next year.

[James Deuce]

Same old same old. Stunning lack of originality there.

[Trudes]

As long as it's fast, black and hot looking :whocares:
:rockon: Korea.

[skelstar]

As long as it's fast, black and hot looking
...and on drugs?

<img src="http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/12/03/marion_jones,0.jpg">

Wheres you're alternative Jim2? Try being constructive? :)

[Trudes]

But that's a woman!!! I was kind of thinking the opposite to my hubby! (oh except for the hot bit, yes he is standing behind me)

[terbang]

A Suzuki...

[Deano]

...and on drugs?

<img src="http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/12/03/marion_jones,0.jpg">



Umm, do you mean hot as in temperature ?

[skelstar]

True, shes no Upper Hutt barmaid.



Upper Hutt Deano. Upper Hutt?!?!?

[Deano]

True, shes no Upper Hutt barmaid.



Upper Hutt Deano. Upper Hutt?!?!?

Har har, har.......no. It was Lower Hutt @ The Exchange. Rachel in fact, for any single fellas wanting to meet a lovely Hutt girl.

Back on topic - has anyone else noticed how in the poll the CBR1000RR is in italics ? Very subtle Korea.......just do it, then we can both give the Gixxer boys grief......

[skelstar]

...Lower Hutt...
True...my bad. So we are talking 'Lower Hutt' Hot not 'Upper Hutt' Hot.

Apologies to any hot L.H. girls out there.

[F5 Dave]

Same old same old. Stunning lack of originality there.


Maybe sir would prefer a UJM with a tiny bikini fairing & stylised pipes?

[skelstar]

Back on topic - has anyone else noticed how in the poll the CBR1000RR is in italics ? Very subtle Korea....
The CBR1000RR is in italics cause thats what you voted for D.

[Keystone19]

Where's that really cute picture of yourself that you used to have in your profile Korea?

Can't possibly suggest a bike without viewing the rider first...

[imdying]

The CBR1000RR is in italics cause thats what you voted for D.:rofl: Busted!

[Deviant Esq]

I'm definitely seeing a theme here: "Get out and ride the damn things!"
To be honest, I don't think I would be disappointed with any of this lot.
You wouldn't be disappointed with the performace of any of them, perhaps, but with the different dynamics and riding positions of the different machines you'll soon know if one suits you better than the others... so test riding them all really is the way to go. If you're reluctant to go to a litrebike but are thinking "ho hum" about the 600s, the GSX-R750 is a machine very worthy of consideration. A bit more horsepower than the 600, but the jump in torque is what really makes the difference there. The 600 sure is speedy enough to lose your licence though... as has been said, test ride everything, then do them all again... buy the one you find yourself wanting to get back on the most! Good luck mate.

[Indiana_Jones]

I'd get a 675 myself. But get what you like :)

-Indy

[Deano]

:rofl: Busted!

:doh: Shit happens. Wishful thinking perhaps.

[F5 Dave]

c'mon the sticker price on this can't be much, obsolete these days. Surely you could find a big bore kit for it, polish the head or something. Might keep up with some of those other bikes mentioned.

[Korea]

Mmmm.... looks like fun.

Where did my profile pic go? Dunno ~ didn't realise it was missing. Will have a hunt around for it.

Now, how do I go about test riding the aforementioned?
Will try and get out to a shop soon but from my experience they've always been reluctant to fire them up for me.
(of course I'm a little older, more responsible *ahem* now...).

[skelstar]

TSS in the Hutt are brilliant (Alicetown). Talk to Stu, or Fergus...tell them what you're keen on etc.

Pete (Crasherfromwayback) at WMCC in town always sounds keen for people to test ride bikes.

[Korea]

Sweet - made some enquiries:
"No worries, bring your gear down and take some for a ride"
I'll try and do that this weekend if possible (but have moving to do as well) - Whenever it happens, I'll let you know how I get on and write my impressions here :scooter:

[Korea]

Still hunting for a bike and I had an opportunity to test ride something: the 2007 Kawasaki ZX6R. Here’s my impressions:

This bike is svelte and sexy with plenty of bling. From the red anodised USD forks, radial mount callipers and wavy-cut discs, this bike comes as well-equipped as the big-brother litre bike.
Tail end is curvy, reminiscent of a Ducati, while the under seat exhaust moulds perfectly with the tail section looking as good as any Italian offerings. It also looks slimmer than last year’s model.

Ergonomically, my 181cm frame was pushing the limits of ‘fit’ for this Japanese pocket rocket, which is fine because you’re supposed to hang off this one – the scalloped fuel tank anchors your outside knee tight when you’re getting amongst it in the corner. Wrist pressure is typical of 600cc sprotsbikes and that rear pillion seat is purely just for show. Comfy it is not, and it’s rubbish around town – if anyone cares.

Performance-wise the bike is nimble – it feels fine in a straight line but really comes into its own on the corners. It literally feels better and better the further you lean. Said corners are dispatched with a grip on the outside leg, tip on the handlebars and BANZAI!

The engine revs freely up to a screaming 16,500rpm redline or thereabouts with about 115-120 ponies. Plenty of scream to lose your licence in 1st gear, but I felt, roughly, naff all. There it is, the Achilles’ heel – the bike spins up and the scenery starts blurring but you don’t feel anything. There’s a whooshing sound and a suspicion that you’re about to get a court summons but no gut-wrenching feeling of drive, or torque. In a word, power delivery was boring.

So there you have it: In my humble opinion this bike would be awesome for the step up from a 250 or maybe 400, perfect for racey ladies, but personally, it only confirmed my suspicions – I’m after a litre bike… :Punk:

Has anyone else tried the new 6?

[Trudes]

So the search continues hey!:rockon:

[skelstar]

...perfect for racey ladies...
Dude theres some racey ladies that are going to leave you well behind around these parts :niceone:

So how does the drive compare to the ol' CBR600RR you left behind?

[Korea]

Dude theres some racey ladies that are going to leave you well behind around these parts :niceone:

So how does the drive compare to the ol' CBR600RR you left behind?

You're right about the racey ladies~!

I would say that the Zx6R definitely had sharper steering than the '05/'06 CBR600RR but the CBR had more useable midrange power. Other than that, well, there's only so much I could get from a 30 minute test blast.
Pretty good fun 'tho...

...better get out and do some more thrashing er... testing.
Getting back on 2 wheels is probably going to take me quite a while...

[Bonez]

Honda C Fifty

[berg boy]

having crashed triumph 955 aprilia rsv honda and suzuki road bikes i do tend now to go with the fastest thats there is the most of,for spares. the old saying goes "if you can,t replace it you won't race it 10/10ths" gsx all day long:second:

[Korea]

Here's the latest in the ongoing saga *yawn*...

Saw this on Trademe:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=97168429&key=553575

Comments? Advice? For / Against?
I might have a crack at it, but not sure how much it'll go for...

We'll see...

[Trudes]

That's coooool!! Black is sexy remember!!:yes:

[Nasty]

Try one before you buy it ... Grub has an earlier version with the slightly raised handlebars which are more comfortable .. this model is definately a speedie beast ... it will look great next to mine in the basement at work :yes:

[R1madness]

my personal pick is R1. But any of the big bore sports bikes are fine. My R1 did 2 up 1000km days with ease and then knee down the next day. Yahooo fun. They can all do it. Mostly it comes down to colour/look/fit/. Do you like the Yellow one or the Green one sir???

[Grantasaurus]

Is it just me, or is the exposed crankcase cover on the CBR1000 really ugly?

They could have at least used anodised bolts to tart it up a bit and make it blend in, but they're just plain alloy and stick out like dogs bollocks. IT lets the rest of the bike down..

[imdying]

Aren't they all stainless on the engine covers on a CBR1000?

[Grantasaurus]

Meh they're shiny and contrast to the black of the crank case, doesn't matter what they are they look terrible. Don't get me wrong, I like the way they look apart from that, they'd just be way sexier without that.

[imdying]

And many magazines would agree with you. There's a lot to be said for factory stainless bolts given the cheese that some use.

[Grantasaurus]

And many magazines would agree with you. There's a lot to be said for factory stainless bolts given the cheese that some use.

Brake reservoir screws being an example of a part thats usually made of cheese haha....
They might be any sort of metal, not necessarily stainless steel, its hard to tell from just looking at them. Some of the Aluminum alloys, particularly the 6000 and 7000 series have mechanical properties approaching those of stainless.

[Grantasaurus]

Its ok, you can trust me, I'm an engineering student.

[imdying]

What is it with brake reservoir screws?? Did motorcycle manfacturers all get together and decide to use shite for them???

Engineering student eh.... I would appreciate it if you'd go into this thread and comment, if you've a little time :yes:

Pretty much want to know what I need to know about using alloy to make a muffler. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=48697

[Korea]

Hey guys, can you go talk about your nuts somewhere else? :dodge:

Update on the CBR1000 fartblood:
Thanks to Skelstar and Deano for advice.
Big ups to OneArmedBandit who went out of his way to check in on the bike in question and even ran off a bunch of pictures. (see below)
Above and beyond the call of duty, Cheers.

Mmmm... by all accounts it's tidy if a bit grubby.
Looks like previous owner cut down the tail section and bolted number plate on rugged style.

Tyres look like they've barely been scrubbed in... :niceone:

[skelstar]

Cool bro! You gonna put a bid on then?

On ya OAB!

[onearmedbandit]

I got some video footage of it running as well, took it on my Canon digital camera but I can't compress it with Adobe Premier and currently it weighs in at about 130mb, for only a couple minutes of footage. It was quite dark and crowded in the lockup so it was hard to get around the bike. The pics I took of around the headstock were to show that the steering stops had no abuse. There were no scratch marks on the long hero blobs on the footpegs, the right hand front indicator had a very minor paint scuff (about 2mm), something had just rubbed on it. There was no smoke or noises on startup, and she settled down to a nice smooth idle almost immediately.

I'll try to sort that vid out today.

/edit - Video is sorted now Korea, about 5mb. I would upload it to youtube but I notice you've blanked out the plate so if you'd rather I can try sending it to you for your viewing only. Let me know.

[limbimtimwim]

I rode an 05 CBR1000RR for a few minutes once, it was good. The engine was stupendously smooth. I understand those newer ones handle better sharper and the engine is more agressive.

It's a steal if the bidding doesn't go up silly.

[Deviant Esq]

It's a steal if the bidding doesn't go up silly.

I agree. I'd love one but am not about to step from my 250 onto a thou.

Test ridden a Gixxer 750 yet? It got Kendog hooked... ;)

[Korea]

Well bugger! The repo company pulled the auction.
I didn't know you could do that after bids had been made???
It hadn't reached reserve tho'

I called the seller and was told that they have legal implications for selling too many vehicles without licence... but now they're accepting offers - highest bidder gets it. Wah?
Sounds like they didn't want to pay the tardme fee...

[Kendog]

I agree. I'd love one but am not about to step from my 250 onto a thou.

Test ridden a Gixxer 750 yet? It got Kendog hooked... ;)

Yep, you should take a look at the 750 as an option.

Really very very nice!!!!!

[Nasty]

Well bugger! The repo company pulled the auction.
I didn't know you could do that after bids had been made???
It hadn't reached reserve tho'

I called the seller and was told that they have legal implications for selling too many vehicles without licence... but now they're accepting offers - highest bidder gets it. Wah?
Sounds like they didn't want to pay the tardme fee...

For motorbikes you pay the trademe costs up front ... so can't be that :yes:

[skelstar]

Ring them up and suggest that unless they accept your offer you let Trademe know whats going on...

[Korea]

I bought, I bought. What did I buy?

[Trudes]

CBR600??? In sexy black??

[skelstar]

GN250....think you can handle the power?

[Korea]

GN250....think you can handle the power?

Whoa! Easy tiger - nothing quite that hardcore...
Think of the children! :dodge:

[limbimtimwim]

Fie-yah-blade!

Do I get a go based on being correct?

[Kendog]

When do you collect the mystery machine?

[NighthawkNZ]

CBR1000RR Fireblade ('06 would stretch budget to the limit but could be oh-so-perfect)
Sounds like you have made your mind up all ready ;)


Keeping my licence would be a bonus, but that will depend on the nut on top.
You can loose your licence on just about any bike :scratch:


Am a little concerned that 1000cc would be overkill for most NZ roads but haven’t owned one before and wouldn’t mind taking the next step.
Take a few for a test ride... just because its a 1000cc doesn't mean its any faster than a 600. The 600's may also be quicker in the twisties as well... But most 1000's will have more low down power (especially the VTwins)


I bought, I bought. What did I buy?
I black shadow... :lol:

[Reckless]

You bought a twin cause they are the best for every purpose you described.

[Black Bandit]

A race bike :blip:? I don't see any coathangers for your plate.

[Korea]

Test ridden: ’06 R1

Like trying to get through Lord of the Rings, the saga continues, but this quest has drawn to a close...

Weekend before last I headed out to the good people at TSS motorcycles in Lower Hutt and was given the opportunity to try an ’06 R1.
This (slightly) used R1 has done about 8,000kms and still looks like a minta. It’s been modified with some framesliders but otherwise seemed stock.
How was the ride?
Well, after warming it up while raving about MotoGP racing with Stuart – big boss guy (he’s a good fella eh?), I limped the R1 in 1st and 2nd to SH2 heading in the direction of Haywards hill.

Green light, 1st gear, *bwaaarp*, 2nd gear *bwaaaarpr* look down at speedo and ‘Jee-suuuhs ~!’. To say the R1 packs a punch is about as big an understatement as saying Rossi is kinda fast...

Anyway, speed aside - rubbish! Absolutely rubbish...
Read: I was absolutely rubbish. To be honest, I couldn't really ride the thing. The bike is awesome in a straight line, but it really needs to be 'put' into the corner - quite aggressively. Not sure if this is true of all R1s but I really need to learn how to ride this one to get the most out of it - sure to be a great learning experience.

[Korea]

Next up was an '04 ZX10R.
I've been told that these bikes like to bite - which was pretty much the first thing I thought as I rounded the first corner: Bitey!
The steering angle is noticeably sharper than the R1 - it's really easy to steer into corners, so much so in fact it feels like a 600 but with a thumpy powerplant below.
Power delivery was also smooth and easily as good at losing you your licence as on an R1 - although not quite as aggressive.
Overall, I felt really confident thrashing about on this bike - it's really at home in the corners, but it does give you that slightly unerving feeling it could have a snap at you if you disrespected it.
Overall, definitely my style and very nice indeed.

[Korea]

...and finally...

Last weekend I finally had the chance to test ride the big brother of my old bike - CBR1000RR.
I heard that there was a silver '06 model available in at Dowman / Keowyn Honda in Wanganui and they stayed open late on Saturday to let me come by and try out the 'blade.

Yes, Hondas get a bit of stick on KB, possibly because they're generally reliable and easy to ride. And this one is no exception.

There's a perfect road just around the corner from the shop that winds up a hill and out into some lazy curves and fast straights. Perfect for putting a bike through its paces. (But not me, no no.) :nono:

First of all, the CBR feels really light - centralised mass makes it nimble on its feet. And it's small - the front fairing even looks smaller than my old 600.
Ergonomics were fine for me although sitting on the 'blade is definitely a 'crouch on stilts' affair. Legs fit snuggly around the fueltank and bar distance/height was as you'd expect - mildly forearm numbing but fine.

The Ride: The CBR1000RR doesn't deliver power in the same raw fashion as the R1. Mind you, with 170bhp the '06 still fucks off like granny on her way to bingo and lifts its nose when you're ham-fisted with the throttle.
Gearbox - very smooth, ta very much.
Steering - steers every bit as quick as the ZX10 but without that ominous feeling...

Overall, the bike feels light, nimble and has more ponies than I really know what to do with. Other litre bikes might be a bit edgier / have more character but at end of the day the CBR is confidence inspiring, turns on a dime, and makes me more attractive to the opposite sex.

Verdict: SOLD!

[skelstar]

Next up was an '04 ZX10R...but it does give you that slightly unerving feeling it could have a snap at you if you disrespected it.
So would you see someone pushing a Hornet around having a good time on one of these? ...or maybe a bad time :(

Thing is I'm not sure if I would know if I am disrespecting a bike.

[limbimtimwim]

Thing is I'm not sure if I would know if I am disrespecting a bike.When you are 10 feet in the air, you'll know.

[Korea]

So would you see someone pushing a Hornet around having a good time on one of these? ...or maybe a bad time :(



You keen on getting a one?

To be honest, I don't know what all the fuss is about. The ZX10 is quick steering, powerful, and great fun.
(I personally prefer the side exhaust '04 model - havn't tried the later ones).
Some bikes get reputations for being flighty or whatever but at the end of the day it's up to the rider and his/her right hand, innit?

Morale of the story is: ZX10 - Good.

PS: Thanks for listening to my 5 pages+ of bike buying drama.
See you all out on two wheels soon :niceone:

[skelstar]

Would be keen. LIke the side-exhaust option too. GUess a steering-damper would be manditory on one though. A must ride sometime :)

[skelstar]

Looking forward to seeing you out there bro. Next weekend? (not this one)...

[Kendog]

Nice choice there, looking forward to seeing it.

[Trudes]

That's purtttty!! Well done on the new bike mate! Go Honda!!!:rockon:

[Korea]

Cheers people~

Yep, I'll be out and about this weekend, and the next, and the one after that...

Looking forward to getting out on a few rides with KBers so keep me posted. :ride: