Ideas for a road bike??

[FROSTY]

Ok folks Ive totally had a gutsfull of having old shitty bikes.
SOOO Im on the hunt for something to suit my needs.
Can you lot come up with ideas for me
Budget is up to $5000
Sports/tourer type bike--ie not full on racer crouch
Tyre sizes NEED to be 160 rear and 120 fronts to use my ex race tyres
Im open size wise 600cc or bigger . I dont mind smaller bikes but prefer a bit of room

[skelstar]

Thunderace/Thundercat?

Don't have any trademe links for ya.

[James Deuce]

TRX 850

Easy.

[FROSTY]

trx--now theres a thought

[The Pastor]

gsx1400. Oh wait you said 5000, I did see a yzf600 forsale for about that almost a year ago..... Why didnt I buy it? Who knows!


Totally agree with old shitty bikes, mine is really rubbing me the wrong way.

[kneescraper]

Sorry to highjack the thread but what do those TRX's go like...in terms of power, repairs, handling etc?

What about buying a Honda CBR600 F3?

[James Deuce]

They go fine. 12,000kms between valve adjustments. Dry sump parallel twin with a 270 degree firing order. Mid 70s HP but more torque than a CBR600. Brembo brakes. Front end is undersprung, but that's easily fixed for less than $200. Did 18,000kms on one in 12 months.

What do you mean by "repairs"?

[kneescraper]

Haha come on now, its going to need repairs if I touch it. Excuse my "dumbness" but what is undersprung?

[paturoa]

dr650 and put a set of rims on it to motard it

[Alltrax]

fj1200 $4995 I heard you liked em lasses!!!

[James Deuce]

Excuse my "dumbness" but what is undersprung?

You're only "dumb" if you don't ask the question. The fork's spring rate is designed a 55-65kg Japanese test rider, not an 80-100kg Kiwi bloke, so the front end is really easy to bottom out under hard braking.

Replace the springs with heavier fork springs, and if you want to you can get Racetech Goldvalve cartridge emulators to match the damping to your requirements. It's still kind of on topic though, because I'm trying to get Frosty to buy one remember? :)

[raster]

Try a ZZR, slightly more relaxed riding style many parts are interchangable between ZX 400 and 600 from 92-97 and most likely further, I now have a '92 400D engine with a 600 E5 gearbox, only difference is the flywheel size.

May be a little heavy but gives the appearance of a larger bike.

The 400 would be a bit underpowered but a 600 would be fine which use the same frame and engine base.

Front tyre 120/60 R17 Back 160/60 R17

Are you prepared to do some work on it?

I am currently lookin for a ZZR or ZXR frame to put my spare 400 engine into for track days.

[alexthekidd]

maybe drop Grub a quick PM

[kneescraper]

You're only "dumb" if you don't ask the question. The fork's spring rate is designed a 55-65kg Japanese test rider, not an 80-100kg Kiwi bloke, so the front end is really easy to bottom out under hard braking.

Replace the springs with heavier fork springs, and if you want to you can get Racetech Goldvalve cartridge emulators to match the damping to your requirements. It's still kind of on topic though, because I'm trying to get Frosty to buy one remember? :)

Thanks for explaining that, makes perfect sense to me. Ive always loved the TRX's but havent heard anything about them.....they are by no means as famous as CBR's or R1's etc. Maybe they are underated? If any one has any more usefull info on them (thats right, im looking into buying one) can ya send me a PM.

[merv]

You had a VFR once, why not get another? Perfect in my view, hence why I've kept mine. More horses than a TRX by far.

[Deviant Esq]

You had a VFR once, why not get another? Perfect in my view, hence why I've kept mine. More horses than a TRX by far.
+1
Seen a few nice early 90s VFR750s on trademe for under $5k too. Not that easy to get hold of them since people tend to hang on to them... but for a few years they were considered to be the best sports tourer around. They don't mind being hustled along either :)

[FROSTY]

what size is the rear tyre again??

[Deviant Esq]

Err... 170/60... Does it have to be able to take your ex race tyres? Are they road legal ones? Could always put a different rear hoop on it I suppose.
Meh, buy a CBR600F then. This one looks like a good deal (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-91218603.htm). I'd buy it if I was ready to upgrade.

[Kittyhawk]

:yes:Get a bike which looks and feels sexy~! Lots of vibration when ya rev it :yes:

[Jimmy B]

:yes: Lots of vibration when ya rev it :yes:

So its true what they say aye Kitty?:gob:

[koba]

Its up to you entirely but a TRX850 and suzuki Rf900 are both high on my test-ride list for when I finally get the green ticket.

[crazybigal]

do they take a 160 rear? not a 180?



TRX 850

Easy.

[Kittyhawk]

So its true what they say aye Kitty?:gob:

mwhahaha. 1997 ZX6R....they vibrate nicely, are fairly upright and sporty. aww I miss my old bike!

[Jimmy B]

mwhahaha. 1997 ZX6R....they vibrate nicely, are fairly upright and sporty. aww I miss my old bike!

Hehe youre making me blush....there you go ladies a sound recommendation if ever I saw one :yes:

[Qkchk]

What about buying a Honda CBR600 F3?

Hahaha as long as it aint pink aye Frosty? Hmmmm 2 pink bikes now :bleh:

[F5 Dave]

They go fine. 12,000kms between valve adjustments. Dry sump parallel twin with a 270 degree firing order. Mid 70s HP but more torque than a CBR600. . .


So you mean less torque than a CBR600.
. . . More midrange perhaps

[F5 Dave]

Gotta say most $5k bikes are going to be at least a little bit old shitty. esp the bigger & older they are.

import Bandit 400 if they still make em? Might be ok at 5k & not so old.

[Kittyhawk]

Hehe youre making me blush....there you go ladies a sound recommendation if ever I saw one :yes:

:love: aww shucks

Im sure what ever bike you get Frosty, it's going to be fast!!

[riffer]

Here's a few on trademe:

FJ1200 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=91255479&key=534640)

little bit old but still nice GSX750 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=90571045&key=534640)

newer GSX750FP (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=90460153&key=534640)

GS1200SS (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-90851065.htm)for 6K

how about a beemer - K100RS (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-91559149.htm)

a GTR1000 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-91343557.htm)

[James Deuce]

do they take a 160 rear? not a 180?

Yes. Would I have suggested it otherwise?

[James Deuce]

So you mean less torque than a CBR600.
. . . More midrange perhaps

No. More peak torque than a CBR. Less HP.

[Clivoris]

TRX 850

Easy.


My first thought too. Never ridden one but have always liked the idea. They seem to be more realistically priced nowdays too.

[oldguy]

why don't get another SV650 just for road use, you know everything about them, or try a good second hand, VTR1000 its the fun factor, and you can still go on a long haul on them.

my 2 cents worth

cheers John

edit-sorry VTR out, tyre size too big 180/55-17

[Disco Dan]

This bike is my next bike....

They are FANTASTIC. Kawasaki ZX11

Its basically a flipping cruise missile on drugs... I love it!

Go for it... :yes: :yes: :yes:





PS- too flatmate of owner of this bike - hope ya dont mind me posting a pic of your darling ;)

[F5 Dave]

Now there's a great five thousand dollar bike with 160 rear tyre.



I thought I might buy the Beehive for $125.43 & convert it into an all night Rave Venue. I'd call it the Honeypot. [I]Sweet

Have you ever noticed that humming noise when you walk?

[sinks into mind] bada dup da da da dah - HEY! bada dup da da da dah - HEY!

[ManDownUnder]

Dude I know fug all about tires - maybe I should learn some more.

THE RF's cheap, grunty enough but runs the following:
120/70-17 Front
170/60 ZR17 rear

Dunno if a 160 rear would be doable - there's the problem

You're welcome to take her for a blast if you want to try before you buy.

NK

[Joni]

Hmm, this might be a predictable answer from me.... but I still remember Zed getting his Blackbird for about $5500.00 - yes I know a little over the budget, but I reckon if you could find a deal like that... you would not look back.

IMHO of course :yes:

[Jimmy B]

Hmm, this might be a predictable answer from me.... but I still remember Zed getting his Blackbird for about $5500.00 - yes I know a little over the budget, but I reckon if you could find a deal like that... you would not look back.

IMHO of course :yes:

Blackbird's a great bike alright Joni and 5K is a fantastic price but recommended rear is a 180. Ive got the naked Bird and run a 170 to help in the twisties but wouldnt go to a 160 under any circumstances

[badlieutenant]

my money would be on a zx9r. I was really surprised at the seating position, very similar to my vfr. They go like cut cat and are good for long distance riding,

[Joni]

Blackbird's a great bike alright Joni and 5K is a fantastic price but recommended rear is a 180. Ive got the naked Bird and run a 170 to help in the twisties but wouldnt go to a 160 under any circumstancesGood point... :doh:

Thanks JimmyB

[Jimmy B]

Good point... :doh:

Thanks JimmyB

No worries Joni, your recommendation is still a good one because for the amount of money Frosty is talking about there will have to be compromises, if tyre size was one of those then you would be hard pressed to go past the 'Bird.

I know if I was looking and saw one for 5K then whats another couple of hundy on rubber when you weigh up the other running costs? Maybe Frosty could consider selling his ex race tyres to defray that expense rather than looking to run them on the road.

[FROSTY]

deal done bike purchaced--OMG what have I done??

[Jimmy B]

deal done bike purchaced--OMG what have I done??

I dunno Frosty what have you done?

[desmo dave]

You're only "dumb" if you don't ask the question. The fork's spring rate is designed a 55-65kg Japanese test rider, not an 80-100kg Kiwi bloke, so the front end is really easy to bottom out under hard braking.

Replace the springs with heavier fork springs, and if you want to you can get Racetech Goldvalve cartridge emulators to match the damping to your requirements. It's still kind of on topic though, because I'm trying to get Frosty to buy one remember? :)
If you don't ask the question.Dead right there Jim2. If you dont ask you will never know.

[F5 Dave]

What ever happened to research & experimentation?

[riffer]

deal done bike purchaced--OMG what have I done??

Just got yourself the best damned all round bike money can buy that's what...

[F5 Dave]

An HP2 would far & beyond be better. Have you ridden the RF in deep gravel? It's scary! Heck I can't imagine a river crossing or muddy hill climb.:innocent:

[desmo dave]

What ever happened to research & experimentation?I would ask Burt Munroe but hes no longer with us.:yes:

[vagrant]

deal done bike purchaced--OMG what have I done??


I dunno Frosty what have you done?


Just got yourself the best damned all round bike money can buy that's what...

So, What did you get then?

[riffer]

An HP2 would far & beyond be better. Have you ridden the RF in deep gravel? It's scary! Heck I can't imagine a river crossing or muddy hill climb.:innocent:

Yeah, all right I'll give you that one Dave. Actually Jervois Quay is a bit interesting at the moment, especially if you're lanesplitting at 5.15 at night going north. Dodgy road surface now its been scraped in anticipation of the resurfacing.


So, What did you get then?

Isn't it obvious? Why else would I have posted? For a hint, check out what he's trying to get a tail light for...

[Hitcher]

Buy a Hornet. Customise the shit out of it as you can afford.

[avgas]

TRX 850

Easy.

2nd that
If you can find 1 for $5K:gob: