SVboy's new mount?

[SVboy]

Allright you experts, I,ve come for advice! Just sold the SV1000s. What do I buy now? Lets set the scene. Had an SV650s-really liked it and a great way back onto bikes-never rode it to its potential. Swapped it for an SV1000s-very nice too-but probably a bit much bike too soon. So, its sold. Where to next? I need a sporty bike-not outrageous-that handles well and looks good. I am not huge myself{as the bishop said to the actress!},about 5'8" and 75 kilos and am an average "new" rider. So a bike that will help my learning curve would be good. Budget-$10000.00. Probably looking in the 400-750cc area. Your thoughts?:Punk:

[merv]

Is this what you need http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=52411 Skelstar's Hornet?

[SVboy]

Cheers Merv-I thought the Hornets would be me-esp at $10000 new. I took one for a short ride and it didnt "grab" me. The SV has that Vtwin thing and I found the Hornet a bit souless[for me]. Sounds like they have many fans and I may have to give it a another chance on a longer test ride.

[merv]

OK seeing I'm hooked on them try a VFR then as the V4 gives you the best of both - pulls like a twin but with extra buzz up top because they are a 4. Not sure what model you'd get for $10,000 though, probably the 800 pre-vtec.

Otherwise if you want something like a twin that's not an SV1000 or an SV650 there's not much in between those sizes.

I had thought a naked like a Hornet might have been the go because they have detuned versions of the sports bike motor kind of seeming like what you were after.

[Deviant Esq]

Hey Chris. Do you want to go with a naked bike? Semi faired like your old SV (not that it was that old)? Or something with a full fairing?

Maybe going back to an SV650 isn't a bad idea. Ever considered a Suzuki GSR600 (http://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/bike.feat/GSR600K7%20brochure.pdf)? Or perhaps a GSF650 Bandit (http://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/bike.feat/GSF650SK7-GSF650K7%20brochure.pdf)? Both are inline 4 water cooled motors but tuned for torque rather than the bansai 600s.

Kawasaki ER-6F (http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/media/pdfs/EX650A7F.pdf)?

Yamaha FZ6?

I dunno really, haven't ridden any of them myself. Good luck with your search. :cool:

[johnnyflash]

Hell I would have stuck to the SV, ya dont HAVE to ride it flat out ya know :laugh:

[merv]

Hell I would have stuck to the SV, ya dont HAVE to ride it flat out ya know :laugh:

I was thinking that too but as he said he'd sold it already - too late. Personally I just hate depreciation and would never buy and sell bikes so quickly - I keep them a while to ease that depreciation pain. Yeah sure, I too would have thought just getting used to the thou wouldn't have been a bad idea, but at least now he can go and buy a VFR.

[SVboy]

All valid points so far.....Naked....perhaps, but got used to the crouch position on the sv,s. Couldnt believe the diference when I took the Hornet for a run. So..ERn...too funny looking [how shallow is that!], but perhaps an ERf. SV 650n or s? perhaps, but have "done that" and know of their weakness,s. GSR, or bandit? Bandit perhaps. Any thoughts on the Cagiva 650?-Suzi motor-Italian style-Italian reliability? Keep the ideas coming in.....!

[SVboy]

I take your points on depreciation and throttle management..but in this case the wallet was bruised rather than gbhed!!!, and I just found the 1000 a bit big'n'fast for my skill level. Probably not a VFR at this stage....do admire them though.....

[Toaster]

All I can say is get your butt onto as many different bikes as possible and work out what feels right for you. I know that doesn't answer your question per se, but the best and most fun thing to do is get out there and test ride them to death. Bike are like gloves - they need to fit well.

Sounds like you are making a sensible move if the SV1000 is too much for you at this early stage. Good luck.

[Mekk]

Any thoughts on the Cagiva 650?-Suzi motor-Italian style-Italian reliability? Keep the ideas coming in.....!

As I understand it the Raptor has better stock suspension than the SV. It also looks way hotter and has better fuel range if you're into touring.

It's 15Kg heavier though and I haven't seen a comparably good price for one yet.

As for reliability, that Ducati/Italian thing is a bit of an urban legend. Besides, with the SV's engine you can expect it to be up there.

[675trippy]

the hornet is great value for money and comfortable in most situations friend has done well over 20,000 kms on his 04 and it,s still like new......ish

[SVboy]

Yeah Toaster-sound advice. You know how it is-less than 24 hrs since the SV went and it feels like a death in the family!! Need my fix soon! Soooo-what about 600 sports bikes-Gixxers-cbrs -Kawas etc? Would these be harder to ride than the SV? Dont forget the profile-"newish" rider-quite conservitive-likes to tour a bit, or is that running before walking?:mellow:

[Keystone19]

If you struggled with the SV1000, you may struggle with one of the 600 sportsbikes like the GSXR, CBR or ZX6 power wise. On the other hand they are a lot lighter than the SV1000 so are easier to handle. As the others have said, go and ride one.

The 600s are as easy to ride as your throttle hand is to control...:innocent:

I was impressed with the GSR600 when I rode it, but it did feel a bit like your description of the hornet (having also ridden that I'd agree) - just a bit lifeless.

The bandit is just downright ugly (imho).

I like the look of the Cagiva - would be interesting to ride one to see if the different chassis affects handling and rideability versus the SV.

GSXR750? Love this bike - nice torque. Also love the Triumph 675 but a little out of your price range unfortunately.

Happy bike hunting!

[garfield69]

Hey SVboy,
I,m in a similar boat. Went from ZZR600 then wanted the big VTwin thing so got a VTR1000, now thats gone and I'm wondering whats next. I've been looking at the kwaka Z750 and Z1000 as possibilties. The thousand I imagine would have a bit of low down grunt, which you would need coming of a VTwin, but I don't imagine its too much at the top end to scare ya.
What do ya reckon?

[manwithav8]

how about a Ducati Monster. Still a 'V' and not really too much bike depending on what you get....

[Keystone19]

Actually good point re the Z750. Rode that up in Aussie middle of last year and really enjoyed it. Would definitely be worth a test ride.

[SVboy]

Yes Garfield-how did you find the Kawa zzr 600? Especially in relation to the VTR? I would like a sports 600...and I am not a complete Nana[I think!!] but am afraid that SV1000 to 600 supersports=frying pan to fire! People on here seem to rate the Kawa z750 very-esp with some suspention mods. I know I would not go for the z1000...yet! The idea of the duke Monster...probably not yet...an icon like that needs a rider that can do it justice....:yes:

[garfield69]

My ZZR was an older one, 93. It was my first "big" bike and I loved it, but I bought it knowing it was just a step up to other things. It was very easy to ride, and by todays standards was more of a tourer than sports, pretty comfortable riding position. It had good progressive power delivery starting off gently with not a bad top end, in fact top end wise it was probably not far off the VTR! But I don't think I could go back to it after a big VTwin, I think I've got a bit too accustomed to that great low-midrange grunt. Which is the reason I've been looking at things like the Z750 or Z1000 with their slightly detuned fours.
And I think they've got a bit more edge than the "soulless" Hornet as you put it. In saying that I have still have not ridden one!
I loved my VTR, and it was not by my choice that I don't have it anymore, I had a bit of help from a French tourist in a four wheel drive (RIP VTR), but as you say I've got a feeling of been there done that so I'll take the opportunity to have a look around.
I'd also like to try out a GSXR750, late model and "see how it fits, . . . or not".
I'd love to ride a full on 1000cc sports machine sometime in my life but I don't think I could live with it on a daily basis as yet, I guess I'm still learning as well.
I've still got a big soft spot for VTwins, but there is not much around that inspires me at the moment, well in my price range anyway.
Oh and I'd love to try a Daytona 675, but they are just a bit out of my budget at the moment, . . . bugger it, but it sounds like a great mix with an almost vtwin type grunt but with a bit more top end and great handling. Keep me informed how your decision making goes as it sounds like were in a similar situation.

[SVboy]

Hi Garfield-What about Kawasaki test rides in ChCh? Do you know if Norjos hold much in the way of demos. I have found a nice 636 on Trademe.....!:mellow:

[garfield69]

Not really sure about Norjos, don't get over that side of town much but they never look like they have a whole lot in there when I go past, and I won't be doing any test rides till I get back from my overseas trip around mid october anyway. I guess thats why i was interested in your experiences/testrides to give me a heads up for when its my turn.

[SVboy]

Consider it done! Sounds like you were pretty lucky with the VTR v 4x4 meeting! However you do highlight a South Island problem-it is hard to test all the bikes we may be interested in. I shall research further...

[far queue]

I shall research further...Research with your arse on some bikes :shake: I know how much you wanted a Hornet, but I see it wasn't quite what you expected/hoped for. So go and ride everything you can and you might get some more surprises - you might be surprised at what does do it for you when you ride it, but you've got to ride it first to find that out. As you know I was looking at SV's and VTR's but then they didn't do it for me when I tried them out. I wasn't looking at Ducati's but ended up buying one as soon as I rode it and I'm still really pleased with that decision :love:


The idea of the duke Monster...probably not yet...an icon like that needs a rider that can do it justiceTake one for a ride, if you like it, buy one - simple. Who gives a shit about icons and doing them justice. It's your money, buy what you like. It's your bike ride it how you like to. If the bike really does it for you and you feel at one with it, you'll know it, and you'll ride it more, and you'll ride it better and better as you get to know it more and more.

Oh, and don't be so harsh on yourself. You've been a long time off a bike and you're doing OK. Enjoy doing your own thing and don't worry about it.

... ummm ... rant over :o

[SVboy]

Cheers FQ....good advice. Sat on some Kawas at Norjos yesterday. Really suprised. I didnt "fit" the zx600 well, nor the z750, BUT felt good on the er6F. The 750 had the horn appeal but the er looked really good in red,with the full fairing. Problem was -no demos!!FFS! How can people by a bike if they cant ride them!. Into SPORTZONE this arvo to apply bum research as per your wise recommendations!:yes:

[FROSTY]

A bit of a different direction but how about going "down" to a Honda Vfr750
Power and handling wise its somewhere in the middle between the 650 and the 1000.
The other alternative might be to get a low milage 02 SV650 and Hot rod it a bit --good suspension,cams and a pipe

[SVboy]

Yes good ideas FROSTY. I would consider a Gen 1 SV 650s, or even a K4 on 650s, if mint and v low kms. I would get the suspention done,can, and a bit of bling. TM has a nice looking 2001 gsxr750 at the mo, any opinions?

[SDU]

Why not jump on a Guzzi - you could be surprised (might know someone who is thinking about selling a V11Sport- or where you can try one for size) or go to the dark side & try out a ducati.

[yod]

how about a buell?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-105661705.htm?p=38

[far queue]

might know someone who is thinking about selling a V11SportAnyone I know? Someone with a hankering for a big new KTM perhaps? :whistle:


how about a buell?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-105661705.htm?p=38
Mmmmm ... I like that

Into SPORTZONE this arvo to apply bum research So how did you get on with the Suzuki's ? Did you go and sit on some Buells, Guzzis, Hondas, Duc's and Triumphs while you were amongst them all ? Get some test rides arranged ? Huh huh, well did ya ?

[SVboy]

Yo FQ-didnt get to sportzone yesterday-life attacked!! Still this W.E. am thinking of taking an XJR 400 and perhaps a TRX 850. So,am casting the bum far and wide!
Probably wont go for the Guzzler at this stage-but definitly part of the long term plan....bring on the weekend!!

[far queue]

Soooooooo ... are you going to "come out" as it were and fess up to what you bought :devil2: :dodge:

[sinned]

I would also like to know as I am now thinking what to get next after the SV1000s. Can't see myself going to a Hornet though. One thing for sure; I am going to have to spend almost twice as much to do any sort of decent upgrade. The SV1000 is such great value for money.

[FkNAmerican]

Here is my list for you (not in any particular order):

1.Triumph Speed triple
2. Moto Guzzi Griso 1100
3. BMW R1200 R
4.Ducati Multistrada 1100
5. Ducati Monster Sr2 1000
6.Honda 919 (or "Hornet" in NZ I think)
7. Suzuki Bandit 1250 S
8. Kawasaki Z1000
9. Kawasaki Ninja 650 R
10. Kawasaki Ninja 500R (Ex 500 in NZ I think)
11.KTM 990 Super Duke
12. MV Agusta Brutale 910R
13.Suzuki GS500F
14. Triumph Sprint St ABS
15. Yamah Fz6
16. KTM Adventure 990

and just in case you want a supersport:

1. Kawasaki Ninja 636
2. Suzuki GSXR 750
3. Triumph 675

[SVboy]

Tis done! Brand new Suzi gsxr 600! Took the sportzone k6 out and loved it. Didnt bite immediatly-but took FQs advice and tried a few. I was suprised but wha was obviously not right for me. The gixxer was to dear, but the Suzuki NZ announced a price reduction and ma and the bank couldnt say no!!!. Sooooo-its just thru customs-and hopefully be mine late next week. And I am going to keep it for a while. The whole exercise has been valuable in focussing me on what I want in a bike. Clearly there were more "sensible' choices out there [Hornet@ $9999plus orc] but I followed my heart.
I was suprised that the K5 600 did not work for me at all, nor the vtr1000!
Thanks for all your help so far.....more reports to follow.:soon:

[SDU]

Great! so we'll see you out about on it soon. Don't forget to put up piccies when it arrives. Enjoy the new toy.