New bike, woes of finding a 'me' bike. I want help

[zeocen]

I apologise sincerely in advance, I am 100% certain I'm going to make a metric crapload of threads regarding "I want a new bike! Help!" but I just can't make a decision by myself, I need solid advice.

My history of motorcycles has been so far, 1990 GPX250, 1992 ZZR1100 (both my dad and I shared it) and my very first own 'big' bike, 1990 ZZR600.

This is where it goes pear shaped, I bought the ZZR600 privately from Trademe, had a look at it and rode it, it all seemed fine, the seller was a wealthy scotsman who seemed very genuine, he even drove me down to the local shop to do change of ownership etc.. all in all very helpful.

A few weeks later a service revealed that the bikes engine was about ready to shit itself. So long story short, and a reconditioned engine later the bike is now going great, but I spent almost as much as I bought it for, on a complete recondition of the engine, regulator rectifier, water pump etc etc.. Needless to say it's now a beautiful bike, but after this ordeal I think I'm ready to head into the new age rather than stay in my early 90's bikes (I just love the style, don't judge me!).

So my initial thought of a new model bike would be a 2008 ER6F/Ninja650r .. a lot of people questioned this as I was previously riding a 600 and 1100 inline four and that perhaps the twin power would be lacking for me, I don't think so, but it is also a faily nimble bike and I am 6'2 and """slim"""ish. I don't know how it would fair as a long touring bike.

I am a diehard kawasaki fanboy, I will defend them until I die being the fanboy homo that I am.. but I'm starting to think maybe I should drift away from the flock.

(Wow long post, what the hell)

OKAY

SO

My budget would stretch to a maximum of about 11 - 13k, 11 at most if possible. I initially did want the ER6F because it's a twin and I like low down power and corners, I'm not one for long straights and top speed so it appealed to me, but what appealed to me most was that it would be brand new, I wouldn't have to worry about how the bike was treated by the previous owners. It makes me angry to know people flog off beaten bikes for other people to tidy up and spend so much money to get going like I did :( Especially for a bike I love so much. But then I got to thinking, maybe I don't need a BRAND NEW 2008 bike, as far as I can see (which isn't far with my kwaka sunglasses on) the ER6F is the only new bike in my price range anyway. So I thought maybe if I went through a dealer and went for, say a 2002 - 2004 model bike then I could possibly get the reliability and trust (ha?) of the dealership with possible warrants etc..

Basically for the TL;DR folk:

I got burnt by my last bike, I want a reliable bike, I am scared to buy privately again.

So yeah, that's basically it. I will stray from the kawasaki fold if the right deal comes up (I have no beef with other models, I'd even buy a gixxer if the price was right, I just want reliability, comfort and then performence).

So sorry for such a long post, I didn't mean to make it this long.. please don't hate me for making two threads with "make up your fucking mind" lingering around both of them!

Thanks again guys, I love you all, even the honda riders. :love::love::love:

zeo!

[Devil]

second hand K3 onwards SV650. Then spend a few dollars on the suspension. You'll love it.
Madducks SV would be a perfect example. Well looked after, never thrashed. 20k on it, $7k. then plus $3k max on suspension and you'll love it.

[Geeman]

Second that, SV650 can't go wrong. Ride mine every day and love it. Brand new so no surprises.

[Clivoris]

second hand K3 onwards SV650. Then spend a few dollars on the suspension. You'll love it.
Madducks SV would be a perfect example. Well looked after, never thrashed. 20k on it, $7k. then plus $3k max on suspension and you'll love it.

Good advice I reckon. But as usual ride a few of the contenders. There are a few ER6's starting to surface second hand. It's a buyers market too if you are looking second hand, have the cash and the time. There are plenty of mechanically experienced people on here that would give you a hand to weed out the lemons too so don't be frightened out of the second hand market. Learn from it, get out there and master it. You've had a shit experience (most of us had had one or two) so get out there and balance it out by scoring a sweet bargain.

[zeocen]

I have had a look at the SV650, I would be looking at the faired version and I've read a pretty thourough SV650 VS ER6F where the SV came out on top, I just thought they would be a "timid" step up from 250 -> 600. That's not to say I wouldn't love it, being a twin it would probably be great for the corners, as well as coming out of them! The bike I want would need to be able to handle an abundance of luggage and handle long tours as well.

I don't know though, I would definitely trust your opinion Devil, and 7k is a damn sight lower than I had in mind.

Also, going naked I reaaaally love the z750 and z1000, say I got an offer on a 2004 z1000, how would this bike fair for touring being naked and a transition of me going from big heavy faired bikes to a heavy (?) naked bike?

Cheers for the replies so far guys!

[Clivoris]

Also, going naked I reaaaally love the z750 and z1000, say I got an offer on a 2004 z1000, how would this bike fair for touring being naked and a transition of me going from big heavy faired bikes to a heavy (?) naked bike?

Cheers for the replies so far guys!

Aww man you just have to give the Z750 or Z1000 a go. Neither bike is "heavy" and my understanding is that they tour fine and are great fun for hooning. It might take a while to get used to the ride position but the naked street fighters are a great do it all bike. Ride some. Ride some.

[discotex]

I am a diehard kawasaki fanboy, I will defend them until I die being the fanboy homo that I am.. but I'm starting to think maybe I should drift away from the flock.


Hmmm... Self confessed homo.. Maybe Honda has something for you ;) Maybe an older blade (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-138787989.htm?key=1151710)?

If I read you right you want low down power (v-twin or litrebike), cornering and fairings.

SV650S or SV1000S sounds like the business in the normal jap market. Otherwise ZX-7/ZX-9 maybe?

Thinking outside the box, how about these? At least ask Kerry if you can take them for a good spin.

Buell XB12R
http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz/motorcycles.php?bikeId=269

Duke ST4
http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz/motorcycles.php?bikeId=276

Good luck on the hunt mate.

[Pussy]

Have a yarn with Jim2 regarding the Z750... you'll get a no-bullshit view from him

[zeocen]

Ducati's maybe, buell, not so much :P
I'm not sure on the ducati's re. maintenance, it would have to be the type where the parts aren't so expensive hehe. I would be pretty keen and I've got a pretty good relationship with Kerry *hugs arai helmet and avon tyres*. I'll have to check him out.

I'm not much of a fan of the pre 2007/8 z750's, they're a bit *too* naked for me and I think the late model ones are a bit too expensive :(

Keep the suggestions coming guys! I'm liking to broaden my horizons on a next great bike. :)

[zeocen]

How about a Ducati 850? I'm having a hard time trying to find one but I was told they are great vtwins, not sure on price though.

Yes, I am spamming my own thread, got a problem !?

[howdamnhard]

The Suzuki GSX750F(06) where going for $10k,if their are any left.A good website for bike reviews is MCN bike reviews http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/ albeit from a british riding view point.After that once you have narrowed it down go for testrides.RF900 is also a nice bike as is the ZX9R and a lot of the nakeds like the bandit ,hornet,fazer.
Goodluck and happy hunting.:niceone:





I have had a look at the SV650, I would be looking at the faired version and I've read a pretty thourough SV650 VS ER6F where the SV came out on top, I just thought they would be a "timid" step up from 250 -> 600. That's not to say I wouldn't love it, being a twin it would probably be great for the corners, as well as coming out of them! The bike I want would need to be able to handle an abundance of luggage and handle long tours as well.

I don't know though, I would definitely trust your opinion Devil, and 7k is a damn sight lower than I had in mind.

Also, going naked I reaaaally love the z750 and z1000, say I got an offer on a 2004 z1000, how would this bike fair for touring being naked and a transition of me going from big heavy faired bikes to a heavy (?) naked bike?

Cheers for the replies so far guys!

[Squiggles]

I have had a look at the SV650, I would be looking at the faired version and I've read a pretty thourough SV650 VS ER6F where the SV came out on top, I just thought they would be a "timid" step up from 250 -> 600. That's not to say I wouldn't love it, being a twin it would probably be great for the corners, as well as coming out of them! The bike I want would need to be able to handle an abundance of luggage and handle long tours as well.

Go test ride a twin and see what you think? How you produce the power is alot different and only a test will really tell you if thats your thing.

[Gremlin]

CB900...

I love my kwakas too... but something has to be said for the hondas I have ridden. They just do what they are told, no fuss, and completely reliable. The blackbird is essentially a 10 year old design, yet is still a good bike by todays standard...

Ride a cb900. Brand new it should cost less than 11k, last I heard it was 10k?

[yod]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-139414045.htm?key=1347989

how bout a triple? two of my mates have them and they are superb machines

[RearWheel]

Give the cb900 hornet a crack the price is right at about 11k new comes with 2 yr unlimited k warrantty and they go like stink and carve up the corners like crazy and they also do a good job of the touring duties as well ... i spent 3 months researching all the options and the honda was the best allrounder, and the lightest bike in its class...... I too am a die hard kawka fanboy but dont regret buying the honda for one second...... awesome naked bike with attitude that has got a reputation for reliability and longevity with a minimum of maintanance:rockon:

[zeocen]

Well, I have had a broken collar bone for the past few weeks.. I was holding off test riding until I was 100% confident to test ride a bike without the thought that I may not handle some of them and drop them :P

But it is never wrong to cover all your bases, I'll definitely test ride them all and compare twin to il4 but for now I'm just seeing what the masses think is a great all rounder bike and where to *not* get stung again.

Thanks for all the replies guys, it has definitely given me a lot more to consider!! Keep them coming if you know anyone who is selling a nice reliable bike and know they won't be lemons hehe

[zeocen]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-139414045.htm?key=1347989

how bout a triple? two of my mates have them and they are superb machines

I have always loved the Triumph Sprint, the Daytona isn't far behind.. Do they have oil troubles like I've heard of? I didn't really consider them because I didn't think I would get one for the price range I'm looking at.

[avgas]

depending what year you want to buy i would consider new:
er6n
gt650
XJR1300
GSF600
Old:
Katana 600/750
ZXR6
Bandit

[Maki]

This is where it goes pear shaped, I bought the ZZR600 privately from Trademe, had a look at it and rode it, it all seemed fine, the seller was a wealthy scotsman who seemed very genuine, he even drove me down to the local shop to do change of ownership etc.. all in all very helpful.



The lesson here? Never ever buy anything from wealthy scotsmen. How do you think they got wealthy? :banana:

[HornetBoy]

Mate +1 for the cb919's go for a ride on one of them ,used to own one and they are awesomely fast ,stick a pipe on and they sound equally good 2 :headbang: (although take into account that you will need to buy two pipes which can cost ya over 1.2k <_<)

they can go like the clappers and in the twisties they seem to shine,can easily do 2up and carry lots of luggage too.

ps Black looks the best

[HenryDorsetCase]

buy my Hornet 900 if you want. great bike but its time for a change of direction for me.

[Wheeliemonsta]

Gidday Zeocen

Sorry to hear your tail of woe re the ZZR 600, they are generally a fantastically reliable bike...

Is it not an option for you to keep the bike and get some of the effort you've put into it, back out...?

Anywhooo...

Below is a link to a friends Z 750, he's owned it since new, it's been well ridden but well looked after also - it's definately worth a look & I know for a fact the price is negotiable, you'd be gettin a shit load of bike for the money :yes:

He's had quite a bit of interest in the bike, but there one of Kawasakis "Love it or hate it shapes", it has to be said

Reason for sale is simple - he's bought an 08 model

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-134750935.htm?key=616586

If nothing else, give it a bit of thought

Cheers

:rockon:

[mxracer_nz]

ill have an 06 gsxr600 4K $11000ono, 05 gsxr750 20K $10500ono, and a 05 cbr1000 15K $11000 for sale soon, can arange finance, no lemons here

[HornetBoy]

ill have an 06 gsxr600 4K $11000ono, 05 gsxr750 20K $10500ono, and a 05 cbr1000 15K $11000 for sale soon, can arange finance, no lemons here

holy crap ,you own all them ? wouldn't mind your job lol

[zeocen]

ill have an 06 gsxr600 4K $11000ono, 05 gsxr750 20K $10500ono, and a 05 cbr1000 15K $11000 for sale soon, can arange finance, no lemons here

Nice man, can I ask what they are from? Or are you just *that* lucky! hehe

[zeocen]

Well, a busy weekend.. looked at a few bikes, test rode some also.

I had a look at a Ducati ST4s, took it for a ride, it really wasn't me. A good bike but the tall gearing and clunking and knocking of the dry clutch didn't scream 'daily commuter and sport tourer' to me, it would probably be a waste of a bike.

I've weighed it down to a few bikes, the ER6F is still staying strong as number one but I'm still reserving judgement until either Mt Eden or East City get one in for me to ride. I was eying up the VTR1000, but in the end decided it wasn't me, I'm veeeery partial to the Blackbird, but it would be somewhere around '02 to get it at a price I can afford.

I'm also very keen on a second hand 636 or maybe a zx6r (or rr, which ever is the 600 one, damn rrrrrr's). I'm also not ruling out a 2000 - 2004ish ZX-10 either, infact that would be a dream bike.. I seem to just ooze into them.

So if there is anyone out there with considerable proof that their 2000+ zx6/10s, blackbirds or even VFR800s haven't been raped and bouncing off the rev limiter, within $10,000 - $11,000 and are looking to part with it any time soon, flick me a pm!

Otherwise, the ER6F looks to be the most practical and sensible option.. I just don't know how long it will be until I want a beefier bike for holding more luggage and having more fancy pretty dials and doodackies (lets face it, 2008 and two analogue dials without even a freaking fuel gauge, that is pathetic kawasaki :mad:).

Also suggestions on a bike someone may think I would like, naked or faired (naked needs a veeery good reason to make me want it), don't be shy, I want to be 100% right in this purchase, and maybe I can stop typing so many things in brackets (fuck you), shut up, (you shut up).

[AllanB]

If you are looking at a new ER6, or anything second hand at or over $11k - STOP NOW - go straight to your HONDA dealer and test ride a 919 Hornet. $11k NEW, 2 year warranty etc.

Want pipes for them get on to Ebay and there are a couple of big shops selling many brands of slip-ons for the Hornets - eg a pair of Yoshi's will be under NZ$800 landed! (twice than if you order from a NZ dealer).

Or - there is a second hander going here, piped, new tyres and low kms.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=66602

Personally I like them in Black - but I may be a bit biased. :rolleyes:

[zeocen]

Like I said, you're going to have to really convince me to go for a naked bike. I'm not keen on the hornets front end, nor am I keen on spending even more money to buy a screen etc to suit my demands for wind resistance.

Yes, they would be the ideal bike at a great price and with decent pipes they sound bloody great. But they just don't cater to my needs as a sports bike with a tours edge. If you want to prove me wrong be my guest! A reliable Honda is definitely tempting (hence the VFR and Blackbird.

[zeocen]

I'm eyeing up this little beast at the moment from Botany Honda: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-129631183.htm?key=835109 Going to go in for a test ride tomorrow.. hopefully it pleases me more than the Ducati did! Looks like a nice solid wind breaker that comes with some serious luggage!

[AllanB]

CBR11 or ER6F? hmm interesting - worlds apart those two! Ones a ultra high performance sports tourer, the other a sport commuter.

Try the 1100, I think you will like.

The thing with the litre bikes is power wise around town etc they are absolutely fine (as long as you are easy on the wrist :bleh:) - you may never get out of third but all those other gears are for the open road.

[Matt]

I was really impressed with the 'bird I test-rode; very similar to the ER6 in that it's very easy to just get on and ride - although obviously it's a bit bigger physically and slightly more powerful!!

Have fun!

Matt

ps If you do go the new ER6 route, make sure you shop around - I got my ER6n for <$10k OTR when they were new out.

[discotex]

Also suggestions on a bike someone may think I would like, naked or faired (naked needs a veeery good reason to make me want it), don't be shy, I want to be 100% right in this purchase, and maybe I can stop typing so many things in brackets (fuck you), shut up, (you shut up).

Nothing wrong with typing in brackets (I should know I do it alot too). It's how people talk right? All those diversions and sub sentences.

Anyway.

Have you had a ride on an SV? Would make a great background soundtrack for the vlogs.

[zeocen]

I was really impressed with the 'bird I test-rode; very similar to the ER6 in that it's very easy to just get on and ride - although obviously it's a bit bigger physically and slightly more powerful!!

Have fun!

Matt

ps If you do go the new ER6 route, make sure you shop around - I got my ER6n for <$10k OTR when they were new out.

Yeah I was suprised at how fast the guy said "we can do that" when I asked if they could throw in a ventura packrack for the ER6F. I do like my fatty bikes so hopefully the Blackbird fits me.

Disco: Haha, oh wow :P I haven't had a test ride but I've seen them in the flash and decided how they look is not my bag of tea. You'd prefer a twin over an IL4 for background music? Though I suppose a twin would be more dominant, especially since the vlogs of late are around town so there's not much IL4 revving to be had.

[discotex]

Disco: Haha, oh wow :P I haven't had a test ride but I've seen them in the flash and decided how they look is not my bag of tea. You'd prefer a twin over an IL4 for background music? Though I suppose a twin would be more dominant, especially since the vlogs of late are around town so there's not much IL4 revving to be had.

Just thinking of RYR's VFR with the carbon cans and how great that sounds. The IL4 just doesn't sound have that rumble/purr.

IL4 sound effects are better suited to a flyby I reckon. Mehhh Mehhh Neeeeeeeeeeowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. More MotoGP style sound.

Still it's hardly the main criteria for selecting a bike is it ;)

[zeocen]

Yeah RYR's VFR sounds bloody good, nice videos too.

Just took the Blackbird out for a quick test ride, I pretty much oozed into it and wanted to say "sold!" right there, but I was urged to go for a test ride. So I did. And when I got back I still had the urge to say "sold!".

Vastly different to the ZZRs I have been riding (took the ZZR1200 to the shop), comparing it to the 1200 the handling wasn't so great, it was defintely a sports bike, a real sports bike with a nice, fat, ass. I loved it. Very foreign but I was getting the hang of it pretty quickly, the seating position seems to be a bit of a love/hate but after a few bum movements I found a sweet spot and it was all go.

I think I might have found my new bike.

The only bad side is that I need to front up with 25% deposit, which is a little steep! But once I get that I think I may be changing my sexuality and moving to Honda.

(ps. WTS Very (well, NOW it is) nice ZZR600 1990! aka. Help zeo get a deposit fund).

[zeocen]

I'm allowed to spam my own thread, so shut up.

Well, I've put on the skin tight leather gimp suit and bought myself a Honda. :headbang::woohoo:

I just couldn't pass it up, the test ride had me giggling. A big thanks to Richard of Botany Honda (and a fellow kiwibiker I found out!) for helping me along and ultimately giving me a great deal!

Well I've talked enough in this thread, so how about some photos! (Taken with cellphone, apologies for quality).

<img src="http://homepages.xnet.co.nz/~zeocen/cbr/cbr1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepages.xnet.co.nz/~zeocen/cbr/cbr2.jpg">

<img src="http://homepages.xnet.co.nz/~zeocen/cbr/cbr3.jpg">

<img src="http://homepages.xnet.co.nz/~zeocen/cbr/cbr4.jpg">


Thank you to everyone who held my hand and guided me through finding the perfect bike for me, I have a feeling I will have this bike for a veeery long time.

Cheers.

Matt / zeocen.

[Cajun]

awsome buy that one, with the packrack and the setup for hardbags.

[zeocen]

Thanks! It comes with some thin givi hard panniers and they threw in a free big size-changable ventura pack for the packrack. Don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight.

[gijoe1313]

And I welcome you to the fold, you meet the nicest people on a Honda! :rofl:

So, when can I come and tootle around on it? :whistle: Oh for about 1200km! :innocent:

Oh yeah, need to change that Avatar now innit? :whistle:

[madandy]

Nice looking bike. I rode a BB once and was very impressed....too fast for this kid in fact.
Nice rego plate too BTW :P

[sprag]

And I welcome you to the fold, you meet the nicest people on a Honda! :rofl:

So, when can I come and tootle around on it? :whistle: Oh for about 1200km! :innocent:

Oh yeah, need to change that Avatar now innit? :whistle:

and the worst thing GIjoe is that i now like the look of the Hornet, really like the 900 now lol

*sits in the cornor and cries alittle*

[discotex]

Woohoo :woohoo:

Honda's are taking over KB at the moment. Take it easy on that beast eh :)

[Usarka]

bahahaha soo many times i have seen someone start out with a bike in mind and end up with something sooo different.

nice work that man. enjoy....

[Hellraiser]

LOL .... guess i'm too late.

You could've come around to my place and experanced the lot I have mid range twins i have the litre bikes V2 & IL4 and of cause my ever faithfull Busa
I also have a big thumper and the latest eddition is a SXV5.5

and out of all the bikesi own ........ it's the busa that does it for me after you've riden a busa everything else just seem limp.

[zeocen]

Woohoo :woohoo:

Honda's are taking over KB at the moment. Take it easy on that beast eh :)

Ya, a few parking lot sessions for me I think, before I go out into the depths with it. Definitely a more radical style than what I'm usually on. I'm going to love it :)

And yeah, it's a bit of a far cry from a 650 parallel twin, I guess 1100 inline fours run in my veins!

Hellraiser: Haha, it's the thought that counts man, at least next to you I will look the part (in image at least, not in skill hehe)

[Lucy]

I'm allowed to spam my own thread, so shut up.

Well, I've put on the skin tight leather gimp suit and bought myself a Honda. :headbang::woohoo:

.


Congrats on the new bike! Looks very nice. I am finding myself looking and looking at a new bike too (shh the GN doesn't know yet), and have come close to deciding on one, without having even sat on one, so it might not happen, but it's nothing like yours!

Have fun.

[Donor]

Oooh.

Ahhh.

It's so blue and SHINY!

Never before have I seen such a happy, gimp-suited Zeo as the one I saw today being horse whipped by that dodgy Richard guy at Botany Honda, then straddling his new steed and wobbling through the rain to the gargre of luuuuuurve for some Honda lovin'...

Seriously, it's a nice looking bike Matt, as I said, nothing I would ride, but seems to fit you quite well, and it's a marked improvement on previous history.

Have to organise a ride sometime soon, get that tire scrubbed properly :)

[gijoe1313]

Went riding with zeo, watched him nana it and scrub tyre in properly. Good lad ay! :yes:

[Zapf]

Nice bird. May I suggest replacing those Pilot Road's with some Pirillie Strada's!