A non sports bike sports bike?

[Usarka]

Was out riding today dreaming of my perfect bike and came to the conclusion that I want a bike that can do everything.

Of course thats not going to happen, so narrowing it down:

a) High spec new components (suspension, brakes etc), not from the parts bin at the factory.
b) Sports bike handling
c) Relaxed riding position (ie able to ride it for more than 30 minutes without getting cramp or having to do the sports-bike-no-i'm-not-having-a-wank-i'm-relieving-the-pressure-from-my-wrist at every opportunity)
d) Acceptable trade off between b and c.
e) Doesn't scrape bits when lent over.

In other words a bike that can be used day to day and for touring, but is designed to go fast with good components. (Kind of like the old cbr600f.....imho)

Does such a bike exist?

Oh, I forgot f) upside down forks. Must have upside down forks. (p/t in case thats not obvious).

[JMemonic]

Unfortunately they stopped making them, well Ducati did anyhow, take a look at the ST range.

I am just a little biased.

[James Deuce]

Tuono Factory.

[AlBundy]

Well, the handling is subjective....

I've just taken the pseudo motard through some twisties and it's heaps of fun....

Suppose it just depends if you want to go naked or not... Opens a lot of doors... MV Brutale, Superduke, etc.... All well spec'd too...

[xgnr]

Was out riding today dreaming of my perfect bike and came to the conclusion that I want a bike that can do everything.

Of course thats not going to happen, so narrowing it down:

a) High spec new components (suspension, brakes etc), not from the parts bin at the factory.
b) Sports bike handling
c) Relaxed riding position (ie able to ride it for more than 30 minutes without getting cramp or having to do the sports-bike-no-i'm-not-having-a-wank-i'm-relieving-the-pressure-from-my-wrist at every opportunity)
d) Acceptable trade off between b and c.
e) Doesn't scrape bits when lent over.

In other words a bike that can be used day to day and for touring, but is designed to go fast with good components. (Kind of like the old cbr600f.....imho)

Does such a bike exist?

Oh, I forgot f) upside down forks. Must have upside down forks. (p/t in case thats not obvious).

I guess the BMW K Bikes don't quite fit?

Damn...no upside down forks eh :laugh:

[slowpoke]

If you are cashed up:
BMW K1200R
2008 CB1000R
Aprilia Tuono (later)
KTM Superduke (later big tank model)

If you are less cashed up:
Yamaha Thunderace
K1 GSXR1000 (suprisingly comfy)
CBR600F4i
Yamaha Thundercat
Aprilia Tuono (earlier)
Triumph Sprint
Aprilia Falco

The options are endless really

[yod]

check my profile pic

[Bullitt]

Seems like your after a sportsbike with a more upright riding position. So buy any sports bike and move the footpegs forward and the handlebars up. Only little adjustments will make enough difference.

[NighthawkNZ]

VStrom......

[PaddyFZ1]

Have a look at the 06- FZ1.
A lot of parts taken directly from the R1.
Handles great, plenty of power.
The riding position allows for long stints without having to unfold yourself when you get off the bike.

[discotex]

In other words a bike that can be used day to day and for touring, but is designed to go fast with good components. (Kind of like the old cbr600f.....imho)

Does such a bike exist?

Oh, I forgot f) upside down forks. Must have upside down forks. (p/t in case thats not obvious).

You mean something like the new CB600F?

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/10october06_2007hondahornet.htm

Haven't seen one yet but on paper they look great. Even has USD forks so it must be fast.

CB1000R is probably more what I'd go for personally but I'd be test riding the 600 for sure.

[AllanB]

You funny wee fella.

Where you been in the past few years?

Pop down to your Triumph dealer - Speed or Street Triples will suit.

I'd say a Hornet 900 but then a bunch a fart-faces would come on here and tell me how gay they are. But most of those people appear to be riding old clapped out sports bikes and hark back to the days when their rides were actually desired. :whistle:

Plus they do not have the UD forks you so desire.

The new 600 and 1000 would suit if you are so inclined. Also those earlier mention Yahamas are very nice.

Naked SV1000 possibly.

Bonnie? (if you can get over the forks).

[Rockbuddy]

one word VMAX

[Usarka]

Tuono Factory - :drool: unfortunately i'd prefer it to not cost twice a "standard" sportstbike! But certainly one on the dream list.

Fortget the vmax I'll go the rocket :lol:

[Usarka]

You mean something like the new CB600F?

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/10october06_2007hondahornet.htm

Haven't seen one yet but on paper they look great. Even has USD forks so it must be fast.

CB1000R is probably more what I'd go for personally but I'd be test riding the 600 for sure.

Nice, just looking through the specs though and it still seems lower specd than the rr equivalents.

I may just buy a track bike.....:whistle:

[RantyDave]

Pop down to your Triumph dealer - Speed or Street Triples will suit.
Just what I was going to say, what with being a Triumph fanboy and all. Anyway, a sportsbike with a non-sportsbike seat + handles? Yeah. I have one of those. A mate has a very beautiful Tuono that goes through stages of being for sale too - that would work if you were willing to go towards the f'kin terrifying end of the market.

Dave

[bomma]

i vote the hornet 900!! they are awesome bikes, amazingly nimble, comfortable like you wouldnt believe and more than enuff power for hooning!! plus with a couple of mods you can get it popping wheelies with the flick of your wrist :niceone:

only downside is the increased hit of the wind that you get with naked bikes but you get used to it....plus it's a lot more fun when you actually feel like you are going the speed that your speedo says you're going!!

[Pumba]

Pop down to your Triumph dealer - Speed or Street Triples will suit

+1:woohoo:

It has even got th magical USD forks that make the bike sooooooooo much faster

[kevfromcoro]

VStrom......

+ 1.........................v.strom

[discotex]

Nice, just looking through the specs though and it still seems lower specd than the rr equivalents.

I may just buy a track bike.....:whistle:

Yeah it is. That's one reason the CB1000R looks good to me. The whole front end is from the RR so you get the radial mounted calipers blah blah.

Still, how much do you really need? That 600F is probably a spec'd about the same as an 03 600 supersport was. Nothing shoddy about that.

[slowpoke]

a) High spec new components (suspension, brakes etc), not from the parts bin at the factory.
b) Sports bike handling ...

....is designed to go fast with good components.

How the fuck do you go from what is above to what is below....?


VStrom......


+ 1.........................v.strom

I mean it's good at what's designed for, but a quality on-road sports bike it ain't. Good luck trying to find sports rubber for that 19" front wheel....

[Winston001]

VStrom or Triumph Tiger

The VStrom isn't for me but people who own them are very happy. They sell themselves so well Suzuki don't bother to advertise too much. Obviously not a sports bike but the 1000 I rode recently had plenty of go on the open road and handled well. The 650 is said to be even better although not for 2-up. Try one.

[NZsarge]

Tuono Factory.
:yes:



If you are cashed up:

KTM Superduke (later big tank model)
I reckon!
If you are less cashed up:
Yamaha Thunderace


These are great bikes to be sure but they don't really meet the upright riding position required, enjoyable motorbike to ride when you feel up for it though.



Have a look at the 06- FZ1.
A lot of parts taken directly from the R1.
Handles great, plenty of power.
The riding position allows for long stints without having to unfold yourself when you get off the bike.

Spot on, realistically priced (second hand, probably 1.5 to a couple of grand too expensive new) alternative to a Tuono or SuperDuke with added dose of practicality on the "S" model over the like of the Duke and Tuono.

[Zapf]

The Con's for me would be...

BMW K1200R - Weight
2008 CB1000R - No wind protection
Aprilia Tuono (later) - No wind protection
KTM Superduke (later big tank model) - No wind protection

[slowpoke]

These are great bikes to be sure but they don't really meet the upright riding position required, enjoyable motorbike to ride when you feel up for it though.

I didn't read anything on "an upright riding position", I just got the general gist that no racer couch was allowed. Both the Tuono and Superduke have got bars so don't require a visit to the physio after every ride.

Spot on, realistically priced (second hand, probably 1.5 to a couple of grand too expensive new) alternative to a Tuono or SuperDuke with added dose of practicality on the "S" model over the like of the Duke and Tuono.

Yep, it's just a shame that "practical" has to equal "ugly" with that aesthetically challenged fairing. Nice bikes though.


The Con's for me would be...

BMW K1200R - Weight
2008 CB1000R - No wind protection
Aprilia Tuono (later) - No wind protection
KTM Superduke (later big tank model) - No wind protection

I hear you on the wind protection thing.

As for the weight of the big Beemer, 163hp redeems it. The thing is just brutal. http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/122_0507_bmw_k1200r/index.html

[Zapf]

As for the weight of the big Beemer, 163hp redeems it. The thing is just brutal. http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/122_0507_bmw_k1200r/index.html

Yes but doesn't help the handling department. Also it is pretty much an over priced Honda Blackbird.;)

[NZsarge]

Yep, it's just a shame that "practical" has to equal "ugly" with that aesthetically challenged fairing. Nice bikes though.


That's a matter of opinion is'nt it, I would'nt have bought my bike if I had'nt liked the look of it and yes it is a nice bike.

[dipshit]

Naked SV1000 possibly.

Why a naked one? For touring some wind protection is nice. Why not an S?

[Coyote]

Has anyone had any experience with comfort kits?
http://www.streetfighterstore.co.uk/fatbar_comfort_kit_+_handlebars/270
They sound like a good way to go if you want a comfy sportsbike.

[Gremlin]

Why do you want sportsbike handling? Surely you want it to be better?

Whats your budget... gives us a better idea...

[Hitcher]

Yamaha FJR1300. The perfect motorcycle.

[sels1]

Was out riding today dreaming of my perfect bike and came to the conclusion that I want a bike that can do everything.

Of course thats not going to happen, so narrowing it down:

a) High spec new components (suspension, brakes etc), not from the parts bin at the factory.
b) Sports bike handling
c) Relaxed riding position (ie able to ride it for more than 30 minutes without getting cramp or having to do the sports-bike-no-i'm-not-having-a-wank-i'm-relieving-the-pressure-from-my-wrist at every opportunity)
d) Acceptable trade off between b and c.
e) Doesn't scrape bits when lent over.

In other words a bike that can be used day to day and for touring, but is designed to go fast with good components. (Kind of like the old cbr600f.....imho)

Does such a bike exist?

Oh, I forgot f) upside down forks. Must have upside down forks. (p/t in case thats not obvious).

you have just described the new model Triumph Tiger

[Spuds1234]

Try the Cagiva Raptor.

Got the SV engine in, but looks a hundred times better than a SV.

[nudemetalz]

All that spec comes with my Guzzi V11 Sport :)

[Gizzit]

I'm pretty sure I have just found my "perfect' sports bike - without being a "sports bike" .....
See my profile. I have just added a stock small screen which takes enough wind off my chest to make 130K comfortable / easy, where naked it was a bit of an arm stretcher at 110K.
These are seriously underrated bikes. I have 700 + K's on mine now, and I've only had it two weeks.
Two up today with my wife, and it is the easiest two up riding I have had on any bike. Easy and light to flip from side to side and change line. Pretty effortless all around.
Hasn't got the upside down forks though ... but it handles real well for a standard setup, for my weight (89Kg) and ability!
Good luck and happy bike hunting. :niceone:

[avgas]

my bike - buy it now (going cheap and fast).
i even saw the word brembro on it.....and for the first time in my life it wasn't a sticker.
no but seriously my bike is going cheap

[Zapf]

I'm pretty sure I have just found my "perfect' sports bike - without being a "sports bike" .....
See my profile. I have just added a stock small screen which takes enough wind off my chest to make 130K comfortable / easy, where naked it was a bit of an arm stretcher at 110K.
These are seriously underrated bikes. I have 700 + K's on mine now, and I've only had it two weeks.
Two up today with my wife, and it is the easiest two up riding I have had on any bike. Easy and light to flip from side to side and change line. Pretty effortless all around.
Hasn't got the upside down forks though ... but it handles real well for a standard setup, for my weight (89Kg) and ability!
Good luck and happy bike hunting. :niceone:

Put some wide bars on it :) even better.

I am buying my 2nd one soon

[Hinny]

a) High spec new components (suspension, brakes etc), not from the parts bin at the factory.
b) Sports bike handling
c) Relaxed riding position
e) Doesn't scrape bits when lent over.

In other words a bike that can be used day to day and for touring, but is designed to go fast with good components.

Honda Pan European - designed in Germany to be able to cruise at 160kmh all day.
For handling see videos of Japanese cops competing on them. Impressively agile.
Very popular bikes with Police forces who I would say have very similar criteria to yours.
Reliability is a major factor. It is said that due to the basic goodness and reliability of the design of the Honda ST1100 almost every example that hasn't been crashed is still on the road racking up hundreds of thousands of miles.

BMW RT1200 Lighter and taller than the ST. Superb handling. Best screen on the market. No noise at 180kmh.

[Kirill357]

How about Honda VFR800, as far as I know it has everything you've mentioned, BUT they promised 1000cc model this year sooo me waiting too.

[-df-]

Was out riding today dreaming of my perfect bike and came to the conclusion that I want a bike that can do everything.

Of course thats not going to happen, so narrowing it down:

a) High spec new components (suspension, brakes etc), not from the parts bin at the factory.
b) Sports bike handling
c) Relaxed riding position (ie able to ride it for more than 30 minutes without getting cramp or having to do the sports-bike-no-i'm-not-having-a-wank-i'm-relieving-the-pressure-from-my-wrist at every opportunity)
d) Acceptable trade off between b and c.
e) Doesn't scrape bits when lent over.

In other words a bike that can be used day to day and for touring, but is designed to go fast with good components. (Kind of like the old cbr600f.....imho)

Does such a bike exist?

Oh, I forgot f) upside down forks. Must have upside down forks. (p/t in case thats not obvious).


Sounds like a modern street fighter is what you are after...ticks all the boxes. Got a R1 SF and its awesome to ride

[Stone_Duck]

Take a look at the Aprilia RST1000 Futura fine looking bike, even with the factory luggage fitted.

[Skinny_Birdman]

I was thinking along pretty much exactly the same lines after I sold my Blackbird, which I found too heavy and hard on my wrists. I had pretty much set myself on the earlier model FZ1, and was trying to find a decent one when 426crasher showed up on his Tuono, and happened to mention that there were quite a few Tuonos for sale in Christchurch. Two test rides later, and the unthinkable has happened. After swearing I would never buy another non-jap bike, I am picking up my '03 Tuono this week. Parts are better spec than the FZ1, although obviously not a patch on the Tuono Factory, wind protection is probably not as good, but the handling is stunning, and (this is totally subjective of course), to my eyes it is a bit more 'interesting' to look at. :scooter:

Hope you can find the same satisfaction with this or one of the bikes suggested above.

Cheers
A

[slimjim]

get a Honda gaybird... leave yamahas to true blues...

[awd]

Try a Buell. I used to have that CBR600 you hanker after, but the Buell trounces it in every respect. I also used to have a 99 VFR800; Buell trounces it too. Come to think of it, the reason I have a Buell is that it's the best bike I have ever ridden. Give one a try.

[R6_kid]

The Strangers FZ1 sounds pretty much like what you're after. He's only just now starting to think about replacing the suspension with some Robert Taylor special bits... and has done a few 'fuel economy modifications' that would more than likely see it putting out more HP at the wheel than my K3 GSXR1000. Not only that, the power is really usable, and even with a pillion the bike handles brilliantly. Gonna be a tough job chasing him around the North Island at the end of the month.

[Usarka]

Some good suggestions here......

But my repsonse is where are all the bikes with some wind/weather protection.

Answered in part by the last post re fz1s, but I've heard suspension / ground clearance issues with these....

:eek:

[vtec]

An old VFR400 sounds like what you are after. Small so they will be relatively upright, awesome race bike in every respect. But also a brilliant and comfortable road bike. But they will scrape pegs so that's one thing on your list that it will do. But I reckon peg scraping is usually just a good warning to stop you taking it too far.

It's my dream bike and I've ridden just about everything. You don't need 200hp to have a lot of fun, 45hp (250) is usually enough for me to have a blast.

[idleidolidyll]

Tuono Factory.

Tuonos suk if you've got long legs; the pegs are higher than a sport bike

[idleidolidyll]

wind protection?

now you're talking bmw

[Bonez]

Some good suggestions here......

But my repsonse is where are all the bikes with some wind/weather protection.

Answered in part by the last post re fz1s, but I've heard suspension / ground clearance issues with these....

:eek:Don't beleive everthing you hear.

[Hinny]

wind protection?

now you're talking bmw

And the legendary reliability...:Oops:

[Usarka]

That's one reason the CB1000R looks good to me. The whole front end is from the RR so you get the radial mounted calipers blah blah.

Saw this just now thought bahahaha.

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[Hinny]

The new VMAX looks fookin awesome.

[Hinny]

Picture this. Two Aussies and three Canadians lining up at red light after red light on 200-horsepower, 123ft-lb motorcycles. It was never going to stay legal! Before long the ‘I don’t care it’s not my country’ approach to road rules kicks in and we spend the next 30-miles drag racing from EVERY set of traffic lights. It goes like this. Dial up five grand. Nail it off the line in first, second, third then roll as slowly as possible to the next intersection to ensure a red light! Haha. Awesome fun… The VMAX gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘red light district’…

[Idubbs]

you have just described the new model Triumph Tiger

++1

Just as anyone who owns a Tiger 1050...!

[MaxCannon]

Sounds a bit like a GSR600

GSXR600 bits with an upright seat.

[James Deuce]

Saw this just now thought bahahaha.


Funny how there's so few differences and yet the Honda manages to look like a grownup's bike instead of the $2 Shop PoS that is the Z1000.

[Usarka]

Funny how there's so few differences and yet the Honda manages to look like a grownup's bike instead of the $2 Shop PoS that is the Z1000.

On paper it sounds like it'll perform a whole lot better too......

[svr]

The factories don't put the same effort into building decent road bikes that they do sport bikes.
The naked's and standards are heavier and have downrated suspension. Sportsbikes are designed to handle corners at 200kph (hence the riding positions) and to make as much peak power as their rivals.
You have to either (a) make a sportbike comfortable / useful or (b) make a standard handle (more difficult / expensive).
Why can't the factories do it for us?
Also, why doesn't anyone build a light (140kg) 60hp twin with a decent riding position, top suspension and a half fairing?

[YellowDog]

Yep. It's what I wanted and what I bought.

[discotex]

Funny how there's so few differences and yet the Honda manages to look like a grownup's bike instead of the $2 Shop PoS that is the Z1000.


On paper it sounds like it'll perform a whole lot better too......

Exactly my thoughts. Can't wait to take one out for a test ride and see if it's as good as it could be.