Comfy sports bike 10 - 12k - do they still exist?

[zeocen]

On the precipice of selling my current bike, I'm looking to move from a street bike to a sports bike. Trouble is, comfort.. I'm just under 6'2 and all arm and legs. What I'm looking for is a sports bike that can accomodate my frame as well as being comfortable.

My favourite bike would be my current bike and the ZZR1100, the ZZR1100 was quite radical in it's sports position so I don't think I have much of a problem with the sports angle, must get it from my father. I recently had an 08 ZX-10 as a loan bike and it was great if not a little TOO racey (felt like it shouldn't even be on the road! Only the track! haha), the seat was an abomination (obviously, it's a race bike pretty much).

ZX6R's aren't much better, I feel my frame is too big for 600s, I can get cramped on my ER6 in some conditions.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm going to have to leave the kawasaki fold on this one, they've moved straight away from comfort for me :( Any input would be great!

Thanks!

[Gubb]

K6 GSX-R Sem Fiddy was pretty comfy. And i'm 6'3" and a fatty.

[Cr1MiNaL]

My R6 is up for grabs, 6hundys don't get much better than that!

[carver]

My R6 is up for grabs, 6hundys don't get much better than that!

or yu could get a litre bike like mine, and own it

[Cr1MiNaL]

or yu could get a litre bike like mine, and own it

Take it from me now, ill never ever EVER own a gixxer :sleep:

[Gubb]

As small as the R6 is, I was on it for about 45 mins, and had no issues at all.

The noise however is another issue.

[carver]

Take it from me now, ill never ever EVER own a gixxer :sleep:

thats what i said, i rode the 600k5, the 600 SRAD, the k1 750, but then i rode the thousand.

i just clicked with it.

i liked it alot better than the CBR1000/600RR's but the 04/05 ZX10R comes close to what i like.

and it cost me less than 8k

[sedge]

Check out a k3/4 gsxr1000, I'm 6'2" and did 12 hours in the saddle a few weeks ago with no complaints. Nice, quick and comfy.

I had a '94 ZZR1100 for a couple of years, it was a great bike, I sold it as I was getting too quick and scraped fairing bits, I wanted more sports than it could give.

Imagine the same power as the ZZR in a much much better chassis. Not as comfy for the Mrs but she says it's boring for her whatever bike she's on ( I think she wants her own (( mine :) )) SV650 but dosen't know it yet)

Anyway, I haven't scraped the pegs yet on the GSXR, I've been to the edge of the racetechs but I seem to have more clearance than tyre.

Good stuff; It has clock on the dash (oh god I'm old) I get 5l/100k on the commute which is better than my neighbours Prius ! (old and smug ) 230 before res, 200 if I've been in a hurry (old, smug and slow) I can do under 3s to 100kph (old, smug and slow... relatively :) ) Brakes !

Bad stuff; Um, raw motor noises/rattles/clanks (just like my old zxr750s) Clutch chatters on attempted fast getaways (easy fix, I'll get to it soon)

That's it so far. Well worth trying one out.

Sedge.

[Cr1MiNaL]

i liked it alot better than the CBR1000/600RR's but the 04/05 ZX10R comes close to what i like.

and it cost me less than 8k

Me, I prefer refinement, years of R&D, design and flawless engineering and cornering precision that resonates in every ride -- rather than a burst of power like in said 'widow-maker'.

[carver]

Me, I prefer refinement, years of R&D, design and flawless engineering and cornering precision that resonates in every ride -- rather than a burst of power like in said 'widow-maker'.

ah, i see, so you have never ridden one?

[zeocen]

Hey get your lovers tiff outta my thread :D

sedge: Thanks for that mate, as much as I've stated my displeasure for gixxers, after sitting on a few and riding one I've warmed up to them greatly. It's good to hear the experiences vs the ZZR too!

YR64L: I went into the Yamaha dealership in Takanini (which has recently closed, MotoXtreme I think?) and one of the guys there said I was physically too small for the R6! And the R1 isn't much better. So from that I haven't really given them a chance, I figured he knew better than me. Your one is a little TOO racey for me though hehe. I like the understated quiet sport bikes :)

I guess what I'm looking for is a decently comfortable sports bike with decent stock suspension options, being able to only play with rear preload can get a bit tedious!

What Suzuki dealerships in South/East Auckland should I be looking at? I like unique bikes and GSXR's are fairly popular so it might sway my opinion away from them, unless they are radically amazing! hehe

[stify]

Me, I prefer refinement, years of R&D, design and flawless engineering and cornering precision that resonates in every ride

i'll buy in to that line of thought...thou it seems it's different strokes 4 different folks...

have crunched 22km on me blade an can't grumble too much bout comfort an it's got lotsa knobs an screws u can fart about with:msn-wink:

[zeocen]

What year is your CBR1000 mate? They are on my top list to check out, would like to know how comfy they be~

[stify]

What year is your CBR1000 mate? They are on my top list to check out, would like to know how comfy they be~

tis an 05, thou it's much the same as the 06/07 comfort wise

[Gremlin]

Can i ask why you think you need a sportsbike?

[saul]

Triumph 675:love: As long as you don't carry to much weight you would be fine.:rockon:

[carver]

Triumph 675:love: As long as you don't carry to much weight you would be fine.:rockon:

apparently they aint comfortable, and you got to have a bottle of 10w40 on the back all the time

[NZsarge]

What year is your CBR1000 mate? They are on my top list to check out, would like to know how comfy they be~

Just traded my '06 FZ1 at AFC in Palmerston North, be interesting to see what they have put on that, something like that would be ideal mate.

[saul]

apparently they aint comfortable, and you got to have a bottle of 10w40 on the back all the time

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm:bleh: Thats a little cruel lol, Im on my third one and I do a few km.

[McDuck]

Can i ask why you think you need a sportsbike?

because everybody needs a sports bike....

[Maha]

Just traded my '06 FZ1 at AFC in Palmerston North, be interesting to see what they have put on that, something like that would be ideal mate.

I see theres an 07' down there selling $13 with very low ks, great buying!
We need pics of your 14 on that 'other' thread please....:cool:

[NZsarge]

I see theres an 07' down there selling $13 with very low ks, great buying!
We need pics of your 14 on that 'other' thread please....:cool:

It's a small wonder that there is'nt at least a couple of photo's up already, I think my bike would be a rock star if it were a person, had that many photo's taken of it in the past day it ai'nt funny.

[SixPackBack]

60K on my K6 black Labrador.......doesn't bite and never uses a drop of oil. A K4 would probably be more comfortable for the larger rider.

[86GSXR]

I can highly recommend a Daytona 955i, very, very comfortable and roomy. I did most of the country on mine and it was no worries at the end of the day. Plus you get the class :whistle: There's a few nice ones on TM right now.

[bungbung]

For less money, what about a 636? the 1st version without the undertail exhaust? I'm 6'4" and there's plenty of room.

[zeocen]

Can i ask why you think you need a sportsbike?

No! You may not!

The reason is I just feel most comfortable in corners in the ol head down arse up scenario, It's got nothing at all to do with speed or wank value (maybe a teency bit of wank value), my current bike is more than competent in the corners and getting to license losing speeds if willed. My old man is basically the same, the bike he feels most at home on is a zx-10.. I must get it from him. Don't get me wrong, sitting on your bike is bloody awesome but something like that, my wallet just doesn't have time for :(

In the end I don't think I *need* a sports bike, it's more of a want, but the comfort is the need factor, I've always liked the 'end game' sports bikes and I believe now is a great time to chase my dream, so to speak! :sunny:

The other alternative is the british route, either a Daytona 955i or a Street Triple, but so far neither have come even close to my budget :(

Thanks for the input guys, keep 'em coming!

[zeocen]

For less money, what about a 636? the 1st version without the undertail exhaust? I'm 6'4" and there's plenty of room.

Is that the one with the big ol' smiley face scoop under the nose? If that's the one you're talking about then I completely agree with you! VERY comfortable and roomy for a 600 bike.. all my travels would be over if they had just brought the late model ZZR600s over here! :angry2: They're just the 2002 636's with a few modifications, which is very comfortable and would suit me perfectly! :(

Unfortunately I haven't found any in great condition, like, anywhere.

[bungbung]

There is a pretty good one at TSS atm for 9k. Auction says 10k, window card says 8995

[bungbung]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-172318815.htm

[86GSXR]

If you're looking at between 10 - 12 K then all the 955i Daytona's on TM are around that, and they are really comfortable. Handle brilliantly too. And sound great! Did you know that modern Triumphs have about a quarter less warranty issues than BMW? If you get one I can sort you out with the best Hinkley Triumph mechanic in the country as well. Good luck!

[zeocen]

You are... correct!
My god, I never knew they were at this price.. is there a reason on why they are around this price, as I'm sure the smaller capacity version is significantly more expensive?

[86GSXR]

The 675's are younger which allows the price to be higher. Look at the kms on the 955's though, they're pretty low and you get one hell of a machine for the money. The mid range bikes seem to be more popular as they're lighter and more chuckable. Check this out, mate down here is doing a fab job on sourcing his 675 :yes:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=88710

[Owl]

If you get one I can sort you out with the best Hinkley Triumph mechanic in the country as well. Good luck!

I'll second that!:yes:

[Dealer]

GSX1300R, all the power of a sports bike with all the comfort of a tourer, long range fuel tank, not too bad through the twisties though not a gsxr, and you might find a 2000+ model for 10-12k. I love mine.:hug:

[zeocen]

Unfortunately it has all the weight of a Busa too :( If I were to go back to a big sports tour I would go back to a Blackbird without a blink of the eye, but I'm looking for something light and nimble at this stage!

[Gremlin]

The reason is I just feel most comfortable in corners in the ol head down arse up scenario, It's got nothing at all to do with speed or wank value (maybe a teency bit of wank value),
The issue then is that you basically have two conflicting values (if you take a "traditional" sportsbike). You like the head down, arse up position, no worries. However, you then want space for a 6'2 frame... You gots ta remember the design parameters. They are designed to be used on the track, so therefore, as small as possible, for less drag etc.

Biggest of the sportsbikes is probably a k1/k2 gixxer thou. Mate had one, and he is 140kg, 6'3, and he loved it.

[zeocen]

The issue then is that you basically have two conflicting values (if you take a "traditional" sportsbike). You like the head down, arse up position, no worries. However, you then want space for a 6'2 frame... You gots ta remember the design parameters. They are designed to be used on the track, so therefore, as small as possible, for less drag etc.

Biggest of the sportsbikes is probably a k1/k2 gixxer thou. Mate had one, and he is 140kg, 6'3, and he loved it.

Yup, which is why I made this thread because I am shit-out of ideas. I don't want to go too early a model, I'd like to know how it has been ridden, etc..
Gimme a ride on your KTM and see if you can sway me ;D

[Gremlin]

Gimme a ride on your KTM and see if you can sway me ;D
Its in the shop as of today, due out before New Years Day, upon which day, I then leave for the SI, so it would have to be next year :D (That sounds so neat... next year)

Re sportsbikes... they aren't getting any more comfortable, or bigger, as manufacturers seek any small gains possible. Not only are ergonomics an issue, but the seat to peg height as well, and sportsbike ones are normally small.

What else do you want about your bike? I've found on average the big nakeds are way more fun, with low down torque, more comfortable seating position etc, and they'll still do 2x the speed limit and more.

[Cajun]

well you could always get a bike that you like and mod it style, for a bit more comfort, better seat, some higher bars, and you have sports bike but with a bit more comfort.

[zeocen]

There is an '07 ZX6R dressed in black at Mt Eden going for a reasonable amount, and bar the concrete seat which is easily fixable, I know you can get helibar risers for them too which would help the ol' breakin' back saga. Not sure on what could be done about footpegs though, but I've never really had an issue with comfort on the lower part... yet.

Ideally I would love a ZX6R but I just feel like I may be too big for them, or be in the okay margin but look like a sumo riding a snail.

I haven't ruled out the bike sports like CB1300, GSX1400 etc either.. but I would prefer something with quality (ha!) stock (ha!) suspension, etc.

[Cajun]

There is an '07 ZX6R dressed in black at Mt Eden going for a reasonable amount, and bar the concrete seat which is easily fixable, I know you can get helibar risers for them too which would help the ol' breakin' back saga. Not sure on what could be done about footpegs though, but I've never really had an issue with comfort on the lower part... yet.

Ideally I would love a ZX6R but I just feel like I may be too big for them, or be in the okay margin but look like a sumo riding a snail.



adjustable foot pegs so a simple change from touring to sport/track riding.

Will always have to comproise on something, its just making best of what you decide to buy.

[zeocen]

Just out of curiosity Cajun, how much would a ZX6R '07 seat be for making it all comfy like? Nothing has compared to my old bird's Rider seat. But I'm just wondering if there's any difference in price since it's a single seat sans pillion?

[Cr1MiNaL]

Zeocen: All 600's are about the same size so an R6 is no more a bigger bike than say a Gsxr 600. Also all modern 1000'ds are the same seze and are just as comfortable or uncomfortable. I'd say get the bike you like best, for me it was looks as they all ride hard, and mod it with a cumfy seat bar raisers, peg adjusters etc. I wouldn't bother personally, but you can if you want to.

[carver]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm:bleh: Thats a little cruel lol, Im on my third one and I do a few km.

but your a girl, so you cant ride anyway

[sedge]

You should ride the bikes you're looking at, I had just about all the bikes on your list on mine.

Canned the CBR1000RR coz I couldn't find one that wasn't dodgy for the $.
As far as unique bikes go the 955i is the Mini of unique, IE, not.
The speed triple 1050 was high up there but I couldn't find one for the $.
I didn't want a 636 as coming from a TL1000S I couldn't step back down to a sewing machine torque-wise (sorry 636 owners)

I refused to consider a Suzuki, especially a GSXR... And then I got one... They aren't as common as you think, I've seen maybe one later model around WLG. At a track day or on the Rimutakas maybe you'll see a few but in the real world ?

I can't recommend the bike enough, grunty but polite with it, quick turning but stable, sporty but roomy... Don't know why I didn't get one earlier.

Oh crap, I'm a Gixxer lover, it's all matching leathers and blue iridium screens from here on in. Of course I need more power first :)

One other bike I would have loved was a ZX9R from 2001 on but couldn't find one that wasn't seriously overpriced or pre-munted.

Sedge.

[Cajun]

Just out of curiosity Cajun, how much would a ZX6R '07 seat be for making it all comfy like? Nothing has compared to my old bird's Rider seat. But I'm just wondering if there's any difference in price since it's a single seat sans pillion?

Since its only a single seat would be half cost would think something between 250-300 should easy cover it.

[The Stranger]

Its in the shop as of today, due out before New Years Day, upon which day, I then leave for the SI, so it would have to be next year :D (That sounds so neat... next year)

Re sportsbikes... they aren't getting any more comfortable, or bigger, as manufacturers seek any small gains possible. Not only are ergonomics an issue, but the seat to peg height as well, and sportsbike ones are normally small.

What else do you want about your bike? I've found on average the big nakeds are way more fun, with low down torque, more comfortable seating position etc, and they'll still do 2x the speed limit and more.

See, he's nearly as good at this shit as you are.

[Gremlin]

See, he's nearly as good at this shit as you are.
yeh, but I contradicted myself much better, in multiple ways... he only contradicted himself once...

He still has much to learn, but he's trying :clap:

[raftn]

I can highly recommend a Daytona 955i, very, very comfortable and roomy. I did most of the country on mine and it was no worries at the end of the day. Plus you get the class :whistle: There's a few nice ones on TM right now.

Okay , i know i am biased, but i toured all round the SI Last year, two up, and it was supurb, More sporty than touring but more than comfortable enough. Sound awesome, and always turn heads. 320 kms out of a tank, so fuel range is good to. Not every ones cup of tea, but well worth a look. Good luck with your search.

[Swoop]

For your physical size, a VFR800 would be suitable and very comfortable. It could be a challenge finding one second hand though.

[zeocen]

Mmm, the VFR800s would be very ideal, if not a little heavy.. But they are about as close as it comes to 'todays' sports tours that are slightly more sports than tours. You're right though, I haven't found one that is a reasonable second hand price.

Don't get me wrong, I'm going on a mission, test riding all of these bikes, yes, even the GSXR. But coming up Christmas I haven't had time and such, but here's hoping I can fit a few bikes in within the next few days :)

I've sat on Trace's GSXR600 K6(I think?, could be K7) and it looked small, but upon sitting on it, didn't actually feel all that bad. I'm told the 750s are the same frame plus or minus rake, just more oomph. How do people think I would fare on one? AND, why are the 750's so damn more expensive than the 600 brother?

[gijoe1313]

Well as I live and breathe my little kalmucka is being quite the chatty person! Normally zeocen is like the proverbial wallflower ... but here is being quite competent and posting replies with thought!

Will wonders never cease. It will be interesting to see what takes his fancy the most, enough for him to abandon his current ride and gushing over the next! :lol:

Some good ideas and thought put into the replies ... its been enlightening. I still think zeocen should go supermotard styl'n. A 'tard for a 'tard so ta speak! :bleh: :msn-wink:

However, he has never really got over selling his GPX ninja and its all been downhill for him from there! :whistle:

[zeocen]

ACTUALLY, it went up hill with the ER6F :P
'twas the only bike that gave me the some thrill for adventure and fun factor that the ol 250 did.

[vtec]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=87617
CBR600RR 04 $8500, don't think you'll find better.

[zeocen]

A nice bike but not keen on the repaint from minor off, I've still got to sell my bike first too!

[Crazy Steve]

A nice bike but not keen on the repaint from minor off, I've still got to sell my bike first too!

Yeah good luck with that.....:bash:

Crazy Steve...

[zeocen]

Not sure what you're getting at?

[Gremlin]

Not sure what you're getting at?
Steve has been trying to sell his for a while... :shutup:

[prettybillie]

K6 GSX-R Sem Fiddy was pretty comfy. And i'm 6'3" and a fatty.

Good choice! :headbang:

[willy_01]

mate sounds like you are going through what ive had to. im so stoked with what i got - zx 9r. i went riding with 2 hard charging 05 cbr1000rr today on some really tight roads (forgotten highway stratford to wanga) and my bike did the business! even had more low down grunt than the cbr's! Im a big lad (check profile pic) and the bike fits me a treat. Dont buy anything else until you try one.:msn-wink:

Sam

[zeocen]

Well I had an unsuccessful shopping day on Saturday, which is par for the course, being mid holidays and all. Mt Eden was first up with a black ZX6R '07 there, but was then told that a deposit had already been made on it, but still may come available if the depositee gets declined for an NZ license.

At any rate I had a sat on it, not sure on what the difference is position wise between the 05/06 and 07/08 but it felt a lot more fuller for my legs, actually quite liked it. But I also know that I'll need to get a good ride in to really test, as once the feet are off the ground and on the pegs, that is when you get lazy and put weight on the wrists.

The dimensions between the ZX6 and ZX-10 seemed miniscule, the only noticable difference was the seat height from ground, which becomes void as soon as you put your feet on the pegs, it seems like the same distance there. So I guess I don't need to go to a litre bike as a tall guy - I'm happy with that.

From there I traulled Barrys Pt Rd but no one was open, scooted past AMPS and they weren't open too so I cut my losses and headed home via Botany - had a look at Botany Honda and got well ignored, lucky for them they had next to nothing that held my interests or they could have been out of a bike sale.

I think I've narrowed it down to the ZX6R, CBR1000 or the GSXR750. The latter are more expensive and I am the epitome of Kawasaki fanboyism, but comfort-wise I have heard nothing but good things about the GSXR600/750, so it may just sway me. Now I Just have to find a shop that's open!

[zeocen]

mate sounds like you are going through what ive had to. im so stoked with what i got - zx 9r. i went riding with 2 hard charging 05 cbr1000rr today on some really tight roads (forgotten highway stratford to wanga) and my bike did the business! even had more low down grunt than the cbr's! Im a big lad (check profile pic) and the bike fits me a treat. Dont buy anything else until you try one.:msn-wink:

Sam

Mate I would love a ZX7 or ZX9, but at this stage I'm not going any older than 2004. I've had my share of nice-but-redlined-24/7 bikes that I've been well put off the later models :(

[SixPackBack]

Well I had an unsuccessful shopping day on Saturday, which is par for the course, being mid holidays and all. Mt Eden was first up with a black ZX6R '07 there, but was then told that a deposit had already been made on it, but still may come available if the depositee gets declined for an NZ license.

At any rate I had a sat on it, not sure on what the difference is position wise between the 05/06 and 07/08 but it felt a lot more fuller for my legs, actually quite liked it. But I also know that I'll need to get a good ride in to really test, as once the feet are off the ground and on the pegs, that is when you get lazy and put weight on the wrists.

The dimensions between the ZX6 and ZX-10 seemed miniscule, the only noticable difference was the seat height from ground, which becomes void as soon as you put your feet on the pegs, it seems like the same distance there. So I guess I don't need to go to a litre bike as a tall guy - I'm happy with that.

From there I traulled Barrys Pt Rd but no one was open, scooted past AMPS and they weren't open too so I cut my losses and headed home via Botany - had a look at Botany Honda and got well ignored, lucky for them they had next to nothing that held my interests or they could have been out of a bike sale.

I think I've narrowed it down to the ZX6R, CBR1000 or the GSXR750. The latter are more expensive and I am the epitome of Kawasaki fanboyism, but comfort-wise I have heard nothing but good things about the GSXR600/750, so it may just sway me. Now I Just have to find a shop that's open!

The best road bike. Contact enigma51 he is currently selling his at a give away price

[Kwaka14]

I had an 05 ZX12r which was pretty comfy for me - 6'3" and a over 100kg, was no problems doing 900 or more k's (rode from Queenstown to Auckland almost non-stop - only stopping for a break on the Ferry and fuel) and was no problems for me, you need to a little bit to get them to handle very well though...

[zeocen]

Well I've just come back from test riding a ZX6R 2007 model. Unsatisfactory :( A fucking shame because I love those bikes so much, it pisses me off that I literally cannot fit on it. I got up to a dead end and couldn't turn on full lock because my hands would hit my knees, and riding it was pretty uncomfortable with the bars SO low. It's not that they're out and forward, it's that they are LOW, really, really low.

I tried to find a GSXR600/750 around K5/K6 era but none were to be found, Colemans Suzuki weren't very receptive. :/

Is there anyone who could tell me if the gixxer's bars are as low as the ZX6's? That's the main/only issue on these bikes. If this is a trend with later model sport bikes then I guess my tall physique has been phased out :( Might have to go the way of a performence tourer or naked bike. I just really love the feeling of tucking into a corner in the "sportbike" position and going around.. not fast, not ridiculous maneuvers, I just like the position, it feels great and makes riding so enjoyable.

So as a ZX6R 2007 as a base point, where should I go from here? Are CBR600/1000s worth checking or will it be much more of the same, do I go british? So many options and so little options both at the same time! :(

[nallac]

if you love the zx so much,what about putting a set of high rise clipons on?.

[limbimtimwim]

Is there anyone who could tell me if the gixxer's bars are as low as the ZX6's? That's the main/only issue on these bikes. If this is a trend with later model sport bikes then I guess my tall physique has been phased out :( Might have to go the way of a performence tourer or naked bike. I just really love the feeling of tucking into a corner in the "sportbike" position and going around.. not fast, not ridiculous maneuvers, I just like the position, it feels great and makes riding so enjoyable.There is a K6/7 GSXR600 at TSS in Wellington, saw it today, looked very tidy. But you probably want more accessible power, so find a 750 if you can.

K5/K6 GSXR1000 feels has almost identical riding position. Try one of those if you like.

Don't worry too much about how it has been ridden. They are excellent bikes in terms of reliability and longevity.

[zeocen]

if you love the zx so much,what about putting a set of high rise clipons on?.

The only one that will work is the helibars for the '07/08 but with the current exchange rate and the purchase of a new bike it's just not sensible to do so. Especially if I don't know that that will fix the problem. All other models seem to have fairing collision issues.

[Hitcher]

Seems like an FJR1300 will fit the bill for you nicely...

[zeocen]

I'll politely decline Hitcher, if I was going to go back to the heavy weights I would be headed back towards the Blackbird.. though I have ridden the old man's workmates 08(?) FJR... was eerily stress relieving but I have commuting in mind too.

In a 180 spin, while test riding the ZX6 I was pointed by the sales man to the Z1000, he touched on it breifly knowing I wanted the heads down arse up approach, but I'm slowly realising my disability in being a 'tall cunt'. I'm planning for a long test ride of this bike on Saturday, the price is very desireable and the quality of parts (suspension, etc) seem quite nice. A mixed review on how well it corners but is apparently very nimble at slow speed (overall falling just short of the FZ1 I read).

Anyone got any personal experience on these? It may be heavier than I want but it ticks every other box and what I lose on sports I gain in comfort.

[Gremlin]

I'll politely decline Hitcher,

Anyone got any personal experience on these? It may be heavier than I want but it ticks every other box and what I lose on sports I gain in comfort.
Oh go on, stick his silly idea up his ass :rolleyes:

No personal experience, but suspension wise, and against its competitors, it doesn't stack up too well. It has a zx9r engine, but for a more budget bike, it has a decent engine.

[zeocen]

Well I mean it's a good choice of bike (FJR), but a bit impractical for what I'm wanting.

Re. the Z1. That's strange, I read that the suspension was fairly good for the price of the bike :(

[short-circuit]

If you're starting to think about the Z1000 then what about Triumph?: I realise the new Triumph Speed Triples are getting up there in price, but have you thought about a Street Triple? I mean Gubb's a big bastard and he has no problems on it whatsoever - pillion and all.

[zeocen]

Mate I would love a Street Triple, I'm just not sure on the price. There aren't many second hand, it seems people hold onto them when they get them. I love those bikes, I just don't think it fits in the 10 - 12 (or now 10 - 13ish) bracket. :(

[short-circuit]

Every now and again one pops up in that price bracket and more will with the R model on it's way.

Go test ride one in the meantime - where there's a will there's a way

[Matt]

if you love the zx so much,what about putting a set of high rise clipons on?.
Yup Helibars made my K7 bearable and look stock, not many $$$'s to be comfortable!

Matt

[Cr1MiNaL]

My bike's for sale: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=194120407

[zeocen]

As I've already said in this thread, if I can't fit a ZX6 your R6 is way out of the question! Also a bit *too* set up for racing for me hehe.

[mashman]

the Aprilias are fookin tall bikes and there's plenty of guys taller than you that say it fits them like a glove!!! take a look at a second hand pre 04 Mille!!! think you'll be surprised...

[Morcs]

On the precipice of selling my current bike, I'm looking to move from a street bike to a sports bike. Trouble is, comfort.. I'm just under 6'2 and all arm and legs. What I'm looking for is a sports bike that can accomodate my frame as well as being comfortable.

My favourite bike would be my current bike and the ZZR1100, the ZZR1100 was quite radical in it's sports position so I don't think I have much of a problem with the sports angle, must get it from my father. I recently had an 08 ZX-10 as a loan bike and it was great if not a little TOO racey (felt like it shouldn't even be on the road! Only the track! haha), the seat was an abomination (obviously, it's a race bike pretty much).

ZX6R's aren't much better, I feel my frame is too big for 600s, I can get cramped on my ER6 in some conditions.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm going to have to leave the kawasaki fold on this one, they've moved straight away from comfort for me :( Any input would be great!

Thanks!

Check out my Old TL1000 at colemans. All setup for touring, big comfortable, and powerful. I think they want around 8k for it.

[vtec]

Have you ridden the new 08 Hayabusa? I rode my dad's the other day, damn it kicked arse, the handling felt remarkably light and it was very responsive. I'm pretty small too. It's a big step up from the 06 version he had before that I had a blast on the track on.

[zeocen]

Hayabusa is too heavy mate, I need this bike for everything, which includes commuting.

I'm very interested in the CBR600 F4I. By the looks of it they stopped production in 2004 but it definitely ticks all the boxes. Sporty, raised clipons so relatively comfortable, light and a middleweight without being stupidly fast. Basically it seems Honda's answer to a modern ZZR600? (Actual ZZRs, not those awful rebadged ZX6s in the states).

I guess the trick would be finding one 2002 - 2004 with low kms and in good condition.

[zeocen]

I just rode a K7 GSXR600.

Fucking hell! Those bikes are awesome! No wonder there are so many riders around the world on GSXRs, they're fucking great! I *almost* bought it then and there but at the last minute got some restraint working and decided to keep looking around. After all it is a 600 and I'm just not sure if I am small enough for it, everything was in place though.. the guy even put the pegs on the lowest settings and it felt great (as good as a sports bike could feel).

I don't know my way around the shore so I just went off and on the motorway (wow, above 8k rpm.. sexual noise right there) and around suburbia and as many lights as I could find, to see how it would cope.

MUCH better than the ZX6, in every respect, for me. I don't really feel the need for the 750 version, after seeing the price I *really* didn't feel the need for it! It is slower than my ER6 taking off, but that's about it.. it's definitely not a bad thing, I like linear power.

So 6'1 who is all legs, SLIGHT discomfort (which is going to be normal for a sports bike), they said they'd throw in a light guard and ventura rack also. What say you KB'ers? It felt pretty good to me!

[Cajun]

i have an older gsxr600 which are a little larger than the k6/k7 style, but i am 6'2 alot of leg too, only after lots of long distance do i have issues, that is often more in my arms than anything else.

Should be able to get good deals on k6/k7 espially with the new shape out.

[zeocen]

Do you have any kinks in your back when riding Cajun, after a while? Also at 6'2, even though you fit in it, do you look physically too big for the bike? I caught my reflection while test riding and thought I looked pretty good on it! *flicks hair*

There is a gloss black and blue/black at Holeshot, great guys there! Let me have a play for as long as I wanted and was very helpful.

[Cajun]

Do you have any kinks in your back when riding Cajun, after a while? Also at 6'2, even though you fit in it, do you look physically too big for the bike? I caught my reflection while test riding and thought I looked pretty good on it! *flicks hair*

There is a gloss black and blue/black at Holeshot, great guys there! Let me have a play for as long as I wanted and was very helpful.

nah back is fine, just so arms, personally i would say a bit big for it, but i like smaller cc bikes. and only really notice it being a bit small when do big long trips, small 400-500km trips fine, its more when you do 400kms for a few days where issues have.
<img src="http://cajun.orconhosting.net.nz/gsxr600/Manfield%20035.jpg">

Yeah the blue/black scheme is really nice one.

[zeocen]

Doesn't look too bad there, and of course with a certain custom seat I'm sure it would be quite a pleasant ride *ahem*

[Cajun]

Doesn't look too bad there, and of course with a certain custom seat I'm sure it would be quite a pleasant ride *ahem*

Yeah fine when moving around bike its more just slow boring touring when i get sore.

Yeah seat is going in this week for a change, been 18 months with this cover so got another style i want to try, and reshape a bit.

[BrendanZX9R]

have you thought about a late model Kawasaki ZX9R. I'm recent convert to road bikes and i'm a big fella (6ft 3 and 140kgs). I dont have any trouble with comfort on my 2001 ZX9R and it's got plenty of grunt (for me) and it's really reliable.
I'll admit it's not as sharp in as an R1 or GSXR but it's got comfort which means you can ride longer. And you can pick one up for less than 10k