The End is Nigh!

[Zed]

Well all, after about six months of *absolute bikeless agony* I am nearly in a position to buy another bike. Within the next few weeks I should be "on the road again"! :cool:

My priority checklist of requirements:
Sportsbike (may go Sports/tourer)
600+cc (600 preferred)
Heaps of grunt
Comfort (especially for pillion and on 6+ hour rides)

Bikes currently under consideration:
01 ZZR600
02 CBR600RR (lol)
98 RF900
97 T595 Trumpy (x 2, 1 black & 1 gold)
97 Fireblade (been there done that - time for another go?)
97 YZF1000 Thunderace

I'd be keen to get some feedback from you owners (past or present) of any of the above machines. How did they score on your checklist, would they score high on mine? :spudwhat:


Life is so good!

Zed :innocent:

[Two Smoker]

Knew it wouldnt be too long until you got back on the road mate :niceone:

Glad to see you getting back into it :niceone:

[Skunk]

Ditch the ZZR600 and replace with ZX6R (636). Reason: more sport, more grunt.

[Zed]

Ditch the ZZR600 Have you ever owned or ridden long term on a late model ZZR600 (ZX6)?


and replace with ZX6R (636). Reason: more sport, more grunt.Fails my checklist for pillion comfort unfortunately. I've owned a 96 ZX6R and know several owners of the 636 model. :niceone:

[Skunk]

Have you ever owned or ridden long term on a late model ZZR600 (ZX6)?

Fails my checklist for pillion comfort unfortunately. I've owned a 96 ZX6R and know several owners of the 636 model. :niceone:No, and point taken. :niceone:
I have had a 97 ZX6R and a 99 ZX6R and have a friend with an 01? ZX6R (636) who had a ZZR600. That was the basis of the statement. The ZZR looked a little out of place among the others.
I now shall leave... :apint:

[Da Bird]

I had a 1994 RF900 for a couple of years... plenty of grunt but pretty severe vibration in handlebars and even on a trip from Auckland to Pauanui, my hands were just about numb from the vibration. Apart from that, it was a good bike. Later models may have had that problem fixed but I would suggest a decent test ride before you bought one.

B.C.

[**R1**]

Not in2 the "tourer" bike thing but i have taken a quite lenghty ride on a rf900, it went way beter than i thought it would, it was hell comfy, but made short work of a long trip, not my sort of bike but fully an underated bike, i can only compare to the 1200 bandit, and a FZ1, the bandit:puke: . and the FZ1 was F@$KN awesome, but ya didnt have that one in ya list....or perhaps ya need to put it there.

[gav]

Have you ever owned or ridden long term on a late model ZZR600 (ZX6)?

Fails my checklist for pillion comfort unfortunately. I've owned a 96 ZX6R and know several owners of the 636 model. :niceone:
So how does it the CBR600RR make the grade?

[Jackrat]

Your just gonn'a have to ride em' all to find out man.
Now won't that be a mission :cool:

[inlinefour]

My list is much shorter than that. Don't know why it need the laugh (lol), but I'll be going for the CBR600RR asap. :niceone:

[crazylittleshit]

Well all, after about six months of *absolute bikeless agony* I am nearly in a position to buy another bike. Within the next few weeks I should be "on the road again"! :cool:

My priority checklist of requirements:
Sportsbike (may go Sports/tourer)
600+cc (600 preferred)
Heaps of grunt
Comfort (especially for pillion and on 6+ hour rides)

Bikes currently under consideration:
01 ZZR600
02 CBR600RR (lol)
98 RF900
97 T595 Trumpy (x 2, 1 black & 1 gold)
97 Fireblade (been there done that - time for another go?)
97 YZF1000 Thunderace

I'd be keen to get some feedback from you owners (past or present) of any of the above machines. How did they score on your checklist, would they score high on mine? :spudwhat:


Life is so good!

Zed :innocent:

currently riding a 98 YZF600 Thundercat
and what can I say when you want to tour it's great and when you want to go fast Its very fun.
Down fall not a race bike and will not keep up with the big boys. Yet the best bike I've ever owned.
There's something about a bike that can do anything. :done:

[bluninja]

I had a 96 ZZR600 (E4 I think) for 2 years from new. Really comfy ride, and took the missus on quite a few long trips with soft panniers and all was good, even good fuel economy cruising. It will scratch, but after a year or so the rear shock goes a bit soggy, and rapid progress over bumpy roads had the the centre stand digging in. I part ex'd for a blue ZX9R (C1) which was also comfy and fast, though my wife preferred pillion on the ZZR600.

HTH

[Joni]

Matt let me be predicatable and say the CBR.... lol, although a Fireblade never hurt anyone either....

Im really happy to hear you close to being back on the road.

Take care!

:niceone:

[Zed]

So how does it the CBR600RR make the grade?It doesn't really gav, hence the lol next to it. I might have a golden opportunity to buy one cheap though...

[Drunken Monkey]

w00t!

You still got my number? TXT me when you want to give that new bike of yours a proper 'test' :wari:

[Sniper]

Good luck Zed, Im not the connesuir (sp) on those bikes but I hope you choose the best one to suit you.

Best of luck mate

Sniper

[750Y]

good luck zed.

[jrandom]

About time, you bikeless person, you. :apint:

Pillion comfort, eh? I was going to suggest a Buell, but...

[vifferman]

Bikes currently under consideration:
01 ZZR600
02 CBR600RR (lol)
98 RF900
97 T595 Trumpy (x 2, 1 black & 1 gold)
97 Fireblade (been there done that - time for another go?)
97 YZF1000 Thunderace

My opinion: None of the above.
Keep looking and (most importantly) test-riding. :yeah:

[F5 Dave]

Re RF

Never really noticed any vibration & I hate vibration. The reason your wrists hurt is the bars are on too much of an angle. F1 engineering make bar adapters that change the angle & raise them a tickle making huge bounds in rider comfort.

If I only had one bike from that list I'd plumb for the YZF1000 I reckon.

[Zed]

My opinion: None of the above.
Keep looking and (most importantly) test-riding. :yeah:I've been looking at the VFR800 too. Do you know much about the 98-02 models Mr V? I trust you're enjoying yours btw!

[Marmoot]

BRAND SPANKING NEW CBR600RR is only 17K from Cyclespot...

If you don't care about pillion comfort, I swapped my Blade for SP1 and I am enjoying every moment of it.
(my missus is not happy, of course....with that little black tofu slice Honda call as pillion seat)

[Zed]

BRAND SPANKING NEW CBR600RR is only 17K from Cyclespot...

If you don't care about pillion comfort, I swapped my Blade for SP1 and I am enjoying every moment of it.
(my missus is not happy, of course....with that little black tofu slice Honda call as pillion seat)I heard that you had acquired an SP1. *nice* :niceone: Too bad for your Mrs though...you selfish individual you! I want to get my Mrs more involved in my biking in the future, hence why I'm considering the sports tourer ride. I'll still be riding solo 90% of the time with commuting each day and all.

[Marmoot]

I want to get my Mrs more involved in my biking in the future

That can only mean 2 SP1s or 1 Hayabusa.
You lucky little flabby-waisted creature you !
:sunny:

[vifferman]

I've been looking at the VFR800 too.
I didn't necessarily mean that "my bike is the bestest, your list is rubbish".
In fact, I test-rode an RF900, and it was OK, but not for me, and the CBR600 is still a good bike for what you are looking for. The others I don't know about, although I did ride one of the earlier Daytonas.

Do you know much about the 98-02 models Mr V? I trust you're enjoying yours btw!
Yes.






Oh - I spoze you want more'n that.
Well, Honda actually run their models in 4-year cycles, so the VFR800 is actually 98-01 (gear-driven cams), and 02-05 (VTec nonsense). So there's a new model next year, which will actually be released in September this year (mebbe a V5??)

My review of the '01 model is here:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=8062
I've ridden 4 of the 98-01 models, and I also test-rode one of the VTec models as well: nice bike, shame about the VTec.
In summary, the VFR800 is about the same power as a CBR600 (but it delivers it differently), a little heavier, and more comfy for sport-touring. I like mine, and Yes, I'm enjoying it, but then I like V-engined bikes. This is the fourth one I've had (3 V4s and a V-twin). If I get another bike, it may well be another V-engined one, but I've also a hankering for a triple, like the Triumph Sprint or the Benelli TNT.

The bottom line is you've gotta test-ride anything you're considering, and go from there.

By the way - it's "The End is Nigh"; I thought you'd know that seeing as it's an old (KJV?) word for "near". :Pokey:

[scroter]

the rf900 is a very underated bike. i seen a guy at taupo raceway on one with the steel frame for a topbox on it absolutley doing it, carving everyone up. bandits are good also. what about z1000 or 900 hornet. just my 10 cents

[Joni]

the rf900 is a very underated bike. i seen a guy at taupo raceway on one with the steel frame for a topbox on it absolutley doing it, carving everyone up. bandits are good also. what about z1000 or 900 hornet. just my 10 cents

I agree a Hornet would be good Scroter.... Matt is not mad about naked bikes tho... :confused:

[Motoracer]

Nice one Matt, good to see you getting back into it!

[SPman]

Hornets - good motors, crappy suspension.

Id seriously consider a YZF1000

[DEREK-D]

I wish i was the one getting back into riding. :weep:

Unfortunately my trusty steed is being traded in for the house. Only asking $10.5K for her though, and she only has 16K on the clock.

Buying houses sucks! They just don't go as fast as bikes. :spudwhat:

[Zed]

...Matt is not mad about naked bikes tho... :confused:Good memory Jo! This time around I have considered some naked bikes such as the SV650/1000, VTR1000, and TL1000S, but I just can't bring myself to like the look? I'm a full-fairing man from waaaaay back.

Today I had my first ride on a bike since I crashed last year and my skills seem to be sharp and still intact...the saying "it's like learning to ride a bike" most definately applies - you NEVER forget!


Zed :spudwave:

[vifferman]

Good memory Jo! This time around I have considered some naked bikes such as the SV650/1000, VTR1000, and TL1000S, but I just can't bring myself to like the look? I'm a full-fairing man from waaaaay back.
Umm... Dude - while the VTR and TL aren't fully-faired, neither are they naked. And neither are SVs if they're the 'S' models.

Today I had my first ride on a bike since I crashed last year and my skills seem to be sharp and still intact...the saying "it's like learning to ride a bike" most definately applies - you NEVER forget!
And?
What was it?:spudwhat:

[Joni]

Good memory Jo! This time around I have considered some naked bikes such as the SV650/1000, VTR1000, and TL1000S, but I just can't bring myself to like the look? I'm a full-fairing man from waaaaay back.


Ooooo I love the VTR's, have you taken one for a ride? I did... just the 250 tho, was pretty nice! :2thumbsup

Good luck, what ever you choose!

[Zed]

I wish i was the one getting back into riding. :weep:

Unfortunately my trusty steed is being traded in for the house. Only asking $10.5K for her though, and she only has 16K on the clock.

Buying houses sucks! They just don't go as fast as bikes. :spudwhat:Being in bikeless misery should only be temporary for you Derek, especially if you're buying a house. In no time at all you should be able to use your new property as leverage to get a new bike and back to a sane mind.:spudguita

Tip: While being bikeless make sure that you don't take that 'second look' at any nice bikes you may like - it's just agony!


Zed

[Zed]

Umm... Dude - while the VTR and TL aren't fully-faired, neither are they naked. And neither are SVs if they're the 'S' models.Dude, those bikes are naked as far as I'm concerned, but I won't be drawn into debate about it. Is it just me or have you been in 'correcting-others mode' of late? You nabbed me on the "Nye" spelling yesterday too.


And?
What was it?:spudwhat:01 ZZR600. Choice ride all round! Will be riding a few more machines b4 I decide. Should be riding the YZF1000 & a few more this weekend.

[jrandom]

Dude, those bikes are naked as far as I'm concerned, but I won't be drawn into debate about it. Is it just me or have you been in 'correcting-others mode' of late? You nabbed me on the "Nye" spelling yesterday too.

Hurry up and get that bike and do some riding, Matt, you're already slipping into 'whinging about silly crap' mode :bleh:

[Zed]

Hurry up and get that bike and do some riding, Matt, you're already slipping into 'whinging about silly crap' mode :bleh:Hence why I've stayed away from most of the forums whilst being bikeless JR...you had it right.

[Motoracer]

Just get a sexy GSXR like the one on your Avatar man! :yeah:

[Joni]

Just get a sexy GSXR like the one on your Avatar man! :yeah:

sshhhhh...LOL - you have lured enough people to the dark side!!!! :msn-wink:

[ghost]

I currently have a 98 YZF, have had for the last 6 years. Great bike for me, IMO one of the good all rounders as far as fast rides, long tours, one/two up, luggage/empty, riding goes. Never put a tyre out of line ( unexpectadly ) mechanicly sound, and still reasonably modern for its type of bike. Would only ever suppliment it with and R1 (if i ever have any money again) for fun, but never replace it with one. Am a bit a a Yamafreek, but what else is there to say.

ride one (a good one), you might not be blown away, but im sure you wouldn't be dissapointed.

[Marmoot]

Zed, if you want all-round, gotta try a Blade. Try to get either '96 or '99.
'96 got the most-exciting sport mode if you still fancy a blast, and '99 got the most comfort and better suspension than '98.

Blade is always a good all-round, even for shopping (lived 2 years alone without a car, so yeah I know a bit about shopping with bike). The pillion seat is good too, unless you're dating a 6' Miss California. The power is not intimidating, but not bad at all to carry all your flab around.

Even with an SP1 now I still miss my old bike....

[Zed]

I currently have a 98 YZF, have had for the last 6 years. Great bike for me, IMO one of the good all rounders as far as fast rides, long tours, one/two up, luggage/empty, riding goes. Never put a tyre out of line ( unexpectadly ) mechanicly sound, and still reasonably modern for its type of bike. Would only ever suppliment it with and R1 (if i ever have any money again) for fun, but never replace it with one. Am a bit a a Yamafreek, but what else is there to say.

ride one (a good one), you might not be blown away, but im sure you wouldn't be dissapointed.Sounds good ghost, in fact I have had nothing but good vibes so far about the YZF. Looking forward to seeing what their made of this weekend - will advise. :cool:

Have you got a pic of your bike that you can upload to KB ghost?


Zed

[Zed]

Zed, if you want all-round, gotta try a Blade. Try to get either '96 or '99.
'96 got the most-exciting sport mode if you still fancy a blast, and '99 got the most comfort and better suspension than '98.

Blade is always a good all-round, even for shopping (lived 2 years alone without a car, so yeah I know a bit about shopping with bike). The pillion seat is good too, unless you're dating a 6' Miss California. The power is not intimidating, but not bad at all to carry all your flab around.

Even with an SP1 now I still miss my old bike....I bought a brand new Fireblade in '95 and the wife wasn't too impressed with the pillion comfort then. I'll try to check out a '99 model as you say.

Thanks skeleton man! :apumpin:

[Marmoot]

Thanks skeleton man! :apumpin:

damn :mellow:
I am...*uh*...flabbergasted

[DEREK-D]

Being in bikeless misery should only be temporary for you Derek, especially if you're buying a house. In no time at all you should be able to use your new property as leverage to get a new bike and back to a sane mind.:spudguita

Tip: While being bikeless make sure that you don't take that 'second look' at any nice bikes you may like - it's just agony!


Zed

Problem is, I do take that second.....and third look.
Definately in a couple of years there will be another machine.
In the meantime I know how to console myself :apint:

[Coldkiwi]

Hey dude!
Can I suggest two other options
1) ZX9R. Able to scratch and certainly has plenty of guts but is ALSO fairly comfy and won't upset your dearest (as vouched for by a guy at work with a 2001 9R)
2) SL1000 Falco. Unless its been sold in the last two weeks, Mt Eden have got a dead sexy Black 01 (I think?) model in there. Quite comfy, more cratching ability, beauuuuudiful Italian V-Twin thump and mad ability to wheelie (you know you like that!) Some ppl hate the looks of Falco's but I rate the black ones very highy (semi-naked admittedly). Worth checking out.

[feral1]

Zed

Suzuki TL 1000 S is what you need. Awesome power, great tourin' torque & the sound....

Check me profile, for sale $8.5k with a whole heap of stuff, braided lines, paddock stand and a totally mint fibreglass fairing set (all colur coded - red) all thrown in. Totally great condition machine :niceone:

[Zed]

Zed

Suzuki TL 1000 S is what you need. Awesome power, great tourin' torque & the sound....

Check me profile, for sale $8.5k with a whole heap of stuff, braided lines, paddock stand and a totally mint fibreglass fairing set (all colur coded - red) all thrown in. Totally great condition machine :niceone:Nice pic, nice bike! Whereabouts do you live on the "West Coast" feral1? If close to Ak I might have to consider your offer. TLS's are semi and not fully naked after all I suppose. :confused:

[Zed]

Hey dude!
Can I suggest two other options
1) ZX9R. Able to scratch and certainly has plenty of guts but is ALSO fairly comfy and won't upset your dearest (as vouched for by a guy at work with a 2001 9R)
2) SL1000 Falco. Unless its been sold in the last two weeks, Mt Eden have got a dead sexy Black 01 (I think?) model in there. Quite comfy, more cratching ability, beauuuuudiful Italian V-Twin thump and mad ability to wheelie (you know you like that!) Some ppl hate the looks of Falco's but I rate the black ones very highy (semi-naked admittedly). Worth checking out.Hi Richard, I trust all is well with married life! Are you still riding much?

1. ZX9R has been a fav of mine for years. I'm going to check out a couple in the morning, time permitting. Not so sure about pillion comfort on these but it's good to hear a positive report from your co-worker.

2. SL1000 is probably out of my league financially speaking. Mt Eden wants $15999 for the one you speak of. I was in there today having a browse - some stunning ZX-10R's in there waiting for you CK!


Gby,

Matthew

[FROSTY]

A mate of mine is selling his RF900 for about the 5k mark--its got about 20k on the clock

[Zed]

A mate of mine is selling his RF900 for about the 5k mark--its got about 20k on the clockThanks. I've been looking at a few of those lately and personally havn't been too impressed by the feel of them. Brings back memories of the '93 GSXR750 I owned where the footpegs were too high and gave me cramps after 30mins riding - I hate that. The RF has an extremely wide rear too, which is great for safety (full width brake lamp) but doesn't look too sexy from behind! <_<

[saiko]

Zed are you buying new? The GSX-R 600 / 750 could be a viable option - but hey, it does have the sports bike riding position. I couldn't see you getting bored with one for quite some time. Would you use it for touring, commuting, or weekend blasting? Good luck.

[saiko]

[QUOTE=feral1]Zed

Suzuki TL 1000 S is what you need. Awesome power, great tourin' torque & the sound....

Can I take it for a test ride?

[Zed]

Zed are you buying new? The GSX-R 600 / 750 could be a viable option - but hey, it does have the sports bike riding position. I couldn't see you getting bored with one for quite some time.Nup, not buying new this time saiko. And Gixxers don't seem to do my joints any good so I'll be passing on them.


Would you use it for touring, commuting, or weekend blasting? Good luck.All of the above, thanks.

[mangell6]

Matt,

You know the one that you want, just do it! :scooter: :2thumbsup

Mike

[moko]

For best all-round use VFR800,avoid V-tec model,for more sporty use ZX9R.

[Zed]

Matt,

You know the one that you want, just do it! :scooter: :2thumbsup

MikeOn the contrary Mike, I don't actually know which bike I want, there's just too many good ones to choose from! With my change in attitude towards a more pillion-suited motorcycle I'm having heaps of fun exploring through unknown territory for "the one"! I'm now even considering a Blackbird...:2thumbsup

Btw, did you have a specific bike in mind when you said "you know the one you want"? I don't want an Aprilia RSV1000, I want two!

Rgds,

Matthew

[PSYCHO]

I think the zx9r's(98 onward) are a fantastic allrounder. Fast, reasonably comfortable as far as sportbikes are concerned, quite pillion friendly,commute, tour, trackday etc etc. I've had 2 of em(R.I.P :brick: ) and would really like another.

[mattt]

Zed - I've seen you wheelie the 600F so I reckon you'd be right at home on the RR :2thumbsup
See ya round. :niceone:

[Zed]

Zed - I've seen you wheelie the 600F so I reckon you'd be right at home on the RR :2thumbsup
See ya round. :niceone:The cheap CBR600RR I was looking at has already sold to another more fortunate biker than I. Them's the breaks.

I see you've now sold your ZX9R Matt. How are you handling the downsize to a 400cc? :scooter:

[Joni]

Zed - I've seen you wheelie the 600F so I reckon you'd be right at home on the RR :2thumbsup
See ya round. :niceone:

Heh - he is a bit of a show of....
(Thinking back to the full length of the Waipuna bridge.... :niceone: )

Matt, I reckon everyone will have a different opinion, because taste in bikes is like everything else. The best thing is just ride all the options, and decide what will suit all your needs?....

[Holy Roller]

On the contrary Mike, I don't actually know which bike I want, there's just too many good ones to choose from! With my change in attitude towards a more pillion-suited motorcycle I'm having heaps of fun exploring through unknown territory for "the one"! I'm now even considering a Blackbird...:2thumbsup

Matthew

Add some tassles to your jacket and come over to the cruizer set :niceone: :Pokey:

[Zed]

Add some tassles to your jacket and come over to the cruizer set :niceone: :Pokey:Lol, I'm not quite ready for tassles yet bro. I may be a "born-again biker" but not in the motorcycling sense! :niceone:

[avgas]

I am so happy for you Zed, you had me quite concerned for sometime...no really, you scared us quite good before - we though we wouldnt be able to replace scriptures with handle bars.
as for
Bikes currently under consideration:
01 ZZR600
havent done a 01, but the 94 i rode was like a cruise missle, a little sluggish, but no end to speed. good fun still
02 CBR600RR (lol)
ditto
98 RF900
These worked, kick ass - i rode a mates one with alot of work done to the motor, YEE HAAA!!!!
97 T595 Trumpy (x 2, 1 black & 1 gold)
:2thumbsup :cool: Now we are talking. With optional demon slaying exhaust note, you cant go wrong. just dont spray water down the air intakes, stupid fuel injection works to well.
97 Fireblade (been there done that - time for another go?)
If you want, good hoon bike....but my tastes are for....
97 YZF1000 Thunderace
:yeah: i like these better then the R1, not the fastest, but definite balsy bike. In the right hands - perfect for crushing egos

See ya round

[Zed]

I am so happy for you Zed, you had me quite concerned for sometime...no really, you scared us quite good before - we though we wouldnt be able to replace scriptures with handle bars.Hey bud, I was quoting scriptures here waaaaay before you made your first ever newbie post in New Member Speak! No need for you to be concerned...jk :niceone:

as for
Bikes currently under consideration:
01 ZZR600
havent done a 01, but the 94 i rode was like a cruise missle, a little sluggish, but no end to speed. good fun still
02 CBR600RR (lol)
ditto
98 RF900
These worked, kick ass - i rode a mates one with alot of work done to the motor, YEE HAAA!!!!
97 T595 Trumpy (x 2, 1 black & 1 gold)
:2thumbsup :cool: Now we are talking. With optional demon slaying exhaust note, you cant go wrong. just dont spray water down the air intakes, stupid fuel injection works to well.
97 Fireblade (been there done that - time for another go?)
If you want, good hoon bike....but my tastes are for....
97 YZF1000 Thunderace
:yeah: i like these better then the R1, not the fastest, but definite balsy bike. In the right hands - perfect for crushing egos

See ya round1. The '01 ZZR600 was a great ride with plenty of get up and go and comfort, but I figured it is a bit too small and that I might as well get more machine for my money! Was considering a '96 ZZR1100 before I started seriously thinking about CBR1100's!

2. The '02 CBR600RR sold right under my feet for around $9-9.5 thou...only had 12k on the clock and had an Akrapovic exhaust too. ;)

3. Decided against RF900's as per previous post.

4. The T595 Trumpy sellers just want too much cash for their high km used machines.

5. Fireblades are not to be used for touring IMHO!

6. YZF1000 is a nice bike but felt too uncomfortable for my liking. Too much of a 'racer' position for my new endeavours. Took it's baby brother, the Thundercat 600, for a ride today and it badly needed a steering dampener for the testing I gave it - it gave me one horrendous steering wobble when I landed a *minor* wheelie back on the ground. Freaked me actually.

7. Took a '98 VFR800 for a run today - thumbs up bike :niceone: that meets my checklist! Pity that I can't find any decent ones available for the right price?

8. Test riding a '97 Honda CBR1100 XX tomorrow and most definately looking forward to it! If this bike is in as good a condition as the owner assures me it is, then next week I may be owning/riding one of the fastest production bikes ever made. [Zed pinches himself :pinch: ] Wow what a thought!

Excited excited excited!!!

[Marmoot]

5. Fireblades are not to be used for touring IMHO!

excuse me...