Is 1000cc too much for NZ roads?

[lankyman]

Me and my mate went for a snot this weekend. He rides a TLR, I ride an NC30. We headed up Egmont road (fairly fast open bends with a couple of tight spots), and being the road I grew up on, I decided to pick up the pace. He claims he was trying his damndest to catch me but couldn't. Now I do know this road very well as stated above, and was pushing pretty hard, but surely a TLR would stomp all over me if it was being ridden just as hard. Does my mate ride like a puss? or is my little VFR just better suited to riding fast on NZ roads?

[Finn]

No, just you.

[Ixion]

He was deliberately keeping behind you so he could admire your arse and weave fantasies thereupon. Same as like the ferocious competition to be TEC at every Honda Owners' Club ride.

[Maha]

All Honda riders consider themselves TEC while on group rides, except RIC that is, he/she has nobody to look at....:crybaby:

[pritch]

Kid I know had an NC30. He claimed to be doing 160kph through the esses toward the New Plymouth end. My bikes bigger than his and I've never done anything like that, and if I was I'd be too busy to be looking at the speedo.

There was a :Police: living near Egv and using the road fairly regulary, so too much enthusiasm could have consequences...

[YellowDog]

It's not the 1000cc.

It's how you use it.

[PirateJafa]

Yes.

Burn them.

[mstriumph]

but, but ......... surely size doesn't matter? :innocent:

[3umph]

knowing a road really well gives you a huge advantage over someone that has not or only ridden the road a couple of times...

[MaxCannon]

It's not the ccs but the power to weight ratio.

A 1000cc Superbike is wasted on the road.
A 1000cc torque tunned tourer, two up with luggage is probably just right.

All up up to how capable and restrained the rider is.

[Dazza]

Hell yes ! you'd be ahead of me down Egmont Road too. My naked 1000cc bike is sloooow & I ride like a pussy too :yes:

[mdnzz]

I have a 1000 and a 1197.
My boss has a 1450, anywhere near corners and he's like a snail and I'm all over his rear tyre.
Size is no good if ya don't know how to use it.

[Duke girl]

Whats the point in having these big cc bikes that can do well over the 240ks on the road when the speed limit is 100k's.
You can always guarantee when you want to give yr bike a good thrashing and take the bike to the limits it can do that there will be a cop sitting out there somewhere ready to throw the book at you for doing so.
I guess the only time you can get away with it is by putting it on a race track and its no doubtly the safest place to do so.

[Ojai]

To mangle the quote:

It is always more fun to drive a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.

[zzzbang]

Well, when you buy a big bike usually its coz you want to go fast. Got my bike because i LIKE IT. And i do trackdays with it. ITS FUN.

[elevenhundred]

Speed may not be necessary but torque is where the fun is
Try rolling on a 250 from 1500rpm....shudder, fart, shudder, fart, shudder

[zzzbang]

Speed may not be necessary but torque is where the fun is
Try rolling on a 250 from 1500rpm....shudder, fart, shudder, fart, shudder

why would you ever be in the low rpm range? you make it scream, that's where its fun is at. (assuming your talking about a 2-stroke)

[Taz]

My 1100 is fine for NZ roads.

[Burtha]

knowing a road really well gives you a huge advantage over someone that has not or only ridden the road a couple of times...

absolutely + bike agility & rider ability.

[nico]

it's never enough mmmmmwwwaaaaaaaaa

[hayd3n]

600 does fine still does 240+

[SARGE]

my SMALLEST bike is 1000cc...

i do alright

[Gremlin]

I had a 998cc, it was too much for the roads, cost me my license...

I traded up and got 999cc, and its just right, best bike ever :woohoo:

[Subike]

I enjoy my 1100cc because of its roll on power at 100kph.
No need to change down when over taking
No need to change down when climbing hills
No need to change down for the twistys
in fact once in top gear at 50kph, I rearly change gear at all!
the power of the XS1100 in line four is so usable.
Yet its legs run out around 240kph.....I think.

I guess its how you use the power, not how you abuse it :scooter:

[3umph]

absolutely + bike agility & rider ability.

yip that too

[ajturbo]

you stupid man... cause we NEED 1000cc+ bikes!!!

[98tls]

If you have ability then nothings to big.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo

[Edbear]

Just a couple of tester's comments on the brand new '09 Gixxer thou.

It does 215 in second, at 260 you're in fourth and it is still accelerating like a mad thing with two gears to go. Changing into fourth does not result in the front wheel returning to tarmac it keeps it up in the air...

It intimidated these experienced testers on the racetrack until they caught up to it and realised it handled better and was more predictable.

On Willow Springs raceway, they couldn't reach peak revs in fifth let alone sixth, it was too fast.

"The sheer ferocity with which it melts the pavement under the rear tire is mind-numbing. Distance is dissipated at the speed of light..."

Power wasn't posted but the word "adequate" comes to mind...

[Boob Johnson]

Just a couple of tester's comments on the brand new '09 Gixxer thou.

It does 215 in second, at 260 you're in fourth and it is still accelerating like a mad thing with two gears to go. Changing into fourth does not result in the front wheel returning to tarmac it keeps it up in the air...

It intimidated these experienced testers on the racetrack until they caught up to it and realised it handled better and was more predictable.

On Willow Springs raceway, they couldn't reach peak revs in fifth let alone sixth, it was too fast.

"The sheer ferocity with which it melts the pavement under the rear tire is mind-numbing. Distance is dissipated at the speed of light..."

Power wasn't posted but the word "adequate" comes to mind...
:gob:

Fuck that, no thanks

[FzerozeroT]

I went from SV1000 to NSR250, I would definitly be faster over any given stretch of road on the SV - but the satisfaction of passing people on the NSR (and melting pistons) is much better. I will probably go back up into the litrebike category eventually though, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely!

[puddy]

Just a couple of tester's comments on the brand new '09 Gixxer thou.

It does 215 in second, at 260 you're in fourth and it is still accelerating like a mad thing with two gears to go. Changing into fourth does not result in the front wheel returning to tarmac it keeps it up in the air...

It intimidated these experienced testers on the racetrack until they caught up to it and realised it handled better and was more predictable.

On Willow Springs raceway, they couldn't reach peak revs in fifth let alone sixth, it was too fast.

"The sheer ferocity with which it melts the pavement under the rear tire is mind-numbing. Distance is dissipated at the speed of light..."

Power wasn't posted but the word "adequate" comes to mind...
I'll take two! Both in BLACK!

[Big Dave]

Capacity has little to do with it.

Horsepower is the issue and what is 'excessive' varies with the size of the rider, type of riding they do, how often they carry a passenger - and their self control.

[puddy]

Me and my mate went for a snot this weekend. He rides a TLR, I ride an NC30. We headed up Egmont road (fairly fast open bends with a couple of tight spots), and being the road I grew up on, I decided to pick up the pace. He claims he was trying his damndest to catch me but couldn't. Now I do know this road very well as stated above, and was pushing pretty hard, but surely a TLR would stomp all over me if it was being ridden just as hard. Does my mate ride like a puss? or is my little VFR just better suited to riding fast on NZ roads?
Your mate rides a 1000 because he has a small dick.:bash: But you're happy/comfortable with your little one! :yes:
However, I have a 1000 and an 1100 because I have no dick!:crybaby:

[jtzzr]

Me and my snot . rides a TLR, I ride an NC30. We headed up Eg road (fairly fast open bends with a couple of spots), and being the road I grew up on, I decided to pick up the pace. He claims he was trying his damndest to catch me but could. Now I do know this road very well as stated above, and was pushing pretty hard, but surely a TLR would stomp all over me if it was being ridden just as hard. Does my mate ride like a puss? or is my little VFR just better suited to riding fast on NZ roads?

Nah , he doesn`t ride like a pussy your`e just a fantastic rider.:woohoo::woohoo:

[FJRider]

but, but ......... surely size doesn't matter? :innocent:

Matters ONLY to those that DON'T have "size"... :innocent:

[FJRider]

As always... its not what ya got, its how ya use it ... :woohoo:

[jrandom]

On Willow Springs raceway, they couldn't reach peak revs in fifth let alone sixth...

Willow Springs apparently only has one 700m straight bit.

It'd reach peak revs in sixth at Pukekohe.


"The sheer ferocity with which it melts the pavement under the rear tire is mind-numbing. Distance is dissipated at the speed of light..."

I love how this has been written about some new sprotbike or other every year or two throughout the last three decades. Presumably the speed of light just keeps getting faster.


Power wasn't posted but the word "adequate" comes to mind...

Betcha it's still making less at the wheel than Choppa's new racebike.

:sweatdrop

[jrandom]

Me and my mate went for a snot this weekend. He rides a TLR, I ride an NC30.

I ride a GSX1400, and I'd give you both the learn.

No replacement for displacement!

[DarkLord]

Well, when you buy a big bike usually its coz you want to go fast. Got my bike because i LIKE IT. And i do trackdays with it. ITS FUN.

Would the Gixxer 750 really be considered a "big" bike though?

I mean it's bigger than a 600, but also substantially smaller than a thou...

I want to get a 750.. would probably never need/want another bike after that :)

[jrandom]

Would the Gixxer 750 really be considered a "big" bike though?

The K7 weighs less than your Hobag.

[98tls]

Would the Gixxer 750 really be considered a "big" bike though?

I mean it's bigger than a 600, but also substantially smaller than a thou...

I want to get a 750.. would probably never need/want another bike after that :) For my money the GSXR750 would just about be the perfect real world sportsbike and if i was to buy another GSXR it would without doubt be the 750.

[FJRider]

Would the Gixxer 750 really be considered a "big" bike though?

I mean it's bigger than a 600, but also substantially smaller than a thou...

I want to get a 750.. would probably never need/want another bike after that :)

Refer to post #36 of this thread...

[DarkLord]

Just a couple of tester's comments on the brand new '09 Gixxer thou.

It does 215 in second, at 260 you're in fourth and it is still accelerating like a mad thing with two gears to go. Changing into fourth does not result in the front wheel returning to tarmac it keeps it up in the air...

It intimidated these experienced testers on the racetrack until they caught up to it and realised it handled better and was more predictable.

On Willow Springs raceway, they couldn't reach peak revs in fifth let alone sixth, it was too fast.

"The sheer ferocity with which it melts the pavement under the rear tire is mind-numbing. Distance is dissipated at the speed of light..."

Power wasn't posted but the word "adequate" comes to mind...

Aaaaaaawesooooome........ :devil2:

[jrandom]

For my money the GSXR750 would just about be the perfect real world sportsbike

Nah. Current R1's better. Weighs about the same, handles more precisely, more power everywhere, all good.

[dipshit]

It is always more fun to drive a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.

Not necessarily. Who wants to go on a big trip and have to be flogging their bike to death all the time...???

I like cruising along approaching licence losing speeds while only having to use the smallest touch of throttle and never having to go anywhere near the red line.

Makes the thought of doing the big mile eating trips a nonissue for the bike.

[DarkLord]

The K7 weighs less than your Hobag.

Schwing! :banana:

[jrandom]

Schwing! :banana:

It's also supremely uncomfortable for anything larger than an Oompa-Loompa to sit on for more than about twenty minutes at a time. But I suppose you'll be too busy schwinging to notice that.

[325rocket]

The K7 weighs less than your Hobag.

so does the 08 Blade :wari:

[DarkLord]

But I suppose you'll be too busy schwinging to notice that.

Damn straight. :D

[eelracing]

I went from SV1000 to NSR250, I would definitly be faster over any given stretch of road on the SV - but the satisfaction of passing people on the NSR (and melting pistons) is much better. I will probably go back up into the litrebike category eventually though, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely!


Yeh but 2 strokes are so much more fun,to steal a quote from a recent BIKE magazine "Suzuki's GSXR 1000K8 makes 163 bhp per litre.19 years ago,their RGV 250M made 215 bhp per litre.No wonder two strokes have a magic..."

I maybe quicker on my 750 but i get more of a buzz from my RGV.

[the mouse]

Anything under 500 is unsafe on the open road. Torque for safe passing.
Ride within your capabilities, trying to keep up with someone who has achieved advanced handling/riding skill is dumb, no matter what the bike.

[98tls]

Anything under 500 is unsafe on the open road. Torque for safe passing.
Ride within your capabilities, trying to keep up with someone who has achieved advanced handling/riding skill is dumb, no matter what the bike. :Oops::jerry:Theres plenty of 400s out there that get along just fine.

[Pussy]

It's also supremely uncomfortable for anything larger than an Oompa-Loompa to sit on for more than about twenty minutes at a time.

SOME people find the K6-K7 GSX-R750 uncomfortable

I don't

[Maha]

SOME people find the K6-K7 GSX-R750 uncomfortable

I don't

So the Sheepwool seat cover does work John?......:shutup:

[RocKai]

No..It's the Ohlins :2thumbsup

[McDuck]

Anything under 500 is unsafe on the open road. Torque for safe passing.


In your opnian. My opnian is you are wrong

[jrandom]

SOME people find the K6-K7 GSX-R750 uncomfortable

I don't

<img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/3585lqh.png"/>

[ital916]

<img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/3585lqh.png"/>

I knew you were one of the oompa loompas in the original movie! Respect!

[DrewBroadley]

This deja vu of the 250cc vs 450cc "discussions" on off-road forums.

[Kirill357]

I enjoy my 1100cc because of its roll on power at 100kph.
No need to change down when over taking
No need to change down when climbing hills
No need to change down for the twistys
in fact once in top gear at 50kph, I rearly change gear at all!
the power of the XS1100 in line four is so usable.
Yet its legs run out around 240kph.....I think.

I guess its how you use the power, not how you abuse it :scooter:

:yes: That is exactly what crossed my mind when I bought mine, effortless power it is, who said I have to use it all and all the time, plus 300 top speed and 10 sec on a drag strip are very pleasant bonuses :whistle:

[Okey Dokey]

SOME people find the K6-K7 GSX-R750 uncomfortable

I don't

I've found the '88 and the '05 GSX-Rs both fine, even though they are quite different. There are lots of ways to fit a bike more comfortably to your body size these days; manufacturers are aware that not everyone is a standard size.

[Mikkel]

Anything under 500 is unsafe on the open road. Torque for safe passing.


:Oops::jerry:Theres plenty of 400s out there that get along just fine.

Not to mention at least a couple of 250s... And don't even try to start another torque vs. power dicussion for crying out loud.

[PirateJafa]

Anything under 500 is unsafe on the open road. Torque for safe passing.
Ride within your capabilities, trying to keep up with someone who has achieved advanced handling/riding skill is dumb, no matter what the bike.

Eat less pies, fatty.

Comparing a "unsafe" VFR400R to your "safe" 750, you have 0.2 torques per kilo, whereas the four hundy is putting up a fight with a tad over 1.5 ft-lbs per kg, and that would even up even more once rider weights are taken into calculation.

Hang, the 400 even puts out more horsepower stock than your 750.

Just because you can't fit on one gives you no reason to slag 'em.

[SPman]

my SMALLEST bike is 1000cc...

i do alright
Jeez - you need that much to haul yer fat arse around..........:whistle:

[lankyman]

Speed may not be necessary but torque is where the fun is
Try rolling on a 250 from 1500rpm....shudder, fart, shudder, fart, shudder

haha! especially a 2smoker! My NSR was a dog..

[2wheeldrifter]

I wonder, if you can ride your bike to it's limit and it never scares you, then that's better than having a bike you don't push to it's limt becuase "IT" does scare you.... don't think engine size matters as it's the rider again who is control, if you think that 1000cc is to big for NZ roads, than I would wonder on your skill level to think like that... do you have the skill to push a large cc bike AND the attitude to respect a big bike, well any bike really as they all can get you into trouble!

1000cc to big for NZ... no it's just the rider IMO.

[SARGE]

Jeez - you need that much to haul yer fat arse around..........:whistle:

repeat after me ...

" i live in a developed country with abundant food ..."

" i live in a developed country with abundant food ..."

" i live in a developed country with abundant food ..."

" i live in a developed country with abundant food ..."

IN YER FACE ETHIOPIA!!!!


I wonder, if you can ride your bike to it's limit and it never scares you, then that's better than having a bike you don't push to it's limt becuase "IT" does scare you.... don't think engine size matters as it's the rider again who is control, if you think that 1000cc is to big for NZ roads, than I would wonder on your skill level to think like that... do you have the skill to push a large cc bike AND the attitude to respect a big bike, well any bike really as they all can get you into trouble!



i still own both bikes BECAUSE they scare the dogshit out of me .. the second i think i know more than the bikes they are for sale

[RiderInBlack]

Capacity has little to do with it.

Horsepower is the issue and what is 'excessive' varies with the size of the rider, type of riding they do, how often they carry a passenger - and their self control.Yep that about says it all:Punk:
I have a GSX1400K7. I didn't get it for racing, day playing or for commuting. I got it for touring long distances with the pillion and ta handle being fully laden.
To the VFR400 owner: Let me ask you, how long would ya VFR400 last carrying the same loads I do? Carrying the same loads, would ya be able ta keep up? With the same loads, would you be able to ride 1600Km through the night comfortably? The GSX1400K7 can and will last a long time without needing much engine work doning so. That's why I have a 1000cc+ bike. If I was just day hooning by myself, then a 600cc bike would be all that I need.

[lostinflyz]

as one who went from a vfr to a cbr954 lately i can assure you a 1000cc is too small for the road. more grunt the better. the more snot you got the less you push the bike through corners on the road. while its easy to be very quick on a wee 400 or 250 through twisties (aka the akaroa gp) and beat 99% of others on the road, its not really safe. Your carrying pretty high corner speeds to compensate for lack of grunt between corners. and when you hit gravel, centre lines or anything else you can be in trouble pretty fast.

on the big bike you can pace back the corners a bit, see whats coming then rip the bastard open and watch life go by at warp speed. on 90% of nz roads if i went for it no 400 (even the best f3 race bikes) would be in sight. but on the other 10% i wouldn't be in sight of them.

but in the end its the rider. some guys are faster than others on one road and others are slow everywhere. its better to be happy and comfy than unhappy, scarred and fast. unless your on track.

[lankyman]

I ride a GSX1400, and I'd give you both the learn.

No replacement for displacement!

Haha! you're probably right, but I'm sure I'd have a good time trying...

[lankyman]

:Oops::jerry:Theres plenty of 400s out there that get along just fine.

very much agreed :devil2:

[lankyman]

Hang, the 400 even puts out more horsepower stock than your 750.

Just because you can't fit on one gives you no reason to slag 'em.

I'm 6"4 and fit on my NC30 just fine. Tour on it all the time too, no problems

[Edbear]

I'm 6"4 and fit on my NC30 just fine. Tour on it all the time too, no problems

Oh to be young and flexible again...:rolleyes:

[RiderInBlack]

I'm 6"4 and fit on my NC30 just fine. Tour on it all the time too, no problemsOK, now put a pillion behind ya, then add 2 sleeping bags, a tent, a bed roll, wet weather gear, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, tools, chain lube, and clothes for three days for two people, plus what every I pick-up on the way. Then find a good hill and we'll see if ya still think ya bike can cut it against a litre plus bike with the same load:rolleyes:

[sinned]

OK, now put a pillion behind ya, then add 2 sleeping bags, a tent, a bed roll, wet weather gear, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, tools, chain lube, and clothes for three days for two people, plus what every I pick-up on the way. Then find a good hill and we'll see if ya still think ya bike can cut it against a litre plus bike with the same load:rolleyes:
Hills don't exist when on a big bike :2thumbsup

[PirateJafa]

OK, now put a pillion behind ya, then add 2 sleeping bags, a tent, a bed roll, wet weather gear, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, tools, chain lube, and clothes for three days for two people, plus what every I pick-up on the way. Then find a good hill and we'll see if ya still think ya bike can cut it against a litre plus bike with the same load:rolleyes:

By your logic, you really should be driving a car mate.

Or a Goldwing, same thing.

[lostinflyz]

Hills don't exist when on a big bike :2thumbsup

kinda like speed limits.

[gatch]

power/displacement etc is irrelevant in the face of rider intentions and skill.

[xwhatsit]

I don't know what all the fuss is about. People buy different bikes for the same reason some people buy Minis and others buy Landcruisers. Buy the bike that does what you want to do.

For the type of riding I do anything more than 500cc would be overkill and frankly boring. However I do plan to get hold of a BMW airhead as well when I can afford it so I can do the whole two-up, mountains of luggage, non-stop from here to Wellington thing as well.

Went to Cape Reinga and back in one night with a Hornet 900 and a KTM 990. Sure I held them up but I don't think I was any more tired or uncomfortable than the others. If I wanted to do it two up and take luggage for a few days then a FJR1300 would be a far better option. But then on the other hand I'd be having a lot less fun in the twisties and would have to be quite a bit more cautious when heading offroad through the gravel tracks.

So it's all a tradeoff. No bike does one thing, that's why rich bastards buy two or three. My 250ARSE is good for greenlaning and feeling like Ago through 25kph twisties; SV1000s are good for eating up miles and overtaking cars in a blink.

But that's not what the OP was asking. I think really what he was getting at is that a smaller bike like a VFR400 (or 250 smoker) is a lot quicker than a thou through many of the New Zealand `sport roads' that we seek out. But we all knew that anyway.

[Big Dave]

Or a Goldwing, same thing.

Nah it isn't.

[RiderInBlack]

By your logic, you really should be driving a car mate.

Or a Goldwing, same thing.
Only if I wanted ta tow a boat:whocares: The point is that ya have different bikes for different needs. If I applied your un-logical logic, we would be trying ta use one bike for all purposes. How well does ya bike go in the dirt? If you pass a dirt bike on the road, do ya think that there is no purpose for them in NZ? There is a purpose for Litre+ bikes in NZ (too bad ya too dense ta work that out).

[PirateJafa]

Only if I wanted ta tow a boat:whocares: The point is that ya have different bikes for different needs. If I applied your un-logical logic, we would be trying ta use one bike for all purposes. How well does ya bike go in the dirt? If you pass a dirt bike on the road, do ya think that there is no purpose for them in NZ? There is a purpose for Litre+ bikes in NZ (too bad ya too dense ta work that out).

I think you've missed our point, and are now arguing a similar argument. 'Course, you're too sensitive and ready to take offence to note that.

A chap posted up earlier slagging all bikes under 500cc. So naturally the owners of some <500cc felt the need to defend against his baseless bullshit.

Horses for courses.

[98tls]

:zzzz::zzzz:See post 27 re Goldwings.

[RiderInBlack]

A chap posted up earlier slagging all bikes under 500cc. So naturally the owners of some <500cc felt the need to defend against his baseless bullshit.
So you do this by using more baseless bullshit about bikes over 1000cc? Then ya want ta whine when those who have over ridden 1000cc bikes, defend their choices. Therefore ya posts are just trolling, making ya as much a loser as the Troller that slagged all bikes under 500cc.
The trouble trolling is ya often get more then ya were fishing for. Sometime ya end up with something on the line ya never wished ya caught.

[PirateJafa]

So you do this by using more baseless bullshit about bikes over 1000cc? Then ya want ta whine when those who have over ridden 1000cc bikes, defend their choices. Therefore ya posts are just trolling, making ya as much a loser as the Troller that slagged all bikes under 500cc.
The trouble trolling is ya often get more then ya were fishing for. Sometime ya end up with something on the line ya never wished ya caught.

Sorry what? At no point have I said that.

Your fevered imagination has evidently got the better of you.


'Course, you're too sensitive and ready to take offence to note that.