What to buy and why?

**firefighter** · 16th May 2010, 11:47

Yep, it's a what bike to buy thread.

(you're only sick of these because you're jealous!)

Before I start, yes, I know I need to go ride them all.

I have only just bought a GSX-R 750 a couple of months ago. When I bought it, I was weighing it up between that and a ZXR 750.

At the time, it was more about what I could afford, rather than what i'd really like to get. Sure i'm definitely happy with it, and it goes absolutely fine, just had an expensive service, new chain and sprockets, a few expensive bits and pieces added, fixed up the tail end with a really cool looking undertail replacement, but fucken hate the headlight, it looks/is dated and ugly.
Basically when I sell it it will be yet another bike i've spent money on (quite a bit), hardly got my moneys worth out of then on-sold like a moron! At least I always trade up!

Anyway, back on topic, now I have a little bit more money available to spend, i'd like to upgrade, my current/"new" bike is a 2000 "y" model, so getting on now, and we all like new things.....

I've got my eye on three really nice bikes;

1. 2007 GSX-R 750, in colours I do'nt like but my uncle owns his own bike restoration shop, so it will only cost me paint (black of-course).........and a new exhaust. (It's actually Kendogs old bike) I have to do the exhaust if i'm to be happy with it.

2. 2008 Triumph Daytona 675 in black, ready to go, no mods needed at all.

3. 2008 Kawasaki ZX6R, in black (see a trend here?!) mostly ok, just an ugly coloured cowl which again is'nt a big deal, other than that tiny piece of work it's ready to go.

Perks and problems with each one;

The 750 is here because of engine size, (it needs the zorst and paint job) and well, it's a 750 zuki. You ca'nt really go wrong. I do like the look of them, and know they preform more than well enough for me! A little bit more than a 600 without being useless for (for me) on the road. (I'd rather ride hard slower than fast without trying/I do'nt go over 140....) Plus I do'nt feel as squished up with my fat ass on the thing. It's got a little bit of size to it. It has done 30,000 km, and is a year older than the other two.

Next, the one everyones going to come rushing in and recommend, the Triumph. Yep, it's a bloody nice bike, looks very clean, and good to go. This one is very close in price, and can be ridden with no efforts needed to get it how I want.(I like to work on my bikes so not necessarily a great perk) However, the problem with this bike, is the size. A mate of mine had one, and because of the size I know i'd look like an Islander on a scooter, not that bad but you get my drift......I know i'd obviously be happy with it, once I shrink a bit, but until then..........It also has 30km on it. I know it would serve me very well.....but....

Next is probably my favourite looking, the ZX6R. It has only 4000km on it. It's pretty much brand-new. The tail cowl has been painted an ugly gold. I do'nt like it, but a very easy fix. It's very tidy and comparing the prices, probably the best deal. My only real issue is the fact it's a 600, and may lack a bit down low, I do'nt really need a screamer, considering I commute 70% of the time. I've wanted a ZX6R for a while, but the fact it's a bit smaller makes me worry a bit. I'm on a 750 now, albeit 8 years older, and will be gutted if it's slower/less powerful.

So, important factors for me;

I commute more than I go for hard rides. Probably 70:30. It's ability to commute is'nt really that big a deal, but something to think about. I'd rather have a good bike for the road.

When I do get to go for a ride, I like to ride (fast) a long'ish way. (i'm no GIjoe but I like to go places/was even looking at a VFR800)

I do'nt really want to take a step backwards in power from what I have, in fact would like to avoid it. The reason the ZX6R is there, is that I figure after 8 years, a 600 would match a 750 reasonably closely from a huge technology gap.....am I wrong here?

So what are your thoughts? What would you choose and why?

BTW, I may or may not buy a new bike, although I probably will knowing me.

This however will be an expensive purchase for me, so i'll have to stick with my decision for a while this time, so I need the one i'm least likely to feel i've outgrown. (yes, I know i'll never outride a 400cc probably but take it as I mean it).

P.s. Something scary, I can afford to buy my dream bike, as long as I do'nt want to eat for the next three years!

**gsx83esd** · 16th May 2010, 12:41

why dont you look at something bigger like 1200+ if you are a big boy , im 165cm and 90kg and have a 1250 bandit , just perfect for hard ,slow and commuting ?? havent found something it isnt good at , squeezes through traffic like you wouldnt believe , not saying the bandit is what you need but i had a good hard look around for a year and this was the best choice for my riding style !! the bigger cc bikes are "relaxing to ride as there is not as much gear changing , just tourqe to play with , see ya !ps, I aint no L plate rider!

**BMWST?** · 16th May 2010, 12:52

if the trumpy is to small physically i would think the z will be too?

**shrub** · 16th May 2010, 13:06

Sports bikes are made for midgets - they are designed to win races, and if you look at most successful racers they're not big guys. In the real world (public highways) a well ridden Speed Triple/Super Duke/Bandit will match any sportsbike if the rider skill is comparable, so if you're a bigger guy look at a naked bike or something like a Bandit 1200.

**Spearfish** · 16th May 2010, 13:40

You don't seem the type not to do mods to any bike at some point. Perhaps get the one with the most choices to mould it?

**firefighter** · 16th May 2010, 13:40

Originally Posted by gsx83esd

why dont you look at something bigger like 1200+ if you are a big boy , im 165cm and 90kg and have a 1250 bandit , just perfect for hard ,slow and commuting ?? havent found something it isnt good at , squeezes through traffic like you wouldnt believe , not saying the bandit is what you need but i had a good hard look around for a year and this was the best choice for my riding style !! the bigger cc bikes are "relaxing to ride as there is not as much gear changing , just tourqe to play with , see ya !ps, I aint no L plate rider!

Yeah I had a 2005 900 Hornet before my GSX-R. I love the torque feel, but want to stick with sports bikes for a bit until i'm a bit older, until my back disagrees with it! Then i'll get into big tourqu'ey bikes. If I was going to get a sport tourer I would go for a VFR 800. My current GSX-R is plenty roomy for me at the mo really. Just getting a bit old, hence the new 750 GSX-R in my line up. I'm not really looking for easy riding just yet!

I'm not tall, just fat! (and shrinking)

Originally Posted by shrub

Sports bikes are made for midgets - they are designed to win races, and if you look at most successful racers they're not big guys. In the real world (public highways) a well ridden Speed Triple/Super Duke/Bandit will match any sportsbike if the rider skill is comparable, so if you're a bigger guy look at a naked bike or something like a Bandit 1200.

Yeah, as I said above, but I would like a street triple! I am kinda looking at sports as I got a bit bored at the sit-up style of the Hornet, I know it's not the same bike, but same seating position. And yeah, the racers are very little guys, but i'm not looking at racing this next bike aside form the odd track-day.

As for the rider skills bit, yeah I know, I absolutely left my step-bro miles behind on my old Hornet and he was on an R6 with Ohlins rear, fork internals, dampner, power commander/tuned, full race system exhaust, k&n, supercorsas etc on-board, and my Hornet was standard performance wise (after market pipes was all), with tyres I did'nt like! H'ed bought it off my other brother, who's a really good rider, I laughed at him when he'd caught up at Kopu pub, and we'd downed half a beer. All the toys on an '06 R6, and I beat him on my cheap ass 2005 Hornet. Lol. A bit of a joke really. But oviously I know what you are saying. I did tell him he should down-grade until he learns to ride but he likes to pose

**firefighter** · 16th May 2010, 13:43

Originally Posted by BMWST?

if the trumpy is to small physically i would think the z will be too?

You are probably right here. Although if it's the same size as an R6 it will be ok, I find them ok, it's just the Triumph looks quite small next to my brothers old one. (narrower too)

**firefighter** · 16th May 2010, 13:50

Originally Posted by Spearfish

You don't seem the type not to do mods to any bike at some point. Perhaps get the one with the most choices to mould it?

Yeah that is true. If I want it i'll go hungry to get it!

This purchase is a bit more expensive than usual however so not much will be left for mods this time.

**YellowDog** · 16th May 2010, 14:16

One of these will feel just right for you. Like you said, you do need to give them all a good go and buy your next bike for the right reasons.

It usually takes me 3 months to really get used to a bike and then I generally wonder if I made the right decision.

I have been lucky with my current bike in that it feels just right (for me) and does all that I want. So even though it cost more than the other optioins I was considering and maybe wasn't the best looking, it has been cheaper in that I have owned it for 2 years and I am not looking to change.

**miloking** · 16th May 2010, 16:55

Litre bikes all the way mate.... you will be paying high rego anyway so why not, as maintanace is identical and so is fuel consumption....and obviously they are little larger in size (not neccesarily in weight depending on what you get) so you should fit nicely. For example iam 6' 3" and fit on my CBR...barely.

**Taz** · 16th May 2010, 17:03

I voted other as all of thse are crap on the gravel.

**firefighter** · 16th May 2010, 19:33

Originally Posted by miloking

Litre bikes all the way mate.... you will be paying high rego anyway so why not, as maintanace is identical and so is fuel consumption....and obviously they are little larger in size (not neccesarily in weight depending on what you get) so you should fit nicely. For example iam 6' 3" and fit on my CBR...barely.

I did think about that, but I do'nt think i'd enjoy a litre bike. I did'nt like the VTR I test rode a while back because I was doing 100km/h in 1st with no effort, which I find a bit boring. Not calling an IL4 1000 bike boring in any way do'nt get me wrong! But you know what I mean....

Also, I am a confident rider, and i'm the kind of person with the restraint to not do anything stupid on it, but I kinda prefer being able wring the shit out of something smaller!

**firefighter** · 16th May 2010, 19:33

Originally Posted by miloking

Litre bikes all the way mate.... you will be paying high rego anyway so why not, as maintanace is identical and so is fuel consumption....and obviously they are little larger in size (not neccesarily in weight depending on what you get) so you should fit nicely. For example iam 6' 3" and fit on my CBR...barely.

I did think about that, but I do'nt think i'd enjoy a litre bike. I did'nt like the VTR I test rode a while back because I was doing 100km/h in 1st with no effort, which I find a bit boring. Not calling an IL4 1000 bike boring in any way do'nt get me wrong! But you know what I mean....

Also, I am a confident rider, and i'm the kind of person with the restraint to not do anything stupid on it, but I kinda prefer being able wring the shit out of something smaller!