Buyer's remorse - should I have bought a sports bike?

[BigAl]

After years of riding sports bikes, I bought a cruiser, thinking it would suit my daily drive better, big lots of luggage capacity etc. Two months later, I realised it wasn't right for me, having found it's limitations in the mildest of riding conditions, so have gone back to what I know, big sports bikes lol. Big is good, as we say in engineering, there is no replacement for displacement and ground clearence.

Amen brother!

[actungbaby]

[QUOTE=Barts;1130455538]Hi,

I've been riding for just under a couple of years now and I am considering upgrading to a sports bike. My first ride was a '96 Hornet 250 (owned for 12+ months), I'm currently riding a DL650.

I should be happy with the V-strom however when I purchased this bike I only tested a couple of other bikes (a street triple and an explorer). I erred on the side of caution and chose the more conservative bike. I was relatively new to motorcycling (still am) and thought I didn't need all that power/torque.

Now I am left wandering did I buy the right bike? I bought the bike I was comfortable riding at the time of sale as opposed to a bike that perhaps would have been a steeper learning curve at first, but ultimately would have been a better longer term buy.

I really should have tested a greater number of bikes (and styles) before opting for my current ride. In particular I am left wondering should I have tested a sports bike? When I bought the V-Strom I told myself "I don't need a sports bike as these are too fast...too powerful...too sporty, I'll never go on a track day etc."

Now I have a bit more experience (10,000 KM or so) I am thinking should I give a sports bike a go? I am 90KG and 6'3" so probably not best placed for these types of bikes however I'll never know without trying..

So, is there a sports bike out there that's appropriate for me, or should I be looking more at a sports tourer given my height/weight?

I have sat on a GSX-R750 at my local dealer (TSS Red Baron) and I have to say the 'feel' of this type of bike slightly intimidates me. Maybe this will pass on the open road as experience what I am led to believe is a sublime ride.

I would appreciate any insight/experience with my dilemma. No matter what bike I own, will I will always be
wondering "what's my next bike...."

Go for it mate am 6.1 and those sportbikes nice a light and you only go as fast as

U turn the right wrist mate cbr 1000 nice bikes very good at home on street too

Mind you the gsx 750 be fantasic bike as well what about the gsr 750 nice bike good price

In between the dl and the gsxr , you talking to guy swaped xl 600 for scotter 80cc

So yeah u chould say mistake but i think all good in the end its all learning diffrent machines

cant hurt can it i say more varied experices the better mate

if you can keep dl get a gsx or r1 green meanie or cbr way to go have it all then

get out on the dl if wet weather just feel like going to the shops take bigger bike out

of town that way keep kms down get more for it when sell it in furture, then u still

got great bike in dl if u have to do unthinable settle down have a car

[GrayWolf]

After years of riding sports bikes, I bought a cruiser, thinking it would suit my daily drive better, big lots of luggage capacity etc. Two months later, I realised it wasn't right for me, having found it's limitations in the mildest of riding conditions, so have gone back to what I know, big sports bikes lol. Big is good, as we say in engineering, there is no replacement for displacement and ground clearence.

So what you really mean is, you bought a cruiser, rode it like a sprotbike, expected it to behave like a sprotbike, and didnt give yourself time to 'adjust'.... in the 80's I went from a Kwaka 1000 (the dogs bollox of it's day) to a Yamaha XV1100 Virago. Like you I decided to 'settle it down' a bit
The ride out of the shop was an OMFG where's the power moment.. Luckily? The tart's boudoir was one of the 'best' handling cruisers around, it out handled all bar the Guzzi California in road tests. It took months to start to learn the different approach to riding a big inch cruiser..... I learnt to relax and slow down. I rode big twins for almost 20yrs before returning to a 4cyl (fj1200) and then a ZZR1100..... now back on a big twin, I cant keep away from em The strangest thing was, once I adjusted to the 'low power' I suddenly realised I never needed 100+bhp for overtaking, the Virago's 'measly' 60bhp was more than adequate to do the job.

[DMNTD:Me]

diavels don't count as cruisers :P, pics of it? I have yet to ride one.

Have a ride of one but through some corners. They are very surprising

[ital916]

Have a ride of one but through some corners. They are very surprising

Worlds most bad arse unicycle? haha jks. Do you find the rear hugger hitting the sub frame under hard compression of the rear?

I will definitely have to ride one!

I'll post a pic of my new busa when I pick her up.

[macka77]

go for fun m8, an adventure bike or just a 400/650 single you can ride everywhere i know a lot of guys who ride really dam well on sports bike have a off road back ground.
buying a 1000cc sport bike will not give you much flexability in learing to ride. a lot of fun stuff is of limits to a 1000cc they are best for an old mans bike who only goes out if its a sunny day. if you want to ride alot get something that you can throw around

[ital916]

go for fun m8, an adventure bike or just a 400/650 single you can ride everywhere i know a lot of guys who ride really dam well on sports bike have a off road back ground.
buying a 1000cc sport bike will not give you much flexability in learing to ride. a lot of fun stuff is of limits to a 1000cc they are best for an old mans bike who only goes out if its a sunny day. if you want to ride alot get something that you can throw around

Good thing I'm young then because the blackbird I used to own was plenty fun as my daily commuter, cross country tourer and back road blaster, on all days in all weather conditions.

You're going to have to fill me in on what age is considered old, just so I can prepare myself for when I all of a sudden cannot ride on a rainy day. Must suck to be old.

As for flexibility in learning to ride, a 1000cc in my opinion is more forgiving, you can lull a litre bike around in top gear and you will get away with it. It all comes down to your right wrist and how sensible you are. A 600 can be more demanding that a litre bike. Just my opinion.