Need to upgrade the love of my life: Next step from GSX600F

[Gremlin]

Yamaha also have the FZ1, when I demo'd one I did find it's performance was a lot like a naked sportsbike (was trying to avoid it).

I think I also have to suggest a Hornet CB919. Not exactly the newest around, stopped around '07 I think, but a very dependable bike, givi racks available all round (so panniers and top box) or just ventura racks for tail. Servicing? I have to think it's one of the most reliable bikes made in recent times and being naked, servicing is also cheaper and quicker. Best, recently, the demand for them has dropped, they aren't really moving. A total bargain. Longevity? Good luck finding out. Between mates, we've got 150k, 116k and 100k ish on the clocks, no major problems on any. Warr on here is over 220k (but it's had a bit more work). Would probably suggest you replace the bars (easily done) which increases leverage and handling, as the stock ones are very narrow, but it can increase the reach to the bars.

[Maha]

Out of those three Brian, the Honda is it. It is designed for your requirements unlike the other two listed.
The FZ8 is great bike but I would never do any two up riding on it.

[GravelRashKid]

Out of those three Brian, the Honda is it. It is designed for your requirements unlike the other two listed.
The FZ8 is great bike but I would never do any two up riding on it.

Ah, I hadn't been looking at all my own criteria... Looking at the recent model FZ8, the pillion seat has almost disappeared. And the Z1000 never had a real one.

We sat on the VFR800, which felt pretty damn good compared to other bikes. It had a flat battery, so couldn't be test ridden that day.

[Maha]

Ah, I hadn't been looking at all my own criteria... Looking at the recent model FZ8, the pillion seat has almost disappeared. And the Z1000 never had a real one.

We sat on the VFR800, which felt pretty damn good compared to other bikes. It had a flat battery, so couldn't be test ridden that day.

I sold my FZ8 because my immediate criteria was similar to where yours is now, Anne had been on the back for a few minutes once and that was it! neither her or myself wanted that to happen again. On the Z1 the pillion would sit to high for my liking, and as I said earlier, the VFR was a close second for at one time.

[nzspokes]

Yamaha also have the FZ1, when I demo'd one I did find it's performance was a lot like a naked sportsbike (was trying to avoid it).

I think I also have to suggest a Hornet CB919. Not exactly the newest around, stopped around '07 I think, but a very dependable bike, givi racks available all round (so panniers and top box) or just ventura racks for tail. Servicing? I have to think it's one of the most reliable bikes made in recent times and being naked, servicing is also cheaper and quicker. Best, recently, the demand for them has dropped, they aren't really moving. A total bargain. Longevity? Good luck finding out. Between mates, we've got 150k, 116k and 100k ish on the clocks, no major problems on any. Warr on here is over 220k (but it's had a bit more work). Would probably suggest you replace the bars (easily done) which increases leverage and handling, as the stock ones are very narrow, but it can increase the reach to the bars.

Agreed, very under-rated bikes. Very easy to self service and cheap to have done. most tell me its $200 a service but I do my own. I got mine for $4500 and couldnt be happier with it. Has a big pillion seat, easy to mount luggage. Short reach. Stock bars suck. Very good economy.

im working on wearing mine out, no sign yet.

[Gremlin]

Agreed, very under-rated bikes. Very easy to self service and cheap to have done. most tell me its $200 a service but I do my own. I got mine for $4500 and couldnt be happier with it. Has a big pillion seat, easy to mount luggage. Short reach. Stock bars suck. Very good economy.

im working on wearing mine out, no sign yet.

Basic services are $200, expensive services are $300. My flash BMW (newer) costs a fortune compared to the Hornet. Has a service, and all I really do is fill it with gas in between services.

Good luck wearing it out (as long as you maintain). My Hornet has done about 90k around town in just under 7 years, barely ever leaves town. I reckon it's one of the hardest working as I'm up and down the gearbox a massive amount (I wish light phasing was something engineers were aware of) and besides the clutch cable already being replaced at 60k, the worst problem has been wheel bearings needing replacing. Been through a rear disc already and the fronts will probably be replaced within 20k.

[insane1]

Have a real hard look at a vfr 800 botany Hondas got a few of them ,wish I'd gone that route not bought the vfr 1200 .

[raziel1983]

Have a real hard look at a vfr 800 botany Hondas got a few of them ,wish I'd gone that route not bought the vfr 1200 .

How come? If you don't mind me asking.

[nzspokes]

How come? If you don't mind me asking.

+1, I would rather like a VFR1200.

[insane1]

+1, I would rather like a VFR1200.

a bit lighter and not so awkward to move around the 12s a heavy beast .

[raziel1983]

a bit lighter and not so awkward to move around the 12s a heavy beast .

The 800 Isn't exactly petite either

[vifferman]

The 800 Isn't exactly petite either

It's not...?

Feels quite spritely to me... but then I haven't ridden anything else in the last 9 years...

[GravelRashKid]

The 800 Isn't exactly petite either

It's not...?
Feels quite spritely to me... but then I haven't ridden anything else in the last 9 years...

How do you think the 800 would compare with my current 97 GSX600FV? I find her quite easy to throw around, including 2-up, and wouldn't want something more sluggish. I assume technology for suspension and handling has significantly improved since 1997 lol.

[Ender EnZed]

How do you think the 800 would compare with my current 97 GSX600FV? I find her quite easy to throw around, including 2-up, and wouldn't want something more sluggish. I assume technology for suspension and handling has significantly improved since 1997 lol.

On paper it sounds reasonably heavy at 213kg dry, but it carries it very well and felt much lighter to me than my 215kg Hayabusa.

If you can handle a GSXF600 2 up comfortably then a VFR800 shouldn't pose any problems. I certainly wouldn't expect it to feel sluggish in comparison.