What is alluring about a sports bike?

**Spaz** · 6th September 2005, 18:02

Originally Posted by bugjuice

painful wrists? nah, you get used to it (and your back and neck). I used to commute on mine for a while, and you just get used to it. You harden up in the places you need to.

I noticed that when I had a ZXR, I had the same sort of reaction. Is the power delivery useful to you in the 600cc class? I found 250 sports could be taken to their peak power anywhere quite safely, does the same apply to the 600 class sports bikes?

**TLDV8** · 6th September 2005, 18:04

I'm kind of old school but like the TLS..but if there had been something like a GSX1400 type styling with a TL engine i would have been up for a test ride for sure........ sometimes a sportbike is a pain in the butt to ride at the speed limit..the wind blast on a retro can keep you honest and you can still get through the twisties no worries.

**James Deuce** · 6th September 2005, 18:04

Originally Posted by Spaz

I noticed that when I had a ZXR, I had the same sort of reaction. Is the power delivery useful to you in the 600cc class? I found 250 sports could be taken to their peak power anywhere quite safely, does the same apply to the 600 class sports bikes?

No. A 600 isn't a a 250. (insert "Lou" smilie here)

**Spaz** · 6th September 2005, 18:08

So what I gather is, the power a 600cc sports bike engine is designed to produce is out of reach for most of the week, the weekends rock (or if you're like madboy, everyday does (cops involved?)) and discomfort is not a factor.

Right?

**James Deuce** · 6th September 2005, 18:11

Originally Posted by Spaz

So what I gather is, the power a 600cc sports bike engine is designed to produce is out of reach for most of the week, the weekends rock (or if you're like madboy, everyday does (cops involved?)) and discomfort is not a factor.

Right?

Both those points are on the button, at least as far as I am concerned.

**Spaz** · 6th September 2005, 18:13

Great, so all I have to figure out is how important my weekends are to me.

I've got a bit of estimating to do.

Cheers guys

**TLDV8** · 6th September 2005, 18:15

Originally Posted by Spaz

So what I gather is, the power a 600cc sports bike engine is designed to produce is out of reach for most of the week, the weekends rock (or if you're like madboy, everyday does (cops involved?)) and discomfort is not a factor.

Right?

It depends why you are asking ... Next bike maybe? ......... Consider a twin if you want low down stomp and still have some topend whatever the styling is. (in my somewhat biased opinion )

**bugjuice** · 6th September 2005, 18:15

yeah, I second Jim. The power of a 600 (another can of worms here) is far beyond 250s, and then there's thous on top of that, and so forth. The power is so not meant for commuting, it's just not funny. 600cc sprotbikes are designed mainly for track use, and the weekend use is a byproduct of this. They really aren't thinking about commuting when they design these machines. Most are good at commuting, but that's not purpose design.

and to reach their premium power, you do need lots of room to enjoy it, and lane splitting to the lights just ain't the place. So save that for the weekend. You can have quick bursts, saying that tho.. You'll get used to the power too, given time

**Spaz** · 6th September 2005, 18:20

Originally Posted by TLDV8

It depends why you are asking ... Next bike maybe? ......... Consider a twin if you want low down stomp and still have some topend whatever the styling is. (in my somewhat biased opinion )

Yeah, I've been thinking about it like that. I wouldn't mind dropping a 650 twin into a sports frame, that would fix all my problems. I just like my weight over the front end, that's why I like the idea of a sports bike. But I also like the idea of a twin.

**chickenfunkstar** · 6th September 2005, 18:24

It doesn't have to be one or the other. The SV is fine for commuting, but still sporty enough for a good blat at the weekends. You'll pay more in tires etc. than a 'commuting' bike, but still less than a dedicated sprots bike.
I've never come back from a weekend ride and thought 'gee that ride would have been so much better if I could turn / accelerate like a sprots bike'

**Spaz** · 6th September 2005, 18:28

Originally Posted by bugjuice

The power is so not meant for commuting, it's just not funny. 600cc sprotbikes are designed mainly for track use... They really aren't thinking about commuting when they design these machines. Most are good at commuting, but that's not purpose design.

and to reach their premium power, you do need lots of room to enjoy it, and lane splitting to the lights just ain't the place.

For me, sports bikes sound like a great bike waste of time, but I found they inspired more confidence in me.
I've been reading that Honda and Triumph have been trying to bring better mid range power to their 600's. Do you think that in about, say, half a year, they'll realease a vtwin in sportsbike guise? A down sized VTR SP?

**rogson** · 6th September 2005, 18:29

I've been to the sportbike end of the spectrum and am now heading back. I started-out (way back) with standards that you turned into sporties by putting low/flat bars on. I jumped-on the sportbike wagon when they came along - finally ending-up with a ZX9R which was fantastic - but a pain in wrists/bum/back,etc. at times and was also lonely at times (wife said no!). So, I now have a UJM with upgraded suspension and low-rize bars, but I am salivating after a KTM950SM (or something similar) - so you can see which direction I'm headed.

**Spaz** · 6th September 2005, 18:30

not to dig myself a hole, but are you guys spelling sports "sprots" on purpose?

**Hitcher** · 6th September 2005, 18:32

I don't own a sprotsbike. I like them, in fact I think most are gorgeous. But they're not my "thing". When we go out for a ride, we go out for a ride -- generally at least 250km. I like a bit of comfort (arse, knees, wrists) and I like to be able to easily read all the dials and see all the idiot lights. I like a bike that's stable and easy to handle at low speed and not all vibe and aggression at highway speeds. I like something that can carry a pillion for a reasonable distance with a modicum of comfort for both pillion and rider. And the ability to carry enough luggage for several days on the road, again without compromising the handling of the bike or rider comfort.

Otherwise, sprotsbikes are magnificent!