Have money will spend

[fische]

So I've nearly got the money to buy a bike. There are a lot available and I don't know which one I want. Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki… Shit I don't know enough to make a descision. I like bikes and they go fast & I can ride. I've got up to $5k and I want around a 1000cc Sports/Tourer because I'm a bit bigger than avg. I want the best buy for my money (although it's not much) and that's as far I am going to go. What's good for that sort of money? I've been told that any of the bikes above would be good.
Hopefully I'll be able to get something that'll last for a couple of years

[James Deuce]

Yamaha FJ1200. There's a good one at Sawyers in Wellington for less than $5k. Other than that the RF900 is your best bet for that money. It will be "higher" kms at that price, but not really a big deal for the under-stressed 900 engine.

[kiwifruit]

ZZR1100, what a bike!

[Hitcher]

Out of the four you've got listed, I'd go with the ZZR.

[Macktheknife]

Out of whats listed I would go the ZZR as a first choice, followed closely by the RF900 as a second. Good luck.

[Cajun]

like anything, its the less milage bike you can get for your cash i think. vs best condition.

All be great sport tourers with massive amounts of grunt

[madmal64]

Out of the ones listed the RF. Bloody good all rounder. Had one of these of years. PM me if you want any more info.

[Colapop]

It's the same question I've been thinking about for awhile. Have you considered a GS1200? I saw one of those on tardme at a good price the other day. But out of those listed I'd say the RF900 or ZZR1100 would be the best. Comfy for a big 'un too!

[Toast]

Go the YZF, they're deceptively quick bikes, especially 96 onwards. Failing that, I've heard good things about the RF900. Pig ugly, but I'd still buy one given what I've heard.

[Dooly]

RF900. Best all round bike I've ever owned.
Make that, best bike ever, for me, so far for user friendliness.

[cowpoos]

I'ld get the yamaha if it was mint....and well looked after... that where you'll get ya most bang for buck...other wise the zzr1100...they dam reliable and powerful bikes...and comfortable!!!

[James Deuce]

I'd be deeply suspicious of a YZF1000 being sold for $5k. It's a better bike than all those listed in terms of build quality and equipment. Usually go for $7-$10k depending on mileage and condition.

[gamgee]

i know someone with a yzf, he swears by it, he's owned it for about 4 years or so, so out of those choices i'd go the yzf

[T.W.R]

Thunderace for under $5g would be suspect. ZZR would need to be thoroughly checked over 1st and an RF would OK, pretty solid bike just the love it or hate it styling that lets them down. Another option in that era would be a CBR1000FN as a good allrounder.

[Blackbird]

ZZR 1100 would be my choice. A mate had one and it was unburstable apart from a gearbox which gave grief twice. Perhaps one of the ZZR owners on the site would care to comment as I believe that it was a known fault on one version.