What's the perfect bike?

**skelstar** · 24th October 2006, 13:53

It does help to read this thread and understand its intent if you have ridden/managed to keep up with Jill.

**kiwifruit** · 24th October 2006, 13:53

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I hate these "What's the perfect bike" threads. Particularly if the person asking the question doesn't want to spend more than $7,000, which is generally the case.

hate is such a strong word!

**Devil** · 24th October 2006, 14:06

Cyclespot, but as I mentioned the tyres are so square it's just ridiculous. I cut my ride short because you wouldn't want to take it round any corners. Previous owner must have stayed on the motorway!

Pester them about putting new tyres on it, or find another one to test. But very very nice bike.

**Scouse** · 24th October 2006, 14:41

Originally Posted by Keystone19

I am considering an upgrade from the SV650S. I'm interested in people's thoughts on the perfect bike for the following:

- daily commute (country twisties for the most part - no sitting in traffic)
- touring - South Island etc
- the odd weekend blat

Not interested in a naked. I don't tend to thrash my bike on the road but I enjoy a little bit of power. Don't have a whole lot of money either - say max $10000. I'm not averse to another SV650s if this is the best bike for the job.

This is all dependent on selling my SV of course, so if anyone is keen, PM me.

Any ideas out there?

Cheers!

Hey Kestone you've just put your self out of the picture for the perfect bike cos 1/ the perfect bike is nekid and 2/ it costs more than $10,000 other wise you could have been looking at a Speed Triple

**Keystone19** · 24th October 2006, 14:44

Originally Posted by Dynamytus50

A Hardly Davison! If you want that sorta thing at least get something like this

Hmmm....Buell....

**Stroker Girl** · 24th October 2006, 15:45

Hi KS

My partner has a VFR800 (pre v-tec model). I've rode it a few times (recently to Port Waikato) and was quite surprised how easy it is was to handle considering it is quite a bit heavier than my 400.

The seat is nice and low and riding position is very comfortable. It makes a nice growl when you open it up and has a smooth gearbox with heaps of torque.

It does have the dual braking system (which takes a bit of getting use to), and you do have to man handle it a bit more through the tight stuff but really there's not too much complain about.

If you're keen on a test ride, let me know and I'll see if I can sort something out

As you mentioned earlier it can be hard to find the low km models. We were looking for about 6 months before a good one came up. Good luck with your quest!

**boomer** · 24th October 2006, 16:22

Originally Posted by Keystone19

Well at least the sides of the tyres are rarely used. How much?

Originally Posted by The_Dover

yeah, buy boomer's bike then the poofta can get a thou!!

indeed Dover!!! i have a feeling i need to kill myself, teh mid life crisis has kicked in! i've packed work in, got myself a mohawk and want a thou...

Jill, I was hoping for a a couple over your budget; But if teh bikes a go-er then its gotta be worth teh extra coin huh???!!! and you know shes never been thrashed only loved and adourned

**unhingedlizard** · 24th October 2006, 16:46

My 2 cents?
A VFR800 sounds about right. How tall are you? If you can manage it get a test ride on a TDM850/900. Might be what you are looking for.

**Bonez** · 24th October 2006, 16:57

Good luck with your quest Jill. You mentioned the SV650 in your first post. It would be good for what you want to do. You know, not too big, not too small, just right.

**Keystone19** · 24th October 2006, 17:32

Originally Posted by unhingedlizard

My 2 cents?
A VFR800 sounds about right. How tall are you? If you can manage it get a test ride on a TDM850/900. Might be what you are looking for.

At the risk of sounding dumb, what is a TDM850/900?

Oh, and I'm about 167cm tall - 5'7" for those of you still living in the dark ages...

**WINJA** · 24th October 2006, 17:50

Either Street Magic Or Svx5.5 Aprillia

**Quasievil** · 24th October 2006, 18:21

Well Jill, you dont want a 636, it would be a hard tour in the sth island.
I would look at the VFR800 but it wont be a new one, personally I have issues with the linked brakes and Vtec thingy.
If you want something a little gentler for touring try a dual purpose bike ?
ie a Transalp of the New kawasaki KLR 650, new at $9290
Great tourer (guy just went around the world like 5 times on one or summit)
http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/kawasaki_c...650A7F&do=list

Your offroad ability will bring a whole new dimension to your riding and those skills can be taken to the track!!

Just a thought, but hey you can get a new one with a warranty!!

**merv** · 24th October 2006, 18:35

I still have my VFR750 having bought it new and I marvel at how great that bike is every time I ride it. I'm shorter than you and while I know the 800's have a slightly taller seat height, you will fit fine. The power delivery of the V4 is pleasurable. As long as mine has the right tyre pressures it handles like it is running on rails - totally neutral and just goes around corners. If the newer models are as good, they will be a fantastic choice. I can't see me selling mine any time soon and that is not a bad recommendation after over 12 years. Even without V-tec mine has quite a noticable power kick at 7,000rpm but the V4 is totally tractable right off idle and its light on gas running 350 - 400km on a tank of 91.

Is it perfect? Nah, I don't ride it on dirt so have to have a few other bikes to satisfy my desires.