1000cc twins

[Clivoris]

I used to own a K3 SV1000s sold it for $8k at the beginning of this year (had fairly high mileage tho). Got it after trying the big japanese v-twins and was too much of a bargain brand new to turn down. My sense of the VTR was that it was more confidence inspiring, but under-powered, under braked and the agricultural gearbox bothered me. If you bargain hard you will get an SV for 8k. Ride them all mate and definitely give the ZX9R a go. Good luck.

[Morepower]

I got my tls TO 80000KMS with no problems before the output shaft bearing collapsed ( my fault ) . Like most Jap bikes , well maintained they should all give reasonable service.

[crash harry]

What year ZX9R were you thinking about? I've been thinking about selling mine...

[ArcherWC]

I love my RSV, I wouldnt trade it for all the inline fours in the world.

You just cant beat the sound of the twin with open pipes

[oldguy]

Be different stand out, Honda/Suzuki they are both good bikes, the Italians well the price puts them out of reach even second hand, Ive been thinking Buell XB12R firebolt for my next ride,I just love the way they look, they're not a bad price, or try the XB12X Ulysses, Big Dave would give you a good run down on them.

John

[DMNTD:Me]

Have had 4 TL1000S's and currently have a K6 SV 1000 in the garage as well as my ZX10. LOVE the Twins too much not to have access to a play on one as it's just a totally different buzz to the inline 4's.
Have ridden VTR's,Aprilia's, a Buell and even the odd Harley and they all have their good points and not so good points.
It really comes down to what you're seeking from your bike.
IMO the TL1000S is one of the better alround bikes as you can do a bit of everything on them and they have some serious presence(sp)

[jonbuoy]

If you want something docile to build up your confidence you couldn't go far wrong with a VTR. If you want a hooligan bike TL would be the way to go. I heard the early TL's made a bit more power than the later ones - anyone confirm this?

[Sensei]

If Jap Twin are your thing then the TL or TLR are a good all round bike do everything good not great but can take alot of punishment . As you only want to spend around 8K-ish then you will pick up a good deal if ya keep your eyes peeled on Trademe etc .

[eviltwin]

i just traded my tlr for a zx10r last friday, love the new bike but surely miss the sound of the twin. never had any mechanical probs, but it was well maintained.
if i had the money i'd buy it back as a second bike, it was a shitload of fun!
there is two of them at mt eden motorbikes if you are interested.

[madandy]

What year ZX9R were you thinking about? I've been thinking about selling mine...

You have mail

[madmal64]

Check out an Aprilia SL1000 Falco or a Millie @ the right price, you won't go wrong

Yeah what he said! But hey Ive been lured to the darkside myself. If you can try a back to back ride on a VTR or SV then ride an RSV or Falco. Made my mind up.

[ninjac]

Go the ZX9R. You say you travel two up most of the time. I think they would make the perfect sports tourer. They are a very underated bike IMHO.
My ZX6R is now considered a sports tourer. My 2001 model with a few minor changes is still being sold in USA as the ZZR600. There is a large market for it because it has good sport bike power and handling with the decent wind protection and rider comfort compared to the latest 600cc fours. The ZX9R must be even better.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

I've had no problem with my VTR and use it for a variety of things... The only thing I find with it is the gear box can be clunky between 1st & 2nd...

You may not like some of the quirks of any of the V-Twins and can take a bit of getting use to... they are not as smooth as an inline... but they are just as much fun. Oh and you become a lasy rider (change gear... I don't need to change no stinking gear... just open throttle and away you go)

yeah they sound great and the torque blah blah blah but you are going to have to see for yourself... At the end of the day take them for a test ride... see what bike fits your needs, riding style, size, comfort, and tastes...

I doubt I will go back to an inline for some time I'm just haveing two much fun at the moment...

[wilber]

If you want something docile to build up your confidence you couldn't go far wrong with a VTR. If you want a hooligan bike TL would be the way to go. I heard the early TL's made a bit more power than the later ones - anyone confirm this?

Sorry mate had to bite at this ,dont know where you get the hooligan bike with the TL's,yes it maybe quicker and more hp than the vtr but its the rider thats in control of the beast be it VTR or TL.
As for docile even the VTR can fly in the right hands.

[jonbuoy]

Its a nickname for the TL in the UK, I think it was the early ones without steering dampers that got it the rep. And its a way sharper machine than the VTR, I still like my VTR enough for me on NZ roads.