919 or XB9R

[masterofpuppets]

Hey all,
well finally got my Full today, in the pouring freezing wellington rain. So time has come for a big bike for summer.
As the title might suggest im tossing up between a 900 Hornet, or a Buell Firebolt. Always wanted the Buell, and i can pick up a very tidy one with a few trick bits for about the same price as a new Hornet with zero ks on the clock... So really tossing up between the two. I Guess i wait for my plastic photo license to show up in the mail, and go shoppind and take a few bikes for a ride. I know at the end of the day i just have to test them, but was wondering on your peoples' opinion. I suppose im open to suggestions for other models if you have something in mind?? Deep down i am a bit Biased towards the buell though..

Cheers,
Nick

[Zapf]

HORNET!

It has more power / torque (I think).
It'll be more reliable.
It has better headlights.
It has a larger tank (longer range).

Get a Hornet, stick a set of MX wide bars on it, exhaust and also an Ohlins rear shock and it'll be one of the most fun bike you will ever own.

[iwilde]

I thought you mis-spelled ZX9r, a far better bike than both of the others. But, thats only my thoughts.

[slowpoke]

Thanks for making it easy to compare two very similar bikes.....NOT!

I'm thinking you might appreciate the Buell more once you've owned a few more conventional bikes. Maybe the Buell would be a better choice once you're in a position to savour the differences rather than just accept it as the norm.

Buying a new bike just goes against my grain too, seeing as how I have yet to win lotto. That brand new feeling, which lasts about two weeks and can't be enjoyed 'cos you are religiously following the running in procedure (don't get me started on that!), comes at a high price. As per the Buell, I'd much rather spend less money on the same bike only pre-loved, that has had all sorts of goodies added and can be enjoyed to the full from the moment you ride off on it.

[justsomeguy]

I've attached pics of the Buell and the Hornet to help you decide.

[sAsLEX]

Thanks for making it easy to compare two very similar bikes.....NOT!

I'm thinking you might appreciate the Buell more once you've owned a few more conventional bikes. Maybe the Buell would be a better choice once you're in a position to savour the differences rather than just accept it as the norm.

Buying a new bike just goes against my grain too, seeing as how I have yet to win lotto. That brand new feeling, which lasts about two weeks and can't be enjoyed 'cos you are religiously following the running in procedure (don't get me started on that!), comes at a high price. As per the Buell, I'd much rather spend less money on the same bike only pre-loved, that has had all sorts of goodies added and can be enjoyed to the full from the moment you ride off on it.

Especially with the Wellington guy selling his with the Buell lights...... hey thats the perfect solution half of both..... skelstar?

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=52411

[Devil]

Buy the buell. Much more fun!

[sAsLEX]

Buy the buell. Much more fun!

Buy Skelstars Hornet. Just as much fun with the MX bars.... a little individual and different with the lights and fly screen.....

[slowpoke]

Buy Skelstars Hornet. Just as much fun with the MX bars.... a little individual and different with the lights and fly screen.....

Amen to that! Great bike, great value.

[masterofpuppets]

yeah ive been looking at skelstar's bike for a while now.
the thing is im tired of owning vehicles with hight k's on which things are starting to crap out. all the bikes ive owned till now have made it to very hight k's, but at some point in their life things start braking. now at some point i decided i'll buy brand new. now i thought hmm... maybe a tidy second hand one.. well ever since i decided new, even 10,000 k's seems to be too much.
and as for the running in procedure.... i know it will be a pain, but can you really trust that the initial owner has done it properly?? plus things like factory warranty on a new bike etc. so all that makes me lean towards the hornet. but then the buell has been my dream bike. i know its not as powerful, and not as reliable as the honda, but does that make it unreliable??? and the other thing is i do a fair bit of long rides, so the wind protection of the buell would be an added bonus..

ah bloody hell need to go out there an ride a few things...

[Zapf]

looked after properly the Hornet should go almost forever and ever and ever and ever...

Its a detuned fireblade motor... its is not even stressed. Re other parts of the bike, it is as good as you look after it.

if you are doing long distance rides, then you'll clock up 10'000k's no time on any bike. So then where does that leaves you? with a 10'000k bike.

As a Hornet owner, I can tell you the bike is much more fun than it looks. It is an all rounder... it doesn't do 1 thing very well. But its pretty good for most things, very well rounded and easy bike to live with.

Re Dream bike, Dream is only a dream till you get it right? And then it becomes reality.

[Madness]

Buy Skelstars Bike

At the very least, PM him vor a viewing/test-ride.

[madmal64]

I think you have answered your own question really.
What is a bike about?
Its fun, its a toy (so to speak) as well as a mode of transport. But if it aint the 1st 2 things.......
Its something that fires you up inside. It spins your wheels, blows your hair back, yanks your crank. You get the drift.
Of the 2 bikes mentioned what one really gets you fizzing?
Theres your answer!
Now go and ride them both and see if the answer is the same.
I didnt hook up with my lady or bike because they were ok. I hooked up with them because I think they both get me fired up!
Thats why Im still married & still ride the bike I ride today.

[sAsLEX]

Seems to be a re-occurring theme here......

[ipod1098]

Buell. Test ride will prove it.