Throwing the question open to the unwashed masses - what do I buy?

[jrandom]

question have you tried a newer model gixxer, they are meant to be alot more comfortable?

I'll try one, but I don't think the seat-to-peg distance has increased. If the ergos have changed they've probably just moved more in ZXR directions, ie, less of a stretch to the bars. As stated above, that isn't my problem.

[nodrog:Me]

I must have a certain minimum distance between seat and pegs to be able to cover the miles without agony.

how much more distance you reckon you need? one of my mates made up some plates to move his pegs down 30mm on his gixxer when he had knee surgery, was piss easy and only took about 1 hour.

[jrandom]

how much more distance you reckon you need? one of my mates made up some plates to move his pegs down 30mm on his gixxer when he had knee surgery, was piss easy and only took about 1 hour.

Not sure to be honest, and yes that could definitely be an option, ideally with the ability to quickly swap them back to stock position for the track.

I shall investigate that too.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Right, not to put too fine a point on it, gixxers hurt my legs after 3 hours or so. Too many years of squatting and deadlifting and then cycling. I am very inflexible.

It's gotten to the point where I can't be arsed doing day trips up and down the countryside, even when I have very good reason to do them, because I know I'll be in a foul mood afterwards.

I still end up going, but, you know. The joy just isn't there.

A quick spin on Finn's Brutale the other day confirmed my suspicions about what sort of bike would make me happy.

I can't afford a Brutale, so what should I buy?

Hypothetical for the moment. Let's say the budget's about $10K. Give me some ideas. I just want something that goes fast, handles well and doesn't hurt. Not a tubby tourer, though.

Speed Triple?

Bandit?

Fazer?

(gulp)... Hornet?

Hornet for sure. Honda reliability, cheaper than a Speed Triple, and not a Fazer..

[jrandom]

Hornet for sure. Honda reliability, cheaper than a Speed Triple, and not a Fazer..

I have this idea in the back of my head that stock Hornet suspension is not all that it could be.

Guess I'll just have to take one out for a thrash and see, won't I?

[Devil]

I have this idea in the back of my head that stock Hornet suspension is not all that it could be.

Guess I'll just have to take one out for a thrash and see, won't I?

Second hand hornet + $2k of ohlins = fixed.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I have this idea in the back of my head that stock Hornet suspension is not all that it could be.

Guess I'll just have to take one out for a thrash and see, won't I?

absolutely right, but a cheap Ohlins is $1200 and a fork rebuild with appropriate rate springs say another $1200. Given a secondhand Hornet is $8k or so, there's your ten large.

or you could buy mine with Ohlins fork springs (standard otherwise) and Ohlins shock fitted. If you are heavier than about 75-80kg you would need different spring rates though.

[Riff Raff]

Hey Dan, why don't you buy my R6. I dunno if it will solve the leg problem, but at least you'll look really, really cool!

[Hitcher]

so what should I buy?

A ZRX1200R. You so know you want one.

[jafar]

I have this idea in the back of my head that stock Hornet suspension is not all that it could be.

Guess I'll just have to take one out for a thrash and see, won't I?

Stock hornet rear shocks are a bit hmmm i'm led to believe, the cb1300 runs twin shocks & doesn't suffer from the same problem.

[sels1]

It's all about the peg position, dude. Just the distance from seat to pegs, nothing more. It seems to be a little unusual, too; most guys that don't like sprotsbike ergos seem to run into issues with wrists and shoulders, etc.

Had a look at a Triumph Tiger (pre 07 model)?
Very comfy

[slowpoke]

What are you comparing the Brutale's riding position too?
The SRAD is renowned for it's uncompromising riding position but those K2 thou's are pretty comfortable, certainly more so than the Brutale you rode. This is from one Brutale road test: "Furthermore, the high-and-tight pegs would turn knee replacement surgery into a semi-annual event, while the harsh and choppy suspension would earn your chiropractor a new Rolex every week." I don't recall that sort of sentiment from any recent Japanese sports bike test.
I had a 916 a while back,and those early 916-998 dukes are about as bad as it gets. My partner had a K1 GSXR1000 that felt like a Lazy-boy lounge chair after climbing off the 916.

[jrandom]

What are you comparing the Brutale's riding position too?
The SRAD is renowned for it's uncompromising riding position but those K2 thou's are pretty comfortable, certainly more so than the Brutale you rode. This is from one Brutale road test...

I boggle at the suggestion that a GSX-R1000 K2 is more comfortable than a Brutale.

Your comments make no sense. Are you, perhaps, confusing the Brutale and the F4?

Given that I started this thread more or less immediately after hopping off the bikes I've mentioned, don't you think that it's a bit dubious to quote some magazine test back at me? I rode the fucking thing, dude.

And, yes, of course. I'm sure there are bikes that are less comfortable than the K2. So what?

I hereby award you the "most pointless post in this thread" prize.

[Unit:Me]

So Mr Jrandom, have you got a list of preferences for us thus far? I do strongly suggest (given your original spec and my bias) regardless of budget at this stage (small detail we will give you lessons) you include the ZX14. At least (humour me) give one a test ride, you will be highly impressed with the weight distribution and the balance of the bike, which is the great thing about them, but still a sports bike ride

[James Deuce]

His budget is $10K unit. You find me a $10k ZX14 and I'll stomp through Jrandom's steaming eviscerated entrails, cash in hand, to make sure it is mine.