New bike, woes of finding a 'me' bike. I want help

[zeocen]

I apologise sincerely in advance, I am 100% certain I'm going to make a metric crapload of threads regarding "I want a new bike! Help!" but I just can't make a decision by myself, I need solid advice.

My history of motorcycles has been so far, 1990 GPX250, 1992 ZZR1100 (both my dad and I shared it) and my very first own 'big' bike, 1990 ZZR600.

This is where it goes pear shaped, I bought the ZZR600 privately from Trademe, had a look at it and rode it, it all seemed fine, the seller was a wealthy scotsman who seemed very genuine, he even drove me down to the local shop to do change of ownership etc.. all in all very helpful.

A few weeks later a service revealed that the bikes engine was about ready to shit itself. So long story short, and a reconditioned engine later the bike is now going great, but I spent almost as much as I bought it for, on a complete recondition of the engine, regulator rectifier, water pump etc etc.. Needless to say it's now a beautiful bike, but after this ordeal I think I'm ready to head into the new age rather than stay in my early 90's bikes (I just love the style, don't judge me!).

So my initial thought of a new model bike would be a 2008 ER6F/Ninja650r .. a lot of people questioned this as I was previously riding a 600 and 1100 inline four and that perhaps the twin power would be lacking for me, I don't think so, but it is also a faily nimble bike and I am 6'2 and """slim"""ish. I don't know how it would fair as a long touring bike.

I am a diehard kawasaki fanboy, I will defend them until I die being the fanboy homo that I am.. but I'm starting to think maybe I should drift away from the flock.

(Wow long post, what the hell)

OKAY

SO

My budget would stretch to a maximum of about 11 - 13k, 11 at most if possible. I initially did want the ER6F because it's a twin and I like low down power and corners, I'm not one for long straights and top speed so it appealed to me, but what appealed to me most was that it would be brand new, I wouldn't have to worry about how the bike was treated by the previous owners. It makes me angry to know people flog off beaten bikes for other people to tidy up and spend so much money to get going like I did Especially for a bike I love so much. But then I got to thinking, maybe I don't need a BRAND NEW 2008 bike, as far as I can see (which isn't far with my kwaka sunglasses on) the ER6F is the only new bike in my price range anyway. So I thought maybe if I went through a dealer and went for, say a 2002 - 2004 model bike then I could possibly get the reliability and trust (ha?) of the dealership with possible warrants etc..

Basically for the TL;DR folk:

I got burnt by my last bike, I want a reliable bike, I am scared to buy privately again.

So yeah, that's basically it. I will stray from the kawasaki fold if the right deal comes up (I have no beef with other models, I'd even buy a gixxer if the price was right, I just want reliability, comfort and then performence).

So sorry for such a long post, I didn't mean to make it this long.. please don't hate me for making two threads with "make up your fucking mind" lingering around both of them!

Thanks again guys, I love you all, even the honda riders.

zeo!

[Devil]

second hand K3 onwards SV650. Then spend a few dollars on the suspension. You'll love it.
Madducks SV would be a perfect example. Well looked after, never thrashed. 20k on it, $7k. then plus $3k max on suspension and you'll love it.

[Geeman]

Second that, SV650 can't go wrong. Ride mine every day and love it. Brand new so no surprises.

[Clivoris]

second hand K3 onwards SV650. Then spend a few dollars on the suspension. You'll love it.
Madducks SV would be a perfect example. Well looked after, never thrashed. 20k on it, $7k. then plus $3k max on suspension and you'll love it.

Good advice I reckon. But as usual ride a few of the contenders. There are a few ER6's starting to surface second hand. It's a buyers market too if you are looking second hand, have the cash and the time. There are plenty of mechanically experienced people on here that would give you a hand to weed out the lemons too so don't be frightened out of the second hand market. Learn from it, get out there and master it. You've had a shit experience (most of us had had one or two) so get out there and balance it out by scoring a sweet bargain.

[zeocen]

I have had a look at the SV650, I would be looking at the faired version and I've read a pretty thourough SV650 VS ER6F where the SV came out on top, I just thought they would be a "timid" step up from 250 -> 600. That's not to say I wouldn't love it, being a twin it would probably be great for the corners, as well as coming out of them! The bike I want would need to be able to handle an abundance of luggage and handle long tours as well.

I don't know though, I would definitely trust your opinion Devil, and 7k is a damn sight lower than I had in mind.

Also, going naked I reaaaally love the z750 and z1000, say I got an offer on a 2004 z1000, how would this bike fair for touring being naked and a transition of me going from big heavy faired bikes to a heavy (?) naked bike?

Cheers for the replies so far guys!

[Clivoris]

Also, going naked I reaaaally love the z750 and z1000, say I got an offer on a 2004 z1000, how would this bike fair for touring being naked and a transition of me going from big heavy faired bikes to a heavy (?) naked bike?

Cheers for the replies so far guys!

Aww man you just have to give the Z750 or Z1000 a go. Neither bike is "heavy" and my understanding is that they tour fine and are great fun for hooning. It might take a while to get used to the ride position but the naked street fighters are a great do it all bike. Ride some. Ride some.

[discotex]

I am a diehard kawasaki fanboy, I will defend them until I die being the fanboy homo that I am.. but I'm starting to think maybe I should drift away from the flock.

Hmmm... Self confessed homo.. Maybe Honda has something for you Maybe an older blade?

If I read you right you want low down power (v-twin or litrebike), cornering and fairings.

SV650S or SV1000S sounds like the business in the normal jap market. Otherwise ZX-7/ZX-9 maybe?

Thinking outside the box, how about these? At least ask Kerry if you can take them for a good spin.

Buell XB12R
http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz/motorcycles.php?bikeId=269

Duke ST4
http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz/motorcycles.php?bikeId=276

Good luck on the hunt mate.

[Pussy]

Have a yarn with Jim2 regarding the Z750... you'll get a no-bullshit view from him

[zeocen]

Ducati's maybe, buell, not so much :P
I'm not sure on the ducati's re. maintenance, it would have to be the type where the parts aren't so expensive hehe. I would be pretty keen and I've got a pretty good relationship with Kerry *hugs arai helmet and avon tyres*. I'll have to check him out.

I'm not much of a fan of the pre 2007/8 z750's, they're a bit *too* naked for me and I think the late model ones are a bit too expensive

Keep the suggestions coming guys! I'm liking to broaden my horizons on a next great bike.

[zeocen]

How about a Ducati 850? I'm having a hard time trying to find one but I was told they are great vtwins, not sure on price though.

Yes, I am spamming my own thread, got a problem !?

[howdamnhard]

The Suzuki GSX750F(06) where going for $10k,if their are any left.A good website for bike reviews is MCN bike reviews http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/ albeit from a british riding view point.After that once you have narrowed it down go for testrides.RF900 is also a nice bike as is the ZX9R and a lot of the nakeds like the bandit ,hornet,fazer.
Goodluck and happy hunting.

I have had a look at the SV650, I would be looking at the faired version and I've read a pretty thourough SV650 VS ER6F where the SV came out on top, I just thought they would be a "timid" step up from 250 -> 600. That's not to say I wouldn't love it, being a twin it would probably be great for the corners, as well as coming out of them! The bike I want would need to be able to handle an abundance of luggage and handle long tours as well.

I don't know though, I would definitely trust your opinion Devil, and 7k is a damn sight lower than I had in mind.

Also, going naked I reaaaally love the z750 and z1000, say I got an offer on a 2004 z1000, how would this bike fair for touring being naked and a transition of me going from big heavy faired bikes to a heavy (?) naked bike?

Cheers for the replies so far guys!

[Squiggles]

I have had a look at the SV650, I would be looking at the faired version and I've read a pretty thourough SV650 VS ER6F where the SV came out on top, I just thought they would be a "timid" step up from 250 -> 600. That's not to say I wouldn't love it, being a twin it would probably be great for the corners, as well as coming out of them! The bike I want would need to be able to handle an abundance of luggage and handle long tours as well.

Go test ride a twin and see what you think? How you produce the power is alot different and only a test will really tell you if thats your thing.

[Gremlin]

CB900...

I love my kwakas too... but something has to be said for the hondas I have ridden. They just do what they are told, no fuss, and completely reliable. The blackbird is essentially a 10 year old design, yet is still a good bike by todays standard...

Ride a cb900. Brand new it should cost less than 11k, last I heard it was 10k?

[yod]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...tm?key=1347989

how bout a triple? two of my mates have them and they are superb machines

[RearWheel]

Give the cb900 hornet a crack the price is right at about 11k new comes with 2 yr unlimited k warrantty and they go like stink and carve up the corners like crazy and they also do a good job of the touring duties as well ... i spent 3 months researching all the options and the honda was the best allrounder, and the lightest bike in its class...... I too am a die hard kawka fanboy but dont regret buying the honda for one second...... awesome naked bike with attitude that has got a reputation for reliability and longevity with a minimum of maintanance