Am I Mental?

[Gubb]

I've discovered that someone quite close to me is trying to sell his bike. It's a 1987 Honda CBR1000. 75k Kms, Minor scuffs on the bodywork, what you'd expect for a 21 year old bike.

I think i can buy this for $1500, add on another $500 for a service.

I know it's been looked after pretty well, maintained, had all it's services done etc. But am I mad for considering a 1000cc 4 Cylinder? I know it's got nothing on modern Litre bikes, and in fact, will probably be outperformed by a modern 500cc Crotch-rocket, but is it too big of a jump from a 250?

I've already decided that I would like my next bike to be something with more of an upright riding position, as I know i'm no Rossi, i'd still like a bit of poke in the corners, but also want to do longer distances without cramping up after an hour or so. I figure a Sports-tourer is the best option.

[Swoop]

Be on the safe side and budget 1k for the service. "Just in case".

I would tend to go for a ~600 first.

[xwhatsit]

I know somebody with a CBR1000F, it's late 80s -- same bike? Supposedly 100hp, which is indeed 600cc material these days.

I think the biggest worry would be the extraordinary weight. ~270kg. That would tame the power somewhat, but it's not going to stop or change direction very quickly.

[roadracingoldfart]

80s CBR 1000s were a good bike but not very good to set up well for a novice rider. They have alot of torque but only about 120 HP makin them good for touring.
Keep feeding new cam chains at it and dont ring its neck all the time and it will see you good for many years.
As for is it "suitable "for a 250 rider, well its a heavy beasty with more power than your used to but that only comes in when ya turn the throttle aye .
Take it for a ride and see if its you and then make the final choice based on if it intimidated you or not.

[Mikkel]

How about taking it for a test ride first and see if you like it? That shouldn't be a problem if it's someone pretty close to you I suppose.

As for the jump - going from low power to high power in one step just puts a larger requirement on your self-discipline I believe. Unless you know you're likely to throw caution to the wind and just go for it I think you'll be sweet.

[Madness]

You're mental.

$1500 sounds okay though.

[zeocen]

If you don't have a problem with an old bike then I would look for an old 600, the weight would be more of a problem than the speed with regards to an '87 1000F. They be heavy beyarrtches.

Work your way up, motorcycling is a life hobby, there's no rush! *sheepishly blocks one of his bikes in his description*

[Goblin]

$1500 sounds ok for a bike that old but be prepared for new steering head bearings, wheel bearings, swingarm bushes, brake rotors and master cylinder seals, fork internals, rear shock replacement,.....the list keeps going. But they are still a bloody solid motor. If you buy the parts and do the work yourself it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

[90s]

Its a good bike, although when they came out I remember the reviews pretty much saying their would never be a time pretty much when you wouldn't rather have the CBR600F - lighter, more nimble, much better handling, not a huge power gap, better in traffic but still OK 2-up.
I was looking at several 18 mnths ago and $1,500 seems very cheap to me. Make sure it all OK before you buy at that price, and $1000 seems sensible to budget for service etc. Its not a racer but if you want a commuter maybe a 600 would be easier.
Still, if you get it good luck - its a really nice bike still. I love those 80's plastic fantastics.

[Conquiztador]

Buy her and keep taking your meds. You be fine. And look at it this way: If she is not for you, you will always get your $$'s back. Easily.

[Headbanger]

buy it.

Ride it into the ground.

Throw it away.( or sell it for whatever you can get)

Thats all cheap old bikes are good for, Unless you do the spanner work yourself (and know your stuff)

Once you start spending money on them you are going backwards, real fast.

[TOTO]

You are mental in MHO

Get a 6 hundy first.

[Gubb]

Some good advice there. As for the price, i'm pretty sure that's a special deal. I'd say he'd get a bit more by putting it on the market. Will keep at least $1000 aside for maintenance. Only downside is that the bike is in Wellington, and I won't be back there till the end of May to test ride it. Maybe i'll try and find an equivalent up here to have a go on.

Gnah. Thinking about it makes me want it even more. How different is it to ride a bike that is much heavier. I am a big lad, but how much is too much?

As for the jump - going from low power to high power in one step just puts a larger requirement on your self-discipline I believe. Unless you know you're likely to throw caution to the wind and just go for it I think you'll be sweet.

I'm pretty disciplined, no real interest in high speed runs or spastic road riding. Would be taking it real easy until I was comfortable. Many car park braking practice sessions and the like.

[The Pastor]

I bought an 86 gpz 1000 as my first big bike, The power is not too huge to step up on. The weight is somthing you will have to learn (expect to drop it, alot).

You will have fun, just don't get it expecting to be fast, straight line sure, round a corner? hell no. (realitivly speaking).

One thing to check is the waterpump and when the last time the coolant had been changed, if he can't tell / dosent remember step away, the coolant turns to acid and the entire water way aound the engine will be destroyed.

[Goblin]

How different is it to ride a bike that is much heavier. I am a big lad, but how much is too much?

It's not really different at all. If I can ride one, so can you. It's all in the head. The only difference is the pushing around is a bit heavier but you get used to it pretty quick. Then there's the power but if you're responsible with it you'll be fine.

I went from my wee 600 to a ZZR1100 for about 4 months, no problem at all. Got back on my 600 and nearly pushed it out the shed door! Had to ring her little neck and she felt really gutless. Got used to the lack of power again tho.