The search for "the one"

**phoenixgtr** · 26th February 2009, 09:46

Well I thought I better update how the search is going.

I've been realising more and more lately that 1 bike can't do everything, so I need to decide where my priorities lie (i.e. short rides through the twisties vs touring etc.).

Last week I took a DR650 on the Weds night ride and OH MY GOD!! I had sooo much fun. Helen was then crazy enough to let me take the DR on a trail ride on Sunday. I had a blast, but I'm not so sure the offroad is for me. As a result of last Weds though, a motard is now definitely on the test ride list. The reason I wasn't too keen on a motard in the first place was the idea of touring on one. But like I said, I need to decide where my priorities lie. Anyone know where I could find a "trick" motard to test ride in Chch?

Last night I also rode a Ducati ST4. I've always dreamed of having a big v-twin, but I rode it for half an hour maybe and got back on my own bike and felt more comfortable. Prob just more at home. Handling wise, though, it was surprisingly very similar to the ninja. It responded well to to the "shoulder in" steering that my bike loves. I was thinking to myself "I could live with this", but I'm looking for the "right" bike, not just another good bike...make sense?

**Gremlin** · 26th February 2009, 12:09

hmmm budget within 10k...

either a dr650 with motard wheels and street tyres (or dual purpose), or if you can find it, maybe a 2nd hand ktm 690 supermoto but more likely the older 640 supermoto...?

I'm converted to the ktm supermoto way... very very capable bikes.

**Mikkel** · 26th February 2009, 12:29

Originally Posted by phoenixgtr

Last week I took a DR650 on the Weds night ride and OH MY GOD!! I had sooo much fun. Helen was then crazy enough to let me take the DR on a trail ride on Sunday. I had a blast, but I'm not so sure the offroad is for me. As a result of last Weds though, a motard is now definitely on the test ride list. The reason I wasn't too keen on a motard in the first place was the idea of touring on one. But like I said, I need to decide where my priorities lie. Anyone know where I could find a "trick" motard to test ride in Chch?

You don't want a "trick" motard for the daily commute. If you're keen you can have a blat on my Husky 610 it's good fun. Just drop me a line and we can arrange something.

**Squiggles** · 26th February 2009, 13:33

TL1000S

DR's are good, but how much open road riding do you do? Love mine for around town but can be a wee bit tiring on the highway with buffeting (Mines completely stock)

**phoenixgtr** · 26th February 2009, 13:53

Cheers Mikkel. I'll give you a buzz.

That's what I'm worried about Squiggles. Unfortunately the budget just doesn't stretch to 2 bikes, otherwise I'd be sweet

**vifferman** · 26th February 2009, 14:07

I have to say it - try a VFR800.
The 5th Generation model (pre-2002) should be within your budget.

**Laava** · 26th February 2009, 14:07

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ewpost&t=93456

**mikeey01** · 26th February 2009, 15:09

Originally Posted by phoenixgtr

All I can say is...THE SOUND, IT WAS INTOXICATING!!

**Renegade** · 26th February 2009, 19:18

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=93357

less power than your zx6r though id say

**phoenixgtr** · 26th February 2010, 11:36

Just thought I'd dredge my own thread up. Well I've bought a bike. It's been a long search, but I've found a bike that ticks most of the boxes for me. I bought a 2005 Honda CBR600RR...I can hear the groaning already "but it's just another 600 inline four sports bike, just like your ZX-6R!!". Hell no it's not. The differences for me are like night and day. Obviously it's 6 years newer than the old ninja and technology has moved on a fair bit in that time. On paper it weighs about 25kg less and has 10hp more. Being a small fella weight is a big factor for me.

Engine:
The engine certainly doesn't wow me compared to the ninja. Lets face it, it's the same size and configuration, but the delivery of power is almost instant. The ninja took a little bit to wind up, which meant there was a delay between opening the throttle and going. The CBR is so quick to get moving, which means it's smoother and when you glance down while passing a car you realise you're doing 160. I know alot of people told me to get a v-twin and I rode a few, but an inline 4 just seems to suit me better.

Handling:
This is where the two bikes are worlds apart. I was never truly comfortable on the ninja. It always seemed to be able to scare me in some, when it would seemingly jitter all over the place or stand up when it would hit a rough patch mid-corner. Of course most of this was probably due to suspension that was completely wrong for my weight. The bike was very easy to turn into a corner but not at all stable when it's leant over. The CBR is amazing. You tip it over and it sits there. It hits a rough patch and it still sits there. You tell it where you want it to go in a corner, it doesn't tell you. This I love and this is what I was looking for. The suspension needs a little setting up for me as I find it a bit harsh on square-edged bumps and have had the rear tyre leave the road over a bump. Fortunately though, Hampton Honda have agreed to have their race professional set my bike up for me in a couple of weeks time. Sweet!!

Other Factors:
So I wouldn't be fooling anyone if I said it'll be better for touring. The tank's plastic, so my tankbag is useless. That tail would be hopeless for hanging panniers off and I'm not sure you can get a packrack to fit it...but OMG it's sexy. I love the look. Ergonomics wise it's pretty good for me, but I wouldn't want my legs to be any longer. My shins rest on the fairings. It'll be hopeless for pillions, but that's ok cause I hate taking pillions and my wife has her own bike. The headlight is disappointing. The high beam is fine but the low beam may as well not be on. But, despite these few factors I am thrilled. I've owned it since Tuesday and I already feel at home on it.

Is it the perfect bike for me? Probably not, I don't think there's such a thing. No one bike can do everything right. But I feel it's certainly a step in the right direction. I'm a happy boy

**vifferman** · 26th February 2010, 11:50

Good stuff, and congratulations! I rode one of those when they first came out, and it was a very nice bike.
As for the tank bag, I believe you can get something for tank bags that allow you to use them on bikes like yours. I haven't seen one, but I think it's basically a pad that straps onto the tank and the bag attaches to that.

**Mully** · 26th February 2010, 11:55

Nice bike.

And nice thread dredge :P

**Mikkel** · 26th February 2010, 12:23

Originally Posted by phoenixgtr

the delivery of power is almost instant. The ninja took a little bit to wind up, which meant there was a delay between opening the throttle and going.

CV carburettors versus modern fuel injection would be my bet.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 26th February 2010, 12:33

Originally Posted by phoenixgtr

Today I began the search for the bike that is right for me.

About two years ago I bought my ZX-6R. It was my first big bike and I bought it having no idea what bigger bikes were like to ride. All I knew was that I wanted a 600 sports bike. So I bought the beast.

Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with the bike. I love the power, but I've never felt "right" on it. Two years later I've come to the conclusion that I'm not going to.

So, the search has begun for the bike that pushes all my buttons.

I've decided I'm just going to test ride anything that takes my fancy (and maybe some bikes that don't). Of course I have rules:

1. My budget is within $10k
2. I'm happy with the power of my bike. I certainly don't need alot more, but I don't think I could live with less.

Let the test riding begin...

Triumph Street Triple.

You're welcome.