Which one from these three?

**kneescraper** · 13th August 2009, 18:39

Hey all,

Want alittle bit of input from you guys, dont mind if its just personl preference or experence....either is good.

Style of riding using either one of these bikes would be weekend riding, say 300kms or so in one go...some fanging but no wheelies or any of that stuff. Has to be good at 2 up with gear and have good seating. Good power in low to mid range and also sound good

First one being the Yamaha XJR1300 SP, Ive ridden the old mans one and it is very nice, got debaffled exhausts and its sweet.

Second one being Honda CB1300, well its a Honda so it will start every time, good looking but kind of old-ish looking, not sure.

Third and final is the Suzuki GSX1400, bigger engine, maybe more power down low thanks to the larger CC? Looks sexy as but I have heard bad things about the handling?

Im after the big nakes bike just because Im a tall chap that loves the raw muscle look. Also one point to think about is after market parts like screens, exhaust or any other bing.

Cheers.

**MIXONE** · 13th August 2009, 18:45

All three are very similar and do the same job so ride them all and choose the one your heart tells you to.
I'd have any one!

**kneescraper** · 13th August 2009, 18:49

By riding each one doesnt tell me others thoughts on how they last with KMs under them, if they have common problems, if parts are cheap etc etc.

I also understand that they are much the same however when test riding them I wont beable to do a 300KM trip to see how it runs in long distances.

**nallac** · 13th August 2009, 19:08

Going by looks only i'd take the GSX1400,

find Beyonds write ups on his 14's...very good write ups..

**Hitcher** · 13th August 2009, 19:40

Originally Posted by kneescraper

Want alittle bit of input from you guys, dont mind if its just personl preference or experence....either is good.

Do you want to buy new? If not, I'd add a Kawasaki ZRX1200R to that list. I had one for about 36,000km and it was my preference from that range of bikes by some margin.

All of the bikes you've listed require modifications: suspension, seat and mufflers. All would also benefit from braided lines.

**Taz** · 13th August 2009, 20:29

You left out the KTM950SE Super Enduro. Now that's a naked bike that's not restricted to the road...... Worth a thought.

**Hitcher** · 13th August 2009, 20:37

I get the impression that what is being looked for is a newish Japanese naked inline-four muscle bike for less than $15,500. Otherwise I would have recommended a Triumph Speed Triple.

**beyond** · 13th August 2009, 20:48

The talk about bad handing on the GSX1400 is bullshit pure and simple.
You just got to set them up right and with the standard suspension set right you can't beat them.

When I first got both mine on standard suspenders and settings I changed them straight away. Still standard suspenders but properly set up which I did myself.
Stops the front end diving under hard braking... gets rid of the wallowing under fast sweepers and turns the bike into a machine that loves the tight stuff.

Low down torque, great for two up, carries lots of gear... (11 litres under the seat alone) and will hit 260kmh.

You can't beat them... the best of the three.

Search my threads for reviews... I've done three of them on this bike and have yet to find a better machine to suit my purposes.

**beyond** · 13th August 2009, 20:50

Oh, forgot to mention you can ride them all day. Been to Napier and back in one day no problem and the longest was 1200kms in 13 hours to the East Cape and back in one day. Felt real good when I got back.

**Edbear** · 13th August 2009, 20:59

Originally Posted by beyond

Oh, forgot to mention you can ride them all day. Been to Napier and back in one day no problem and the longest was 1200kms in 13 hours to the East Cape and back in one day. Felt real good when I got back.

Not that you're biased of course...

All three are very good with little to choose between them. They have all been around long enough to show up any shortcomings, too. Only complaint I have heard about any of them is the pillion peg height on the Honda.

Hitcher's comment on the ZRX is worth considering, too. Not quite a couch like the others but reports have all been of high praise. A faster, more sporty bike but still comfortable.

No issues as regards longevity, may be a bit of a difference in resale value with the Honda having a slight edge over the others. The GSX1400 has gained a wide and loyal following, check out the websites.

**beyond** · 13th August 2009, 21:00

Here you go mate:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=95303

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=85594

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=26613

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=34913

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=34914

**AllanB** · 13th August 2009, 21:02

As they have all proven to be ultra reliable, consider a low km used one - you'll save thousands to spend on suspenders or what-nots.

**ducatilover** · 13th August 2009, 21:07

They are all great bikes, I love the gsx though, superb looking bike. Or a laguna seca replica xjr....all three have got plenty enough grunt, the gsx having the fastest arm dislocation out of all of them

**The Stranger:Me** · 13th August 2009, 21:13

Haven't ridden any of them. But having ridden with Beyond, I really wouldn't bother with the Yamaha or Honda - and apparently he's a shit rider too, so it must be the bike that makes the difference eh.

**ducatilover** · 13th August 2009, 21:17

Originally Posted by The Stranger

Haven't ridden any of them. But having ridden with Beyond, I really wouldn't bother with the Yamaha or Honda - and apparently he's a shit rider too, so it must be the bike that makes the difference eh.

I have had a ride on the xjr. Not too impressive. Good enough bike but not exactly exciting.