Suzuki RF900, thoughts?

**banditrider** · 23rd May 2012, 18:06

I only had problems with the riding position when doing too much slow speed (town) riding - then I felt it in the wrists. I did have problems with the vibration (RF's known for bad vibes at open road speed limit - 1 easy way to stop that

) giving me sore joints in my hands when doing the GC but then it's not that often that most people are doing 1,000 miles in a day - towards the end of the run I'd start doing clutchless shifts which helped my left hand...

Overall though, pretty comfy for the style. The Bandit is better with it's more upright riding position and easy reach to wide comfortable bars - being bars not clip-ons they're a bit easier to adjust too. Vibration not as much as an issue either. Bandit slightly better 2-up as well.

BTW: I loved the RF and would love to have been able to keep but I couldn't justify 2 similar bikes back then. It was the nice green colour too.

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**Madness** · 23rd May 2012, 18:22

Originally Posted by Ender EnZed

What you want is a 168 rwhp ZZR1100.

Good point, except the D-model is the one to buy ('93 onwards) Even more bang for very few bucks.

**banditrider** · 23rd May 2012, 18:41

I happen to have a 2Wheels mag which ran the ZZ-R against the RF...as with all shoot-outs there were pros & cons with both bikes.

My old man had a ZZ-R while I had the RF. I preferred the RF although I think the ZZ-R would probably be the better 2-up tourer (he and ma did the South Island loaded up a couple of times). RF didn't have that flat spot at 4,000rpm either

. And at 11 grand brand new the RF was a nice price...

If you want a big Kawa there is only one choice...

**Tigadee** · 23rd May 2012, 22:54

Hey Spokes, check this out:

**nzspokes** · 23rd May 2012, 22:55

Originally Posted by banditrider

I only had problems with the riding position when doing too much slow speed (town) riding - then I felt it in the wrists. I did have problems with the vibration (RF's known for bad vibes at open road speed limit - 1 easy way to stop that

) giving me sore joints in my hands when doing the GC but then it's not that often that most people are doing 1,000 miles in a day - towards the end of the run I'd start doing clutchless shifts which helped my left hand...

Overall though, pretty comfy for the style. The Bandit is better with it's more upright riding position and easy reach to wide comfortable bars - being bars not clip-ons they're a bit easier to adjust too. Vibration not as much as an issue either. Bandit slightly better 2-up as well.

BTW: I loved the RF and would love to have been able to keep but I couldn't justify 2 similar bikes back then. It was the nice green colour too.

Ive not ridden a bike that stretched out before. I will try to get to ride one over the next week.

**nzspokes** · 23rd May 2012, 22:56

Originally Posted by Tigadee

Hey Spokes, check this out:

That person has freakishly long legs. And hes yellow, yellow fever?

**Crasherfromwayback** · 23rd May 2012, 22:57

Originally Posted by Tigadee

Hey Spokes, check this out:

What happens if your arms and legs are different lengths to the dummy?

**nzspokes** · 23rd May 2012, 23:00

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

What happens if your arms and legs are different lengths to the dummy?

Calling me a dummy??????

**Tigadee** · 23rd May 2012, 23:06

Originally Posted by nzspokes

That person has freakishly long legs. And hes yellow, yellow fever?

Sorry, that was based on me... Here's you [as an Asian]:

**nzspokes** · 23rd May 2012, 23:12

Originally Posted by Tigadee

Sorry, that was based on me... Here's you [as an Asian]:

Theres your problem. Its not allowed for my gut getting in the way of me reaching the bars.........

But really I need to sit on one. Theres a nice one at North Harbour Yamaha which I will look at.

**Tigadee** · 23rd May 2012, 23:31

Originally Posted by nzspokes

Theres your problem. Its not allowed for my gut getting in the way of me reaching the bars.........

Problem solved... Note the new aerodynamic belly pan of the rider which pushes airflow to the sides to reduce drag, even when said rider is dressed in drag.