Changing bikes, probably not 'til next year - opinions on what to get? (RF 900 maybe)

[MarkH]

I've been living in Auckland for about 15 years and a few years ago I bough a commuter bike that I've also used as a small tourer.
But now I've moved from Auckland to Morrinsville (I was born & raised in the Waikato) and I'm thinking that my 400cc scooter is not quite the ideal vehicle for me any more.
I'm no longer commuting around Auckland daily and that is where the Burgman really shined - the name is actually from Burg = city.

Now there is my wants & needs & preferences:
I don't like cruisers
I don't like highly strung & uncomfortable sports bikes
I do like sports tourers.
I do like a fully faired bike.

And my financial situation:
I got no money.

So, I'm thinking that if I start saving then by August - October of next year I could have maybe 5k or so to spend.

What I'm considering:
I've seen the RF 900 bikes on TradeMe going for 2.5k - 5k so that means for ~$5k I can get a pretty good example of that particular bike.

What I'm wondering:
Is this a good decision? Should I save up the money and buy a ~16 year old bike?
Is the RF 900 a good choice for a sports tourer? Is it a good bike to ride?
Will this be a good reliable bike?

I was thinking that around October next year as the weather is getting nicer I'd like to get a new (to me) bike, but maybe I could buy one in the middle of winter if the prices are better during the worse time of year.
There is also the issue of selling the AN 400 - maybe I should sell that a few months later when I'll get a better price. I don't think I'll get a lot for it though, it has rather high kms for a scooter and isn't in perfect condition cosmetically, the tupperware isn't cheap to replace either and I would probably not get a good return on replacing any of that.

Thoughts? Opinions? Advice?

[iYRe]

I test rode a few RF900's but found the seating position a bit unconfortable. Ended up with the ZRX1100 and wouldnt change it for the world.. well.. except for a new one :P

[MarkH]

I test rode a few RF900's but found the seating position a bit unconfortable. Ended up with the ZRX1100 and wouldnt change it for the world.. well.. except for a new one :P

Good point, I guess I'll be needing to test ride one at some point to see how I like the feel of it.
The ZRX1100 bikes on Trademe seem to be a bit more expensive, I'm not sure about the extra cost there.

[Rhys]

The RF's are incredibly under rated , it would definitely be on my short list, I would also look at the CBR's (blackbird) they come up for around $5K occasionally

[BigAl]

Have you considered Bandits, heaps around, real reliable, good tourers, pretty cheap.

Most late ones have fairings, I saw a 2007, 46kms for $4500.

Can't go wrong.

[MarkH]

The RF's are incredibly under rated , it would definitely be on my short list, I would also look at the CBR's (blackbird) they come up for around $5K occasionally

Yes I think I'd definitely consider a CBR going for a good price.

[Madness]

There are loads of posts here on KB about the proficiency of the RF900. Drew will be here at some stage, he knows how to punt 'em about

The ZZR1100 D models, from '93 onwards represent a huge amount of bang for buck and are worth keeping an eye out for too. With any bike that's >10 years older condition is key to avoiding costly repairs. Pay attention to brake rotor thicknesses, fork chrome, etc.

[MarkH]

Have you considered Bandits, heaps around, real reliable, good tourers, pretty cheap.

Most late ones have fairings, I saw a 2007, 46kms for $4500.

Can't go wrong.

*checks trademe

Hmmm, the average price on a Bandit seems to be a few thousand higher, I have to wonder if a late model one for $4.5k isn't too cheap - i.e. maybe some problem which lowers the price. Some nice Bandits for sale though, if only I had the necessary cash . . .

[MarkH]

There are loads of posts here on KB about the proficiency of the RF900. Drew will be here at some stage, he knows how to punt 'em about

The ZZR1100 D models, from '93 onwards represent a huge amount of bang for buck and are worth keeping an eye out for too. With any bike that's >10 years older condition is key to avoiding costly repairs. Pay attention to brake rotor thicknesses, fork chrome, etc.

If I can get a decent specimen that runs well and is reliable then I'm OK with spending a few hundred on a new brake rotor or whatever.
I'm just after a decent bike with a nice wide power band - nothing to peaky.
I'm not sure I really want to go up to 1 litre or more, I've also considered a bike like the GSX750F Katana which were pretty cheap new and I've seen 2005 to 2008 models from $3.5k to $5k.

I guess I've got a bit of time to look into the different options and consider the various helpful suggestions here.

[iYRe]

Good point, I guess I'll be needing to test ride one at some point to see how I like the feel of it.
The ZRX1100 bikes on Trademe seem to be a bit more expensive, I'm not sure about the extra cost there.

I got my 1999 model one for 3k.. spent 1k.. and its awesome. They are nimble, quick, comfy, and sound great.

[iYRe]

If I can get a decent specimen that runs well and is reliable then I'm OK with spending a few hundred on a new brake rotor or whatever.
I'm just after a decent bike with a nice wide power band - nothing to peaky.
I'm not sure I really want to go up to 1 litre or more, I've also considered a bike like the GSX750F Katana which were pretty cheap new and I've seen 2005 to 2008 models from $3.5k to $5k.

I guess I've got a bit of time to look into the different options and consider the various helpful suggestions here.

Do the research (google zrxoa and zrxoc if you're interested in the zrx/zzr route) - when you have the cash, set yourself up a bunch of test rides.. it will be plainly obvious on the day what you want.. I road CBR1000's, RF900's, Bandits, zrx1100 - the zrx was by far the winner with the CBR close second.

[MarkH]

Do the research (google zrxoa and zrxoc if you're interested in the zrx/zzr route) - when you have the cash, set yourself up a bunch of test rides.. it will be plainly obvious on the day what you want.. I road CBR1000's, RF900's, Bandits, zrx1100 - the zrx was by far the winner with the CBR close second.

Hmmm, some test riding is definitely in order.
I see a ZZR100 in trademe for $4k, something like that would be worth putting on my short list for suitable bikes in the right price range.
I'm definitely not opposed to buying a bike from Dunedin either - fly down and ride back, perfect excuse for a long ride!

I'll have to get saving, there are more bikes than I thought in my price range.

[Pedrostt500]

I paid 5k for my FJR 1300 18 months ago.

[AllanB]

SV1000, poor mans Ducati :-)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-576966926.htm



GS1200ss (bandit engine, retro look, tour very well)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-576640270.htm

[Jantar]

I'm another one who thinks that the RF900 is a very good bike that is generally under-rated. You should be able to pick up a good one for under $5k, and have change to improve the seat and make it more suitable for longer distances.

The GS1200SS is another good choice that is long legged and economical. I did a Southern Cross on one in 2005 without any problems at all.

Earlier model FJRs also come available within your price range and may be worth a look.

There are plenty of choices oput there so just watch trade me, visit the local bike shops in Hamilton etc and see what you feel comfortable with.