Returning rider - Recommend me a bike!

[5150]

TZR1000 RR.

Why, oh why the fuck would he want to buy a hand grenade?

[Banditbandit]

Why, oh why the fuck would he want to buy a hand grenade?

Terrorists frequently use motorcycles you know ..

[TheDemonLord]

Unfortunately the GSX650FU seems to be well out of my price range - $12,000 new? And they haven't appeared on the used market yet.
My budget is 6-8K

I got mine used - but they are a little hard to find used

[Ender EnZed]

I want something I can push to around 75% of its limits without being afraid of

This statement could mean different things to different people. But, if you mean that you want to be able to change gear at the redline a decent amount of the time then it's worth considering the fact that anything past ~100hp is getting into serious licence losing speeds in third gear. That CBR600 you linked is a sensible step up from a RGV or CBR400 but it'll do 160 in second.

[nodrog:Me]

Unfortunately the GSX650FU seems to be well out of my price range....

What about a GSXR1000FU?

[HenryDorsetCase]

This statement could mean different things to different people. But, if you mean that you want to be able to change gear at the redline a decent amount of the time then it's worth considering the fact that anything past ~100hp is getting into serious licence losing speeds in third gear. That CBR600 you linked is a sensible step up from a RGV or CBR400 but it'll do 160 in second.

OP should buy a cruiser. An 883 Sportster.

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-787339432.htm

If you can find a few more dollars this is it.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-782533496.htm

[fridayflash]

reccomend you a fuken search.
TZR1000 RR.

or if thats too big, he could try the 'sleeved down' tz700

[Akzle]

reccomend you a fuken search.
TZR1000 RR.

[george formby]

If your looking for a bike just to go fanging on then the SV650, ER6, would do the job. Yup, they are compromised but how well, truthfully, can you ride?

Your height & weight is irrelevant to the performance of the bike. That all comes down to your right wrist and how it is connected to your brain. So the 600 super sports are just tickety boo but do like revs.

If you get your full and want the full experience of handling & power on the road try & find a GSXR 7fiddly.

Just sayin.

As somebody posted, decide your primary purpose, get your licence and go test riding.

For cornering shenanigans the CBR400 & RGV 2fiddly are hard to beat.

Oh, a KTM 690 Duke is huge fun in the corners. Mega, even.

[EJK]

Get a bmw s1000rr and just ride it in rain mode.

Yup! That's what I did.

[mossy1200]

Yup! That's what I did.

Yeah right! TUI

Bet rain mode stayed on for less than 10mins

I have programmed 3 different drag maps onto my lower power mode positions and set the default traction control to zero on them.
Now I can ride to 30% of the bikes ability.

[nodrog:Me]

Yup! That's what I did.

Yeah right! TUI

Bet rain mode stayed on for less than 10mins

I have programmed 3 different drag maps onto my lower power mode positions and set the default traction control to zero on them.
Now I can ride to 30% of the bikes ability.

Dude hes asian, he had to get park assit fitted too.

[royalbeast]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
Seriously helpful.

As you guys have been saying, I should know what I want out a bike, and go for that. I'll try to explain what I'm after.

My bike will be my only vehicle - but most of the time I use public transport within the city, so a vehicle is purely for fun, and any out of city trips.
I'm coming back to bikes after a failed experiment with cars, where, without realising it, I was simply trying to replicate the joy I felt from a motorcycle.
I had cars like and Rx7- FD, s2000, mx5, etc. Some of the best drivers cars, but they all felt heavy, and though there was speed (A hell of a lot with the modified rx7) it was disconnected, and abstract speed.
After all - I learnt how to ride a street bike, before I learnt how to drive a car, so I think I am ruined for life.

What I want, is a bike thats small enough I can feel is a part of me, but with enough horsepower.
I don't need a 1000cc, but saying that, modern 250's feel like great handling scooters.
Something that strikes a happy medium is what I want - But I want something closer to a weapon, than a commuter.

I'm just not entirely sure what will meet my wants best.

The kawasaki ER6N / 650r seems great, I will try and see one today
The sv650 seems ok, too, but doesn't strike me the same way.
I'm also not a fan of v-twins from what I've experienced - I prefer inline 4's. I love the fact they want to be rev'd to an inch of their lives to bring out their power, and I'll trade that for v-twin torque any day.


Cheers!
Steve

[Ender EnZed]

Midsize twins might be a bit bland. Go ride one, then ride a 600cc CBR/GSXR/ZX/R6.

If you're only going to be riding on city/main roads on the way to the good stuff then the shortcomings of a more focussed bike aren't going to matter too much.