Moving on from my first bike - suggestions?

[GrayWolf]

How do Triumphs go? I don't know anyone that has one. Reliable enough? Price of maintenance/ parts? Just asking because I saw a reasonably priced Daytona 955i '06 for sale recently.

With a 4k budget, looking at some of the older bikes {1980-90's} is a worthwhile idea. Examples, Yamaha XJ750's.. there's been a few on tardme with under 30k km's on the clock. They are a damn good motor, and WILL give big K's if looked after. XJ900's are worth a look, but tend to be high mileage {for a reason}. FJ1200 is a superb tourer, but costly to run especially the rear tyre due to an 'odd size'. GT 750 kawasaki, another 1980's nothing special performance bike, but a solid performer.
Someone mentioned the ZZR1100. I own one... actually it's quite docile? under 6k rpm, and are very easy to ride 'gently'. However, even if they dont possess the acceleration of a modern 1litre sprotty? They were the fastest production bike for almost a decade for a reason. Open the taps and above 6k rpm they become a missile and will keep most sprotbikes 'honest' for performance. They are also quite economical if ridden 'reasonably', pretty cumfy, less 'sporty' riding position than an RF900.
Suzuki Bandit's of the older oil/air cooled engines are another honest bike.
Honda hornet 900, or even look at something like the 'big one', the 1000cc forerunner of today's CB1300, even a XJR 11/12/1300 naked are good machines for longevity mechanically

[MrMarko]

With a 4k budget, looking at some of the older bikes {1980-90's} is a worthwhile idea. Examples, Yamaha XJ750's.. there's been a few on tardme with under 30k km's on the clock. They are a damn good motor, and WILL give big K's if looked after. XJ900's are worth a look, but tend to be high mileage {for a reason}. FJ1200 is a superb tourer, but costly to run especially the rear tyre due to an 'odd size'. GT 750 kawasaki, another 1980's nothing special performance bike, but a solid performer.
Someone mentioned the ZZR1100. I own one... actually it's quite docile? under 6k rpm, and are very easy to ride 'gently'. However, even if they dont possess the acceleration of a modern 1litre sprotty? They were the fastest production bike for almost a decade for a reason. Open the taps and above 6k rpm they become a missile and will keep most sprotbikes 'honest' for performance. They are also quite economical if ridden 'reasonably', pretty cumfy, less 'sporty' riding position than an RF900.
Suzuki Bandit's of the older oil/air cooled engines are another honest bike.
Honda hornet 900, or even look at something like the 'big one', the 1000cc forerunner of today's CB1300, even a XJR 11/12/1300 naked are good machines for longevity mechanically

Maybe my wording was a bit off on that one... i was more saying the zzr1100 is a great bike and he shouldnt look past it. Many people get off a 250 and go oh no im not a litre bike hoon i dont need all that power

I just want him to understand as you say that its pretty dosile below the 6k mark, and not twitchy rip your head off injected litre bike response, what you end up with is a big comfy sports tourer that will do warp 9 if you want it to

Ps. not having a go, 100% agree with ya.

[Maha]

With a 4k budget, looking at some of the older bikes {1980-90's} is a worthwhile idea. Examples, Yamaha XJ750's.. there's been a few on tardme with under 30k km's on the clock. They are a damn good motor, and WILL give big K's if looked after. XJ900's are worth a look, but tend to be high mileage {for a reason}. FJ1200 is a superb tourer, but costly to run especially the rear tyre due to an 'odd size'. GT 750 kawasaki, another 1980's nothing special performance bike, but a solid performer.
Someone mentioned the ZZR1100. I own one... actually it's quite docile? under 6k rpm, and are very easy to ride 'gently'. However, even if they dont possess the acceleration of a modern 1litre sprotty? They were the fastest production bike for almost a decade for a reason. Open the taps and above 6k rpm they become a missile and will keep most sprotbikes 'honest' for performance. They are also quite economical if ridden 'reasonably', pretty cumfy, less 'sporty' riding position than an RF900.
Suzuki Bandit's of the older oil/air cooled engines are another honest bike.
Honda hornet 900, or even look at something like the 'big one', the 1000cc forerunner of today's CB1300, even a XJR 11/12/1300 naked are good machines for longevity mechanically

I picked my GSX1400 up for $4500 two weeks ago, at just over 100hp but with torque on tap makes it a very easy bike to ride as are the CB1300 and ZRX1200/XJR etc and I agree with you that this class of bike should not be overlooked.

[MrMarko]

I picked my GSX1400 up for $4500 two weeks ago, at just over 100hp but with torque on tap makes it a very easy bike to ride as are the CB1300 and ZRX1200/XJR etc and I agree with you that his class of bike should not be overlooked.

Test ride?

[Maha]

Test ride?

... No

[russell_ags]

Awesome, I'll have a look for some of those bigger bikes you guys mentioned - my uncle has a ZZR1100 and has put A LOT of k's on it, which is another strong testimony.

[babysteps]

Anyone mentioned a SV650 yet? There are a couple of good examples on TardMe within your budget.....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1138115385.htm - Older Curvy

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1138147106.htm - Well sorted 'S'

Both of those in Nelson, Fly up, ride home

[AllanB]

You will get a sub 50k GS1200ss for that money. Bullet proof engine (Bandit motor), 17 inch wheels with standard size tyres.

Big, grunty bruiser that eats kms.

[Metastable]

Not sure about the reliability of the older Triumphs... i.e. 955i. I haven't heard too many bad things about the newer ones.

As mentioned a few posts above, the SV650 is another great bike. The only problem I have heard with those is oil starvation from wheelies. I had a squidly friend that toasted 2 engines. However, that's not "normal" operation. If you start seeing busted fork seals and crash bars.... stay away.

I also agree with the bigger bikes.... they are pretty docile CB1000 (as opposed to CBR1000RR), Maha's new machine.... those bikes are pretty easy to ride, not twitchy.

A few other nice bikes - SV1000S (very good reliability) I knew a couple with well over 100k on them.... I had one and it was a great street bike. Also, a ZX-7R hasn't been around in a while, but great reliability, long wheel base.... a bit porky for current standards, but confidence inspiring bike.... looks BEAUTIFUL... to me.

[GrayWolf]

Awesome, I'll have a look for some of those bigger bikes you guys mentioned - my uncle has a ZZR1100 and has put A LOT of k's on it, which is another strong testimony.

One thing maybe we need to make clear, is when we say a bike is 'docile' it is comparative. Bikes like the ZZR produce incredible power at 6k rpm plus, and have reasonable pull below that. However 6k in top is about 150kph, so to get it 'shifting' you need to cog down one or two.
bikes like the CB1000, CB1300, ZXR, XJR, GS1400's do not have the top speed, or outright acceleration performance of a ZZR, but will pull from 40kph in top gear. Making them far better for top gear roll on overtaking etc.
I enjoy the CB1300s I own, the 'naked's in this class really are the UJM of the 1970/80's reborn and improved just that 'little' bit.

[MrMarko]

One thing maybe we need to make clear, is when we say a bike is 'docile' it is comparative. Bikes like the ZZR produce incredible power at 6k rpm plus, and have reasonable pull below that. However 6k in top is about 150kph, so to get it 'shifting' you need to cog down one or two.
bikes like the CB1000, CB1300, ZXR, XJR, GS1400's do not have the top speed, or outright acceleration performance of a ZZR, but will pull from 40kph in top gear. Making them far better for top gear roll on overtaking etc.
I enjoy the CB1300s I own, the 'naked's in this class really are the UJM of the 1970/80's reborn and improved just that 'little' bit.

in all honesty from the zzr's ive ridden its docile and ploddy around town and i was in 4th gear merging got an opening and pinned it up to 280 and it was a beautiful smooth quite linear pull... its the dream tourer really. i really have no need to pull from 40kph in top gear lol

[IronPawz]

Have a look at Suzuki RF900 too. Famous reliability and good all-around reputation at minimal cost.

There's a guy called Drew who knows ins and outs of it. Give him a nudge if you are interested.

Edit: Oh you are in Christchurch? High five! Here's a cheap one for sale locally.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1139345745.htm

I rode an RF900 for ages and it is now mostly a track bike for a friend, totally reliable and great to ride plus they are so cheap for what they are. Everyone comments on track days "most under rated bike" "most bang for buck." They are a great cheap option bit heavy compared to some more modern bikes but once moving they don't feel heavy.

[IronPawz]

4k student you likely want some reliability. I would say Japan for a start (nothing exotic Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha).
There are some great 400cc bikes with some looks and nut in that range that go for ever like a CBR400RR

This is nice
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1138622330.htm

I'd like to buy it for a track bike personally. What kind of KM's are you likely to do? If they are high I'd tend to go up in CC because listening to RPM for ages can be annoying, they seem to be begging "thrash me" all the time and larger bikes are just easier over regular distance on highways and last longer. If you are just around town more with minimal open road then a fast 400 is probably more fun than an average 750 or 1000 and they are CHEAP on the gas. Economy might also be of consideration. Bigger bikes are not always using more gas on the open road but they can do around town. If I was a student on a budget I personally would go Honda or Suzuki in the 400-600cc range with as low KMs as possible. Getting a shop to check it out is a good idea (buying a lemon is more expensive than anything else).

Oh and something you don't mind the look of. Ugly bikes just wear you out over time. You don't have to love it just not hate it. Beware of bikes that have low KMs but have sat around doing no kms for many years they are not as good as a reliable (often) brand with higher kms in regular use. Tend to have issues like fork seals (read potentially expensive to fix for wof).

That is my 2c as a long term long distance commuter. Going a bit faster on a small bike is still more fun than going slower on a big bike (such as when conserving gas due to some 1000cc tourer you are only riding across the city daily and should have got the 400RR and been nipping about on no gas).

[MrMarko]

4k student you likely want some reliability. I would say Japan for a start (nothing exotic Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha).
There are some great 400cc bikes with some looks and nut in that range that go for ever like a CBR400RR

This is nice
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1138622330.htm

I'd like to buy it for a track bike personally. What kind of KM's are you likely to do? If they are high I'd tend to go up in CC because listening to RPM for ages can be annoying, they seem to be begging "thrash me" all the time and larger bikes are just easier over regular distance on highways and last longer. If you are just around town more with minimal open road then a fast 400 is probably more fun than an average 750 or 1000 and they are CHEAP on the gas. Economy might also be of consideration. Bigger bikes are not always using more gas on the open road but they can do around town. If I was a student on a budget I personally would go Honda or Suzuki in the 400-600cc range with as low KMs as possible. Getting a shop to check it out is a good idea (buying a lemon is more expensive than anything else).

Oh and something you don't mind the look of. Ugly bikes just wear you out over time. You don't have to love it just not hate it. Beware of bikes that have low KMs but have sat around doing no kms for many years they are not as good as a reliable (often) brand with higher kms in regular use. Tend to have issues like fork seals (read potentially expensive to fix for wof).

That is my 2c as a long term long distance commuter. Going a bit faster on a small bike is still more fun than going slower on a big bike (such as when conserving gas due to some 1000cc tourer you are only riding across the city daily and should have got the 400RR and been nipping about on no gas).

Personally i'd avoid a 90's 400 due to the availability of parts for it. with the old 249cc learner system most that graduated went to a 600 +

Most of the 400's have been out racing for years so theyve chewed through most of the parts by now.... around the 4k mark is getting pretty old now so id be looking at more common bikes, i always work on the theory... in 5 years will i be able to get parts for this vehicle...

[IronPawz]

Personally i'd avoid a 90's 400 due to the availability of parts for it. with the old 249cc learner system most that graduated went to a 600 +

Most of the 400's have been out racing for years so theyve chewed through most of the parts by now.... around the 4k mark is getting pretty old now so id be looking at more common bikes, i always work on the theory... in 5 years will i be able to get parts for this vehicle...

Fair point I didn't consider parts and I am bias towards these lovely wee machines. Look up fuel stats online if you are gas cost sensitive and parts availability is a good suggestion. Most of the older race bikes are likely parts issues waiting to happen. Hornet perhaps. There are some decent singles out there often for cheap that might work well I had a BMW F650 for ages that was a good reliable horse and cheap not sure on parts for them but they are still common (because they just keep going mine had 130ks and was still a runner).