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Motorcycle Forum / General / Sportbikes / April 2005De-lurk and question
Greetings, Salutations and Nods to all! I have been reading this ng for some time and decided to de-lurk and introduce myself. I also have a question that hopefully you can help me with. For starters, my name is Randy Wiggins and I live in Sylva, NC. I'm 37 years old, 6 feet tall and weigh 220 lbs. I have taken the MSF basic and advanced rider's course even though I have ridden since childhood and am always seeking more education. I have three fused vertebrae in my lower back as the result of an accident many years ago. Let's just say I've learned from my mistakes (and continue to learn every day), thank God I lived and leave it at that <G>. Anyway, I mention this because I can only comfortably sit on a sport or standard. Cruiser or feet forward seating positions absolutely kill my back. It's all twisties here in Western North Carolina combined with steep climbs, descents and the occasional decreasing radius off-camber road in various combinations and road conditions can change daily. I live about an hour away from Deal's Gap and The Tail of the Dragon. Long distances are the norm here. Something might be five miles away as the crow flies, but terrain makes it ten to fifteen actual. To me it is paradise, but fraught with peril nonetheless. My question involves my next motorcycle. Since you guys ride such a variety of motorcycles in a variety of places, I am hoping I could draw upon your real world experiences and factor them into my own decision. I am looking for something that can handle the twisties, has plenty of power to pull steep climbs, handles steep, twisty downhill descents with little drama, and can handle the occasional two-up. There aren't many straightaways here. The ability to do long trips occasionally (300+ mile / day) and decent mileage are factors. Occasionally, you need to accelerate hard NOW and sometimes that is up a steep incline. I don't need or want a 'Busa (though I drool over them), but I do need a bike that has power. Elevations range from 2000 to 6000 feet. A friend has recommended the Buell Firebolt XB12R and the Lightning XB12S, but the fact that the engine is air cooled concerns me. I ride nearly every day, including in the Winter. Would an air cooled engine hold up long pulling these mountains? If you lived here, what would you ride? Assume a moderate maturity, skill set and experience. If you could throw your two cents in I would appreciate it. And if you are over this way, shoot me an email and look me up. I doubt I could keep up with most of you guys but I could point out a few roads herebouts that are a blast, places to stay, etc. Randy Wiggins wncranger|at|earthlink|dot|net Sua Sponte > A friend has recommended the Buell Firebolt XB12R and the Lightning > XB12S, Your friend needs holes drilled into his skull to relieve the pressure....you want something to last awhile....skip the Buells... > but the fact that the engine is air cooled concerns me. Air cooled isn't a problem, look at the Suzuki Bandit 1200. The problem is in who makes them, poor resale, and motor mount bolts which, if not dissembled and replaced with better components, might break off while in motion and get you clobbered in the process. Don't beleive me? Ask one of the two resident Buellers... > I ride > nearly every day, including in the Winter. Would an air cooled engine > hold up long pulling these mountains? Sure. Reference Bandit 1200 again....comfy, powerful, inexpensive in initial purchase, reasonable sporty and modifiable. > If you lived here, what would > you ride? Assume a moderate maturity, skill set and experience. Why, the same bike I own now, an sv650. Works well everywhere ( except above 9000 feet ), light on its feet, dances with the best of them and makes a nice trackday bike when I don't feel like breaking out the heavy artillery. > If you could throw your two cents in I would appreciate it. And if > you are over this way, shoot me an email and look me up. I doubt I > could keep up with most of you guys but I could point out a few roads > herebouts that are a blast, places to stay, etc. There are so many bikes besides the silly Buells to look at, in the end it comes down to personal preference, how much you want to spend on insurance, how many poser points you think sportbiking requires among your friends, how far into low Mach numbers you require being catapulted to on a regular basis, hell, they aren't many bad bikes left nowadays...just some feeble ones which are best avoided, like Buells. For example...sv650 works well everywhere if you aren't power hungry, if you are, sv1000's work there. Require more sportbikiness? Any of the modern 600's fill that gap, need more power than that, literbikes will incinerate you, their rear tires, gasoline, insurance dollars and anything else that gets in their way....comfort sportiness, Bandit 600 or 1200 ( both air cooled I believe ), any brand of Japanese sport tourer is nice, if a bit big and heavy for dancing through a nice tight canyon, Busa's and ZX-12R's have decent sportiness and low Mach number capability... The question is...what do YOU like, and where do YOU put the priorities? Does it have to have plastic on it? Does it have to have poser points? Does it have to be powerful, or is "enough for the street" enough for you? >> A friend has recommended the Buell Firebolt XB12R and the Lightning >> XB12S, > >Your friend needs holes drilled into his skull to relieve the >pressure....you want something to last awhile....skip the Buells... LOL! I definitely want something that lasts awhile! You hit that nail right on the head. >> but the fact that the engine is air cooled concerns me. > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >motion and get you clobbered in the process. Don't beleive me? Ask one of >the two resident Buellers... That is *exactly* what bothers me. I was reading somewhere on the net about someone who had an cato due to an engine mounting bolt. I have an '82 Honda NightHawk CB650SC which was given to me and is a fun bike that takes me back. I refurbished and rebuilt it from the frame up in my quest to learn more about motorcycles. Due to inexperience, I didn't loctite the two forward engine mounting bolts. After a day's hard ride, I was aghast to note that one of the bolts had disappeared and I still had miles to go. I pressed on at a moderate pace and made it home okay. From what I have read, I believe I would have had a serious problem with the Buell. >> I ride >> nearly every day, including in the Winter. Would an air cooled engine >> hold up long pulling these mountains? > >Sure. Reference Bandit 1200 again....comfy, powerful, inexpensive in initial >purchase, reasonable sporty and modifiable. I am not familiar with the Bandit. I will have to check it out. >> If you lived here, what would >> you ride? Assume a moderate maturity, skill set and experience. [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] >Does it have to have plastic on it? Does it have to have poser points? Does >it have to be powerful, or is "enough for the street" enough for you? I have been looking hard at the SV650 and the SV1000 (simply because of the power it offers when carrying a passenger). I'm not really the poser type and I don't really care for glitz and glamour. Don't get me wrong, I like to have fun and sometimes ride aggressively and I appreciate other bikers and their rides, but I personally am more into reliability, fun and enough power for the street (and the occasional need to get the hell out of there!). Again, because I live in the mountains, it pays to be able to go. Priorities: I want something that will cost no more than $10,000.00, preferably less (don't we all!). I need something powerful enough to be able to quickly accelerate (or brake) with a passenger. I want something that is a blast to ride in the twisties. I want the bike to be reliable and not maintenance intensive (if at all possible). While capable of turning my own wrenches, I enjoy riding more. My riding emphasis is cornering rather than straightaways. I appreciate you taking the time to comment! Randy Wiggins wncranger|at|earthlink|dot|net Sua Sponte > Priorities: I want something that will cost no more than $10,000.00, > preferably less (don't we all!). I need something powerful enough to [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > capable of turning my own wrenches, I enjoy riding more. My riding > emphasis is cornering rather than straightaways. Also look into the naked bikes (like the Honda 919) they aren't to pricey, aren't covered in all the expensive plastics, and are way way way cheaper to insure. Bruce > Priorities: I want something that will cost no more than $10,000.00, > preferably less (don't we all!). I need something powerful enough to [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > I appreciate you taking the time to comment! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4544668082&rd=1&ss pagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1 If you can compromise on maintanence priotity a little. >> A friend has recommended the Buell Firebolt XB12R and the Lightning >> XB12S, [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] > Does it have to have plastic on it? Does it have to have poser points? > Does it have to be powerful, or is "enough for the street" enough for you? I like to see endorsements for the 1200 Bandit. I saw one in a showroon on sale for ~1/2 the price of a 'Busa, which is what I was half-heartedly shopping for at the time. So I scooped one. I really really like this bike. Has gobs of torque everywhere, will do over 100 MPH in second gear (if that matters)...And it handles like a smaller bike. It's only ~40lb heavier than the 600 Bandit. A few other little things I like about it.... -comes with a center stand (sorry, I *have* to have a center stand) -gobs of torque everywhere -I love those 4 pegs they provide to bungee stuff onto the back seat -has conventional handle bars so you can screw with those if you want -has enough power that you don't have to rely on a bunch of aerodynamic improving plastic for when you want to pass motor homes at hwy speeds and beyond. -Minimal amount of plastic. Don't get me started on what I think about excess plastic :o) -The riding position is a good compromise. I'm and old fart, I like the sport bikes but I also want to be able to spend up to 6 hrs a day on the bike, and I can do it on this on the Bandit, although I'm ready for a stiff drink when I get off :o) Things I don't like : -Would be really nice to have a digital gear indicator. I keep thinking I have another gear at the top and try to shift up into it. The solution: apparently if you get the gear indicating switch from almost any old Zuke which has a digital gear indicator, you can swap it out for the neutral switch. The plan would then be to have the neutral light come on in 4th as well as neutral. Why 4th? Because if you hook it up so it's on in 5th, assuming you're in that more than any other gear, you might be taxing the lamp more than it's designed for and it might pop prematurely. If you look down and that lamps not on, its easy to figure out if you are in 5th or 3rd, or.....neutral. I keep thinking about what I would replace the Bandit with if I got a new bike and keep drawing a blank... I will probably have it 'til it dies..... D. > -Would be really nice to have a digital gear indicator. I keep thinking I > have another gear at the top and try to shift up into it. The solution: > apparently if you get the gear indicating switch from almost any old Zuke > which has a digital gear indicator, you can swap it out for the neutral > switch. The plan would then be to have the neutral light come on in 4th as > well as neutral. So you find yourself searching for 6th gear on the highway? Does that ever cause you actual trouble, or is it more of a simple annoyance? And how long have you had the Bandit? I remember thinking "Jeez, I wish I knew what gear I was in" when I first started riding (12 years ago). But then I became accustomed to the bike, and I knew what gear I was in just by glancing at the speedo and tach. Each time I got a new bike, I had to relearn how those numbers match up for various gears. But it's not like I'm actually studying it. It's just that I notice things like 4500 rpm is about 40 or so mph in 2nd gear. I still sometimes look for an extra gear when I'm getting up to speed on the freeway. I'll be going up through the gears and think I've got one more, but nope... no 7th gear. No big deal. Just keep rolling along in 6th, which is where I wanted to be anyway. > Why 4th? Because if you hook it up so it's on in 5th, assuming you're in > that more than any other gear, you might be taxing the lamp more than it's > designed for and it might pop prematurely. If you look down and that lamps > not on, its easy to figure out if you are in 5th or 3rd, or.....neutral. That sounds much more confusing than the normal setup, where the neutral light just means neutral, and you don't really need to know which gear you're in as long as the engine is revving where you want it to.  SignatureJamin Kortegard popular sportbike / popular car "Hokey 600s and trackday usability are no match for a good literbike at your side, kid." - Michael >> -Would be really nice to have a digital gear indicator. I keep thinking I >> have another gear at the top and try to shift up into it. The solution: [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > light just means neutral, and you don't really need to know which gear > you're in as long as the engine is revving where you want it to. I think the bike is actually geared higher than it should be. At normal hwy speeds, it's not that easy to tell at a quick glance at the tach and speedo if you're in 4th or 5th. And the speedo doesn't really register in my mind anyway. I don't really look at it much, unless I think I see a cop. I think mostly because it's in Km/H, it just doesn't register in my brain as useful input when I'm focused on driving. Canada adopted the metric system long after I had MPH etc thoroughly entrenched in my brain, the old British system of units is the only thing I can really relate to. The neutral light in 4th thing I don't think is confusing. I mean, if you are bombing along you probably remember shifting up a bunch of times, you're just not sure of how many. I think this neutral-lite-in-4th thing is a good idea, because it does the job, all you have to do is put a jumper on the new switch and you don't have do anything tacky to the dash. That kind of hacking up stuff really screws up the resale value of the bike, if that's a concern. D. > I think this neutral-lite-in-4th thing is a good idea, because it does the > job, all you have to do is put a jumper on the new switch and you don't have > do anything tacky to the dash. That kind of hacking up stuff really screws > up the resale value of the bike, if that's a concern. Sounds like you've given it some thought, so far be it from me to tell you you shouldn't. For me, I could ride along with only my ears to tell me if I were in the right gear or not. But that's me. SignatureJamin Kortegard popular sportbike / popular car "Hokey 600s and trackday usability are no match for a good literbike at your side, kid." - Michael > Greetings, Salutations and Nods to all! > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > them), but I do need a bike that has power. Elevations range from > 2000 to 6000 feet. Check out the Yamaha FZ1. Great all-around bike with standard seating position and plenty of power if and when you need it. Pete >> Greetings, Salutations and Nods to all! >> [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >Check out the Yamaha FZ1. Great all-around bike with standard seating >position and plenty of power if and when you need it. I wouldn't wish one of those snatchy, poorly carburated, weak at low revs, buzzy beasts on my worst enemy, which Peter ranks pretty close to. Go with Troy's advise with the Suzuki Bandit 1200. The 600's been dropped but you can still find them cheap on the used market. Don't overlook the SV-650 naked version, then buy a big fly screen. The suspension is a bit ragged stock but you'd be hard pressed to find a better all rounder. The SV-1000, even the naked version, has poorer ergo's ( harder on your back) and is 50lbs heavier than the 650 but it too would be a better choice than a Buell or FZ-1. Also check out used Honda VFR's (expensive for what they are 788cc's) and The used Suzuki 600 & 750 Katana's. Bob Nixon, Chandler AZ-deer strike recovery-(completed) 01 Sprint ST "RED" 45K miles 03 GSXR 1000 "SILVER" 7K RIP (deer slain) > I wouldn't wish one of those snatchy, poorly carburated, weak at low > revs, buzzy beasts on my worst enemy, Randy, keep in mind that Bob's an admitted Yamaha hater. I've heard way more positive reviews of the FZ1 than I have negative ones. Buells on the other hand... fun, but not the most reliable of the bunch. You're getting good suggestions all around. If it were me, I'd have the SV1000, Yamaha FZ1, Kawasaki ZRX1200 and Honda 919 on my list and go from there. Maybe a Triumph Sprint if you're thinking of something with more fairing, hard luggage and such. Good luck with the search. Let us know how it goes. SignatureJamin Kortegard popular sportbike / popular car "Hokey 600s and trackday usability are no match for a good literbike at your side, kid." - Michael >> I wouldn't wish one of those snatchy, poorly carburated, weak at low >> revs, buzzy beasts on my worst enemy, > >Randy, keep in mind that Bob's an admitted Yamaha hater. I've heard way more >positive reviews of the FZ1 than I have negative ones. I don't hate ALL Yamaha's. They made some fine motorcycles in the 70-80's; namely the two stroke RD & RZ series. I had three myself during those times. However their four stroke bikes starting with the XS400, XS500, XS650, and XS750 & XS1100's...were more hoo hummm than the Honda's of that era. Kawasaki & Suzuki came out of the four-stroke gate running and haven't stopped since -:) Then there were the Yamaha Fazers;) That said, I rode an 04 R1 last year and other than a resonant fairing buzz at certain frequencys (RPMs) and a weaker 3-5K RPM than the Suzuki 1000K3, it was a very competent bike. The FZ1 I rode was not a pleasant experience. Tall, buzzy, lots of drive line lash and weak & jerky in the 3-6KRPM ranges. Maybe it was just set up poorly? R6's are nice bikes too but soo cramped feeling. I guess they were designed for two uses: The track & squids (stunters). That FJR1300 really ticks me off. A porker that MUST BE ordered ($500 deposit), sight unseen (let alone ride the thing). If you ask me , it's a recycled XS1100, from 1979. >Buells on the other hand... fun, but not the most reliable of the bunch. Amen. >You're getting good suggestions all around. If it were me, I'd have the >SV1000, Yamaha FZ1, Kawasaki ZRX1200 and Honda 919 on my list and go from >there. Maybe a Triumph Sprint if you're thinking of something with more >fairing, hard luggage and such. > >Good luck with the search. Let us know how it goes. Bob Nixon, Chandler AZ-deer strike recovery-(completed) 01 Sprint ST "RED" 45K miles 03 GSXR 1000 "SILVER" 7K RIP (deer slain) > That FJR1300 really ticks me off. A porker that MUST BE ordered ($500 > deposit), sight unseen (let alone ride the thing). If you ask me , > it's a recycled XS1100, from 1979. LOL...now that was as funny as any Krusty poem! >>Check out the Yamaha FZ1. Great all-around bike with standard seating >>position and plenty of power if and when you need it. > >I wouldn't wish one of those snatchy, poorly carburated, weak at low >revs, buzzy beasts ... Bah. I've none of that with mine. In 8,000 mile I've never said "gosh, I wish it had more power down low." It isn't a tractor after all. The clutch is just fine and I've never noticed any objectionable buzz. I can accept that you don't like them, but a poor quality bike it is not. In fact, it has been an exceptional commuter as well as a touring bike. -- John, '02 FZ1, '73 RD350 Miles from where I started > I can accept that you don't like them, but a poor quality bike it is > not. In fact, it has been an exceptional commuter as well as a touring > bike. Pay no attention to Bob. If I mentioned that the sky was a nice blue today, he'd wait until midnight and call me a liar. Pete >> I can accept that you don't like them, but a poor quality bike it is >> not. In fact, it has been an exceptional commuter as well as a touring >> bike. > >Pay no attention to Bob. If I mentioned that the sky was a nice blue today, >he'd wait until midnight and call me a liar. Finally you're beginning to understand me, there Pete -:) Bob Nixon, Chandler AZ-deer strike recovery-(completed) 01 Sprint ST "RED" 45K miles 03 GSXR 1000 "SILVER" 7K RIP (deer slain) > Greetings, Salutations and Nods to all! > [quoted text clipped - 47 lines] > wncranger|at|earthlink|dot|net > Sua Sponte The ZX-9R is a do-everything bike. You could probably find a great one used and at a good price. SignatureAndrew 00 Speed Triple 00 Daytona RCOS #7 Stay away from Buell. They have a manic following, sort of like a cult does, but to see where this would get you, think Jonestown. I own an sv1000s, previous bikes have been many and varied, most of my riding distance done in Africa, Senegal to be precise. I feel that vee-twins are perfect for the road conditions you have. To be honest, even though I have sv1000, sv650 would have all that I would need. But man, you have really scared me... I ask all posters and lurkers here to pray to the big Motard in the sky that this guy does not choose the wobbly path of Buell. But I'm not gunna bust my bolts worrying about it too much, if yer know what I mean. > Greetings, Salutations and Nods to all! > [quoted text clipped - 47 lines] > wncranger|at|earthlink|dot|net > Sua Sponte On Tue, 26 Apr 2005 04:43:48 GMT, "Yanni c\)k" <yann452@wandoo.fr> wrote: >Stay away from Buell. They have a manic following, sort of like a cult does, >but to see where this would get you, think Jonestown. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >But I'm not gunna bust my bolts worrying about it too much, if yer know what >I mean. LOL! Thanks for the head's up, Yanni. Troy the Troll also warned me. The more I read, the more concerned I get when it comes to Buell. I really appreciate the concern. It reminds me of the last rally I attended in Cherokee, NC last year. A biker went down at an intersection at night and we circled the wagons. I guess that is what I like most about motorcycles and motorculture - in a pinch, we stick together and look out for each other. Randy Wiggins wncranger|at|earthlink|dot|net Sua Sponte > On Tue, 26 Apr 2005 04:43:48 GMT, "Yanni c\)k" <yann452@wandoo.fr> > wrote: [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > I like most about motorcycles and motorculture - in a pinch, we stick > together and look out for each other. Exactly! But be strong and brave - because the Buell guys will try to sell your soul to Satin.... (pssst, I will tell you a secret -- they are looking for stooges to be buyers of their bikes....) > Randy Wiggins > wncranger|at|earthlink|dot|net > Sua Sponte > I am looking for something that can handle the twisties, > has plenty of power to pull steep climbs, handles steep, twisty [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > them), but I do need a bike that has power. Elevations range from > 2000 to 6000 feet. Take a look at BMW's R1200GS. They will probably let you test-ride one. SignatureTimberwoof <me at timberwoof dot com> faq: http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq.shtml 2005 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom. just try one out. if that doesn't make you a believer, nothing will. ............................ Motorpsycho Jim >2005 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom. just try one out. if that doesn't make >you a believer, nothing will. > >............................ >Motorpsycho Jim I really appreciate all the suggestions and believe me, I will be looking closely at each and every one. So far, the list I need to go check out are: Suzuki SV 650 Suzuki SV 1000 Suzuki Bandit 1200/600 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom Kawasaki ZRX 1200 Kawasaki ZX-9R Yamaha FZ1 Honda 919 Ducati ST4 BMW R1200GS Triumph Sprint The Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha Dealerships are within 60 miles of where I live, with Honda and Suzuki being the closest. I will have to find out where the others are. Around here, the economy is, well, let's just say the average income is around the poverty level. That isn't saying anything bad, understand. It's actually great for a disabled vet on a fixed income. The climate is what is getting to me. Cold, damp and capable of swinging from freezing to burning up. I hear nice things about Kingman, AZ. I am seriously contemplating a move. If not there, maybe Florida. That's where the wife is from. Anyway, I will let you know how it goes. I will explain my back situation to the dealer and will hopefully be able to sit on the bikes for a while at the very least. Hopefully I will be able to take one or two for a spin. Again, it's going to boil down mainly to power and ergo's. If it's comfortable and capable of handling the curves, that will be a major plus. After that, maintenance and reliability. I really can't wait to see that Bandit, to tell the truth. Around here, going to town to pick up a quick something is a big deal. My jeep and my truck both make me cry at the pump. Compared to them, my bike - even with the cost of tires, maint., etc - is wayyyyy cheaper. The mountains here eat tires, gas, and transmissions like crazy. Engine lugging here will cost you big time. I guess that is what I mean most about my power requirement. Speed is easy here. Downhill, almost anything will quickly accelerate and attain speed. Uphill, though... But I'm rambling. Thanks everyone! If you are over this way, look me up. There's beer in the fridge and I am always ready to fire up the grill. Randy Wiggins wncranger|at|earthlink|dot|net Sua Sponte > Engine lugging here will cost you big time. I guess that is > what I mean most about my power requirement. Speed is easy here. > Downhill, almost anything will quickly accelerate and attain speed. > Uphill, though... You'd be amazed at what even medium sized bikes are capable of these days, power wise. Still, if you want PLENTY of power, with plenty more left in reserve, and you're talking about steep inclines and possible 2-up riding, I would go for the ~1000cc bikes over the ~600cc bikes. And I would think in an economically depressed area the dealers would be motivated to make sales. I've never been to a dealer where I couldn't at least sit on the bikes and pretend to ride them. Several of the local dealers offer test rides on bikes in their "demo fleet" or on used bikes. SignatureJamin Kortegard popular sportbike / popular car "Hokey 600s and trackday usability are no match for a good literbike at your side, kid." - Michael >You'd be amazed at what even medium sized bikes are capable of these days, >power wise. Still, if you want PLENTY of power, with plenty more left in [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >least sit on the bikes and pretend to ride them. Several of the local >dealers offer test rides on bikes in their "demo fleet" or on used bikes. You are absolutely correct. The dealers around here are really nice. OT, but I saw a VTX for sale with a price between 8 and 9 K. Too bad I can't sit on cruisers for long because I would love have it. I have been told numerous times to go ahead and take a seat. You are also correct in why I am leaning towards the +/- 1000 cc range. I like bikes that go fast, don't get me wrong. I just don't have a practical need for top end speed in this area. Speaking of the VTX, I read an article in one of the mags that said something which really disturbed me. It said that the VTX was designed more with looks in mind rather than function, basically. Honda claimed demographics backed them up. IOW, performance was sacrificed for visual appeal. Is this where we are headed? God I hope not. Thank God for sportbikes. I think they are the only ones left where words are backed up by deeds, for the most part. They say form follows function. It would seem that sportbikers are about the only ones left who appreciate that. JMHO Randy Wiggins wncranger|at|earthlink|dot|net Sua Sponte >>You'd be amazed at what even medium sized bikes are capable of these days, >>power wise. Still, if you want PLENTY of power, with plenty more left in [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > hope not. Thank God for sportbikes. I think they are the only ones > left where words are backed up by deeds, for the most part. Yeah, if the deeds are being carried out down a 150 mph staight. Sportbikes are every bit if not more ridiculous for street riding as a moderately designed cruiser like the VTX. That's why serious riders are out exercising their sport-touring hardware while the cruiser and sportbike boys gawk at one another on bike nights at the sportsbar. The new F version of the VTX is pretty cute. It appears that Honda has finally given in and bought a stylist/designer from Yamaha. >Yeah, if the deeds are being carried out down a 150 mph staight. >Sportbikes are every bit if not more ridiculous for street riding as a >moderately designed cruiser like the VTX. That's why serious riders are >out exercising their sport-touring hardware while the cruiser and >sportbike boys gawk at one another on bike nights at the sportsbar. My brother in law has a Shadow which, for good or ill, he pushed as if he were on a sportbike. I can't tell you how many times I have watched with 'chick vision' (ala "Cabin Fever") bracing myself for impact as his hard parts scrape. He had to replace the mufflers and pegs because he wore right through them on the Dragon. I told my brother in law he needed the cornering clearance of a sportbike, but he (who is 18 years old, btw) was honest enough to admit he would probably push it to the limit and wind up dying. I had to admire his honesty. I think he's come around on pushing his cruiser too hard as well. He rides it a lot more responsibly now. I don't know if I could go so far as to say ridiculous, but personally, I believe in the right tool for the right job. For me, it's a sportbike for the twisties and a cruiser for just that, cruising. If I wanted to go 150 mph or more in the straights on track day, I would be looking a replica racers, jmo. I remember a time when choices were much more limited. I have never seen the bhp and torque ratings that I am seeing now. I tend to get a bike and keep it until the proverbial wheels fall off. I call it getting my monies worth <g>. Around here, it's the cruiser crowd at the sports bar (only one) and the sport riders are the ones out riding <G>. In this tiny two college town, cruisers rule here. On the back roads... >The new F version of the VTX is pretty cute. It appears that Honda has >finally given in and bought a stylist/designer from Yamaha. LOL Randy Wiggins wncranger|at|earthlink|dot|net Sua Sponte wncranger <post request for address> posted in alt.motorcycle.sportbike: > I hear nice things about Kingman, AZ. From motorcyclists? I lived in Kingman for 4 years and I liked it there, but at the time I owned a Jeep YJ, not a motorcycle. And with your fused vertebrae, I wonder how much you would enjoy off-roading. If motorcycling is your primary hobby, stay in North Carolina. And since I'm posting anyway.... I have and love a 1st generation Bandit 1200S. My only caveat to you is that the bike is rather heavy, and can be heavy to turn in the extreme twisties. The engine is great, the brakes are great. The suspension could stand to be stiffened, but most stock suspensions are too soft. If you decide a Bandit 1200S is for you, I recommend buying the cheapest used one you can find (in good condition of course) and use the money you save to tailor it to your needs. I've farkled mine quite a bit for comfort and convenience, and therefore was able to do 850 miles in one day earlier this month. Indeed, I recommend saving a good chunk of cash for modifying any bike you buy. A luggage rack, heated jacket liner, etc, can greatly improve the comfort, convenience and utility of any bike. SignatureMichael J. Freeman mike_freeman@SPMBLOKmac.com '85 VF700S (The Leper) Cincinnati, OH, USA '83 VF750S (The Shiny Sabre) "Insanity runs in the family '99 GSF1200S (The Evil Bandit) ...it practically gallops" > Greetings, Salutations and Nods to all! > [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > hold up long pulling these mountains? If you lived here, what would > you ride? Assume a moderate maturity, skill set and experience. Hey Randy, You're the same age as me, same riding environment - but it comes down to what you really dig. The Buell - there's nothing particularly wrong with them, I even test rode one. But you can definitely get more reliability and performance for less money. If you really want one I'd get the Lightning over the Firebolt. Same engine, better ergonomics. Personally I'm done with extreme sportbikes on the street. I also have a bad back and hip, so 300 street miles on a track-style bike doesn't do it for me anymore. I want comfort and performance. With your elevation changes I'd stick with a fuel injected bike. It'd kinda hard to find a bike with carbs anymore anyway. The Suzuki DL1000 is a great choice. You're tall enough, and it's a great do-everything bike. This one's on the top of my list. I lean toward the V-twins on the street, because I want power now, not when the bike spins up to 9000rpm. On the sport side the SV1000S is great, and cheap too. But it's way way on the "sport" side and may not agree with your back. If I got one I'd install adjustable pegs and raised bars. Andrew suggested the Ninja ZX9, a sort of outdated superbike. If the SV1000 is sporty the ZX9 is a weapon. Nice bikes though. Yamaha FZ1 - Basically the R1 engine in an upright bike. If you dig inline-4 performance, this is a fine choice. The Kawa Z1000 is in the same class. You might strongly consider the VFR Interceptor. Guys go 200k miles on these, it's heavily sport biased, you can put bags on it and it's comfortable enough to go all day. If you really want personality, the Buell is OK but check out a Ducati Monster too. Maybe a used Triumph Sprint ST too. I'd say new, but they seem to be all sold out around here. So it comes down to what you like the most. There are no wrong choices. Well the Hayabusa might be the wrong choice for tight twisties. SignatureGreg Sumner Seattle WA '03 CBR 600RR > You might strongly consider the VFR Interceptor. Guys go 200k miles on > these, it's heavily sport biased, you can put bags on it and it's [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > So it comes down to what you like the most. There are no wrong choices. > Well the Hayabusa might be the wrong choice for tight twisties. Hey, it's ~30 lbs. lighter than the VFR. SignatureTweak You know what, I decided to look this up and was somewhat surprised. It's not lighter but they're almost the same. I guess neither bike is all that nimble. VFR - Wheelbase 57.4" 472lbs Busa - Wheelbase 58.5" 478lbs I always think of the Busa as a freeway bike. > You know what, I decided to look this up and was somewhat surprised. > It's not lighter but they're almost the same. I guess neither bike is [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > I always think of the Busa as a freeway bike. My info for a 2002 VFR came from: http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0204_int/ it says: "Weight: 534 lb. (246kg) wet; 508 lb. (230kg dry)" For the busa, take a link or two out of the chain (or go up some teeth on the rear sprocket) and the wheelbase shrinks. Go to a 55 series rear tire to quicken the steering and improve turn in. Trash the wimpy stock front springs. And...suprise suprise, it ain't so bad. Not a razor sharp sport bike, by any stretch, but not so bad for a big comfy, mile eating couch. SignatureTweak >Hey Randy, > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >performance for less money. If you really want one I'd get the Lightning >over the Firebolt. Same engine, better ergonomics. Buell. The first time I saw one was on a CD in one of my magazines, I can't remember offhand which one. My jaw dropped. The sound, oh God, the sound. Love at first sight. Then, as fate would have it, I saw one face to face. I knew I had to have one. But then... I started reading and reading on the internet, BadWeatherBikers and a couple of other Buell forums. Reports ranged from absolute good to absolute terrible. I started keeping a tally for averages. I took into account the fact that all manufacturers are not perfect and that problems tend to stick out and can appear misleading. My conclusion? There have been improvements over time as should be expected. But the number of Buell owners is small (compared to, say the number of Suzuki owners) but the machine dissatisfaction overall appears high. For the amount of money Buell wants me to part with, I just cannot justify the risk. A sportbike with that kind of frame setup and ergo's coupled with a 1203 cc engine should blow everything out of the water in my opinion. The fact that it doesn't tells me something. I could be wrong, and if life has taught me anything, I may just be, but... >Personally I'm done with extreme sportbikes on the street. I also have a >bad back and hip, so 300 street miles on a track-style bike doesn't do it [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >V-twins on the street, because I want power now, not when the bike spins up >to 9000rpm. The V-Strom and the Bandit are pushing buttons inside of me. Must ... remain ... objective ... Must ... not ... give in ... to ... the ... dark ... side ... of ... the ... force <vbg> >On the sport side the SV1000S is great, and cheap too. But it's way way on >the "sport" side and may not agree with your back. If I got one I'd install >adjustable pegs and raised bars. I can't wait to try out the ergo's on the SV1000S. I really like the 650, but am afraid of the power band. Again, mountains, passenger, steep climbs, engine longevity, etc.. That's why I am looking at bikes with engines between 800 and 1000 (give or take) cc's. I don't really want a touring bike because if I did it would be a Goldwing, hands down. That one would be easy. >Andrew suggested the Ninja ZX9, a sort of outdated superbike. If the SV1000 >is sporty the ZX9 is a weapon. Nice bikes though. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >these, it's heavily sport biased, you can put bags on it and it's >comfortable enough to go all day. I have added the VFR to the list. Thank you! >If you really want personality, the Buell is OK but check out a Ducati >Monster too. Maybe a used Triumph Sprint ST too. I'd say new, but they >seem to be all sold out around here. I haven't had much luck finding a Ducati or Triumph dealer within reasonable range, but I am still looking. >So it comes down to what you like the most. There are no wrong choices. >Well the Hayabusa might be the wrong choice for tight twisties. Thanks Inlaw. > Greetings, Salutations and Nods to all! > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > on a sport or standard. Cruiser or feet forward seating positions > absolutely kill my back. I ride a VFR and I love it- the 800cc V4 is great for either cruising around town or interstate travel, and the seating position is ideal for me at 6'2 210lbs. I have had it above 12,000 feet and there was still plenty of power available. I think the MSRP is a bit steep though- don't pay retail, shop around (I picked up mine for $8500 out the door). I have an SV650 in the garage as well, and while I think it is an awesome machine I still wouldn't want to have a passenger on it. Also the pure nakedness is fun around town, but once I'm on the interstate I like to have at least some kind of bug deflector of sorts (which you could find aftermarket). A bike that I have never ridden but would love to is the FJR1300- power, comfort, good looks- I'm surprised I have not seen any other suggestions for it. Another one on my list is the Triumph Sprint ST, new design looks sweet, and a smooth engine with just enough grunt. Good luck on your hunt- all the models suggested in this thread are awesome, just try to get test rides and do your research. DaveG > Greetings, Salutations and Nods to all! > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > on a sport or standard. Cruiser or feet forward seating positions > absolutely kill my back. Well then, you plenty to choose from! SV1000S, Bandit 1200, ZRX1200, 919, Sprint ST, ZZR1200 I own the SV1000S and it's a fun bike to ride. While the ergos are agressive for a "sport-tourer" you get used to it. But since you mentioned that you can only ride sport bike in comfortably, then it may be just the ticket. Plenty of power, nice handling, and one can be had at a fairly nice price since it hasn't enjoyed the high sales as it's smaller cousin, the SV650. The only thing that might give you an issue is riding 2-up, in terms of pillion comfort. Bare in mind, I've only had the missus on mine once. Her only complaint was her thighs were a little sore from trying to keep on the seat. Not much to hold on too. (I guess I need to do something about that....eventually) SignatureTroy D. Hilton 2003 SV1000S >Well then, you plenty to choose from! Isn't that great! I am so excited. Hopefully, I can swing a ride or two. I feel like a kid in a candy store. >SV1000S, Bandit 1200, ZRX1200, 919, Sprint ST, ZZR1200 > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Plenty of power, nice handling, and one can be had at a fairly nice price >since it hasn't enjoyed the high sales as it's smaller cousin, the SV650. It's weird. At first glance, you would think cruisers would be great for people with bad backs, but the truth is far different, at least for me. Although sportbikes do require some strength in the lower back, for some reason the ergo's don't bother me, well, at least not as much. I guess all the sit ups and pushups in the military long ago helped with ab strength which, in turn, compensates for some of the back muscles that went south with the anterior and posterior fusion. Most people that have fusions have posterior or rear fusion only, I was one of the rare ones that have both front and back. Even with sportbikes, though I still have to take frequent breaks. >The only thing that might give you an issue is riding 2-up, in terms of >pillion comfort. Bare in mind, I've only had the missus on mine once. Her >only complaint was her thighs were a little sore from trying to keep on the >seat. Not much to hold on too. (I guess I need to do something about >that....eventually) I have been reading "Total Control" by Lee Parks. Among excellent street riding techniques, he gives some great tips for two up sportbike riding. As for passenger comfort... <G> How do you like that SV1000? Have you put many miles on it? Randy Wiggins wncranger|at|earthlink|dot|net Sua Sponte >>Well then, you plenty to choose from! > [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > was one of the rare ones that have both front and back. Even with > sportbikes, though I still have to take frequent breaks. I have a bad back, and there's absolutely no way I could ride a cruiser. SignatureAndrew 00 Speed Triple 00 Daytona RCOS #7 > How do you like that SV1000? Have you put many miles on it? I've got about 1150 miles on it since Sept '04. so far, I absolutely love it. It has plenty of power whenever you need it, great on the highway and in the twisties. I do find it a bit much in city driving and heavy traffic sometimes but I don't deal with much city traffic so it's not a big deal. As for power, I have to watch myself sometimes. Bare in mind my previous bike was a 85 GS700ES. You could jump on the throttle anytime and it wouldn't surprise you too much. The SV has caught me a couple times, jerking me to where my hands almost came off the bars (scary). Jump on it hard and the front wheel dances like a hoochie on Soul Train. When I first got it I did complain a bit about the ergos but I've lost some weight and I'm used to the bike's positioning now, so it's not an issue anymore. Now, my complaint is it's too quiet. I know there's a nice, meaty V-twin growl somewhere in it but I can't hear it. So, I'll start saving up for some cans, prolly slip-ons instead of the full system. Other than that I'll most likely make no changes. I originally posted about getting HeliBars or some type of bar risers. I doubt I will. The longest ride, timewise, I've had was 1.5 hrs. My complaint: the left hand cramps from pulling in the clutch (traffic riding). Other than that The bike is a joy to ride. SignatureTroy D. Hilton 2003 SV1000S |
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