Thing about a new bike

FoxMustang · 06-19-2007, 14:56

I'm thinking about getting a new bike, which is to say I'm overthinking it

Every day I decide, "that's my next bike," and every day I reconsider. Bear with me, mostly just thinking about loud here

Top runner is the '07 FZ6. I like the sport-standard thing, and I like the half-faired look. Seems like it has a lot of nice features for not a lot of money. Just not sure about the I4 engine - I think I'd be happier with something that's less peaky.

Which leads to my second choice, the SV650. Seems to be a perennial favorite here

Less expensive than even the FZ6 and the v-twin engine seems like it's right up my alley, but the total package doesn't really call to me like the FZ6. The S model is attractive, even moreso when you add the lower fairing, but I'm not sure about the clipons. Never ridden a bike with them before, not sure I'd like it.

Also kicked around the idea of getting a supermoto, but the choices are either "not enough" or "too much." Suzuki's DRZ is interesting, but 400cc and carbureted - no thanks. KTM and Ducati supermotos really pique my interest, but both brands are rather expensive and have very limited dealer support around here. And there's really nothing in between.

Then there's the Speed Triple, which I've been lusting after for a long time, but I think that's more bike than I'm ready to handle. Perhaps I need to wait for that 675cc version to come out later this year...

Thoughts, opinions, flames ... let's hear it

DaisyCutter · 06-19-2007, 17:19

IMO, big bikes are primarily about brains, and to a lesser extent... skill. If you want a Speed Triple, then get it. The Fizzy6 will go fast enough to kill you just as dead.

I love the look of the FZ6. My only gripe with it is the cheapo suspension. There is virtually no adjustment... so you'll want to be in the 150-200lb range if you mount one.

I think peaky power is fun, but I'm corrupted.

fnfalman · 06-19-2007, 19:05

Try the Kawasaki Ninja 650R. It has fairing for the sporty look but still has handlebars for comfort. A bit less than the SV650 in the performance department but still receives quite a bit of accolades for being a mid-weight all arounder. Oh, and it's a parallel twin.

stmcelroy · 06-19-2007, 20:38

I've got an '05 Kawasaki ZZR600, and absolutely love this thing.

It's my first real street bike and has plenty of power, but not so much to get myself into trouble. It will still get up and go way faster than i'd ever need, but is a great bike.

Steve

dao · 06-19-2007, 21:21

Buell.

Love my Ulysseus.

'Course, living in Alaska, riding ON the road here is more like riding OFF the road down there, so maybe I appreciate it a bit more...

V-Twin is awesome. I'm not really into raw speed; there aren't many places you can really run a bike unless you are on a track. Torque is fun though. Plus, 1200cc's of V-Twin isn't exactly slow... I won't outrun a liter sport bike, but I'll have a lot more fun riding around town...

FoxMustang · 06-20-2007, 08:28

Quote:

Originally posted by fnfalman
Try the Kawasaki Ninja 650R.

Yeah, seems like a very "sensible" option

Looks sharp, but it doesn't really grab me for some reason.

Quote:

Originally posted by stmcelroy
I've got an '05 Kawasaki ZZR600, and absolutely love this thing.

I need fuel injection, I'm done messing around with carbs

Also a 600cc supersport type will cost me 2-3 times as much in insurance.

Quote:

Originally posted by dao
Buell.

I really like the look of the Lightning, and it has some neat features, but they seem rather expensive and from what I've heard reliability is hit-and-miss.

stmcelroy · 06-20-2007, 08:36

The nice thing with the ZZR600 is that it is considering a "sport touring" bike.

Besides I have State Farm Insurance for our cars and the bike, the bike with full coverage only costs $182/year.

Steve

Laszlo · 06-21-2007, 20:16

Quote:

600cc supersport type will cost me 2-3 times as much in insurance.

[/B]

How about a Suzuki DR1000 Strom. Sounds awsome, great bottom end tourqe for the streets, comfortable riding position, and almost runs like the 600`s of yesteryear.

FoxMustang · 06-28-2007, 13:45

Well I think I found another option.

2008 Aprilia Shiver 750

I want one very much. Seems "right" on pretty much every level that I can see - just haven't heard a US price yet.

<a href="http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/Aprilia_Shiver_750_6.jpg"><IMG width=75% src="http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/Aprilia_Shiver_750_6.jpg"></a>

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Articl...ArticleID=4842

HollowHead · 06-28-2007, 23:36

Quote:

Originally posted by FoxMustang
Then there's the Speed Triple...

My thoughts exactly, but then again I'm a little biased. HH

Rikki · 06-29-2007, 05:10

2008 Aprilia Shiver 750...
That's a nice bike- but it looks like it's got a pretty soft underbelly to me- Wouldn't take me long to hook and rip that plumbing fixture exhaust pipe off-right after I bust half the radiator off on a tree-hitting a stump and busting the cases and that starter up front looks like a pricy item to rock over logs on...
OK...I don't think you can find one bike that "does it all"...
I got a Suzuki DS400S and I got it to be a bridge between my dirt bikes and my street rides- and it doesn't fill the gap all that well.
Get a couple different bikes-I think you'd be better off.

mmc45414 · 06-29-2007, 06:31

Lots of good input here. You mentioned the dual sports, you mentioned not being that experienced, you mentioned not wanting a big insurance burden, somebody mentioned the SV-1000, did you consider the SV-650? I had an SV-1000 and only sold it when my buddy opened a BMW store and I wanted to get in his fold.
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products...7/Default.aspx

But as Daisy Cutter mentioned, get what speaks to you or you won’t stay interested in it. My SV was one of the best bikes I owned but I never just stood in the garage drinking a beer and looking at it, if you know what I mean.

FoxMustang · 06-29-2007, 08:24

Quote:

Originally posted by HollowHead
My thoughts exactly, but then again I'm a little biased. HH

Love that machine.

Quote:

Originally posted by Rikki
2008 Aprilia Shiver 750...
That's a nice bike- but it looks like it's got a pretty soft underbelly to me-

It's meant for the street, not the trail. I don't ride on dirt at all so that's just fine for me

Quote:

Originally posted by mmc45414
...did you consider the SV-650?

Yep, first post

Still a strong contender.

mmc45414 · 06-29-2007, 09:52

Quote:

Originally posted by FoxMustang
Yep, first post Still a strong contender.

And I think I read your first post and got SV on the brain when the whole time I meant to be talking about the DL-650. Doh

FoxMustang · 06-29-2007, 12:07

V-Strom isn't really my thing. I'd rather have the SV, it's cheaper and weighs 50-60lbs less.

NMGlocker · 06-29-2007, 12:32

BMW F800
Triumph Speed Triple 675
Kawasaki Z750

FoxMustang · 06-29-2007, 16:36

BMW F800 - intriguing, if kinda pricey. Went to find a dealer, and there aren't any within 100 miles of me! Damn, I thought for sure there was a dealer or two in the St. Louis area

Triumph Speed Triple 675 - I've been waiting a while to hear more about this one. I really like the sound of this one, maybe just a hair less than the Aprilia.

Kawasaki Z750 - seems they don't make this one anymore. Guess I still might find a leftover, but I think chances are slim by now.

Bevo1 · 06-29-2007, 16:42

I just sold my SV1000S. I loved it, but didn't ride much and couldn't justify having it. One of the good things about the sv is you can buy them pretty cheap. It was my second bike and I regret selling it when we have nice days. Not to mention the sound that v-twin makes

Here is a picture of my ex-bike

Bevo1 · 06-29-2007, 16:47

And here's a picture of the guy who bought it driving away with it last week

Bevo1 · 06-29-2007, 16:54

Trying this again

NMGlocker · 06-29-2007, 18:28

Quote:

Originally posted by FoxMustang
BMW F800 - intriguing, if kinda pricey. Went to find a dealer, and there aren't any within 100 miles of me! Damn, I thought for sure there was a dealer or two in the St. Louis area

Triumph Speed Triple 675 - I've been waiting a while to hear more about this one. I really like the sound of this one, maybe just a hair less than the Aprilia.

Kawasaki Z750 - seems they don't make this one anymore. Guess I still might find a leftover, but I think chances are slim by now.

The BMW F800s base model is right around $8500 (if you can find one, all the dealers are selling the tarted up ones with ABS and heated grips for around $10k).

The 675 Triple is going to be a cool bike.

Don't expect the Aprilia Shiver to make it to the US until '08, this is one of Piaggios first new in house motors so get ready for some teething problems.

My local Kwak dealer has 2 new Z750's in stock, sharp looking middleweights that perform decently.

fnfalman · 06-30-2007, 20:47

KTM 950SM is for a bit of trail, a lot of street and plenty of hooliganism. It's not being sold too well so you can really negotiate for some serious discount. Ride Orange!!!

FoxMustang · 07-03-2007, 15:04

It'd have to be one HELL of a discount, like somewhere in the area of 40%

Well, after all this careful consideration, I keep coming back to the FZ6. I went and sat on one yesterday and I liked it a lot. Makes my GS500 feel like a moped quality-wise. Probably would have bought it, but the salesman was a real ****** and didn't seem at all interested in helping me, and I'm not gonna beg a salesman to sell me anything. He acted like he was doing me a favor by talking to me. So I figure on Thursday I'll shop around town, see if anyone else has a blue FZ6 they wanna sell

Goldendog Redux · 07-03-2007, 22:20

Warning, the following has some subliminal messages.

I think you shouspeedtripleld get a practicspeedtripleal motorcycle. Don't be lured by fancy continental brand namesspeedtriple. You will be happy notwith a Japanese Bike.

Enjoy the Yamaspeedtripleha.

MF

fnfalman · 07-05-2007, 13:00

Quote:

Originally posted by FoxMustang
Well, after all this careful consideration, I keep coming back to the FZ6. I went and sat on one yesterday and I liked it a lot. Makes my GS500 feel like a moped quality-wise. Probably would have bought it, but the salesman was a real ****** and didn't seem at all interested in helping me, and I'm not gonna beg a salesman to sell me anything. He acted like he was doing me a favor by talking to me. So I figure on Thursday I'll shop around town, see if anyone else has a blue FZ6 they wanna sell

Yep, don't take crap from a salesman. It's YOUR MONEY. Somebody'll want it. Shop eBay. Shop Craigslist. Hell, call to the next states or next cities and shop at those joints.

Do a search on LA Yamaha, this joint belongs to a conglomerate (for lack of better words) of low overhead moto dealers in the SoCal area. They will quote you some cheap prices and they'll ship too. Or I can hook you up with a pretty good discount shipper.

Don't take crap from any salesman. This is the age of the internet and we can buy wonderful things online.