Sports 600/100 Mcycles *UPDATE* can anyone in HOUSTON help

[TransAm]

Right then. Hoping you guys can give me your $0.02 worth here.

Thinking of getting a motorcycle again. I need to do my US bike test (no problem with that) but I am doing it via a MSF training school to brush up.

Here's the deal. Been riding since 16, passed full test in the UK when I was 18, probably have 20000 miles under my belt in total, mostly on smaller bikes, but some bigger bikes too. Over the past 5 or 6 years I have only ridden occasionally (weekends for fun, the odd day to work) as it's not been my main form of transport. The last time I rode was in 2002 when I owned a 1993 Kawasaki KR1S (60hp 250cc 2 stroke sportsbike, does about 130mph). This wasn't the biggest bike I ever owned, but the most recent. It's probably about as quick as an SV650S but a bit less easy to ride than the Suzy.

I rode a CBR600F2 (1996 model) a couple of times in the past and found it a bit boring really...

Now my dilemma is - I have found an R1 for sale. I was looking for R6's really but this R1 is perfect, an '01, has 2000 miles on it and the guy is asking a low price for a quick sale. Convert that price into UK pounds and it's a no-brainer (I will take the bike back to the UK with me whatever I get) It's a genuine bike but thats not the issue. The issue is me! - I have heard the R1 is a bit of a monster and shakes its head a bit coming out of turns. Has anyone ridden one?

I trust myself on it, and based upon my experience to-date on a lot of bikes I could probably handle it if I had been riding recently but it concerns me that I haven't ridden for 3 years other than a bit of off-road - it might just be pushing it to get straight onto an R1?

[mindgam3]

Right then. Hoping you guys can give me your $0.02 worth here.

Thinking of getting a motorcycle again. I need to do my US bike test (no problem with that) but I am doing it via a MSF training school to brush up.

Here's the deal. Been riding since 16, passed full test in the UK when I was 18, probably have 20000 miles under my belt in total, mostly on smaller bikes, but some bigger bikes too. Over the past 5 or 6 years I have only ridden occasionally (weekends for fun, the odd day to work) as it's not been my main form of transport. The last time I rode was in 2002 when I owned a 1993 Kawasaki KR1S (60hp 250cc 2 stroke sportsbike, does about 130mph). This wasn't the biggest bike I ever owned, but the most recent. It's probably about as quick as an SV650S but a bit less easy to ride than the Suzy.

I rode a CBR600F2 (1996 model) a couple of times in the past and found it a bit boring really...

Now my dilemma is - I have found an R1 for sale. I was looking for R6's really but this R1 is perfect, an '01, has 2000 miles on it and the guy is asking a low price for a quick sale. Convert that price into UK pounds and it's a no-brainer (I will take the bike back to the UK with me whatever I get) It's a genuine bike but thats not the issue. The issue is me! - I have heard the R1 is a bit of a monster and shakes its head a bit coming out of turns. Has anyone ridden one?

I trust myself on it, and based upon my experience to-date on a lot of bikes I could probably handle it if I had been riding recently but it concerns me that I haven't ridden for 3 years other than a bit of off-road - it might just be pushing it to get straight onto an R1?

yeah ive heard the older R1's are a bit of a moster - apparently the new one is a lot more sorted and is easier to ride - but still its a lot of power on something that weighs jack shit whichever way you look at it.

Have u riden litre superbikes before? If you're confident with bikes and you can trust yourself with taking it really easy to start with then i dont see why not... otherwise, stick on the safe side n go with the R6.... any reason you want to go solely with yamahas?

[Stikz]

A friend of mine just sold his r6 to get an r1. He's a pretty small guy, about 5'7, 155 lbs or so but strong as hell. Anyways he said he felt the r6 was too tame for him so he upgraded. As far as i know he's been out once on the R1 and thats on a wet ground cuz some snow just melted. He's a bit nuts on the bike, but he says he loves the r1 and couldn't go back. Good luck with your choice anyways man.

[TransAm]

I know a girl who sold here R6 for a R1 cuz it was to tame for her......so you got to ask yourself are you more of a pussy than her........ :P :wink:


LOL! No brainer!

:lol:

Seriously though, one thing I am trying to NOT do, is just get the biggest meanest bike, it's just the R1 is local, mint, and about what I want to pay. Having had an R1 wheelie past me at 50mph (I was on a 250) I know that they are nutter bikes and to be respected.

As for sticking with the Yamahas - no real reason, I just singled out the R's as most non-bikers are at least familiar with an R1.

As long as it's not physically too big or heavy, like a hayabusa, I'd be comfortable on any 600/1000. My ability is such that I am not going to be riding anywhere near the limit of any of today's sport bikes so I'd be just as happy with a Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawa, Honda or even a Ducati 748.

I won't be riding in the wet by the way!

Edit: as for the question have I ever ridden a litre bike before? No. I have ridden a Duc 900SS and a Yammy FZ750 but that's as close as I have got. The only bike that has ever REALLY impressed/scared me was the RG500...


As always, cheers for your comments guys.

[SilviaEvo]

my friend has a R1 and a Katana and he told me he loves the R1. it would be a better choice in the long run. for the challenge and to save the money and time later after you have gotten bored with the R6. it would be a great addition to the JW family. i love R1's my favorite bike. but the important thing is just dont kill yourself.

[mindgam3]

As long as it's not physically too big or heavy, like a hayabusa, I'd be comfortable on any 600/1000. My ability is such that I am not going to be riding anywhere near the limit of any of today's sport bikes so I'd be just as happy with a Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawa, Honda or even a Ducati 748.



Well if you're worried about the R1 ripping your head off so to speak then maybe consider a honda CBR or GSX1000 - i know they're pretty common but they are a lot less fiesty than the R1, the CBR is definately - or so ive read... but at the end of the day the R1 looks the best out of those 3 so its up to you ;)

[TransAm]

Mostly going to be used for fun - trackdays, sunday mornings twisty roads, and very occasionally ride to work (7 - 15 miles depending on the route I take).

I won't go near a track for 1500 miles riding time until I 'know' the bike, though. I intend to do an advanced skills course and beginner track course (initially on a hired bike if possible).

I think what I will do is get a test ride on a newer 600 and see how that goes. I'm reluctant to waste the R1 sellers time too much.

As for sports tourers, I am not certain that's what I want. I prefer the styling and edginess of a sports bike. Most of the 750cc and above are 200kg+ as well - a bit heavy IMHO. The only one I like really is the Aprilia Falco. I'd consider something like that at the right price though. A friend here has a 1994 GSX1100. It's heavy and it's a shaft drive but it's fun as a sunday bike he bought it off an old guy, low miles, showroom condition for like $3000. Bargain!

[Minacious]

If you ride like a meathead then yes, it'll shake. So will just about any other modern 600 to Liter bike though! It doesn't sound like you will, so I think you're ok in that department. If you ride SMOOTH then it's not a problem. One, keep a loose grip on the bars. Two, roll on the throttle, don't "crack" it open. Crack open the throttle on a Liter bike without paying full attention and it will wake you up like you wouldn't believe. And three, worry more about your body position and available traction than trying to accelerate hard out of the corner!

[TransAm]

Yeah I'm pretty sensible, as they say it is the other people in cars and trucks you have to watch for, and dicks on the track but at least they are on bikes.

As for riding techniques I thought one or two of the JW family would have had some experience on recent model litre bikes so I was kind of glad for the advice from everyone on riding techniques.

Ultimately its all common sense, physics and respect for the bike IMHO. Even if I'd never ridden a bike before, I would hope from my knowledge of just cars to be slightly aware that 140hp and one tire and 250kg total weight is going to be an issue at WOT... :twisted:

[mindgam3]

my issue about a bike is not what to buy, but if i should buy one. personally i think i would kill my self with a bike. but if i were to get a bike theres only one i would ever buy and its a Ducati, i know they are a bit high in price. but the bikes are just so damn nice.

996, old but one of the few bikes i would buy. if money isnt a object get in touch with Leno about his rocket engine bike
http://www.motohyper-sport.com/TBR_products/Exhaust/Ducati/005-350408D.jpg

indeed, same here, the V twin sound is just amazing.

Downsides are slightly higher price n slightly less reliable, although they don't pack quite as much power and are great handling bikes which maybe what u want ir ur thinking of a litre bike?

[maxbg]

I've been riding my R1 on the street since I bought it in 2001. It's an 01 model red. It's mostly stock except the micron slipon.

If you use the bike for fast street riding and occasional track days, the R1 will be more suitable. The R6 will be preferred if you go to the track very frequently.

Don't woory about the headshake, it's easily sorted out by adding a steering damper or a proper adjustment of the suspension.

:D

[dons5]

well everyone knows (including just about every review/article I have seen/read) that when it comes to the most beautiful bike and best sounding (and probably best overall bike especially in terms of performance) there is no alternative. MV Agusta, they got various models and now make the 1000 cc version also.

[mindgam3]

my issue about a bike is not what to buy, but if i should buy one. personally i think i would kill my self with a bike. but if i were to get a bike theres only one i would ever buy and its a Ducati, i know they are a bit high in price. but the bikes are just so damn nice.

996, old but one of the few bikes i would buy. if money isnt a object get in touch with Leno about his rocket engine bike
http://www.motohyper-sport.com/TBR_products/Exhaust/Ducati/005-350408D.jpg

indeed, same here, the V twin sound is just amazing.

Downsides are slightly higher price n slightly less reliable, although they don't pack quite as much power and are great handling bikes which maybe what u want ir ur thinking of a litre bike?

when it comes to something that i really like, hp isnt a need and reliability isnt a issue either since i dont mind getting my hands dirty.
what did you say here " u want ir ur thinking of a litre bike" i couldnt really make it out.

*if you are thinking of a litre bike

sorry ;)

[mindgam3]

well everyone knows (including just about every review/article I have seen/read) that when it comes to the most beautiful bike and best sounding (and probably best overall bike especially in terms of performance) there is no alternative. MV Agusta, they got various models and now make the 1000 cc version also.

and also cost about £30,000 :P

[TransAm]

well everyone knows (including just about every review/article I have seen/read) that when it comes to the most beautiful bike and best sounding (and probably best overall bike especially in terms of performance) there is no alternative. MV Agusta, they got various models and now make the 1000 cc version also.

I agree completely! I think they are beauty on wheels. Just a little too pricey for me though - as are the ducatis and aprilias :cry:

[dons5]

haah ya of course ur right about that, I and everyone always sais that Ducati is the Ferrari of bikes, but honestly apart from the paintjob id have to say it really is the MV. Ferrari even helped make the engine for them, or it was derived from a Ferrari unit or something alog those lines.

[RC45]

The speed diff. between a new 600, older super sport 750 and a 1000cc in the street grind is not that much.

Sure the open class bikes run 40kmh faster - but you spend very little time at 180mph.. ;)

I have had a blast with what ever I have been riding at the time - RZ530YPVS, RG250, FJ1100, FZ750, TZR250SP - and most recently and RC45.

In the twisty back roads through the woods, the 600's, 750's and 1000's all run the same speeds... it is only if you spend time posing with the freeway crowd that uber-topen counts.

Besides - I really enjoy stuffing the open class bikes through woods on a 750... ;)

Doesn't matter what you are riding, if the road only supports a certain top end.
In other words... egt the bike you enjoy looking at, washing, riding, dreaming about and touching. What ever brings the most pleasure.

Unless you are tracking the bike, the idea of "getting bored" with the performance of a sport bike really means your not using it as intended, and your buddies on turbo Busas were running away from you on the freeway. LOL :P

I can see somone getting bored with an SV650 on the street - but not an R6 or CBR600F4i or CBR600RR - the CBR1000RR and R1 and ZX10R and GSXR1000 are so close now - it comes down to personal taste - again, unless you are racing and need to collect a winners cheque every weekend.

But then again, to each their own.. :)

[astonmartinandy]

Yeah I think RC is right. I don't have any experience with bikes, but unless you really plan high speed track days or want to cruise autobahns at v-max, there is a limit to the amount of power you can really enjoy on the road.

On a seperate note, how boring do bike serial numbers sound? Why don't they just give them names like with cars?!

[TransAm]

Interesting point andy

Some bikes they do give names to but it tends to be the cruisers (Virago) and the Dual purpose type bikes (Transalp)

I can't think of a sports bike with a name only (no numbers at all) right now.

Good point about 80mph RC, no way I will see anywhere near that!

New cycletrader is out now and looking through there is a nice R6 near me as well now, only 900 miles on the clock. Not even run in yet. 1999 model so quite a bit cheaper ($1500) than the 01 R1.

I tend to agree there is nothing between the Japanese 600 sports bikes - all powerful, all are light, all handle way beyond my riding limits. If I end up with a liter bike it'll be because it was a 'good deal'.

[coombsie66]

Im dont pretend to know a lot about bikes, but as we use a 600 bike engine in the race car i am building this year at uni i have learnt a bit more lately.
In researching for various 600 bike engines to use in the future ive read quite a few bike reviews, and all i ever seem to read is that everyone who has an R6 is astonished by the performance and never gets bored with that side of the bike.
Also we are trying to blag from honda (who do research with our uni) a couple cbr600RR engines, after reading up on that bike, it looks bloody impressive, especially the engine!

Personally i cant see the need for a litre bike on the road. the 600's ive seen wide open look more than scarey enough!!! They are so light now.

EDIT: after actually reading your last post Trans, i understand totally where your coming from. A deal's a deal, and every litre bike is gunna fuckin fly!

[TransAm]

Well well well, what have we here:


http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/3/0/78025730.htm


Unbelievable price when converted into UK pounds sterling @ current exch rate :shock: I have my UK Mastercard out already... drool...

More beautiful than a Ducati IMHO.

Edit: assuming you recognise the phone number area code in the advert and it is nearby to you:

Now I know this is a bit cheeky but is there anyone in Houston that might have an hour spare to go and have a look for me, just make sure its genuine, hasn't been down the road and the guy has the title etc. :?:

[RC45]

What ya need buddy?

EDIT: Already called the bloke and made an appointment to view it - at our mutual convenience.

[jz04r1]

I have a 04 r1. Absolutely love it fast as hell but easy to ride when you want to just put along city streets. My bikes midrange about 7-8000 rpm is actually lower than a 01. I say get it. Just respect what is under you while riding and you will be fine.

[TransAm]

What ya need buddy?

EDIT: Already called the bloke and made an appointment to view it - at our mutual convenience.

Thanks ever so much RC, I really appreciate it.

I owe ya one.