Motorcyclists on MartialTalk

[OULobo]

Okay, started shopping today for a new bike. I have 4 that I am looking at and am searching for other options. I think I would like to buy used. I like the naked look and I don't need anything to big, so my first two choices are the Suz. SV650 and the Hon. 599. They stopped making the 599 last year. I like the racy street bike look, but again I don't need anything too big, so I looked at the Hon. CBR600F1i and Suz. GS500F or Katana600. Other options mentioned were the GSXR600, Kaw. ZZR600, Yam. YZF600R, but they seemed pricey and more looks than I need. Either naked or racy, I figure I'm sticking to the 600cc class. Any testamonials or suggestions?

 

[Baoquan]

Okay, started shopping today for a new bike. I have 4 that I am looking at and am searching for other options. I think I would like to buy used. I like the naked look and I don't need anything to big, so my first two choices are the Suz. SV650 and the Hon. 599. They stopped making the 599 last year. I like the racy street bike look, but again I don't need anything too big, so I looked at the Hon. CBR600F1i and Suz. GS500F or Katana600. Other options mentioned were the GSXR600, Kaw. ZZR600, Yam. YZF600R, but they seemed pricey and more looks than I need. Either naked or racy, I figure I'm sticking to the 600cc class. Any testamonials or suggestions?

I once thought i *hated* shopping. A few years ago i discovered that i only hate shopping *for anything except motorcycles*... :ultracool

I have ridden the SV650, and while its a lot of fun, it was a bit lacking in grunt for my tastes. I like the Hornet 600, and i ride a F4i, which is soo much fun i never get off it without a grin plastered all over my ugly mug. Gixxer600 and the R6 are both wicked nice rides, but pretty track focussed, especially the R6. The ZZR is a boat. You might also wanna take a crack at the new Z750 - its a lot of fun.

I just had a get-off from my F4i, and the ensuing insurance hassle and wait for its return made me think about trading it in for a naked, which i'm a big fan of. It was a very small event, all things considered, but the damage to the plastics and whatnot on the rice rocket shot the repair bill up to $AU6000.00.....the same event on a naked with crash knobs would have warranted a new bar end and a blinker cover. If you like the nekkid bikes, the potential savings in both insurance quotes and possible repairs is worth it IMHO....

 

[Colin_Linz]

I'm a bit partial to the CBR600R and the R6, but then I like sports bikes. If you are mainly ridding on the road a SV1000 may be the go. They are reasonably cheap, come in a number of guises, handle OK, and have enough power and a relaxed delivery.

 

[OULobo]

I once thought i *hated* shopping. A few years ago i discovered that i only hate shopping *for anything except motorcycles*... :ultracool

I have ridden the SV650, and while its a lot of fun, it was a bit lacking in grunt for my tastes. I like the Hornet 600, and i ride a F4i, which is soo much fun i never get off it without a grin plastered all over my ugly mug. Gixxer600 and the R6 are both wicked nice rides, but pretty track focussed, especially the R6. The ZZR is a boat. You might also wanna take a crack at the new Z750 - its a lot of fun.

I just had a get-off from my F4i, and the ensuing insurance hassle and wait for its return made me think about trading it in for a naked, which i'm a big fan of. It was a very small event, all things considered, but the damage to the plastics and whatnot on the rice rocket shot the repair bill up to $AU6000.00.....the same event on a naked with crash knobs would have warranted a new bar end and a blinker cover. If you like the nekkid bikes, the potential savings in both insurance quotes and possible repairs is worth it IMHO....

I still like the SV650 or 599 just because of what you mentioned, lower insurance, easier maintanance access and easier repairs. They are just enough bike for me and I think I can find them used pretty easily. The F4i was something the salesguy at a dealership almost sold me on. He had a 2004 and I liked it a lot. I wanted the easier seating the F4i offers over the RR because of the longer trips.

I've always loved the GSXR styling, but the cost and bulk always scared me off. THe Z720 is more bike than I need. I saw someone on the other thread post a pic of their Kaw. ZXR250 (I think it was Colin) and that looked great (mine is the other Kaw. 250 ninja), but I think they stopped making them in 1999.

 

[psi_radar]

I've got a 2001 sv650s and trust me, it's got enough power--there are very few people out there than can truly capture the potential of the I-4 600s, let alone the liter bikes. My Sv650 will go 0-60 in 3.2 seconds and do the quarter mile in the low 12s. It's a v-twin so it's got plenty of low end, usable torque, so when you're putting around in traffic there's power there whenever you need it, not just at 8,000 RPM and up. With a few small suspension mods it is also a very trackable bike, and still a respectable canyon carver without the swaps due to its low center of gravity and thin profile. It's also cheap, has plenty of aftermarket support, and wheelies like a dream.

Just for perspective, I've been riding for 28 years and this is the most fun bike I've ever owned, and I still have a blast every time I get on it. Even though I'll probably get another bike soon, I'm sure I'll still take the SV out all the time.

 

[Baoquan]

The F4i was something the salesguy at a dealership almost sold me on. He had a 2004 and I liked it a lot. I wanted the easier seating the F4i offers over the RR because of the longer trips.

I bought the F4i for *exactly* that reason - at a long-legged 6'1", the RR can get pretty cramped.

I've got a 2001 sv650s and trust me, it's got enough power--there are very few people out there than can truly capture the potential of the I-4 600s, let alone the liter bikes.

You're bang on re: most people's ability to really utilise modern 4's...but i've been riding inline 4's for so long, that if i dont feel that insane, psychotic-cat-on-acid acceleration when the tacho hits 8 grand or so, somehting just seems to be lacking, even though i'm one of those who isnt capable of really making the most of a sportsbike... I ride with some guys who are, and i know i'm not *that* good.

However, lately i've been thinking about trading the F4i for a naked streeter, and the SV1000 will definately get a look in. I know a guy who just put Gixxer750 forks on his SV650, and it looks damn good...and i heard the gixxer1000 front will slot right into the SV1000.... :ultracool

I'll be hanging onto the other CBR600 for the track, tho...nothing beats wringing a screaming 600 around a racetrack...

 

[Colin_Linz]

However, lately i've been thinking about trading the F4i for a naked streeter, and the SV1000 will definately get a look in. I know a guy who just put Gixxer750 forks on his SV650, and it looks damn good...and i heard the gixxer1000 front will slot right into the SV1000.... :ultracool

I'll be hanging onto the other CBR600 for the track, tho...nothing beats wringing a screaming 600 around a racetrack...

I believe the GSXR1000 are a straight bolt on fit to the SV1000. Generally speaking most people are faster on a Track with the 600’s, as they are not intimidating. The likes of R1’s and GSXR1000’s need a little throttle control. Personally I like the larger bikes as they offer more mid range. I used to have a TRX850 Yamaha and that was as quick as anything else on the road, even though it only made about 80hp. The way it made its power was very easy to use. I could get on the power much earlier than my mates on their Blades and other sports bikes. Unfortunately when you got it on the track it was just too slow. You would spend most of the time around the back of Eastern Creek Raceway working your way past the slow ridders, only to have them fly past you down the straight and slow you down on turn one. My TRX was on the rev limiter down the straight at 230 kmh and even the 600’s would just fly past you. I ended up going to an older CBR900RR so I could get some midrange, and the top end power. This made a great Track bike.

 

[Satt]

I have a BMW K1100 and a Honda Reflex. :ultracool

 

[psi_radar]

I bought the F4i for *exactly* that reason - at a long-legged 6'1", the RR can get pretty cramped.



You're bang on re: most people's ability to really utilise modern 4's...but i've been riding inline 4's for so long, that if i dont feel that insane, psychotic-cat-on-acid acceleration when the tacho hits 8 grand or so, somehting just seems to be lacking, even though i'm one of those who isnt capable of really making the most of a sportsbike... I ride with some guys who are, and i know i'm not *that* good.

However, lately i've been thinking about trading the F4i for a naked streeter, and the SV1000 will definately get a look in. I know a guy who just put Gixxer750 forks on his SV650, and it looks damn good...and i heard the gixxer1000 front will slot right into the SV1000.... :ultracool

I'll be hanging onto the other CBR600 for the track, tho...nothing beats wringing a screaming 600 around a racetrack...

Baoquan,

I might be mistaken but I don't think they're marketing the sv1000 naked here in the states anymore. I'm not crazy about the seating position on the SV1000--it's as aggressive as the TL1000. I've found the 'Busa to be much more comfortable and nimble, scarily enough.

 

[Fortis]

Okay, started shopping today for a new bike. I have 4 that I am looking at and am searching for other options. I think I would like to buy used. I like the naked look and I don't need anything to big, so my first two choices are the Suz. SV650 and the Hon. 599. They stopped making the 599 last year. I like the racy street bike look, but again I don't need anything too big, so I looked at the Hon. CBR600F1i and Suz. GS500F or Katana600. Other options mentioned were the GSXR600, Kaw. ZZR600, Yam. YZF600R, but they seemed pricey and more looks than I need. Either naked or racy, I figure I'm sticking to the 600cc class. Any testamonials or suggestions?

Is this your first bike? How experienced are you? If this is your first bike and/or you're looking for something to have fun in the canyons with as well as general commuting, I'd highly suggest the SV650. The fact that you want a naked bike is another argument for the SV (even if it isn't your first bike). I've never met anyone that didn't love their SV. I'm also partial to the Gixxer 600s as I have one.

 

[Drac]

2002 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic..

 

[OULobo]

Is this your first bike? How experienced are you? If this is your first bike and/or you're looking for something to have fun in the canyons with as well as general commuting, I'd highly suggest the SV650. The fact that you want a naked bike is another argument for the SV (even if it isn't your first bike). I've never met anyone that didn't love their SV. I'm also partial to the Gixxer 600s as I have one.

No, I've been riding my 250 Ninja for since '96. My mentality is to get something bigger displacement wise, but not jump up to a 1000cc class right off the bat. I like the nakeds because of the insurance break and the ease of maintanace and repair. I've been narrowing down to the SV650, the 599 and mabey the CBR600F4i if I give in and go for something just a tad more flashy.

 

[Baoquan]

Baoquan,

I might be mistaken but I don't think they're marketing the sv1000 naked here in the states anymore. I'm not crazy about the seating position on the SV1000--it's as aggressive as the TL1000. I've found the 'Busa to be much more comfortable and nimble, scarily enough.

I haven't ridden the SV1000 yet (and i have the feeling they're being dropped here in Aus too), but i've ridden the The Bus, and its an awesome engine in that thing...not just brutally powerful, but creamy...such a connection between the throttle and the tire i have never experienced. I just know i couldn't be trusted with that much power...but i have a real need to at some point in my life, own the biggest, baddest production bike on the planet....

Loss of licence in: 3 - 2 - 1..... :uhyeah:

 

[Colin_Linz]

The SV650 is a fine bike, even if it is a little under powered. Power is not everything, and doesn’t necessarily make a quick bike on the road. If you are shying away from the litre class because of the difference between your current bike and them it could be worth considering a few facts.

Many of the 600’s now put out similar and in some cases more power than litre class twins. The difference is that the litre class twins are just so much easier to ride, as they don’t require absolute attention to revs and gear selection. You can be more relaxed, even lazy and still go fast. There is no coming on strong when you hit the power band, just predictable power right through. This lets you enjoy the ride more. Another factor is that many of the 600’s are now very highly developed. This means that they are putting out power much closer to their design limits. I don’t think this will translate well to longevity, however in this class people tend to turn them over fairly quickly (in Australia it averages out at 6 months). The naked class usually does detune their engines so this may not be an issue with them.

One factor I love with twins is the exhaust note. It adds another dimension to the ridding experience. I have a Conti style system on my old Ducati and it is loud, but it is so enjoyable on a spirited ride. It is also great in alerting Car drivers that I’m near by. As you can see I’m fairly biased when it comes to twins so you will need to balance my opinions almost as much as when I’m talking Shorinji Kempo.

 

[Colin_Linz]

I finally got the manifolds to suit my new 40mm carburettors last week. I managed to get the carburettors fitted and balanced last weekend and take it for a short ride. With the new competition clutch, the bigger carburettors and new Tommaselli quick action throttle it is like a new bike. It goes so much better right through the rev range. Power wise, the old Ducati is not too far away from my old TRX850 now. I fitted a new rear tyre yesterday and now feel it is ready for it’s first Track Day. My Son and myself are going to Queensland Raceway on the 17th and I’m looking forward to it. The Track is not inspiring, it is mainly a horsepower and brakes track, the Ducati has neither. It should be good all the same just to ride around with my son.

 

[Baoquan]

I finally got the manifolds to suit my new 40mm carburettors last week. I managed to get the carburettors fitted and balanced last weekend and take it for a short ride. With the new competition clutch, the bigger carburettors and new Tommaselli quick action throttle it is like a new bike. It goes so much better right through the rev range. Power wise, the old Ducati is not too far away from my old TRX850 now. I fitted a new rear tyre yesterday and now feel it is ready for it’s first Track Day. My Son and myself are going to Queensland Raceway on the 17th and I’m looking forward to it. The Track is not inspiring, it is mainly a horsepower and brakes track, the Ducati has neither. It should be good all the same just to ride around with my son.

Cool!! Quick action throttles are fun...the quickie on my track bike, when combined with teh flat side carbs = instant hilarity.

I've never ridden QLD raceway.....only EC/Oran/Wakefield. I've *got* to get to the Island one day....

Have fun at the track!!

 

[K Williams]

I haven't ridden the SV1000 yet (and i have the feeling they're being dropped here in Aus too), but i've ridden the The Bus, and its an awesome engine in that thing...not just brutally powerful, but creamy...such a connection between the throttle and the tire i have never experienced. I just know i couldn't be trusted with that much power...but i have a real need to at some point in my life, own the biggest, baddest production bike on the planet....

Loss of licence in: 3 - 2 - 1..... :uhyeah:

Yeah, whatever... I still think the ZX-12R is a better bike than the 'Busa! Let the Kawasaki vs. Suzuki wars/arguments begin.

 

[K Williams]

Did you all see the retro cafe-racer Ducatis that were on display at the Motorcycle Show?! That one with the silver metal flake paint job had me drooling!

 

[Baoquan]

Yeah, whatever... I still think the ZX-12R is a better bike than the 'Busa! Let the Kawasaki vs. Suzuki wars/arguments begin.

To be honest, i've never ridden a ZX-12R, but i'd be very interested in doing so. However, in the interests of starting a religious war...12R's SUCK!!! :flame:

:ultracool

 

[Colin_Linz]

Cool!! Quick action throttles are fun...the quickie on my track bike, when combined with teh flat side carbs = instant hilarity.

I've never ridden QLD raceway.....only EC/Oran/Wakefield. I've *got* to get to the Island one day....

Have fun at the track!!

I love Eastern Creek and Oran Park; they are both great tracks for different reasons. The GP circuit at Oran Park is very technical and a lot of fun, even if it is bumpy. Eastern Creek is just so nice, turn one at 200 plus is a real buzz. I used to live in Penrith so I spent quite a lot of time at both these circuits. I too would love to give Phillip Island a go, It’s a bit of a trek there from QLD though.