Cruiser rider looking for a sportbike - new or used?

[Rickster]

The 600cc bike I have the most time on was an R6 my son had. In first gear with the throttle wide open, the front wheel would literally jump off the ground when the tac hit 10,000rpm. It didn't feel underpowered below 10,000 rpm, but it sure as heck woke up when it got above that.

I agree with RowdyRed about the I-4"s, my new Bandit has blown away all my old beliefs about V-Twins being the king of torque, I can ride the Bandit around all day in 6th gear in 30 mph zones and never feel like I need to downshift, the Road King needs to be in 4th, or it will buck & ping when I give it gas.

[ORBrit]

this thread has me itching to go test ride a sport bike or at least a standard...

I'm so ready to move on from my S50 - which I still love, and is fun, but I really feel the need to experience a bike that is designed to corner.
there's a 2001 SV 650 local on craigslist for $3k....
very tempting.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by ORBrit

this thread has me itching to go test ride a sport bike or at least a standard...

I'm so ready to move on from my S50 - which I still love, and is fun, but I really feel the need to experience a bike that is designed to corner.
there's a 2001 SV 650 local on craigslist for $3k....
very tempting.

BEWARE THE EVIL OF THE DARKSIDE!!!!!!!

Do it and you won't look back!!!!!!!

You have been warned!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tricker]

Originally Posted by Ray

BEWARE THE EVIL OF THE DARKSIDE!!!!!!!

Do it and you won't look back!!!!!!!

You have been warned!!!!!!!!!!!!

[inspiron]

The main factors of how the engine provides power are, of course, engineering details. Cylinder shape - a long-boar is going to respond much differently than a short-bore.

For those who aren't aware, most race-replicas have large cylinders where the pistons travel only a short distance, thus the high RPMs. Sport-touring bikes (and cruisers, for that matter) usually have a smaller cylinder diameter, but the piston travels much farther on each stroke. This gives more torque and lowers RPMs.

Add to that modern fuel injection and engine management electronics, and you're in a totally different league than the bikes produced more than 10 years ago.

Not to mention the huge leaps in terms of braking and suspension ... many people who have learned to ride recently couldn't ride "old school" bikes - kick starter, choke, WTF? Nah, pull the clutch and push the button, and she roars to life!

[vwtom]

Originally Posted by Rickster

the front wheel would literally jump off the ground when the tac hit 10,000rpm

My FZ1 wouldn't jump - but anything after 6K and the front end was floating...all the way to 11K. Just about felt like it was going to pull you off the back. Hit second and third and the front would come off the ground about 1-2".

Unreal. It would do about 70 redlined in first. Good stuff.

[GSXRfan]

you will get more bang for your buck out that GSXR ,not to mention the fun,not for long trips,just fast ones,and if You can lean your bike all the way over the GSXR loves to do that , handels very well.

[aeagles]

Originally Posted by GSXRfan

you will get more bang for your buck out that GSXR ,not to mention the fun,not for long trips,just fast ones,and if You can lean your bike all the way over the GSXR loves to do that , handels very well.

nice job bring a thread from last year back from the dead.

[JmalB]

SV650... Any form.

[tricker]

i've always had a thing for an SV650.. just never got one

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by aeagles

nice job bring a thread from last year back from the dead.

The last post from the OP was June 27 2008.

In any case welcome to GSXRfan

[aeagles]

Originally Posted by Rickster

The last post from the OP was June 27 2008.

In any case welcome to GSXRfan

welcome. so, how come you don't ride a real bike..you know, a GSF?

[HumanMachine]

Originally Posted by bigE

I always buy used (from an individual, not the dealer). They're called a stealership for a reason....

That being said, you have to be VERY careful when buying a used sport bike. People like to flog the crap outta em.

Also, if you wait til the winter you will probably get a much better deal.

Can you still find enough options to test drive buying personally? That was always a concern of mine when buying, which is why I tend to skew towards the dealers, unless I knew a guy personally who would let me take her out for a spin.

[GSX1000RYUNG]

Originally Posted by Ray

Hi, I rode sportbikes in High School (1989-1991) then due to my cousins crash (riding the bike we co-owned) I left the motorcycle world untill 2006 when I decided to get back onboard (Did MSF, bought gear and the M50), but now, I'm frankly bored by the M50's performance. I'm looking to get into a road racing school, if only for the fun of it, I plan on eventually road racing summer weekends, and even then just for the joy of riding my bike closer to it's limits (not at the limit as, frankly I feel too old for that madness!!!).

Now, my first choice is going new or used. There's a very good special at a nearby dealership on '08 ZZR600's. ($6,600 OTD). But I can also get my hands on an '05 GXR600 with 950 miles, for $6,500...and then there's an '05 Kawi ZX6R for $5900 ....possiblilities are endless!!!!!!My brain tells me, let someone else take the depreceation hit and enjoy the used replica racer since in a couple of years I may want to upgrade anyway....but the new Black Kawi is dancing in my dreams!!!...HELP!!!!

Also, given my intention to ride easy on the street and hot lap it on the track, should I go with a value sport tourer like the ZZR, F4i, YZF600R????

[Rickster]

Hey GSX1000RYUNG I see your a man of few words,,,,,,,,,,,,, well welcome in any case