Moving on from the GS...

[brett]

I was going to wait until the end of the year to get a new bike, but the GS just isn't cutting it anymore. She developed an oil leak recently, and on the trip to/from Laguna this weekend she was really pissing me off even more. On the way down I got pulled over because my headlight was out. Thankfully I'm up to date on license/insurance/registration, and I wasn't speeding. The cops were out in force for MotoGP. The cop lets me go on my way, but grr, I'll have to fix that soon. On the way back, I'm cruising along when all of a sudden my exhaust gets hella loud. I look down and realize that it got all loud because THE @#&%'ING CAN FELL OFF. Luckily my dad was behind me and saw where it fell off, so we were able to ride back and find it on the side of the road. I ended up riding the last 40 miles home with no can. It was pretty loud, but by shortshifting past every cop I was able to get away with it.

(From the taking lemons and making lemonade department, it was actually kinda fun to ride with no can. The GS actually had a decent amount more pep - nothing too significant, but definitely noticeable.)

Anyways, so here's where my bike stands. The exhaust was a Supertrapp installed by the previous owner, and he had to make some welds to make it fit. One of those failed, and that's why it fell off. To fix it properly means taking it somewhere to do some welding. The oil leak is getting worse, and the engine really should be torn down ASAP. On top of that, we're talking about a 13 year old bike that I've put 18k miles on in a year and a half. This all screams project bike, but frankly I have neither the time nor the facilities (no garage) for a project bike. Hell, I've already got a busted Ninja 250 in my driveway that's been sitting there for 2 months waiting for me to fix it. Combine that with every manufacturer having all their shiny new bikes on display at Laguna, and I'm ready to go new bike shopping.

Right now, the two leading contenders for a new bike are the Daytona 675 or the CBR 600RR. I'm also tossing around the idea of a GSX-R 750, Ninja ZX-6R (or maybe a used 636), or a Monster. I'm looking for something performance oriented that will last me a long time, but also with decent street capabilities as this will be a daily rider.

I figure the GS can sit in my driveway until I figure out what to do with it. If anyone is interested in a project bike, lemme know, but I also may just hold onto it for now.

[spc]

Between the 600rr and 675, I would hands down choose the 675.   It's one badass piece of machine

[Mk1inCali]

One of my best friends had a 675.  I rode it, with the suspension set up for her (110lbs vs. my 185-190lbs) and it was ridiculously fast.  Lots of midrange power, tons of power up top.


Very aggressive positioning, but lots of fun once you are into the twisties.

[vtlion]

I took a demo ride on a 675 this year, and the power was very nice. 

The problem I had with the 675, as stated before, is that the ergos are insanely aggressive.  Mirrors were useless and the fairing did nothing to protect the rider from the wind.  I don't think I would buy one as a commuter simply based on how forward the riding position is.  This is coming from a guy who used to commute regularly and comfortably on a 2001 Yamaha R6, so I know what I'm talking about.

unfortunately, if you want a high-performance commuter bike then you will likely have to concede either a little bit of power and handling or a little bit of comfort.  The top of the line sports bikes are all just getting crazy aggressive with the ergos lately.

I will be trying out the Kawi ZZR600 next.  Also a Z750 if I can find one and probably the R6S.

[blue05twin]

The GSX-R 750 and 600's are just about the same power wise, if it's comfy I'd suggest the gsxr600.  I know you didn't mention it just thought I'd toss it in there. 

I have ridden my bike 6 hrs stopping for gas and drinks only and was fine when I got home really comfy for a supersport.

The new 600RR is really nice also, but I found the seat to be really hard after only 45 min of riding power wise it's great a little more pep than the gsxr 600.

If your thinking about a monster have you thought about a speed triple?  I know it's alot more cc's than what you were looking at but it's a great bike. 

Also if you can wait til lnext your the Street triple is supposed to be out in the states same look as the speed triple but 650 cc's.

Best advice I can give is sit on all the bikes and get the thats the most comfy to you.  All the supersport 600's are so close in power these days you might as well get the one thats the most comfortable to you.l

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

Where you located? One of my fraternity brothers needs a cheap bike to learn on, and a project is fine, as he and I are both very mechanical.

[blue05twin]

Where you located? One of my fraternity brothers needs a cheap bike to learn on, and a project is fine, as he and I are both very mechanical.

I think Cali

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

Where you located? One of my fraternity brothers needs a cheap bike to learn on, and a project is fine, as he and I are both very mechanical.

I think Cali

Oh, well.. damn

[brett]

So I went and sat on a bunch of bikes after work today. To address a few that were mentioned:

GSX-R 600 - It's basically the same as the 750, so I can see little reason why not to go for the 750. The extra low end would be nice.
Street Triple - It won't be out for a few months, and I would rather go for the Daytona for the better suspension, better brakes, and better looks.
Speed Triple - It's a nice bike no doubt, but my insurance is based on engine size. It doesn't get bad until you get up into the liter bike range. The S2R 1000 has the same problem. And yes, I realize that I could look elsewhere for insurance, but as a 24 year old guy with speeding tickets on the record, it's not easy.

Hopefully I'll get to test ride the 675 tomorrow.

Where you located? One of my fraternity brothers needs a cheap bike to learn on, and a project is fine, as he and I are both very mechanical.

I think Cali

Yup, I'm in California (norcal).

[spc]

*cough* brutale 910 is only 908cc's and puts out more horsepower than the speed triple*end cough*
seriously, I'm 22 with multiple traffic offenses and I got qouted fairly reasonable rates from both geico and UMU forr the 910r    Not a cheap bike though, even used it's gonna run you 10k+

[blue05twin]

*cough* brutale 910 is only 908cc's and puts out more horsepower than the speed triple*end cough*
seriously, I'm 22 with multiple traffic offenses and I got qouted fairly reasonable rates from both geico and UMU forr the 910r    Not a cheap bike though, even used it's gonna run you 10k+

  I should have never told you about Duc Triumph of Atl.   10k+ for a used brutale or 10K for a new speed triple?  And if he feels like waiting the street triple will be lower than that.

Terry did you see the " Kits " they make for the Brutale?

[spc]

Which kit specifically???  I've seen some seriously sick mods for the brut.
I want one of those bikes now
Just for kicks i checked insurance with geico on a speed triple.
Brutale (from UMU)  $1263 yearly with $250 deductible
Speed Triple (from geico)  $2950  with $1000 deductible
( and UMU actually checked my MVR)

[blue05twin]

This first came out in 04 but  I still see them for sale this is the brutale oro


This came out in 05 it's the America kit


Kit comes with new seat , tank and rear plastics and they are limited production.  The Oro came with full Ohlins suspension and all the gold bits.  I have been drooling over these since 04 when I first saw the Oro, really thinking of selling the 750 and getting one or hell just get one and get the truck I have been looking at later.

[spc]

There was a Series Oro on Ebay the other day for like 22k

That's the one I've seen the most.

Man, I need to make it back up to Atlanta soon, so I can test-ride one!!!!!!!!!