lucifer search for a new bike

[lucifer_mr2]

My restrictions are finally off, so I can get a new bike. Doing some test rides and trying out as many bikes as I can get to. Will put up a list of the bike i want to test ride and cross them off when I ridden them. Didn't get to do much today because I worked in the morning, so won't have a chance to try any more for another week. Second weekend of test riding, added some more.

Kawasaki Z750 - This bike doesn't fit me. The position is OK, but the tank and frame stick out where my legs are. Like it, but I wouldn't be able to ride it more than 20 minutes.
Kawasaki Z1000 - Might not even test ride one of these. Between the 1000cc engine and digital tacho, I probably wouldn't buy one.
Honda CB1000R - It's got a bit of power  . The bike fits me perfectly. The suspension is a bit stiffer than I'm used to, didn't feel confidant that the wheels would stay on the ground around the corners. Power didn't give me a problem. Driving behind cars I had no problem accelerating with them. But, leaving the lights with no one in front of me had me at the speed limit (80km/h) before I shifted. Didn't like the digital tacho (I'm used to digital speedo's).
Suzuki GSR750 - Suzuki have delayed the GSR750 (as told by the dealership), it may not be released this year. Stupid earthquake/tsunami.
Yamaha FZ8N - Test rode a white one with gold wheels and an aftermarket exhaust. Very nice bike. Good engine, with more than enough power. Like the suspension on it, not really soft but handle the bumps and such very well. Depending on how the GSR750 is, this will probably be the bike I buy. Funny thing abut riding it, the trade plate ¹ had a L-plate ²cable tied onto it, so I got a lot of weird looks. Can get one for AU$99 a week, with full insurance and no trade in or deposit. This is the only bike on the short list.
Yamaha FZ1N - Same trade plate as the FZ8N, so still got the looks. Tested the FZ1S, but pretty much the same. Didn't like it as much as the FZ8N. Power was same as the CB1000R, a quick roll on test from 40 to 100km/h in second gear had me laughing under my helmet. I should not buy one. I can just imagine the news the first night I own one. Ahh Ahhh Chooo, "police are looking for a motorcyclist seen going approximately 150km/h in an 80 zone, please call crime stoppers if you have any details". The suspension was also a lot stiff than the 8, so all up didn't enjoy the bike as much.
Triumph Street Triple -
Triumph Speed Triple - This thing has some power. When I say some, I mean lots. Also all of it appears to be just off idle. It really feels slow when you get higher up in the revs. After 6500 or so your just wasting time.
Suzuki GSXR750 - I love naked bikes, only tested this to see what all the fuss was about. Wasn't comfortable to ride, although I did like the pegs position. Power was all in the top end. It was OK between 4k and about 8k where I kept it most of the time. Above that there was a fair bit of power, but could only get to it in first on the road. All up, not that impressive for a road bike.
Harley XL883L - Found the reason they call them super lows, the thing could barely corner. Plus the midset pegs kept catching my jeans. Only tried it for the engine, but wasn't that impressed.
Harley XL1200X - I like this bike. Was surprised that the foward controls fit me really well. The exhaust had been gutted, so it's sound was tradtional offencive Harley. The bars felt right. I could actually see with the mirrors, unlike just looking at my shoulders. Price for the bike is $18000 with a six month wait.

^{1 - Trade plates are reserved for dealers, they can be swapped between any bike you choose. Only real condition is that the bike must be something close to roadworthy.
2 -  L-plates are learner plates, when you have capacity and power to weight restrictions. The GS500 is very close to the limit of learner bikes.}

[tt_four]

Good choice of bikes, I'm definitely intrigued by those gsr750s. Haven't  heard anything about them yet.

[Twisted]

You gonna have a ride on a Speed or Street Triple?

[mister]

GSR600? SV1000? Maybe you might fall in love with Honda's new-ish CB1100 

900 Hornet? R6? R1? FZ1? ZX9? Daytona?

Are you after a NEW bike or a new-to-you pre-loved bike?

Michael

[lucifer_mr2]

The local dealer doesn't do GSR600's. Also don't like faired bike much, if I did get one it would be turned into a street fighter. The CB1100  is interesting, but I don't like the look of them. The dealer does jave a few of them, one with a few modifications including whitewall tyres.

The GSR750 should be gettting to the dealer in about three weeks, they are going to call me when it's ready for a ride.

I'm probably going to buy new, the second hand bike's don't cost much less than new (on Canberra at least).

[tt_four]

They're all great bikes, but I bet the Triumphs are a few steps ahead of the rest, with the Z1000 following close behind.

[Twisted]

Doesn't look like there is any Triumph dealers in Canberra. Way to go nations capital 

[lucifer_mr2]

Eurotune Queanbeyan. Close enough to Canberra.

[Twisted]

You gonna take a trip over that way?

[lucifer_mr2]

What's wrong with Queanbeyan? It's pretty much a suburb of Canberra, apart from being in another state.

Just remembered, John McGraph Ford does Aprillia, Moto Guzzi and Triumph, but they ren't really a bike shop.

[mister]

What's wrong with Queanbeyan?

It's cold - relatively speaking, of course. 

Have you considered a trip to Syd to have a look? It ain't far.

Michael

[lucifer_mr2]

I don't like Sydney, only thing I go to Sydney for is passing through on my way to Newcastle.

Also test rode a few Yamaha's today, see first post to see what I thought of them

[mister]

Bandit 1250?
XJR 1300?

Michael

[Shaddow]

Except Newcastle sucks for buying bikes which is why Sydney can be better to look in for a deal.

[lucifer_mr2]

I'm in Sydney next week, but won't be able to get near a bike dealership. Anyway, I only go to Newcastle for family.

Also, bit of an update in the first post. Don't think I'll be testing the XJR1300 and Bandit, the 800's are enough for me.

Doing a bit of research, with the FZ8N. I can get the bike for nearly $1400 cheaper by sourcing my own finance and insurance, turns out the dealers options are pretty bad. Maybe closer $5000 (over 5 years) if I don't bother with loan.

[mister]

I'm in Sydney next week, but won't be able to get near a bike dealership. Anyway, I only go to Newcastle for family.

Also, bit of an update in the first post. Don't think I'll be testing the XJR1300 and Bandit, the 800's are enough for me.

Doing a bit of research, with the FZ8N. I can get the bike for nearly $1400 cheaper by sourcing my own finance and insurance, turns out the dealers options are pretty bad.

The Bandit and XJR are not race class bikes. They are more powerful sport tourers when set up, and naked sport when not set up. They won't pop a wheelie or have you losing your license with a rush for speed - even though they can be ridden as such. Their ergonomics generally sees them ridden more sedately.

Michael

[ryott52]

Have you tried the BMW K1300R? I'm dying to ride one but they don't sell them in the US.

[lucifer_mr2]

After the last few rides to the coast and such, I'm thing of buying a cruiser now. Like the look of some of the Harley's, which really did surprise me. The XL1200X (48) really fits me well.

[mister]

After the last few rides to the coast and such, I'm thing of buying a cruiser now. Like the look of some of the Harley's, which really did surprise me. The XL1200X (48) really fits me well.

Add the Triumph America to your list. Possibly a Honda Shadow too. I've found both to be comfy, while preferring the Triumph.

I know a couple guys with an M109 who swear by them. A couple on C50s who love them, while one loves it since he put a riders back rest on it.

Michael

[lucifer_mr2]

I did look at the Triumph America, there was an older one at one of the dealerships with saddle bags. Looked good. Not a real fan of the Honda's. I prefer the look of the belt/chain drives with disk brakes. And if I end up getting a cruiser, looks will be very important.

I ride with they guys with M109R's, they love them. Watching 400kgs of bike light the rear wheel up around a round about is interesting. But those guys really know how to handle a bike.

I must say. I was very suprised with the Harley dealership. Very good customer service, friendly, plenty of information and very upfront about waiting time on the bikes.