So I've been looking into bikes for next year, but can't find anything that fits the criteria I've chosen.
If I lived closer to Canada the decision would already be made:
(http://www.kawasaki.ca/images/PopUps/Large_2005Z750_a.jpg)
(http://www.kawasaki.ca/images/PopUps/Large_2005Z750_b.jpg)
(http://www.kawasaki.ca/images/PopUps/Large_2005Z750_c.jpg)
The Kawasaki Z750. Beautiful.
bah...too many cylinders...
Pretty!!!!
Whoah... those pictures have some sort of parallel universe type thing going on. I know Canadians are backwards, but damn.
Take a look at the front pegs...
I don't see what you're talking about...
I'd hump it, I mean, buy it.
Quote from: TragicImage on May 31, 2006, 10:16:28 PM
I don't see what you're talking about...
I'd hump it, I mean, buy it.
In the two side shots, not the three quarter one, look at the front footpegs.
MSRP on this thing is $8999 CAD, which is roughly $8193 USD.
For reference, MSRP on a Triumph Daytona 675 is $8999 USD.
Now I'm wondering if I can convert a Z750S (sold in the US) to a Z750 naked using Z1000 parts... hmm...
yeah still not seeing anything with the pegs
yea, me neither there chief.
OK they have like racing pegs on the passengers and like goofy Gs type pegs up front.
It looks like they fold up to me. I thought that's what they were suppossed to do???
alpha pegs aren't suppose to fold foward...they're supposed to fold up.
Quote from: makenzie71 on May 31, 2006, 10:28:36 PM
alpha pegs aren't suppose to fold foward...they're supposed to fold up.
Exactly my point. Maybe it's just my vision, but it looks like the pegs are folded forward in the two side shots. It's probably just me.
Just your eyes...you're seeing the gap in front and underneath but it's only there beause od the "C" style catch...there's a stop pin in there. The pegs fold up and back.
My criteria:
- Fuel injection
- Dual disc brakes up front
- Fully adjustable suspension all the way around
- Middleweight displacement (600cc to 800cc)
- Attractive styling (subjective, I realize)
- $6000 or less used (exceptions can be made)
- Prefer naked, but can make a few exceptions
- Ability to use good tires (supersport radials)
- Prefer split tier seat with removable passenger pegs (no banana seats)
- Not overly common
Things that have popped into my head thus far:
Ducati 748 Monoposto
Ducati Supersport 800
Kawasaki Z750 (The S model sells for $7100 in the US new, so the Canadians are getting hosed).
Naked-ified Japanese 600
Ducati Monster S2R
I like the SV, but the '03+ S models are the only ones that do it for me. The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is ugly as sin in my book, plus you can't buy them used.
600~800 pretty much kills your market. There's no reason why you couldn't look at the liter market. If I were you I'd go after a TL1000S.
...I happen to know where a SWEET running TLS is for sale for $4000...I just put a single side swingarm on it, too.
Quote from: makenzie71 on May 31, 2006, 11:16:33 PM
600~800 pretty much kills your market. There's no reason why you couldn't look at the liter market. If I were you I'd go after a TL1000S.
...I happen to know where a SWEET running TLS is for sale for $4000...I just put a single side swingarm on it, too.
Insurance would kill me. I don't need a liter bike either, I'm skinny enough that a middleweight hauls my ass plenty fine.
no one needs more than a 250.
With all due respect, the difference in insurance between my 1998 TL and my 1986 FZ600 was $18/yr.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on May 31, 2006, 11:19:16 PM
Quote from: makenzie71 on May 31, 2006, 11:16:33 PM
600~800 pretty much kills your market. There's no reason why you couldn't look at the liter market. If I were you I'd go after a TL1000S.
...I happen to know where a SWEET running TLS is for sale for $4000...I just put a single side swingarm on it, too.
Insurance would kill me. I don't need a liter bike either, I'm skinny enough that a middleweight hauls my ass plenty fine.
Just admit it Alpha, you really want a 'Busa!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Quote from: makenzie71 on May 31, 2006, 11:26:12 PM
no one needs more than a 250.
With all due respect, the difference in insurance between my 1998 TL and my 1986 FZ600 was $18/yr.
For me, some quick quotes from Progressive:
'04 Kawi ZX-6R: $1,033
'04 ZX-10R: $1,180
'04 Z1000: $678
Well damn...
Even so, the Z750, SS800, Monster S2R were all right around $600
The 748 Monoposto was right at $900. My GS came in at $350. I don't pay $350 through my provider ($170/yr), but that's some comparisson.
I just don't need a liter bike right now. I would also prefer stepping up to a middleweight beforehand.
Try getting a quote for a 1999 TL1000S (most common available year). I bet you'll be suprised.
What part of "he doesnt want a liter bike" dont you understand????
...not even going to bother... :icon_rolleyes:
Slick move there, mackenzie. I saw that! ;)
Quote from: ajgs500 on May 31, 2006, 11:48:46 PM
What part of "he doesnt want a liter bike" dont you understand????
Now that I see the Z1000 has (relatively) cheap insurance...
With 113 RWHP or so, that's about the same as a hopped up 600 with pipe, filter, and FI tuning.
Quote from: makenzie71 on May 31, 2006, 11:50:11 PM
...not even going to bother... :icon_rolleyes:
The Z1000 has had a hold on me for a long time now. I'm going to call my insurance company up and see how much they will charge me for it. If it's relatively cheap, it's in the running.
Just get a Busa and be done with it. :icon_razz:
The Z is a great bike...of course it's got too many cylinders but I guess you can get around that if you must.
There's a lot of liter-bikes out there that will offer you cheap insurance and moderate power while providing a ride you can hang onto for quite a long time. Plus the torque, heavier bikes are just far more suited to this part of the world.
Most non-R model literbikes offer roughly the same power as the typical SS 600...especially the Twins (my bike dynos 121 at the wheel with every trick minus bore/stroke stuff).
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on May 31, 2006, 10:30:33 PMMaybe it's just my vision, but it looks like the pegs are folded forward in the two side shots. It's probably just me.
I see it too... :dunno_white:
Cool lookin' bike BTW. :thumb:
Oh and... Only really fat people dream about liters...
Quote from: RVertigo on June 01, 2006, 09:56:10 AM
Oh and... Only really fat people dream about liters...
Yeah, but 113 RWHP is more like a 750. A mellow 750. Hell, 600 sportbikes can make that much power at the wheel. A stock '05 CBR600RR puts down 108HP.
I got an insurance quote today from my insurance provider for the Z1000: $243/year compared o the $170/year I'm paying with the GS.
I found my next bike.
Wow, Alpha. Who do you get your insurance through? That's an awesome premium for an awesome bike.
And please tell me you're going to get the black/red one... 8)
Ok, seriously Alpha, who do you get your insurance through? i just got an online quote from Bike-Line for the same policy i have on my GS (for which i pay around $115/yr)...and for an '03 Z1000 i got a quote of $3808. That's like those Canadian quotes i keep hearing about! :o
Quote from: 12thmonkey on June 01, 2006, 01:09:26 PM
Wow, Alpha. Who do you get your insurance through? That's an awesome premium for an awesome bike.
Dairyland County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas
aka Dairyland. It's minimum liability only, so it'll raise a little bit when I increase the limits. That's alright though, as it's still cheap as $#!&.
Quote from: 12thmonkey on June 01, 2006, 01:09:26 PM
And please tell me you're going to get the black/red one... 8)
Oh hell yeah. I'd keep the stock exhaust too. I love them too much to change them. I sat on one today and DAMN does it feel like a hooligan bike. It felt like my GS did when I stripped it naked for the first time. It was sweet.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on May 31, 2006, 10:54:49 PM
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is ugly as sin in my book
Jesus just disowned you for that comment.
Quote from: TragicImage on June 01, 2006, 02:06:12 PM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on May 31, 2006, 10:54:49 PM
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is ugly as sin in my book
Jesus just disowned you for that comment.
Man, don't even get me started on the craptastic lines on that thing... well... too late.
First off, the front fairing hangs off way too much in the front, like it's got a huge, long, drippy nose. Then, the way the windscreen swoops back makes it look like a crappy Elvis hairstyle.
The lower red fork legs look like crap in the gloss paint too. Fork legs should be texturized to some extent.
If you put a full fairing on a sport bike, it needs low bars. This makes it look like a wannabe sportbike, kinda like the GS500.
The underbelly muffler looks like a car muffler stuck under there and isn't well hidden at all.
The footpeg brackets are GIGANTIC swoopy pieces of crap that look more like an 80s hair metal guitar than a functional piece of motorcycle equipment.
The tail plastics look stuck on as an afterthought, with a huge gap between them and the seat.
The rear shock just doesn't work well. It's trying to be different but it just sucks.
The braced swingarm looks cheap, and cheaper with the brace on it.
I like the Ninja 650's...but not cuz they're pretty. I love the engine...and it's EFI. I think the biggest thing I dislike about it is the rearsets...that's abig money piece if it breaks, and no aftermarket company is going to build something for it that incorparates pillion pegs.
I don't expect much from the fairings. The bike's intent was to appeal to "cheap" markets so fit and finnish and appearance can't be looked down upon because of failed expectations...that's "your" fault, not Kawasaki's. Hell look at the SV650's lower. Bleh. I don't think the nose of "droopy", though...and I think that if the front were loaded 25~35mm, it'd look mean, and the wind screen follows the lines nicely. It's really not that laid back...it'd be good for moderate touring.
I love the way the exhaust hugs the rear tire, too...I just like underbodies. I think it looks hot...once Yosh gets around to producing something for it look-out!
The shock and swingarm, though, are awesome. Again, it's a cheap bike, so being bothered by the "asthetics" of them is your problem. The swingarm is light as hell (11lbs!) and the shock is really clever! It uses the same travel as most linked setup shocks while being simpler and lighter...just incorparates a stiffer spring. Most Penske tripple-clickers and Ducati's Showa and Ohlins factory shocks swap right in if you wrap the ninja's spring around them...or get a new spring.
Honda 599 :thumb:
Honda's VERY proud of the 599...add another grand and just get an F4i.
OOOOOOO!
i can't say i get quite as belligerent when talking about the Ninja 650...but i can't disagree with Alpha - if i could insure a Z1000 for $243/year, that'd definitely be my next bike.
Quote from: Phaedrus on June 01, 2006, 03:25:40 PM
Honda 599 :thumb:
Only the '05 models aren't carbureted. And they are EXPENSIVE as can be!
Mak - I can see what you mean about the functionality, but I think if you're building a bike you need to blend that with aesthetics too, even if it is a cheap bike. The 1st gen naked SV650s are gorgeous, but I am really sick of dealing with carbs now. I realize that the aesthetics do appeal to some, but they just don't work with me, unfortunately.
There was a thread I started on here earlier regarding the 919 v. Z1000 v. SV1000, and it looks like I'm going back to those again. I'm going to check out the 1st gen Speed Triple and the Honda 919 too.
The FZ1 is too much bike for me: too much power, too much weight, too much. The Honda 919 and Kawasaki Z1000 are a bit more like 750s, which is a good thing in my book. The SV is really portly and not built nearly as well as the SV650 from what I've read. The Speed Triple would need some bracket fabrication to get the gauges and headlights how I like them.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on June 01, 2006, 05:51:11 PM
Mak - I can see what you mean about the functionality, but I think if you're building a bike you need to blend that with aesthetics too, even if it is a cheap bike. The 1st gen naked SV650s are gorgeous, but I am really sick of dealing with carbs now. I realize that the aesthetics do appeal to some, but they just don't work with me, unfortunately.
Performance, looks, low price ~ Pick two. Unfortunately in the real world that's exactly what you have to do...pick two. However, I do agree that the bike is ugly...I simply don't look at it for it's "looks", though. You can thank Americans, in general, for it's appearnce. If it weren't for our desire to buy full faired sports we'd have this:
(http://www.kawa.ch/gif-jpg/er6n-1b-gr.jpg)
QuoteThere was a thread I started on here earlier regarding the 919 v. Z1000 v. SV1000
If it's of those three, get the SV. Though I'm both suzuki and v-twin biased, it's really the BEST bike of the three...and that's not just from me. That's from sport rider, sport twin, roadracer x, and half a dozen other publications. Plus, you can get a MakBox from me to tune it... :thumb:
:laugh: Haha because of my dual citizenship/ban card through the reservation I can easily buy canadian vehicles and bring them into the US and if they're bought in Canada I don't have to pay NY sales tax.
Quote from: makenzie71 on June 01, 2006, 06:08:47 PM
If it's of those three, get the SV. Though I'm both suzuki and v-twin biased, it's really the BEST bike of the three...and that's not just from me. That's from sport rider, sport twin, roadracer x, and half a dozen other publications. Plus, you can get a MakBox from me to tune it... :thumb:
My considerations thus far are: Honda 919, Kawasaki Z1000, Suzuki SV1000S, and the Triumph Speed Triple.
All of them are unique in their own ways, gonna look into them all some more.
speed triple is the bomb. why not make a road trip up to canada to buy this z750? a buddy of mine did that on an '01 sv650s (they started selling the s model in '02 for us). he even got the sexy honey mustard yellow color. i always ended up getting speeding tickets following him since he couldnt convert kmh to mph :laugh:
....sv....:D
Quote from: ninja_steve on June 01, 2006, 06:32:33 PM
speed triple is the bomb. why not make a road trip up to canada to buy this z750? a buddy of mine did that on an '01 sv650s (they started selling the s model in '02 for us). he even got the sexy honey mustard yellow color. i always ended up getting speeding tickets following him since he couldnt convert kmh to mph :laugh:
Because the bike is over $1000 more than retail in Canada, and I'd still have to find a gauge cluster that had mph.
Quote from: makenzie71 on June 01, 2006, 06:44:13 PM
....sv....:D
yes yes, we know! You just like the SV1000 because it's derived from the TL1000, huh?
No...because it's the closest thing to the TL you've got on your list...and it's the only one on there I can sell you goodies for..:D
It's half a business thing.
why did they discontinue the TL they are gourgeous
Quote from: TadMC on June 01, 2006, 07:05:05 PM
why did they discontinue the TL they are gourgeous
'Cause the SV series took over that market segment.
Sales, mostly. Plus, the competing events Suzuki had no interest of pursuing. They couldn't justify producing both the TL1000R and the GSXR 750 when they operated in the same events...thus the R died.
The S was replaced with the SV...the plan was to introduce a slightly detuned version and phase the TL out.
alpha do you like the honda 599?
those are nice bikes.
Of course he likes the Honda 599.
Who doesn't? :icon_razz:
I don't. It's uncomfortable, expensive, underpowered, performs poorly compared to other rides in it's catagory and it's got those two nutty extra cylinders.
So, makenzie...anything greather than/less than two cylinders is no good?
no there's a lot of thumpers I like.
Actually I like Inline 4's and most I3's and I love boxers but if it's uncomfortable, expensive, underpowered and performs poorly compared to other rides in it's catagory then those two nutty extra cylinders become a problem.
Quote from: mike_mike on June 01, 2006, 08:13:36 PM
alpha do you like the honda 599?
those are nice bikes.
Like I said earlier in the thread, the 599s up to '05 are carbureted, which means I am not going to deal with them. They are also hideously overpriced, even in the used market. The 919 is a better choice all around, but I'd only consider one if it had a real paintjob.
Quote from: makenzie71 on June 01, 2006, 08:39:14 PM
no there's a lot of thumpers I like.
I think triples are the ideal motor for what I like. It's just hard finding a 1st gen Speed Triple.
Considering you live in a more urban area, have you considered a motard? I want one...but I'd never really be able to use it.
Quote from: makenzie71 on June 01, 2006, 08:41:45 PM
Considering you live in a more urban area, have you considered a motard? I want one...but I'd never really be able to use it.
How are those more useful anyways? High seating position? Ground clearance? A motard would be awesome fun, but how good are they in the twisties? Would/should I learn to slide the rear?
Motards are ghey..... :cookoo:
IT's not the twisties you'd have any issues with. Motards are beginner friendly. Don't expect to hang with many sports on the highway unless you've got something bigger than a DRZ SM. They tear it up in the corners...sliding the rear is pretty easy when you have that kind of tappable power in such a light package.
It's just an oddball suggestion...they're not very practical. I want one but it'll sit besid my TL...not in it's place.
Don't we have an "ignore" feature?
Maybe it should be Maktards???? :flipoff:
Alpha, I agree. Gorgeous bike, especially in the black. Right now, it's *so* much cheaper for us to come down and buy a bike south of the border ($1USD = $1.10CAD). If the dollar was the way it was just two years ago, $1USD = $1.50CAD, you'd be laughing. That being said, the z750 is no longer offered. It was discontinued in Canada after 2005. There are a few '05's for sale, but it's no longer offered.
Oh well. I'm lusting over the Desmosedici SS. It is, in my opinion, the most gorgeous sports bike available right now. I'd seriously consider selling one of my kidneys for it.
Quote from: sys49152 on June 01, 2006, 08:57:19 PM
Alpha, I agree. Gorgeous bike, especially in the black. Right now, it's *so* much cheaper for us to come down and buy a bike south of the border ($1USD = $1.10CAD). If the dollar was the way it was just two years ago, $1USD = $1.50CAD, you'd be laughing. That being said, the z750 is no longer offered. It was discontinued in Canada after 2005. There are a few '05's for sale, but it's no longer offered.
They aren't offering it anymore? That sucks! Thankfully for me though, the Z1000 has the same insurance price as the Z750S here in the US, and since the Z1000 has a few more trick parts (inverted forks for one), I'll probably end up going with that. In black, of course.
(http://www.z1000.net/UploadImages%5CZ1000-1.jpg)
How can you go wrong with THAT?
You cant Alpha!!! A guy at work has a Z1000 and everytime I walk by it I drool, even if it is in the nasty orange color.
Yeah, and those after-market mirrors rock. Especially when you mount them down rather than up. Touched by the devil himself. Gorgeous.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on June 01, 2006, 09:31:32 PM
(http://www.z1000.net/UploadImages%5CZ1000-1.jpg)
:icon_lust:
Hate those pegs, though...
Quote from: makenzie71 on June 01, 2006, 10:17:50 PM
Hate those pegs, though...
Easily replaceable with rearsets. There are even rearsets that remove the passenger pegs too, yet still incorporate an exhaust hanger.
Even the aftermarket sets that don't keep the pillion pegs I don't like...they wouldn't be an option for you anyway I wouldn't think...you have a girlfriend.
Quote from: makenzie71 on June 01, 2006, 11:00:35 PM
Even the aftermarket sets that don't keep the pillion pegs I don't like...they wouldn't be an option for you anyway I wouldn't think...you have a girlfriend.
She's getting a used GS pretty soon here, actually. I doubt she'd want to ride on the back of that thing anyways. It looks like it would even hurt my skinny ass.
You know that's not a seat in that pic, right? That's the facotyr solo-cowl.
(http://www.bright.ne.jp/lineup/z1000/imge/z1000-2006-sv800.jpg)
Quote from: makenzie71 on June 01, 2006, 11:09:21 PM
You know that's not a seat in that pic, right? That's the facotyr solo-cowl.
Yeah, I know. That's why I want to take the passenger pegs off. "What? Sorry. Can't ride you! No seat! No pegs!"
Quote
Like I said earlier in the thread, the 599s up to '05 are carbureted, which means I am not going to deal with them. They are also hideously overpriced, even in the used market. The 919 is a better choice all around, but I'd only consider one if it had a real paintjob.
Quote
The 06 599 is still carbureted, and I just rode one last night, in the pouring rain :laugh:. 919 has horrible bars, I HATE the narrowness and excessive sweep - must go.
What about the FZ6?
Quote from: Dr. Love on June 02, 2006, 10:32:54 AM
What about the FZ6?
I absolutely hate the looks of it. Banana seat and an ugly quarter fairing. I realize I'm getting really picky, but if I'm gonna ride a bike I want to like how it looks.
Z1000 is one of the most beautiful nakeds out at the moment. I wouldn't even consider any other bike if you could have that :thumb:
Oooo its so unfair i want one hehehehe
im babysitting a buddy's xr600 motard right now until he moves back and let me tell you what a hoot it is to ride. i worry about dying everytime i ride it since it is very primitive (only rear brake activates rear brake light). i also worry about getting pulled over since it doesnt have a speedometer. it is kickstart only which is a drag- i pray i dont kill it on an uphill slope...
all in all once you can get over that, its a total blast to ride. production motards (drzsm) are not that great in comparison. i have ridden the drzsm and it left a lot to be desired in terms of power- my gs did better on the highway. someday i'll get a motard but it will probably be an xr650r converted to street.
KTM make a gorgeous 900 something cc motard. That thing is truely insane. 3/4th gear wheelies.
Cool bike it looks like a wasp.
Quote from: Kasumi on June 02, 2006, 12:45:52 PM
KTM make a gorgeous 900 something cc motard. That thing is truely insane. 3/4th gear wheelies.
i think the general concensus is that is a naked bike ;)
On the site it refers to it as a streetfighter lol, ktm950 supermoto. Supermoto it is :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: Kasumi on June 04, 2006, 09:33:00 AM
On the site it refers to it as a streetfighter lol, ktm950 supermoto. Supermoto it is :icon_mrgreen:
I went to a vintage bike show today and fell in love about thirty different times. There was an all original Ducati Supersport 750, the type Paul Smart won the Imola race on. Freakin' GORGEOUS. Bunches of old Honda CBs of various sizes and flavors, as well as some really nice Norton Commandos.
That Z1000 though...mmmmmm.
Yea z1000, just shut off the thought of any other bike - focus totally on it and go out and buy buy buy! Oooo post pics when you get it as well 8)