I feel i am growing out of the 500's, what would be the next logical step in bikes?? 600? 750? 1000? 1100? :icon_mrgreen:
600. It has a lot more than the 500.
If you have to ask, you're not ready.
(http://www.r6-forum.com/forums/images/smilies/nono.gif) (http://www.r6-forum.com/forums/images/smilies/deal2.gif)
Take it to the track.
Take the MSF ERC with the GS
Once you do either of these, you'll discover that you haven't mastered the GS yet.
out of curiosity: how many miles have you done on GS?
You don't need to master eating hamburgers before trying a burrito. I never thought it made sense when people say you've got to be able to ride a 500 to it's limits before you should move on to a bigger bike. On a race track, maybe, but nobody rides to the limit of any bike on the streets. It's good to have varities, whether it's food or bike. Once you have the basic skills on a 500, the power of a 600 will be manageable; it's a lot more powerful if you really twist it, but hopefully you've already learned throttle/clutch control well on the 500 so you wouldn't make basic throttle mistakes. The ergonomics on a supersport w/ low clipons will be totally different and you need to learn how to ride it, especially cornering; a SS is much more body-position involved. Get used to that on a 600, then move up.
Quote from: skudman on January 15, 2010, 12:29:32 PM
I feel i am growing out of the 500's, what would be the next logical step in bikes?? 600? 750? 1000? 1100? :icon_mrgreen:
08, 09, or 10 Hayabusa (1340cc)
1000 more specifically a SV1000, and to be exact, my sv1K.
Cool.
Buddha.
I have always liked CBR600's. If you want a similar feel to the the GS the later F4i's went back to the old banana style seat (older F4i's had a pillion seat). They can be had fairly cheap now. If you are into naked bikes and don't mind carburetors there are the old 599's and 919's, both great naked versions of the CBR600 and the CBR929 respectively. If you want small yet powerful check out the GSXR750's. There's a reason those bikes killed the 750 market, they were untouchable. In fact, the GSXR750 was more powerful than the CBR900 of the same era. Your best bet is to go sit on some bikes and see what feels good.
-Jessie
As an owner of a GS500 I can say this. They are excellent as a beginner bike and can be pushed hard and within reason. But they do not have the power obviously. As a rider of other bikes than just a gs500, do you need to "master" a 500 to "earn" entry into another bike?! Nope. You need a burrito, ,lol. I say anything you want that is not to much for you. Want a Busa, get one. Personally unless you track a bike, the only need for a large bike is to make a statement and get into trouble or wrecks. If it were me, I would easily get into a 600, maybe a 750. I think anything with more power is great compared to the GS. Hell, isn't that why there are 1000's of types of cars? Free will is a great thing. Never needed a Bug to get into 350Z did ya?!
(Did I even make a point in this rambling?!) lol
There is this sweet 623cc twin: http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1273/cheap-car-from-india-could-cost-8000-in-us/
-Jessie
Quote from: skudman on January 15, 2010, 12:29:32 PM
I feel i am growing out of the 500's, what would be the next logical step in bikes?? 600? 750? 1000? 1100? :icon_mrgreen:
forget about cc's for a minute, and explain what type of riding you'd like to have on the NEXT bike. that should point you in the direction of a class of cc's... instead of the way this thread is going.
:)
Quote from: ohgood on January 15, 2010, 05:01:16 PM
Quote from: skudman on January 15, 2010, 12:29:32 PM
I feel i am growing out of the 500's, what would be the next logical step in bikes?? 600? 750? 1000? 1100? :icon_mrgreen:
forget about cc's for a minute, and explain what type of riding you'd like to have on the NEXT bike. that should point you in the direction of a class of cc's... instead of the way this thread is going.
:)
EXACTLY. I guess my first post didn't touch on this, which is the MAIN concern.
You're ready to move up, move up. Your Gold Wing awaits! Muhahahah! :icon_twisted:
1800cc, 6 cylinders, about 500 cc more than the first Civics in the US, as I recall.
Now there is a BIKE. Or a car that lost two wheels, whichever. Then again, you might want a Cavalcade if you're a die-hard Suzuki brand loyalist.
ohgood beat me to the punch.
If you want sport riding, i.e. racer stuff on track and street, then sportbike. Take your budget, then go to CL and see whatsthere in what year and then find forum/review.
Touring.
Sport touring = larger overall than sport, more comfortable, but still faster than ever legal anywhere. Can go to California from Maine fast and smooth but you are mroe ready for twisties than basic tourer with their hugeness and luggage.
Adventure (touring but off road component) - think sport touring but half morphed into dirt bike
Basic casual riding- they call this standard.
I think manufacturers sites are organized this way.
I admit that I don't have a bike at the moment (monetary reasons + buying a house) but I have been looking at GSX650F.
Probably couldn't ride a true Gixxer because of the bent-over posture required.
Now I was originally looking at the 500 because of its simplicity and low cost.
But the 650F has 4 cylinders and F.I. for reasonable cost.
Having ridden a Concours (with 4 carbs) I don't want to mess with carbs anymore. But the 650F has 4 smooth Japanese cylinders. Add some cases and you have a touring bike.
I don't know what your riding needs are though.
Ride safe whatever you choose! :icon_neutral:
I just got a yzf600r today actually... hella fast comparitavly. its a 1998 with 43k miles on it though. It has some problems like leaking fork tube and well, clutch seems to slip in 3rd and 4th gear. No clue whats up with that...
id suggest a comfortable bike if your going to ride alot like mabe r6s, ninja 650r, sv650 (not sv650s its not too comfortable) super hawk , yzf600r although its carberated it seems pretty awesome so far fz6 or z1000 fz1 honda 599 or honda 919 w/e you can get a deal wtih
sv1000s are badass as hellll , not sure how comfortable but w.e they are awesome
Quote from: MikeNW on January 15, 2010, 07:18:53 PM
I admit that I don't have a bike at the moment (monetary reasons + buying a house) but I have been looking at GSX650F.
Probably couldn't ride a true Gixxer because of the bent-over posture required.
Now I was originally looking at the 500 because of its simplicity and low cost.
But the 650F has 4 cylinders and F.I. for reasonable cost.
Having ridden a Concours (with 4 carbs) I don't want to mess with carbs anymore. But the 650F has 4 smooth Japanese cylinders. Add some cases and you have a touring bike.
I don't know what your riding needs are though.
Ride safe whatever you choose! :icon_neutral:
I love mine, it'z like a GS500 on steroids! :woohoo:
(http://home.comcast.net/~stykers/gsx16.jpg)
Quote from: kml.krk on January 15, 2010, 12:56:35 PM
out of curiosity: how many miles have you done on GS?
I have clocked 15,000+ on just this GS plus 7,000 on my old Scooter. I have been upgrading as i "outgrow" (quotes because, as some have stated, you never really outgrow a bike, it is always capable of more than one thinks)
I am a combo rider, i take long trips, but also love to do tricks, get in the twisties, feel some g's. :icon_mrgreen: I also like to just go for rides with friends, short fun trips. I was thinking late 90's style bikes, I kinda like the square headlight look. SV'S are deffinetly in the running, as well as ducatti (monster, but only 900+, they just sound so so much better), triumph (liking the daytona, sprint is ok..., and yamaha (die hard fan, been riding Yam's quads for ages, my scooter is also a Yamaha).
I like the throaty sounds, and big torque.... I don't really care about top speed i feel like i get the most joy out of riding in gears 1-3
Keep in mind with the SV that much like the GS the stock suspension is crap. I was thoroughly disappointed with mine.
-Jessie
Triumph street triple. gorgeous
I've grown pretty tired of people trying to convince everyone they should take their current bike to the track before they consider themselves able to know what kind of bike they should own. Obviously everyone here knows that a GS is enough motorcycle for anybody. I've had a 600 before, and I can say that I'm probably never going to be completely satisfied on the GS because of it. I'm sure I can lean it over just as far, and go just as fast on back roads, but not everyone want to spend all their time riding trying to see how far they can lean and toss their bike around on tight twisty roads. I also happen to enjoy twisting my throttle at 5k rpm and have a bike actually move no matter what gear I'm in. For a while I was pretty sure I wanted a 1000cc bike just so I could ride without always worrying about what gear I needed to be in and revving the engine super high to actually move. I've since settled in on wanting a gsxr750, or at least a zx636r. I completely understand that it takes no skill at all to twist a throttle when you're going in a straight line, but in no way does that mean it isn't still fun.
Let us know what you're looking to do on the bike, and we can give you some pretty good recommendations.
I have an YZF-600R; it's clipons' height is still reasonable. I sat on an '00 R1 and an '05 R1 today, and, man, their clipons are ridiculously low for street riding. Sort of like the drop bars on road racing bicycles. As much as I covet the power and suspension of a liter sportbike, I just don't see myself riding one on the street with clipons that low.
As has been mentioned. Depends on the riding you do... and... what you are comfortable on.
I use the GS for commuting and weekend rides. It fits those tasks to a T. Some of the guys/girls I ride with love to go fast in the twisties. But most are quite happy to cruise through at a pace they feel ok with. Some have cruisers - such as big bellied fellows who cannot ride a sports oriented bike due to physical reasons, shorter ladies who need to reach the ground, etc. - while others have sports bikes, sport tourers, now and then a Goldwing comes for a ride. There is one lady who rides a Suzuki Intruder 250 and we think the darn thing is on steroids cause she really motors along. Then there is the older guy who has had the liter bikes and now rides on a 250 Virago and keeps up quite fine.
Granted. My approach is based on logic. Because, well, the need for speed doesn't flow in my veins. I don't lose sleep over my chicken strips. I have a bike that I am physically comfortable on even during Long rides and which serves all my purposes.
I've tried cruisers. My back kills after 15 minutes. My body isn't suited to them. Sports bikes have too aggressive of forward lean. Again, my body aches.
Guy at work was looking at getting a FJR 1300. Then he decided he didn't like Yamahas cause there was a Kawasaki version he had his eye on. Next thing you know, he's gone and bought himself an R6. But he uses it for commuting. While another guy does have a FJR 1300 and he uses it for touring with him and his wife and drives the cage to work. Another has a KTM 530 because he likes riding in the bush on the weekends.
It's all horses for courses.
Which one do YOU feel is more suited to the riding you do?
Which one do you like the look of?
Of those left, which one are you the most physically comfortable on?
Disregard your friends opinions about what a Real Man should ride. Buy the bike to please yourself, not to impress your mates.
Michael
Quote from: Gary856 on January 17, 2010, 12:31:16 AM
I have an YZF-600R; it's clipons' height is still reasonable. I sat on an '00 R1 and an '05 R1 today, and, man, their clipons are ridiculously low for street riding. Sort of like the drop bars on road racing bicycles. As much as I covet the power and suspension of a liter sportbike, I just don't see myself riding one on the street with clipons that low.
ahhhhh yes, you need introducing to the FZ1 and it's little brother the FZ6. These are some very, very comfortable bikes, and they still have that fantastic lump to propel things.
:D
As others have said, first think about what sort of riding you want to do with the bike. That will allow you to narrow down possible choices for a larger bike.
For me I was doing huge mileages on the GS500F - not racing but long distance touring around Europe. After hassling several dealers for test rides, I eventually decided to trade in the GS for a 2007 Honda VFR 800vtec ABS with full luggage kit. The arrival this Spring of the brand new 1200VFR models is seeing dealers offering huge discounts on the 800 models so if you are mainly looking for a bike which can handle some serious touring and is no slouch on track days then its definitely one to think about. In hindsight I should have also kept the GS as it was incredibly cheap to run and a lot smaller and lighter so perfect for local commuting or nipping down to the shops.
Quote from: skudman on January 15, 2010, 12:29:32 PM
I feel i am growing out of the 500's, what would be the next logical step in bikes?? 600? 750? 1000? 1100? :icon_mrgreen:
I agree if you have to ask, you're not ready. Also, displacement is not a good indicator of a motorcycle's character. There are some 250 cc bikes that can outrun some 1700 cc bikes, so it's more important to decide what TYPE of bike you'd like rather than its displacement. Engine performance can vary from mild to wild pretty much no matter what size it is.
I have to absolutely agree with these guys. look at your next bike according to what sort of riding you're into doing. a harley doesnt make a great trackbike, just like a CBR600 doesnt make a great tourer.
that said, if you like the riding stance of a standard, look into the GSX650F or an SV650, maybe the ninja 650R or similar bikes. they do offer comfort for longer rides, and sporty riding capabilities with a good rider.
Load of crapper, don't liisten to salesman and suggestions on the forum, make your own decision and ride safe.
The new Kawa z1000 is pretty sweet.
Disregard all the advice.. get yourself into a triumph 675 daytona :woohoo: and you will never look back.. though you will still miss the GS now and then...but never look back. If you start to think about the GS again..just twist that throttle. It makes it all go away.
I faced this question late last year - and I wound up with a 07 GSXR 600. I've used it on several 200+ mile journeys with absolutely no discomfort from riding. It just fits me - some people will find it is incredibly uncomfortable and prefer a CBR or R6 or whatever. Find the bike that can do what you want and 'fits'. If you want to go around the world on an R1 - well its been done. All I can say is that the GSXR is stupid fast compared to a GS, I can't even imagine riding a literbike at this point. (For example, 3rd gear will get you to 120 mph indicated or ~108 actual - bone stock).
Just don't be stupid - these bikes can and will do whatever you tell them without regard for if its the right thing to do or if the physics will let you do what you want. And when you make a mistake with 100+ HP it goes south in a hurry.
Quote from: The Buddha on January 15, 2010, 02:34:58 PM
1000 more specifically a SV1000, and to be exact, my sv1K.
Cool.
Buddha.
+1! ...that was my upgrade too. And what an upgrade it was... :cheers: :woohoo:
Walking out of the shopping center this evening, a guy riding this pulled up right near me...
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/dn01_us_lead.jpg)
"Dude", I said, "What kind of bike is That?"
"DN-01", he says. "Unusual isn't it? Honda brought them out last year, maybe 18 months ago"
A sportbike looking front, with cruiser riding position. Notice no clutch lever? Yep... it's automatic, like a scooter. A 680cc scooter with 61hp.
I'd get heaps of looks at my motorcycle club if I rocked up on one. We have some Harley riders, some XVS and VStar riders, six/seven C50 boulevard riders. Two GS500 riders - me and an F rider. And some other bikes. But this would get all the looks, at first at least anyway.
The guy looked about 60 and was waiting for his equally 60-looking wife to come out with some shopping - and she came out carrying her helmet. :woohoo:
So if autos are your thing... or check out the semi-auto Aprilia Mana with 850cc
(http://www.aprilia.com/userfiles/image/eicma2008/001%20Mana%20850%20GT_600.jpg)
Michael
Mate the GS provides you with the basic skills so really you are ready for what ever bike you thank you can handle.
If you go SuperSports, just remember they will bite you if you don't respect it. Take it easy to start with and work your way into them. You'll be fine.
Quote from: mister on January 28, 2010, 12:35:44 AM
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/dn01_us_lead.jpg)
Surprisingly, that bike looks much better with someone on it. I've always seen pictures of them and it just hurt my brain trying to figure out why they would do that to a bike, but the styling doesn't stick out as bad with someone on it, I think mostly because it looks much smaller when someone is on it.
07 gsxr only takes you to 108?? My friends old SRAD600 would do close to that in 2nd. I think my Triumph would do an indicated 115-120 in 3rd, and that bike was geared really low, since it hit the redline in 6th about 20mph lower than a gsxr.
Back to the original topic. Are you trying to stick with a naked bike or don't really care? I don't see a ton of them around, but if I liked taking trips, I think I'd look into a honda 599, or an FZ6. I have no problem with literbikes, but I think jumping from a gs to a 1000cc that's definitely more of a jump than you're going to want. A 600cc bike is going to double your HP, and you're definitely going to think you're about to fall off the back of the bike the first time you twist the throttle in 1st.
Well... 120 was plenty for me and I wasn't in the red - I think I was at about 13k. 1st goes up to 90 indicated at about the redline so who knows. The point I was trying to make was that 600cc will completely blow your mind for speed if all you're used to is the GS - and it will blow it quickly.
alright after much research many test rides, i think i have decided on a superhawk. now i just have to wait for the right one to come around :thumb:
ooh, good choice, I do like those bikes. I think my favorite bike of that category is the TLS, but that's all just personal taste. At least the superhawk doesn't have "the widow maker" as a nickname, so that should make you feel good.
Quote from: annguyen1981 on January 15, 2010, 05:28:23 PM
Quote from: ohgood on January 15, 2010, 05:01:16 PM
Quote from: skudman on January 15, 2010, 12:29:32 PM
I feel i am growing out of the 500's, what would be the next logical step in bikes?? 600? 750? 1000? 1100? :icon_mrgreen:
forget about cc's for a minute, and explain what type of riding you'd like to have on the NEXT bike. that should point you in the direction of a class of cc's... instead of the way this thread is going.
:)
Amen to that. There are bikes in all those displacement groups whose performance ranges from mild to wild. For example there are bikes in the 600-650 range that are no faster than our GS. Others will go 150 MPH.
EXACTLY. I guess my first post didn't touch on this, which is the MAIN concern.