Sometime next year I'm probably going to buy myself a stronger bike. Here's what I'm thinking. It's gotta be a good commuter bike ( lots of stop and go and pothole slammin' here in Boston) and good for the long distance haul to go camping, etc.

For the 600 class I'm thinking either a cbr600F or a YZF600r. Personally I'm leaning towards the YZFR because its got a comfier postion and heavier weight ( I hate being swatted around the highway by windgusts)

For the 1000cc class, maybe a VTR1000 superhawk. The only problem is I hear this bike has crap fuel mileage and only a 4 gallon tank to boot (!?) something like ~130 miles and you are TAPPED OUT. Is this true? Doesn't make sense for a sport/tourer.

comments, suggestions, rants....anyone...anyone...Bueller?

Consider the sv650 or sv1000 they have more practical power than the inline fours.  the superhawk is nice.  but dont expect great fuel mileage out of a liter class bike.

Oddly enough, I traded my GS in two months ago for a 2000 VTR 1000 Firestorm [now referred to as the Superhawk].  I wouldn't exactly call the VTR a sport tourer per se.  The VTR is the old diesel pick up truck of sport bikes.  It's got more power [most of that being pure TORQUE], than most other bikes out there, and it doesn't get even 'good' gas mileage.  I can go roughly 200 km's on a tank of gas...so that's what?  125 miles?  Not exactly fuel efficient.  You should expect that though, from a bike like the VTR.  Despite it's obvious fuel consumption issue, the VTR is an amazing bike.  If you've never driven a litre v-twin, you should.  It sounds like a freight train coming down the road, and that's with stock pipes.  It's throaty, deep, and MEAN.  It's a nice change from the wound-out sewing machine-type noises those R1's, and GSX-R's make.  Actually, the VTR is a great bike.  I can ride 500km plus, and not get sore, or tired...although the gas station planning is a bit of a mental strain.  Yeah, so if you want a TRUE sport tourer, I'd say to go buy a VFR.  Great power, great looks, and good gas mileage.  Maybe even an older ZX-11....MMM...classic.    But if you want a great looking bike, that sounds cool, and goes FAST, and that walks in the first three gears....buy the Hawk.

get a dual sport

Have to generally disagree for a litre bike in commuting - really an exercise in futility, and who needs bad fuel consumption in a commuter?
CBR600F seems to have a very good rep for commuting, and I've seen many do quite well thank you in the twisties. Probably a bit better than the YZF in that regard.  The YZF is still a good option though - try both and see which one you like the best.  There is something about Hondas that has never actually pulled on my heartstrings to make me actually want one though, dunno why that is...

Why a bigger bike for commuting?  It seems to me that commuting is an arena where neck-snapping power isn't very important and mileage is...

GET A BUSA! PUT A TURBO ON IT AND AN AIRSHIFTER WITH A 8" EXTENTION ON THE SWINGARM bahhh damn caps, sorry i was excited

I think the CBRF4i or the YZF600R would be an awesome second bike for commuting.  also, don't forget the FZ6!!!!!  really relaxed ergos with an R6 engine  :mrgreen:

I rode a YZF600R a few months back with a DnD exhaust and a few cosmetic mods.  I was really pleased with its power delivery and the handling was on par with my SV650 (not quite the R6, but good).

another great thing about both of those bikes... they have been around essentially unmodified for years, so there are tons of parts and mods for them.  The 600R is essentially the same bike in 2005 that it was in 1999  

oh yes, and for the highway... the HUGE windscreen and fairing on the 600R is fantastic, too  

Quote from: SPARKPLUG1977Consider the sv650 or sv1000 they have more practical power than the inline fours.  the superhawk is nice.  but dont expect great fuel mileage out of a liter class bike.

I'll second that. The awesome low end of the SV's is great around town. The bike doesn't feel as top heavy as the GS either. Not to mention vtlion's SVS looks great with the factory lower  

Quote from: Alias

Quote from: SPARKPLUG1977Consider the sv650 or sv1000 they have more practical power than the inline fours.  the superhawk is nice.  but dont expect great fuel mileage out of a liter class bike.

I'll second that. The awesome low end of the SV's is great around town. The bike doesn't feel as top heavy as the GS either. Not to mention vtlion's SVS looks great with the factory lower  

agreed , but if you are going to be spending time on the highway, go with the 1000, the roll-on power on the 650 is not optimal for highway riding, IMHO.  Highway passing is quite possibly the only time that I feel my SV wanting in the power department.  I have to assume that an extra 350cc's will solve that problem quite handily  

The YZF gets better gas mileage than the F4i. The F4i's seat is a fabric covered wood board. F4i's get 40mpg ave.

Yeah, the YZF and CBR are strong contenders for me. Like you all said, I'm going to have to jump on them and maybe a few others and see which fits best.
The Busas' going to have to be my third bike. :mrgreen:

i'm gonna get a sportster as my 2nd bike :mrgreen:

With lots of chrome and loud assed straight pipes. three foot high ape-hangers and leather hand grips with eagle feather tassles. oh man, heaven..... :lol:

Quote from: vtlion

Quote from: Alias

Quote from: SPARKPLUG1977Consider the sv650 or sv1000 they have more practical power than the inline fours.  the superhawk is nice.  but dont expect great fuel mileage out of a liter class bike.

I'll second that. The awesome low end of the SV's is great around town. The bike doesn't feel as top heavy as the GS either. Not to mention vtlion's SVS looks great with the factory lower  

agreed , but if you are going to be spending time on the highway, go with the 1000, the roll-on power on the 650 is not optimal for highway riding, IMHO.  Highway passing is quite possibly the only time that I feel my SV wanting in the power department.  I have to assume that an extra 350cc's will solve that problem quite handily  

Have you rode the 1000? I havn't...... yet     Is it that much better?