Best commuter / fun bike ever

Bikerguy

guys i am seeking advice

short story - i am currently bikeless but with a great vision and future my wife agreed that i may purchase "2 wheels baby" in the first week of june. my budget is between 4-5K. why i am asking now? well i wanna be sure what i want. and i like to know what other experienced fellow bikers like and prefer. "more heads more brain."

for what i need it? daily commuting cca 50 miles a day - half of it in town and half away. + spins, spins, spins, poker and charity runs, and did i say spins and fun rides?

what i like or what i am thinking --
i like supermoto (SM)

honda fmx 650
suzuki drz 400


and standard sports bikes

cbr 600 rr
zx6r
gsxr 750 o 1000


this is what i am thinking in my "own head". i know cbr 600 rr will be strong and bulletproof but i wanna have a fun...

and i like spins and meetings ... weekly almost. so i need something that will last and keep me entertained for long time.

any tips and experiences shared will be apreciated.

btw i am 190cm and about 110kg

for info what i had (gixer 600, cbr 600, superfour, rsv mille, 636, dragstar, KLE, and few more)

i dont like fazer, for some reason, i have nothing against it but just the model is not sayinig to me anything so style fazer its not my choice ...

Thanks in advance


so waht will you recommed or what will be your choice?

Wonda-Boy

Ed here is what I recommend:-

KTM Duke 6 or 9 (whatever you can afford)
CBR 1100 Blackbird
VFR 800
GSXR 750
R6 (for a 600 it is just mental quick)
Triumh Sprint 1050st

Best of Luck with the purchase.

batman_oh

Do not buy a Honda FMX anyway. At your size it will be pitifully slow and useless for anything other than getting through heavy traffic. It's only 33bhp or something. If you want a Supermoto type bike go for a KTM 690SMC. They still arent ideal for motorways or faster roads but are great fun around town or on really twisty backroads.
The KTM 950/990 might be more suited if you have had 600s and stuff before though. As for the 600 sportsbikes they all have different strengths and weaknesses depending on the year etc.
The gixxer is the most comfortable one through the years though and the 06 onwards 750 is a fantastic bike. If you don't want a 1000 this might be the way to go. Just budget for some suspension sorting at 110kg as they are road biased standard so softer than something like the current R6.

Bikerguy

Anyone have idea about ktm durability? I am not really into rebuilding engines. I am just scared ti go to ktm way. I like them ok but...


Thanks for imput.

Please Kill Me

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Ed here is what I recommend:-

KTM Duke 6 or 9 (whatever you can afford) Great bike, hard to keep the front wheel down though.
CBR 1100 Blackbird - Wicked fast, and with Honda reliability. Great bike for touring.
VFR 800 - Definitely get the VTEC version. Tis fun when it kicks in!
GSXR 750 - Fantastic bike. Quick, agile, nimble....beautiful.
R6 (for a 600 it is just mental quick) - Too track focused. Very quick, but too hard to ride on Irish roads.
Triumh Sprint 1050st - Great bike too. Ideal for long hauls.

Best of Luck with the purchase.

I kinda agree with what Gary has recommended, but my own thoughts are highlighted..

Wonda-Boy

I had the the chance to ride the Sprint GT 2 weeks ago, smiler got one. And it is a very nice bike to ride, big and powerful but agile too...and the grunt of the engine was the icing on the cake. It would deffo tick all the boxes for you Ed expecially with the panniers added for long hauls its a very good alround bike.

Bikerguy

I had never driven triumph bike i know they are legends but i know nothing about build quality

serious3

Bikerguy wrote: »

I had never driven triumph bike i know they are legends but i know nothing about build quality

well i have a 1996 trophy900 with 34,000 miles on it, its an ex-uk bike and tbh apart from a little flaking on the lower fork legs everything else seems pretty much perfect, no rust on the nuts and bolts, no flaky engine cases stainless brake lines all round as std, big comfy seat, surprisingly nimble when your rolling and the noise and grunt from the triple is nice:D

Wonda-Boy

Well considering that the 2013 Daytona 675r is arguably the best sportsbike ever made (according to every major bike publication and online media) following on from the last years excellant model I would say they know what they are doing.

I would love a street triple sport myself, very sexy. And the new tiger is also meant to be excellant.

Hotblack Desiato

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

I had the the chance to ride the Sprint GT 2 weeks ago, smiler got one. And it is a very nice bike to ride, big and powerful but agile too...and the grunt of the engine was the icing on the cake.

Ironically Triumph made the swingarm a good bit longer on the GT. The 1050 ST or 955 ST would be faster turning. The 955 RS was even more so but they're a bit rare. The GT was a bit of a parts bin model and has been discontinued. I've a 955 ST and the motor is fantastic. It would be very hard to go back to an inline four for a future bike...

Bikerguy

ninja900 wrote: »

Ironically Triumph made the swingarm a good bit longer on the GT. The 1050 ST or 955 ST would be faster turning. The 955 RS was even more so but they're a bit rare. The GT was a bit of a parts bin model and has been discontinued. I've a 955 ST and the motor is fantastic. It would be very hard to go back to an inline four for a future bike...

This is what i wanna know before making the decision. Experience and tips is the best advice. Btw will the bike i mean triumph in general suit tall person? I was on cbr600rr other day and i felt little to big.

fatbast

I have 2 bikes that might fit the bill a yam xtx660 sm reliable fun a little slow on motorways, or a tuono 1000 mad everywhere like a supermoto on steroids! Have a fzs1000 which makes the most sense but keeping that. All 3 below the budget

Hotblack Desiato

Bikerguy wrote: »

Btw will the bike i mean triumph in general suit tall person? I was on cbr600rr other day and i felt little to big.

No because they make different sizes and types of bike same as any other manufacturer.

In general litre bikes are more roomy than 600s, sports-touring more roomy than supersport, you really need to sit on a bike to get an idea of how it fits you though. You can get bar risers for most bikes if you want a more upright riding position.

Bikerguy

fatbast wrote: »

I have 2 bikes that might fit the bill a yam xtx660 sm reliable fun a little slow on motorways, or a tuono 1000 mad everywhere like a supermoto on steroids! Have a fzs1000 which makes the most sense but keeping that. All 3 below the budget

Yamaha xtx is actualy something i may like yeh. Touno? Well i had rsv so its the same but naked. I love the power and sound. Only thing is that aprilia sux a little they need a lot of atention.
I will check xtx, are you happy with the power output? As well is she ok for spins and any problems with her? Thanks

Bikerguy

ninja900 wrote: »

No because they make different sizes and types of bike same as any other manufacturer.

In general litre bikes are more roomy than 600s, sports-touring more roomy than supersport, you really need to sit on a bike to get an idea of how it fits you though. You can get bar risers for most bikes if you want a more upright riding position.

Hm i know but on gixer and rsv i felt good without any modifications. Looking on triumph they are sweet but i am not sure about maintenance and service i have a feeling they are expensive.

Bikerguy

ithink i know what i am gonna get now.. after deep deep research... iam folling in love again

in other words i will buy blackbird 99,99%.. as i think that will suit me... quick, big, and solid buletproof.. and it has the best reviews and people are extrely happy doing over 100k in miles on them. so hassle free bike even the 98 version. and well priced.

Wonda-Boy

Yep excellant bike and you wont go far wrong. One of the lads I go for a spin with has 3-4 bikes and loves his blackbird......and they are very reliable too.

Cienciano

Bikerguy wrote: »

ithink i know what i am gonna get now.. after deep deep research... iam folling in love again



in other words i will buy blackbird 99,99%.. as i think that will suit me... quick, big, and solid buletproof.. and it has the best reviews and people are extrely happy doing over 100k in miles on them. so hassle free bike even the 98 version. and well priced.

Definitely one I want in the collection in the garage. But don't they go through a back tyre every 10 miles? You'll have everyone telling you that :pac:

Wonda-Boy

Cienciano wrote: »

Definitely one I want in the collection in the garage. But don't they go through a back tyre every 10 miles? You'll have everyone telling you that :pac:

Suppose it depends on how you ride them.....

Bikerguy

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Yep excellant bike and you wont go far wrong. One of the lads I go for a spin with has 3-4 bikes and loves his blackbird......and they are very reliable too.

yeh i have met the fella and his blue monster, do you remember i saw the bike and i said what a nice "busa" )))) because of the size and i could see it only from front and it kinda reminds me suzuki.

Cienciano wrote: »

Definitely one I want in the collection in the garage. But don't they go through a back tyre every 10 miles? You'll have everyone telling you that :pac:

you see they have no issues at all, only cam chain - taht can be done in few mins by anybody and people drive them for 100k + miles without anything - and even with some weekend track days in it. i mean they need just standard service, fluids, brakes, tyres... battery... and thats what i wanna... easy going bike that can pull. i dont mind the weight at all. and even tho its eating only 40mpg when pulling and 50+ when touring. so thats not bad at all. and the engine sounds like a turbine/jet ))

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Suppose it depends on how you ride them.....

well i red a lot of pages and reviews and they saying that 4-5k miles on back tyre is easy - 8 on front. so i dont think that will be problem. because of the brake system burning is not an option on this monsta at all. --> brakes are connected together. so you brakin with both of them all the time. anyway ... i am done. now just wait for the right time to come up - in other words my wife has to say yes baby you can buy your bike now. thats gonna happend within weeks time, untill then i can only dream on.

Cienciano

Bikerguy wrote: »

yeh i have met the fella and his blue monster, do you remember i saw the bike and i said what a nice "busa" )))) because of the size and i could see it only from front and it kinda reminds me suzuki.



you see they have no issues at all, only cam chain - taht can be done in few mins by anybody and people drive them for 100k + miles without anything - and even with some weekend track days in it. i mean they need just standard service, fluids, brakes, tyres... battery... and thats what i wanna... easy going bike that can pull. i dont mind the weight at all. and even tho its eating only 40mpg when pulling and 50+ when touring. so thats not bad at all. and the engine sounds like a turbine/jet ))



well i red a lot of pages and reviews and they saying that 4-5k miles on back tyre is easy - 8 on front. so i dont think that will be problem. because of the brake system burning is not an option on this monsta at all. --> brakes are connected together. so you brakin with both of them all the time. anyway ... i am done. now just wait for the right time to come up - in other words my wife has to say yes baby you can buy your bike now. thats gonna happend within weeks time, untill then i can only dream on.

Bloody hell, you've almost convinced me to get one! Are they comfortable for touring on? I'm about to buy a car, what would the wife say if I came home with a blackbird? :pac:

CJhaughey

Reg/recs give trouble on these, just like most Hondas from that Era.
Fantastic bikes though, there was a beauty on Donedeal a few weeks ago with 16k miles on it for just shy of 4k.

Bikerguy

Cienciano wrote: »

Bloody hell, you've almost convinced me to get one! Are they comfortable for touring on? I'm about to buy a car, what would the wife say if I came home with a blackbird? :pac:

i am gonna tell you what i know.

they are called supersport touring monsta ---> they will take you anywhere in world going any speed you wanna

depend your high you may need minimal changes to make them even more comfy, such as 6mm rear sus raiser + handle bars raiser, foot pads extender. thats all, but thats need for people over 6"3 in general. even the passenger is very comfi on them --> i have wife 2 so i need to look after her as well - she didnt feel good on rsv or gsxr at all.. and read forums .. you will find no negative feedback. not even one. everyone love them...

and i cant wait to get one...


1996 release model - carb
1999 fuel injected model
2001 fuel injected and added lcd
2003 discounted in US
2007 discounted in EU
as for now no changes tehy are sjut running and running

this is the general model chars ofc they made further changes such as fueling etc. but in general this is the guide. i will be looking probably on the 2001+ model.

Bikerguy

CJhaughey wrote: »

Reg/recs give trouble on these, just like most Hondas from that Era.
Fantastic bikes though, there was a beauty on Donedeal a few weeks ago with 16k miles on it for just shy of 4k.

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/4656221

bargain and undestroyable

CJhaughey

Bikerguy wrote: »

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/4656221

bargain and undestroyable

The one I saw was 05 and 3950 in blue.

Bikerguy

CJhaughey wrote: »

The one I saw was 05 and 3950 in blue.

i must have missed that....

CJhaughey

Bikerguy wrote: »

i must have missed that....

Was up for about 4 days and then gone. Lots of UK dealers looking for clean low mileage 'birds

positron

I have heard plenty of good things about Blackbirds, but are they not a little too big for filtering in town? How are you finding it? I would have thought a VFR would have been a great match for your size and needs, but then again it's not cheap to service either.

Bikerguy

Well its not only filtering as u mentioned i need something strong and durable. I believe that bird will be the right choice for sure. Vfr is grand dont get me wrong but for some reason i prefer bird.. And according the reviews bird engine is smooth even on low speeds.. But its not for busy traffic i know but i cant have all...

Wonda-Boy

Blackbird is fine without the panniers....so no probs filtering. Every bike is gonna be a right pain in the A hole when filtering with the big ass luggage strapped on.

Zascar

Not sure whether it fits your needs but in terms of fun, the Triumph Street Triple has been getting fantastic reviews...

nerrad1983

This one might be of interest to you mate

Looks very clean

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/4745960

Wonda-Boy

After the test ride in McCallens on Sat. the Tiger is a serious piece of kit and deffo a wolf in sheeps clothing.....fantastic fun and so flickable for such a tall bike.

AgileMyth

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Every bike is gonna be a right pain in the A hole when filtering with the big ass luggage strapped on.

Once the bars are your widest point you should be grand.

Wonda-Boy

AgileMyth wrote: »

Once the bars are your widest point you should be grand.

True...and keep the knees in lol. TBH luggage on the bigger bikes tend to be wider then the handle bars and alot of the time without luggage you can kinda flick the bike in between to squeeze through (as in lean just at the narrowest point) no tilting with the luggage.

Bikerguy

Just came back from abroad - 3 days of delirium... Heck,not drinking anymore...

Saw the bird on donedeal.. Looks ok.. I will call the lad and see.

Triumph, triumph i believe they are solid and great but i just cant go along with the service cost...

Bikerguy

Zascar wrote: »

Not sure whether it fits your needs but in terms of fun, the Triumph Street Triple has been getting fantastic reviews...

Saw the tripple today afternoon and i had a chat with owmer.. Great fun just not sure about passenger comfort... I kniw its not the same but it kinda reminds me duca monster with different headlights

Hotblack Desiato

Bikerguy wrote: »

Triumph, triumph i believe they are solid and great but i just cant go along with the service cost...

They are reasonably good bikes for DIY and lots of pattern parts available. Genuine parts are OK for the usual service parts, e.g. oil filters, order online from wemoto or World of Triumph. Honda have always had the dearest genuine parts...

Wonda-Boy

Bikerguy wrote: »

Saw the tripple today afternoon and i had a chat with owmer.. Great fun just not sure about passenger comfort... I kniw its not the same but it kinda reminds me duca monster with different headlights

Ed,

You seriously have to take a spin on the Tiger 1050SE :eek:

Bikerguy

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Ed,

You seriously have to take a spin on the Tiger 1050SE :eek:

Will they pay me for that? I will have no more then 5k for sure. ;( and i really really wanna bird. I just love that bike already. I am not gonna change mind unless someyhing special will come up or i win the lottery.

Wonda-Boy

You will get a Tiger 1050SE for that....I have seen them from 07 up to 2010 for all kinds of money. I would not dismiss it is all I am saying....you are a big lad and it would suit you perfectly.

positron

I know you ruled out Fazers right from the start, but there's nicely kitted out 09 has come up for sale on biker.ie - looks the business, but probably more suited for a new / learner biker.

Bikerguy

I need something that gonna keep me entertained for long time.. I am not sure if fazer is the choice. And i know the fazer...

Cienciano

I can see where Bikerguy is coming from here. The blackbird has amazing performance and is practical, I reckon when you decide on it nothing would really convince you otherwise. He convinced me earlier, and nothing in the thread looks nearly as appealing for that money imho!

About filtering with panniers, I do it every day, it's not that bad at all. As AgileMyth said, bars are usually the widest point. Yes, it's harder but not much when you are used to the size of your bike. I reckon about once a month on a commute there's a gap or awkward turn in traffic I can't get through because of the panniers, so almost no difference for me.

Wossack

'busa?

Cienciano

Wossack wrote: »

'busa?

Looks manky

CJhaughey

Cienciano wrote: »

Looks manky

They are so ugly they are kind of attractive.
Like a bike made of chocolate parked too close to the heater....

Wossack

true - pretty iconic looks fwiw


the kawasaki hypers are best looking of the bunch imo (zzr12/1400)

Bandito909

Cb1000r?!

Bikerguy

Bandito909 wrote: »

Cb1000r?!

2 small for me. not comfy at all. only option that fit me well from the "racing group honda inside my budget" would be the 954. not sure about comfort for my wife but defo a fast beast.

Bikerguy

2day i called guy for Bbird

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/4436358

bike was abused fairings replaced, one mirror glued to fairing... simple bad estate, not worth.

anyway me asking how long time do you own her? he saying i dont know maybe one year?... diff colour mudguard, 44k miles, serviced last time in 1999 )) and he is like yeh but thats ok this bike will never let you down..

well i just wanted to push it to hard...

i have to wait a little more to have the funds.