Help me pick my next bike! (part deux)

[Jiggles]

So the N1k has unfortunately been put down and now I need a new mistress. That's where you come in. Unregistered, I need your expertise in deciding my next victim.

I need options that conform to this list

• Good for Sport Touring
• Comfortable
• Not a gay ass Supersport
• Has a windshield
• Great for 2up
• Balls deep in excessive amounts of power
• Accepts extra luggage (top case, side case)
• Still fun in the twisties (sorry Goldwing )
• Has a regular maintenance schedule (sorry ducati )
• Would be nice if it had ABS available in CA
• Costs under $12,000 new or used
• Comes in non-homosexual colors (sorry 2013 N1k )
• A sexy i4 is always nice

Some of the possible contenders are listed below. Let me know any other bikes you think would be a good choice and why. Thats the biggest reason, I want to know WHY you like that bike. What makes it awesome? What sucks about it?

• Ninja 1000
• V-Strom 650/1000
• Versys 650/1000
• FZ1
• Some kinda sport touring beamer, i.e. R1200RT F800GT
• Z1000

C'mon, help a jigga out

[Jiggles]

I'll bet @Unregistered has some awesome ideas!

[xSean13]

s1000rr

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by xSean13

s1000rr

[Vergil]

There's my input.

[tnr4]

My dream sport tourer, which I obviously haven't ridden yet: the new F800. Sounds perfect.

Other suggestions:
1. I do like both the FZ8 and the FZ1, but you will be disappointed in the torque curve.
2. Triumph Tiger
3. I would totally check out a VStrom, but never ridden one.
4. Used Triumph Sprint. 1050 triple, nice ergos, good luggage.


On Ducs: what do you mean about the regular maintenance interval? They're amazingly long nowadays. 15k, I think on all the new ones. New Ducs are not really much more to keep than Japanese bikes. But they are twins, which is SUPER different. And about the only ones that fall in your price range are less exciting. But a hyperstrada or (in the best of all possible worlds, the Multi) would be amazing. Haven't ridden the hyper, obsly given how new it is, but the Multistrada is freaking amazing. Four engine maps, torque that will dislocate your shoulders, all day comfortable, more technologically advanced than your robot assistant. Every bike you get on after that feels stupid, cuz you just twist the throttle and go, and there's no computer on the gas tank!

I'll think of more...

[xSean13]

Seriously though, I think you need something like this, so that when you get in your next accident, your vehicle will take virtually no damage, and you'll be just fine.

[Jiggles]

On the duc, I've heard that the upkeep and maintanence costs far exceed the jap bikes. I'm not all that in love with duc's that I would want to take that hit like I would for a bmw. I'll have to check out the triumphs

Can you really be disappointed with a i4 literbikes power curve? The n1k is tuned for more torque down low but it can't be that huge of a difference can it?

Also I spoke with the dealer and said I was considering the FZ1 and he said the n1k is pretty much a better all around bike. Better brakes, chassis, suspension, just everything. Anyone have input on them?

[old3]

Best 2 up bike ever out of many, KTM 950 Adv, gear it 16/47 and get a custom seat built by Renazco Racing. Wheelie corner to corner in the canyons and ride it in an enduro.

Clean, lo mile used ones with carbs are under $8k, the early F.I. ones are a bit twitchy. H2W jetting kit for the CV carbs and the bike is awesome.

[tnr4]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

On the duc, I've heard that the upkeep and maintanence costs far exceed the jap bikes. I'm not all that in love with duc's that I would want to take that hit like I would for a bmw. I'll have to check out the triumphs

Can you really be disappointed with a i4 literbikes power curve? The n1k is tuned for more torque down low but it can't be that huge of a difference can it?

Also I spoke with the dealer and said I was considering the FZ1 and he said the n1k is pretty much a better all around bike. Better brakes, chassis, suspension, just everything. Anyone have input on them?

Well if you're not in love with 'em, then that's what really matters. But my buddies at the local Duc shop tell me that this is pretty much folklore that's no longer true but still gets repeated. Parts can be expensive, but you'll spend less in service due to the long intervals.

Oh yeah, and on BMWs: the old K12. Christ I wanna' throw my leg over one of those.

I may be exaggerating the difference in my memory, but I rode the N1K at a demo day not so long after the FZ1, and was MUCH happier with the power (although mine had a buzz in the tank that annoyed me, but I could forgive that).

On proper ST: I've ridden the FJR1300, the older BMW1100 and the Honda1300, and all were nice power mills but felt boring to me. Too heavy and no character. If you really like the N1K, I think you'd like such heavy bikes less.

Okay, time to cash in for this east-coast sucker.

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by old3

Best 2 up bike ever out of many, KTM 950 Adv, gear it 16/47 and get a custom seat built by Renazco Racing. Wheelie corner to corner in the canyons and ride it in an enduro.

Clean, lo mile used ones with carbs are under $8k, the early F.I. ones are a bit twitchy. H2W jetting kit for the CV carbs and the bike is awesome.

I can't get over its ugliness

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by tnr4

Well if you're not in love with 'em, then that's what really matters. But my buddies at the local Duc shop tell me that this is pretty much folklore that's no longer true but still gets repeated. Parts can be expensive, but you'll spend less in service due to the long intervals.

Oh yeah, and on BMWs: the old K12. Christ I wanna' throw my leg over one of those.

I may be exaggerating the difference in my memory, but I rode the N1K at a demo day not so long after the FZ1, and was MUCH happier with the power (although mine had a buzz in the tank that annoyed me, but I could forgive that).

On proper ST: I've ridden the FJR1300, the older BMW1100 and the Honda1300, and all were nice power mills but felt boring to me. Too heavy and no character. If you really like the N1K, I think you'd like such heavy bikes less.

Okay, time to cash in for this east-coast sucker.

Yea ducs, meh. I suppose if I found a multi for a really good deal I'd consider it.

With the n1k, I don't think I ever went full throttle on it, I never needed to. Wish I could test ride a fz1

For the real ST bikes, I never thought I'd own one so soon but have always pictured myself on one in the future. Ultimate comfort on a motorcycle would be great and seeing Alex ride (and total) one in the twisties gives me new hope that it will still be a great all around bike.

The only reason I'm not immediately getting a replacement n1k is because of the suspension. Something about it is just off. I did figure out how to mostly fix it with new tires and turning some knobs but I'd like a bike that just already feels perfect in the turns without needing a new set of tires.

[Z300]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

I'll bet @Unregistered has some awesome ideas!

where da zx-14r option bro!!!

i like the z1000 most but does it have a windscreen? (dont think it does)

[Jiggles]

I thought it did, or it has one you can add or something

[SMman]

I voted for Kawasaki's Versys after reading so many great reviews. I would choose the 650cc version because I have no need for literbike hp. The Versys won motorcyle of the year back in 2008 and journalists continue to praise it year after year. I haven't looked into the 1000 much.

The VStrom would get the nod if I wanted to venture off pavement and most riders seem to prefer the 650cc version. An updated 1000 is coming out.

I have a friend who swears by his Concours 14. He has two and does a lot of riding all over Canada and the US. He's also owned a ZX-10R, Z1000, etc.

I used to own a 2003 Honda VFR800 and it was a good bike except for that damn VTEC. I've yet to try the new 1200 but it might be something to throw into the mix, even though its way overpriced.

I have some seat time on Honda's ST1300 and it handled much better than expected and would be something to consider if I did a lot of 2-up, although Yamaha's 2013 FJR1300 has been getting great reviews and would probably be my 2-up machine because of the lower price and added features.

The bike that keeps calling my name, ever since I sat on one in 2009, is KTM's 990 SMT and the reason is spelled F-U-N. I obviously have a thing for supermoto bikes because they are such an absolute blast to ride. KTM has taken it to a more comfortable level with the 990 and I think it would be a great all around bike. It comes with ABS brakes but does break your $12,000 price point by $1999. Here's a review if you are interested:
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...iew-91341.html

[old3]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

I can't get over its ugliness

Ride one.

[Jiggles]

Thanks man! I do really like the versys and vstrom, super super super comfortable bikes they are just so large which is why I got the n1k instead originally

What's the downside of KTM's?

[old3]

I sold my 950SMR after owning it 5 years. There is no down side. Pretty incredible bikes, I just needed a change.

[Jono]

We all know you love to crash so I picked a bike that might be able to handle you.



KLR 650 with crash bars, obviously.

[SMman]

Downside to KTM for me is price, fewer dealerships, higher maintenance costs on some models, and possibly not as reliable as their Japanese counterparts.

I've lusted over Ducatis, Aprillias, Triumphs, KTMs, etc. but have always spent my money on Japanese bikes when it came time to buy.

I actually walked into a Honda/Harley/KTM dealership in 2007 to buy their KTM690sm that was sitting on the floor, but the sales person and later the owner (who I knew and bought my VFR800 from) would not come down one single dollar on the list price. I was turned off KTM from my personal experience with that particular dealership and that bike ended up sitting there for over a year.

Another bike I looked at a couple of months ago was Triumph's Tiger 800 XC. There was one parked at the hotel I was staying at and the owner had it all decked out for touring with hard luggage, GPS, skid plates, extra lighting, etc. It was an impressive looking package.

So many bikes, so little time and money

Have fun shopping.

[Falcor]

Obviously you need something with more than 1000cc's

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...html#!overview

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by Jono

We all know you love to crash so I picked a bike that might be able to handle you.



KLR 650 with crash bars, obviously.

I like it!

[Yasko]

Ok.... If it were me, I'd look at the F800GT, Speed Triple R, CB1000R, FZ1, and the Ninja 1000.

[skilletmo]

Z1000 Sexy as f*ck and its a kawi!

I like to think its the dad of my ninja streetfighter!

See twins arrow-down.gif

Edit: The CB1000 is really nice too, but i would still go with kawi! IMO they look almost the same.

[psych0hans]

[skilletmo]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

ewww.....

[SMman]

I thought you might be interested in this comparison of the Ninja 1000, FZ1, and GSX1250. I just watched the video portion and it mentions the handling issue with the front end of the 1000 that you had experienced.

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs...out-90855.html

[YunMing]

Versys or Vstrom would be a great choice.

[rojoracing53]

You can buy any brand of bike except Kawasaki as long as its a Yamaha

[skilletmo]

Now you want it.

[c-dog]

Not sure what I would pick. I voted for the FZ1 as I tried one a few years back. It was powerful and comfortable.

So that's my pick as I rise from the forum doldrums.

Liter bikes are interesting for sure.

[Jiggles]

Wow for sure, this is the exact issue I had

"The Ninja responds capably in the curvy bits and can bomb through a canyon road, but we all noted a small understeer problem requiring a constant pressure on the inside bar to maintain the desired arc around a corner. This condition was exacerbated when the stock Bridgestone BT-016s were worn out after 2,500 miles of our abuse, but the situation improved only marginally with new rubber."

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

You can buy any brand of bike except Kawasaki as long as its a Yamaha

So you approve of the FJR?

[KawiKid860]

Get a ninja 500

[psych0hans]

Originally Posted by jiggles

so you approve of the fjr?

r1 ftw!!!

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by KawiKid860

Get a ninja 500

Sorry bro, I don't bat for the other team

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

r1 ftw!!!

Ugh that's worse than a ninja 500

[Yakaru]

Have you considered one of the actually-classified sport touring bikes? e.g. Kawasaki Concourse or Yamaha FJR1300?

[tnr4]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

So you approve of the FJR?

So I'll edit what I said above. Even on the older model FJR (which has been approved upon this year), I spent a VERY comfy two days. I was turned off by a perceived 'lack of character', but I was thinking about it as an only bike. Since you have the 250 with entire universes of character, and you are looking for something powerful, comfy and still capable, the FJR really does tick the boxes.

Warning though, it's heavy as sh*t at parking lot speeds. The weight disappears at anything more than 10mph, but man it's a beast.

(Pics are me and the old man taking the FJR and BMW out for a couple days through Shanendoah Valley.)

[MistahT]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

I'll bet @Unregistered has some awesome ideas!

I haven't ridden an FZ1, but the only negatives I've heard are the front end (do a euro headlight, no fairing, looks better) and it gets worse gas mileage than my Corolla. If you're ok getting 20-25mpg, go for the FZ1!

Honestly, any of those bikes will probably treat you well. Depends on how much power you want/need and how much you're willing to spend. Gotta pay to play. If it was me, I'd probably choose one of the 650s or an FZ8 to be the best balance.

Have you considered the Triumph Street Triple?