Bike Upgrade, what would you get? - Page 3

Apex · April 30th, 2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ash

I will probably stick with my '08 250R for a while since I don't see an opportunity to upgrade anytime soon, that I was able to even get the Ninjette was a fluke.

However, after riding my bro's '03 CBR600RR I do like the additional power, but not aggressive riding position. So rough in order:

'09 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Suzuki SV650SF/ABS
'09 Honda CBR 600RR ABS (mostly b/c of the ABS and familiarity riding my bro's)
Suzuki GS500F

As much as I enjoyed having the GS500, pass on it. The resale is better on the 250 than the GS, and the GS only tops out at 120. Not bad, but not great. It does, however, get 65mpg on the highway (at least my '97 did).

You will find a noticeable increase in power, but still very streetable, confidence inspiring, setup with either the 650R or the SV650. Either would bring plenty of smiles to your face.

headshrink · April 30th, 2009, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ash

I will probably stick with my '08 250R for a while since I don't see an opportunity to upgrade anytime soon, that I was able to even get the Ninjette was a fluke.

+1
My fluke came after going to breakfast with my wife and... "hey, wouldn't it be fun to stop by the motorcycle store.... just for fun?" Car was broken at the time too (in a totaled kinda way).

Why did Honda give up on the VFR line???? just the one [interecepter] doesn't leave many options, especially for new riders.

Snake · May 1st, 2009, 09:16 AM

I also wouldn't mind upgrading to The Buell 1125R. It was built around the racer.

TnNinjaGirl · May 1st, 2009, 09:29 AM

I like that the new Buell has a Rotax in it. Selling point in my book.

Apex · May 1st, 2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by headshrink

+1
My fluke came after going to breakfast with my wife and... "hey, wouldn't it be fun to stop by the motorcycle store.... just for fun?" Car was broken at the time too (in a totaled kinda way).

Why did Honda give up on the VFR line???? just the one [interecepter] doesn't leave many options, especially for new riders.

I have no clue. I love the VFR800. I think it is one of the best all around bikes in Honda's lineup.

If the pic doesn't show, click here

Sound Wave · May 1st, 2009, 10:00 AM

too bad they don't have that color combination here. that is the european color scheme right? they also have that nice white one, which is the one i would want. for some reason, we only get the black.

ninjabrewer · May 1st, 2009, 10:19 AM

I haven't really gave it much thought. When I knew that I was getting a bike, I was down to the ninja I got from a friend who bought it new and then got a HD Road King, or the Kawi vulcan 500. I sat on one at the dealer here and almost whipped out the checkbook, er the pen to sign the finance paperwork. I haven't looked at any of the other brands besides Kawi, I love the styling of the new ZX-6R, and the older 636. But I'm not crazy about the leaned over, weight on your arms and wrists, riding position. I love my 250, but I think that I would go to a cruiser style, but not a HD, those are WAY too expensive for my blood. At the outset, my main motivation for getting a bike was gas milage, but that changed after I started riding, and now I really like...... just riding.

nb

Apex · May 1st, 2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sound Wave

too bad they don't have that color combination here. that is the european color scheme right? they also have that nice white one, which is the one i would want. for some reason, we only get the black.

Yup, that is the Euro model.

I did see a red, white, blue VFR at the dealer. Looked really nice.

Last I checked, it was still at my local dealer...
[img]http://www.***********.com/ims/u/1402/13848/283870.jpg[/img]

kazam58 · May 1st, 2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex

We love it, yes. There are some, like me who deep down really doesn't want to own the "dream bike" because you'd be constantly worried about it, not wanting to have anything happen to it, etc.

Mark, we're on the same page

Apex · May 1st, 2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjabrewer

I haven't really gave it much thought. When I knew that I was getting a bike, I was down to the ninja I got from a friend who bought it new and then got a HD Road King, or the Kawi vulcan 500. I sat on one at the dealer here and almost whipped out the checkbook, er the pen to sign the finance paperwork. I haven't looked at any of the other brands besides Kawi, I love the styling of the new ZX-6R, and the older 636. But I'm not crazy about the leaned over, weight on your arms and wrists, riding position. I love my 250, but I think that I would go to a cruiser style, but not a HD, those are WAY too expensive for my blood. At the outset, my main motivation for getting a bike was gas milage, but that changed after I started riding, and now I really like...... just riding.

nb

Go in between then. Don't get an extreme sportbike or a cruiser. Get a standard.

Aprilia Shiver 750
Ducati Monster
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki Gladius
Suzuki Bandit
Kawi 650R
Kawi ER6n
Kawi ZZR 600
Kawi Z1000
Yamaha FZ6
Yamaha FZ6R
Triumph has a good line as well.

Plenty of options that retain a sporty-esque overall performance/image, but not exactly hard core sports or laid back cruiser.

If you really wanted a HD, you can get a Sportster 883 for right around $8,000. Not bad for a little ride.

backinthesaddleagain · May 1st, 2009, 10:45 AM

Someone told me that as the VFR matured into a sport tourer, and the CBR's became the supersports, the US market for VFR dried up while it remains popular in Europe. Too bad I hearit is quite a good mix of performance and comfort.

Hopefully it doesn't go the way of the 919 or 599, basic standard motorcycle that dies a natural death because it stays too basic. Though I guess nothing basic about V4 with ABS...

Alex · May 1st, 2009, 10:50 AM

There's nothing "wrong" with the VFR, but there's nothing particularly impressive about it at this point either. Back in the 90's the VFR was where Honda put their latest and greatest technology (and styling). But for almost 10 years now, that hasn't been the case. The model hasn't changed a whit since 2002, and frankly, many VFR-files thought that this latest gen was a significant step backward from the prior generation.

Personally, I like the styling, but some of the knocks on the current version include:

- way soft suspension that requires a bunch of work if someone is either a moderately aggressive rider or wants to ride 2-up
- underpowered, overcomplicated engine. Who needs $1200+ VTEC valve adjustments on a motor that doesn't crack 100 hp at the rear wheel?
- overpriced. Needs to be at that price as they sell so few at this point, but part of the reason they sell so few is due to the price.

10+ years ago the VFR was the cream of the crop, but Honda has let it wither, and now it's closer to an also-ran.

Apex · May 1st, 2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

There's nothing "wrong" with the VFR, but there's nothing particularly impressive about it at this point either. Back in the 90's the VFR was where Honda put their latest and greatest technology (and styling). But for almost 10 years now, that hasn't been the case. The model hasn't changed a whit since 2002, and frankly, many VFR-files thought that this latest gen was a significant step backward from the prior generation.

Personally, I like the styling, but some of the knocks on the current version include:

- way soft suspension that requires a bunch of work if someone is either a moderately aggressive rider or wants to ride 2-up
- underpowered, overcomplicated engine. Who needs $1200+ VTEC valve adjustments on a motor that doesn't crack 100 hp at the rear wheel?
- overpriced. Needs to be at that price as they sell so few at this point, but part of the reason they sell so few is due to the price.

10+ years ago the VFR was the cream of the crop, but Honda has let it wither, and now it's closer to an also-ran.

I remember drooling over the VFR's back in '93. I loved it in red.

GreezMunky · May 1st, 2009, 02:35 PM

http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/2009%20T...05.aspx?page=1

SE and only in Europe as of right now

(oh, and only about $12,000 too)

backinthesaddleagain · May 1st, 2009, 06:57 PM

Yeah the only change each year to the VFR is color. Like does Honda marketing just sit back and say ok this year its color is ..., and engineering/R&D focuses on other things.

CodE-E · May 2nd, 2009, 03:39 AM

I only got my motorcycle driving license and my 250R about two weeks ago, so I'm not going to upgrade any time soon. But when the time comes that I'm bored by its performance (I'm currently very happy with it), I'll have a look at the ZX-6R.

capt_bugaloo · May 2nd, 2009, 07:29 AM

One motorcycle that catches my eye is the BMW G650X Country. I've rented a BMW F650 a couple of times, and liked the bike but disliked the styling. The XCountry has a bit of a plainer look and I find it appealing.

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...50Xcountry.htm

I also like a couple of the new Triumphs. I like the old timey look of the Bonneville and the Scrambler, but I think the Street Triple also looks pretty cool.

A Ducati Monster 696 also looks pretty sweet in red or in white (the black not so much).

Apex · May 4th, 2009, 01:29 PM

I'm really starting to dig this bike.

Kawi ZZR600

noche_caliente · May 4th, 2009, 03:48 PM

I would go for an older CBR I think

DerTeufel · May 21st, 2009, 08:02 PM

I have been looking at new bikes lately..I really like the KTM Duke 690 and the Superduke. The bike that I have my sights set on right now is the GSX-R 750. It fits me well, and I really like how it handles and delivers power.

ninjablk08 · May 21st, 2009, 08:18 PM

I would like this order of 600cc

May 1st, 2009, 10:19 AM	#87
ninjabrewer dirty old man Name: Chris Location: Hazel Green, AL Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	Really don't know I haven't really gave it much thought. When I knew that I was getting a bike, I was down to the ninja I got from a friend who bought it new and then got a HD Road King, or the Kawi vulcan 500. I sat on one at the dealer here and almost whipped out the checkbook, er the pen to sign the finance paperwork. I haven't looked at any of the other brands besides Kawi, I love the styling of the new ZX-6R, and the older 636. But I'm not crazy about the leaned over, weight on your arms and wrists, riding position. I love my 250, but I think that I would go to a cruiser style, but not a HD, those are WAY too expensive for my blood. At the outset, my main motivation for getting a bike was gas milage, but that changed after I started riding, and now I really like...... just riding. nb __________________________________________________ Death tugs at my ear and says, "Live, I am coming." -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., poet, novelist, essayist, and physician (1809-1894) www.friendsofsanonofre.org

May 1st, 2009, 10:50 AM	#92
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	There's nothing "wrong" with the VFR, but there's nothing particularly impressive about it at this point either. Back in the 90's the VFR was where Honda put their latest and greatest technology (and styling). But for almost 10 years now, that hasn't been the case. The model hasn't changed a whit since 2002, and frankly, many VFR-files thought that this latest gen was a significant step backward from the prior generation. Personally, I like the styling, but some of the knocks on the current version include: - way soft suspension that requires a bunch of work if someone is either a moderately aggressive rider or wants to ride 2-up - underpowered, overcomplicated engine. Who needs $1200+ VTEC valve adjustments on a motor that doesn't crack 100 hp at the rear wheel? - overpriced. Needs to be at that price as they sell so few at this point, but part of the reason they sell so few is due to the price. 10+ years ago the VFR was the cream of the crop, but Honda has let it wither, and now it's closer to an also-ran. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 2nd, 2009, 07:29 AM	#97
capt_bugaloo motorcycle rider Name: Bruce Location: Victoria, BC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.	One motorcycle that catches my eye is the BMW G650X Country. I've rented a BMW F650 a couple of times, and liked the bike but disliked the styling. The XCountry has a bit of a plainer look and I find it appealing. http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...50Xcountry.htm I also like a couple of the new Triumphs. I like the old timey look of the Bonneville and the Scrambler, but I think the Street Triple also looks pretty cool. A Ducati Monster 696 also looks pretty sweet in red or in white (the black not so much). __________________________________________________ '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver)

May 4th, 2009, 01:29 PM	#98
Apex Livin' the Minimoto Life Name: Mark Location: Riding around in TX Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.	I'm really starting to dig this bike. Kawi ZZR600 __________________________________________________ --- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro

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May 1st, 2009, 09:16 AM	#83
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	I also wouldn't mind upgrading to The Buell 1125R. It was built around the racer.

May 1st, 2009, 09:29 AM	#84
TnNinjaGirl Ms. Personality Name: CB Location: Murvill, TN Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.	I like that the new Buell has a Rotax in it. Selling point in my book.

May 1st, 2009, 10:45 AM	#91
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	Someone told me that as the VFR matured into a sport tourer, and the CBR's became the supersports, the US market for VFR dried up while it remains popular in Europe. Too bad I hearit is quite a good mix of performance and comfort. Hopefully it doesn't go the way of the 919 or 599, basic standard motorcycle that dies a natural death because it stays too basic. Though I guess nothing basic about V4 with ABS...

May 1st, 2009, 02:35 PM	#94
GreezMunky ninjette.org guru Name: Tor Location: TX Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 09 250r (sold), 2010 Daytona 675 Posts: 301	http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/2009%20T...05.aspx?page=1 SE and only in Europe as of right now (oh, and only about $12,000 too)

May 1st, 2009, 06:57 PM	#95
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	Yeah the only change each year to the VFR is color. Like does Honda marketing just sit back and say ok this year its color is ..., and engineering/R&D focuses on other things.

May 2nd, 2009, 03:39 AM	#96
CodE-E Ninja Newbie Name: Ben Location: Austria Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): EX250K9 Posts: 126	I only got my motorcycle driving license and my 250R about two weeks ago, so I'm not going to upgrade any time soon. But when the time comes that I'm bored by its performance (I'm currently very happy with it), I'll have a look at the ZX-6R.

May 4th, 2009, 03:48 PM	#99
noche_caliente ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kim Location: mundo de ensueño Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.	I would go for an older CBR I think

May 21st, 2009, 08:02 PM	#100
DerTeufel ninjette.org member Name: Aaron Location: Wildomar Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2009 KTM 690 SMC, 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 750 (track bike) Posts: 172	I have been looking at new bikes lately..I really like the KTM Duke 690 and the Superduke. The bike that I have my sights set on right now is the GSX-R 750. It fits me well, and I really like how it handles and delivers power.