Supposedly it is the best time to look at getting a bike at a good price so today I looked at an 05 Honda 919. I'm loving the look of the bike, it didn't feel any heavier than a Sport bike would, very balanced, etc. etc.

I've always been a Suzuki fan however and am also set on a 600/750 as well but they are quite common.

Dream bike as of today would be the last year model RC51 but its a tad heavier, runs a little hotter (my delicate inner thighs )and is priced pretty high still.

Any input on any of the above mentioned bikes? I know we've all had posts like this but some of the prices out there right now are pretty good. The 919 was $9900 out the door. But the 600/750's only dropped about $1000 off what this dealer's retail was and I know you can get them for a bit cheaper. (this is in CAD dollars not USD )

This is the pic of the 919 that got me hooked:
Honda 919

2006 Suzuki GSXR's:
GSXR750

RC51:
RC51 pic

 

get em all

 

Only got a single car garage and there is a barely enough room for that as it is

Do you have a preference out of the 3?

 

3 totally different bikes.

get what suits your need.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by drewspeed &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Supposedly it is the best time to look at getting a bike at a good price so today I looked at an 05 Honda 919. I'm loving the look of the bike, it didn't feel any heavier than a Sport bike would, very balanced, etc. etc.

I've always been a Suzuki fan however and am also set on a 600/750 as well but they are quite common.

Dream bike as of today would be the last year model RC51 but its a tad heavier, runs a little hotter (my delicate inner thighs )and is priced pretty high still.

Any input on any of the above mentioned bikes? I know we've all had posts like this but some of the prices out there right now are pretty good. The 919 was $9900 out the door. But the 600/750's only dropped about $1000 off what this dealer's retail was and I know you can get them for a bit cheaper. (this is in CAD dollars not USD )

This is the pic of the 919 that got me hooked:
Honda 919

2006 Suzuki GSXR's:
GSXR750

RC51:
RC51 pic </TD></TR></TABLE>

do you have to buy new? you could probably get all of those for much cheaper on the used market, even if it's just 1 or 2 years old. Especially the RC.

Of the bikes you mentioned, i like the RC.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by D Day &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">3 totally different bikes.

get what suits your need.</TD></TR></TABLE>

+1...

Do I even need to ask if this is your first bike?

 

Wow, such a wide range of bikes. I like the RC (obviously). You can save some bucks if you buy a used RC though, 03+ are all the same, just the graphics changed.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sup gurl &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">+1...

Do I even need to ask if this is your first bike?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm gonna guess it is since he is acting so noobish. get a ninja 250

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EngineNoO9 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm gonna guess it is since he is acting so noobish. get a ninja 250</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

if you are going to noob it up at least ask a ? that isnt so telling of your experience.

one is a 900 that you basically ride in an upright position. then 2 significantly smaller but more powerful supersports. and then possibly the least user friendly 1000 ever built by honda.

i wouldnt have thought as much of it if he had at least asked what we thought was the best 1k for him to buy.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sup gurl &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

+1...

Do I even need to ask if this is your first bike?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not first bike. Have had my license for 13 yrs. Never had my own bike since the 1998 GSXR600 and most recently a 03 R6.

Both great bikes, both sold because it was time to move on. But i've been getting the itch recently and thus the 3 bikes to ponder.

I've like the RC since 2001 but very pricey up here.

Then the 919 caught my eye. Great balance from what i've heard and it isn't too heavy. I guess test riding it would be the best bet to make the decision easier.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by D Day &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if you are going to noob it up at least ask a ? that isnt so telling of your experience.

one is a 900 that you basically ride in an upright position. then 2 significantly smaller but more powerful supersports. and then possibly the least user friendly 1000 ever built by honda.

i wouldnt have thought as much of it if he had at least asked what we thought was the best 1k for him to buy.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The seating position of the 919 is what makes it more appealing to me at this age/time in life. (Just turned 31, not old but not a youngin)

The Suzuki, as mentioned, has always caught my eye in looks. Even today my old 98 Gixxer I miss.

You mention a good point with the RC in regards to its user friendliness. Also from what I've read, the suspension isn't all that great unless you upgrade it to almost race status. But I threw in the RC because its different, like the 919 is in this discussion, its a v-twin and it is quite rare up here.

I obviously don't have to buy new (the 919 was an 05) and the RC wouldn't be new either.

In regards to selecting a bike based on my needs. I don't really need a bike, I want to get another bike. This would be mainly used to and from work (25 miles one way) and a weekend blast here and there with the wifey. And this is where the Gixxer would be the best candidate I bet.

 

If you are even thinking of a passenger, forget about the rc51. Commuting sucks with the rc51 too, traffic + side mount rads =

So boils down to do you want a naked bike or not? 919 will be more comfortable than the gixxer but the gixxer has advantages everywhere.

 

If your commuting, you'll get tired of the nekkid fast.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by backlash &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If your commuting, you'll get tired of the nekkid fast.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No you won't, unless you commute on the interstate at over 80mph the whole, which is lame commuting anyway...IMO

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by drewspeed &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The seating position of the 919 is what makes it more appealing to me at this age/time in life. (Just turned 31, not old but not a youngin)

The Suzuki, as mentioned, has always caught my eye in looks. Even today my old 98 Gixxer I miss.

You mention a good point with the RC in regards to its user friendliness. Also from what I've read, the suspension isn't all that great unless you upgrade it to almost race status. But I threw in the RC because its different, like the 919 is in this discussion, its a v-twin and it is quite rare up here.

I obviously don't have to buy new (the 919 was an 05) and the RC wouldn't be new either.

In regards to selecting a bike based on my needs. I don't really need a bike, I want to get another bike. This would be mainly used to and from work (25 miles one way) and a weekend blast here and there with the wifey. And this is where the Gixxer would be the best candidate I bet.</TD></TR></TABLE>

due to the presentation of new information please disregard my previous most disrespectful comments.

now, personally like you i enjoy the riding style of a bike like the 919 (personally i am a monster fan, what can i say, i like overpriced ****). i have a not so great back and riding a bike like this where you can just cruise around comfortably as easily as you can turn it up for the time when you wish to push it a bit. the 919 is a good choice because if i am correct there is a huge market for the bike in japan and europe and there is a very large aftermarket for the bike if you want to go searching for the parts.

the GSXR options are great. i mean there is a reason that they sell so many of them. just dont let thoughts of how you liked the bike cloud if you will like it now. like you said you are 31, you should decide whether you will really reap the benefits of the sport as much as you will take the punishment caused by it.

And then theres the RC. there are probably a few people around here that could tell you i am very very fond of that cycle. you will basically be taking everything that i just typed and throwing it out the window. it will be uncomfortable, the suspension is far too stiff for the street, it will burn your legs riding it around town and your back will feel like you rode across the border inside of a wooden barrel. BUT, it is a bike that no matter the downfalls of everything else has lots of things you cant buy. its just got that sexy going. you wont find an owner who doesnt love it. its not blazing fast like people expect of a 1k. but it gets looks everywhere, honda reliability and a sound that can only be described as pure sex. ask any of the RC owners here on the board. they will tell you there is nothing like it.

enjoy your decision.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rjay8604 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No you won't, unless you commute on the interstate at over 80mph the whole, which is lame commuting anyway...IMO</TD></TR></TABLE>
I was thinking freeway commuting, I should have been more specific in my post.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by D Day &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
And then theres the RC. there are probably a few people around here that could tell you i am very very fond of that cycle. you will basically be taking everything that i just typed and throwing it out the window. it will be uncomfortable, the suspension is far too stiff for the street, it will burn your legs riding it around town and your back will feel like you rode across the border inside of a wooden barrel. BUT, it is a bike that no matter the downfalls of everything else has lots of things you cant buy. its just got that sexy going. you wont find an owner who doesnt love it. its not blazing fast like people expect of a 1k. but it gets looks everywhere, honda reliability and a sound that can only be described as pure sex. ask any of the RC owners here on the board. they will tell you there is nothing like it.

enjoy your decision.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You just made me fall in love with my bike all over again

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by backlash &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You just made me fall in love with my bike all over again </TD></TR></TABLE>

yea i just read it again this morning and i am getting excited myself.

I think i might have to roll by the honda dealer this afternoon.

 

I would choose the RC51 not because I own one but after owning two inline4's and an older RC51, the vibrations from the vtwin, the honda reliability, and the exhuast note from a sato banzai exhuast is very unique and brings a smile to my face everytime I ride. I used to communte on my bike to school, freeway route or PCH route. While the suspension is stiff and sometimes the bike is pigheaded in corner entry, it's worth the inconvience of a daily ride.

shameless plug...my friend just opened up a new shop and needs to pay bills. He's got a low mileage (6k miles) '05 RC51 with Full Jardine header/muffler system, PCIII dyno tuned, and fresh tires for sale. PM me for his number, I'm unsure how you would get a bike from southern cali to where you're located.

 

I would choose a RC51. But that's because i own one and know that i'm in love with it.
You've listed 4 almost completely different machines. Asking which one you should choose is like asking which gun you should choose: an M16, a Beneli M4, a 1911, and a barret .50 cal. Each one is completely different even though they all fire bullets. You need to decide what you want/need out of your motorcycle, and then pick from there.
Casual comfortable riding? Sporty riding with occassional track days? Strictly track days and canyon runs? Do you want torque down low? Do you care? How tall are you? How comfortable are you on the different bikes? How much is insurance on each bike?
Have you ridden any of them? Are you going to finance it? If so, how long do you plan on keeping the bike?

And finally, why not buy used?!

 

Again, I listed an array of different bikes for a reason, to see what HT members think of each because I don't know personally of anyone who has owned a 919 and test riding at the dealer here is a no no in the winter months. (well almost winter)

slvrblckrdrc51 brings up ALOT of good questions.

It "may" see the odd track day. I'm only about 5'8 in height. 50% of it would be financed only because we purchased a new family vehicle just recently. To be honest with you I haven't had the chance to test ride any of them. I'm basing some of my opinions on my past riding experience with sportbikes. Again, it probably wouldn't be a NEW bike if it was an RC51 (and I found an 01 close by which seems in pretty good shape for a half decent price) I'm not sure how long I would keep the bike. If I enjoy riding it alot, or even get the time to ride it leisurely then it may stay for a while.

evil vapor - my parents in live in SoCal so obtaining the bike wouldn't be too much of an issue but getting it back up here to Canada might be a chore. How much is he asking? You can PM me the price if possible. There is only 1 05 RC51 for sale here in Ontario.

I've tossed out the 919 at this point and am leaning towards the 07 GSX-R750 (if I could only manage a test ride prior) or RC51 01-05. Gonna wait till the bike show here in December and go from there.

Thanks for all the insightful help.

 

Hmmm...a test ride might not show you that much. At least, not one just around the block or up and down a street.

 

Here's a pic of the RC I found locally:


The more I look at these pics the more I feel compelled to test ride/buy one.

My only apprehension in buying used is that I have an uncomfortable feeling purchasing an item like this used from someone I don't know.

 

Don't sweat it so much.
How many miles does it have? Ask him how he was on maitenance, and talk to him for a while. Feel him out. If he doesn't seem like you can trust him, then maybe you shouldn't. But, if he's a genuinely nice person and you feel like you can trust him, then take his word.

That looks like an 01 RC51. Looks like new tires. Some high mount pipes i can't identify, undertail, flushmounts. So he's got some goodies. If it's got a powercommander, a decent maitenance history, and less than 12k miles, i'd offer him $6k.

But, i would really suggest test riding any/all of these bikes. The RC isn't for everyone, only those that like twins messing around between their legs.

 

Here's what the add states about that RC:

"$1000 service done less than 200 kms ago including new rear tire. Aftermarket parts include MiG High mount pipes, dark windscreen and flush mount signals. 9,100 km. $7,850 " (again in CAD dollars)

What kind of service costs $1000? again because of my unfamiliarty with this certain bike. In one of the pics it looks like it was dropped because the clutch lever and fairing have a slight scratch on it (which might also be a rub against a garage wall) I'll definitely be checking this bike out soon.

As you said, the RC is probably not for just anybody. I've just loved the look/sound of this bike for so long.