I'd like to get back into a 1000 cc bike. What would you recommend? I was thinking 06+ FZ1. My price goal is around 6K.

Are the older CBR1000RR's or ZX10's a safe buy? (04-06)

 

I heard the older zx10's (aka 'widow maker') are great, and I've never heard of bad things out of the first gen 1000rr's.

My buddy has an FZ1, threw a lot of money at it. Has over 50k miles on it now. We do a lot of hard, short touring (I'm on a 919). It's a bit heavy, but does the job. Here's a pic from a trip to Florida last November.

 

I think the FZ1 is a bit lighter than my bike though. They're like 487 wet iirc.

I am also considering a GSX-R750. I've always wanted one of these. I know it's not a sport touring bike like my VFR, but I can suffer.

 

True, the Viffer is a pig.

The only gripe about the Gixxers are the ergos. "Sitting in" vs sitting on the bike. But that makes them more comfortable - the newer ones also have great slipper clutches. Those are the two things I remember the most after riding them.

 

do it, dont even think about it, just do it, NOW

 

NOW

 

I've been wanting one for at least 10 years.

I always wanted a VFR too, when they were new, but I always thought they weren't worth the price. I got this one in a trade.

 

i will admit the 750 is a tad over-priced since you can pick up a 1000 for about $500 more, but i will say this with the utmost confidence, there is not a bike on the street or track that can put down that much power and still stay nimble, given there is a capable rider on the saddle.

 

Speed Triple :D

 

i went from a vfr to a monster 1100 and have absolutely no regrets. it accelerates quicker, but doesn't want to cruise at 90-100 like the vfr does. Turn-in is much more confidence inspiring, and once the bike is laid over it stays there - my vfr was always fighting me and wanting to go back upright. i actually get better fuel mileage out of the monster than i did from the vfr.

the monster does need more care with how you use the throttle. accelerating at low rpm is fine, but steady state riding needs to be above about 3800rpm or the thing gets a bit cranky. i also had to install a different seat and bar risers, because the stock ergos aren't exactly all-day comfy. after making those changes, i am still ready to take a break after about 120 miles, whereas on the vfr i could usually make it to 150 miles.

 

I've always been a little wary of the exotics due to my distance from their dealerships.

 

i wouldnt even call a ducati a exotic anymore considering they are so abundant these days. when i hear "exotic" i think of brands like bimota, moto guzzi, and mv agusta. all still italian but rare. try finding dealers that service these bikes and get back to me.

granted if there isnt a place that will service ducati around you then obviously you wouldn't pick that brand, but i can guarantee there is a ducati dealer in every state.

 

Thre is not one in my state, but I am not surprised. Salt Lake would probably be the closest.

 

wow

 

Yeah, it's Wyoming. Only 500,000 in the whole state.

 

i'm moving out to NV soon, the closest dealer will be in Reno... a bit over 3 hours away. luckily i just had the belts and valves done so i shouldn't need to take the bike in for another 7500 miles.

 

was thinking of the opposite and was thinking of picking up a vfr. currently have a 95 m900. and finally convinced gf to go riding with me. only problem with the m900 is I only have one up rear sets and clip ons. so wouldn't be too comfy for long rides and no passenger pegs anyway. how do you like the vfr, was looking at that and a couple other sport touring bikes.

 

It's an excellent sport tourer of course but I wish it had more power. I've gotten used to clicking down 2 gears when I need to pass on the highway.

 

I had a Speed Triple there for awhile, awesome bikes, would never daily ride one again.

 

I got my sights set on an 08 or 09 CBR1000RR. I like their styling.

 

Did you give us wt'ers a review on that?


The_Head, how many miles are you planning on riding per outing if you got an RR? I've been looking at Blackbirds lately. They look fit dressed up with Givi cases.

 

....ew

 

Not too many, maybe 400 a day, if that.

I was a CBR1100XX owner from '99-'00 and it was a nice bike. I had most of the parts on it polished up to a mirror shine. 550 wet though.

Might be reconsidering the FZ1 due to cost though.

 

06-07 cbr1000rr's were great bikes. I own one. It comes stock with the HRC rear shock link and some other fine tuning that the 04-05's lacked.

 

I pretty much put the idea on the back burner. I don't really ride my bike enough to justify spending 5K to move into a used 08-09. So, I'm going to take care of some small issues on the VFR, do some maintenance and keep it around. Now, if $5,000 were to fall out of the sky, I'd be singing a different tune.