I've owned my Suzuki SV650S for 3 years and put 24,000kms on it so far. I also owned an FZR400 for a year and regularly ride my wife's Ninja 250. Those are the only bikes I've had experience on. I do alot of highway commuting between my 2 jobs and am looking for something a little bigger than my SV which would provide more comfort and protection from the elements (full fairing). I'm considering a Honda CBR600F4i, Kawasaki ZX6R, or Honda VFR800. Test rides are tough to get where I live so I'm looking to others for some insight. Originally I thought I'd upgrade to the 600 supersport class and wanted an R6 but I've read the ZX6R and F4i are much more comfortable. Then I thought maybe I should go to the VFR (Interceptor in US?) which is supposedly a great sport tourer but the extra 90 lbs. concerns me somewhat. Another part of me says if you're going with a VFR, why not jump to the Hayabusa which only weighs an additional 10lbs. and be done with the whole upgrading thing. I've read its the best GT bike around but I know I'd have to be very careful. I doubt I'll get the Busa but I'd like to hear any suggestion and advice from people who've ridden any of the bikes mentioned. I'm 5'10", weigh 150lbs., and am pushing 30 if that matters. I also consider myself mature and responsible when riding (when off the bike is another story - just kidding). Mostly I'm looking for a good all around bike for long distance commuting and touring with no plans to hit the track. I'll still have my wife's 2000 Ninja for farting around. Thanks with any help and sorry for all the rambling.

 

You have a decent amount of experience so all the options you have stated should be ok. If you want to use the bike just for commuting then have you considered anything shaft drive?, well maybe anyway.
Of the bikes you have listed CBR/ZX6?VFR8 for what you are talking about they all would do the job. If you want something with that is a little edgier then the CBR is the one to go for. The VFR8 is still fun , but it has linked brakes which are not to my liking, also carries alot more weight. Nice motor though, but the CBR will kill it when you are in the mood. R6's are nice but despite what anyone says the Gixer 600 suspension puts it to shame. Not way uncomfortable but worse than the CBR. Have you sat on any of the bikes, you may hate the riding position and make a quick decision. To get test rides i would go to a dealer that has the bikes both secondhand and new, if you flash your money at him he should cave in and let you take the older bike out which for him is less risk in his insurance.
VFR interceptors, in the day they were nice, but werent anything more than a different paint job, magnesium covers (which are a bstad if you drop it) and carb change. Getting old now so watch tyre fitments as only the latest tackle gets decent rubber.
Busa, very quick but to commute with one with the running costs of tyres alone would be pointless. 30 matters little, Joey Dunlop (RIP) won the TT back to back through his forties so age is no problem, helpfull for insurance as well.
Anyway for what you want i suggest you get hold of a VFR*, think about changing the rear shock and revalve the forks as they have very little compression damping and bottom out everywhere. Apart from that they are simple to ride and produce a stack of torque, which will give it a similar feel to the SV.
Hope this helps


[Modified by luke, 12:40 AM 10/11/2001]

 

Very helpful - thanks. You provide a good point about higher running costs with the Hayabusa which would consume more gas and tires as well as having higher insurance costs I'm sure. I was never really serious about it but have been intrigued after sitting on one and wheeling it around the showroom - not as heavy as I thought. I'd like to go with a Honda because of their great reputation for quality and because of my experience with their cars. That leaves the CBR600F4i, VFR800, and possibly the CBR954 which I forgot to include. I've sat on the 2001 F4i & VFR and the VFR definitely felt more comfortable. Thanks for the tip in looking for demos / used bikes to try. Unfortunately the VFR & CBR954 are new for 2002 so finding a used one will be nearly impossible. Maybe I'll get to try the F4i, 929, and older VFR. My local dealer is sold out of 929's but has 2 2001 VFR's and 1 F4i in stock. When I mentioned the Interceptor, I was referring to the new VFR which I think is still called the Interceptor in the states, according to the US Honda site. I'd also like to try an Aprillia SL1000 Falco but I know it would cost too much and I've heard italina bikes cost more to maintain and aren't as reliable as Japanese. Maybe that's just Ducati's though. Anyway, thanks again and i look forward to hearing from others.

 

Used VFR's are probably the safest bet on the planet. They are derived from the VFR750 which was so over-engineered after the previous version self destructed on everyone that the rumour is that they lost money on every one built! SL1000's are kicking, and the main culprit for reliability is Ducati, perhaps only because people treat them like Jap bikes which dont need any attention and will start on the button no matter how you abuse them or miss servicing. What about the Fazer 1000?

 

The Falco is indeed "kicking" and Aprillia is a growing company with hot new bikes popping up all the time. The price and half fairing are the only things stopping me. The Fazer 1000, or FZ1 as it known in North America, is just "not my bag baby". I've read good reviews and I know it is tops against the Bandit 1200 and ZRX1200 but I can't seem to warm up to its styling. I know looks aren't everything but I have to at least find a bike good looking to spend the money. I've also decided to buy a bike with a full fairing. I just noticed you have a nice combo - ITR and CBR900. Enjoy.

 

I traded my SV-S for a TL-S two years ago. Not a good idea for long distance rides. The most comfortable sport-touring bike I've ridden for long distances was a Ducati ST4. But those things are expensive.

VFR is a good bet. Just throw some hard bags on and you're set.

Have you looked at any Bimmers?

 

ST4 sounds nice, as do BMW's but I'm not looking to spend that much. I'm going to look at the VFR for sure.

 

You can't go wrong with the VFR. Back in '98 I was torn between the VFR and the RR. I ended up going with the RR because they cut me one heck of a deal (no deal on the VFR). I'm not 100% sold on the look of the new VFR (i.e. exhaust exit) but the VTEC is a plus (more power where you need it).