The Official Motorcycles/Scooters Thread
05-01-2014, 09:36 AM
#1721
I dont know if this is the right place to post thisbut ok.
Im in the market for my first bike been looking mostly at ninja 650r. But just started looking at the yamaha fz6r but I dont know much about them. Are they pretty much like 650r just with 50cc less?
Heres a fz6r I found seems good for price?
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/4440169351.html
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/4375439341.html
Heres a couple 650 that I found I think id be better if i were able to get to 3500.
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mcy/4408072644.html
My limits 4800 im just waiting on the right bike I may do the blue fz6r but I wanna learn more about them.
Im in the market for my first bike been looking mostly at ninja 650r. But just started looking at the yamaha fz6r but I dont know much about them. Are they pretty much like 650r just with 50cc less?
Heres a fz6r I found seems good for price?
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/4440169351.html
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/4375439341.html
Heres a couple 650 that I found I think id be better if i were able to get to 3500.
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mcy/4408072644.html
My limits 4800 im just waiting on the right bike I may do the blue fz6r but I wanna learn more about them.
That said, both are designed to be beginner friendly and both are fairly comfortable to ride. Make sure you spend some time sitting on both as the rider geometry is a little bit different and can make a huge difference in the level of comfort for an individual rider. Find a dealer that sells both and spend a half an hour or so with each bike, paying close attention to the weight of your torso on your wrists and the strain on your knees since neither bike has adjustable footpegs.
Having owned a 650R, it is a great bike, but unless you are pretty comfortable with riding, I would suggest starting on a 250 or 300 before moving up to the 650R. The smaller displacement bike will be a lot lighter to move around and will help you build greater confidence. Moving up to a mid-size bike from there will help you feel less intimidated by the way a bike handles and will provide a good upgrade in power to keep you happy.
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juniorbean (05-01-2014)
05-01-2014, 03:46 PM
#1722
Sorry forgot to mention my riding experience I use to ride my cousins ninja 500. I drove it for like 300 miles and I also took the drivers course at my college. I wouldnt want a 250 cause everyone says u get to big for the bike quick and I wouldnt wanna upgrade to a super sport so quick I would wanna ride it for awhile. I was looking for a ninja 500 but Ive been looking at 650 and Ive read theyre pretty good first bikes and newer so I wouldnt wanna upgrade quick to get an even newer bike.
That said, I think CGTSX2004's reply above really nails it...
Good luck and be sure to stay active in this topic!
05-01-2014, 04:28 PM
#1723
the overexplainer
i would ditto a 250/300 is a great confidence booster. I'm learning a lot from my little ninjette.
Though I admit i'm looking at the 650cc non-super sport bikes for my next upgrade. I just want a bike with the same BP but with more power.
Though I admit i'm looking at the 650cc non-super sport bikes for my next upgrade. I just want a bike with the same BP but with more power.
05-09-2014, 12:28 AM
#1724
I found a fz6r that was good deal so biught it but was just wondering some things. I dont have helmet yet so I cant ride have to first buy couple birthday gifts and and mothers day gift before I buy a helmet. Iv had it for 2 days i have just turned it on twice and revved only a little. Its in just outside parking lot just a roof covering it from rain but its not raining yet.
would it be ok if I just turn on and keep on for awhile and rev a little so the bike isn't cold or noting goes wrong with it. I plan on riding it within at least 5 days hopefully. Anything else I should do while I dont ride for the jext couple days
would it be ok if I just turn on and keep on for awhile and rev a little so the bike isn't cold or noting goes wrong with it. I plan on riding it within at least 5 days hopefully. Anything else I should do while I dont ride for the jext couple days
05-09-2014, 07:06 AM
#1725
I found a fz6r that was good deal so biught it but was just wondering some things. I dont have helmet yet so I cant ride have to first buy couple birthday gifts and and mothers day gift before I buy a helmet. Iv had it for 2 days i have just turned it on twice and revved only a little. Its in just outside parking lot just a roof covering it from rain but its not raining yet.
would it be ok if I just turn on and keep on for awhile and rev a little so the bike isn't cold or noting goes wrong with it. I plan on riding it within at least 5 days hopefully. Anything else I should do while I dont ride for the jext couple days
would it be ok if I just turn on and keep on for awhile and rev a little so the bike isn't cold or noting goes wrong with it. I plan on riding it within at least 5 days hopefully. Anything else I should do while I dont ride for the jext couple days
As for the bike, stop turning it on and off. One, you'll never be able to get it up to temperature so you are just allowing more moisture to build up which can corrode things over time. And two, you're putting a lot of strain on the battery starting the bike, but not running it long enough to charge it back up. You are better off leaving the bike alone for the week until you have the proper gear to go ride it. Then at least you can get it on the road a bit and actually get the motor warmed up properly and the battery charged.
Most important of all, be safe!
The following 3 users liked this post by CGTSX2004:
05-09-2014, 08:32 AM
#1726
Congrats on the purchase! In addition to a helmet, please buy gloves, a proper jacket, pants, and boots before you do any serious riding. At a minimum, the gloves and jacket even if you are just puttering around town at low speed.
As for the bike, stop turning it on and off. One, you'll never be able to get it up to temperature so you are just allowing more moisture to build up which can corrode things over time. And two, you're putting a lot of strain on the battery starting the bike, but not running it long enough to charge it back up. You are better off leaving the bike alone for the week until you have the proper gear to go ride it. Then at least you can get it on the road a bit and actually get the motor warmed up properly and the battery charged.
Most important of all, be safe!
As for the bike, stop turning it on and off. One, you'll never be able to get it up to temperature so you are just allowing more moisture to build up which can corrode things over time. And two, you're putting a lot of strain on the battery starting the bike, but not running it long enough to charge it back up. You are better off leaving the bike alone for the week until you have the proper gear to go ride it. Then at least you can get it on the road a bit and actually get the motor warmed up properly and the battery charged.
Most important of all, be safe!
As for the bike... +1 to everything CGTSX said. Buy a trickle charger and hook it up to the bike (probably something you'd want anyway, even after you've registered it) and check some basic things like oil, etc...
05-10-2014, 01:11 AM
#1728
Ya I got gloves and jacket just not boots or helmet but I only plan on driving on my parking lot for first 2 weeks. Only bad part my place has a lot of speed bumps so kinda hard to ride bike there without constantly stopping. its ok at least once I buy helmet I can just ride instead of having to wait for a bike to buy. Thank you for info on the bike cant wait to start riding my motorcycoe im really excited.
05-10-2014, 09:17 AM
#1729
I use the suction mount and usually mount it to a flat part of my bike's fairing.
You can see how that turns out in the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/user/EastWestBrosGarage
Have also tried wearing the camera using the chest harness, though that gets uncomfortable after a while since it restricts airflow through the jacket. Fine for a cold day but sucks when it is hot out.
I have yet to add a mount to my helmet and am considering purchasing a second camera for that purpose, probably the Contour since it is more aerodynamic.
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Sly Raskal (05-10-2014)
05-12-2014, 01:30 AM
#1730
the overexplainer
05-12-2014, 10:22 AM
#1731
AZ Community Team
FWIW, bought a pair of Doc Marten leather boots and by far the best boots I've ever used for riding. Extremely comfortable, very flexible sole, great feel for shifting and braking. Highly recommended.
05-18-2014, 07:24 PM
#1732
Hey I was wondering if anyone can recommend a motorcycle backpack I dont wanna spench much just a cheap one. Ill buy a better one later down the road. Is a motorcycle backpack better then just using a regular backpack? Another question anyone recommend a good online store to buy gear?
05-18-2014, 07:58 PM
#1733
Team Owner
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Hey I was wondering if anyone can recommend a motorcycle backpack I dont wanna spench much just a cheap one. Ill buy a better one later down the road. Is a motorcycle backpack better then just using a regular backpack? Another question anyone recommend a good online store to buy gear?
Revzilla.com > *
I have an OGIO Mach 3 backpack and love it. I get a lot of compliments about it as well ... http://amzn.to/1o54AZ8
05-19-2014, 06:34 AM
#1734
Hey I was wondering if anyone can recommend a motorcycle backpack I dont wanna spench much just a cheap one. Ill buy a better one later down the road. Is a motorcycle backpack better then just using a regular backpack? Another question anyone recommend a good online store to buy gear?
Depending on how you use it, I recommend looking into a tank or tail bag that has straps to allow you to wear it as a backpack if you need. That way, you have the flexibility to wear it when you want or to just strap it to the bike when you don't.
05-19-2014, 09:21 AM
#1735
the overexplainer
I have a Kreiga US-20 that doubles as a shoulder bag, and also has a tank bag conversion kit available as well. Love it! Large enough for me to carry materials for a moto oil change.
so...only about 4 months later and 2.6k miles, I picked up another bike:
decent deal i think for socal, never dropped 2007 SV650 with 7.7k miles. Paid like $200 more than I did for the 250 lol. First impressions, it's noticeably easier to ride than a cbr600RR, less grabby clutch, slightly less aggressive body position but it's no ninja 250. Power is down low, predictable, and linear.
250 is also for sale.
so...only about 4 months later and 2.6k miles, I picked up another bike:
decent deal i think for socal, never dropped 2007 SV650 with 7.7k miles. Paid like $200 more than I did for the 250 lol. First impressions, it's noticeably easier to ride than a cbr600RR, less grabby clutch, slightly less aggressive body position but it's no ninja 250. Power is down low, predictable, and linear.
250 is also for sale.
Last edited by ez12a; 05-19-2014 at 09:27 AM.
The following users liked this post:
ez12a (05-19-2014)
The following users liked this post:
ez12a (05-19-2014)
05-20-2014, 08:08 AM
#1738
AZ Community Team
Meet the electric motorcycle that's now the fastest production bike in the world
http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/20/l...usaolp00000589
Impressive speed and range, hope the company succeeds.
Impressive speed and range, hope the company succeeds.
05-20-2014, 08:23 AM
#1739
Moderator
It would be interesting to be going that fast with just the wind noise.
05-20-2014, 08:26 AM
#1740
http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/20/l...usaolp00000589
Impressive speed and range, hope the company succeeds.
Impressive speed and range, hope the company succeeds.
05-24-2014, 09:03 PM
#1741
Ok so I need help on finding a motorcycle jacket my limit is 200 if its a good recomendation then it could go up to 300. I was just wondering what is a good jacket with layers I know its summer but I dont wanna use a vest Id rather buy a jacket for later down the road.
05-24-2014, 10:58 PM
#1742
Punk Rocker
I have a Joe Rocket jacket that I got fairly cheap and its pretty good quality. my next gear purchase is going to be jacket, pants, boots, and gloves all Alpinestars. That and a new AGV Horizon lid and I'll be ready to go as soon as I find the perfect deal on a leftover 2013 Yamaha R1! 
05-25-2014, 03:13 PM
#1743
Ok so I need help on finding a motorcycle jacket my limit is 200 if its a good recomendation then it could go up to 300. I was just wondering what is a good jacket with layers I know its summer but I dont wanna use a vest Id rather buy a jacket for later down the road.
My current daily use jacket is a First Gear Teton from 2010 that I bought at the end of 2012. The jacket includes the d3o intelligent armor in the shoulders and elbows/forearms and a basic foam back protector that I can replace with a rigid one if I need. I have used it in temperatures ranging from 30 up to 100 degrees and by wearing appropriate layers underneath while adjusting the presence of the liner and the various vents, it has been incredibly comfortable. Some people don't like the look of the nylon jackets, but I prefer them for their comfort over leathers for daily riding. I paid just under $300 for a jacket that originally retailed for around $450.
05-27-2014, 04:55 PM
#1744
Ok so I bought my jacket but after so much riding on the streets lately and having a lot of fun its time I wash the bike. Anybody got a good video on how to wash a bike good im looking at some to get a good idea on what not to get wet. Is regular car wash ok to use if so can I use the soap for cars thats combo wash and wax?
05-27-2014, 07:01 PM
#1745
the overexplainer
Ok so I bought my jacket but after so much riding on the streets lately and having a lot of fun its time I wash the bike. Anybody got a good video on how to wash a bike good im looking at some to get a good idea on what not to get wet. Is regular car wash ok to use if so can I use the soap for cars thats combo wash and wax?
after you dry it off, lube the chain (clean if needed) and wipe off excess on the outside side of the chain.
05-27-2014, 07:48 PM
#1746
Only thing I dont have is the lube to lube the chain still haven't learned how to do that yet. will it be ok if I dont lube the chain frirst time I wash it. Im not gonna use pressure wash just the hoses at local car wash im pretty sure those have less pressure then pressure washers.
05-28-2014, 12:34 AM
#1747
the overexplainer
i guess if you avoid getting the chain wet and soapy you might be fine. How is the chain now, is it lubed? it should look moist at the very least. You should be lubing the chain approx every 500 miles.
You can pick up a can of PJ1 blue chain lube for like $12 bucks at your nearest motorcycle shop or dealer. You'll need lube anyway if you want to ride regularly. There are youtube videos of how to lube the chain and you can also lube without a rear stand (which you should also get at some point).
the coin op washers are pretty high pressure. I would make sure to keep your distance away from the bike. Also if you use the "clean/clear/spotless spray" it tends to be at a weaker pressure.
It might just be me but I would recommend spending the first few weekends of owning a "new" used bike getting all the maintenance out of the way. I already changed the oil+filter, brake fluid, tires, and will be replacing the coolant and fork oil in the coming weeks.
You can pick up a can of PJ1 blue chain lube for like $12 bucks at your nearest motorcycle shop or dealer. You'll need lube anyway if you want to ride regularly. There are youtube videos of how to lube the chain and you can also lube without a rear stand (which you should also get at some point).
the coin op washers are pretty high pressure. I would make sure to keep your distance away from the bike. Also if you use the "clean/clear/spotless spray" it tends to be at a weaker pressure.
It might just be me but I would recommend spending the first few weekends of owning a "new" used bike getting all the maintenance out of the way. I already changed the oil+filter, brake fluid, tires, and will be replacing the coolant and fork oil in the coming weeks.
Last edited by ez12a; 05-28-2014 at 12:44 AM.
05-28-2014, 12:51 AM
#1748
the overexplainer
crap edit time ran out:
In regard to your newly purchased fz6:
I would check:
-The date codes on the tires. Are they older than 5 years? If so, look at getting them replaced. If you cant afford tires, ride with caution until you can. Google how to determine the age of tires.
-Color of the brake fluid. Is it amber or darker? replace. Bleeding is cheap and easy on a motorcycle vs a car. You can buy 1 man bleeder kits from autozone and do it yourself. One small bottle is enough for almost 2 motorcycles.
-Oil (and filter), how long has it been in there? Color and level? I would replace this if the owner had no records. Besides coolant it is the lifeblood of the motor. Also per the suz manual it says replace at least once a year if it sits.
-Chain and sprockets - lubed? is the slack within spec? Sprockets worn? If they are they would look like shark fins. They should have flat tips.
-brake pads - plenty of life left?
Apologies in advance if you have checked all these things. working in IT i learned to assume nothing. Just know that you're trusting a piece of machinery with 2 pieces of rubber and your safety/life is entirely dependent on its running condition. You will need to spend $, riding motorcycles is not cheap from a maintenance perspective.
In regard to your newly purchased fz6:
I would check:
-The date codes on the tires. Are they older than 5 years? If so, look at getting them replaced. If you cant afford tires, ride with caution until you can. Google how to determine the age of tires.
-Color of the brake fluid. Is it amber or darker? replace. Bleeding is cheap and easy on a motorcycle vs a car. You can buy 1 man bleeder kits from autozone and do it yourself. One small bottle is enough for almost 2 motorcycles.
-Oil (and filter), how long has it been in there? Color and level? I would replace this if the owner had no records. Besides coolant it is the lifeblood of the motor. Also per the suz manual it says replace at least once a year if it sits.
-Chain and sprockets - lubed? is the slack within spec? Sprockets worn? If they are they would look like shark fins. They should have flat tips.
-brake pads - plenty of life left?
Apologies in advance if you have checked all these things. working in IT i learned to assume nothing. Just know that you're trusting a piece of machinery with 2 pieces of rubber and your safety/life is entirely dependent on its running condition. You will need to spend $, riding motorcycles is not cheap from a maintenance perspective.
Last edited by ez12a; 05-28-2014 at 12:57 AM.
05-28-2014, 07:17 PM
#1749
Someone I work with restores bikes and he is trying to "make room" for some new bikes.
He has offered me a fully running 1988 shadow 600 vlx (it needs tires and a tail light) AND a 1982 cb900c (not running, problems listed below) for $2,000. Would you consider this a good deal?
The cb900c needs new carbs, it's missing a small fairing piece that covers the throttle cable, a side mirror and a new clutch cable and a few misc cosmetic parts. According to him it starts but won't rev passed 7000RPM, could this be BECAUSE of the carbs?
Edit: the 600 has 11,000 miles on it and the 900 has 23,000
Thanks for any advice with these bikes.
He has offered me a fully running 1988 shadow 600 vlx (it needs tires and a tail light) AND a 1982 cb900c (not running, problems listed below) for $2,000. Would you consider this a good deal?
The cb900c needs new carbs, it's missing a small fairing piece that covers the throttle cable, a side mirror and a new clutch cable and a few misc cosmetic parts. According to him it starts but won't rev passed 7000RPM, could this be BECAUSE of the carbs?
Edit: the 600 has 11,000 miles on it and the 900 has 23,000
Thanks for any advice with these bikes.
06-05-2014, 10:44 PM
#1751
Punk Rocker
Here's a post I've made on several of my favorite bike forums concerning my current search for a new bike:
So what is your opinion here? I'm not particularly concerned with ultimate performance as any of these bikes would far exceed my abilities and I have no plans to track the bike other than maybe a trip to the strip.
So I've been a member here since I got my brand new (then) 2006 Kawasaki ZX-10R which I ended up selling in 2008 to get my first Infiniti G37S. Before that I had a new 2005 CBR600RR which I sold to get the 10er. At any rate, soon after selling the 10R I met a girl, got married, had a baby etc and my biking days were over...
...So of course fast forward to 2014 and I'm freshly divorced with child support payments. Suffice it to say that the time is well past for me to get a new motorcycle so I am just now starting the process of narrowing down my choices. I'll have around $10k cash to play with and am hoping to get a brand new leftover 2012 or 2013 with a hefty discount. I've had Honda and Kawasaki and am kind of interested in trying something new like a Yamaha or Suzuki but am not discounting another Honda or Kawi. Anyway, here's what I've found so far and am considering. Keep in mind I've been out of the scene for several years so I am just beginning to catch up on the reviews of the current models and what not.
2012/2013 Honda CBR600RR - I like the styling of the 2012 better as the new refresh has a sort of "punched in the face" look to the front end. Still, it looks good overall and they both can be had at decent pricing. In all honesty not much has changed about the CBR600RR since I last had my 2005 model so I'm pretty familiar with the bike. If I were to get another RR (doubtful to be honest unless I get a great deal) I'd definitely love to go for the Repsol version as that one looks great! I found brand new 2012's for around $8k and 2013's for $8500. The cheapest new Repsol I've seen was $9300.
2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) - I was actually really excited to see taht Kawi has gone back to the 636cc "cheater" motor that they had back in 2006! It really gives the bike a big street advantage over the other supersports and was a stroke of marketing genius IMO. Anyway, there are tons of leftover 2013's available for good prices and I love the look of the matte white one in particular. The bike also has Kawi's awesome traction control system and a gear indicator which I'd love. I can get a new 2013 for $8500, same as the Honda.
2012/2013 Yamaha R1 - The only bike I'm really considering from Yamaha is the R1. I just don't particularly like the R6 that much and never have. Its a fine bike but if I go with Yammie its gotta be the flat out awesome R1! I know it hasn't reviewed well since its the heaviest and least powerful liter bike currently but it still looks incredible and has all the features I want like TC, gear position indicator, etc. The thing that struck me about this bike in the shop was the fit and finish. It is flawless and seems so well engineered. Yamaha also has a real winner on its hands with their cross plane technology. The sound this engine makes at full throttle is astonishing! I am not a fan of the huge cans under the seat however. The best price I've found on a 2013 R1 is $10,500 brand new which is a great deal considering sticker price is over $14k!
2013 Suzuki GSX-R600/750 - I've never owned a Suzuki before and would be down to give the Gixxer a shot (especially the 750 which is around the same price as the 600 making it a no-brainer financially). I am NOT a fan of the current styling however as it seems like the Gixxers have looked the exact same for a decade. It does have the features I want including the Brembo brakes which the other supersports do not have. Still, I just don't "love" the Gixxers and I doubt I'll get one, even though the 750 is a great bargain. I found a 2013 600 new for $8500 while the 750 is going for $8900.
2013 Triumph 675 Daytona - This bike is AWEESOME! Seriously, I sat on one the other day and just loved it! Plus the sound that triple makes gives me goosebumps its so good! The bike is really narrow and light which is great but the fit and finish isn't really as good as the Japanese bikes in my opinion, especially considering how pricey these things are. The styling is good, not great, but I really like this bike overall. It also has a big advantage over the 600's with its 675cc displacement. Cheapest I've found a new Daytona is $10k which is probably too much for me to want it, considering I can get the R1 for a few hundred more.
2013 Ducati 899 Panigale S - Words cannot describe how much I want this bike! It is simply the most astounding motorcycle I've ever seen. It seriously looks like perfection shaped into the form of a sport bike! Of course I'd prefer the 1099 but the pricing is already in the stratosphere for the 899 so there's no chance of that sadly. This bike has everything you could ever want in a bike and it truly looks like the Ferrari of motorcycles. This is the one bike that I may consider stretching the budget on. Well, "stretch" may be a bit of an understatement as the cheapest 899 I've found brand new thus far is $15,000! Still, it really does have everything including an awesome TFT instrument cluster than has all the toys built into it. Not to mention adjustable everything. Its just incredible!
2013 Aprilia RSV4 R - This is another of the "dream" bikes that I'm still somewhat considering just because screw it man, I deserve something really cool! This bike has actually beaten the Panigale S two years in a row in Motorcyclist's yearly super bike shootout and I can see why. It definitely doesn't look anywhere near as stunning as the Duc but it has all the features of the Panigale with a stronger engine and smaller size/weight. The nice thing about either of these Italian super bikes is that they are both head turners and you won't see a million other ones on the road with you. There is a dealer nearby selling new 2013's for $12k which is above my budget but is really an incredible bargain for one of the fastest and best overall superbikes made!
OK, so those are the bikes I am currently considering. My current perference is the 2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R as I can get one of those for less than $8500 which would leave me plenty of cash for gear and stuff. Not to mention the fact that it is the strongest of the 600's, looks really badass, has all the features I'm looking for, and would be familiar to me as I've owned a kawi before. The bike I'd give a kidney for is the Panigale S which is simply stunning in every way! It is just perfection on two wheels and I would never want to get off the thing but I don't see how I can swing one of them with the pricing what it is. The other bikes are all definitely in the ballpark and if I found an unusually good deal I could be persuaded to buy any one of them as they all have interesting and unique features and styling. I would also consider the OUTSTANDING S1000RR BMW but they are even more $$$ than the Panigale and if I end up with that much money there is no way I'm not getting the Ducati! Anyway, thanks for reading through my longish post and let me know below what your opinions are on my selections and which ones you would be most interested in! Thanks!
...So of course fast forward to 2014 and I'm freshly divorced with child support payments. Suffice it to say that the time is well past for me to get a new motorcycle so I am just now starting the process of narrowing down my choices. I'll have around $10k cash to play with and am hoping to get a brand new leftover 2012 or 2013 with a hefty discount. I've had Honda and Kawasaki and am kind of interested in trying something new like a Yamaha or Suzuki but am not discounting another Honda or Kawi. Anyway, here's what I've found so far and am considering. Keep in mind I've been out of the scene for several years so I am just beginning to catch up on the reviews of the current models and what not.
2012/2013 Honda CBR600RR - I like the styling of the 2012 better as the new refresh has a sort of "punched in the face" look to the front end. Still, it looks good overall and they both can be had at decent pricing. In all honesty not much has changed about the CBR600RR since I last had my 2005 model so I'm pretty familiar with the bike. If I were to get another RR (doubtful to be honest unless I get a great deal) I'd definitely love to go for the Repsol version as that one looks great! I found brand new 2012's for around $8k and 2013's for $8500. The cheapest new Repsol I've seen was $9300.
2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) - I was actually really excited to see taht Kawi has gone back to the 636cc "cheater" motor that they had back in 2006! It really gives the bike a big street advantage over the other supersports and was a stroke of marketing genius IMO. Anyway, there are tons of leftover 2013's available for good prices and I love the look of the matte white one in particular. The bike also has Kawi's awesome traction control system and a gear indicator which I'd love. I can get a new 2013 for $8500, same as the Honda.
2012/2013 Yamaha R1 - The only bike I'm really considering from Yamaha is the R1. I just don't particularly like the R6 that much and never have. Its a fine bike but if I go with Yammie its gotta be the flat out awesome R1! I know it hasn't reviewed well since its the heaviest and least powerful liter bike currently but it still looks incredible and has all the features I want like TC, gear position indicator, etc. The thing that struck me about this bike in the shop was the fit and finish. It is flawless and seems so well engineered. Yamaha also has a real winner on its hands with their cross plane technology. The sound this engine makes at full throttle is astonishing! I am not a fan of the huge cans under the seat however. The best price I've found on a 2013 R1 is $10,500 brand new which is a great deal considering sticker price is over $14k!
2013 Suzuki GSX-R600/750 - I've never owned a Suzuki before and would be down to give the Gixxer a shot (especially the 750 which is around the same price as the 600 making it a no-brainer financially). I am NOT a fan of the current styling however as it seems like the Gixxers have looked the exact same for a decade. It does have the features I want including the Brembo brakes which the other supersports do not have. Still, I just don't "love" the Gixxers and I doubt I'll get one, even though the 750 is a great bargain. I found a 2013 600 new for $8500 while the 750 is going for $8900.
2013 Triumph 675 Daytona - This bike is AWEESOME! Seriously, I sat on one the other day and just loved it! Plus the sound that triple makes gives me goosebumps its so good! The bike is really narrow and light which is great but the fit and finish isn't really as good as the Japanese bikes in my opinion, especially considering how pricey these things are. The styling is good, not great, but I really like this bike overall. It also has a big advantage over the 600's with its 675cc displacement. Cheapest I've found a new Daytona is $10k which is probably too much for me to want it, considering I can get the R1 for a few hundred more.
2013 Ducati 899 Panigale S - Words cannot describe how much I want this bike! It is simply the most astounding motorcycle I've ever seen. It seriously looks like perfection shaped into the form of a sport bike! Of course I'd prefer the 1099 but the pricing is already in the stratosphere for the 899 so there's no chance of that sadly. This bike has everything you could ever want in a bike and it truly looks like the Ferrari of motorcycles. This is the one bike that I may consider stretching the budget on. Well, "stretch" may be a bit of an understatement as the cheapest 899 I've found brand new thus far is $15,000! Still, it really does have everything including an awesome TFT instrument cluster than has all the toys built into it. Not to mention adjustable everything. Its just incredible!
2013 Aprilia RSV4 R - This is another of the "dream" bikes that I'm still somewhat considering just because screw it man, I deserve something really cool! This bike has actually beaten the Panigale S two years in a row in Motorcyclist's yearly super bike shootout and I can see why. It definitely doesn't look anywhere near as stunning as the Duc but it has all the features of the Panigale with a stronger engine and smaller size/weight. The nice thing about either of these Italian super bikes is that they are both head turners and you won't see a million other ones on the road with you. There is a dealer nearby selling new 2013's for $12k which is above my budget but is really an incredible bargain for one of the fastest and best overall superbikes made!
OK, so those are the bikes I am currently considering. My current perference is the 2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R as I can get one of those for less than $8500 which would leave me plenty of cash for gear and stuff. Not to mention the fact that it is the strongest of the 600's, looks really badass, has all the features I'm looking for, and would be familiar to me as I've owned a kawi before. The bike I'd give a kidney for is the Panigale S which is simply stunning in every way! It is just perfection on two wheels and I would never want to get off the thing but I don't see how I can swing one of them with the pricing what it is. The other bikes are all definitely in the ballpark and if I found an unusually good deal I could be persuaded to buy any one of them as they all have interesting and unique features and styling. I would also consider the OUTSTANDING S1000RR BMW but they are even more $$$ than the Panigale and if I end up with that much money there is no way I'm not getting the Ducati! Anyway, thanks for reading through my longish post and let me know below what your opinions are on my selections and which ones you would be most interested in! Thanks!
06-06-2014, 07:00 AM
#1752
The GSX-R 750 is an excellent compromise bike and offers more power than your typical 600cc class bike while being slightly more comfortable for a taller rider but without feeling as big as a liter bike. I had the good fortune to spend some time with one running through the canyons in CA and it is surprisingly easy to just get on it and ride.
The Daytona is a wonderful bike and that triple is going to have the most character of any motor in this group and will have that uniquely wonderful triple soundtrack.
The CBR suffers from a lack of electronics so if you're interested in things like traction control, the Honda is going to give you the least.
If you are looking for rarity in addition to great riding while still remaining close to your budget, I would go for the Daytona. Otherwise, in terms of pure bargain, it is hard to beat the 636.
The exotics like the Panigale and Aprilia are lovely until you have to get them serviced or you have to replace parts. They start to get very pricey very quickly.
The Daytona is a wonderful bike and that triple is going to have the most character of any motor in this group and will have that uniquely wonderful triple soundtrack.
The CBR suffers from a lack of electronics so if you're interested in things like traction control, the Honda is going to give you the least.
If you are looking for rarity in addition to great riding while still remaining close to your budget, I would go for the Daytona. Otherwise, in terms of pure bargain, it is hard to beat the 636.
The exotics like the Panigale and Aprilia are lovely until you have to get them serviced or you have to replace parts. They start to get very pricey very quickly.
06-06-2014, 08:47 AM
#1753
I owned an Aprilia Tuono and I loved it. It's also rare in that it's an Italian with the service requirements similar to a Japanese bike. I had a Ducati 848 as well, and that thing was a missile. You didn't ride on it, you almost sat in it. It was just phenomenal at everything it did. Never rode a Triumph Daytona, but have ridden the Street Triple, and something about the Triumph always gets me. Another great bike.
So those would be my top 3.
06-06-2014, 09:36 AM
#1754
AZ Community Team
Here's a post I've made on several of my favorite bike forums concerning my current search for a new bike:
So what is your opinion here? I'm not particularly concerned with ultimate performance as any of these bikes would far exceed my abilities and I have no plans to track the bike other than maybe a trip to the strip.
So what is your opinion here? I'm not particularly concerned with ultimate performance as any of these bikes would far exceed my abilities and I have no plans to track the bike other than maybe a trip to the strip.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/24/Mot...e-Reviews.aspx
06-19-2014, 06:38 PM
#1755
the overexplainer
So i would totally ride the shit out of this:
I would also ride the shit out of an S1000RR.
(ride the shit = ride all day...i'm no track expert).
I would also ride the shit out of an S1000RR.
(ride the shit = ride all day...i'm no track expert).
06-21-2014, 02:37 PM
#1757
the overexplainer
Ordered a set of .90 kg springs from Sonic Springs and proceeded to swap them in along with 20wt fork oil. Took me like 3 hours but it's done now 
hopefully i put everything back together properly..
havent ridden on it yet but I can tell it's a lot stiffer just sitting on it and pushing down on the bars
hopefully i put everything back together properly..havent ridden on it yet but I can tell it's a lot stiffer just sitting on it and pushing down on the bars
06-24-2014, 02:01 PM
#1758
Former Sponsor
Got remarkably close to buying a Royal Enfield C5 Bullet a few weeks back but just couldn't do it. I think I'll hold off for a Ducati Sport 1000 when I find a nice example. 
07-01-2014, 06:58 AM
#1759
Had a chance to go and see Project LiveWire in person over the weekend. I have to admit, it is pretty well executed.
Full details, more photos, and video at http://www.eastwestbrothersgarage.co...-livewire.html
Full details, more photos, and video at http://www.eastwestbrothersgarage.co...-livewire.html