Street bike recommendations?

[Fenixgoon]

So after realizing how much of a PITA old british cars are to maintain, and looking at my financial situation...i've decided a newer street bike would probably be much more fun.

pay off the car. sell current bike, buy new bike.

currently riding a 2009 Yamaha FZ6R. absolutely love the bike, but even for having better low- and mid-range than an R6, it still doesn't have a whole lot overall.

so i'm thinking something along the lines of an FZ1, Z1000, CBR1000R (not the supersport RR)

basically, i like sportiness, but want more torque. the 6R has been absolutely fantastic. ~12k miles, 1900 road tripping, and 200+ on the track. the road trip really highlighted its lack of torque when trying to pass people when the speed limit is 70.

price range: looking at bikes within the last 1-2 years that are around ~10k in price, new or used. the Z1000 was just refreshed and i've seen 2011-2012 models going for ~$8500.

figure my bike is worth 3-4k on trade, landing me with ~5k to finance, which is easily doable.

 

[roguerower]

If you're looking for more torque why are staying with Japanese bikes? I'd look at either a Street/Speed Triple, a Monster 796/1100, or a KTM 690 Duke.

 

[Kelvrick]

What about the daytona 675?

 

[roguerower]

What about the daytona 675?

Figured I'd covered that platform with the street triple. All the bikes he mentioned are more of the standard/naked ones versus a super sport.

 

[MixMasterTang]

I love my Z1000, have had it for almost 2 years and have had 0 issues with it. If you have any specific questions on it let me know!

 

[Fenixgoon]

Figured I'd covered that platform with the street triple. All the bikes he mentioned are more of the standard/naked ones versus a super sport.

prettymuch this. looking for street/standard bikes.

i definitely want a supersport for the track, but getting one is easy enough. you can find track-prepped bikes for about 3k (~2004 R6 or similar)

 

[superccs]

If you're looking for more torque why are staying with Japanese bikes? I'd look at either a Street/Speed Triple, a Monster 796/1100, or a KTM 690 Duke.

What about the daytona 675?

I would advise against the KTM 690 duke, it is a terrrrrible commuter bike if you are ever on the HWY.

The Daytona 675 is not comfortable at all (my 2007 R6 is pretty aggressive but more comfortable than the 675), its great for quick 20-50 mile dashes but your wrists and butt will be gone if you run longer trips often.

I definitely want a supersport for the track, but getting one is easy enough. you can find track-prepped bikes for about 3k (~2004 R6 or similar)[/QUOTE]

Don't laugh... but I dare you to test ride a Buell. I know they look wonky and are sort of wierd, but they ride/handle like a dream, have loads of torque and are really comfy.
The Z1000 or CB1000 could be win though. Good luck.

 

[pauldun170]

What kind of riding do you do?

What type of roads are you dealing with?

 

[Kelvrick]

prettymuch this. looking for street/standard bikes.

i definitely want a supersport for the track, but getting one is easy enough. you can find track-prepped bikes for about 3k (~2004 R6 or similar)

Sorry, I skimmed too quickly and didn't notice the part about standard bikes. If you want torque, what about the Vtwin from the Suzuki SV1000?

 

[Fenixgoon]

What kind of riding do you do?

What type of roads are you dealing with?

back roads, highway, commuting, very occasional road tripping, occasional track days (until i get a track-only bike). every once in a while i'll hit the drag strip for fun.

as far as type of riding -spirited, but not anywhere near track-speed. i've actually backed off on how i ride, because i know what i *really* want to do can only be accomplished on a track, and doing so on public roads puts myself and others at risk.

 

[MixMasterTang]

Sorry, I skimmed too quickly and didn't notice the part about standard bikes. If you want torque, what about the Vtwin from the Suzuki SV1000?

Didnt they stop making them in 2007?

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Demo ride days should tell you what you need to know.

 

[MixMasterTang]

Demo ride days should tell you what you need to know.

In the Midwest dealers don't typically start doing those until the weather is really nice, and then that means prices closer to MSRP than the cold months.

 

[soccerballtux]

Didnt they stop making them in 2007?

Yeah but that's not reason to not get one IMO. Styling still very relevant.

 

[roguerower]

I'd try and find a last gen Speed Triple. The 1050 is a beast and you could still track it if you wanted.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Ducati Streetfighter 848. I really love this bike. It is narrow, very agile, excellent chassis and engine. Only thing it really lacks is ABS.

 

[pauldun170]

back roads, highway, commuting, very occasional road tripping, occasional track days (until i get a track-only bike). every once in a while i'll hit the drag strip for fun.

as far as type of riding -spirited, but not anywhere near track-speed. i've actually backed off on how i ride, because i know what i *really* want to do can only be accomplished on a track, and doing so on public roads puts myself and others at risk.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 - Z1000 with better wind protection
Ducati Monster 1100 - Solid all rounder but you might miss wind protection on the highway.
Triump Speed triple - Same as above

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

In the Midwest dealers don't typically start doing those until the weather is really nice, and then that means prices closer to MSRP than the cold months.

I'd rather pay MSRP for a bike that I knew I liked than an ill fitting one that you don't.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Used '05-'08 R1200R/R1200GS

 

[FiLeZz]

Love my 1098 90 foot pounds tourqe. Twist wrist it stands up, Period..... in 1st 2nd and 3rd gear.

 

[Fenixgoon]

filled out a few online insurance checks and good god what people want is robbery for a ninja1000 (2000-3000/yr, wtf?)

i suspect getting an in-person quote may be far more accurate though.

edit: looks like collision/comprehensive account for about 80% of the cost of the quote. i guess bigger bikes get into worse wrecks? my current bike is faired and doesn't have nearly the premium ($400/yr), even with full coverage, but it's only 600cc.

 

[z1ggy]

I haven't ridden any of the bikes mentioned, but I have at least sat on a few. As far as looks go, I think I'd take either the Z1000 or the SV1000. I might gravitate toward the SV or maybe even the streetfighter like Jules said if you wanted more torque.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Vstrom 1000? Riding dirt roads in New Mexico or Colorado has always been a dream of mine.

 

[crackerjacks]

Used '05-'08 R1200R/R1200GS

read my mind, the R12500R is a great street bike. save a couple grand by not getting the GS if you don't want the extra suspension travel. Good engine and easy to work on.