Help me decide between a couple of bikes.

yamirider · 11-29-2012, 09:19 AM

So I sold my ZX10R. It was a very sad day...but I'm getting married and so I need something that is going to be cheaper to insure. I've narrowed it down to a couple of things and I'll explain why.

2004 FZ1 lightly modded.

2006 ZX6R 636 bone stock

I can insure the FZ1 with full coverage for about $800/year. I can insure the 636 with everything except collision for about $1000/year.

Here are my thoughts:

FZ1

Liter power
cheaper insurance even w/collision

636
Prettier (to me)
Better MPG
More nimble/flickable
I imagine it would be a lot more fun in the twisties than the FZ1.

So which would you go for? My woman will want to ride with me on occasion, but more often than not, I'll probably be solo. I daily rode my ZX10 for six months and so I'm not worried about daily riding a 636. I much prefer the more aggressive position to a laid back one....but even though the 636 is by no means slow, I'm worried that I might miss that wonderful, instant, in-your-face liter bike power.

Thoughts?

binx_19 · 11-29-2012, 09:26 AM

you are already leaning towards the 636 so get it.

Nero Diablo · 11-29-2012, 10:15 AM

FZ1 however I think the vast majority of 600ss style bikes are pretty rubbish on the road.

Brock · 11-29-2012, 11:06 AM

This is just a thought.

What if you get a liter bike that you like, and just put liability insurance on it. At least you are insured for the other driver.

Plus with insurance you already have a deductible. Maybe get liability and set your deductible low?

This is just a thought.

Can't be the looks of a ninja 636 though. Haha

uncalcetindelana · 11-29-2012, 12:34 PM

Yes, you seem to be steering towards the 636 already.

Get the bike that you will enjoy riding more; that's not necessarily the most practical/comfortable/fast. You need to decide which one that will be.

If the naked FZ1 was available over there, I'd say that one; I test rode one of these a couple years ago and loved it, plus it looks nice:

But I've never quite liked the half faired version, looks-wise.

uncalcetindelana · 11-29-2012, 12:37 PM

On second thought, if 200 bucks a year difference is a minus for the 636, I'd say the superior mpg and smaller displacement of the Kawasaki may also be important factors over the Yamaha. The FZ1 might be slightly tamer than an R1, but it WILL eat tires and fuel like there's no tomorrow. Those 200 bucks might not mean much at the end of your season.

nico

TCormier · 11-29-2012, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncalcetindelana

Yes, you seem to be steering towards the 636 already.

Get the bike that you will enjoy riding more; that's not necessarily the most practical/comfortable/fast. You need to decide which one that will be.

If the naked FZ1 was available over there, I'd say that one; I test rode one of these a couple years ago and loved it, plus it looks nice:

But I've never quite liked the half faired version, looks-wise.

The new line of FZs looks like that now (they have the fz8 and fz1 both looking kinda like that now).

Personally, I'd pick the FZ for the street, but I much prefer the comfier ergos on the street. And I have an 636 for the track. The FZ will have more instant power as the 636 doesn't have power until about 8500 RPMs, however, then it is a rocketship!

singram · 11-29-2012, 01:51 PM

OP, I cant help you with your decision, I think its interesting your handle is yamirider, you own(owned) a Kawi, and have a Suzuki in your avi.

UltimateOG · 11-29-2012, 02:31 PM

He is bike-curious

kevin_stevens · 11-29-2012, 02:41 PM

It's hard to imagine you're going to save that much money doing this. I'd think you could shop around for an insurance company that doesn't penalize the liter bike so heavily.

But anyway, if you like twins, a mid-size twin would be one way to retain that instant-torque capability you say you want. One of the 650s, or maybe an SV1000S or one of the older sporting twins (RC51/TL/SuperHawk)?

KeS

Wayne's Striple · 11-29-2012, 05:36 PM

IMO if your soon-to-be wife will be riding with you then a 1000cc machine like the FZ1 is best. Keep in mind that it can be a terrifying proposition to ride on the back of a powerful motorcycle (check some YouTube highway wheelies). Consider the Triumph Speed Triple for a strong torquey fun bike.

pacman · 11-29-2012, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yamirider

2004 FZ1 lightly modded. 2006 ZX6R 636 bone stock

FZ1

Liter power
cheaper insurance even w/collision

636
Prettier (to me)
Better MPG
More nimble/flickable
I imagine it would be a lot more fun in the twisties than the FZ1.

My woman will want to ride with me on occasion, but more often than not, I'll probably be solo. I much prefer the more aggressive position to a laid back one....

Well, I think you know what you really want, don't you?

UltimateOG · 11-29-2012, 06:03 PM

Who in their right mind does a wheelie on the highway with a passenger? Well idiots of course!

R1100S-Rider · 11-29-2012, 09:14 PM

You're 22 years old and you're getting married?

WHY?

Did you get him, sorry her pregno?

FZ1.

TCormier · 11-29-2012, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R1100S-Rider

You're 22 years old and you're getting married?

WHY?

Did you get him, sorry her pregno?

FZ1.

In his defense, my 20 year old friend just proposed to his girlfriend and will be getting married (I'm the best man, woot!). But I think that it is a good decision on his part.

However, I think this is the exception, not the rule.