Long time rider, new to sportbikes...

Qguy · 10-06-2005, 03:43 PM

Hi. I'm looking around at sportbikes after having ridden two cruisers, a Buell, a Triumph standard, and the big Triumph Trophy touring bike and, I thought that if I don't buy a sportbike now, I may never experience that rush. At forty-seven I may be getting in late. I'll never do track racing, and I'll probably never use the bike's full potential. Furthermore, I'm all over the board. The Ninja 500, the new Kawasaki 650 R, or do I just jump into the whiz bang of one of the nasty 600s
like the new Yamaha R6 or the RR Honda? Moreover, I wonder if I should get a more upright bike like the FZ1. I have driven my brother's Katana 750 and I rode a Triumph Sprint ST for a few days and neither really intimidated me, but the way you guys talk...well---you're freaking me out.

Currently, I'm on a Harley Superglide but I'm getting bored.

Feedback would surely be appreciated.

RACER X · 10-06-2005, 04:10 PM

what kinda riding are you plannig on doing?

Qguy · 10-06-2005, 04:15 PM

i ride every day, about ten or twelve miles. sometimes i ride to the lake and that's about 100 miles each direction.

RACER X · 10-06-2005, 04:20 PM

how about a sport touring bike?

sprint ST, honda VFR, aprilia Falco........more sport then you'll ever use, but alot more relaxed riding position.

Qguy · 10-06-2005, 04:29 PM

always consider the vfr, but i never purchase. loved the test ride.

BooRidesSB · 10-06-2005, 05:10 PM

Qguy said: "....At forty-seven I may be getting in late."
Naw. Not at all late.
Which one should you get? The one that makes your blood rush.
I looked at the 600s and they all just knocked me out! I just could not make up my mind. If you just can't decide. Buy an FZ6! That's what I did.
Exploring the bike's full potential doesn't matter. You really just want to explore your own potential. You will use the riding sense you have acquired over the years to control yourself and be smooth.

RayOSV · 10-06-2005, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qguy

always consider the vfr, but i never purchase. loved the test ride.

The VFR consistently wins awards and it is Honda's technology flagship (ABS, variable valves, etc.). Not really recommended as a first bike due to power and weight issues, but you should be OK with it. Extremely versatile sport tourer, but still nimble enough.

The new 600ss bikes are insane. Power comes on in a big rush at higher rpms. Riding position can be quite aggressive (uncomfortable on longer rides). FZ6 or similar are better behaved.

Too many choices, but almost any bike can be tailored to your preferences/ergo desires.

bugeyed · 10-06-2005, 05:34 PM

At 47 your bones break easier, that's about it.

Qguy · 10-06-2005, 06:08 PM

wow, you guys are great. insane 600s. no kidding. the vfr might be the safer bet, if only for the more upright positioning. i am really surprised that nobody complains about the sportbike riding position. man, i wanna get outta harley. the energy you guys spew is refreshing.

Rascus · 10-06-2005, 07:46 PM

Aloha and Welcome to SBN

I'd second the VFR. Nice looking bikes

TFin04 · 10-06-2005, 07:53 PM

With all the riding you've already got under your belt, I bet you could handle one of the new 600's. Everyone on here is so strict about not getting them as a first bike, but as your first sport bike after having that much experience, I think you'll do just fine. A lot of my friends went from a 250-500 to a 600 in a matter of a season or two, and all of them are doing just fine.

I personally like Kawasaki and Honda, but brand opinions are like assholes...

slimjim · 10-06-2005, 09:45 PM

If you've been riding for quite a number of years on different types of bikes you could get anything that you wanted and be ok. You understand what it takes to ride. Its not like this is your first time on two wheels. Just be honest with yourself, what you want out of it and the way you ride. You'll be able to pick the right bike for yourself and be very happy with it.

bugeyed · 10-06-2005, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qguy

wow, you guys are great. insane 600s. no kidding. the vfr might be the safer bet, if only for the more upright positioning. i am really surprised that nobody complains about the sportbike riding position. man, i wanna get outta harley. the energy you guys spew is refreshing.

Sportbikes are great. Truth be told when I first looked for a bike I wanted a cruiser, then I saw a guy selling his sportbike and I thought that thing looks so hot, and I bought it and never looked back. Don't regret it a bit. I am 38 yo and it hasn't stopped me. Be careful on those things though, a 600 will make you feel immortal, but don't ever believe it. They will climb a tree and bite you in the ass if you don't treat them with the respect they deserve.

dennisred69 · 10-06-2005, 10:07 PM

Welcome to the baord. I agree with everyone else also. Just get the one you like the looks and riding position the most.

Qguy · 10-06-2005, 11:46 PM

you guys are actually helping out. vfr and sprint st are winning, but i just can't help but wonder if i do purchase a 600, if i will let it bite and maim me. i honestly don't fear death...it's being mangled for the rest of my pathetic life i genuinely fear.