cant decide 100% myself as have general motorcycle knowledge, but im sure most of you have alot more..


looking for the best 600/1000 in your opinion, just used for general commuting with the occasional long ride.
important factors obviously handling/traction - balance side of traction/reliability



got about $6000 to $8000 max to spend.



opinions wanted. im about 6ft and about 75-80kgs

sv 650 would be the go for commuting

Honestly mate everyone is going to give your there own personal opinion which isn't necessarily the right one for you. Best thing to do is test ride as many bikes as you can that you like and make up your own mind.

Even if you can narrow it down to the top 3 bikes that you like then ask opinion of each. To say you've got 6-8k and your so big means nothing as what we feel comfortable on and suits our own riding style doesn't necessarily mean its the right choice for you

guess im just looking for opinions of other people who own these bikes, so i can have a more idea of what i should be looking for and therefore to testride. as different year models, i dont want go to test-ride all 00'-06' bikes of every sort just to decide on what i want, as i probly couldnt remember the 1st one by then

I would probably try get a EFI 600' Probably a gixer 1k or R6

WTF does that mean ? You'd prolly get a fuel injected 600, then tell him to get a GSXR1000 ???

Back to OP - dont have to test ride - just sit on as many bikes as you can. You will be able to rule some bikes out from simply sitting on them.

Si

Yes and no, my old race bike was the most uncomfortable thing i've ever ridden but didn't stop me from punching out some of the fastest lap times on it compared to the others i've owned.

Ill throw the option of a ride similar to mine, 04 Z750 check the link in my Sig to see one, great bike, she wont keep up with thousands but she will keep 600's honest.

I picked mine up for a steal but similar models should be going for around your price bracket, with 45000kms on the clock she rins like a dream!

Very comfortable to sit on as well, and im heavier and shorter then you...

If you're riding mainly on the street, commuting and a weekend lash, then go with what ^^he said, far better to ride on the road, and with the goat tracks called roads in most places you can have as much of a crack anyway because they have more compliant suspension, i wouldnt bother with another head down ass up bike unless i was gonna spend most of my time on a track!

A good race bikes DOES NOT make a good road bike......unfortunately....

Si.

My bad. i meant a gsxr600/r6 , I Fired off that post a little too quickly

any particular gsxr600/r6 - year model, that you would say are apart from the rest?

This is where personal opinion is going to come in big time. The R6 is a very track biased machine, and will not be comfortable at all for someone your height. The GSXR, CBR and ZX range are all going to be similar...they are all race bred machines with some comprimise built in for the road.
Basically and in a nutshell - you have dedicated Sports bikes, Sports tourers, Naked's, Tourers, Dual sports, Cruisers, Off roaders, Road/trail, Streetfighters, Muscle bikes, Motards, and...am sure i've left out some category. Now you need to work out which category the majority of your riding will fit into.

If your not going to go near a track, or are thinking of taking a pillion / luggage somewhere - basically rule out sports bikes. If you are not going to go anywhere near off road riding, road / trails are out. If you still have a heart, and want more in a bike than simply looking good - forget the cruisers...see where i am going ? To me it sounds like you should be in Sports tourers, Muscle or Nakeds and even that range is huge. Go grab some seat time on a few bikes from the category that best suits and start asking questions about more specific bikes....

Cheers

Si.

streetfighter?

Try google, basically a sports bike with the fairings and lots of other shit ripped off, and made tough as nails.

googled it and dont like it at all lol.

Some look tough, some look rediculous imo. The german ones are just stupid with the tails up like they've been hit with a truck, others look like they're factory naked bikes nearly.

If I had 6-8k to spend on a daily commuter - Z750 or FZ6, if I had to take passengers and with possible twisty road sections inbetween.

Otherwise, if it was a commuter in a city, a motard - KTM 520,525,530, Suzuki DRZ400, XR600, WRF450, CRF450X

Im 179cm, 80kg and had an 06 R6. I would do 700+km stints, only stopping for fuel and not get sore. But it felt like they had built that bike around me. Not all 'race' bikes will make you sore, but for commuting only... Id probably kick someone if they bought a race bred bike for that.

Thats me though.

Motards great fun, but shit at highway, touring speeds constantly. Also bit uncomy, and pillions get bounced around. Great for bringin it sideways out of roundabouts tho. Z750, FZ6, GSXF750, SV range, CB's, etc etc - all good choices...
Si

considering a cbr600 on here, although it is a fair while away, might have to get a company to have a look at it 1st and see if any problems

http://www.boostcruising.com/forums/index....howtopic=458044

That looks like a good buy, if it was closer to Tassie i'd probably take a look at it myself

Mate - I run a business called Motorcycle Inspections Services Tasmania. The moto of the business, is "If it's too good to be true, then it probably is..." The Gearing and "fishbowl ie dented in big time tank(used for sitting on and pulling big wheelies)" tank tell me that the bike has been used as a stunter. There's no mirrors on the bike and its been dropped a LOT of times - too the point that its possibly got a bent frame or at the least a bent subframe. I bet 100% the head stock would have issues in some shape or form, maybe only steer bearings, maybe stretched from dropping numerous wheelies - That's not definatively a bad thing, but does mean the bike has been pretty well abused somewhat. Ihave no problem with ppl buying stunters who know what they are doing and can fix issues - but seeings as though your on here asking opinions, i'm guessing you haven't wrenched on too many bikes...

Mate - be careful and KNOW what your buying.

Cheers
Si.

Actually you can see the holes in the lower part of the fairing where a crash cage or similar has been bolted on...Bet this bike has been dressed up big time...sorry for being negative, as a pre owner of motorcycle shop i've seen a lot of bikes that should be carefully looked at.
Si

He's selling it as an ex stunter though, not trying to hide it. Hence the fact it had dirt bars, dinner plate rear sprocket and stuff when he first put it up...and the stuntzinc sticker

I think it just has clip-ons back on it cause nobody was interested.

If it was closer i would have taken a look at buying it to tear the fairings off as a runabout

Edit: As you said though I know what im buying and i'd be buying it to probably treat worse than it already has lol

I didn't see / read it advertise as ex stunt bike - All i read was "It's never been in an accident" - my bad?


The thing with a lot of stunt bikes is that the owners put a cage on them, yeah fine, but the tail still bears the brunt of the drops - meaning the subframe often gets bent out of alignment, seen it on every 2nd one. AND you cannot see how bad the alignment is until you remove the tail plastics and as they can be "shimmed" to try and conceal the bend. The other problem - pending how bad the owner treated it, the alloy beam frames are extremely strong vertically, but they've got stuff all strength for side impacts - and some (not all) of the cages, end up being bolted to the side of the frame, meaning again, if they are not cracked then they will at the least be out of alignment. Some cages are bolted to the engine block, thru the frame - i've not seen - but i've heard of and can imagine the issues that this would create...


I wonder if the OP realised it was an ex stunter ?


Si

Well he didnt out and out say it, however he didnt really try and hide it either. We've all heard the horror stories from oggy knobs busting frames too though, but that doesnt stop most people bolting them on...I guess the main idea is just dont drop it haha

Im on the hunt for a ex stunter now actually, best way to get a cheap newer thrasher

thanks for the help guys, no i did not realise it was an stunter or ex-stunter.

i have little idea on road bikes as have only owned one older one before.

opinions appreciated though.

i am not in pursuit of buying a bike that has been treated poorly.

Yeah stay away from stunters then. There's plenty of fair priced bikes on bikesales for around 5k though!
I only want a stunter cause i dont plan on treating it much better lol

And this is one of the sole reasons that I started up that business. It's alright for those that have been around for a while, but most of us forget how naieve we were when were first started looking/getting into bikes - ie VU and others, took it for granted that ppl would know this bike was a dressed up stunter, 'cause he's been around bikes for a longtime and it stands out. For those starting out or just getting into bikes - it aint that easy...

Mate - keep looking. There are heaps of good buys out there in your money market.
VU - I just bought 99 cbr 600 ex stunter for $1000. I am putting into a track bike - but hell, a stunters bike, cops it from all angles, am talking bent clutch fingers, bars, steer bearings, had to source new subframe, chain / sprockets, bought all new plastics and guess what - no bracketery to fit too, no gauges / lights to bolt things too - starts getting exxy - still a great buy, but a lot of work to get too where it needs to be...

Cheers
Si

Gimme a few months an im in the market for a stunter as well, jsut need a bike i can thrash and take to the local stunt spot and join in the fun

Can you keep an ear/eye out for any more like that?

I dont wanna put plastics on it, i'll just ride it naked but geared semi normal not with a dinner plate at the rear.

Wouldnt be Duncans old bike would it...?

Yeah - it would be Duncan's ole bike...he was going on around the world trip, so i thought he could use some more coin to spend on his travels...I've got it at about 90% and it's looking pretty trick - but its been a fair maount of work. Hindsight - i should paid $3k for something complete and straight...never mind - half the fun...
Si

found this bike gsxr600 05 model on bikesales, asking $8,000 ono. could offer him $7,500 i guess?

looks good for 8k myself but again im pretty much nub compared to half the people on here that know alot more, i dont want to make this thread into a "omg is this a good bike" thread - as i dont want to be disrespectful , but im really considering this one


http://www.bikesales.com.au/all-bikes/priv...id=124A63D7F139

Looks alright, those 750s are good to ride to my mate has an 04 model.

You'd have to take a look in person though its hard to tell from low res pics

Looks pretty good - 15000 klms is about getting close to some consumables. So ask him condition of brake pads front and rear, chain and sprockets and tyres. Ask him if bike has been mapped for Yoshi exhaust, ie does it have a power commander and aftermarket filter.
If it hasn't been mapped - not a huge deal but to get it running perfect allow $600 for PC / dyno time(if you really want the extra oomph). Brake pads - allow $120 aftermarket, chain and sprockets allow $300 and tyres for that bike - about $500. So i'd be thinking low 7's if majority of above needs doing.

That being said - fuggen hot looking bike, and i know from experience, they go very damn well!!!

Si.

Again not true, my old R6 was a dream to ride on the road as the only difference to when it was purchased as a road bike was race glass, lights, brake bias changed and slightly modded rebound settings. After all that it felt BETTER on the road than when it came from the factory.

I had 2 track bikes the same year and the one i was referring to being uncomfortable was riding position and the way i felt after riding it even though they were both set up the same (suspension, gearing, riding position etc) yet i always managed to do quicker times on it compared to the second bike.

"MOST" people are not going to push a bike anywhere near to its limits riding on the road let alone on the track and hence me staying with my original suggestion of sitting/riding as many bikes as you can and forming your own opinion. Im 6'3" & 100kgs and i can ride "smaller" bikes like the 600RR but to me its uncomfortable and after a while there is going to be a compromise if i continue to ride it. Because of this i would tell him to stay away from the RR or the ZX6 but there would be blokes here pushing him towards those models again all because of OUR OWN PERSONAL OPINION.

At the end of the day you buy the bike that YOU like and feel comfortable with or you listen to others and buy a bike based on their opinion/likes and hope it grows on you!!!

Mate - Do you know what the word hypocrisy is ? Your telling us YOUR opinion of YOUR R6, it's only your opinion of that particular bike but telling op to stay away from RR's or ZX is ridiculous...All of the 600 race reps are going to be that close in dimensions, you could say they almost copied each other - in fact i bet there is only mm's differences in seat to reach, or pegs to seat distances...talking about opinions...hhmmm....

Re your track bike -
If you had a bike PROPERLY set up to perform at the race track, with excellent rebound and compression settings, then that same bike would not perform on the road because of several major factors. 1stly, the bikes suspension is going to be tuned to work at a much higher speed on the track, and this means on the road it will be outside of the best operating range. 2ndly The track bikes suspension is going to be set for smooth surfaces and to get the tyres to hook up beter, bump up your rebound and compression to max, ramp up your preload at the front, raise the rear, then go for a ride on some bumpy tassie roads - if you can stay on the bike i'll be surprised - but that bike will turn and handle like a freakin dream at the track(despite your wrists taking a beating). 3rdly - If your riding the bike on the road - comfort is second to nothing, if your not comfortable, you wont / cant ride the bike for any distance. On the track - comfort takes a distant 3rd or even 4th place, i could go on....The reason your R6 felt better on the track AND the road after you made some small changes is that most bikes come from the factory with their suspension settings that far away from "decent" it's not funny (a mate just got a 675 and the rear shock is topped out from the factory)- does that mean you had a great "race" bike ? Nope - not even close to close. I'll stand by my original statement - a Good race bike will NEVER make a "great" road bike.

Si

Try actually reading what i wrote and you will see it says "i would tell him to stay away" from the RR/ZX6 as that's my opinion yet there would be others here telling him to look at them eg: ITS EVERYONE'S PERSONAL OPINION. I never said to stay and i wont offer my opinion on any bike to anyone looking at buying one even if asked for it as im not the one riding/owning it and what suits me isn't necessarily going to suit others. We all know the saying "different strokes for different folks"

I wont go into the "hypocrisy" dig as its obvious you didn't read what i wrote and we both have a difference of opinion but i will invite you to join me at the track anytime your free and we can settle our difference on the black stuff

Well the OP asked for opinions based on riding "general commuting and the occasional long ride"...he simply "asked for opinions" from people that have owned those types of bikes that might suit that kind of riding - track bikes, particulary race R6's dont really fit what the OP was asking for, so youve thrown me by posting up comments and personal experiences that relate to a well....a track bike....


I read what you posted, and maybe it could of been my interpretation but The hypocrisy dig was because it read to me like you were again telling us your opinion vs others opinions, despite already earlier telling us in an earlier post, that it's down to personal opinion...sounds like a hypocritical contradiction in terms albeit a confusing one, as i said - prolly my interpretation. We have already had numerous posts advising a bike is a "personal" opinion, OP already knows that no need to confuse the simpletons like me and go over it again.


I'll take you up on that invite - I'm re organising my weekend so i can attend basky ride day on this coming 8th Nov. Come on out and lets have some fun. If i have my track bike soughted in time i'll bring that(trust me, it would not make a good road bike, tyres would not even get up to temp on the road - cbr6!!!), if not - i'll bring out the roadie and just make do, Gsxr1...

What time will you be there and what bike should i be looking out for ? Im not mick doohan by any stretch, and i've only done maybe 40-50 laps in total of Basky, but hey - i'll have a lash.

Si.

old mate didnt reply to me when i asked the questions but i guess eventaully will soon, hopefully going down to see it next weekend, i'll post up how it goes

depends on your riding experience

personally i have a gsx1400 which is faster in the real world, more comfortable, cheaper on fuel & servicing, cheaper to fix, less to damage, and likely to go forever... but I wouldn't recommend for a rank beginner!!

a good alternative is the sv650, they are a great midrange bike for a very adventurous beginner or someone with modest experience or needs. I have been riding a long time and still enjoy a blat on an sv650.

So GM - we doin this or what ?? This coming weekend ?? I've got a few things i need to sought out if your up for it. I'm not too small of a man to take a riding lesson or two from someone better / faster if it turns out that way...

Si.

Sorry mate i forgot to check back for your reply. No go for me this weekend unfortunately as im playing golf Saturday morning then the missus is reconnecting the ball and chain so i cant leave the house again till i've finished her new fence and watering system

nothing to do with me, but damn women getting in the way. seemed like Yoshi was laying down the gauntlet (of some sorts)and the challenge would have been video worthy. yeah i talk shit, get over it

Nah mate - i didn't lay down the gautlet- i was just responding too - "we both have a difference of opinion but i will invite you to join me at the track anytime your free and we can settle our difference on the black stuff ".....


I took the "anytime" a bit literal...

Never mind - sposed to be hot Sunday too...

Si